Barcelona "agreed to withdraw an appeal against fines imposed by UEFA last year" after its supporters waved pro-Catalan independence flags at two matches, UEFA said on Monday. In return, UEFA will "consider loosening rules which prohibit the display of any flags or banners with political connotations," saying such regulations needed to evolve to respect "freedom of expression." UEFA said in a statement that it would set up a working group to "review its disciplinary framework" so that clubs are punished only "in circumstances and cases where the majority of reasonable people think that a sanction should be imposed" (REUTERS, 12/19).
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced a benefit game between Brazil and Colombia on Jan. 25, the same day Brasileiro side Chapecoense will play its first game since "the air crash that prompted the friendly." CBF national teams coordinator Edu Gaspar said, "It is a game organized for a very specific motive and we hope to help the families who have lost so much." Money raised will go to the families of those who died in the Nov. 28 crash (REUTERS, 12/20).
Indonesia's national football team coach Alfred Riedl "has asked for a raise before extending his contract" after his success at the ASEAN Football Federation Cup, but the Indonesian FA (PSSI) said that it "needed more time before deciding whether or not to continue with the services of the Austrian." Riedl guided Indonesia to the finals of the tournament, "eventually finishing as runners-up, and is willing to continue working with the PSSI after his contract ends, but both parties say they still need to hash out some terms" (JAKARTA GLOBE, 12/20).
The hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup "has been symbolically handed over from Japan to the UAE." The championship, which pits the winners of each of six continental confederations against each other, will return to the Emirates next year and in '18. The UAE previously hosted the event in '09 and '10 (THE NATIONAL, 12/19).
