The Champions League match between Real Madrid and Legia Warsaw on Tuesday, which Real Madrid won 5-1, "was marred by violence outside the stadium." Although the security presence "was strengthened considerably the evening saw a number of serious incidents" around the Santiago Bernabéu. An organized group of fans "advanced together to the stadium and threw bottles at police who were waiting to try and control the situation" (ESPN.com, 10/19).
Liga MX side América announced that it will no longer use its Centenario hymn and "apologized to anyone who may have been offended." The song, presented on Saturday, "created controversy because of its similarities to La Liga side Sevilla's Centenario hymn" (EFE, 10/18).
Spanish Superior Sports Council (CSD) President Miguel Cardenal has told Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Ángel María Villar that he "must call elections before the end of the year." Villar, at the helm of the RFEF since '88, "came under scrutiny for delaying the presidential elections that were initially scheduled for earlier in the year." The vote had been pushed back until December while Villar considered running for UEFA chief (ESPN.com, 10/19).
Russian fans have one more day to vote on FIFA.com for a wolf, cat or tiger to be the official mascot of the 2018 World Cup. The process of choosing the mascot dates back 18 months. On Friday, the three contenders will take center stage in a live TV broadcast in Russia, with the winner to be announced at 11pm (FIFA).
FC Copenhagen is "facing disciplinary proceedings" after its fans "lit up a corner of Leicester City's King Power stadium with pyrotechnics" during a Champions League match on Tuesday. UEFA said in a statement that the Danish club was charged with "setting off of fireworks" during its 1-0 defeat and the case would be dealt with on Nov. 17. Leicester, the home club, was not charged (REUTERS, 10/19).
