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.
January 8 – It wasn’t so long ago that the Chinse Super League (CSL) was flying high boasting superstar players and salaries but that is in the rear view mirror and confirmed by the fact that the most successful club, Guangzhou FC, will not play professionally next season because of their failure to pay off enough of their substantial debt.
January 7 – The AFC has confirmed the dates for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, marking the start of a two-year countdown to the finals of the Asian confederation’s marquee men’s event.
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.
Bahrain beat Oman to win Gulf Cup
January 6 – Bahrain came from behind to upset Oman in a 2-1 victory to claim the Gulf Cup, a prestigious regional tournament.
AFC renews Match Hospitality for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia
January 6 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has renewed its partnership with MATCH Hospitality Asia, appointing them as the exclusive provider of the commercial hospitality programme for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
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.
AFC readies draw for knock-out stages of inaugural Women’s Champions League
January 3 – The inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League is now down to the final eight teams for the knock-out stages with the draw set to take place next Wednesday, January 8 at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur.
Saudi Arabia to host 2026 Gulf Cup
January 2 – Adding another tournament to a busy decade of football events, Saudi Arabia will host the 2026 Gulf Cup.
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.
AFC opens 2025 with unveiling of new logo and pledge to be bigger, better and stronger
December 31 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has opened 2025 with a new look, unveiling a reworked logo and brand identity.
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.
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.
Sportdigital secures AFC championships in German-speaking markets for further 5 years
December 16 – The AFC has extended its media partnership with Sportdigital in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for the 2025-2028 cycle.
AFC pushes eSports button with club competition launch at knowledge-sharing forum
December 13 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has taken the next step into the virtual world with the conclusion of its first-ever AFC Football eSports Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday.
