LaLiga opens Amazon store with 1,600 items and plan to add more clubs and territories
December 30 – LaLiga has become the first league to open a store on Amazon, selling merchandise from 13 of its clubs.
News
Ceferin signs off year saying protection of European sports model was the big win in 2021
By Paul Nicholson
December 29 – In an end of year address, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin says that the European governing bodies most significant achievement was the protection of the European sports model.
How Africa Cup of Nations impacts the Premier League race
December 29 – After months of doubt, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) looks set to go ahead in Cameroon as planned, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, Patrice Motsepe.
The Covid grinch: Omicron surge kills off two more Premier League fixtures
December 23 – English football’s Covid-hit top flight has been shorn of two Boxing Day matches amid fears others will follow over the busy Christmas and New year programme.
Coronavirus: German and Belgian clubs protest as stadia are shut to curb covid spread
By Samindra Kunti
December 23 – Top-flight football in both Germany and Belgium will return to being played behind closed doors to combat a spike in coronavirus infections because of the Omicron variant.
Scots bring forward winter break in bid to beat worst of omicron surge
December 23 – The Scottish Professional Football League has confirmed its top flight will bring forward its winter break in the wake of new restrictions on capacity crowds caused by the surge in the Omicron variant.
Belgium and US top men’s and women’s year end rankings. Europe dominates top 10
December 23 – Belgium will be top of the men’s FIFA rankings for a fourth successive Christmas and New Year, while the US women remain top of their rankings, a position they have held since 2017.
Man City’s Mendy has another rape case added to his charges
December 23 – Manchester City’s £50 million defender Benjamin Mendy has been charged with a fresh rape count on top of the six he is already facing.
Abramovich makes it clear in UK libel court he isn’t Putin’s energy rich stooge
December 23 – Russian oligarch and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has settled his libel case over publication of claims that he bought the club on the orders of Vladimir Putin.
Al Ahly retain African Super Cup with penalty win over Raja Casablanca in Doha
December 23 – Egypt’s Al Ahly claimed the African Super Cup on penalties against Morocco’s Raja Casablanca to reaffirm their dominance of the continental club game.
Bundesliga renews Sportradar deal with addition of AI-driven engagement tools
December 23 – Germany’s Bundesliga International has extended its agreement with Sportradar for a further five years.
Sexy baccarat and hot dog eating off marketing menu as BK8 return with Huddersfield deal
December 23 – Christmas has brought a timely boost for English Championship club Huddersfield Town, with BK8 signing on as the club’s Global Betting Partner for the remainder of the 2021/22 season.
Man City women secure a place in the sun with Costa Daurada tourist board
December 23 – Manchester City Women’s team will warm up their new year campaign with a training camp in CostaDaurada, whose tourist authority has become the team’s latest sponsor.
World Cup 2026 will be a game changer. Edmonton wants to be part of it
By Paul Nicholson
December 22 – Talk of a biennial World Cup has overshadowed some of the crucial decision making to be made around the 2026 World Cup, and event that in itself will be groundbreaking, both for FIFA and football.
Motsepe greenlights AFCON in Cameroon despite covid concerns and CWC date clash
December 22 – With Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe all but ending speculation over the fate of the Africa Cup of Nations, he has reiterated that fans will need to provide a negative PCR test to attend matches and allow the competition to be organised in a bio-secure way.