Real Madrid vs PSG, Juve vs Spurs headline Champions League last 16 match-ups
December 11 – Real Madrid will have to overcome one of the teams of the moment if they want to achieve a hattrick of Champions League crowns.
Gold Cup 2025
Unconvincing but into next round. USA dispatch Saudi Arabia, just
USA 1 Saudi Arabia 0
June 19 – American comedian Rodney Dangerfield used to say, “I don’t get no respect.” The same could be said for the United States Men’s Soccer Team as barely 10,000 fans showed up for a supporter friendly 8.15 pm kickoff versus Concacaf Gold Cup, Group D opponents, Saudi Arabia in a 1-0 win that again raised more questions than answers.
Former EU chief slaughters Infantino’s integrity and Rojas’s credentials in FIFA ethics report
By Andrew Warshaw
December 11 – FIFA’s highly controversial decision to purge its senior governance officials last May with the backing of Gianni Infantino has been seriously called into question in a scathing attack by the Council of Europe.
Turkish clubs protest Trump decision with ‘Jerusalem is our red line’ banners
By Mark Baber
December 11 – Turkish footballers and fans protested US President Trump’s controversial recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, unfurling pro-Palestine banners at domestic football matches.
Premier League issues TV tender with more live games and a simulcast option
December 11 – The Premier League’s tender for its domestic broadcast rights package for 2019-22 has seen the league boost the number of packages available to seven with a total of 200 live games (up from 168).
Toronto FC secure treble as 2026 World Cup bid promises bigger, better, more
By Paul Nicholson
December 11 – Toronto FC have created their own piece of history becoming the first Canadian team to win the MLS Cup and the first team to win the treble of domestic honours. The final also gave the opportunity for the United 2026 World Cup bid of Canada, Mexico and the US to promise a 2026 finals that will be bigger, better and more.
Former Zimbabwe FA chief warns of dangers of re-electing corruption-charged Chiyangwa
December 12 – Further pressure is growing on Zimbabwean football boss Philip Chiyangwa, an ally of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, after his leadership came under a strongly worded attack from former Zimbabwe FA (ZIFA) chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze.
Video ref reversal sees Frankfurt’s Wolf recalled from dressing room to continue playing
December 11 – Trials of assistant video referees in the German Bundesliga threw up yet another controversial case at the weekend when a player had actually left the field after being sent off before being called back on.
News analysis: Dragon fire and Scandi cold shoulder over Wembley’s Euro 2020 bonus
By Andrew Warshaw
December 8 – And then there were 12. If UEFA’s decision to drop Brussels as one of the 13 original hosts of Euro 2020 was widely anticipated, handing Wembley the four matches the Belgian capital would otherwise have staged is hard to justify in terms of what the tournament is supposed to stand for.
UEFA reveals seedings for inaugural Nations League draw
December 8 – UEFA has set the seedings for the inaugural Nations League draw on January 24 with Germany, Portugal, Belgium and Spain in Pot 1 of League A. England are in Pot 2 of the same league.
Kuwait rehab comes just in time as it is confirmed as host for Gulf Cup this month
December 8 – Within 48 hours of being re-instated by FIFA following a two-year ban, Kuwait has been confirmed as host of the upcoming Gulf Cup, ending widespread uncertainty over whether the troubled event can take place.
Ronaldo equals Messi winning Ballon d’Or for fifth time
December 8 – Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d‘Or for world player of the year on Thursday for a joint-record fifth time, equalling the feat of Lionel Messi.
Hope Solo enters race for US Soccer’s top job
December 8 – Hope Solo, the United States’ World Cup-winning goalkeeper, has thrown her hat into the ring for presidency of the US Soccer Federation, taking the number of declared candidates to eight.
Inter top 7 million Facebook likes as content build starts to pay off
December 8 – Inter Milan, who have invested in building their content division via their new Inter Media House facilities, are seeing an immediate benefit with the club announcing they have passed the seven million fans mark on Facebook.
£2.6m for Arsenal’s top Gunner Gazidis
By David Owen
December 8 – Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis was paid over £2.6 million in emoluments over the year to May 31. A breakdown included in the annual accounts of Arsenal Holdings plc, recently filed at Companies House, reveals that on top of a basic salary of £1.67 million, Gazidis received a £919,000 bonus and pension and benefits totalling £29,000.
UEFA see red over Carvajal’s ‘deliberate’ yellow
December 8 – Good try but not good enough. Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal will miss the first leg of the Champions League last 16 after he was found by UEFA to have got himself deliberately booked for time-wasting in the last month’s 6-0 win at Apoel Nicosia.