Manuel Neuer joins lengthening Bayern Munich injury list
December 11 – German goalkeeping legend Manuel Neuer has been ruled out for the rest of the year after suffering a broken rib.
Gunners aim for Ashworth as Edu’s replacement
December 11 – Sporting director, Dan Ashworth must be racking the moving bills. Fresh from his sudden departure from Manchester United, the former Newcastle United sporting director is high on the list of candidates to move into the same role at Arsenal.
French women’s leagues partner with Pixellot for performance analysis
December 11 – The French Women’s Professional Football League (LFFP) has taken a significant step to enhance performance analysis across its Arkema Premier League and Second League clubs by partnering up with Pixellot. The deal will see the introduction of Pixellot’s advanced AI-powered cameras, a cutting-edge technology designed to revolutionise match analysis.
UN human rights chief tells FIFA it must keep human rights top of its World Cup agenda
December 10 – On the eve of FIFA officially naming Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, the United Nations’ chief human rights official has waded into the controversy.
Swiss FA to back FIFA’s Saudi 2034 motion but calls for independent human rights monitoring
December 10 – On the eve of FIFA’s extraordinary congress, the Swiss FA (SFV) has confirmed they will back the Saudi bid for the 2034 World Cup, but demand human rights must be monitored by both FIFA and the ILO.
Nike renew Brazil kit contract to 2038 with $100m+ annual deal
December 10 – In 1996 the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) and Nike teamed up for a partnership worth a reported $35 million per year. On Friday a new deal was announced, and times have changed!
Messi dropped as players vote for their World XI. No US players make women’s selection
December 10 – FIFA may still rate Lionel Messi as one of the best players in the world on current form but his peers clearly do not.
Bayern Munich break $1bn revenue barrier
December 9 – As well as being the most successful club in Germany, FC Bayern Munich are also the biggest generators of cash. The operational arm of Bayern München AG, has reported a record revenue of €951.5 million ($1 billion) for the 2023/24 fiscal year (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024).
AFC draws final qualification groups for 2027 Asian Cup. Six slots in Saudi finals still open
December 10 – With the first 18 teams already qualified for the Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, the AFC has drawn the next 25 teams into six qualifying groups for the confederation’s blue riband national team competition.
Galatasary sign one-season shirt deal with Northern Cypriot real estate firm Alpcans
December 10 – Turkey’s Galatasaray have signed a one-season shirt sponsorship agreement with Alpcans, a real estate business operating in Northern Cyprus, officially known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Out of line: English referee David Coote fired for misconduct
December 10 – Premier League referee David Coote has been sacked after his position was deemed “untenable” by English football’s referees body following an investigation into his conduct which found his actions to be in serious breach of his contract.
MLS Next Pro vs USL Academy. Indy Eleven show US talent is nationwide
December 9 – The United Soccer League (USL) continues to provide healthy competition to Major League Soccer despite its second tier status, and that crosses over into the youth game.
Match day 15: Premier League’s pre-Christmas crowds drop
December 10 – This week’s capacity tracker shows the Premier League suffering from a slight attendance slump in the build-up to Christmas – a pattern reflected last season as the festive season approaches.
Concacaf readies for Champions Cup 2025 draw
December 10 – Concacaf will hold the draw for Round One of its premier club competition, the Champions Cup, in Miami today. The final 27 teams have been pre-seeded based on the Concacaf club rankings.
UEFA’s Playmakers completes Montenegro mission
December 10 – UEFA’s Playmakers programme made its way to Montenegro for a unique football festival last week, as the institution looked to inspire the next generation of football lovers with a female-focussed event.