The I-League and the Indian Super League are likely to be held simultaneously over a five-month period on a trial basis for the '17-18 season. This "seems to be the key takeaway from Wednesday's meeting" in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, of the All India Football Federation and other stakeholders in Indian football. The AIFF is "likely to meet" commercial and marketing partner IMG-Reliance and representatives of ISL and I-League clubs next week to finalize a "short-term strategy for Indian domestic football." The long-term plan would be framed "only after" the FIFA U17 World Cup in India in October (ESPN.com, 6/8).
Saudi Arabia's national football team was criticized for "failing to observe a minute's silence" held before Thursday's match against Australia in Adelaide. The Socceroos lined up in the center of the pitch before the World Cup qualifier and "held the brief silence as a tribute to the two Australians killed in the terrorist attack in London" over the weekend. As they did so, the Saudi Arabia team "continued jogging, passing the ball between each other and taking their positions on the field." Pictures from the match show a single Saudi player, Salman al-Faraj, "appearing to stand facing the Australia team with his hands behind his back" (London GUARDIAN, 6/8).
Liga MX disaffiliated Jaguares de Chiapas, which was recently relegated from Liga MX to Ascenso MX, "and will resolve the debt to the club's roster and coaching staff." Ascenso MX will "have a vacancy next season" (LA AFICIÓN, 6/8).
