FIFA makes Overmars’ Dutch ban global, threatening his Royal Antwerp job
January 10 – Former Dutch international Marc Overmars has had his ban from Dutch football extended worldwide by FIFA.
FIFA
FIFA confirms Brazil will escape sanction after return of Ednaldo to CBF presidency
January 9 – FIFA will not sanction Brazil for political interference in the running of the federation after the return last week of Ednaldo Rodrigues to the CBF presidency, FIFA’s director of legal affairs Emilio Garcia has said.
Big pitches: MetLife and AT&T stadiums toe-to-toe in bid for FIFA’s 2026 final favour
Sobaclieu.com
January 8 – The battle for the hosting of the 2026 World Cup final is ongoing with the two favourites – the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas – both seemingly committing to multi-million dollar projects to woo FIFA’s decision makers.
FIFA suspends new agent rules ahead of transfer window but waits for final ECJ ruling
January 2 – In a significant climbdown on the eve of the winter transfer window, FIFA has temporarily shelved its entire global rollout of reforms designed to regulate agents’ fees.
French rule against giving tax breaks to FIFA
January 2 – The French Constitutional Council has ruled against giving a tax free status to FIFA for running their operations in Paris which has raised questions over the continuation of FIFA’s office in the French capital.
Man City turn on the style to thrash Fluminense and take Club World Cup title
By Samindra Kunti in Jeddah
December 22 — Manchester City cruised past Fluminense of Brazil 4-0 to win a maiden Club World Cup and conclude a spectacular 2023 with a fifth trophy.
Guardiola wary as Fluminense set to debut their new style on the catwalk of the CWC final
By Samindra Kunti in Jeddah
December 22 – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is relishing the challenge of taking on Fluminense and their idiosyncratic style in the final of the Club World Cup as the European champions seek to wrap up their best year ever.
Panama and Moldova end year with highest moves up FIFA’s world ranking
December 22 – The FIFA men’s rankings have been nudged only slightly in the latest update, as OFC nations battle it out in the Pacific Games whilst the rest of the world remains focused on domestic leagues. Argentina remain on top.
Norwegians slam FIFA’s 2034 World Cup award to Saudi as an untransparent fait accompli
By Samindra Kunti in Jeddah
December 22 – The Norwegian FA (NFF) has slammed FIFA’s bidding process for the 2034 World Cup, calling it a “foregone conclusion” and pointing at “a lack of transparency” in the decision making.
James Dostoyevsky: There is a case to suspend Israel from all football
For more than two months, the world has been watching with horror and incredulity how civilians are being slaughtered in Gaza.
Saudi FA boss Yasser Al-Misehal says it is ‘important’ LGBTQ+ fans feel safe at 2034 World Cup
December 21 – Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) president Yasser Al-Misehal has said that ‘Everyone will be welcome’, including LGBTQ+ fans, at the 2034 World Cup, a tournament FIFA is set to formally award to the Arab Kingdom next year.
FIFA’s Wenger rejects concerns over player welfare as he bangs drum for Club World Cup
December 20 – FIFA’s head of global football development, Arsene Wenger, has backed plans for an expanded Club World Cup from 2025 and downplayed concerns about overload and player welfare.
Man City cruise past Urawa Red Diamonds to set up CWC final against Fluminense
By Samindra Kunti in Jeddah
December 20 – European champions Manchester City rekindled some of their form with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Urawa Red Diamonds to book a place in the final of the Club World Cup.
Guardiola and Silva warn new Club World Cup will only dilute European game’s intensity
December 19 – Manchester City’s Portuguese forward Bernardo Silva has warned that the expanded Club World Cup will take a heavy toll on elite players, saying the number of games they have to play has reached “crazy” proportions.
Chile and Poland granted hosting rights to U-20 men’s and women’s World Cups
December 19 – FIFA have awarded hosting rights to Chile for the U-20 World Cup 2025 and Poland as the host of the U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026.