FIFA boosts 2018 initial squad selection rules from 30-35 players, final squads still at 23
February 9 – FIFA has increased the number of players that coaches can select in their initial World Cup squads from 30 to 35.
2026 World Cup in North America would generate $5bn in economic activity, says report
February 9 – An economic impact report on the potential hosting of the 2026 World Cup in the three North American markets of Canada, Mexico and the US, reckons the event would create $5 billion in economic activity and a net benefit of $3-4 billion after taking out potential public costs.
2019 Women’s World Cup schedule agreed with kick off in Paris and final in Lyons
February 9 – FIFA has agreed the match schedule for the Women’s World Cup France 2019 which will see the competition open in Paris on June 7 with the final in Lyons, the hotbed of French and European women’s club football, on July 7.
Exclusive: FIFA Medical Committee acts on goalkeeper aggression
By David Owen
February 9 – FIFA is moving closer to taking action on overly aggressive play by goalkeepers. The organisation’s Medical Committee this week decided to send what chairman Michel D’Hooghe describes as a “strong” letter on the issue to colleagues on the Referees’ Committee.
Man Utd on course for £585m financial finish, but wage bill set to hit profits
By Paul Nicholson
February 8 – Manchester United have announced revenue of £163.9 million and operating profit of £28.7 million for its 2018 second quarter financial results ending December 31.
Russia sues stadium builders for $50m over missed construction schedules
February 8 – Russia’s Sports Ministry is suing companies building World Cup stadiums for 2.9 billion rubles ($50.8 million) over delays in constructions schedules.
Maltese court overturns not-guilty verdict in U21 match-fixing case
February 8 – Two former members of the Under-21 Maltese national team have been declared guilty of match-fixing after a Maltese court of appeal overturned the original judgment that had cleared them.
LaLiga confirm integrity director Lorenzo Mena to attend Tackling Matchfixing conference
February 8 – LaLiga’s Integrity and Security director Alfredo Lorenzo Mena has confirmed he will be speaking at the Tackling Matchfixing conference in London, March 9-10. He will join a panel examining what Europe’s biggest leagues are doing to combat and defend themselves against match fixers.
Man City broker new sponsorship with AvaTrade for Asia and Latin America
February 8 – Manchester City has signed a new multi-year regional partnership with online trading broker AvaTrade who will become the club’s Official Online Trading Partner for China, Asia and Latin America.
Ghana football in chaos as injunction halts Congress and delays season
By Mark Baber
February 8 – Football in Ghana, including the Ghana Premier League, First Division and the Ordinary Congress of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been put on hold as Accra Great Olympics, one of the teams relegated at the end of last season, won an injunction on Monday delaying kick off of the new season until their appeal against relegation is heard.
Qatar’s $575m Al-Wakrah Stadium on course for end 2018 opening
February 8 – The 2022 World Cup venue designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid will be finished by the end of 2018, according to those responsible for the project.
Coca-Cola make eCopa a grassroots qualifier for FIFA eWorld Cup 2018
February 8 – Coca-Cola has announced that its eCOPA Coca-Cola tournament will be an official EA Sports FIFA 18 Global Series qualifier event as part of ‘The Road to the FIFA eWorld Cup 2018’ that will be played in August.
Out in the cold: Rosell suffers in prison in freezing conditions and near solitary confinement
February 8 – How are the mighty fallen. As a former president of Barcelona and a key figure in the European Clubs Association, Sandro Rosell was used to the high life. Not any longer.
Chelsea fans warned for anti-Semitic chanting
February 8 – Not for the first time, Premier League champions Chelsea have been condemned over the use of anti-Semitic language by a section of their fans.
Australia launch bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup
February 7 – Despite Australia’s bitterness at not winning the rights to host the 2022 World Cup still seemingly burnt deep into the psyche of the nation, its government and federation have not been put off bidding for FIFA events.