James, Jota and Kante out of Qatar 2022 as injury lists mount
October 19 – With little over a month to go before the World Cup, several nations are being forced to revise their plans, with a number of key players ruled out by injury.
World Cup
Infantino says Qatar is ready to welcome the whole world for ‘best-ever’ World Cup
By Andrew Warshaw
October 18 – In the face of continued western media scepticism, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and World Cup organisers are cranking up the public relations narrative, insisting to anyone who will listen that the tournament in Qatar will be remembered for all the right reasons.
Political shape-shifting: FBI joins FIFA in Qatar, Emir and Putin declare their love
October 14 – In a remarkable turn round, the FBI and FIFA have teamed up to protect this winter’s World Cup in Qatar from potential crime including match-fixing.
FIFA chief hints at progress towards Qatar worker compensation package
October 14 – Through a high-ranking administrator, global governing body FIFA has suggested it’s considering compensation for migrant workers in Qatar who suffered human rights abuses in the build-up to the World Cup.
Qatar 2022 chief tells England and Wales to focus on football, not politics
October 13 – World Cup boss Nasser Al Khater has said that England and Wales should focus on their teams’ preparations for the World Cup rather than demanding compensation for migrant workers or making political statements.
FIFA taps into local talent to launch art project around World Cup Trophy tour
FIFA is collaborating with eight leading artists to showcase a new ‘Spotlight: Your Dreams’ campaign ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
FIFA earmarks $209 million in compensation for clubs with players at Qatar 2022
October 11 – FIFA has opened the financial compensation process for clubs whose players will be participating at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Qatari media bites back over European media’s ‘smear’ campaign
October 11 – With the World Cup less than six weeks away, Qatar’s tightly-controlled media have joined forces to retaliate against European attacks on the Gulf state’s suspect human rights record.
Budweiser to roll out FIFA Fan Festival to six cities worldwide
October 11 – While French cities are banning outdoor communal viewing of the World Cup from Qatar in public places from Paris to Marseilles over concerns of rights violations of migrant workers, other cities around the world are proving less judgemental.
Euro 2024 qualifying draw sees Italy vs England repeat, while French face Dutch
October 10 – Not again! Defending champions Italy will face England in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, a repeat of last year’s final, following the draw on Sunday in Frankfurt.
Messi says Qatar 2022 will be his big finish
October 8 – Lionel Messi has confirmed that Qatar will be his fifth and final World Cup as he seeks to win the tournament for the first time to cap a stellar career.
Ukraine unveiled as added co-host to Spain-Portugal 2030 WC bid at UEFA HQ
By Andrew Warshaw
October 6 – In a radical move clearly designed at gaining widespread support amongst the FIFA membership, Spain and Portugal added Ukraine to their 2030 World Cup bid on Wednesday in what they hailed as an act of European solidarity.
French FA join push for a Qatar migrant workers compensation fund
October 5 – The French Football Federation (FFF) is spearheading a campaign for the creation of a compensation fund for migrant workers in Qatar, the host nation of the World Cup.
Ukraine pitches in with Spain-Portugal 2030 bid with offer to host group stage
October 4 – Ukraine wants to help organise the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Paris joins five other French cities in cancelling public broadcasting of Qatar 2022
October 4 – Paris has become the latest French city to decide against broadcasting World Cup matches on giant screens in public amid concerns over rights violations of migrant workers in Qatar.