Real Madrid and Barca top ranking of youth developed players, Man Utd fifth
October 24 – AFC Ajax is Europe’s engine room in terms of developing youth talent capable of playing at the highest national league levels.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Anderlecht boss calls for culture change as crisis deepens
October 24 – Anderlecht chairman Wouter Vandenhaute has called for a culture change at the club after fan disorder in the league match against Standard Liege. He has also fired coach Felice Mazzu as the crisis deepened at the club.
Qataris deny HRW report of LGBT+ arrests and beatings
October 24 – Despite promises by organisers and FIFA president Gianno Infantino that everyone will be welcome at the Qatar World Cup regardless of gender or sexual orientation, it’s a very different story on the ground in the build-up to the tournament, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).
US Soccer names and shames sanctioned abusers following Yates report
October 24 – Women’s football authorities in the United States have taken the first steps to implement the recommendations of the much-publicised inquiry that uncovered “systemic” abuse and misconduct by coaches of players in the country’s domestic leagues.
Infantino lectures Europe’s ‘mysogynist’ broadcasters and demands more money for WWC2023
October 24 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reiterated that the world governing body will not accept low bids for the Women’s World Cup broadcast rights.
AFC Cup closes full 2022 season of AFC competition with an Omani win
October 24 – Oman’s Al Seeb Club beat Kuala Lumpur City FC 3-0 to become the first team from the country to win the AFC Cup.
AS Monaco owner Rybolovlev on latest list of oligarchs sanctioned by Ukraine
October 24 – AS Monaco owner Dmitry Rybolovlev is one of a group of Russian businessmen who have been sanctioned by Ukraine’s president Valdimir Zelensky over the ongoing war with Russia.
Concacaf and OFC look to the future with new Memorandum of Understanding
October 24 – Concacaf and The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will see the two confederations collaborate on developing the game in both regions.
Tax efficient? Neymar gets political giving backing to right wing Bolsonaro
October 23 – With a week to go until the decisive second round in the Brazilian presidential elections, Neymar has thrown his weight behind the far-right sitting president Jair Bolsonaro, saying he will dedicate his first goal at the World Cup to the incumbent.
WWC 2023 draw creates US vs Netherlands rematch; Aussie hosts get tough start
October 23 – The 2023 Women’s World Cup will kick off the way the previous tournament ended – with reigning champions the United States taking on the Netherlands.
Oceania nations commit FIFA presidential votes to Infantino
October 21 – Barring a miracle, Gianni Infantino will retain his FIFA presidency in 2023 after a third confederation threw its weight behind his re-election. On Friday, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) confirmed it will unanimously back Infantino.
FIFA leaving Blatter and Platini verdict appeal to Swiss prosecutors
October 21 – FIFA is not joining Swiss prosecutors in appealing to overturn last summer’s acquittals of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and his UEFA counterpart Michel Platini on corruption charges, according to reports.
FIFA rejects major broadcaster bids for Women’s World Cup 2023 saying fees must be higher
October 21 – FIFA has rejected TV bids for next year’s Women’s World Cup for being too low, instead going back to the market urging broadcasters to invest more.
Iranian activists call on FIFA to kick Iran out of Qatar 2022 for persecuting women
October 21 – A group of Iranian activists has called on FIFA to throw Iran out of the World Cup because of the country’s brutal crackdown against anti-government protests and its continued ban on women from freely attending domestic matches.
Nations gather in New Zealand for Women’s World Cup 2023 draw
October 21 – On Saturday, 29 finalists as well as three playoff teams will learn their fate in the draw for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.