Spreen’s 8 Seconds of Non-Glory, Ecuadorian International Tragically Dies, Abdysh-Ata Crowned in Kyrgyzstan, and more
Plus: Arsenal's Pre-Match Kit Takes a Bold Turn
👋🏻 Welcome to Starting 11! This edition dives into the controversy around Argentinian streamer Spreen’s 8-second debut for Deportivo Riestra, Oceania’s path to its first guaranteed World Cup spot, Arsenal’s bold pre-match kit leak, and Wrexham captain James McClean’s ongoing poppy stance—among many other things.
⚽Kickoff! As we wait for the FIFA break, here’s a mix of news from football’s far corners—from Argentina to Oceania and beyond.
Iván Buhajeruk, or Spreen to his millions of fans, made his "debut" for Deportivo Riestra against league leader Vélez—lasting a grand total of eight seconds. Coach Cristian Fabbiani swapped him out almost immediately in a PR stunt that screamed “publicity.” Spreen’s brief stint brought more buzz than any average match, with fans crowding for photos and ignoring the actual squad. Sporting custom boots and an energy drink sponsor, Spreen’s appearance has more in common with a media spectacle than a typical sports debut.
With 16 million followers, this streaming sensation turned his first touchless appearance into a marketing coup, but it didn’t sit well with the football community. The Argentine FA's Ethics Tribunal has now launched an investigation into the stunt, questioning if it tarnishes the integrity of the league. As betting odds skyrocketed before his replacement, allegations of ethics violations and betting manipulations have emerged, drawing public backlash from players and fans alike.
The Liga MX Apertura’s final matchday delivered everything from upsets to last-gasp goals as playoff and play-in spots were locked in. Toluca humiliated Club América with a 4-0 rout, while Cruz Azul’s Angel Sepúlveda spoiled Tigres’ day with a last-second equalizer. Monterrey edged León in a feisty 2-1 win that saw three players sent off. Meanwhile, Tijuana’s Carlos González waited until the 103rd minute to seal a win over Puebla, igniting home crowd chaos. The playoff road is set, featuring a fiery Clásico Tapatío in the play-in stage.
Manchester United and Real Madrid are both eyeing Bayer Leverkusen’s defensive star, Jonathan Tah, as they scramble to shore up their backlines. United has reportedly reached out to Tah’s camp, envisioning him as a cost-effective replacement for Maguire and Lindelof, who are set to depart. Meanwhile, Real Madrid faces a growing injury crisis in defense, with Militao, Courtois, and Carvajal sidelined long-term. Tah, whose contract expires next summer, looks poised for a big move, with his agent hinting at Bayern but keeping options wide open.
Ecuadorian footballer Marco Angulo, just 22 years old, has tragically passed away following a car accident last month. The LDU Quito midfielder had been hospitalized since the crash in Quito, enduring multiple surgeries and intensive care. Angulo, who was on loan from FC Cincinnati, was a rising star with three caps for Ecuador's national team. The Ecuadorian Football Association expressed deep sorrow, remembering him as a beloved teammate. The crash also claimed the lives of Independiente del Valle’s Roberto Cabezas and another friend, casting a dark shadow over Ecuadorian football.
After violent clashes involving Israeli fans in Amsterdam, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League match against Besiktas has been moved to Hungary. Originally set as a home game for Besiktas in Istanbul, Turkish authorities refused to host the Israeli team, leading UEFA to relocate the game to Hungary’s Nagyerdei Stadium. The match will be held behind closed doors for security reasons, with Hungarian authorities enforcing the decision due to rising anti-Israeli incidents in European football. Both clubs have advised fans to cancel travel plans to avoid further disruptions.
FC Abdysh-Ata Kant clinched the Kyrgyz Premier League title with a decisive 1-0 victory over FC Dordoi Bishkek on November 5, 2024. The match's sole goal came from N. Sarykbaev in the 37th minute, propelling Abdysh-Ata to 62 points from 24 matches. Dordoi Bishkek remained second with 55 points from 25 matches, unable to surpass Abdysh-Ata due to the head-to-head record.
Arsenal fans, brace yourselves—the 2025 pre-match shirt from Adidas has leaked, and it’s as bold as they come. This unique mash-up design merges elements from Arsenal's 24-25 kits: the red of the home jersey, the black-and-white patterns of the away, and hints of lilac and turquoise from the third kit. Inspired by the Union Jack, the shirt’s sections are split by white stripes, adding to the standout look. Set to drop in December, this shirt is bound to turn heads on warmup days. Thoughts?
The Oceania qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set for the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, have brought historic change to the region, offering Oceania a guaranteed World Cup spot for the first time. Started in September 2024, the qualifiers run until March 2025, reflecting FIFA's expanded 48-team format.
Oceania's journey began with a preliminary round among the lowest-ranked teams, where Samoa emerged victorious. Now, the remaining eight teams are split into two groups, with the top two from each advancing to the semi-finals in March. These single-match knockouts will culminate in a final, held in Auckland, where the winner secures direct World Cup entry. The runner-up will still have hope through the Intercontinental Playoff, giving Oceania two potential representatives.
Wrexham captain James McClean has reaffirmed his decision not to wear a poppy, standing apart from teammates during Remembrance Day’s minute of silence before their League One match against Mansfield. Born in Northern Ireland, McClean’s stance dates back to 2012, rooted in his views on Bloody Sunday, a tragic event in Derry in 1972. While poppies honor fallen soldiers, McClean believes the symbol extends beyond the World Wars, representing a complex history for him.
Despite facing abuse and even death threats for his views, McClean has remained resolute, stating he will "never bend the knee to compromise [his] convictions." A seasoned player with over 600 club appearances and 103 caps for Ireland, McClean clarified that his stance is personal and does not imply disrespect for others’ choices.
Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended pending an investigation after a video surfaced on social media allegedly showing him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and ex-manager Jürgen Klopp. The video, which has not been verified, reportedly captures Coote referring to his tense history with Klopp following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in July 2020, during which Klopp criticized Coote’s officiating.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has acted swiftly, initiating an inquiry and suspending Coote, who officiated Liverpool's recent win against Aston Villa. Liverpool is aware of the situation but has refrained from commenting. The incident has reignited discussions about neutrality and conduct among officials in the Premier League.
The article "Fußball 101: Naming a Football Club" by Tom Ritchie on Substack, is a fun and informative read for anyone interested in German football. It dives into the seemingly complex world of German club names, explaining the acronyms, nicknames, and even the sometimes-confusing year numbers. If you're a football fan or just curious about German culture, this article is a great introduction to the world of German football clubs and their fascinating names.
FINAL WISTHLE
ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Riazor’s Protest Against Monday Night Football:
😢 "No, son, we can’t go to the Dépor game today."
At the recent match between Deportivo La Coruña and Eibar in the Segunda División, Riazor fans raised a flag with this message, voicing their frustration with Monday night games.
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