Mane misses Senegal celebration as travel disruption forces him back to Liverpool
January 9 – Senegal’s Sadio Mane has apologised for not visiting his homeland before returning to Liverpool after being named African Player of the Year.
World Football
Concacaf get ready for Tokyo 2020 qualifiers with Mexican draw
January 10 – With the AFC’s U23 Championship and Olympic qualifiers in full swing, Concacaf have announced the draw for the eight-team tournament that will qualify their two teams for the Tokyo 2020 game.
US international Dest quits Ajax training camp in Qatar over safety fears
January 10 – Ajax’s United States international right-back Sergino Dest has left his club’s training camp in Qatar because he does “not feel comfortable” amid rising political tensions between the US and Qatar’s neighbour Iran.
Barca boss Valverde questions integrity of money-only tournaments
January 9 – Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has hit out at the new format of the Spanish Super Cup, saying it is only taking place in Saudi Arabia because of the money.
Le Graët cleared to take UEFA seat on FIFA Council
January 9 – At 78, he would be too old to serve on UEFA’s executive committee yet can still represent Europe at the top table of FIFA.
MLS plan 25th season celebrations but need to complete player contract talks
January 9 – Major League Soccer has unveiled plans to celebrate the league’s 25th anniversary, including a jersey reveal ahead of New York Fashion Week and other events to mark the landmark.
Shame on Serie A: Lazio get off lightly for fans’ racist abuse of Balotelli
January 9 – Lazio have been fined a token €20,000 for their fans’ racial abuse of Mario Balotelli during last weekend’s Serie A fixture at Brescia, avoiding a stadium closure.
Mane scoops top African men’s player award, Oshoala wins women’s title for 4th time
January 9 – Liverpool and Senegal’s Sadio Mane – in what is a rare reversal of awards fortune – came out on top of Egyptian and club team mate Mo Salah to win the African men’s player of the year award for 2019. Nigerian and Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala took the African women’s player of the year.
From hero to zero. Liberians protest at Weah’s political playbook and missing millions
January 8 – George Weah, Liberia’s most decorated player who now runs the country, is facing the biggest crisis of either his footballing or political career.
Todger-toting Malaga coach Sanchez suspended after video goes viral
January 8 – Second-tier Spanish side Malaga have suspended their coach Victor Sanchez del Amo (pictured) after a sexually explicit video of him appeared on social media.
Duffy switches NWSL role for Orlando Pride lead
January 8 – Amanda Duffy (pictured) will step down as president of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States next month to become executive vice president of the Orlando Pride.
Saudi’s controversial €120m Spanish Super Cup ready to kick off but fans stay at home
January 7 – The revamped Spanish Super Cup gets under way in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday but few Spanish fans have made the trip amid heightened political tensions in the region and mounting criticism of the tournament being held in another Continent in a country long condemned for its human rights record.
Flamengo turmoil as Globo TV deal hits roadblock and board battle for control
January 7 – Flamengo’s new year has began under a storm cloud. The Brazilian giants have not yet reached a rights agreement with TV Globo about the upcoming Rio state championship and, on Monday, Flamengo dismissed their director of football Paulo Pelaipe.
Head injury research project expanded to test for early signs of dementia
January 7 – The University of East Anglia have intensified research into the link between football and dementia with a £1 million study that will test former players for early signs of the disease.
Nutcracker Christie banned after Celtic vs Rangers derby overheats
January 7 – Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie has been slapped with a ban after being found guilty of grabbing Rangers’ Colombian forward Alfredo Morelos by the genitals during the recent derby between Scotland’s two rival Glasgow giants.