Aussie women exit Paris 2024, Gustavsson waltzed out of Matildas
August 1 – Tony Gustavsson and the Matildas have parted ways after Australia exited the Olympic football tournament in the first round, Football Australia confirmed on Thursday.
Federations
Saudi FA boss promises country will ‘astonish’ the world with 2034 World Cup hosting
July 31 – Speaking after the bid book for the hosting of the 2034 World Cup was handed in to FIFA in Paris on Monday, Yasser Al Misehal (pictured), president, Saudi Arabian Football Federation said, that they will deliver an event that will “astonish the world”.
Roshn Group unveil plans for building of 45,000 capacity stadium in Riyadh
July 31 – Saudi Arabia’s Roshn Group on Tuesday unveiled plans for the construction of a 45,000-seater stadium in Riyadh. Earlier this week, the Arab Kingdom submitted its bid book for the 2034 World Cup.
Saudis release early plans for 92,000-capacity Riyadh Stadium for 2034 World Cup
July 29 – Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to build a 92,000-capacity stadium in Riyadh to stage major sporting events with a decision on its 2034 World Cup bid due this year.
Saudi FA increases second season financial support for women’s game to $16m+
July 29 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has boosted to funding for the second season of its Women’s Football Clubs Development Fund Program to $16 million, a rise of SAR10 million ($2.7 million).
Croatia and China agree knowledge exchange and player development agreement
July 29 – The Croatian Football Association (HNS) and the Chinese National Football Academy have signed a cooperation agreement.
Consortium to expand Tokyo national stadium with 2050 World Cup bid a possibility
July 9 – A consortium led by Japan’s largest mobile phone carrier NTT Docomo is aiming to increase the permanent capacity at Tokyo’s National Stadium from 68,000 to 80,000 as the country reportedly eyes a shot at hosting the FIFA World Cup for a second time.
South Korea appoint Hong Myung-bo as Klinsmann’s successor
July 9 – World Cup legend Hong Myung-bo has returned to lead South Korea for a second time after the Korean Football Association (KFA) named him the country’s new manager.
Man City, PSG, West Ham and Leicester women’s teams head for Perth for pre-season
July 1 – Manchester City Women will travel down under this August to take part in the first Perth International Football Cup as part of the club’s preparations for the 2024/25 season – following a gutting end to 2023/24.
Ooredoo dialled in for Qatar Stars League naming rights
June 27 – The Qatar Stars League (QSL) has announced Qatar government-backed telecommunications company Ooredoo as its new title sponsor.
India sack Stimac after failure to reach third round of 2026 qualifying
June 17 – India have dismissed their Croatian manager Igor Stimac after the Blue Tigers failed to reach the third round of World Cup qualifying.
Saudis close league season with record sets of stats in a game-changing season
May 31 – The Saudi Pro league (officially called the Roshn Saudi League) may have its critics in western Europe, but the 2023/24 season has undoubtedly been a game changer in the country and for the league internationally.
South Korea appoint Kim Do-hoon as second interim for upcoming 2026 qualifiers
May 21 – As the wait goes on to appoint a permanent coach in succession to Jurgen Klinsmann who was sacked in February, South Korea have announced that another caretaker will be in charge when they look to seal their place in the next round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Saudi FA to review safety policy after fan whipped player at Super Cup final
April 16 – The whipping of a player by a spectator after the Saudi Arabian Super Cup final has been condemned by the country’s football federation and players’ union.
Bundesliga goes to Bollywood
April 16 – Bollywood superstar Kartik Aaryan has become an ambassador for the Bundesliga Dream India project, which aims to give opportunities to young Indian football talent and aid their development.
