MLS’s Philadephia Union under FIFA transfer ban for failing to pay training fee compensation
January 14 – Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise the Philadelphia Union has been slapped with a temporary transfer ban by FIFA.
FIFA
FIFA makes temporary transfer rule change, but Fifpro objects
January 2 – FIFA has adapted its transfer regulations on an interim basis after the recent Lassana Diarra case described by some legal experts as Bosman Mark 2 – but accepts it could be open to immediate challenge.
Fox out in the cold as Netflix grab rights to 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups
December 23 – FIFA and Netflix have inked a deal for the exclusive rights in the US to the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups, marking another significant streaming deal for a major tournament.
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.
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.
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.
Real Madrid ease past Pachuca to win Intercontinental Cup in Doha
December 19 – Real Madrid defeated Mexico’s Pachuca 3-0 to clinch the Intercontinental Cup and land manager Carlo Ancelotti a record fifteenth trophy at the club.
Not feeling the love; Vinicius Jnr uses social media to tell people he is ‘the best player in the world’
December 19 – Vinicius Junior has hit out at his critics after bouncing back from losing out at the Ballon d’Or by winning the FIFA Best trophy award, accusing his detractors of trying to “invalidate” and “diminish” him.
Euro MPs demand FIFA gives ‘binding commitments’ on ‘critical’ Saudi 2034 issues
December 18 – In an open letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, European lawmakers have expressed “grave concern” over the hosting of the 2034 World Cup by Saudi Arabia.
FIFA to open new office hub in Rabat, Morocco
December 18 – In a further decentralisation of the organisation, FIFA have announced that the world governing body will be opening an office in Rabat, Morocco.
Land of opportunity. FIFA’s cheap seats for Club World Cup final in New York start at $890
December 18 – The expanded FIFA Club World Cup has already drawn widespread criticism for cramming more fixtures into an already congested football calendar. But if the backlash over its scheduling wasn’t enough, the recently revealed ticket prices for the tournament could escalate the controversy to new heights.
FIFA apologises to Ukraine over Crimean map gaffe at World Cup qualifying draw
December 18 – FIFA has apologised to the Ukrainian FA for displaying a map during the European section of the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw that excluded Russia-occupied Crimea from the country’s territory.
Vinícius Júnior and Aitana Bonmati scoop FIFA’s ‘Best’ awards
December 18 – Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has finally got his hands on a major global player award.
Booze ban unlikely to be lifted for Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup
December 18 – Saudi Arabia has been dry since 1952, and we’re not talking about rain. King Ibn Saud banned alcohol that year, and the chances of football fans being allowed to drink in stadiums during World Cup 2034 are about as strong as Budweiser Zero.
BBC and ITV agree shared broadcast deals for 2026 and 2030 World Cups
December 17 – BBC Sport and ITV have renewed their deal to share live coverage of the men’s World Cup for both 2026 and 2030 editions, ensuring continued free-to-air access for football fans across the UK.