Conmebol pays special tribute to life of Maradonna
June 15 – Diego Maradona’s life was honoured by Conmebol in a special tribute ahead of Argentina’s Copa America opener against Chile that finished 1-1.
World Football
UEFA takes first steps towards blockchain and crypto with AntChain deal
June 15 – UEFA has agreed a five year global partnership for blockchain technology with AntChain, the blockchain subsidiary of Ant Group which also owns AliPay, who are already three years into an eight year sponsorship with UEFA.
Concacaf 2022 qualifying: Canada, Panama and El Salvador have edge
June 14 – The knockout play off series to decide the final three slots in the eight team Concacaf final round of 2022 World Cup qualifying began at the weekend with opening advantages being gained by Canada, Panama and El Salvador.
Venezuela lose 13 players to positive covid tests before Brazil Copa America opener
June 14 – Brazil defeated a depleted Venezuela 3-0 in the curtain raiser of the Copa America, a tournament that was shifted away from both Colombia and Argentina at the eleventh hour but has still been badly hit by the coronavirus.
FIFPro chief Baer-Hoffman calls on players to confront game’s bosses on calendar crunch
June 14 – The general secretary of FIFPro, the world players’ union, has written a powerful open letter to players competing in international tournaments across the globe this summer urging them to make a stand against the demands of a calendar he says is taking its toll on their mental and physical health.
Las Vegas calling: Gold Cup final tickets sell out in just 90 mins
June 13 –Tickets for the Concacaf Gold Cup final in Las Vegas on August 2 sold out in just 90 minutes after going on sale on Friday, a record for the tournament.
USL unveils 8 founder members of W League saying it will have 30 clubs at kick off
June 11 – The USL has unveiled the eight founding members of its women’s pro-am – the W League – that will begin play in May 2022.
Mastercard and Ambev halt activation of Copa America sponsorships
June 10 – Major sponsors Mastercard and Ambev have withdrawn their support for the Copa America following a last-minute switch of host venue to Covid-ravaged Brazil.
Swiss warning forces UEFA to put Barca, Juve and Real Madrid disciplinary on hold
June 10 – In an unexpected blow to its pride, UEFA has been forced to suspend disciplinary proceedings against Super League rebel clubs Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid.
New Women’s Cup comp in US secures PSG and Bayern participation and Paramount+ TV deal
June 10 – The new launch women’s friendly club tournament – The Women’s Cup (TWC) – to be hosted for the first time in Louisville in the US 18-21 August, has sold its US broadcast rights to Paramount+.
Hungarians refuse to take knee branding it as a political protest
June 9 – Hungary will not take the knee before Euro 2020 matches, the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) has announced.
Who’s the Daddy? Brima elected new head of Sierra Leone FA
June 9 – Sierra Leone finally has a new football federation chief after Thomas Daddy Brima (pictured) was the surprise choice to succeed Isha Johansen who has relinquished power after eight years in charge.
David powers Canada into next round of Qatar 2022 qualifying to face the Goliath of Haiti
June 9 – Concacaf completed their first round of 2022 World Cup qualifying last night, with six nations progressing to the next knock out stage that will whittle them down to three teams for the final 8-team qualifying group.
San Diego to be home of NWSL’s 12th team, joining Angel City in 2022 start
June 10 – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is set to add a 12th team to its competition. San Diego will join the Los Angeles-based Angel City FC debuting in the 2022 season.
Breaking the glass ceiling: Hewitt poised to take chair at English FA
June 9 – Debbie Hewitt is set to become the first female chair of the English Football Association in its 158-year-old history after being nominated to replace Greg Clarke.