The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Monday said that Video Assistant Referees will "be introduced in the Brazilian first division." The announcement came a day after Corinthians beat Vasco da Gama "with a goal bundled into the net by an arm." Corinthians striker Jo "used his arm to score the only goal of the game in a move that was missed by the referee and assistant. In a statement, the CBF said, "Video Referees should be introduced in the Serie A as soon as possible" (REUTERS, 9/18).
Bundesliga side Cologne "backed down from demanding a replay" over a goal it claimed was "wrongly awarded" to Borussia Dortmund with the help of a VAR in its 5-0 defeat on Sunday. Cologne announced it would "lodge a protest and ask for the match to be replayed." But on Tuesday, the team said that the "chances of success for such a protest are slim" (REUTERS, 9/19).
Scottish football clubs are "taking mental health seriously" by encouraging their employees and volunteers to participate in courses funded by the Scottish Professional Football League Trust. The Trust is "funding mental health first aid courses, where anyone connected with a football club -- be they chaplains, office staff, kit-men, academy coaches or simply volunteers -- can learn vital life-saving skills" (SKY SPORTS, 9/19).
Sierra Leone FA President Isha Johansen will bid for re-election despite saying she suffered "intimidation" and "discrimination" during her first term. Africa's only female FA president "took charge" in '13 and her reign has been "blighted by controversy, infighting and the Ebola crisis." Johansen said, "I have decided to run for a second term in office -- after careful deliberation. I would like to finish what I started. There is unfinished business" (BBC, 9/19).
FIFA banned Caribbean Football Union President and Antigua and Barbuda FA General Secretary Gordon Derrick for six years from all football-related activities at the national and int'l levels. Derrick was found guilty of having violated the FIFA Code of Ethics (FIFA).
FIFA hosted the launch of the official emblem and slogan of the 2019 Women’s World Cup. France is often considered as being synonymous with history and style, elements echoed in the emblem which features the competition trophy wrapped in historic marinière stripes. At the top of the trophy is a stylized football surrounded by eight decorative shards of light to symbolize the eighth edition of the Women’s World Cup (FIFA).
