MLS’s Philadephia Union under FIFA transfer ban for failing to pay training fee compensation
January 14 – Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise the Philadelphia Union has been slapped with a temporary transfer ban by FIFA.
Concacaf
California’s deadly fires force US women’s team to relocate training camp
January 13 – The deadly wildfires in Southern California have displaced thousands of residents, and after discussions, the United States Women’s National Team, who were due to have a January training camp will also be on the move.
A new pathway to dream as MLS NEXT plans addition of another competition tier
January 13 – Four years ago, Major League Soccer (MLS) introduced MLS NEXT as a future pathway for youth soccer players in the United States. Beginning in September 2025, the programme is set to introduce a new competition tier with the aim to deepen its pool of talented players and coaches, while offering enhanced opportunities for growth and development.
Marta, 38, signs new two-year deal with Orlando Pride
January 13 – Women’s football icon Marta has signed a new two-year contract with National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champions Orlando Pride, extending her illustrious club career.
The Barca/Miami roadshow head deep into the Americas with pre-season schedule
January 13 – Inter Miami who caused a rumpus last year during pre-season when Lionel Messi was a no-show in Hong Kong, are on the road again playing games in North, Central, and South America.
Concacaf launches tender for betting sponsor
January 10 – Betting in football is a fact of life and the cost of doing business. In the club game, sponsorship is attached to almost anything that is within eyesight, however, the international game has been relatively immune until recently when both FIFA and UEFA agreed spnosrships with Betano and Bet365.
MLS salary cap rules make Inter Miami big-money move for Neymar unfeasible, says Mascherano
January 10 – Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has ruled out the possibility of reuniting Neymar with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at the club, citing Major League Soccer’s (MLS) strict salary cap regulations as a major barrier.
Eidevall waves acrimonious goodbye to Arsenal and lands in San Diego
January 9 – The San Diego Wave of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has finally replaced the previous head coach, Casey Stoney, with former Arsenal ladies’ boss, Jonas Eidevall.
Where’s the FIFA money? Ghost of Christmas past haunts TTFA’s unpaid creditors for third year in succession
January 8 – Just before Christmas 2022 the Trinidad and Tobago FA (TTFA) creditors were told that they would be paid a settlement that was agreed to allow the FA to exit bankruptcy and ultimately progress from being run by a FIFA appointed Normalisation Committee and returning to an FA run by its elected members.
Pascal Jansen is latest manager to take a bite at the Big Apple’s NYCFC
January 7 – MLS side New York City FC have named Dutchman Pascal Jansen as their new manager, succeeding Nick Cushing, who was dismissed in November.
San Diego FC looks south to build cross-border ties with Mexico’s Club America
January 6 – San Diego FC who are due to kick-off their inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign have unveiled a multi-year agreement to play perennial LigaMX super team, Club America.
Denver awarded 16th NWSL franchise, paying record $110m
January 3 – Denver has beaten off bids from Cleveland and Cincinnati to become the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) 16th team, paying a record $110 million for the franchise.
Concacaf picks Tigres’ Estadio Universitario for inaugural W Champions Cup finals
December 27 – Tigres’ historic Estadio Universitario stadium in Nuevo Leon, a suburb of Monterey, Mexico, will host the final four of the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup Finals in May 2025.
MLS unveils 2025 schedule; Leagues Cup waits until FIFA have left town, Inter Miami open in NY
December 23 – Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will be the first MLS team in action in 2025 – of course – kicking off the season on February 22 at home to New York City FC at the Chase Stadium.
Saudi Arabia to guest at 2025 Gold Cup in US; final qualification play-offs set
December 20 – Saudi Arabia will compete at the 16-team Concacaf Gold Cup next summer, to be played predominantly on the West coast of the USA.