Croatian capital Zagreb commits €40m to rebuilding of Kranjčevićeva stadium
December 17 – Following a public consultation, the city of Zagreb has issued a tender for the reconstruction of the Kranjčevićeva stadium in Croatia’s capital.
World Football
Concacaf and MLS sign on for invitation-only business conference before Nations League finals
December 17 – Sports Business Journal and sister company Leaders in Sport will hold a soccer-focussed business of football conference next March 19-20, 2025 at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California.
Ukraine complain after graphic at FIFA 2026 draw omits Crimea
December 16 – FIFA has been criticised by Ukraine for an “unacceptable error” after it appeared to exclude Crimea as part of the country during last week’s European draw for the 2026 World Cup.
Rodriguez quits Liga MX after clubs refuse to back $1.25bn Apollo deal
December 16 – Juan Carlos Rodríguez, the president of Liga MX and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), resigned on Friday during a meeting of Liga MX club owners who disagreed with his proposed investment strategy for the league.
Wiesenhof build on Euro 2024 sponsorship with 2025 commitment
December 16 – UEFA has announced that German poultry producer Wiesenhof has become an Official National Partner for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, set to take place in Switzerland from 2 to 27 July. It is the company’s first sponsorship of the tournament.
German power brokers Neuendorf and Watzke endorsed again for FIFA and UEFA roles
December 16 – The German FA (DFB) have backed Bernd Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim Watzke for re-election to the FIFA Council and UEFA executive committee respectively.
Bochum and Union Berlin walk to draw after Drewes hit on head by missile
December 16 – Bochum will protest to the German football association after their goalkeeper Patrick Drewes was hit by a lighter in their Bundesliga draw at Union Berlin on Saturday, with the teams later returning to the pitch to finish the match but running down the clock without trying to score.
Montagliani reflects on Concacaf’s 8-year journey from darkness to light and their next steps
December 13 – Speaking at Concacaf’s annual Presidents’ Meeting in Orlando, FL, USA, last weekend, Concacaf president Victor Montagliani, reminded his member associations how far the organisaton had progressed over the past eight years.
Concacaf adds centralised final four format for Nations League’s B and C divisions
December 13 – Concacaf is expanding its Nations League B and C divisions to include a final four competition, starting with the 2026/27 edition.
Conmebol adds Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying tournament to calendar
December 13 – Following in the footsteps of Europe, South America will stage a standalone qualifying tournament for the Women’s World Cup, the region’s governing body Conmebol confirmed on Thursday.
Swissquote champions financial equality with Euro 2025 national sponsorship
December 13 – UEFA has announced Swiss online banking provider Swissquote as an Official National Partner for Women’s Euro 2025 next summer. The partnership also includes Swissquote’s joint venture, Yuh, further strengthening the company’s commitment to fostering equality in sport.
Kosovo’s Erjon Morina dies after suffering training ground heart attack, aged 22
December 13 – Kosovan and Vushtrri FC player, Erjon Morina, died on Thursday after being in intensive care for more than a month. The 22-year-old forward suffered a heart attack during a training session with Vushtrri FC at the end of October.
Concacaf’s 2025 Champions Cup draws MLS contenders together in first round
December 13 – Concacaf has drawn the ties for its 27-team 2015 Champions Cup that sees 10 nations having qualified teams.
English FA runs world’s first para football training course for medics
December 13 – The English Football Association (FA) has announced a first-of- its-kind, medical training course known as the para-Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football Reaccreditation (ParaATMMiF-R) course.
Belgium’s Cercle Brugge keep faith with Austrian recruitment policy
December 13 – Belgian club Cercle Brugge have named Ferdinand Feldhofer (pictured) as the successor to Miron Muslic. It’s the third time in a row that the club have put their fate in the hands of an Austrian manager.