Saudi Arabia to guest at 2025 Gold Cup in US; final qualification play-offs set
December 20 – Saudi Arabia will compete at the 16-team Concacaf Gold Cup next summer, to be played predominantly on the West coast of the USA.
World Football
A22 says it consulted stakeholders. European Leagues say no-one spoke to them
December 20 – The European Leagues organisation has insisted it was not consulted by the promoters of the proposed European Super League regarding the relaunch of the breakaway concept as the Unify League.
UEFA names new second-tier club competition Women’s Europa Cup
December 20 – UEFA has named its newly launched second-tier women’s club tournament the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.
US academy league MLS Next aligns with Girls Academy to develop pro pathways
December 20 – The path to the top level of women’s soccer in the United States became a little clearer after MLS Next formed a strategic alliance with the Girls Academy (GA).
UEFA releases Respect Report detailing sustainability and social impact initiatives
December 20 – UEFA’s 2023/24 Respect Report outlines €12.1 million spent on sustainability initiatives last season, tracking over 100 key performance indicators in a data-driven effort to address football’s environmental and social impact.
Belgian Pro League agrees reduced DAZN TV deal and ponders new format discussion
December 20 – In a significant drop from the previous rights agreement, the Belgian Pro League and DAZB have signed a new five-year deal, worth €84,2 million. The reduction in broadcast fees has prompted clubs to talk about a review of the currrent league format.
Romanian FA launches finance manual to guide players
December 20 – The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) and the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) launched a financial education manual dedicated to football players aged 10-16, to support them in managing their personal finances and making informed financial decisions both during and after their sports career.
A22’s ‘Unify’ league plan creates division with UEC slamming its ‘elitist vision’
December 19 – The Union of European Clubs (UEC) has criticised A22’s ‘Unify’ plans over of its elitist blueprint for its proposed European club competition.
CAF push AFCON to winter to avoid 2025 Club World Cup
December 19 – The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will be staged from December 21 to January 18, 2026, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed.
Barca scramble for work-arounds as return to Nou Camp looks set for further delay
December 19 – The highly anticipated return of FC Barcelona to their spiritual home, the iconic Camp Nou, looks set to be delayed yet again.
Botev Plovdiv seek answers from government for banning of club’s Russian owner from Bulgaria
December 19 – Bulgaria’s Botev Plovdiv management has invited the deputies of six political parties to a meeting as the club seeks answers to questions on the travel restrictions imposed on the club’s Russian owner, Anton Zingarevich.
Canada’s Northern Super League start-up secures hummel as kit provider
December 19 – The start-up Northern Super League, the professional women’s league that launches in 2025 with six teams, has unveiled hummel as its official kit provider.
UCCSA set tender launch date for Women’s Champions League media rights for 2023-30 cycle
December 19 – UEFA Club Competitions SA (UCCSA), the joint venture between UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) that manages the commercial business of UEFA’s club competitions, will launch a tender process for Women’s Champions League media rights on January 3.
Are the lunatics taking over the asylum? A22 applies to UEFA and FIFA to sanction its look-a-like league
December 18 – The European Super League (ESL) is dead in name only. It’s backer, A22 Sports Management, has proposed an alternative league hierarchy compromising 95 clubs across four leagues.
Ronaldo plots to enter football politics with run at Brazilian FA presidency
December 18 – Brazil legend Ronaldo has confirmed that he wants to run for the presidency of the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) with a programme that will restore the prestige of the country’s game.