Top FIFA music exec arrested in Miami for gay sex with a minor
February 12 – FIFA has been plunged into scandal following a report that federal agents in the USA have arrested one of the organisation’s executives for alleged sex with a minor.
FIFA
Jan transfer window smashed previous record high by 47%
February 10 – The January 2025 transfer window broke multiple records in both men’s and women’s football, according to FIFA’s International Transfer Snapshot report released at the end of last week.
Premier League says FIFA’s imposition of CWC will not alter 2025/26 season start date
February 5 – The English Premier League has accused FIFA of going “too far” with the expanded Club World Cup and says it won’t allow special dispensation for the two English teams involved in next summer’s competition, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Costa Rican side take FIFA to court over failure to enforce club ownership rules
February 4 – Costa Rican club Alajuelense are taking their fight to play in the expanded Club World Cup to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). They have launched legal action against FIFA over what they see as the governing body’s failure to enforce its own rules regarding club ownership in the 32-team tournament.
FIFA tells European Parliament to get back in line after their 2034 World Cup bid criticisms
February 3 – In a strongly worded letter, world governing body FIFA has rebuked criticism by Members of the European Parliament over the host award of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia.
After ‘peace in our time’ Infantino love-in, trade war erupts between 2026 World Cup partners
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February 3 – US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, prompting a trade war between the long-time allies and the co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA+ agrees broadcast distribution deal with UAE’s Evision
February 3 – Evision, the media and entertainment subsidiary of UAE mobile telecoms business e& (formerly Etisalat), has announced a strategic partnership with FIFA+ to bring the football-focused channel to STARZ ON, its free ad-supported streaming platform. This collaboration aims to enhance football content offerings in the MENA region by providing 24/7 access to premium FIFA programming at no cost.
Adidas releases new €160 ball for Club World Cup
February 3 – You can’t play the ‘beautiful game’ without a ball, and the game is littered with iconic and controversial balls. The Adidas Telstar and tango from the 1970 and 1978 World Cups are still considered the crown jewels with football aficionados while the Adidas Jabulani from 2010 was described by Brazilian goalkeeper, Julio Cesar, as “a ball you buy in a supermarket”.
With Club World Cup closing in and strike threat unresolved, Infantino at last meets with Fifpro
January 31 – In a potential breakthrough move, representatives of the world players’ union Fifpro are reported to have met with FIFA over the packed fixture calendar that has led to the threat of strike action.
FIFA transfer report logs more than 78,000 player moves in 2024
January 31 – With the current player transfer window set to close next week, FIFA has released its 2024 FIFA Global Transfer Report that highlights a staggering volume of player movement across world football.
Jamal Khashoggi’s widow urges FIFA tribute on husband at Saudi 2034
January 28 – The widow of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi has urged FIFA to commemorate her late husband at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
FIFA refuses to monitor conditions of migrant workers ahead of Saudi 2034
January 28 – In a new low, FIFA has rejected a request by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Africa to monitor the conditions of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, the hosts of the 2034 World Cup.
Another day another despot. Infantino continues his private jolly jet tour of the world
January 27 – With a visit to Italy’s far-right deputy prime-minister Matteo Salvini, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has once again marked his presidency by his keenness to use his football honorarium for non-football involvement in extremist political circles.
Singing FIFA’s tune. Robbie Williams to be voice of Club World Cup
January 27 – International singing superstar, Robbie Williams, has been named as a ‘music ambassador’ for FIFA and will perform a song for this year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.