NWSL expands season to 132-game schedule, keeps Challenge Cup openers
December 20 – The National Women’s Soccer League has unveiled a 132-game preliminary competition framework for its 10th anniversary season.
Ronaldo takes control at Brazil’s Cruzeiro with $70m investment
December 20 – Brazilian legend and Real Sociedad owner Ronaldo has obtained a controlling stake in his old club Cruzeiro, which has been struggling in the second division of the Brazilian game.
Kompany walks out after ‘monkey’ abuse at Brugges vs Anderlecht clash
December 20 – In the latest controversy to hit the Belgian domestic league, Anderlecht coach Vincent Kompany has slammed the racist comments during his side’s 2-2 with Club Brugge.
UEFA certified as Equal-Salary employer
December 20 – UEFA has been certified as an EQUAL-SALARY employer, the first sports organisation to do so.
Abramovich Brexited: Chelsea owner granted EU citizenship in Portugal
December 20 – Billionaire oligarch and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has become an EU citizen, three years after withdrawing his application for a UK visa amid diplomatic tensions between London and Moscow.
Report says biennial WC would kill €2.5bn+ of European revenue. FIFA says its for the fans
By Paul Nicholson
December 17 – Ahead of FIFA’s much vaunted Global Summit on the Future of Football – that will focus on the international calendar and in particular FIFA’s proposal for a biennial World Cup – a report has been released that predicts if FIFA’s proposals were implemented, Europe’s federations would lose revenues of €2.5 – 3 billion over a four-year cycle.
Premier League calls in clubs for covid crisis talks as weekend fixtures halved
December 17 – Premier League clubs will meet for urgent talks on Monday to discuss the escalating crisis caused by the new coronavirus variant that has decimated this weekend’s league programme.
UEFA doubles up, opening host bidding for 2028 and 2032 Euros
December 17 – UEFA have opened the bidding for the 2032 European Championships and have confirmed it will run alongside 2028, with hosts for both being chosen at the same time in a radical change from past practice.
Is new Derby County wannabe Moxey running amok of the EFL’s governance structures?
December 17 – The on-going saga of the sale of Derby County is throwing up a number of potential takeover names but one bidding group in particular is starting to catch the eye, at least from a good governance perspective.
Nations League draw rematches England and Italy, with Germany to add extra edge
December 17 – Italy and England were drawn in the same Nations League group Thursday, setting up two mouth-watering rematches next year of their European Championship final.
Old foes Algeria and Tunisia ready to settle inaugural FIFA Arab Cup
By Samindra Kunti in Doha, Qatar
December 17 – North Africa’s domination of the FIFA Arab Cup will culminate on Saturday with either Tunisia or Algeria lifting the cup.
Gabon U17 youth coach Assoumou Eyi accused of sexually abusing players
December 17 – Another appalling case of alleged football-related sexual abuse has been exposed, this time in an Africa’s Gabon.
Alaba tops world player ranking, Man City’s Dias is second, Messi is 24th
December 17 – Is Lionel Messi really the best outfield player in the world or is it in fact Real Madrid central defender David Alaba?
MLS brings forward 2022 season start and opens with LA vs NY battle
December 17 – To facilitate the winter World Cup in 2022, the Major League Soccer season will kick off earlier, with the curtain raiser slated for February.
AFC launches ‘Emotions in Football Project’ for coaches and educators
December 17 – The AFC has launched an educational and well-being initiative designed to help coaches and players manage their emotions and ultimately improve their performances on the pitch.