June 27, 2022
The brief from today:
Qatar’s preparations take a hit
The Qatar national team, after losing to Irish champions Linfield last week, had another negative disruption to their World Cup preparation today. They were meant to play Watford—who were relegated from the Premier League last month—next week during the English side’s pre-season training, but the match was canceled. After Watford supporters groups: Proud Hornets and Women of Watford FC found out about the fixture, they protested to the club because of Qatar’s human rights issues and record. The treatment towards migrant workers in Qatar has been a longstanding issue, as well as various civil rights positions held in the country. In response to the backlash, Watford released a statement saying, “The game was never finalized and it became abundantly clear this was a game not to play; as such, the schedule was revised.”
The World Cup hosts are battling more than just football opponents
Ethiopian Premier League going down to the wire
Round 29 of the Ethiopian Premier League concluded today with first and second place both securing wins. League leaders St. George won their match 1-0, but Fasil Kenema matched them with a 3-0 victory of their own. This leaves the gap at one point between the two teams going into the final round on Friday. At one point earlier in the season, St. George enjoyed a comfortable 10 point cushion, but over the past month they’ve struggled, and Fasil have punished them with consistent wins closing that gap to a solitary point. St. George currently hold the record for most titles: 14 in the Premier League era, while Fasil are the defending champions, all of which increases the tension as Matchday 30 approaches.
Gollorious
Pierluigi Gollini, recently spent the last season on loan at Tottenham, but will now be returning to parent club Atalanta. Gollini’s loan move to England was prompted when Juan Musso was signed by La Dea, a clear indication that the Argentinian would be the new starter. Of course Hugo Lloris is also the undisputed starter at Tottenham, and Gollini was never really going to take the number one position from him in just one season. That said, he did maximize on his time in London, as Gollorious, his rap alter ego, shot a music video at Tottenham Stadium before he left. He now heads back to Atalanta, although he’s been rumored to be on the move yet again, with links to Serie A sides Fiorentina, Lazio, and Napoli.