Nigeria draft in Peseiro to lead team, but only after AFCON finishes
December 30 – The Portuguese José Peseiro has been named the new coach of Nigeria, but he won’t lead the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Syria to play key Qatar 2022 qualifier vs South Korea at neutral venue
December 30 – Syria will continue to play their home matches in Qatar 2022 qualifying at neutral venues, including the crucial upcoming game against South Korea on February 1 which will likely decide the World Cup fates of both nations.
Lyon and Paris FC kicked out of French Cup after fighting fans force match to end
December 30 – Lyon and Paris FC have been thrown out of the French Cup following the hooliganism that forced their December 17 tie to be called off at half-time.
LaLiga opens Amazon store with 1,600 items and plan to add more clubs and territories
December 30 – LaLiga has become the first league to open a store on Amazon, selling merchandise from 13 of its clubs.
Ceferin signs off year saying protection of European sports model was the big win in 2021
By Paul Nicholson
December 29 – In an end of year address, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin says that the European governing bodies most significant achievement was the protection of the European sports model.
How Africa Cup of Nations impacts the Premier League race
December 29 – After months of doubt, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) looks set to go ahead in Cameroon as planned, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, Patrice Motsepe.
The Covid grinch: Omicron surge kills off two more Premier League fixtures
December 23 – English football’s Covid-hit top flight has been shorn of two Boxing Day matches amid fears others will follow over the busy Christmas and New year programme.
Coronavirus: German and Belgian clubs protest as stadia are shut to curb covid spread
By Samindra Kunti
December 23 – Top-flight football in both Germany and Belgium will return to being played behind closed doors to combat a spike in coronavirus infections because of the Omicron variant.
Scots bring forward winter break in bid to beat worst of omicron surge
December 23 – The Scottish Professional Football League has confirmed its top flight will bring forward its winter break in the wake of new restrictions on capacity crowds caused by the surge in the Omicron variant.
Belgium and US top men’s and women’s year end rankings. Europe dominates top 10
December 23 – Belgium will be top of the men’s FIFA rankings for a fourth successive Christmas and New Year, while the US women remain top of their rankings, a position they have held since 2017.
Man City’s Mendy has another rape case added to his charges
December 23 – Manchester City’s £50 million defender Benjamin Mendy has been charged with a fresh rape count on top of the six he is already facing.
Abramovich makes it clear in UK libel court he isn’t Putin’s energy rich stooge
December 23 – Russian oligarch and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has settled his libel case over publication of claims that he bought the club on the orders of Vladimir Putin.
Saudis extend helping hand to Brunei
December 23 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brunei Football Federation (FABD) to strengthen the ties between the two associations.
Al Ahly retain African Super Cup with penalty win over Raja Casablanca in Doha
December 23 – Egypt’s Al Ahly claimed the African Super Cup on penalties against Morocco’s Raja Casablanca to reaffirm their dominance of the continental club game.
Bundesliga renews Sportradar deal with addition of AI-driven engagement tools
December 23 – Germany’s Bundesliga International has extended its agreement with Sportradar for a further five years.