Qatar opener in Lusail Stadium broke Asian Cup attendance record
January 16 – The AFC Asian Cup 2023 opener witnessed a record-breaking attendance on Friday evening, as the tournament kicked off in spectacular fashion.
Swedish club calls on its FA to lobby for Israel’s suspension from football
January 15 – An open letter has been sent by a Swedish sixth tier football club Proletären FF to Fredrik Reinfeldt, chairman of the Swedish Football Association, calling for the suspension of Israel from international football.
Antalyaspor’s Jehezkel arrested over displaying supposed pro-Israeli message after scoring
January 15 – A Turkish-based Israeli player faces prosecution for showing solidarity during a goal celebration with the hostages taken in the October 7 Hamas attacks.
More uncertainty for AFCON as Motsepe says 2025 dates under discussion with FIFA
January 15 – The dates for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals, scheduled for Morocco, are up in the air because of a potential clash with the new-look Club World Cup.
Jordan hammer four past Malaysia to top group
January 15 – Jordan got their Asian Cup campaign off to a brilliant start with a 4-0 victory over a naive Malaysia to take top spot in Group E.
Reading-Port Vale abandoned after fans invade pitch protesting club’s ownership
January 15 – A third-tier English game between Reading and Port Vale was abandoned after just 16 minutes on Saturday after about 1,000 home fans invaded the pitch to protest against the Reading’s Chinese ownership.
Iraq go joint top of group after Indonesia win
January 15 – In an energetic game at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha, Iraq were victorious 3-1 over underdogs Indonesia as both sides fought to join Japan at the top of Group D.
Saudi’s open ‘Falcon’s Nest’ fan zone in Doha for Asian Cup
January 15 – With the 2023 AFC Asian Cup underway, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has announced the launch of the ‘Falcon’s Nest’ fan zone, where supporters can ‘enjoy an extraordinary experience’ while in Qatar for the quadrennial showpiece.
AFCON favourites Egypt and Nigeria only manage draws, but Ivory Coast open with win
January 15 – Hosts and two-time winners Ivory Coast began with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau but hotly favoured Egypt and Nigeria were both held and Ghana beaten as the African Cup of Nations got under way at the weekend with a spate of surprises.
Lee Kang-In double eases South Korea past Bahrain in Group E opener
January 15 – Continental heavyweights South Korea breezed past Bahrain 3-1 with a second-half brace from Paris Saint-Germain star Lee Kang-In to get their Asian Cup off to a winning start.
BYD plugs into Euro 2024 as e-mobility partner
January 15 – UEFA has announced new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD as an official partner and the Official E-Mobility Partner of Euro 2024.
Las Vegas Legends achieve a US first with NISA invite based on performance, not money
January 15 – Las Vegas is expected to be announced as one of the next MLS franchise cities once a big money ownership group is structured, but the MLS won’t have the only professional football (soccer) team in town.
Palestine give proof of life in face of Iranian onslaught
Doha – On an emotional night at the Asian Cup, Iran dispatched a brave-hearted Palestine 4-1 to take command of Group C.
UAE overcome Hong Kong’s fast start to open account
January 14 – The United Arab Emirates survived a scare in the opening match of Group C against Hong Kong, courtesy of two match-deciding penalties, as both sides played their part in a thrilling battle for three points.
Japan come from behind in helter skelter first half to beat Vietnam
January 14 – Tournament favourites Japan overcame a scare and a half of topsy-turvy football to defeat Vietnam 4-2 with a brace from Takumi Minamino.