Iraq go joint top of group after Indonesia win
January 15 – In an energetic game at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha, Iraq were victorious 3-1 over underdogs Indonesia as both sides fought to join Japan at the top of Group D.
Saudi’s open ‘Falcon’s Nest’ fan zone in Doha for Asian Cup
January 15 – With the 2023 AFC Asian Cup underway, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has announced the launch of the ‘Falcon’s Nest’ fan zone, where supporters can ‘enjoy an extraordinary experience’ while in Qatar for the quadrennial showpiece.
AFCON favourites Egypt and Nigeria only manage draws, but Ivory Coast open with win
January 15 – Hosts and two-time winners Ivory Coast began with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau but hotly favoured Egypt and Nigeria were both held and Ghana beaten as the African Cup of Nations got under way at the weekend with a spate of surprises.
Lee Kang-In double eases South Korea past Bahrain in Group E opener
January 15 – Continental heavyweights South Korea breezed past Bahrain 3-1 with a second-half brace from Paris Saint-Germain star Lee Kang-In to get their Asian Cup off to a winning start.
BYD plugs into Euro 2024 as e-mobility partner
January 15 – UEFA has announced new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD as an official partner and the Official E-Mobility Partner of Euro 2024.
Las Vegas Legends achieve a US first with NISA invite based on performance, not money
January 15 – Las Vegas is expected to be announced as one of the next MLS franchise cities once a big money ownership group is structured, but the MLS won’t have the only professional football (soccer) team in town.
Palestine give proof of life in face of Iranian onslaught
Doha – On an emotional night at the Asian Cup, Iran dispatched a brave-hearted Palestine 4-1 to take command of Group C.
UAE overcome Hong Kong’s fast start to open account
January 14 – The United Arab Emirates survived a scare in the opening match of Group C against Hong Kong, courtesy of two match-deciding penalties, as both sides played their part in a thrilling battle for three points.
Japan come from behind in helter skelter first half to beat Vietnam
January 14 – Tournament favourites Japan overcame a scare and a half of topsy-turvy football to defeat Vietnam 4-2 with a brace from Takumi Minamino.
Iran play down favourites role ahead of emotional opener against Palestine
January 13 – Three-time Asian champions Iran have downplayed their heavyweight status ahead of their Group C opener against Palestine, arguing that “every game will be a final”.
Uzbeks fluff their opening lines as Syria secure vital point
January 13 – Syria opened their Asian Cup account with a point following a goalless draw against a toothless Uzbekistan to throw Group B wide open and cast doubts over the Central Asians’ credentials.
Tajikistan draw with China on their Asian Cup debut
January 13 – China and Tajikistan drew their opening match 0-0 in the Abdullah bin Khalifa stadium in Doha Group A after a late goal by China was ruled out for offside.
Aussies take charge of Group B with winning start against India
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
January 13 – Australia laboured to a 2-0 victory against India with second-half goals from Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos in their opening match of the Asian Cup to take command of Group B, but will need to improve to leave a mark on the tournament.
Newcastle United report £70m revenue jump but losses of £73m
January 12 – Newcastle United have reported a loss after tax of £73.4 million for the 12 months ending 30 June 2023, on revenues of £250.3 million, an increase from £180 million the previous year.
Fifpro survey finds stadium security needs improvement
January 12 – Security in stadiums must be improved and sanctions strengthened to deter physical and verbal abuse of footballers, according to a survey by the players’ union Fifpro.