A change in Scottish law intended to curb sectarian football violence is a "waste of time," according to lawyers. The Law Society of Scotland claimed that the 287 Scottish fans charged with "offensive behaviour" last year could have been dealt with under existing legislation. Labour is piloting a bill through Holyrood that would repeal the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act, which came in after an Old Firm derby in '11 -- the so-called "shame game." A survey of 12,000 fans by Supporters Direct Scotland found that 74% of those who responded felt that the act "should be repealed" (LONDON TIMES, 8/21).
The English Football League Cup third-round draw will take place in Beijing, China, on Thursday at 4:15am BST. The seven Premier League sides playing in Europe this season, including EFL Cup holder ManU, will be "among the 32 clubs in the draw." The 16 fixtures will be played in the week commencing Sept. 18 (BBC, 8/21).
An interim court injunction has "temporarily stopped" Sierra Leone FA President Isha Johansen and three other exec committee members from running the country's football affairs "until their legitimacy to govern has been proved." The Sierra Leone High Court granted the injunction at the request of some SLFA members on the grounds that the mandate of Johansen, her two VPs -- Brima Mazola Kamara and Alie Kargbo -- and ex-officio member Alie Badara Tarawallie expired on Aug. 3 (BBC, 8/20).
