Gareth Southgate is worried an expanded World Cup would make qualification too straightforward.GETTY IMAGES
England Manager Gareth Southgate warned FIFA that expanding the World Cup to 48 teams would "risk sapping the excitement and interest" out of regular season int'l fixtures. He fears that qualification for the tournament would become "too straightforward" if FIFA follows through on plans to "dramatically increase the size of the tournament." Southgate said that the sense of "jeopardy" that adds excitement to qualifying fixtures could be lost if it becomes easier to reach the World Cup finals (London TELEGRAPH, 11/10).
The English Football League asked FIFA to allow its member clubs to "make loan signings outside of the transfer windows." EFL clubs were previously allowed to bring players in on emergency loans, lasting between 28 and 93 days. However, that system was "scrapped" prior to the '16-17 season (BBC, 11/8).
UEFA opened the tender process for official Euro 2020 hospitality sales agents. The territories available exclude England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The hospitality tender is a market-by-market approach, though agents can apply for multiple markets. Official hospitality packages will be granted on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis in each territory (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 11/9).
Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs will wear jerseys featuring the Bleuet de France during matches this week. The flower is in remembrance of French war veterans, similar to the poppy in Britain (Ligue 1).
