“Sporting integrity.”
Welcome to Wednesday. Yesterday was absolutely beautiful, and it seems to be shaping up for more of the same today, so let me get these stories in front of you before I enjoy the weather…
Chelsea withdraw request to play FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough behind closed doors – BBC
Chelsea FC made a ridiculous request to the FA that because they couldn’t sell tickets due to the economic sanctions placed on the club and its owner, Roman Abramovich, Middlesbrough should have to host the FA Cup quarterfinal match between the two teams behind closed doors. They cited the “sporting integrity” of not having away fans as the reason. That prompted a “nah” from Middlesbrough, and eventually Chelsea withdrew its request.
Barcelona add Spotify to Camp Nou name in new sponsorship deal – ESPNFC
In a multiyear deal, Spotify will be the main jersey sponsor for FC Barcelona. In addition to being on the jerseys, the deal will also rename the Camp Nou the Spotify Camp Nou.
A look at who could be called into USMNT camp when the roster is revealed, hopefully later this week.
Who could be available? 6 players to watch in the MLS trade market – MLS
In addition to D.C. United’s Ola Kamara, Columbus Crew and USMNT forward Gyasi Zardes apparently is on the trading block.
A cool podcast episode featuring the story of Jessica McDonald, a truly underrated player on the USWNT scene.
Today, I am thrilled to share the first episode of Payback about the USWNT’s equal pay fight and @J_Mac1422‘s unlikely climb through the women’s soccer world to take part in it.
You can find this podcast on all platforms here: https://t.co/2mJ8yOCls7 pic.twitter.com/4etgnetaeV
— Alex Andrejev (@AndrejevAlex) March 15, 2022
Also, the USL Super League will debut next year, and it’s coming with a European calendar:
USL Super League, the second-division American women’s circuit slated to launch next year, says it will align with intl calendar and launch in August 2023 after the World Cup, take a mid-season winter break and and culminate in June 2024.
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) March 15, 2022
Christian Eriksen back in Denmark squad – BBC
A helluva story…Christian Eriksen will return to play for Denmark for the first time since suffering cardiac arrest on the field in Denmark’s opening match of Euro 2020 last summer.
Enjoy the day, everyone!