Canada secure World Cup berth; US and Mexico closing in on Qatar 2022
March 28 – Canada stormed past Jamaica at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, to qualify for their first World Cup finals since 1986.
World Football
New Zealand beat Tahiti to set up OFC qualifying final against the Solomon Islands
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
March 28 – New Zealand edged towards a ticket for the international World Cup playoff following a laboured 1-0 victory against Tahiti to set up the OFC qualification final against Solomon Islands.
CFG expands club ownership with addition of Nac Breda
March 25 – City Football Group have acquired Dutch second-tier outfit Nac Breda, which will become the eleventh club owned by the Abu Dhabi group.
Costa Rica end Canada’s unbeaten run to keep their Qatar 2022 challenge alive
March 25 – Costa Rica catapulted themselves back into contention for a place at the Qatar 2022 World Cup with a 1-0 win over group leaders Canada, the first time the Canadians have been beaten in the final round of qualifying.
Russia submit last minute bid to host either Euro 2028 or 2032
By Andrew Warshaw
March 24 – In an act of brazen effrontery, Russia has unexpectedly thrown its hat into the ring to stage Euro 2028 despite the country’s ban from international football because of the invasion of Ukraine.
Ednaldo Rodrigues takes CBF presidency claiming a win against racism and prejudice
March 24 – Brazilian football has a new boss. After rudderless months, Ednaldo Rodrigues has been elected the new president of the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) for a four-year term.
Rapidly growing USL hires Cohen to lead broadcast and media push in New York
March 24 – The United Soccer League is beefing up its broadcast and media presence with the launch of a new media group under industry veteran Michael Cohen, and a commitment to open a business presence in New York to expand its partnerships.
UK and Ireland FAs submit formal bid for Euro 2028 hosting
By Paul Nicholson
March 23 – The four UK FAs and the Football Association of Ireland have today formally submitted a joint Expression of Interest to host Euro 2028.
Big Five league player injury costs rocket to €279m, finds report
March 23 – Injuries cost the Big Five football countries in Europe (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) a staggering €279.49 million in the first half of this year according to a new study.
Wembley tickets for Finalissima 2022 on sale with prices starting at £25
March 23 – Tickets for the Wembley play-off between the national team champions of Europe and South America – dubbed the Finalissima 2022 – go on sale Thursday with category 3 tickets priced at £25.
UEFA poised to award Euro 28 hosting to combined Britain and Ireland bid
March 22 – The UK and Ireland are set to be named as the joint hosts of Euro 2028, with no rival bid having come forward before tomorrow’s deadline for “expressions of interest”, according to reports.
Overmars in quick return with Antwerp role after Dutch disgrace
March 22 – Belgian club Antwerp have named Marc Overmars as their new technical director, just weeks after the Dutchman exited Ajax Amsterdam under a cloud.
AC Milan, PSG and Real Madrid cut Fonbet deals; Parimatch adjusts at Chelsea
March 21 – Football’s commercial sponsorship backlash over the Russian invasion of Ukraine is continuing. Russian online bookmaker Fonbet has had three major club sponsorships cancelled, while Parimatch tech is redefining its deal with Chelsea.
FIFA earmarks $1m of relief for Ukraine humanitarian crisis
March 21 – FIFA has sent medical supplies to the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF) and allocated $1 million to the FIFA Foundation for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
OFC 2022 qualifiers: Covid kills Vanuatu’s campaign, Cook Islands also hit
March 21 – Vanuatu have withdrawn from Oceania’s eight-team World Cup qualifiers because of a Covid-19 outbreak in the squad. The Cooks Islands’ second game was also postponed due to positive coronavirus cases.