Japan, Canada and Brazil join US from Spring edition of SheBelieves Cup
January 22 – The US Soccer Federation has announced that Japan, Canada and Brazil will join them for the ninth edition of this Spring’s SheBelieves Cup.
World Football
Honduras
Honduras are a team on the rise and would have been in the Nations League final four if they had held on to their lead in the closing minutes of the quarter final against Mexico, eventually losing on penalties.
Cryprus bans all away fans in top two tiers for rest of season
January 22 – The Cyprus Football Federation (KOP) has banned all away fans from matches in the first and second tiers of Cypriot football, as well as matches in the Cyprus Cup.
Canada
Having thrown away their quarter final lead against Jamaica and then losing on penalties, Canada missed out on the CNL final four and now have a single match play-in against Trinidad and Tobago for qualification to the Copa America 2024, which will be played in the US with six Concacaf guests.
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago were pushed into the Copa America 2024 play-in round as one of the four losing quarter finalists in the Concacaf Nations League having been beaten 4-3 on aggregate by the US.
Salah injured as Egypt draw with Ghana
January 19 – Egypt lost Mohamed Salah to injury before coming from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Ghana in their potentially decisive Africa Cup of Nations match on Thursday.
Henderson quits Saudi for European return at Ajax
January 19 – The lucrative Saudi league has lost one of its high-profile players after England midfielder Jordan Henderson unexpectedly quit and returned to Europe to sign for Ajax.
Orange launches 14-team esports tournament alongside AFCON
January 19 – Telecoms giant Orange has furthered its involvement in the growth of eSports in Africa by launching an eFootball 2024 edition of the Orange eSport experience in Abidjan for the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.
UEFA opens tender process for UWCL media and women’s football sponsorship rights
January 19 – UEFA has begun the tender process for media rights to the Women’s Champions League and Women’s Football sponsorship rights for the 2025-30 commercial cycle.
Cypriot players’ union demands protection for players after flare causes injury
January 18 – The Cypriot players’ union (PASP) has threatened to boycott matches in the country’s elite leagues unless authorities can guarantee the safety of players during matches.
AFCON fails to draw big crowds, but ticketing failure doesn’t help
January 16 – Fans trying to attend games at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast have been left frustrated even though matches have been played in half-empty stadiums.
African Cup of Upsets sees Namibia rubbish the form book with Tunisia win
January 17 – In a tournament already producing a slew of upsets, Namibia pulled off the biggest so far when they beat Tunisia 1-0 for their first ever African Cup of Nations win.
Italian Supercoppa set for Saudi kick-off with Puma on hand to get the ball rolling
January 17 – With Saudi Arabia set to host Italy’s Supercoppa for the fourth time, Puma have unveiled a dedicated match ball designed specifically for 2024 edition.
Kay Bernstein, Herta Berlin ultra who became president, dies, aged 43
January 17 – Hertha Berlin president Kay Bernstein, a former supporter who surprisingly took over the presidency of the club in 2022, has died suddenly at the age of 43, the club said in a statement.
Former baseball star slugger Jose Bautista looks to hit Las Vegas Lights FC out the park
January 17 – The Las Vegas football (soccer) market is heating up. The MLS are expected to announce a franchise in the city once an ownership group is formalised, third tier league NISA last week announced the admission of Las Vegas Legends, and this week Las Vegas Lights, playing in the second tier US Championship, have a new high profile owner.