Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the venues due to host the 2018 World Cup were "overall in a satisfactory condition, but there were some delays." He said, "These delays are not critical, there is nothing terrible there, but as I have always said ... it is the most difficult thing to resolve tasks at a final stage. If we relax, we will not fully accomplish the work" (REUTERS, 10/3).
Barcelona members group "Manifest Blaugrana" on Tuesday demanded that club President Josep Maria Bartomeu and the board resign following "the incidents on Sunday, when the club played Las Palmas behind closed doors." The group claimed that decision "betrayed" the essence of Barcelona (EP, 10/3).
England women's players Eniola Aluko and Lianne Sanderson will give evidence about the FA at a parliamentary inquiry. Aluko accused former England women's head coach Mark Sampson of "bullying and discrimination," while Sanderson spoke out in defense of her teammate. FA CEO Martin Glenn and Chair Greg Clarke will also give evidence (BBC, 10/3).
FIFA handed out punishments to eight African nations for various offenses committed during September's 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Gabon fielded an ineligible player, Merlin Tandjigora, in the 3-0 home defeat by Ivory Coast on Sept. 2. The team effectively escaped with a fine "as the main sanction for the error is to forfeit the match 3-0." The Nigeria Football Federation was fined "just over" $30,000 and "issued with a warning after fans invaded the pitch" when Nigeria beat Cameroon 4-0 on Sept. 1 (BBC, 10/3).
A section of Serie A side Lazio's stadium will be closed for its next two home matches as punishment for "racist chanting." Lazio's "problem in dealing with racism among its fans resurfaced on Sunday during a 6-1 win over Sassuolo." Derogatory chants "were directed at visiting players Claud Adjapong and Alfred Duncan" (AP, 10/3).
