Portugal brush Swiss aside as Ramos stars after Ronaldo is dropped to bench
By Andrew Warshaw
December 7 – It was a massive gamble and fortunately for Portuguese coach Fernando Santos it paid off – and then some.
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.
Morocco create Arab and African history with penalty shoot-out elimination of Spain
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 7 – It was with the cheekiest of Panenkas that Achraf Hakimi and Morocco upset Spain to create a 3-0 penalty win, and World Cup history, to progress to the last eight of the tournament.
DFL’s $3.6bn private equity raise hits club road block
December 7 – The German Football League (DFL) has reportedly stalled the sale of a $3.6 billion stake in Bundesliga media rights after a number of raised concerns over the capital raise.
Eto’o apologises for ‘violent altercation’ with fan after World Cup match
December 7 – Samuel Eto’o has apologised for a “violent altercation” when in a bizarre and distasteful incident he kicked a fan outside a World Cup stadium.
Indonesian Liga 1 returns behind closed doors after stadium disaster that killed 135
December 7 – Indonesian club football returned this week behind closed doors after 135 people died after a stampede following a match at Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang, East Java province on October 1.
Polish PM scraps on World Cup bonus plan after public backlash
December 7 – Poland’s prime minister has backed down on a promise to award bonuses to the national team after the World Cup.
Betano secures naming rights to Copa do Brasil in 3-year deal
December 7 – FIFA’s first betting sponsor Betano has added the naming rights for the Copa do Brasil to its sponsorship portfolio.
Pele’s health is improving, say doctors, with no new complications
December 7 – Brazil great Pele’s condition is improving in hospital, according to his doctors.
FIFA cracks down on Uruguayans behaving badly and Serbia’s anti-Kosovan politics
December 6 – FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against both Uruguay and Serbia for a range of misdemeanours during their respective final group games at the World Cup which saw both countries eliminated.
Ronaldo on verge of closing €200m a year deal with Saudi club Al-Nassr
December 6 – Leading Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr have reportedly made a huge offer to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after the World Cup.
Bento quits after taking South Korea to last 16
December 6 – Following the round of 16 exit at the hands of Brazil, Paulo Bento (pictured) has stepped down from his role as South Korea coach.
Germany turn the page as Oliver Bierhoff exits national set-up
December 6 – German team director Oliver Bierhoff has become the first major casualty of their group stage World Cup humiliation after agreeing to leave his post two years before his contract ends.
Textor’s Eagle Football given final deadline to complete OL Groupe buy
December 6 – US investor John Textor and his Eagle Football Holdings group have been given until December 7 to close the deal to French Ligue1 club Olympique Lyonnaise.
Brazil turn of the style and the joy to cement their status as Qatar 2022 favourites
December 6 – Brazil danced their way to a 4-1 victory against South Korea and a last-eight encounter with Croatia after a barnstorming first half against the Asian team.