Ronaldo on brink of $208m deal to join Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, reports
December 1 – Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of a sensational move to leading Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr according to unconfirmed reports.
December 2 – Saudi Arabia has formally submitted a bid to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, a major socio-political statement by the country that only a few years ago did not allow women into stadia to watch football.
December 1 – Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa will run unopposed for a third full term as president of The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the fourth time he has been elected to lead the confederation.
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 1 – Do Australia have a new golden generation? Yes, at least in the view of Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, who hailed his players after a dour 1-0 victory against Denmark was enough to ensure passage to the last 16 of the World Cup, for only the second time in Australia’s history.
English and Japanese FAs re-sign MoU with additional focus on women’s leagues
December 1 – The Japan Football Association (JFA) and the English FA have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a commitment to further expanding their co-operation within an agreement that was first signed in February 2016.
Iran released jailed footballers on bail ahead of crunch US tie
November 30 – On the day of Iran’s exit from the World Cup in Qatar following a 1-0 defeat to the US, the Iranian regime released two former national team footballers who had been arrested for joining nationwide protests prompted by the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police.
AC Milan target India with three academy centres in Kerala
November 30 – Italian giants AC Milan have followed the expansion route of city rivals Inter and opened three new academy centres in India.
Emotions run high as Queiroz says Klinsmann’s comments are a ‘disgrace’
November 27 – Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has lambasted former German star Juergen Klinsmann for criticising his team’s World Cup behaviour, calling his remarks a “disgrace to football” and urging him to resign from FIFA’s technical study group.
Former Iran player Voria Ghafouri arrested for supporting anti-government protests
November 25 – Iran’s authorities have arrested a prominent former member of the national team amid a wave of anti-government protests that have swept through the country.
Saudis celebrate famous Argentina win with a day off work
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
November 23 – Saudis will enjoy a day off on Wednesday as the Kingdom declared a public holiday to mark the Green Falcons’ historic 2-1 win against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Saudis keep up outreach with Singapore MoU and a pavilion on Doha’s corniche
November 21 – Saudi Arabia is continuing its football charm offensive, signing an MoU with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), and on the ground in Qatar opening a dedicated pavilion showcasing the country’s culture and football history.
AFC switches media partner in China with Shinai picking up rights
November 18 – Having terminated their broadcast and commercial rights deal with Super Sports Media over non-payment, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has quickly found a new partner in China with Beijing Shinai Sports Media Technology Co. Ltd.
Saudi Arabia and Croatia use World Cup bonhomie to sign MoU for the future
November 17 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has signed an MoU with the Croatian FA (HNS) to explore collaboration across all levels of the game.
Cambodia’s Khiev Sameth re-elected for new term as AFF president
November 16 – Cambodia’s Major General Khiev Sameth (pictured) has been re-elected as president of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) at its 8th Congress in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Football Australia builds Legacy ’23 programme one brick at a time, starting with LEGO
November 10 – 2023 Women’s World Cup co-hosts Football Australia have agreed a multi-year sponsorship with LEGO Australia to become the first official partner of Football Australia’s Legacy ’23 programmes.
