Alaba tops world player ranking, Man City’s Dias is second, Messi is 24th
December 17 – Is Lionel Messi really the best outfield player in the world or is it in fact Real Madrid central defender David Alaba?
MLS brings forward 2022 season start and opens with LA vs NY battle
December 17 – To facilitate the winter World Cup in 2022, the Major League Soccer season will kick off earlier, with the curtain raiser slated for February.
AFC launches ‘Emotions in Football Project’ for coaches and educators
December 17 – The AFC has launched an educational and well-being initiative designed to help coaches and players manage their emotions and ultimately improve their performances on the pitch.
Ceferin sceptical that FIFA’s global powwow will bring biennial World Cup peace
By Andrew Warshaw
December 16 – The head of European football today took a veiled swipe at next week’s FIFA-organised Global Summit to determine the future of the game, hinting he expected little or nothing to emerge from what many perceive as a glorified talk shop.
Leicester vs Spurs off as covid eats into Premier League schedules
December 15 – The surge in the number of positive cases of the coronavirus across England has struck the Premier League for the second time in two days with Leicester City’s home game against Tottenham tonight (Thursday) being postponed.
Swiss confirm two new special prosecutors to restart Infantino criminal investigation
By Paul Nicholson
December 16 – The Swiss Federal Assembly has confirmed the appointment of two senior magistrates to continue the criminal investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino and his dealings with former Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber.
Arab Cup: Algeria spoil Qatari party to set up Tunisian final
By Samindra Kunti in Doha, Qatar
December 16 – Algeria broke Qatari hearts on Wednesday, eliminating the Arab Cup hosts 2-1 in the semifinals following a dramatic, seesaw 19 minutes of injury time. The African champions will take on Tunisia in the final.
FIFA’s axe falls on agents with fees cut to 10%
December 16 – The transfer market could potentially be transformed after FIFA announced it will impose a 10% cap on all agents’ fees from next season to tackle the “excessive and abusive” sums taken out of the game.
Doubts over AFCON as European clubs nervous over releasing players
December 16 – Conflicting reports are emerging over whether next month’s already delayed African Nations Cup will go ahead on schedule after European clubs stepped up their complaints about losing key players to illness or injury.
Barclays doubles women’s sponsorship to £30m to cover WSL and grassroots
December 16 – Barclays has doubled its investment in women’s football in England to more than £30 million in a three-year deal.
KNVB boosts integrity protections with addition of Sportradar investigation resource
December 16 – Sportradar has expanded its relationship with the Dutch FA (KNVB) with an agreement with its Intelligence and Investigation Services (I&I) unit to provide increased investigative resource into irregular betting patterns, match manipulation and corruption.
A true world championship? UEFA and Conmebol set London date for Finalissima
December 16 – In a show of strength, renewing their existing Memorandum of Understanding, UEFA will stage a ‘Finalissima’ between Italy and Argentina in London next year.
Newcastle greenlighted to sign Saudi sponsors, but only at ‘fair’ market rate
December 15 – Newcastle United will be allowed sponsorship deals with Saudi Arabian companies as long as the Premier League considers them “fair market value”.
Qatari court jails former SC comms chief Ibhais for 3-years on fraud charge
By Samindra Kunti in Lusail, Qatar
December 15 – On appeal, Abdullah Ibhais, a former employee of the Supreme Committee for Legacy and Delivery (SC), was sentenced to three years in prison for “fraud” in Qatari court on Wednesday.
Somali FA chief Abdiqani exits amid corruption allegations
December 15 – The head of Somalia’s FA Abdiqani Said Arab (pictured) has been kicked out of office over allegations of corruption in the latest scandal to hit African football.