Lion Links: 9/5/23

Happy Tuesday, everyone! If you had the day off for Labor Day yesterday, I hope you enjoyed it and are feeling ready to attack the rest of the week. Orlando City and the Orlando Pride don’t have games this week, but there’s still plenty going on with Orlando City B in action on Thursday and a whole bevy of games taking place during the international window. Let’s get into today’s links.

Lions Called Up for International Duty

A total of four Lions have been called up for duty with their national teams during the current international window. Facundo Torres will be with Uruguay, as it kicks off the next World Cup qualifying cycle against Chile and Ecuador.

Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena will represent Peru in World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Brazil.

Last but not least, Wilfredo Rivera will be on the roster for Puerto Rico as it starts Concacaf Nations League play against the Bahamas, and Antigua & Barbuda.

Good luck to all the Lions in their upcoming games!

Brazil Drops Antony Amid Domestic Violence Allegations

Antony has been dropped from Brazil’s squad in light of new allegations of domestic violence made against the player. He first faced accusations from his ex-girlfriend back in June, and further accusations became public on Monday, which led to Brazil dropping him from the squad set to compete in CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifiers. Antony released a statement denying the allegations, while Brazil put out a statement saying that it will be investigating the accusations. His club team, Manchester United, has declined to comment.

Slovenian Women’s Team Details Problems With Coaching Staff

The Slovenian Women’s National Team players have sent an open letter to its football federation detailing a number of inappropriate behaviors they have suffered at the hands of the team’s coaching staff. The players state they have been subjected to racism, sexism, body shaming, inappropriate comments, and a number of other things. The letter spoke about a repeated pattern of verbal bullying and intimidation, and several players were driven to seek psychological help. The five-page open letter has been signed by 31 national team players, and the list of allegations is truly stomach-turning.

Transfer Window Roundup

There are several leagues whose transfer windows have yet to close, and that means that there are a few pieces of transfer news to catch up on. First, Davinson Sanchez and Tanguy Ndombele have both joined Galatasaray from Tottenham. Ndombele is on loan,while Sanchez’s move is permanent.

Second, Al Ittihad is reportedly planning to make another offer for Mo Salah, and is eager to sign him before the Saudi Arabian window closes on Thursday. Liverpool, however, is said to have kept firm on its stance that the Egyptian winger is not for sale.

Finally, Eric Bailly has left Manchester United to join Besiktas.

Free Kicks

• Former Lion Scott Sutter will be participating in the footgolf and golf tournament held by the Orlando City Foundation.

• Only two teams have spent more time in the lead this year than Orlando City, and only one team has spent less time losing.

• Orlando City is up to seventh in ESPN‘s latest MLS power rankings.
• Atletico Nacional took the field with stray dogs in an effort to find them homes and raise awareness about animal abuse.

• Tim Ream isn’t thinking about his age ahead of the United States Men’s National Team’s upcoming pair of friendlies.
• The Premier League will release audio of discussions between the VAR and referee tomorrow for the first time this season.

That’s all I have for today. Y’all stay safe out there!