USL unveils 2023 season conference line-up for Championship
December 21 – The USL Championship, the 24-team second professional tier in US soccer, has unveiled its competition structure for the 2023 season.
Ukraine FA warned of suspension over plot to parachute in Shevchenko as new boss
December 20 – In a joint letter to the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF), FIFA and UEFA have warned that they could face an international suspension if they do not follow the statutes of the two governing bodies.
Al Thawadi says World Cup has been transformational, time will tell
By Andrew Warshaw
December 20 – Qatar’s World Cup chief Hassan Al Thawadi insists the tournament changed perceptions of the region and transformed his country.
LaLiga condemns FIFA’s 32-team CWC plan as a threat to whole football ecosystem
December 20 – La Liga has become the latest football body to denounce FIFA’s plans for a 32-team Club World Cup in 2025, saying it may take legal action to stop it.
Textor and Eagle Football close deal for Lyon
December 20 – US businessman John Textor and his Eagle Football group have completed the long running takeover of Olympique Lyonnais. on Monday.
How Argentina won the 23-game World Cup
December 20 – An analysis of the Argentine player data from World Cup qualifying to World Cup final by the CIES Football Observatory shows how coach Lionel Scaloni used 40 players en route to the big prize.
French sanction 76 players and coaches for betting on football
December 20 – French football authorities have sanctioned 76 players, coaches and managers for failing to respect the ban on sports betting during the 2020-2021 season.
eBay trades up to Inter Milan’s shirt sleeve
December 20 – Online e-commerce site eBay is upgrading its relationship with Serie A’s Inter Milan to become the club’s shirt sleeve sponsor from the January 4 with the home game against Napoli.
Homeless World Cup to return in 2023 making US debut in Sacramento
December 20 – The FIFA World Cup will be in the US in 2026, but the Homeless World Cup will get there before it, with Sacramento in California hosting the event in July 2023.
World Leagues Forum slams FIFA for lack of transparency over new calendar plans
December 19 – The World Leagues Forum (WLF), has joined the world players’ union Fifpro in condemning FIFA for its “unilateral decisions” on international calendar which it says are “damaging for the football industry”.
FIFA rejected proposal of Ukrainian world peace message before World Cup final
December 19 – World Cup organisers reportedly rejected a personal request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to deliver an address ahead of Sunday’s final.
Salman hails Qatar 2022 organisation as showcasing Asia’s ability
December 19 – With the Qatar 2022 World Cup now complete, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa praised the hosting capabilities of Qatar in delivering the first World Cup in the Arab world and the second in Asia.
Southgate commits to England through Euro 2024 Championships
December 19 – Gareth Southgate will remain as England manager despite the disappointment of their quarter-final exit at the World Cup, the English Football Association confirmed on Sunday.
Fifpro says FIFA has reneged on calendar talks, and that 32-team club comp will break players
December 19 – The world players’ union Fifpro has slammed FIFA’s plan to launch a 32-team Club World Cup in 2025, saying it could have “serious consequences” for the players.
Defeated Deschamps says his French future will be decided in New Year
December 19 – Following a heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Argentina, French coach Didier Deschamps left his future as manager of the national team in the balance.