December 20 – The path to the top level of women’s soccer in the United States became a little clearer after MLS Next formed a strategic alliance with the Girls Academy (GA).
December 20 – UEFA’s 2023/24 Respect Report outlines €12.1 million spent on sustainability initiatives last season, tracking over 100 key performance indicators in a data-driven effort to address football’s environmental and social impact.
December 20 – A record-breaking 1,181 international fixtures were played in 2024, yet with just 21 matches since November, the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking has seen little change heading into the new year.
December 20 – In a significant drop from the previous rights agreement, the Belgian Pro League and DAZB have signed a new five-year deal, worth €84,2 million. The reduction in broadcast fees has prompted clubs to talk about a review of the currrent league format.
December 20 – FIFA have put the first round of Club World Cup tickets on sale, in a move which puts dynamic ticket pricing in place for the first time in football.
December 20 – Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers, in the English top flight since 2018, have hired the much-travelled Vitor Pereira as their new manager.
December 20 – The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) and the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) launched a financial education manual dedicated to football players aged 10-16, to support them in managing their personal finances and making informed financial decisions both during and after their sports career.
December 19 – The Union of European Clubs (UEC) has criticised A22’s ‘Unify’ plans over of its elitist blueprint for its proposed European club competition.
December 19 – After much too-ing and fro-ing and having pulled out of an original deal last summer, The Friedkin Group (TFG) has finally completed its majority takeover of Everton, ending the turbulent tenure of Farhad Moshiri and sparking fresh hope for fans of one the Premier League’s longest standing clubs.
December 19 – The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will be staged from December 21 to January 18, 2026, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed.
December 19 – Real Madrid defeated Mexico’s Pachuca 3-0 to clinch the Intercontinental Cup and land manager Carlo Ancelotti a record fifteenth trophy at the club.
December 19 – Premier League attendance remains in a strong position despite the festive season being in full flow. Usually this stage would record a drop off in attendance due to money saving or family priorities, but match week 16’s average of 97.89% marks a strong score for the period.
December 19 – FC Barcelona defender Jules Koundé has emerged as the most-used outfield player in world football, according to the latest CIES Football Observatory report. The French international clocked an extraordinary 5,872 minutes across 69 matches, showcasing both his durability and importance to club and country.
December 19 – Vinicius Junior has hit out at his critics after bouncing back from losing out at the Ballon d’Or by winning the FIFA Best trophy award, accusing his detractors of trying to “invalidate” and “diminish” him.
December 19 – The highly anticipated return of FC Barcelona to their spiritual home, the iconic Camp Nou, looks set to be delayed yet again.