FIFA moving towards biennial World Cup plan, Ricardo Pepi submits transfer request, and more: Freedom Kicks for October 20, 2021

Happy D.C. United Day, everyone. The Black-and-Red take on the New England Revolution this evening at Audi Field in what is a huge game in terms of playoff footing. Before we get into all that, and the Champions League that is being played today, a bit from yesterday...

First, FIFA is making indications that they will proceed with their insane plan to have a World Cup every 2 years, telling federations to plan on it:

They even have a plan laid out that includes the confederations tournaments like the Gold Cup, Euros, Copa América, and the Africa Cup of Nations.

Of course, tons of people hate the idea, including many in Europe who want to plot a strategy to leave FIFA behind if they insist on continuing with this plan.

USWNT’s Alex Morgan: Trust ‘still not there’ on NWSL talks with players - ESPNFC

NWSL collective bargaining talks are still ongoing, but Alex Morgan says there is still no trust between the players and the league after everything that’s gone on.

Gonzalo Segares promoted to U17 MNT coach - SSFC

U.S. Soccer has a new USMNT U-17 coach, but because of the mandate that coaches move to Chicago, many youth national team positions have yet to be filled.

Premier League’s US TV rights auction: ‘A $3 billion deal over nine years is possible’ - The Athletic

The EPL is about to get paid, and some thing the next TV rights deal will be split between a couple networks in order to maximize the number of Ben Franklins heading across the pond into the pockets of the Premier League.

Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic ‘really suffering’ as he recovers from injury - ESPNFC

Christian Pulisic still has not recovered from the injury he suffered with the USMNT during the September window, leading many to speculate whether he will be ready for the November window, which includes a date with Mexico in Cincinnati.

Premier League: Uptake in vaccinated players is ‘brilliant’ - BBC

68% of the league’s players are fully vaccinated, which is a huge jump from September, where only 7 teams boasted vaccination rates of more than 50%.

Report: Ricardo Pepi submits his transfer request from FC Dallas - Big D Soccer

Ricardo Pepi looks to be on the move, as he has reportedly turned in a request to be transferred to Europe after the conclusion of the MLS season. Liverpool FC, Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg, PSV, and Bayern Munich are among the teams that apparently are interested in signing the phenom.

Five things about the Washington Spirit posting another huge win, this time over OL Reign - BRU

We discover what we learned from the Washington Spirit’s huge win over OL Reign this past weekend.

Loudoun United FC appoint Doug Raftery as the club’s new Executive Business Officer - Loudoun United

The former COO for fellow USL Championship side Reno Aces makes the move to become the Executive Business Officer for Loudoun United.

Enjoy the day, everyone. Vamos!