Liga MX side Santos Laguna Dir of Football José Riestra said that the club will "push for its stadium, Territorio Santos Modelo, to be one of the hosts of the 2026 World Cup." But "he added that it will be difficult to meet all of FIFA's requirements by November, as it is not only a matter of increasing the stadium's capacity, but also having the necessary infrastructure in the city" (LA AFICIÓN, 8/9).
Execs from the Argentine FA, the Súperliga and the Argentine Players' Association (FAA) unofficially agreed to a proposal "to allow clubs with debts to players to participate in the upcoming season." Those involved in the talks "were hopeful the agreement would be confirmed on Wednesday" (TÉLAM, 8/9).
Chinese football is "being held back by poor running" of the Chinese FA, CFA Vice-Chair Li Yuyi admitted in "unusually forthright terms." Li added, "The reason Chinese football lags behind is mainly because the management of the Chinese Football Association is lagging behind. First, what needed to be done in 2017 was only assigned [to someone] in 2017. Without a budget, how can anything be done?" (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, 8/9).
Man City fans will be "allowed to boo the Champions League anthem without fear of punishment" from UEFA this season after a rule change. The club "reacted with bemusement" in Oct. '15 when it was charged after its fans booed the anthem. But "it has now emerged that that section" of UEFA's disciplinary code was removed from the statute books last month (LONDON TIMES, 8/9).
Sierra Leone's sports ministry has given the Sierra Leone FA until Monday to hold an ordinary congress and "pave the way for elections." However, Sport Minister Ahmed Khanou "has not mentioned the stance his ministry will take should the SLFA fail to adhere to its demand." A congress was supposed to have taken place last month but was postponed indefinitely by FIFA (BBC, 8/9).
Hong Kong football side South China is "unlikely to face sanctions" from FIFA after settling the majority of its players' contracts following its decision to drop down from the first division ahead of the new season. The club still had nine players, including three from overseas, under contract for another season when it made the "surprising decision" to withdraw from the HK Premier League in June (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, 8/9).
