FIFA Security Dir Ralf Mutschke claimed the U20 World Cup in Turkey "kicking off on Friday will not be adversely impacted by the ongoing protests in Istanbul." Mutschke, a former INTERPOL director, met with Istanbul Vice Governor Aziz Mercan and Erdem Iren, a sports division police representative. They "reassured him that the sometimes violent protests would not affect the competition" (WORLD FOOTBALL INSIDER, 6/18). ... FIFA demanded that Thai Premier League Pattaya FC "withdraw its lawsuit" against the FA of Thailand and President Worawi Makudi, or the country "could face international sanctions" (BANGKOK POST, 6/18). ... Recently relegated Argentine football side Independiente President Javier Cantero informed 12 players that they will not be with the team next season, as "the cleaning begins in Avellaneda." The contracts of Ernesto Farías, Adrián Gabbarini and Eduardo Tuzzio will end at the end of the month and will not be renewed (CLARIN, 6/17). ... The latest draft of the so-called "Fans Bill," making its way through Russia's State Duma, sees sanctions for violators of the rules of conduct "significantly increased in an attempt by the 2018 World Cup hosts to ensure the tournament is hooligan-free" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 6/18). ... Ethiopia football officials "admitted they fielded an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier against Botswana by mistake," and said on Tuesday that they "would not appeal any FIFA disciplinary rulings made against them'' (REUTERS, 6/18). ... EPL club Sunderland "has extended its African ties" by partnering with U.S. energy firm Symbion Power to build what it claims "will be a groundbreaking new football academy in the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam." The project "aims to bring football facilities to thousands of local youngsters in Dar es Salaam, with an elite-level facility also planned to help Tanzania’s development on the world footballing stage." Sunderland "will provide both building expertise and coaching support" (SOCCER EX, 6/18).
