December 23 – Belgium will be top of the men’s FIFA rankings for a fourth successive Christmas and New Year, while the US women remain top of their rankings, a position they have held since 2017.
By Andrew Warshaw
December 21 – The entire narrative of a biennial World Cup, thought to have been irrevocably stalled because of widespread opposition, has been catapulted back into the limelight with FIFA president Gianni Infantino claiming it would “benefit everyone without harming anyone”.
December 21 – FIFA has announced VISA as its first Global Women’s Football Partner under its newly launched commercial partnership structure that has separated the mens and women’s commercial sales sponsor offers and which comes into effect in 2023.
By Samindra Kunti in Al Khor, Qatar
December 20 – In an all-North African final, Algeria defeated Tunisia 2-0 with extra-time goals from Amir Sayoud and Yacine Brahimi to claim their first Arab Cup, a tournament that served as a dress rehearsal for World Cup hosts Qatar.
By Paul Nicholson
December 17 – Ahead of FIFA’s much vaunted Global Summit on the Future of Football – that will focus on the international calendar and in particular FIFA’s proposal for a biennial World Cup – a report has been released that predicts if FIFA’s proposals were implemented, Europe’s federations would lose revenues of €2.5 – 3 billion over a four-year cycle.
By Paul Nicholson
December 16 – The Swiss Federal Assembly has confirmed the appointment of two senior magistrates to continue the criminal investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino and his dealings with former Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber.
By Samindra Kunti in Doha, Qatar
December 16 – Algeria broke Qatari hearts on Wednesday, eliminating the Arab Cup hosts 2-1 in the semifinals following a dramatic, seesaw 19 minutes of injury time. The African champions will take on Tunisia in the final.
December 16 – The transfer market could potentially be transformed after FIFA announced it will impose a 10% cap on all agents’ fees from next season to tackle the “excessive and abusive” sums taken out of the game.
December 15 – European-based players make up every member of the men’s FIFA FIFPRO final 23 players who have received the most votes to date for the 2021 World 11. Only four selections in the 23-player women’s equivalent, play outside Europe.
By David Owen
December 13 – FIFA is restructuring its sponsorship offer to enable brands to associate themselves specifically with the governing body’s women’s football and e-sports competitions.
December 13 – Olympic leaders have re-emphasised their opposition to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s pet plan to stage the World Cup every two years even though the idea is now almost certainly on the backburner following widespread global criticism.
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 10 – In the last eight of the FIFA Arab Cup, hosts Qatar will take on rivals the United Arab Emirates on Friday seeking to build on their convincing group-stage form while Morocco and Algeria headline Saturday’s action.
December 10 – The US women remain top of FIFA’s rankings, a position they have held since 2017. They are followed by Sweden and Germany.
December 9 – Colombia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Seychelles and Thailand have all expressed an interest in hosting the 2023 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
December 8 – Fan-led review chair Tracey Crouch MP has responded to criticism, arguing that an independent regulator will help grow the English game.