Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu announced that the club plans "to play a friendly in India within the next three years" as it continues to look for new ways to grow its global brand. Outside of Spain, the club now has offices in both Hong Kong and the U.S. and also boasts "over 20 football schools spread across the world, including two in Mumbai and Delhi." Barcelona is looking to increase its "popularity in Asia and beyond." Bartomeu: "There is a lot to promote in other countries. We want to get closer to our fans in India. I know cricket is the popular sport, but I also know many people follow Barcelona" (ESPN.com, 10/31).
Portguese side Benfica announced that agent Jorge Mendes -- who also represents Cristiano Ronaldo -- made €3.5M ($3.87M) from the transfer of his client, Renato Sanches, to Bayern Munich this summer. His fee represented 10% of the €35M ($38.7M) Bayern Munich paid for Sanches (AS, 11/1).
ManU Manager Jose Mourinho has been given a second FA charge in a week following his dismissal during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Burnley. Mourinho was sent to the Old Trafford stands by Mark Clattenburg. He is accused of "using abusive or insulting words to the officials." He has until Friday to respond (BBC, 11/1).
The Bolivian FA (FBF) has been sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player, Nelson Cabrera, in 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Peru on Sept. 1 and Chile on Sept. 6. Both matches are declared to be forfeited and awarded 3-0 in favor of Peru and Chile, with the FBF also receiving a total fine of 12,000 Swiss francs ($12,300) (FIFA).
