Fifpro survey finds stadium security needs improvement
January 12 – Security in stadiums must be improved and sanctions strengthened to deter physical and verbal abuse of footballers, according to a survey by the players’ union Fifpro.
News
AFCON set for weekend kick-off with hosts Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau
January 12 – Just as the Asian Cup kicks off in Qatar, so Africa’s showpiece event, the African Cup of Nations, gets under way on Saturday in the Ivory Coast which has invested at least $1 billion on hosting the tournament having built four new stadiums while renovating two others.
FIFA database names and shames clubs banned from signing new players
January 12 – FIFA has published a new database of clubs serving bans on registering new players.
End Malaria campaign harnesses AFCON to boost awareness
January 12- The RBM Partnership to End Malaria and Zero Malaria F.C. have combined for a campaign driven by football legends and music stars to increase malaria awareness and urge greater action against the deadly disease.
Dorival Jr tells Brazil that fans must get with the programme if they are to start winning again
January 12 – New Brazil manager Dorival Jr has asked supporters to rally behind the national team in a bid to get the team back on the rails and regain self-esteem.
Gambian national team escapes death after AFCON flight turned back due to lack of oxygen
January 11 – The Gambia’s African Nations Cup preparations took a turn for the worse on Wednesday when their flight to Ivory Coast had to return to Banjul airport because of a lack of oxygen on the aircraft. Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet said “they escaped death.”
Sven-Goran Eriksson diagnosed with terminal cancer
January 11 – Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed he has terminal cancer and that, tragically, he might have less than a year to live.
Atletico Madrid partners with Legends for pop-up Riyadh exhibition, but crash out of Super Cup
January 11 – Atletico Madrid have announced a partnership with Riyadh-based Legends Museum, which will see the11-time La Liga champions open a technology-fuelled exhibition within the museum in a bid to appeal to its growing Saudi Arabian fan base.
Friends with benefits. Infantino picks up ‘sports personality’ award in Dubai
January 11 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been named International Sports Personality for 2023 at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Awards ceremony in Dubai.
Dorival Jr officially takes on Brazil lead, starting with England and Spain friendlies
January 11 – Dorival Jr has been officially confirmed as the new head coach of the Brazil national side after he left Sao Paulo earlier this week.
Betsson picks up naming rights sponsorship to Greek Cup
January 11 – The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) has agreed a naming rights deal with online gambling company Betsson for the Hellenic Cup.
FIFA makes Overmars’ Dutch ban global, threatening his Royal Antwerp job
January 10 – Former Dutch international Marc Overmars has had his ban from Dutch football extended worldwide by FIFA.
CAF’s new Unilever sponsorship just makes it in time for AFCON 2023 kick-off
January 10 – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled Unilever personal care brands, including Rexona, Dove and Axe, as the latest Official Sponsors of its two forthcoming continental championships: the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 (which kicks off Saturday) and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024.
Bayern to hold Beckenbauer memorial service at Allianz Arena
January 10 – Bayern Munich will stage a commemoration of the German great and club legend Franz Beckenbauer at the Allianz Arena on January 19 so that supporters can take part in the farewell, the club announced on Wednesday.
MLS side Kansas City go large with Inter Miami fixture, moving venue to Arrowhead Stadium
January 10 – MLS side Sporting Kansas City have shifted their upcoming home fixture against Inter Miami to the 76,000-seater Arrowhead Stadium, home of Kansas City Chiefs, in anticipation of the presence of Argentine football sensation Lionel Messi.