Mammadov takes over as FIFA’s chief member associations ‘boss’
November 6 – FIFA has confirmed the appointment of Elkhan Mammadov as the organisation’s chief member associations officer with Gelson Fernandes stepping in as his deputy.
FIFA
Red card for Rajoub? Israelis bite back with FIFA filing saying he promotes Palestinian terrorism
November 6 – While most of the footballing narrative surrounding the Middle East conflict has been widespread condemnation of Israel, two prominent Israeli research institutes have hit back by lodging an official complaint with FIFA against the head of the Palestinian Football Association for allegedly using sports to promote terrorism and violence.
Saudi real estate giant starts first stage of tender process for ‘National Guard Stadium’ in Riyadh
November 6 – Saudi giga-project developer ROSHN has opened prequalification for a contract to build a new stadium adjacent to the National Guard facilities in southwest Riyadh as Saudi looks to gear up preparations for the 2034 World Cup, with their status as hosts all but announced.
FIFA tenders US broadcast rights for 2027 Women’s World Cup
November 5 – FIFA has announced a standalone tender in the United States for the broadcast rights to the 2027 Women’s World Cup that Brazil will stage.
FIFA agreed with Saudi to limit the scope of Clifford Chance human rights report
November 4 – News that the human rights report prepared by law firm Clifford Chance for the Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup bid was deliberately limited in its scope, with the agreement of FIFA, has cast a dark shadow over the report’s independence and bias.
Norway’s Klaveness asks question of 2034 World Cup vote process and Saudi’s HR report
November 4 – Norwegian football boss Lise Klaveness has raised concerns over FIFA’s bidding process for the 2034 World Cup and called out the voting procedure.
North Korea stun Spain in penalty shoot-out to take second world title in a year at U17 World Cup
November 4 – As achievements go on the world football stage, it was mighty impressive especially given their post-Covid history.
Iniesta says impact of 2030 World Cup would be even greater than Spain 82
November 1 – Spanish legend Andres Iniesta who announced his retirement from playing last month, has picked up his first non-playing gig in football as an ambassador for the 2030 Morocco, Portugal and Spain World Cup bid.
FIFA leans on reluctant Adidas and Coca-Cola to pay more for unloved Club World Cup
November 1 – FIFA and the World Club Cup is a tournament that is increasingly giving the world governing bodies partners cause for concern, with the latest dispute concerning two of its most steadfast collaborators, Adidas and Coca-Cola.
FairSquare report argues FIFA is not fit for purpose
October 31 – A new FairSquare report argues that FIFA is not fit to govern the global game and calls on the EU to reform the global governing body.
FIFA find first sponsor partner for CWC 2025 with Hisense coming onboard with just 7 months to kick-off
October 30 – With less than a year to go to the Club World Cup in the US in 2025, FIFA has at last managed to secure a commercial sponsorship partner.
Human rights bodies slam Clifford Chance Saudi 2034 report for ‘cherry-picking’ findings
October 29 – Human rights organisations have called out Clifford Chance for a “poor” assessment of Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup, warning the law firm of the risk that it could be linked to human rights abuses which could result from the tournament.
FIFA pushes Wenger forward in bid to appease player revolt over burn-out
October 29 – Stung by the recent legal complaint to the European Commission by top leagues and player unions, FIFA is setting up a Task Force led by its head of global football development Arsene Wenger in an attempt to appease mounting scrutiny over player burnout.
Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi says he wants seat on FIFA Council, ethics committee willing
October 28 – Controversial Djiboutian football boss Souleiman Waberi has announced that he will bid for a seat on the FIFA Council.
Televisa boss Emilio Azcarraga steps down in wake of US probe into World Cup TV rights
October 28 – The executive chairman of Mexican media giants Televisa, Emilio Azcarraga, is stepping down from Grupo Televisa SAB in the wake of the FBI’s bribery probe into broadcast rights sales for FIFA World Cup matches. The resignation comes with immediate effect.