Son and Kang-in kiss and make up after Asian Cup bust-up
February 21 – South Korea captain Son Heung-min has apologised for his role in a bust-up at the Asian Cup and urged fans to forgive team-mate Lee Kang-in, the main protagonist.
Federations
China cancels Argentina vs Nigeria friendly after fury over non-playing Messi’s ‘insult’
February 12 – The fallout from Lionel Messi’s failure to play for Inter Miami in an exhibition match in Hong Kong has spread with both of Argentina’s upcoming friendly matches as part of a tour of mainland China cancelled by local authorities.
Saudi Arabia unveil spectacular designs for Qiddiya City stadium
January 16 – Saudi Arabia has unveiled ambitious designs for a cutting-edge stadium perched atop a 200-meter-high cliff near Riyadh, strategically positioned to serve as a venue for matches during the 2034 World Cup.
Adidas gets Saudi Pro League official ball deal rolling
January 11 – Adidas has agreed a deal to become the official match ball supplier for the Saudi Pro League (SPL) from February until the end 2024/25 season.
Azadi stadium opened to Iranian women for Persepolis-Esteghlal
December 15 – Female fans in Iran have claimed a moral victory after being allowed to venture inside the Azadi Stadium in Tehran to attend Thursday’s eagerly anticipated clash between Persepolis FC and Esteghlal FC.
Saudis recruit ex-Barca manager Lluis Cortes to lead women’s national team
December 12 – Former Barcelona and Ukraine manager Lluis Cortes has been appointed as Saudi Arabia women’s national team head coach.
Saudis will not just be building stadia for 2034, they are building cities to put them in
December 8 – Saudi Arabia, the only bid for the hosting of the 2034 World Cup, will have not only a new stadium but a whole new entertainment-focussed city to host matches at the finals.
Saudi Arabia build out women’s national teams with launch of U20s under Pauline Hamil
December 8 –Saudi Arabian focus may be on the hosting of their first major FIFA event starting next week – the 2023 Club World Cup – but the Kingdom has still found time to announce the launch of a Women’s U20 national team.
On back of U-17 success, Indonesia to jointly bid with Singapore for 2025 U-20 World Cup
December 4 – Indonesia wants to jointly stage the 2025 Under-20 World Cup with Singapore, despite being stripped of hosting rights to this year’s tournament.
Football Australia agree 10-year Nike extension
November 20 – Football Australia and Nike have agreed a ten-year contract extension that will keep the sportswear company as the official apparel partner for all Australian national teams, including the Subway Socceroos, CommBank Matildas, Junior, and Youth men’s and women’s squads, as well as the CommBank Pararoos, and CommBank ParaMatildas.
With 2034 off the table, Australia’s Johnson is looking to Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and 2029 CWC
November 16 – There has been plenty of comment around the short timelines given by FIFA to participate in the bidding for 2034 World Cup hosting and the process that led to them. But those who might have had an interest in getting involved appear to have quickly moved on.
Al-Ittihad sack Espírito Santo after superstar squad fails to deliver
November 8 – Al Ittihad have sacked former Spurs boss Nuno Espírito Santo after an underwhelming start to the season despite an influx of superstar summer signings.
Gerrard says Al-Ettifaq will recruit again from Europe when Winter window opens
November 6 – Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard says his Saudi Pro League side are ready to “scour Europe” when the transfer window re-opens in January.
Fowler fired from high flying Al-Qadsiah as country hunts for new women’s coach
October 27 – Ex-Liverpool and England star Robbie Fowler has been sacked from his position as head coach at Saudi second-tier side Al-Qadsiah, despite being unbeaten and having won manager of the month inside of his first eight games in charge.
Saudi head of women’s game, Monica Staab, suggests hosting bid for WWC 2035
October 20 – Having already all but been assured of the 2034 men’s World Cup, Saudi Arabia has now expressed an interest in staging the women’s version a year later.
