Norwegian study highlights brain injury dangers from heading
February 18 – A study in Norway has revealed that repeated heading and accidental head impacts in football can alter the blood structure of the brain.
World Football
LaLiga to return to full stadium capacity March
February 18 – La Liga can return to packed stadiums after Spain’s health minister said that health authorities have decided to allow football stadiums and other sports venues to operate at full capacity again.
Arrest warrants issued for OFC bosses charged with fraud over House of Football site in NZ
By Andrew Warshaw
February 17 – Years after being plunged into scandal with a spate of high ranking officials banned for financial wrongdoing, the Oceania Football Association (OFC) has once again become embroiled in chaos and corruption.
Montagliani emphasises scale of Concacaf W Qualifiers as a ‘hugely important milestone’
February 17 – Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has hailed the kick off for the first Concacaf W Qualifiers as “a hugely important milestone for women’s football in our region”.
More goal chances and more ball in play: North and Western European leagues top ranking
February 17 – The professional leagues of Northern and Western Europe see teams playing more ‘openly’ that the leagues in South and East of the continent, according to data from the CIES Football Observatory.
Italy issues international arrest warrant for convicted rapist Robinho
February 17 – Italian authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, the former Brazil star who was convicted of rape in Italy.
Benfica deny €1.9m was paid via third-party business to referee Bruno Paixão
February 16 – A former Portuguese referee is under investigation for allegedly receiving up to €1.9 million from Benfica which could, if proven, reportedly lead to the Lisbon club being sensationally relegated.
UEFA announces Socios.com deal but fan groups fear risks of unregulated crypto
February 16 – UEFA’s partnership with blockchain-based Fan Token platform Socios, announced yesterday, has quickly drawn criticism from fan groups who accuse the European governing body of leaving fans in the hands of “crypto-mercenaries”.
Haiti’s Cavaly pulls out of Concacaf Champions League after failure to obtain US visas
February 16 – Haitian club AS Cavaly has formally withdrawn from the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League after the club failed to obtain visas for the US.
UEFA land in Albania where politics and football have reached pre-election boiling point
February 16 – A UEFA delegation has arrived in Albania to evaluate the electoral process of the national federation before clubs vote on a new FA president next month amid concerns about political interference.
Major move: Monterrey to host summer’s inaugural Concacaf W Championship
By Paul Nicholson
February 15 – Concacaf is breaking the mould with its women’s competitions, not just in their structure and scale, but also in their venue. Monterrey, Mexico, will host the inaugural Concacaf W Championship that will be played July 4-18.
Brazil and Argentina to replay abandoned qualifier; Martinez, Lo Celso, Romero, Buendia banned
By Samindra Kunti
February 15 – FIFA have ordered Brazil and Argentina to replay their World Cup qualifier that was abandoned last September when Brazilian health officials stormed the pitch in Sao Paulo over alleged Covid-19 accusations by Argentinian visitors.
Salernitana make their point but remain bottom of Serie A
February 15 – Italian football’s appeals court has overturned a Serie A decision to penalise Salernitana for failing to travel to Udinese for a league fixture on December 21.
Pochettino backs Messi to star in PSG vs Real Madrid Champions league clash
February 15 – Paris St Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino has backed Lionel Messi to come good against Real Madrid in tonight’s mouth-watering Champions League last-16 first leg despite an underwhelming domestic campaign.
Eriksen edges closer to full return with key Newcastle match the target
February 15 – Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen marked his 30th birthday with a first appearance since his cardiac arrest at last summer’s Euros, playing 60 minutes for his new club Brentford in behind-closed-doors friendly against fifth-tier club Southend United.