Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger insisted that Barcelona "should not be allowed to join the Premier League." Barça President Josep Maria Bartomeu admitted the club "will consider playing outside of Spain if Catalonia gains independence." It led to suggestions that Barça "could play in the Premier League." Wenger believes it would make "much more sense" for Scottish Premiership sides Celtic or Rangers to enter the English game (London DAILY MIRROR, 10/9).
Egypt reached the World Cup for the first time in 28 years as "rare scenes of joy took hold of city blocks celebrating a 2-1 victory over Congo." The "raucous mood spilling out on the streets marked a respite for Egyptians after years of hardship," from IMF-backed austerity reforms that have "pushed inflation to record highs to a tough law on protests that has made public gatherings exceedingly rare" after two presidents were toppled in a '11 uprising (PAKISTAN TIMES, 10/9).
The Paraguay FA (APF) condemned the violence from some Olimpia fans that led to the suspension of the club's game against Sol de América and "resulted in people being taken to hospital." Sunday's game was called off after eight minutes when violence erupted between "ultra" fans at the Rio Parapití stadium. Olimpia players were seen "urging the supporters to stop the fighting, with police saying that at least six Olimpia fans were taken to hospital with gun and knife wounds" (ESPN.com, 10/9).
