Ivory Coast FA appeals FIFA’s Xmas ‘normalisation’ gift at CAS
December 30 – The Ivory Coast FA (FIF) has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against FIFA’s appointment of a normalisation committee in the country.
Infantino says FIFA is bringing ‘normality’ and Covid is ushering in competition change
December 30 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino says football has been a vital tool in helping the world deal with the terrible effects of the Covid-19 pandemic but has repeated his stance that a rethink is needed over how competitions are organised in the future.
Party boy Neymar organises 5-day Xmas bash for 500 at Rio mansion
December 30 – Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has come under criticism for organising a secretive celebrity blowout near Rio de Janeiro with the coronavirus pandemic still raging across Brazil.
Ceferin slams Perez’s short term European Super League thinking
December 30 – UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has denounced Real Madrid boss Florentino Perez’s persistent backing for a breakaway European Super League saying the Spaniard “is only interested in today, not what tomorrow will be.”
Europe and Asia lead way to WWC2023 as FIFA add in 10-team qualifying tournament
December 30 – The expanded 32-team Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 will guarantee 11 direct slots to European nations and six to Asian nations.
FIFA cancels 2021 U-17 and U-20 men’s World Cups in Peru and Indonesia
December 30 – FIFA has cancelled its 2021 U-17 and U-20 men’s World Cups due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bad bet: Atletico and England star Trippier gets 13-match worldwide ban
December 30 – England and Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier has been given a 10-week worldwide ban and fined £70,000 after an English Football Association panel found he broke betting rules.
PSG and Tuchel part company as Qatari patience wears out
December 30 – He won the league in his first two seasons with the club and led them to the Champions League final last summer.
Tigres UANL overcome LAFC to keep Concacaf Champions League title in Mexico
December 23 – Tigres UANL cemented Mexico’s domination of the Concacaf Champions League after rallying to defeat Los Angeles FC 2-1 in the tournament’s final, extending Liga MX’s winning streak in the competition to 15 years.
Maguire puts in the time to top ‘most minutes’ ranking. Messi takes third spot
December 23 – Manchester United’s centre back Harry Maguire tops a ranking of players who have played the most number of minutes in 2020. Barcelona’s old timer Lionel Messi comes third.
Blatter ‘vehemently’ denies FIFA’s criminal charges over museum project
December 23 – Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has dismissed allegations of criminal mismanagement relating to a museum project launched by Blatter towards the end of his tenure.
Ligue 1 leaders Lille pushed into Christmas sale to Callisto Sporting
December 23 – French Ligue 1 leaders Lille have been sold to a Callisto Sporting, a subsidiary of Luxembourg-based investment fund Merlyn Partners.
Barca presidential hopeful Farre, puts reuniting Messi and Neymar on his agenda
December 23 – Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Farre says he plans to try and re-unite Lionel Messi and Neymar if he lands the job in succession to Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Bayern profits down by €40m but revenue buoyed by Champions League win
December 23 – German giants Bayern Munich – who will go for the treble of national, European and World titles in the same season at the delayed Club World Cup next February – have released financial results for the 2019/20 season showing a revenue drop €52 million.
Patel stays on in India, but only until Supreme Court rules on reform
December 23 – The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has extended the terms of its executive committee until the supreme court delivers a ruling on both the framing of a new constitution and election process for the governing body. Current president Praful Patel has said that he will not contest future elections.