FIFA confirms the eight host cities for 2027 Women’s World Cup on the South American continent
May 8 – FIFA has confirmed the eight Brazilian cities that will host matches during the 2027 Women’s World Cup on the South American continent.
News
Barcelona insist ref at fault for Champions League defeat to Inter
May 8 – Following an epic UEFA Champions League semi-final which saw Inter Milan defeat Barcelona 4-3 after extra time (7-6 on aggregate), Barcelona midfielder Pedri has voiced strong criticism of the match officiating at the San Siro.
Trump says World Cup is incentive for Russia to end Ukraine war
May 8 – Donald Trump has suggested that the 2026 World Cup could provide Russia a pathway back to international football competition, after only just discovering that the Russian national team was banned by FIFA and UEFA following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Wenger targets offsides with latest rule change proposal
May 8 – FIFA Head of Global Development Arsène Wenger has proposed a significant change to the offside rule, with the former Arsenal manager believing attackers should be onside if any part of their body is in line with the last outfield defender.
Liverpool reminisce with 2005 Champions League collection
May 8 – Hot on the heels of yet another epic round of UEFA Champions League fixtures, Liverpool FC have launched a limited-edition retail collection commemorating the 20th anniversary of their legendary 2005 UEFA Champions League Final victory over AC Milan.
Concacaf sets schedules for 2025 Central American Cup which begins in July
May 8 – The final of Concacaf’s Champions Cup is set to take place June 1 in Mexico City between Cruz Azul and Vancouver Whitecaps. Two days later the confederation will begin plotting the pathway for clubs into the 2026 edition of the competition with the draw for the 2025 Concacaf Central American Cup.
Club León given the boot. LAFC and Club America to play off for final slot in June CWC finals
May 7 – Mexico’s Club León have lost their battle to remain in the Club World Cup finals in the USA this summer after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that Pachuca and Club León – both owned by the Pachuca Group – had failed to meet FIFA’s criteria concerning multiple club ownership.
FIFA wasted no time in issuing a statement saying that León’s place in Group S will now be taken by the winners of a play-off between Los Angeles FC and Club América.
US State Department promises expedited World Cup Visas; Trump’s golf buddy holes World Cup Task Force gig
May 7 – With the United States, Canada, and Mexico rapidly approaching their hosting duties for upcoming FIFA events, soccer’s world governing body convened a critical workshop at Audi Field, home of DC United, targeting staff members from foreign embassies.
Motsepe finds money can’t buy you love as fury mounts over SA national park mining deals
May 7 – Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a leader not noted for his good governance or for putting the game before political expediency, has come under bitter attack in his home country over his business activities.
Sorry seems to be the hardest word. French minister says he was ‘led astray by my misconceptions’
May 7 – Three years after Liverpool supporters were wrongfully vilified for causing chaos at the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final, former French interior minister Gérald Darmanin (pictured) has finally issued a long-overdue apology for his role in the debacle.
Visa saves FIFA’s Club World Cup sponsorship blushes with last minute deal
May 7 – Visa has bolted on the 2025 Club World Cup to its FIFA sponsorship portfolio and will serve as an official partner for the inaugural 32-team finals, set to take place in the United States this June.
FIFA launches sales of 2026 World Cup hospitality packages
May 7 – FIFA and On Location have released the first hospitality packages for the 2026 World Cup, with prices ranging from $5,300 to $73,200.
Somali FA welcomes former footballer as new head of sports ministry
May 7 – Football in Somalia is looking forward to safer and better supported future after the Somali government installed a former player as its new minister for youth and sports.
Ednaldo Rodrigues’ CBF presidency under threat over alleged false document
May 6 – Brazilian congresswoman Daniela Carneiro has asked the country’s Supreme Court (STF) to immediately remove Ednaldo Rodrigues (pictured) from the presidency of the Brazilian FA.
Matchweek 35 sees six Premier League clubs hit 99%+ of stadium capacity
May 7 – Matchweek 35 of the Premier League season delivered the highest average stadium capacity of the campaign so far, with grounds filled to an impressive 98.86% across the board. With the title already decided, it’s the intense scramble for European places that appears to be pulling fans through the turnstiles in record numbers.