Shadow of Cristiano? Portugal end Santos’ contract two years early
December 18 – Portugal have parted company with coach Fernando Santos following their shock 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Morocco at the World Cup.
Qatar 2022
English fans leave Qatar with clean record of no arrests
December 16 – In something of a first, no doubt fuelled in part by the widespread alcohol ban, not a single British fan has been arrested at the World Cup in Qatar, according to the UK’s football policing lead.
Man City trained most players for national teams, but Ajax had highest number in Qatar
December 15 – Dutch giants Ajax have trained more players for World Cup teams (11) than any other club, according to latest data from the CIES Football Observatory.
Morocco’s record breaking World Cup run broken by French resistance, and Mbappe
By Samindra Kunti in Al Khor
December 15 – After a history-making run, Moroccan hearts were finally broken. But following their 2-0 semi-final defeat to defending champions France coach Walid Regragui said that with a sense of pride prevailed that his side had shown “a good image”.
Nepalese call on Infantino to ‘stop looking the other way’ over migrant worker compensation
December 15 – More than three dozen Nepali civil society groups have called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to “stop looking the other way” while migrant workers in Qatar are denied compensation.
Moroccan fans left at home for semi-final after Qataris restrict flights into Doha
December 14 – Morocco’s national airline said it was cancelling all flights it had scheduled for today to carry hundreds more fans to Doha for the eagerly awaited World Cup semi-final, citing what it said was a decision by Qatari authorities to restrict air travel.
Messi says final will be his last World Cup game as Argentina aim for third title
December 14 – Lionel Messi is just one match away from the securing the biggest achievement of his glittering trophy-rich career after leading Argentina into their sixth World Cup final.
Scaloni defends players ahead of Argentina-Croatia semi-final clash
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 13 – Ahead of Argentina’s semi-final clash with Croatia, Lionel Scaloni has defended his players following their controversial behaviour during their quarter-final victory against the Netherlands, saying it is “out of touch with reality.”
Atleti and Sevilla stars shine in the Gulf
By David Owen
December 13 – Atlético Madrid and Sevilla may have disappointed in this season’s Champions League, but their players are doing the business at Qatar 2022.
Qatar’s EU bribery scandal casts uncomfortable shadow over World Cup closing
December 13 – A Belgian judge has charged four people after the seizure of €600,000 in cash and detained members of the European Parliament as part of an international investigation into claims that football World Cup host Qatar sought to buy influence, rocking the heart of the continent’s politics.
Al Rihla at journey’s end as Adidas brings in new Al Hilm ball for final rounds
December 12 – FIFA will debut a new Adidas ball for the final four matches of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, with the ball in action for the first time tonight in the Argentina vs Croatia semi-final.
Morocco stun Portugal to set up history making semi-final with France
December 12 – Channelling their inner ‘Rocky’ in eliminating Portugal 1-0 from the World Cup and becoming the first African country to reach the last four of the global finals, coach Walid Regragui believes that his side can win the ultimate prize.
Worst World Cup referees ever. Officials under fire for series of shocking failures
By Andrew Warshaw
December 12 – Referees are invariably lambasted at various stages during major competitions. It goes with the territory.
Should I stay or should I go: Southgate has emotional clash over England future
December 12 – As England lick their wounds after falling just short for the third tournament in a row, manager Gareth Southgate is pondering whether to stay on in the role.
‘Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose’. Tite quits Brazil after Croatia loss
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 11 – Brazil coach Tite has stepped down following his team’s heartbreaking quarter-final elimination on penalties by Croatia, but he refused to accept criticism that the Seleçao conceded a crucial late equaliser in extra-time because of disorganisation.