FIFA takes first blockchain steps with Algorand
May 3 – FIFA is entering the world of blockchain technology via a sponsorship and technical partnership with US business Algorand.
FIFA
Senegal fined after World Cup 2022 qualifying win over Egypt
May 3 – FIFA has ordered Senegal to play one competitive match behind closed doors and has fined Senegal’s FA CHF175,000 for fan disorder at a World Cup playoff game, including shining laser pointers at Liverpool’s Egyptian star striker Mohamed Salah.
FIFA tenders women’s world cup 2023 media rights in Asian markets
April 27 – FIFA has issued an invitation to tender (ITT) for the sale of media rights to the 2023 Women’s World Cup 2023 in selected territories across Asia.
FIFA launches club licensing guide for women’s game as tool to help MA development
April 25 – FIFA has published a guide for member federations looking to set up a club licensing system for women’s football competitions in their countries.
Cook to leave FIFA but will keep focus on abuse in sport with new agency advisory role
April 21 – FIFA’s Chief Social Responsibility and Education Officer, Joyce Cook, is leaving the role and returning to the UK to concentrate on tackling abuse in sport.
Vancouver re-enters the World Cup 2026 hosting race
April 17 – Canada looks set to have three cities hosting matches at the 2026 World Cup which it is jointly hosting with the US and Mexico.
Belgian and Dutch team sponsors cold shoulder Qatar World Cup over human rights concerns
April 18 – A number of Belgian national team sponsors have followed in the footsteps of their Dutch counterparts and said they will stay away from the World Cup in Qatar over human rights concerns.
South Sudan shows loyalty to Infantino; Nigeria’s Pinnick co-opted into FIFA’s power play
By Samindra Kunti
April 14 – South Sudan has once again declared its love for Gianni Infantino, becoming the first African FA to endorse the FIFA president for re-election.
FIFA shuffles commercial pack as Gai joins as chief business officer
April 14 – FIFA has appointed former Juventus commercial chief Romy Gai as its Chief Business Officer.
Another rigged election? FIFA administration get a brazenly fast start at keeping Infantino in office
By Paul Nicholson
April 13 – Less than a week after FIFA’s Congress in Doha and president Gianni Infantino’s announcement that he would be standing for election for a third term, FIFA’s administration have begun aggressively politicking for their president in a clear violation of the world governing body’s rules.
$2m question. Blatter and Platini fraud trial date set for June
By Andrew Warshaw
April 13 – After an investigation lasting six and half years, Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, the respective former heads of FIFA and UEFA, will go on trial for fraud and other offenses in June, Switzerland’s federal criminal court have confirmed.
Palestine FA boss Rajoub appeals to Infantino for support in football’s conflict with Israel
April 12 – Following the death of 19 year old Palestinian player Mohammad Ali Ahmad AlGhneim at the weekend, Palestine FA president Jibril Rajoub, has written to FIFA president Gianni Infantino asking for his support to allow football to “be played and developed freely in Palestine, without the constant threat of violence”.
FIFA takes giant step into broadcast business with launch of FIFA+ streaming channel
By Paul Nicholson
April 12 – FIFA has expanded into the media business launching its own broadcast platform – FIFA+ – that will stream a mix of live matches, acquired documentary and lifestyle programming, as well as archive content.
Fifagate: CAS overturns Burga ban and sends case back to FIFA investigators
April 8 – Two and half years after being banned for life by FIFA, former Conmebol bigwig Manuel Burga has had the ban annulled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and his case sent back for a fresh investigation.
FIFA fund releases further $3m to support unpaid players
April 7 – FIFA has allocated a further $3 million from its fund to support professional players who have not been paid by their clubs and have no chance of receiving the salaries agreed with those clubs.