Costa Rica
Costa Rica will be battling to retain their elite Concacaf status as they compete for one of the two remaining slots at the Copa America 2024 against Honduras at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
World Football
Gabon FA chief still in post despite suspension recommendation, FIFA says case is ongoing
January 22 – FIFA has yet to act on an independent investigator’s recommendation in November that the president of the Gabonese football association (Fegafoot) should be immediately suspended.
Frustration boils over after AFCON favourites Morocco held by Congo
January 22 – World Cup semi-finalists Morocco will have to wait to clinch a place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after being held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
Salah to get treatment in Liverpool but could head back to AFCON if Egypt make semis
January 22 – Mohamed Salah, arguably the highest profile player at the African Cup of Nations, is to return to Liverpool to receive treatment on a hamstring injury.
Goodbye Toulouse, Rouen stun French holders with marathon penalty shootout win
January 22 – French Cup holders Toulouse experienced an unexpected exit as third-tier Rouen triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout. All 11 players from each team successfully converted their spot-kicks, culminating in a thrilling 23 out of 24 kicks scored.
Japan, Canada and Brazil join US from Spring edition of SheBelieves Cup
January 22 – The US Soccer Federation has announced that Japan, Canada and Brazil will join them for the ninth edition of this Spring’s SheBelieves Cup.
Honduras
Honduras are a team on the rise and would have been in the Nations League final four if they had held on to their lead in the closing minutes of the quarter final against Mexico, eventually losing on penalties.
Cryprus bans all away fans in top two tiers for rest of season
January 22 – The Cyprus Football Federation (KOP) has banned all away fans from matches in the first and second tiers of Cypriot football, as well as matches in the Cyprus Cup.
Canada
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Having thrown away their quarter final lead against Jamaica and then losing on penalties, Canada missed out on the CNL final four and now have a single match play-in against Trinidad and Tobago for qualification to the Copa America 2024, which will be played in the US with six Concacaf guests.
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago were pushed into the Copa America 2024 play-in round as one of the four losing quarter finalists in the Concacaf Nations League having been beaten 4-3 on aggregate by the US.
Salah injured as Egypt draw with Ghana
January 19 – Egypt lost Mohamed Salah to injury before coming from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Ghana in their potentially decisive Africa Cup of Nations match on Thursday.
Henderson quits Saudi for European return at Ajax
January 19 – The lucrative Saudi league has lost one of its high-profile players after England midfielder Jordan Henderson unexpectedly quit and returned to Europe to sign for Ajax.
Orange launches 14-team esports tournament alongside AFCON
January 19 – Telecoms giant Orange has furthered its involvement in the growth of eSports in Africa by launching an eFootball 2024 edition of the Orange eSport experience in Abidjan for the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.
UEFA opens tender process for UWCL media and women’s football sponsorship rights
January 19 – UEFA has begun the tender process for media rights to the Women’s Champions League and Women’s Football sponsorship rights for the 2025-30 commercial cycle.
Cypriot players’ union demands protection for players after flare causes injury
January 18 – The Cypriot players’ union (PASP) has threatened to boycott matches in the country’s elite leagues unless authorities can guarantee the safety of players during matches.