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Here’s your news from the world of Soccer for Wednesday.
INTERNATIONAL
- Frank Lampard fired as Coach of Chelsea FC. (CFC) What led up to the decision? (WhoScored)
- German Thomas Tuchel picked to replace Lampard and turn around struggling Chelsea. (Goal)
- Studies over the past year have shown that playing without fans in the stadium has made players calmer. (Guardian)
- Questions abound for Lampard after departing Chelsea, would an MLS team be willing to give him a shot? (FFT)
- Last week’s EPL match between Manchester City and Aston Villa has prompted a rule change regarding offside calls. (Guardian)
- Spanish superclub Barcelona is on the verge of bankruptcy with around $1.43 billion in debt. (Blaugranes)
USA
- Andres Perea received FIFA approval to switch from Columbia to USMNT, but questions remain as to how and where he will fit into the American system. (ASN)
- FIFA has set the timeline for the selection of host cities for the Canada/Mexico/USA 2026 joint World Cup. Talks and in person visits from April-July to narrow picks from 23, down to 16 locations. (MLS)
- US International Christian Pulisic gave an emotional thank you to Frank Lampard after he was fired from Chelsea. (Below) And questions remain about how the change will impact Pulisic. (NBCS)
- USL League 1 announced May 8th start date with a 28 game season. (FRS)
MLS
- MLS, NWSL (and Soccer in general) could thrive with President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris both as fans. (FFT)
- MLS has announced season details and dates for 2021. Preseason will start on Feb. 22 with first kick on April 3-4th, last years health protocols will remain in effect. Full Schedule to be released in the coming weeks. (MLS)
- LA Galaxy have made an offer to bring Sebastian Giovinco back to MLS. Gio last played for Toronto FC in 2019 before moving to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. (US.AS)
- As if Real Salt Lake fans need any more reason to hate Sporting Kansas City? Benny Feilhaber, who retired in 2019 is joining SKC’s technical staff. (MLS)
- Expansion team Austin FC have announced their stadium naming rights - Q2 Stadium with multiyear partnership with Q2 Holdings Inc., an Austin based finance company. (MLS)
- MLS and the Players League have finally started meetings regarding the Force Majeure notice which would invalidate the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. They have until Friday to reach a new agreement. (SSF)
- Real Monarchs have added another forward to their ranks, Juan Vidal a 20 year old from Columbia who has played on their youth national teams. (RSL)
VIDEO OF THE DAY
RSL centerback Marcelo Silva paid a visit to Midvale Elementary this week to meet fans, and distribute meals for the school’s food pantry.