Monday cannon fodder: misjudged retirement trophy

Premier League/England

Sol Campbell leaves Macclesfield by mutual consent after eight months | The Guardian
Sol Campbell thanked Macclesfield for providing him ‘with a great beginning in the managerial side of the game’.

How Premier League footballers got woke | Football | The Guardian
Once renowned for luxury lifestyles and bad behaviour, players are speaking out on big issues from mental health to politics.

Ashley Cole retires from playing and plans move into coaching | Football | The Guardian
Former England defender Ashley Cole is planning a move into coaching after calling time on his illustrious playing career.

Premier League handball: Is new rule spot-on or misguided? - BBC Sport
The intricacies of the new handball rule have got people angry and frustrated - but is it working correctly under the VAR system?

Europe

Bayern Munich has the most valuable trophy case in Europe - Bavarian Football Works
And it’s not even close!

Ricky van Wolfswinkel: Basel striker diagnosed with brain aneurysm after concussion scans - BBC Sport
The issue was only discovered after he had scans following a concussion.

UEFA president postpones talks over revamped Champions League
The proposed promotion/relegation model has come under heavy fire.

PSG’s Leonardo: “Neymar made mistakes” – ProSoccerTalk
In an interview, PSG sporting director Leonardo admitted that Neymar has made some mistakes, which has drawn the ire of PSG’s ultras.

French second-division game halted over homophobic chanting – ProSoccerTalk
France’s sports minister said, “It’s the first [time]. And last one, I hope.”

Bayern Munich and the problem of letting Hoeness and Rummenigge go | Football | The Guardian
Bayern are favourites again. but are also at the crossroads with a desperate need to renew at the top.

Emiliano Sala and crash pilot ‘probably poisoned by fumes’ | Football | The Guardian
Toxicology tests on footballer’s body show fatal levels of carbon monoxide exposure.

MLS/Americas

MLS Playoff Picture: LAFC are the clear favorites for MLS Cup but who else has a chance?
With the end of the summer doldrums upon us, the stretch run of the MLS regular season is on.

Mediation Between U.S. Women’s Team and U.S. Soccer Breaks Down - New York Times
The sessions had offered hope, but very little progress and fiery news releases suggest that the fight will continue.

Why U.S. Soccer loses its equal pay case against the USWNT either way - SBNation.com
U.S. Soccer might have a strong legal case in the equal pay lawsuit, but the benefits of having the USWNT as its happiest employees outweigh any costs.

Other

Bill Walton Learned How To Enjoy Baseball In Real Time | Deadspin
Every second of this is gold.