Saudi 2034 support gathers momentum with 90+ FAs ‘buying’ into the programme
October 12 – Reports from Saudi Arabia are that about 90 countries have so far backed the kindgom’s candidacy to host the 2034 World Cup.
News
English referees boss Webb says VAR protocol reform is getting over the line
October 12 – English referees’ chief Howard Webb says steps have been taken to avoid a repeat of the controversy surrounding Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal for Liverpool against Tottenham that prompted nationwide debate about whether VAR should be scrapped altogether.
Wembley to focus on peace messaging rather than lighting the arch with Israeli flag
October 12 – The English Football Association is unlikely to mark the recent atrocities in Israel by lighting the Wembley arch in the colours of the Israeli flag when England take on Australia in a friendly on Friday.
Cypriot FA agrees national team deal with Greek online bookie Stoiximan
October 12 – Greek online gaming operator Stoiximan has become a sponsor of the Cyprus national football team in a four-year deal signed with the Cyprus FA.
UEFA postpones Israel’s Kosovo 2024 qualifier as travel ban keeps players on home soil
October 12 – UEFA has confirmed that the Euro 2024 qualifier between Kosovo and Israel has been postponed because of travel restrictions for Israeli national teams.
Concacaf debuts on WhatsApp Channels platform with 1.6m users in first month
October 12 – Concacaf has upped its digital engagement game by becoming an early adopter of the new WhatsApp Channels service recently launched by Meta, announcing itself as one of the first major sports organisations to communicate directly to fans on WhatsApp.
Rooney completes return to England, landing at Birmingham City
October 12 – Former England captain and Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has completed his managerial move to English Championship side Birmingham City on a three and-a-half-year contract.
Saudi path to 2034 could face obstacle of Indonesia-Aussie-Malaysia-Singapore joint bid
October 11 – Saudi Arabia, looking to be a shoo-in to stage the 2034 World Cup now looks to have a potential rival in the bidding process.
UEC attacks ECA ‘plutocracy’ saying UEFA will have to recognise their voice
By Samindra Kunti in Brussels
October 11 – Attacking the European Club Association (ECA) once again, the Union of European Clubs (UEC) reiterated that with a critical mass of members, it will become a key stakeholder in the European game and represent the interests of the continent’s small and medium-sized clubs.
UEFA’s top table bows to MA pressure and takes Russian U17 return off the menu
October 11 – UEFA has axed its controversial plan to allow Russian under-17 teams back into its international competitions following a widespread backlash amongst its own member countries.
AFC kicks off 2026 World Cup qualification with elimination round to finalise first group stage
October 11 – Asia kicks off its ‘Road to 2026’ World Cup qualifiers tomorrow with the AFC’s Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1, which sees 20 nations in action.
ESPN beats off telecoms rivals to renew Eredivisie domestic rights until 2030
October 10 – ESPN has agreed an extension to its broadcast rights for the Netherlands’ Eredivisie, Eerste Divisie and KNVB Beker until 2030.
UEFA pushes Israel’s Euro 2024 qualifier vs Swiss into November
October 11 – Israel’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Switzerland has been postponed until November 15 following the deadly attacks by Hamas militants.
AC Milan and Fanblock combine to offer virtual pitch ownership to fans
October 11 – AC Milan and Fanblock have agreed a first-of-its-kind partnership that will enable the Rossoneri to purchase ‘Fanblocks’ representing sections of AC Milan’s virtual pitch.
Samsunspor dispute FIFA sanction saying all debt have been paid
October 11 – Turkey’s Samsunspor have been handed a transfer ban by FIFA covering the next two transfer windows for non-payment due of wages and bonuses to former player Arvydas Novikovas.