Jonathan LiewâÂÂs column on how BrazilâÂÂs footballing and political dysfunction feed each other is a good read:
We hear a lot about footballâÂÂs power to unite a nation. Perhaps we underestimate the extent to which it can also divide; the way it can reflect the very worst of ourselves, our greed and vindictiveness, our lust for feuds and, petty entertainment. There is a WomenâÂÂs World Cup being hosted in Brazil next summer and while Lula has sought to fast-track the professionalisation of womenâÂÂs football, BolsonaroâÂÂs only public utterances in the field of womenâÂÂs sport have been to assert his opposition to trans athletes playing it.
In courage of their convictions news, the Asian Football Confederation has decided to endorse Gianni InfantinoâÂÂs Fifa presidential re-election bid.
The AFC president, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, speaking at the bodyâÂÂs extraordinary congress in Tokyo on Friday, embraced Infantino with a large hug in front of the membership as he delivered his endorsement.
âÂÂWe affirm our full commitment to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as the Fifa president.â Sheikh Salman said. âÂÂYouâÂÂve visited a lot of countries in Asia. IâÂÂve spoken to a lot of members within this continent. I know your feeling and I think your commitment is clear as well.âÂÂ
Morning everyone. What about them Cherries eh? Before we dive deep into weekend previews, Manchester United melodramas and what have you, some moments to reflect on last nightâÂÂs action. Chief among them was the continuation of BournemouthâÂÂs European fairytale â a deserved 3-0 Europa League shellacking of Milan, a result barely conceivable two decades ago, but, as Nick Ames sagely points out in his match report, not a great surprise given the resources even mid-ranking Premier League clubs can now command compared to fading Serie A giants.
Elsewhere, Sunderland dug in for a draw at Lech Poznan, Crystal PalaceâÂÂs mixed start to Europa League life continued in a 2-2 draw at Besiktas, and ⦠oh Celtic. A third European defeat on the spin for Martin OâÂÂNeillâÂÂs side as they surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose the Celt derby 2-1 to Celta Vigo, who brought 3,000 fans to Glasgow â reportedly their biggest ever European away turnout â for a cultural love-in.
Anyway, weâÂÂll have pre-match news, interviews and comment through the day, and feel free to mail in your thoughts. Off to a game this weekend? Tell us your hopes for it. In the meantime, to get in the mood, hereâÂÂs 10 English top-flight things to look out for.