Thursday cannon fodder: expensive unemployed replay

Scotland and Sunderland set to vie for Northern Ireland’s Michael O’Neill | Football | The Guardian
The Scottish Football Association has requested talks with Michael O’Neill with Sunderland also set to move for the Northern Ireland manager

Former official kills himself hours after bribery accusations in Fifa trial | Football | The Guardian
Jorge Delhon killed himself, Buenos Aires police say, after he was accused of taking annual $500,000 bribes between 2011 and 2014

Price of Football 2017: Young adult fans are 'put off' by cost of football - BBC Sport
The Price of Football study finds the majority of ticket prices have frozen or fallen for a third year - but a poll suggests the cost is still putting off young adult fans.

Price of Football: Full results 2017 - BBC Sport
Guess whose season ticket is the most expensive?

When Saturday Comes - VAR controversy sparks corruption claims among Benfica, Porto and Sporting
Video refereeing was supposed to help the situation in Portugal but questionable recent decisions have resulted in the top three clubs trading accusations and insults.

Moreno: Arena's lack of self awareness 'incredible' - ESPN FC
I generally don't watch talking heads and I also don't really care about the USMNT, but this was a double-barreled unloading on Bruce Arena and it was pretty amazing.

Gian Piero Ventura: Italy manager fired after missing World Cup | SI.com
Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura has been fired following the Azzurri's failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Tough stretch of fixtures could be just what Real Madrid need to jump start their season - ESPN FC
Real Madrid have started poorly, but a matchup with rivals Atletico and a challenging stretch of fixtures to follow could just reignite the champions.