China's U20 team could play in the German fourth division next season. Only 19 teams have qualified for the regional southwest league, with the German FA (DFB) "inviting China to enter a team and create an even fixture list." League exec Felix Wiedmann said that "all 19 clubs" were in favor, adding, "I therefore believe the project is on a good path." DFB VP Ronny Zimmermann said that teams would receive €15,000 ($16,700) each for the two matches against "the Chinese youngsters" (BBC, 6/22).
A bid to "scrap a controversial law" aimed at tackling sectarian behavior at football was "officially lodged" at the Scottish Parliament. James Kelly brought forward a Member’s Bill to repeal the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act. The law came into force in '12 after the SNP "used its majority in the last Scottish Parliament to pass the Act despite a lack of support from other parties" (SCOTSMAN, 6/22).
The Moroccan FA (FRMF) pumped $5M toward the FA of Malawi's infrastructure development programs. Moroccan FA Dir of Football Hajji Mouad said that the partnership was initiated by Moroccan King Mohammed VI and Malawi President Peter Mutharika. Mouad said that the funds will be used to construct a technical development center in Lilongwe, complete with offices, 50 rooms, a fitness center, office block, restaurant and artificial pitch (THE NATION, 6/21).
Ethiopian Football Federation Deputy Secretary General Meskerem Tadesse Goshime said that African nations "are not doing enough to promote women's football." Her comments "come in the wake of an announcement last week that only 19 of the continent's 55 members" will take part in the 2018 U20 World Cup qualifiers. Goshime: "Women's football has always been and still is not a high concern in some federations. In some, it's the first to suffer when there is a budget problem" (BBC, 6/21).
A consortium led by Baskin Robbins and Dunkin' Donuts CEO Nigel Travis completed its takeover of National League side Leyton Orient. Details of the "amount paid by the consortium and the total stake acquired have not been disclosed." The takeover ends Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti's "troubled three-year stay" as owner (BBC, 6/22).
