The FA of Wales will "not take action" against CEO Jonathan Ford for comments that ruled out an English candidate to replace Chris Coleman as manager of the national team. The FAW said that it reviewed the situation and "accepted Ford's apology after he clarified the comments made in an interview earlier this month" (REUTERS, 12/14).
Russia President Vladimir Putin said that he was "confident that Russia would have everything ready to host" the 2018 World Cup as it has a "vast experience in holding major sports events." He said, "I am sure that everything will be up to standard and on time" (REUTERS, 12/14).
The Asian Football Confederation said that Lao Toyota "will not be eligible to participate in the 2018 AFC Cup because of the Laos club’s previous involvement in match-fixing." The AFC said that the club was involved in match-fixing during the '15 and '16 AFC Cup seasons (REUTERS, 12/14).
The French Professional Football League (LFP) administrative council validated the use of video-assistant referee technology in Ligue 1 for the ’18-19 season. Subject to approval by the Int’l FA Board, which is currently testing the system in several federations and leagues, the LFP will deploy VAR in all Ligue 1 matches next season, with the assistance of a provider that remains to be chosen. Since the start of the ’16-17 season, a VAR test phase has been in place as well as training for referees (LFP).
