Albania gives diplomatic passports to national team as reward for qualifying for Euro 2024
December 22 – The Albanian government has decided to reward all players and coaches of the Albanian national team with diplomatic passports.
World Football
Dream Asia Foundation board notes impact across continent with focus on safeguarding
December 22 – The AFC has reaffirmed its commitment to expand its social development programmes via its Dream Asia Foundation aimed at empowering the continent’s most vulnerable communities.
European Court rules blocking of European Super League broke EU competition law
By Andrew Warshaw
December 21 – In a bombshell decision that could have significant ramifications, the European Court of Justice ruled today that UEFA and FIFA broke EU competition rules by attempting to block the seemingly doomed breakaway Super League.
Russian FA votes to stay in UEFA rather than seek to join the AFC
December 21 – The Russian Football Association has voted against leaving UEFA to join the Asian Football Confederation despite its teams having been banned over the conflict in Ukraine.
USSF tells MLS that US Open Cup remains for first teams only
December 21 – Major League Soccer (MLS) has been told by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) that its clubs can only play first teams in the country’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Slovenian women’s team wins equal pay deal after summer of discontent
December 12 – The Slovenian women’s national team has achieved equal pay with the country’s men’s team, Fifpro said on Wednesday.
LaLiga to open up referees’ audio for VAR decision-making to public
December 20 – In a landmark move, fans in Spain will be able to hear reasons for contentious VAR decisions following an agreement between the Spanish Football League (La Liga) and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Turkish chaos: Istanbulspor leave the pitch after president protests referee’s decisions
December 20 – Turkish football has been hit with another scandal involving club presidents and match officials.
Carille tasked with returning Santos to Brazilian top tier
December 20 – Brazilian club Santos have tasked Fabio Carille with steering the club back to the top flight, confirming his appointment earlier this week.
Concacaf sets dates for first two rounds of 2024 Champions Cup
December 20 – Concacaf has announced the schedule for the revamped 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One and Round of 16 matches.
Report shows rise in referee abuse, England extend bodycam trial
December 19 – Allegations of serious offences against match officials in English grassroots football increased slightly last season compared to 2021-22, figures show.
Atlanta to host 2024 SheBelieves Cup, opening at 89,000 capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium
December 19 – Atlanta, the future home of the US national team training centre, will be the host city for the ninth SheBelieves Cup.
Sheffield United review of Cusack death finds no wrongdoing but ‘processes’ to be reviewed
December 19 – An external investigation into the events leading up to the death of Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack found “no evidence of wrongdoing”.
FIFA slaps transfer ban on Botev Vratasa for failing to pay Brambilla’s wages
December 19 – Bulgaria’s top tier clubs continue to struggle with financial issues with Botev Vratsa being the latest to break financial rules. FIFA have imposed a transfer ban on the club over its failure to pay the wages of former player, Brazilian Lucas Brambilla.
UCL draw: Serie A and LaLiga clash as Inter draw Atletico, and Barca meet Napoli in last 16
December 18 – Holders Manchester City were handed arguably the easiest tie in the last 16 of the Champions League after being paired with FC Copenhagen, while Spanish heavyweights Barcelona will face Napoli as today’s draw kept Europe’s giant clubs apart.