FIFA promises $9.7bn investment in world game through to 2026
December 16 – FIFA has announced that the budget for the 2023-2026 cycle will see £9.7 billion invested in football as the world cover expands its competitions and ambition.
Shadow of Cristiano? Portugal end Santos’ contract two years early
December 18 – Portugal have parted company with coach Fernando Santos following their shock 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Morocco at the World Cup.
English fans leave Qatar with clean record of no arrests
December 16 – In something of a first, no doubt fuelled in part by the widespread alcohol ban, not a single British fan has been arrested at the World Cup in Qatar, according to the UK’s football policing lead.
Agents fees bounceback to $622.8m. UEFA’s big six markets account for 80%+
December 16 – Player agents and intermediaries earned a combined $622.8 million in 2022, according to FIFA’s latest figures from its Transfer Match System (TMS) database.
Man City trained most players for national teams, but Ajax had highest number in Qatar
December 15 – Dutch giants Ajax have trained more players for World Cup teams (11) than any other club, according to latest data from the CIES Football Observatory.
ECJ advisor backs UEFA’s block on Barca-Juve-Real Madrid Super League breakaway
By Andrew Warshaw
December 15 – Those still backing the seemingly doomed European Super League have been dealt a hammer blow after the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) key adviser today ruled against them – a landmark decision for the future of European football.
AC Milan lands another four years of Emirates shirt sponsorship
December 15 – Serie A giants have extended their shirt sponsorship with Emirates, a partnership that has been in place for 15 years.
New report finds on-going ‘misconduct’ in US women’s professional game
December 15 – A joint investigation unit commissioned by the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and their players association (NWSLPA) has found widespread, ongoing misconduct in the top-flight North American league, according to a report released on Wednesday.
Morocco’s record breaking World Cup run broken by French resistance, and Mbappe
By Samindra Kunti in Al Khor
December 15 – After a history-making run, Moroccan hearts were finally broken. But following their 2-0 semi-final defeat to defending champions France coach Walid Regragui said that with a sense of pride prevailed that his side had shown “a good image”.
Nepalese call on Infantino to ‘stop looking the other way’ over migrant worker compensation
December 15 – More than three dozen Nepali civil society groups have called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to “stop looking the other way” while migrant workers in Qatar are denied compensation.
Saudis add Ecuador to their growing list of international federation partners
December 15 – Another day, another MoU for the Saudi Arabian Football Association (SAFF) who are rapidly building a network of friends and influence across the football world.
MLS secures domestic Fox and TelevisaUnivision deals ahead of Apple season pass launch
December 15 – Major League Soccer has released detail of its expanded four-year ‘linear’ television agreements with FOX Sports and TelevisaUnivision in the US, plus TSN and RDS in Canada.
Moroccan fans left at home for semi-final after Qataris restrict flights into Doha
December 14 – Morocco’s national airline said it was cancelling all flights it had scheduled for today to carry hundreds more fans to Doha for the eagerly awaited World Cup semi-final, citing what it said was a decision by Qatari authorities to restrict air travel.
Messi says final will be his last World Cup game as Argentina aim for third title
December 14 – Lionel Messi is just one match away from the securing the biggest achievement of his glittering trophy-rich career after leading Argentina into their sixth World Cup final.
ESA issues health warning over cryptocurrency sponsorships
December 14 – The European Sponsorship Association (ESA) has issued a warning to rights holders over the danger of cryptocurrency partnerships and their high potential of failure.