Infantino tells EBU members they need to pay more for women’s TV rights
December 1 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stressed the need for broadcasters to pay “a fair price” for the commercial rights to women’s football.
FIFA
South Africa withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup bid to focus on 2031
November 30 – South Africa have dropped out of the race for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, reducing the bidding field to three bids. The Africans want to focus on landing the 2031 finals.
France pressure Argentina at top of World ranking, Brazil drop again, England back in top 3
November 30 – The FIFA world rankings have seen a reshuffle after the November international break, as Leo Messi’s Argentina remains top of the pile thanks to a 0-1 victory away against arch-rivals Brazil, despite losing its unbeaten streak in a 0-2 home defeat against Uruguay a week prior.
DBU turns spotlight on FIFA to ensure host nations respect human rights
November 29 – The Danish FA (DBU) has said that in the future the organisation will direct their criticism toward FIFA and not host countries of the World Cup in a bid to hold the world federation more accountable.
PFA pleads for FIFA to condemn Gaza Strip ‘genocide’ and champion the human rights enshrined in its statutes
By Paul Nicholson
November 28 – In an open letter to FIFA and its member associations, the Palestine Football Association (PFA) has asked for FIFA’s “assistance” in seeking to uphold and safeguard human rights in the Gaza strip.
France and Germany beat Mali and Argentina to qualify for U-17 World Cup final in Jakarta
November 28 – France or Germany will win the U-17 World Cup after they eliminated Mali and Argentina in the semi-finals of the tournament. The match will be a repeat of the U-17 European Championship final last June.
Argentina, Germany, France and Mali qualify for U-17 World Cup semi-finals
November 27 – Argentina eliminated defending champions Brazil from the U-17 World Cup with a thumping 3-0 win. Germany, France and Mali complete the semi-final lineup.
FIFA land Qatar Airways sponsorship through to 2030
November 22 – FIFA have extended their partnership with Qatar Airways until 2030, the world governing body confirmed on Wednesday.
Clubs pay the price for FIFA’s winter World Cup as player injuries rocket upwards
November 20 – Injury severity among players in Europe’s top leagues increased radically following the first ever winter World Cup in Qatar last year, new research has revealed.
FIFA’s new agent rules in the balance as UK court set to deliver a merit ruling
November 15 – A UK court ruling is expected in the next 10 days that could ultimately determine the fate of the new FIFA agent rules.
Dortmund fans throw fake money in protest against FIFA and UEFA
November 8 – Borussia Dortmund fans threw fake money and fake bars of gold on to the field during the team’s 2-0 Champions League group stage win over Newcastle on Tuesday, seemingly to protest UEFA’s planned reforms of the competition.
Saudis unveil Haddaf as tournament mascot for Club World Cup 2023
November 8 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) have unveiled Haddaf, the official tournament mascot for next month’s FIFA Club World Cup Saudi 2023 taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Indonesia ready for global football spotlight as U17 World Cup set for Friday kick-off
November 7 – Indonesia will host their first world championship finals tournament with the men’s U-17 World Cup 2023 kicking off this Friday.
Brazil submit bid for 2027 Women’s World Cup hosting
By Samindra Kunti in Rio de Janeiro
November 5 – Brazil have confirmed their bid for the 2027 Women’s World. Cup with the handover of a governmental declaration to FIFA by the minister of sport André Fufuca.
Infantino officially rubber stamps sole bidders for 2030 and 2034 World Cup finals
By Samindra Kunti
November 1 – With a decision that will reshape football’s pinnacle event, FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino officially confirmed that the 2030 finals will be played in six countries on three continents with opening matches to be held in South America to celebrate the tournament’s centenary as the deadline for the submission of official bid letters of interest passed with no challengers.