Shadow of Cristiano? Portugal end Santos’ contract two years early
December 18 – Portugal have parted company with coach Fernando Santos following their shock 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Morocco at the World Cup.
World Football
ECJ advisor backs UEFA’s block on Barca-Juve-Real Madrid Super League breakaway
By Andrew Warshaw
December 15 – Those still backing the seemingly doomed European Super League have been dealt a hammer blow after the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) key adviser today ruled against them – a landmark decision for the future of European football.
New report finds on-going ‘misconduct’ in US women’s professional game
December 15 – A joint investigation unit commissioned by the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and their players association (NWSLPA) has found widespread, ongoing misconduct in the top-flight North American league, according to a report released on Wednesday.
French journalist promises to sue Cameroon FA for defamation
December 14 – The Cameroon Football Association (Fecafoot) is facing a lawsuit from a French investigative journalist after the federation published a statement accusing him of attempted blackmail and extortion.
Spanish court clears Neymar of transfer fee fraud over move to Barca
December 13 – A Spanish court has acquitted Brazilian superstar Neymar and other defendants in a fraud and corruption case relating to his 2013 transfer to Barcelona from Santos after prosecutors had dropped all charges in the high-profile trial.
LaLiga takes Sevilla’s ‘Transfer Tracker’ to market to reclaim unpaid player fees
December 13 – LaLiga Tech, the digital development and commercial partnership arm of the Spanish league, is partnering with Sevilla FC to make its ‘Transfer Tracker’ technology available to clubs worldwide.
Dominguez pushes for 2030 in South America, and opens door for Copa America 2024 in US
December 12 – The South American confederation, Conmebol, is stepping up its campaign to host the 2030 World Cup despite a likely counter-bid from Europe.
Should I stay or should I go: Southgate has emotional clash over England future
December 12 – As England lick their wounds after falling just short for the third tournament in a row, manager Gareth Southgate is pondering whether to stay on in the role.
‘Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose’. Tite quits Brazil after Croatia loss
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 11 – Brazil coach Tite has stepped down following his team’s heartbreaking quarter-final elimination on penalties by Croatia, but he refused to accept criticism that the Seleçao conceded a crucial late equaliser in extra-time because of disorganisation.
Under fire Warner battles to retain control of Trinidad Centre of Excellence
December 9 – The walls are closing in on former FIFA vice president and Concacaf president Jack Warner. Having lost his appeal against extradition to the US, earlier this week he lost a first round legal battle with Concacaf over a long running dispute concerning the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence in Macoya, Trinidad.
Hopfen quits Bundesliga over strategy, club execs Hellman and Leki drafted in interim
December 9 – Donata Hopfen, CEO of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga, will quit her role at the end of the year, being replaced on an interim basis by two Bundesliga club execs, Axel Hellmann and Oliver Leki.
PSG and ECA’s Al-Khelaifi says fan power will trump greed of Super League trio
December 8 – Nasser Al-Khelaifi, one of the most powerful officials in European football, says fans will never let a breakaway Super League happen even if the courts decide in its favour.
Irish women’s pro-IRA singing celebration lands them a €20k UEFA fine
December 8 – UEFA has fined the Football Association of Ireland €20,000 for its women’s teams post match celebration and the singing of a song with a pro-IRA chorus after they beat Scotland 1-0 and qualified for the women’s World Cup finals for the first time.
Estrelabet banks big on Brazilian futsal with all-team deal via CBF
December 8 – In the bookmaker race to pick up football sponsorship assets in Brazil’s fast evolving betting markets, EstrelaBet has completed a sponsorship for all of the country’s futsal teams until 2025 with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Canadian women’s legends unveil plans for an 8-team pro-league
December 7 – Canadian national team legends Christine Sinclair (pictured) and Diana Matheson have announced plans to create a women’s professional league in the country with kick-off in April 2025.