Brazil mourns passing of one of football’s greatest, Mario Zagallo, 92
January 7 – A four-time world champion and the first person to win the World Cup as both a player and a coach, Mario Zagallo has died at the age of 92.
World Football
FA Cup fever grips Reynolds and McElhenney as Wrexham beat Shrewsbury
January 8 – Three years into their ownership of Wrexham that earned the Welsh club global recognition, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are continuing their love affair with the club – and appear gripped by FA Cup fever.
FA Cup delivers big game kills in the land of the giants
January 8 – Maidstone United from the sixth tier of English football, have progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a giant killing 1-0 win over high-flying League One side Stevenage thanks to a first-half penalty converted by Sam Corne.
Transfer talk: Mbappe set for Spain, Henderson wants home, Kalvin Phillips set for Toon?
January 8 – The Kylian Mbappe saga has taken another turn as the Frenchman appears to have agreed a deal to join Real Madrid at the end of his contract, although the club are reportedly offering less money than their 2022 offer.
Dorival set for for Brazil job after returning Rodriguez dumps Diniz
January 8 – No Carlo Ancelotti and now no more Fernando Diniz. Brazil and their returning president Ednaldo Rodrigues have dismissed their interim manager after a run of poor results.
Court returns Rodrigues to CBF over fears for Olympic status and 2027 WWC bid
January 5 – Ednaldo Rodrigues has returned to chair Brazilian football following a provisional order by Brazilian justice Minister Gilmar Mendes that overturned a previous court order removing him from the CBF presidency.
PSG rethink stadium options as Stade de France bid deadline passes
January 5 – A deal that would see French Champions Paris Saint Germain relocate to the neighbouring Stade to France has not materialised, with the club set to stay put at the Parc des Princes for the time being.
Côte d’Ivoire ready for long-awaited AFCON kick off
January 5 – Côte d’Ivoire FA president Yacine Idriss Diallo says everything is ready in terms of preparations for the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
Turks tender TV rights for new 3-year Super Lig cycle
January 5 – The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has launched a tender for the broadcasting rights for the matches of the country’s top two football leagues – Super Lig and First Lig for the next three seasons.
Transfer talk: Firmino for Fulham, Chelsea clearout, Bayern eye Tomori
January 5 – Despite being welcomed to Saudi Arabia as one of its league’s marquee summer signings, Brazilian centre-forward Roberto Firmino (pictured) is on the verge of a return to the Premier League, with Fulham leading the chase for the ex-Liverpool man.
Pixbet agrees record shirt sponsorship with Flamengo
January 5 – Betting operator Pixbet has expanded its partnership with leading Brazilian club Flamengo with a new two-year shirt sponsor deal.
Portland Thorns sells for record $63m to Raj Sports
January 5 – NWSL club Portland Thorns have been sold for $63 million, a record for the acquisition of a women’s club.
Should I stay or should I go? Mbappé prevaricates
January 4 – Kylian Mbappé says he has yet to decide whether he will sign a new contract to stay at Paris St. Germain beyond this season or leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Transfer rumours: No Saudi for Salah, Olise to replace Sancho at Man Utd, taxi for Eddie Howe?
January 4 – Mohamed Salah’s future looks to have swung in favour of staying with Liverpool, with the 31-year-old reportedly leaning towards signing a new contract at the Merseyside club. The Egyptian’s current contract at Anfield runs out in the summer of 2025.
Levski Sofia agree three-year deal to repay debt owed to Bulgarian state
June 4 – Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia have successfully concluded negotiations with the country’s National Revenue Agency (NRA) to reschedule debt owed to the state over the next three years.