At least three clubs are "at risk of missing a self-imposed deadline to improve access for disabled fans, the Premier League said." A report suggests Bournemouth, Chelsea and Watford may not fulfill "a pledge to meet standards by August." It stressed clubs have been "working hard on delivery" since a '14 BBC report found that 17 of 20 clubs did not provide enough wheelchair spaces. But campaigners have criticized the failure to meet the standards set out. Equality & Human Rights Commission Chair David Isaac said, "The time for excuses is over. ... Clubs need to urgently demonstrate to us what they are doing to ensure they are compliant with the law and how they are making it easier for disabled fans to attend matches. If they don't they will face legal action" (BBC, 2/1).
China plans to "nearly double the number of publicly run youth football schools this year to 20,000," state media reported on Wednesday, as authorities "push ahead with reforms aimed at becoming a football power." Xinhua said that China has 13,381 "special football schools" -- which are typically attached to public primary and middle schools -- but the number would be raised this year to 20,000. That marks an acceleration from plans announced two years ago to hit the 20,000 mark by '20, and 50,000 by '25 (AFP, 2/1).
League Championship side Cardiff City Manager Neil Warnock "strongly" criticized the FA "for scheduling Championship matches on the last day of the January transfer window." The Bluebirds beat Preston North End 2-0 in one of seven Tuesday night games. There were also seven EPL games as the window "drew to a close." Warnock said, "It's a nightmare, it's a disgrace. You can't tell me the Football Association couldn't plan it where there isn't a game" (BBC, 2/1).
Korea FA President Chung Mong-gyu "will run for a seat on FIFA's main decision-making body for the second time, the sport's national federation said." The KFA said that Chung submitted his candidacy for a seat on the FIFA Council last Thursday to the Asian Football Confederation. This is the second time that Chung has placed his bid for the FIFA Council seat. The 55-year-old "came up short" in the '15 election (YONHAP, 2/1).
