The Spanish football calendar "will not be adjusted, and there will be games through Dec. 21." The Spanish Footballers' Association "had asked to move up the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey from Dec. 20-22 to Dec. 14." The objective of the proposal was "to let players begin the Christmas break after the games on the weekend of Dec. 18" (AS, 11/2).
FIFA ethics prosecutors "have asked for a life ban" for a former aide to Mohamed bin Hammam. The FIFA ethics committee said that its investigation into Najeeb Chirakal “focused mainly on his involvement in payments to several football officials.” It recommended that FIFA ethics judges impose the life ban for charges including bribery and corruption, offering gifts, conflicts of interest and failing to cooperate with investigators (AP, 11/2).
Indian Super League side Chennaiyin head coach Marco Materazzi was on Wednesday suspended for one ISL match. The suspension came in the "aftermath of a fight on the ground" after Chennaiyin's 0-0 draw against Kerala Blasters on Oct. 29 (THE HINDU, 11/2).
The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) on Monday requested that the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey be moved up from Dec. 20-22 to Dec. 14, given that the only competition the week of Dec. 14 is the Club World Cup. AFE President Luis Rubiales said, "We believe that if this is possible, it would be positive because it would allow players to extend their rest with their families, something that is indispensable not only for physical rest but also for mental rest" (MARCA, 10/17).
