FIFA suspend Pakistan FA after refusal to accept election reforms
February 7 – FIFA has suspended Pakistan from the global game “with immediate effect” after the federation rejected constitutional change.
Federations
Saudi Pro League sends mission to strengthen Brazilian ties
February 5 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is working to strengthen its connection with Brazilian football, with league officials in country to engage with local stakeholders.
Gerrard exits Saudi Pro League after poor run of results at Al Ettifaq
January 31 – After a dismal run of results, former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has left his role as manager of Saudi club Al Ettifaq by mutual consent.
Controversial Indian FA president Kalyan Chaubey faces growing lobby for no-confidence vote
January 27 – State associations are planning a no-confidence motion in Kalyan Chaubey (pictured), the president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
HSBC becomes founding partner of Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park
January 15 – The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) has been named the exclusive Premier Founding Partner of the soon-to-be opened Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.
RFEF enters negotiations to keep Spanish Super Cup in Saudi
January 14 – After one of the most thrilling Supercopa Finals in the history of the competition, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) plans to extend the contract with Saudi Arabia for another five years so that the Super Cup will be held in this country until 2034.
Saudi fans harass Mallorca players’ wives leaving King Adbullah Sports City stadium
January 13 – The wives of Mallorca players have said they were harassed after the club’s Spanish Super Cup game in Saudi Arabia.
Hong Kong’s Kai Tak stadium nears opening as talks progress on a Summer of Premier League action
January 10 – Hong Kong’s ambitious Kai Tak Sports Park project is entering its final stages, with the state-of-the-art facility expected to open later this year. The development, situated on the northwestern part of the former Kai Tak Airport, is set to redefine Hong Kong’s sporting landscape with a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting a wide range of events but with a focus on football.
Monica Staab steps away from Saudi women’s coaching role
January 9 – Monika Staab (pictured centre) has stepped down from her role as technical director of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, bringing her role in building the country’s women’s team to an end.
Wales’ New Saints unpaid for transfer of striker Brad Young to Saudi’s Al-Orobah
January 7 – Welsh club football doesn’t often generate much publicity outside the principality but Cymru Premier champions The New Saints have lodged an appeal with FIFA claiming they are owed a transfer fee from Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah for striker Brad Young.
Kluivert favourite to take over Indonesia from Shin Tae-yong ahead of 2026 qualifying
January 7 – Indonesia have dismissed Shin Tae-yong as manager, with Dutchman Patrick Kluivert reportedly waiting in the wings to take over.
Esteghal’s Ramin Rezaian questioned over hugging female fan
January 6 – Iran’s antiquated theocratic policy of gender discrimination has spilled over into football once again with a top player summoned to explain why he hugged a female fan.
Big spending Saudi Pro League shifts club transfer window priorities
January 2 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) says it is gearing up for the 2024/25 winter transfer window with a sharper focus on youth development, having promised less headline-grabbing activity as clubs face strict transfer quotas with one eye on fostering homegrown talent ahead of the 2034 World Cup.
Indian FA president Kalyan Chaubey accused of corruption
December 23 – Shaji Prabhakaran, a former high-ranking official in Indian football, has accused current Indian football boss Kalyan Chaubey of ethics violations.
Syrian FA changes logo colour as Assad regime crumbles
December 9 – The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has prompted the country’s football federation to change the national team’s kit and logo from red to green.
