By Paul Nicholson
April 13 – Less than a week after FIFA’s Congress in Doha and president Gianni Infantino’s announcement that he would be standing for election for a third term, FIFA’s administration have begun aggressively politicking for their president in a clear violation of the world governing body’s rules.
By Andrew Warshaw
April 13 – After an investigation lasting six and half years, Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, the respective former heads of FIFA and UEFA, will go on trial for fraud and other offenses in June, Switzerland’s federal criminal court have confirmed.
April 13 – Atlético Madrid will play their second leg Champions League quarter final against Manchester City tonight in front of a full Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
April 13 – Seventh in the Spanish league, Villarreal pulled off a stunning Champions League upset on Tuesday night as they scored a late equaliser to knock out German giants Bayern Munich to reach the semi-finals along with Real Madrid who fortuitously eliminated defending champions Chelsea.
April 13 – Ehab Galal has succeeded Carlos Queiroz as head coach of Egypt’s national team, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) have announced.
April 13 – Manchester United are reported to be on the verge appointing Ajax boss Erik ten Hag on a three-year contract in what will be perceived by many as a snub to Paris St German coach Mauricio Pochettino who at one stage was believed to be the leading candidate.
April 13 – Business and accountancy software specialists Xero have signed on as a FIFA Women’s Football Partner in a multi-year deal that starts in 2023 and covers the World Cup Australia & New Zealand 202, as well as the 2024 and 2026 editions of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
April 13 – Football club branded credit cards are back in marketing fashion. Premier League Liverpool have announced financial technology firm Cardless, as an official affinity partner for the launch of club’s first branded credit card for US supporters.
April 12 – With a second-half goal from Kosovare Asllani in a 1-1 draw with Ireland, Sweden became the first European team to book a ticket for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. On an evening of UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, France and Spain also ensured their presence in New Zealand and Australia next year.
April 12 – Following the death of 19 year old Palestinian player Mohammad Ali Ahmad AlGhneim at the weekend, Palestine FA president Jibril Rajoub, has written to FIFA president Gianni Infantino asking for his support to allow football to “be played and developed freely in Palestine, without the constant threat of violence”.
By Paul Nicholson
April 12 – FIFA has expanded into the media business launching its own broadcast platform – FIFA+ – that will stream a mix of live matches, acquired documentary and lifestyle programming, as well as archive content.
April 12 – Former Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba has been cleared to stand in the presidential elections of Ivory Coast’s Football Federation (FIF), which will be staged on April 23 after two years of political turmoil.
By Paul Nicholson
April 12 – Another hard-to-celebrate milestone for the beleaguered Trinidad and Tobago FA is expected in the next 10 days with the Trustee of the TTFA, charged with resolving the TTFA’s debt problems, expected to make a formal offer to the association’s long suffering creditors.
April 12 – RB Leipzig have the two hottest talents under the age of 23 in Europe, according to the latest ranking by transfer value from the CIES Football Observatory.
April 12 – Belgian club Anderlecht have vowed to preserve the budget for their title winning women’s team despite cuts across the board.