News analysis: Can Infantino’s FIFA really deliver 45% revenue growth in new World Cup cycle?
By David Owen
February 22 – In matters of revenue, Sepp Blatter’s FIFA tended to under-promise and over-deliver.
FIFA
FIFA Foundation releases $1m in aid for Turkish and Syrian earthquake victims
February 17 – The FIFA Foundation is to provide USD 1 million in emergency humanitarian aid following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
FIFA consider CAS appeal over lifting of ban on alleged serial sex abuser Jean-Bart
February 17 – FIFA is considering lodging a rare appeal against the shock ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to lift the lifetime ban on Yves Jean-Bart, former president of the Haitian Football Federation (FHF).
England women want to wear OneLove armband but will FIFA bully them as well?
February 16 – England captain Leah Williamson wants the Lionesses to be able to wear the OneLove armband at the women’s World Cup in July.
Women’s World Cup Trophy to start its journey to Australia/New Zealand finals in Japan
February 16 – FIFA will start its Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour next week in Japan before arriving in Australia and New Zealand in June and touring all nine Women’s World Cup host cities before the start of the tournament on July 20.
FIFA awards Saudi Arabia rights to host 2023 Club World Cup
February 15 – Days after Real Madrid claimed the 2022 Club World Cup, Saudi Arabia has landed the hosting rights to the 2023 tournament, the first major FIFA tournament to be staged in the Arab Kingdom in the Gianni Infantino era.
Infantino awarded $600k bonus on top of $3.9m salary
February 15 – FIFA’s post-World Cup bonanza is also benefitting the organisation’s most senior personnel. President Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura enjoyed bonuses in excess of $600,000 on top of their salaries and benefits.
CAS overturns former Haitian FA president Yves Jean-Bart’s life ban for sexual abuse
February 15 – Human rights bodies have reacted with stunned disbelief to the news that former Haitian FA president Yves Jean-Bart’s lifetime ban has been annulled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Infantino to back disgraced Le Graet and warn against interfering with FFF at Macron meeting, reports
February 15 – Gianni Infantino will plead the case of disgraced French FA president Noel Le Graet when he meets today with French president Emmanuel Macron, according to unconfirmed French media reports.
FIFA posts $7.6bn record revenue for 2019-22 cycle and promises $11bn bonanza for 2023-26
By Paul Nicholson
February 15 – FIFA has reported record‑breaking revenue $7.6 billion for the 2019‑2022 cycle and is forecasting a massive revenue increase of $4.560 million to a total of $11,000 million for the 2023-2026 cycle which culminates in the expanded 48 team World Cup hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Mbappé vs Messi again as FIFA announce final list of nominees for Best awards
February 14 – Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi are going head-to-head again in a FIFA competition, this time it is for the 2022 Best Player of the Year Award.
Real Madrid win 5th CWC in goalfest final in Morocco
By Samindra Kunti in Rabat
February 11 – Spearheaded by Vinicius Junior and Frederico Valverde, Real Madrid defeated the Asian champions 5-3 to win a record fifth Club World Cup crown and reconfirm European dominance of the competition.
Flamengo fans threaten legal action against FIFA after last-minute CWC venue switch
By Samindra Kunti
February 10 – Incensed by FIFA’s last-minute shift of the Club World Cup third place play-off to Tangier from Rabat, Flamengo fans want to sue the world federation because of the extra costs they now face.
FIFA transfer ‘snapshot’ confirms record spending and all-time high in number of deals
February 10 – The January 2023 transfer window saw a record-breaking 4,728 transfers made across men’s and women’s football. 4,378 of the transfers were completed in men’s football.
US star Morgan adds to criticism of proposed Visit Saudi sponsorship of WWC 2023
February 9 – Two-time World Cup winner Alex Morgan is the latest figure to speak out against the proposed Saudi sponsorship of this summer’s tournament, urging FIFA to scrap the plan.