WWC 2023 draw creates US vs Netherlands rematch; Aussie hosts get tough start
October 23 – The 2023 Women’s World Cup will kick off the way the previous tournament ended – with reigning champions the United States taking on the Netherlands.
Oceania nations commit FIFA presidential votes to Infantino
October 21 – Barring a miracle, Gianni Infantino will retain his FIFA presidency in 2023 after a third confederation threw its weight behind his re-election. On Friday, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) confirmed it will unanimously back Infantino.
FIFA leaving Blatter and Platini verdict appeal to Swiss prosecutors
October 21 – FIFA is not joining Swiss prosecutors in appealing to overturn last summer’s acquittals of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and his UEFA counterpart Michel Platini on corruption charges, according to reports.
FIFA rejects major broadcaster bids for Women’s World Cup 2023 saying fees must be higher
October 21 – FIFA has rejected TV bids for next year’s Women’s World Cup for being too low, instead going back to the market urging broadcasters to invest more.
Iranian activists call on FIFA to kick Iran out of Qatar 2022 for persecuting women
October 21 – A group of Iranian activists has called on FIFA to throw Iran out of the World Cup because of the country’s brutal crackdown against anti-government protests and its continued ban on women from freely attending domestic matches.
Nations gather in New Zealand for Women’s World Cup 2023 draw
October 21 – On Saturday, 29 finalists as well as three playoff teams will learn their fate in the draw for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Aston Villa fire Gerrard after Fulham loss
October 21 – I’m a fighter, not a quitter. The words not only of former British prime minister Liz Truss before she was forced to resign but also, 24 hours later, of Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard just before being sacked following a terrible start to the Premier League season.
10-year ban for FA Cup spot fixer Kynan Isaac
October 21 – A former Reading academy player Kynan Isaac has been handed a ten-year ban for spot fixing in the FA Cup.
Real Madrid recruit young while Chelsea prefer maturity
October 21 – Youth or experience? Real Madrid on average recruit the youngest players out of the Big 5 European leagues at 22.87 years of age.
Carlsberg takes ownership of CPL and Canada Soccer beer sponsorships
October 21 – Carlsberg has become the Official Beer and Non-Alcoholic Beer of Canada Soccer and the Canadian Premier League in a multi-year deal.
European Super League back in play with new CEO and a fresh assault on UEFA
By Andrew Warshaw
October 20 – Those backing the seemingly doomed European Super League have hired a new CEO in the clearest move yet that the much-maligned project will press ahead regardless of the forthcoming European Court of Justice ruling.
CAF unveils prize money for Women’s Champions League
October 20 – The winners of the 2022 African Women’s Champions League will receive $400,000 in prize money, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed.
Swiss prosecutors, still seeking blood, appeal acquittals of Blatter and Platini
October 20 – In a seemingly never-ending saga, Swiss federal prosecutors have filed an appeal to overturn last summer’s acquittals of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and his UEFA counterpart Michel Platini on corruption charges.
Ronaldo walk out leaves Ten Hag with a problem to ‘deal with’
October 20 – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he will “deal with” Cristiano Ronaldo after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner left the pitch without permission after being left out of their 2-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday.
Lothar Matthaeus hands swapped Maradona 1986 World Cup final shirt to AFA
October 20 – The shirt worn by the late Diego Maradona 36 years after he helped Argentina beat Germany to lift the 1986 World Cup in Mexico City has returned to his homeland.