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.
FIFA
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.
Saudis, Egyptians and Greeks line up joint bid to host 2030 World Cup
September 9 – Saudi Arabia will reportedly launch a joint bid with Egypt and Greece to host the 2030 World Cup within a matter of weeks.
FIFA upgrades its Fan Festival format for Qatar 2022 and opens it for global licensing
September 7 – FIFA has released plans for its new-look World Cup fan park – FIFA Fan Festival – that will rolled at Qatar 2022 in Al Bidda Park, Doha, and in 2023 at venues across Australia and New Zealand.
FIFA ban Zimbabwe referees chief Zhoya for sexual harassment
September 2 – A former Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) official has been banned for five years by FIFA and fined CHF20,000 for sexually harassing three female referees.
FIFA summons Castillo to appeal hearing that will decide Ecuador’s Qatar 2022 participation
By Andrew Warshaw
September 1 – Chile’s protracted appeal over whether Ecuador should be kicked out of the World Cup finals for fielding an ineligible player has taken a significant twist with FIFA now agreeing to hear the case in mid-September.
Spain beat Japan to take U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica
August 30 – Spain defeated Japan 3-1 to win the U-20 Women’s World Cup with Salma Paralluelo’s brace powering the Europeans to the title.
India set to be readmitted to world football and re-instated as U17 Women’s World Cup hosts
August 26 – FIFA is set to lift the suspension of India and reinstate the country as hosts of October’s U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Japan and Spain through to final of U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica
August 26 – In a repeat of the 2018 final, Japan and Spain will compete for the U20 Women’s World Cup crown on Sunday after Brazil and the Netherlands fell in the last four of the tournament.
Chile fear FIFA delays will stop any potential CAS appeal over Ecuador’s 2022 participation
By Paul Nicholson
August 23 – The Chilean FA have expressed increasing concern over FIFA’s delay in ruling on their appeal over whether Ecuador should be expelled from the 2022 World Cup for fielding an ineligible player.
Qatar 2022: Forget the football, it’s all about the happy music, a whole album full
August 23 – A Qatar 2022 news item and with all the concerns around accommodation, at a quick glance and it could almost read Airbnb. It isn’t, in fact it is Arhbo, the new single from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Official Soundtrack.
Brazil, Japan, Spain, and the Netherlands fill Women’s U-20 World Cup slots
August 22 – Brazil, Spain, Japan and the Netherlands have all booked their spots for the semi-finals of the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica after dramatic and often tense last-eight encounters.
Is Saudi getting ready to enter the ring for a 2030 World Cup bid?
August 22 – Seen alongside Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended the heavyweight boxing fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua in Jeddah, at the weekend, further reinforcing ties between the FIFA President and Saudi Arabia.
Germany and US out of U-20 Women’s World Cup. Brazil, Japan, Nigeria and Spain set pace
August 19 – Brazil and Spain have progressed to the last eight of the U-20 Women’s World Cup, but tournament favourites Germany and USA exited the competition in the group phase.
Banned India scrambles to keep women’s U-17 World Cup hosting and teams playing
August 17 – In the wake of India’s ban from the game, the country’s Supreme Court has adjourned the AIFF case to next week with the government and FIFA holding further talks as the Indians bid to retain the U-17 World Cup hosting rights.