Saudi Arabia to guest at 2025 Gold Cup in US; final qualification play-offs set
December 20 – Saudi Arabia will compete at the 16-team Concacaf Gold Cup next summer, to be played predominantly on the West coast of the USA.
A22 says it consulted stakeholders. European Leagues say no-one spoke to them
December 20 – The European Leagues organisation has insisted it was not consulted by the promoters of the proposed European Super League regarding the relaunch of the breakaway concept as the Unify League.
Swedish FA appeals chair quits accusing SvFF of ‘spineless’ behaviour over 2034 award
December 20 -A senior Swiss lawyer who for nine years has sat on various Swedish FA committees and is currently chair of its appeals committee, has resigned from the federation over its failure to protest the award of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia.
AFC draws groups for Beach Soccer Asian Cup in Thailand; top three qualify for World Cup
December 20 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has drawn the groups for the 16-team AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup to be played in Thailand in March next year.
Control of Serie A’s Genoa passes to Romanian Dan Secu for €40m
December 20 – Romanian businessman Dan Șucu has taken control of the storied Italian club Genoa, ending months of uncertainty under the ownership of 777 Partners.
UEFA names new second-tier club competition Women’s Europa Cup
December 20 – UEFA has named its newly launched second-tier women’s club tournament the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.
US academy league MLS Next aligns with Girls Academy to develop pro pathways
December 20 – The path to the top level of women’s soccer in the United States became a little clearer after MLS Next formed a strategic alliance with the Girls Academy (GA).
UEFA releases Respect Report detailing sustainability and social impact initiatives
December 20 – UEFA’s 2023/24 Respect Report outlines €12.1 million spent on sustainability initiatives last season, tracking over 100 key performance indicators in a data-driven effort to address football’s environmental and social impact.
Argentina round out year at top of Men’s World Ranking
December 20 – A record-breaking 1,181 international fixtures were played in 2024, yet with just 21 matches since November, the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking has seen little change heading into the new year.
Belgian Pro League agrees reduced DAZN TV deal and ponders new format discussion
December 20 – In a significant drop from the previous rights agreement, the Belgian Pro League and DAZB have signed a new five-year deal, worth €84,2 million. The reduction in broadcast fees has prompted clubs to talk about a review of the currrent league format.
FIFA opens Club World Cup ticket sales using dynamic pricing model
December 20 – FIFA have put the first round of Club World Cup tickets on sale, in a move which puts dynamic ticket pricing in place for the first time in football.
Pereira leaves Saudi Pro League Wolves’ a Premier League survival challenge
December 20 – Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers, in the English top flight since 2018, have hired the much-travelled Vitor Pereira as their new manager.
Romanian FA launches finance manual to guide players
December 20 – The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) and the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) launched a financial education manual dedicated to football players aged 10-16, to support them in managing their personal finances and making informed financial decisions both during and after their sports career.
A22’s ‘Unify’ league plan creates division with UEC slamming its ‘elitist vision’
December 19 – The Union of European Clubs (UEC) has criticised A22’s ‘Unify’ plans over of its elitist blueprint for its proposed European club competition.