Copa America Centenario raises importance of Caribbean Cup
By Paul Nicholson
May 5 – Initial reaction to the announcement last week that the Copa America Centenario will be played in the US and hosted by CONCACAF in 2016 has been positive.
Tournaments
Copa America Centenario poses a challenge to the accepted old world order
By Paul Nicholson in Miami
May 2 – The unveiling of the Copa America centennial tournament to be played in the US and hosted by CONCACAF June 3 to June 26, plants a huge new football tournament right in the middle of what is already a packed sporting calendar with UEFA’s 2016 European Championships in France and the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
History made as CONCACAF joins with CONMEBOL to host Copa America centennial
By Paul Nicholson in Miami
May 2 – The invitation promised history and the event delivered it. North American and Caribbean confederation CONCACAF and South American confederation CONMEBOL announced that the centennial edition of the world’s oldest international football tournament, the Copa America, will be played in the US in 2016.
CONCACAF readies for historic announcement as Webb ponders change
By Paul Nicholson
April 29 – With CONCACAF and South American confederation CONMEBOL readying for their Miami press conference, CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb has hinted that changes to the accepted structures of the regional competitions could be considered in the future.
CFU make history with launch of first Women’s Caribbean Cup
By Paul Nicholson
April 29 – History will be made in the Caribbean next month when the first Caribbean Football Union (CFU) senior women’s tournament will be held. Winners of the inaugural CFU Women’s Caribbean Cup will qualify for both the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Costa Rica breaks records with hosting of U-17 Women’s World Cup
By Paul Nicholson
April 4 – The final of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica takes place tonight with Japan and Spain competing for the top honour. Italy and Venezuela will face off for the bronze medal.
MoneyGram signs on as CONCACAF Champions League sponsor
March 11 – As the quarter finals of the CONCACAF Champions League started last night with Costa Rica’s Alajuelense drawing 0-0 with Arabe Unido in the first leg of their tie, the confederation also announced MoneyGram as a new commercial partner.
U-20 draw reinforces CONCACAF’s global lead in women’s football
By Paul Nicholson
March 3 – The draw for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 took place yesterday. The finals tournament is one of three major women’s world championships being hosted in the CONCACAF region over the next 18 months. Next month Costa Rica will hold the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup whilst the spotlight will be back on Canada in 2015 for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
NWSL adds Army National Guard as league sponsor
February 7 – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has added the Army National Guard (ARNG) as the Official Armed Forces Partner of the NWSL. The ARNG joins Nike and the US Soccer Foundation as main sponsors of the league. No figure has been released for the value of the deal.
CFU clubs prepare for championship chase and Champions League berths
By Paul Nicholson
January 31 – The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) have appointed hosts and made the draw for the 2014 CFU Club Championship Cup. 13 teams will compete for the championship, with the top three teams qualifying for the 2014/2015 CONCACAF Champions League.
US blast their way into semis in first major women’s event of 2014
January 14 – With just one round of group games left, the semi-finalists in the CONCACAF Women’s Under 20 Championship are now known. The final group game, between Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago who have both qualified for the next round, is all about who will draw (or avoid) a powerful US team in the semis.
Cayman kick off for CONCACAF Women’s U20 championship
January 9 – The CONCACAF Women’s Under 20 Championship kicks off toady in the Cayman Islands with a double headed opener with Guatemala taking on Jamaica, followed by two-time defending champion United States against Costa Rica.
CONCACAF sets dates for Champions League final rounds
January 7 – CONCACAF has announced dates for its Champions League final stages. Played over two legs, the quarter finals feature three teams from Mexico, three from the US, and one each from Costa Rica and Panama. The winners qualify for FIFA Club World Cup 2014.
US Soccer gets go-ahead to rejig Champions League qualification process
By Paul Nicholson
December 16 – US clubs have had their qualification process for their four Champions League spots changed following a request by US Soccer to CONCACAF. The region’s top club competition has to date been dominated by Mexican clubs who have won every edition.
Mexico head for Costa Rica finals after taking CONCACAF U17 Womens title
November 11 – The CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship ended with a penalty shoot-out win for Mexico over Canada in Montego Bay, Jamaica, this weekend. Mexico and Canada will join host Costa Rica as CONCACAF representatives in the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which starts in March.