Football Notes: FIFA Reportedly Willing To Reduce Lionel Messi's Suspension

FIFA is reportedly "prepared to reduce" Lionel Messi's four-match suspension from int'l duty for directing "offensive words" to a referee if the Argentine captain "attends a hearing in Zurich" on May 4. Messi has been called to declare before the disciplinary committee at FIFA House on May 4 with "the intention of reducing the suspension" to two games (EFE, 4/15).

Nearly 1,800 security personnel will "be on hand before, during and after Tuesday's Champions League game between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich." Madrid officials are expecting more than 4,200 Bayern Munich fans. The game will start at 8:45pm local time (EFE, 4/17).

FIFA modified its regulations on the int'l transfer of minors. The Andalusian Federation (RFAF) in Nov. '13 sent a letter to FIFA demanding changes "due to the serious cases that occurred" in Andalusia, Spain. FIFA on Monday issued a letter explaining the changes regarding the int'l transfer of minors through a "Guide for the application of a minor" (EFE, 4/17).