FIFA World makes metaverse debut on Roblox platform in multi-year deal
October 12 – FIFA has opened the doors to it metaverse real estate with FIFA World debuting on the 50-million user Roblox platform.
FIFA
Conmebol pledge support for Infantino re-election to FIFA presidency
October 12 – In a boost to Gianni Infantino, South American governing body Conmebol has said they will back the FIFA president unanimously for re-election at next year’s FIFA Congress in Kigali.
India steamrollered by US on opening day of U-17 World Cup
By Samindra Kunti in Mumbai
October 8 – Hosts India suffered a humiliating 8-0 defeat at the hands of the United States, a result that exposed the country’s systemic failures at grassroots levels in the country.
FIFA earmarks $209 million in compensation for clubs with players at Qatar 2022
October 11 – FIFA has opened the financial compensation process for clubs whose players will be participating at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Wait over, hosts India kick-off U-17 Women’s World Cup against USA tonight
By Samindra Kunti in Mumbai
October 11 – Hosts India will kick off the U-17 Women’s World Cup against the United States in Bhubaneswar today after a protracted and turbulent build-up to the tournament.
Brazil widen gap at top of FIFA rankings as Qatar 2022 kick-off apporaches
October 6 – With two months to go until the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, Brazil will head to the global finals at the top of the FIFA ranking.
2023 WWC tickets on sale tomorrow
October 5 – On Thursday, tickets for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will go on sale, FIFA confirmed, with prices as low as AUD/NZD$20.
Iran defeat Uruguay 1-0, but anti-regime protests reflect country in crisis
By Samindra Kunti in Sankt Polten
September 29 – With a second-half strike from Mehdi Taremi, Iran defeated Uruguay 1-0 in a friendly international, but the match was overshadowed by an isolated protest against the Iranian regime.
FIFA makes performance stats app available to players at Qatar 2022
September 23 – Players at the World Cup in Qatar are to be given access to their playing performance stats via an app being provided by FIFA.
Infantino meets Turkey’s Erdoğan on fringes of UN General Assembly
September 21 – On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, FIFA president Gianni Infantino met with Turkish president Recep Erdoğan.
Honduras’ Wisdom Quaye handed 18-month ban for doping
September 21 – Honduras defender Wisdom Quaye has been banned for 18 months due to a doping violation at a World Cup qualifying game against the United States.
Infantino tells club execs that they have got to improve and think globally
September 21 – Speaking to a group of club administrators at a FIFA Diploma in Club Management session, FIFA president Gianni Infantino broke from his normal international and national team themes to tell them that club management worldwide needs to improve.
Sponsor and FA pressure builds on FIFA to agree compensation for migrant workers
September 20 – The German FA and four major FIFA sponsors have upped the pressure on the world federation and local organisers to offer compensation to migrant workers and their families in Qatar.
Indonesia U23 World Cup targets youth demographic
September 20 – Bacuya the rhino has been unveiled as the mascot for the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia in 2023.
Ecuador on track for Qatar 2022, Chile going to CAS. Did FIFA just condone cheating?
By Andrew Warshaw
September 16 – Chile have failed in their attempt to have Ecuador kicked out of the World Cup by FIFA, infuriating the head of their FA who described the judgement as a “dark day” for the sport.