Shot in the arm for Gunners’ women with Lavazza deal
December 7 – Italian coffee maker, Lavazza, has become the Official Coffee Partner of Arsenal Women, extending Lavazza’s relationship with the club that started in October 2018.
Covid: Germans close gates for key Bayern vs Barca, RB Leipzig vs Man City UCL clashes
December 6 – Barcelona’s vital Champions League visit to Bayern Munich this week, one of the showpiece games of the group stage, is being played behind closed doors as new Covid restrictions begin to bite in the wake of the latest increase in cases.
PACE report says No to ESL, No to Biennial World Cup and tells game to put human rights first
December 6 – With FIFA’s December 20 global summit to discuss the biennial World Cup proposal creeping closer by the day, another European parliamentary body has issued a football governance report that slams the plan as well as coming out unequivocally against the lingering European Super League proposition.
South Africa vow to fight decision after FIFA say no to replaying Ghana fixture
By Andrew Warshaw
December 6 – South African officials insist they will not give up the fight after FIFA dismissed their request to have a crucial World Cup qualifier against Ghana replayed because of alleged match-fixing by the officials.
UEFA fines Porto and Sporting for not paying their way
December 6 – Portugal’s two top clubs, Porto and Sporting, are among eight clubs fined by UEFA for financial fair play breaches.
World Leagues Forum demands FIFA drops ‘destructive’ biennial World Cup
December 6 – Opposition to FIFA’s biennial World Cup plans and overhaul of the international match calendar remains strong with the World Leagues Forum (WLF), following on from the European Clubs Association last week, again demanding FIFA abandons the plan.
Euro 2020 final chaos was a ‘national shame’ and could have cost lives, finds report
By Samindra Kunti
December 6 – The lawlessness around the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy at London’s Wembley Stadium could have cost lives, an independent FA review has found. The review recommends the government should consider a new category for football matches of national significance which would give police and organisers extra powers to make the match day safe.
USL W League hits 30 teams for inaugural 2022 season
December 6 – The United Soccer League, operator of tier two and three men’s professional leagues in the US, has announced a 30th team to join the USL W League for the 2022 inaugural season.
Inter Milan sharpens sponsorship roster with 3-year Moncler fashion deal
December 6 – Italian champions Inter Milan have signed a three-year deal with fashion brand Moncler who will become the club’s Official Formal Wear Partner.
Landim wins new term as Flamengo president
December 6 – With a convincing majority, Rodolfo Landim has been reelected as president of Brazilian giants Flamengo for a three-year term.
ECA slams FIFA’s biennial plan and calls for urgent talks on AFCON player safety
December 3 – As well as re-iterating their opposition to a biennial World Cup, Europe’s top clubs are seeking urgent talks with FIFA over the safety of players at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations.
LaLiga’s disaffected club trio propose alternative €2bn funding backed by JP Morgan
December 3 – At the last minute, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao have presented an alternative solution to LaLiga’s planned $2.3 billion investment from CVC.
Coronavirus: Germany cuts Bundesliga stadium attendances to 15,000 max
December 3 – Bundesliga matches will once again be played out in front of capacity-reduced crowds following the reintroduction of Covid-19 restrictions in Germany.
Italian police probe Ronaldo’s Juve transfer deal as striker breaks 800 goals mark
December 3 – Italian prosecutors have ordered a new search of Juventus offices as part of an ongoing probe into the Serie A club as they also examine the financial terms of the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United.
Atletico Mineiro beat Bahia to secure Brazilian title after 50 year wait
December 3 – Atletico Mineiro clinched the Brazilian crown for the first time in 50 years after coming from behind to beat Bahia 3-2 and consolidate an unassailable lead at the top of the table.