Alonso re-elected to presidency of Uruguayan FA, after challenger Ferrari controversially stands down
February 17 – Ignacio Alonso has been re-elected for another four-year term to lead the Uruguayan FA (AUF).
News
Saudis join bidding race for Man Utd ahead of today’s ‘soft’ deadline, reports
February 17 – Investors from Saudi Arabia have submitted a bid for Manchester United ahead of today’s “soft” deadline according to The Daily Telegraph newspaper.
Čeferin unopposed for UEFA presidency but race hots up for exco seats
February 16 – UEFA has re-confirmed that Aleksander Čeferin will stand for re-election to the UEFA presidency unopposed with the announcement of candidates for election at its 47th Ordinary Congress in Lisbon on April 5.
French sports minister denies interference in FFF despite ordering audit of Le Graët’s leadership
February 16 – France’s sports minister has refuted any suggestion of government interference in the affairs of the French FA (FFF) as the fallout gathers pace over the status of veteran FFF chief Noel le Graët.
Canada’s Priestman calls for end to equality dispute ahead of SheBelieves kick-off
February 16 – Canada women’s coach Bev Priestman has called on Canada Soccer and her players to resolve their labour dispute over pay equality and cutbacks to the programme as soon as possible as the country enters crucial preparations for this year’s Women’s World Cup.
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.
Dominican Republic to host U20 Women’s finals as Concacaf kicks off new youth formats
February 16 – Concacaf is returning to the Dominican Republic for the finals of its Women’s U20 Championship that will qualify three teams for next year’s U-20 Women’s World Cup.
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).
With fears of Russian coup growing, Moldova’s Sheriff told to play Partizan behind closed doors
February 21 – Partizan Belgrade fans have been banned from travelling to watch their side play Sheriff Tiraspol in Thursday’s Europa Conference League tie as tensions escalate in Moldova amid fears Russia may be planning a coup.
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.
Aston Villa owners V Sports expand club portfolio with minority stake in Portugal’s Vitória SC
February 15 – Aston Villa’s owners V Sports are set to buy a 46% stake in Portuguese club Vitória Sport Clube.