This article was originally published on October 26th, 2018.
Here is this week's dose of “5-PointFriday”. A weekly round-up of the sports news and stories that I find most interesting and enjoyable.
FIFA story that intrigues me -
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revived plans for a new global club competition. The proposed format will consist of 24 teams and will be discussed at FIFA's council meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. The idea was shelved earlier in the year, however new financial backing from Saudi Arabia has brought the idea back. Furthermore, the FIFA council meeting will also look at the new global Nations League proposition.
New sports league I'm interested in -
Paul Rabil (@PaulRabil) has announced the new Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Although everything about the PLL is not yet known, there are a few things that we do know. The league has signed 140 players, most of them poached from the MLL, with each one getting a full-time wage and health care. Players will receive a wage four times higher than their current MLL deals. It was also announced that PLL has agreed to a deal with NBC Sports to televise 17 games, in the first season.
Scottish sport news that I'm reviewing -
The Scottish FA, Police Scotland and Scottish government officials have met to discuss lifting the ban on the sale of alcohol at Scottish soccer grounds. An alcohol ban was imposed on Scottish soccer in 1980. After a riot broke out between Rangers and Celtic supporters at the end of the 1980 Scottish Cup final. Discussions have started due to Glasgow being one of the 12 cities hosting the Euro 2020 Championship. Glasgow is the only host city where local law bans the consumption of alcohol in stadiums.
Favorite Twitter post -
While LAFC hosted Vancouver Whitecaps, the club's co-owner Will Ferrell engaged the fans. Ferrell led the 3252 supporters group chants throughout the game, including this 'jump for LA'. This is how a sports team owner endears themselves to their supporters.
Sports leader I listened too -
On Tuesday, the University of San Francisco hosted the Silk Speaker Series, with Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr). Kerr was able to share stories from his 30 year NBA career, which has included being a player, coach, television analyst, and front office executive, and a three-year stint as President of Basketball Operations and General Manager for the Phoenix Suns. A key takeaway from Steve Kerr: "I think we're all fearful... sometimes we just need to dive into the deep end."
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Jonathan