Manuel Neuer joins lengthening Bayern Munich injury list
December 11 – German goalkeeping legend Manuel Neuer has been ruled out for the rest of the year after suffering a broken rib.
News
Gunners aim for Ashworth as Edu’s replacement
December 11 – Sporting director, Dan Ashworth must be racking the moving bills. Fresh from his sudden departure from Manchester United, the former Newcastle United sporting director is high on the list of candidates to move into the same role at Arsenal.
UN human rights chief tells FIFA it must keep human rights top of its World Cup agenda
December 10 – On the eve of FIFA officially naming Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, the United Nations’ chief human rights official has waded into the controversy.
Swiss FA to back FIFA’s Saudi 2034 motion but calls for independent human rights monitoring
December 10 – On the eve of FIFA’s extraordinary congress, the Swiss FA (SFV) has confirmed they will back the Saudi bid for the 2034 World Cup, but demand human rights must be monitored by both FIFA and the ILO.
Nike renew Brazil kit contract to 2038 with $100m+ annual deal
December 10 – In 1996 the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) and Nike teamed up for a partnership worth a reported $35 million per year. On Friday a new deal was announced, and times have changed!
Messi dropped as players vote for their World XI. No US players make women’s selection
December 10 – FIFA may still rate Lionel Messi as one of the best players in the world on current form but his peers clearly do not.
Galatasary sign one-season shirt deal with Northern Cypriot real estate firm Alpcans
December 10 – Turkey’s Galatasaray have signed a one-season shirt sponsorship agreement with Alpcans, a real estate business operating in Northern Cyprus, officially known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Out of line: English referee David Coote fired for misconduct
December 10 – Premier League referee David Coote has been sacked after his position was deemed “untenable” by English football’s referees body following an investigation into his conduct which found his actions to be in serious breach of his contract.
MLS Next Pro vs USL Academy. Indy Eleven show US talent is nationwide
December 9 – The United Soccer League (USL) continues to provide healthy competition to Major League Soccer despite its second tier status, and that crosses over into the youth game.
Match day 15: Premier League’s pre-Christmas crowds drop
December 10 – This week’s capacity tracker shows the Premier League suffering from a slight attendance slump in the build-up to Christmas – a pattern reflected last season as the festive season approaches.
Concacaf readies for Champions Cup 2025 draw
December 10 – Concacaf will hold the draw for Round One of its premier club competition, the Champions Cup, in Miami today. The final 27 teams have been pre-seeded based on the Concacaf club rankings.
UEFA’s Playmakers completes Montenegro mission
December 10 – UEFA’s Playmakers programme made its way to Montenegro for a unique football festival last week, as the institution looked to inspire the next generation of football lovers with a female-focussed event.
River Plate brings in facial recognition technology for Estadio Mâs Monumental entry
December 10 – Argentinian giants River Plate have announced the introduction of facial recognition technology at their iconic Estadio Mâs Monumental, enabling fans to ‘enjoy quick, secure, and ticketless access’.
Germany to back Saudi 2034 bid despite human rights concerns, England undecided
December 9 – The English Football Association is still reportedly weighing up whether it will officially endorse Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid at this week’s virtual FIFA Congress amid ongoing human rights concerns.
FIFA unveils venues and travel schedules for Club World Cup
December 9 – Having held the draw for the group stage of the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, FIFA has now released the venues, dates and kick-off times for the 63 matches.