IFAB tests 8-second rule in clampdown on goalkeeper time-wasting
March 3 – Football’s lawmakers are trying again to reduce time-wasting by goalkeepers, one of the bugbears of fans worldwide.
News
Norwegian FA members vote to keep VAR despite clubs voting to scrap it
March 3 – After months of contention, Norwegian football has voted to retain the use of VAR at the elite level following the federation’s congress on Saturday.
No Messi, no money. Houston Dynamo offer free tickets after Leo no-show
March 3 – Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs have all benefited from the Lionel Messi effect as match-day tickets soar in value whenever the Argentine great hits the road, however, when he doesn’t show up, the financial effects are felt the other way.
US Soccer recognises Phil Anschutz for his foundational contribution
March 3 – Phil Anschutz along with Lamar Hunt, is widely considered to be one of the true pillars of American soccer, and on Saturday night at the U.S. Soccer Annual General Meeting (AGM), he was the recipient of the Werner Fricker Builder Award amongst other awards.
San Diego’s MLS home debut marred by ‘Puto’ chant
March 3 – San Diego FC began life as a Major League Soccer (MLS) club on Saturday with a sold-out Snapdragon Stadium witnessing a 0-0 draw with St. Louis City SC. However, the celebration was marred by the homophobic chant that follows the Mexican National team around the world.
Croatia select construction firm for Velika Gorica national training centre
March 3 – The Croatian Football Association (HNS) has selected Croatian construction company Kamgrad to build its National Football Camp in Velika Gorica.
Benni McCarthy to take over Kenya national team ahead of 2027 AFCON hosting
March 3 – Benni McCarthy will become the new manager of Kenya after agreeing to the role in principle.
Jesse Marsch ignites Concacaf’s Nations League finals with a message to Trump to stop the ‘ridiculous rhetoric’
February 27 – “If I have one message to our president (Donald Trump), it’s lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state,” and with that statement, Canadian national team boss, Jesse Marsch, who grew up in Wisconsin and enjoyed a 13-year career in Major League Soccer (MLS) has lit the fuse and given the Concacaf Nations League (CNL) tournament, a spiciness, that has previously been missing from the three earlier editions, all won by the country of his birth,
Premier League’s Masters refuses to be drawn on when Man City case will be decided
February 28 – English Premier League boss Richard Masters has refused to set a date on when the footballing world will learn the outcome of the 115 financial fair play charges against Manchester City.
Pakistan FA agrees new constitution to exit FIFA normalisation in time for Asian Cup qualifiers
February 28 – Pakistan’s return to world football could be imminent after football officials approved the federation’s new constitution.
Concacaf opens probe into ‘hate speech’ incident that halted LAFC-Colorado Champions Cup tie
February 28 – Hate speech is on the rise throughout the political and sporting world, and football has often been at the forefront. On Tuesday night during a Concacaf Champions Cup game between LAFC and the Colorado Rapids, Colorado defender Chidozie Awaziem was seen pleading with match referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere to stop the match!
Coca-Cola hydrates its soccer game and adds Canada fledgling Northern Super League to roster
February 28 – The Northern Super League (NSL) has landed a major sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola ahead of its inaugural season in April 2025. The partnership will see Smartwater and Powerade become the league’s Official Hydration Partners, while Coca-Cola takes on the role of Official Soft Drink Partner.
Saudi Pro League targets Gen-Z fans globally with launch of Yalla SPL show
February 28 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is making another push for international relevance, this time through digital content aimed at younger audiences. Footballco has teamed up with the SPL to launch Yalla SPL, an English-language YouTube show designed to bring the league’s “best goals, moments, and stories” to Gen-Z fans worldwide.
Turkish FA hands Mourinho 4-match ban for abusive and derogatory language
February 28 – The Turkish Football Federation has punished Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho with a four-match ban TL 1.617 million (€42 000) fine.
Belgians drop topflight play-off format in favour of return to traditional league structure
February 28 – Belgian clubs have ditched the controversial playoffs format of the topflight in favour of a traditional 18-club league format.