FIFA urges leagues to punish racist abuse offences
FIFA will urge federations to make racist abuse a disciplinary offense, propose a global gesture for racist incidents, and implement match forfeits for racism. [ more ]
FIFA proposes a five-pillar plan to combat racist abuse in football, including implementing a standard crossed-hands gesture for players to report incidents. [ more ]
The introduction of a new blue card as part of trials of sin bins in professional football has been postponed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
FIFA has distanced itself from the reports of a blue card, stating that any such trials should be limited to testing at lower levels. [ more ]
Barcelona & Real Madrid consider legal action against UEFA & FIFA after latest Super League ruling
Barcelona and Real Madrid are considering taking legal action against UEFA and FIFA over the failure to launch the Super League and potential damages.
The collapse of the Super League has altered the available funds and market terms for any new loan, making compensation claims more difficult. [ more ]
They Run the World's Biggest Sports, and They Don't Want to Leave
Aleksander Ceferin, president of European soccer's governing body, UEFA, is seeking to extend his term in office beyond what he initially promised.
Ceferin and FIFA president Gianni Infantino are both pushing for rule changes that would allow them to stay in their positions for longer periods of time. [ more ]
The European Super League case has woken up a sleeping giant
The Court of Justice of the European Union's ruling in the European Super League case will have profound consequences for sports federations and their organization
The ruling challenges the role and powers of FIFA and UEFA [ more ]
Scandal Brought Reforms to Soccer. Its Leaders Are Rolling Them Back.
FIFA's reform report led by Gianni Infantino aimed to restore trust post-corruption, with proposals for transparency, term limits, and institutional changes. [ more ]
FIFA to seek legal advice before making a decision on Palestinian proposal to suspend Israel from international football due to conflict with Hamas. [ more ]
Penultimate Premier League Games and Juventus's Coppa Italia
Discussion of Premier League midweek games: Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City victories, followed by Juventus's Coppa Italia win and FIFA's consideration of overseas domestic matches. [ more ]
Fifa criticised for lack of mandatory rest periods in new women's calendar
The new four-year women's international match calendar lacks mandatory rest periods, raising concerns about player welfare and domestic league disruption. [ more ]
U.S. and Mexico Drop Bid to Host 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup
The U.S. Soccer Federation and Mexican counterpart withdrew joint bid to host 2027 Women's World Cup, focusing on 2031 to seek equal FIFA investment in men's and women's tournaments. [ more ]
Zambia's women could be barred from football at Olympics after Fifa steps in
Fifa threatened Zambia's football association with suspension due to money-laundering accusations against its president, potentially impacting women's Olympic participation. [ more ]
What Apple's reported move for FIFA's Club World Cup streaming rights means for the new tournament and beyond
Apple is close to securing worldwide television rights for the FIFA Club World Cup, a significant move into live sports with a deal potentially worth over $1 billion. [ more ]
FIFA Said to Be Close to TV Deal With Apple for New Tournament
FIFA is close to an agreement with Apple for worldwide TV rights for a new tournament in the US, potentially only accessible through Apple TV+. [ more ]
Apple might be the streaming home of soccer's next big tournament
Apple is close to securing worldwide rights for an expanded Club World Cup in 2025, worth over $1 billion, adding to their sports streaming portfolio. [ more ]
The Biden administration sided with a promoter in the antitrust suit against FIFA and USSF, urging the Supreme Court to allow the case to proceed to trial.
The U.S. government's brief emphasized that the USSF was not acting independently but was a participating member in adopting and enforcing the policy regarding hosting league matches. [ more ]
England forward Beth Mead and her Arsenal team-mate Vivianne Miedema are collaborating with Fifa to share insights on ACL injuries.
Injuries like ACL tears are a significant concern in women's football with high-profile players like Mead, Miedema, Sam Kerr, and Mia Fishel affected. [ more ]
Computer says no - but Lyon claim FIFA says yes to Said Benrahma move - Soccer News
Lyon are confident that FIFA will authorize the loan signing of West Ham's Said Benrahma despite a deadline-day setback.
Lyon has provided proof to FIFA that they entered the necessary information in the transfer portal, and FIFA is reviewing the transfer requests for both Benrahma and Pablo Fornals. [ more ]
Former Spanish football federation president, Luis Rubiales, has lost his appeal against a three-year ban from football-related activities by Fifa.
Rubiales stepped down from his role in September after kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup final win against England. [ more ]
FIFA has upheld the three-year ban on former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales for his behavior after the Women's World Cup final.
Rubiales kissed a player on the lips, grabbed his crotch, and threw another player over his shoulder, resulting in the ban.
The ban could be appealed again at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and Rubiales may also stand trial for his actions. [ more ]
Norwegian FA president urges Fifa to publish report on Qatar World Cup
Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation, is urging FIFA to publish its report on possible human rights failings at the Qatar World Cup.
Klaveness argues that FIFA's lack of transparency over the report's publication reflects a broader problem within the organization. [ more ]
Marc Overmars has been given a global ban by FIFA after being suspended from holding a post in Dutch football.
Overmars was banned by an independent Dutch sports tribunal for two years, with one year suspended, due to inappropriate messages sent to female colleagues. [ more ]
FIFA suspends new agent regulations as court fights move forward
FIFA has suspended most of its new FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR) due to legal challenges.
The regulations imposed new obligations and restrictions on football agents, including caps on commissions, but these have been found to be unlawful restraints of trade. [ more ]
FIFA has temporarily suspended its new agent regulations (FFAR) worldwide until a decision from the European Court of Justice.
Agents had previously lost an appeal in July against the new regulations, which included caps on transfer commissions and licensing exams for agents.
Injunctions in Germany and Spain temporarily stopped the implementation of certain regulations, and FIFA has initiated appeal proceedings in Germany against the injunction. [ more ]
PFA says players 'ready to take legal action' over congested fixture lists
(Image credit: Getty Images) Footballers are ready to "take a strong stance" including legal action over the demands of congested fixture lists, according to the players union.