Man Utd’s Fernandes tops ranking of most time played in 2023
December 8 – Manchester United Captain Bruno Fernandes is Europe’s most ‘active’ outfield player, according to the latest study conducted by the CIES Football Observatory.
Author: Paul Nicholson
AFC launches eAsian Cup to be played in parallel with Asian Cup Qatar 2023 in January
December 8 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will launch the inaugural AFC eAsian Cup, the AFC’s first esports tournament, coinciding with the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 in January.
ECA rival UEC gets membership boost with 34 English clubs joining via Fair Game partnership
December 12 – The Union of European Clubs (UEC) has received a membership boost after 34 clubs from England and Wales joined following a partnership with Fair Game, the union announced on Friday.
Saudis will not just be building stadia for 2034, they are building cities to put them in
December 8 – Saudi Arabia, the only bid for the hosting of the 2034 World Cup, will have not only a new stadium but a whole new entertainment-focussed city to host matches at the finals.
Groups drawn for Copa America 2024 in the US
December 8 – World Cup 2022 winners Argentina will face Peru, Chile and a Concacaf qualifier in the group stages of their defense of their Copa America title in the USA next summer.
Matic tells youth to steer clear of Red Star and Partizan, the ‘viruses’ of Serbian football
December 8 – Former Serbian Manchester United star Nemanja Matic (pictured) has launched another attack on Serbian football, its president Dragan Džajić, and the country’s biggest clubs – Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade – who he calls the “viruses” of Serbian football.
Saudi Arabia build out women’s national teams with launch of U20s under Pauline Hamil
December 8 –Saudi Arabian focus may be on the hosting of their first major FIFA event starting next week – the 2023 Club World Cup – but the Kingdom has still found time to announce the launch of a Women’s U20 national team.
Standard Chartered gives over Liverpool shirt sponsorship to its ‘Futuremakers’ initiative
December 8 – Liverpool will mark the return of the philanthropic ‘Futuremakers’ programme in collaboration with lead sponsor Standard Chartered, in the third annual effort to aid disadvantaged children worldwide.
Qataris sell minority stake in PSG to US private equity firm Arctos
December 7 – Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) has sold a minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain to US-based private investment firm Arctos Partners, the club confirmed on Thursday.
Did Rubiales get off lightly? FIFA publishes reasoned decision for 3-year sanction
December 7 – FIFA considered a longer ban than the three-year sanction it imposed on disgraced former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales for kissing Spanish World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso on the lips.
Palmeiras repeat Serie A title win in Brazil, Santos relegated for first time
December 6 – On a dramatic last day of the season in Brazil, Palmeiras won a second consecutive title following a 1-1 draw with Cruzeiro while Santos were relegated for the first time in their history following a 2-1 defeat to Fortaleza.
Concacaf seeds US, Canada and Brazil apart as it prepares for W Gold Cup 2024 draw
December 7 – The USA, Brazil and Canada will be the three seeded teams heading the groups for the draw December 11 for the 12-team Concacaf W Gold Cup 2024.
Bulgaria’s FC Hebar appeals to fans for cash to pay player wages after municipality ends its support
December 7 – Bulgarian side FC Hebar Pazardzhik is asking his fans and local companies for financial support to keep the club going after the Municipality of Pazardzhik pulled its funding.
Marseilles vs Lyon re-match played without incident, and travelling fans
December 7 – Just four days after the death of a Nantes fan that marked a new low in a French season marred by violence, a rescheduled game between Marseille and Lyon took place on Wednesday with no trouble.
New Balance target Brazil with São Paulo kit deal
December 7 – Brazilian Serie A side São Paulo has signed with New Balance which will see the sportswear manufacturers become the three-time Club World Cup champions’ official kit supplier for both men’s and women’s teams effective from January 2024.