Two FIFAgate bribery convictions thrown out by FIFA-hanging Judge Chen
September 4 – Two convictions of a media executive and rights company in FIFAgate have been vacated by US federal judge Pamela Chen citing a recent Supreme Court ruling.
FIFA
Infantino says Rubiales kiss spoiled Spain’s win; Hermoso critical of ‘controlling culture’
September 1 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino says Luis Rubiales “spoiled” the Spanish team’s celebrations at the Women’s World Cup by kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips.
Ceferin says Rubiales’ kiss was ‘inappropriate’ and that FIFA will decide case
August 31 – UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has broken his silence over the infamous kiss by Luis Rubiales that has led to the Spanish FA boss being temporarily suspended.
FIFA suspend Rubiales as Spanish open criminal investigations and players refuse to play
By Andrew Warshaw
August 28 – One week after the most infamous kiss in football history during the Women’s World Cup awards ceremony, the reputation of Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales reputation is in tatters after FIFA temporarily banned him from the game.
Sweden end USA’s unbroken six-year lead of FIFA women’s rankings, Spain go second
August 25 – In a small consolation after crashing out in the last four of the Women’s World Cup, Sweden have moved top the FIFA world ranking closely followed by champions Spain in second place with the United States losing the number one position for the first time in six years.
FIFA promises Women’s Club World Cup every four years is in planning
August 22 – FIFA has said it is advancing with plans for a Women’s Club World Cup, but details on the tournament format and timeline remain scant.
Infantino tells world ‘FIFA was right’ as WWC2023 reports $570m breakeven position
August 18 – With $570 million in revenue and a new world champion in waiting, Gianni Infantino has not just claimed that the 2023 edition of the Women’s World Cup is the ‘best ever,’ but that FIFA’s decision to expand the finals to 32 teams was the right one.
Swiss close ranks. Lauber and Infantino’s secret meetings to remain secret
August 13 – Swiss prosecutors are set to close the investigation of the former attorney general Michael Lauber’s secret meetings with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
FIFA bigwig and Mali FA president Toure arrested on suspicion of embezzling public funds
August 10 – A member of FIFA’s all-powerful Council is reported to have been arrested, heaping fresh embarrassment on world football’s governing body.
Booking.com hosts remain unpaid as FIFA sponsorship rolls on without comment
By Paul Nicholson
August 8 – Fury over FIFA’s last minute sponsorship deal with Booking.com has failed to slow down as thousands of small hotels and accommodation hosts worldwide remain unpaid, most since early June, with a number reporting they are facing bankruptcy having had to lay off staff and reschedule suppliers.
Infantino jets into Vanuatu and Fiji, unveils a ‘Pele pitch’ and gets a Legends game in
August 7 – Criticised for travelling via private jet on a whistlestop tour of a number of Pacific Rim nations during the group stages of the Women’s World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was back amongst Oceania confederation nations as the last 16 knockout round was kicking off.
WWC2023 by numbers. Attendances and digital traffic break records
August 6 – FIFA released a set of record-breaking facts and figures as Women’s World Cup 2023 moved into the last 16 knockout rounds at the weekend. Top of those stats is that more than 1,715,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament so far.
Aussies get World Cup bug and ponder hosting bid for 2034 men’s finals
August 4 – Australia are considering a bid to stage the 2034 men’s World Cup following the success of the current women’s version.
Mengniu expands FIFA deal to cover next three World Cups
August 4 – China’s Mengniu has attached its name to FIFA’s next three World Cups, extending a previous partnership with the world federation.
FIFA investigates alleged sexual harassment of Zambia coach at WWC2023
August 3 – FIFA is investigating allegations of misconduct involving the Zambia team at the Women’s World Cup.