FIFA boosts 2018 initial squad selection rules from 30-35 players, final squads still at 23
February 9 – FIFA has increased the number of players that coaches can select in their initial World Cup squads from 30 to 35.
Category: FIFA
Exclusive: FIFA Medical Committee acts on goalkeeper aggression
By David Owen
February 9 – FIFA is moving closer to taking action on overly aggressive play by goalkeepers. The organisation’s Medical Committee this week decided to send what chairman Michel D’Hooghe describes as a “strong” letter on the issue to colleagues on the Referees’ Committee.
FIFA sends mission to Spain to discuss life post-Villar and government interference
By Andrew Warshaw
February 6 – Pressure is mounting on Spanish authorities to sort out the aftermath of veteran powerbroker Angel Villar’s demise after yet another intervention by FIFA.
Down but not out? Blatter considers suing FIFA in Switzerland
February 2 – Sepp Blatter may be yesterday’s man but says he is not yet resigned with being for ever tarnished with having broken ethics rules.
Global transfer spend hits $6.37bn in 2017, says TMS report
By Andrew Warshaw
January 31 – As the winter transfer window in Europe draws to a close, the eye-watering scale of global spending on players has been laid bare by FIFA’s latest Transfer Market Report.
No gifts, no bungs, no collusion. Is 2026 World Cup the most boring FIFA vote ever?
By Andrew Warshaw
January 30 – As serious lobbying for the 2026 World Cup gets under way, FIFA has reminded its federations not to break strict new guidelines when it comes to their dealings with the two contenders ahead of the vote in June.
FIFA grounds jet-set culture reducing spending by 88%, finds report
January 29 – A confidential report commissioned by FIFA president Gianni Infantino into the organisation’s financial workings before he took over from Sepp Blatter has uncovered an eye-watering spending spree by the old guard, most of whom have now been forced out including Blatter and his one-time right-hand man, Jerome Valcke.
Del Nero faces FIFA ethics investigators saying he has done nothing wrong
January 23 – Marco Polo del Nero has maintained his total innocence of bribery and corruption laid against him by the United States Justice Department’s FIFAGate inquiry in a cross examination by FIFA’s ethics investigation.
Coke takes World Cup Trophy on a 91-stop, 51country global journey
January 23 – The global leg of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour sponsored by Coca-Cola kicked off with an official launch ceremony in London on Monday and plans to hit 91 cities across 51 countries and six continents.
Gulati accused of leveraging his FIFA power to withhold youth player compensation
January 22 – With US Soccer president Sunil Gulati and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani about to begin their charm offensive in Europe for the North American bid for the 2026 World Cup, Gulati has been hit with new problems.
Norwegian FA boss tells FIFA to speed up Russian doping probe. Russian cry foul
By Andrew Warshaw
January 22 – The head of Norway’s FA has called on FIFA to step up its investigation into the Russian doping scandal and even consider a ban, comments that have prompted a furious response from his Russian counterpart.
Did Trump’s ‘shithole’ comments turn a 2026 ‘Dead Cert’ into football’s poisoned pill?
By Andrew Warshaw
January 19 – The global perception of the United States under Donald Trump could pose a direct threat to the country’s bid to jointly stage the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico according to bid leader Sunil Gulati (pictured).
IFAB head to Zurich for crucial talks on whether to implement VAR at Russia 2018
January 19 – Football’s lawmaking body, the International FA Board, has confirmed that video assistant refereeing will be the main focus of attention at Monday’s interim business meeting in Zurich.
Suspended Brazilian chief Del Nero to face FIFA Ethics questioning via video link
January 18 – Brazilian FA boss Marco Del Nero, who escaped being put on trial for his alleged role in the FIFAGate scandal since his country has no extradition treaty with the United States, is to contest his FIFA ban on Friday – via video link from Rio de Janeiro .
Nicaragua’s Rocha dies in US before sentencing in FIFAGate case
January 15 – Two months after being banned for life, one of the highest profile figures in the FIFAGate corruption scandal, former Nicaragua Football Federation chief Julio Rocha has died after battling with cancer.