Players stress importance of unity and describe how war affects their preparations for the tournament
SCOTTISH Labour leader Richard Leonard believes the upcoming ban on adult grassroots football will kill clubs at the non-league level, unless a “Scottish Football Aid” fund is introduced immediately.
As it stands, there will be no adult football until October 25 at the earliest in the areas of Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley.
The Scottish Labour leader first demanded a fund be set up last month, with First Minisiter Nicola Sturgeon putting out a statement via a spokesperson which said: “This sport has a significant economic impact, but importantly also brings enjoyment to the many people who watch and play, and we don’t want supporters to be delayed in returning to stadiums for any longer than is absolutely necessary.”
With climate change, commercial overload and endless fixtures, footballers are being pushed to breaking point. It’s time their unions became a more powerful, unified force, writes JAMES NALTON
Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, writes JAMES NALTON
JAMES NALTON writes how at the heart of the big apple, the beautiful game exists as something more community-oriented, which could benefit hugely under mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani


