FIFA unveiled the official poster for the 2018 World Cup "less than three days before the draw for the tournament group stages takes place in Moscow." Designed by Russian artist Igor Gurovich, the poster features Ballon d'Or-winning Soviet Union goalkeeper Lev Yashin. Gurovich said that he was "inspired by posters from the Constructivism-era of the Soviet Union" (London TELEGRAPH, 11/28).
FIFA confirmed a total of
742,760 tickets for the
2018 World Cup "were sold in the first two periods of phase one of sales." According to FIFA, most of the applications came from Russia but int'l demand "increased steadily" and accounted for 47% of the figure. Fans from the U.S., Brazil, Germany, China, Mexico, Israel, Argentina, Australia and England "all rank in the top ten." The next phase is due to open Dec. 5 (
INSIDE THE GAMES, 11/28).
Bookmaker Betfair España said that it is counting Lionel Messi's "goal" for Barcelona at Valencia on Sunday, and will "pay out to all bettors" who backed the Argentine to score (AS, 11/28).
Video assistant referee technology "will be used for the first time at an African tournament" at next year's African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco. Its use "was confirmed" by the Confederation of African Football's Referees' Committee. The experiment with VAR "will start at the quarterfinal stage of the tournament" that kicks off on Jan. 13 (BBC, 11/28).
A "massive storm of discontent is brewing" at Namibia Premier League side Chief Santos after it emerged the club has not paid its players for almost two months. Club Owner Hendrik Dawids is said to be "watching from a distance and not giving any answers" (NEW ERA, 11/28).
