Le Graët to seek fourth term as president of French federation
January 22 – Noël Le Graët, president of the French Football Federation since 2011, has finally made up his mind and has agreed to stand for a fourth term.
World Football
Battle of Buenos Aires: Lanus and Defensa y Justicia line up for Copa Sudamerica final
January 22 – On Saturday, Argentine clubs Lanus and Defensa y Justicia will contest the 2020 Copa Sudamericana final behind closed doors in Cordoba, the first continental final in South America since the coronavirus pandemic.
Poland bring in Paula Sousa to lead national team into Euros
January 22 – Poland will be coached by former Portuguese international Paulo Sousa (pictured) at the delayed Euro 2020 finals this year.
Real Madrid knocked out of Spanish Cup by third-tier giantkillers Alcoyano
January 21 – Rotation can backfire. An understrength Real Madrid crashed out of the Spanish Cup in the round of 32 at the hands of third-division club Alcoyano on Wednesday, increasing pressure on French coach Zinedine Zidane.
Amnesty and English FA issue training guide to opening up game to refugee women
January 21 – Amnesty International UK have joined with the English Football Association in issuing a free guide and online training series which aims to increase refugee women’s participation in grassroots football.
Messi and Ronaldo still make the cut in UEFA fan vote for 2020 teams of the year
January 20 – Five Bayern Munich players and seven Olympique Lyonnais stars dominate the UEFA.com men’s and women’s teams of the year, as voted for by almost 6 million fans on the website.
Cameroon crisis: CAS and Infantino demand new elections. CHAN plays on regardless
January 20 – As the delayed African Nations Championship (CHAN) continues in Cameroon following its eagerly awaited kick-off last weekend, complete with trademark fanfare, off the field there is anything but unity in the bosom of the national federation (Fecafoot) which has been riven with political division.
Montreal says its new French club name will have more impact
January 20 – Canada’s MLS franchise based in Montreal will start the 2021 season with a new name, changing its 28-year moniker from Montreal Impact Club de Foot Montréal (CF Montréal).
Europe’s 2027 Women’s World Cup bidders plan Feb tournament showcase
January 20 – Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, nations bidding to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, will play in a tri-nations tournament in February to promote their hosting credentials.
Atlético go to CAS in bid to keep Trippier playing despite betting ban
January 20 – As anticipated, Atlético Madrid have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to suspend the ban on their English international Kieran Trippier imposed by his national federation for breaching betting rules.
Interim England role for Norwegian Riise as Neville heads for Miami
January 202 – The English Football Association has appointed Hege Riise to take over the role as interim national women’s head coach and fill the hole left by the sudden departure of Phil Neville to Inter Miami.
England’s National League clubs face £11m question of continuing, or not
By Andrew Warshaw
January 19 – The top two tiers of English non-league football, known as the National League and National League north and south, are in danger of being called off because of funding – or lack of it.
Neville confirms move to Inter Miami to join Beckham’s MLS project
January 19 – Twenty-four hours after his contract as manager of England’s women was prematurely ended in anticipation of a move to the United States, Phil Neville has duly been named head coach of Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer club part-owned by David Beckham.
Bundesliga boss says fans in stadia now unlikely before next season
January 19 – The German Bundesliga, a league renowned for its fan culture, doesn’t expect to see supporters return to stadiums until the 2021/22 season.
Motsepe on the CAF campaign trail rubs shoulders with Infantino in Cameroon
By Samindra Kunti
January 18 – On the side lines of the 2021 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Cameroon, Patrice Motsepe has been courting national FA presidents in a bid to strengthen his candidature for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) presidential elections.