Man City humbled again as Norway’s Bodo/Glimt expose weakened squad
January 21 – Norway’s Bodo/Glimt stunned Manchester City 3-1 in the Champions League, prompting Pep Guardiola to say that “everything is going wrong.”
World Football
AFCON final shows TV audience growth in major European markets
January 21 – The Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal saw big audiences tuned in all over Europe.
Sofia to host 52nd General Assembly of the European Leagues in March
January 20 – The Bulgarian capital, Sofia, will host the 52nd General Assembly of the Association of European Leagues. The forum will take place on March 11-12, bringing together executives from the 40 most influential football leagues in Europe, as well as key figures from across the international football community.
Flamengo in the black with $391m revenue and 32% operational profit margin
January 21 – Flamengo is flying high after a record-setting financial year. Club revenue last season hit R$2.1 billion ($391 billion), with a 32% profit margin. At the same time the club cut its debt by 72%, with further plans to reduce it to less than R$50 million (9.3 million), which will give them some financial breathing room.
Morocco threaten legal action over Senegal AFCON final walk-off
January 20 – The Moroccan FA (FRMF) will pursue legal action with both CAF and FIFA after Senegal walked off in protest at a penalty award in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations which hosts Morocco eventually lost 1-0 in extra time.
OFC names Genius Sports integrity partner for Pro League
January 20 – The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) have named Genius Sports as the integrity partner of the newly-launched Pro League.
Peter Mallouk takes control at Sporting Kansas City in sign of times for MLS
January 20 – Sporting Kansas City has a new majority owner, with Peter Mallouk increasing his stake in the club in a deal that underlines just how expensive entry into Major League Soccer (MLS) has become, and why investment in cheaper foreign clubs looks increasingly popular.
Vaud canton MPs to vote on removing UEFA’s tax-free status in Switzerland for failing to sanction Israel
January 20 – Taking a leaf out of US president Donald Trump’s international diplomacy model, pro-Palestine supporters aim to bring pressure on UEFA to suspend the Israeli Football Association (IFA) by hitting the confederation where they believe it hurts most – at the bank.
Argentina-Spain Finalissima anchors Qatar Football Festival 2026 in March
January 20 – Qatar has built out the Finalissima between the Champions of South America and Europe – Argentina and Spain – into a Football Festival that will see five other matches played.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Serbia and hosts Qatar will each play two matches between March 26-31.
Pressured Motsepe argues CAF isn’t FIFA or Europe’s puppet
January 19 – African football boss Patrice Motsepe has defended the decision to play the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, denying the switch away from a biennial competition was made to accommodate European interests.
Senegal walk off in chaotic AFCON final, but return to beat hosts Morocco in extra time
January 19 – Senegal have won the Africa Cup of Nations for a second time stunning tournament hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time in a dramatic final after the West Africans had walked off following a controversial penalty decision.
Senegal complain over pre-AFCON shambles after crowds mob team arrival in Rabat
January 19 – The Senegalese Football Federation has raised what it called “serious concerns” about the safety of its national team after a chaotic arrival in Rabat before their Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts Morocco.
Albania FA begins rebuild of Gramsh’s Myslim Koçi Stadium
January 19 – The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has begun the reconstruction of the Myslim Koçi Stadium in Gramsh, marking the latest milestone in its long-term strategy to modernise football infrastructure across the country. In partnership with the Municipality of Gramsh, the project aims to provide professional-grade facilities for local teams and the city’s 250 youth players.
Inaugural OFC Pro League set for kick-off with double header in Auckland
January 16 – On Saturday, Auckland FC kick off the new OFC Pro League, a competition, backed by FIFA, and part of the confederation’s drive to professionalise the game across the Pacific.
CAF hands Cameroon FA chief Samuel Eto’o 4-game ban for bad conduct
January 16 – On the sidelines of the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon FA (Fecafoot) president Samuel Eto’o has been banned from attending four of his country’s international matches and fined $20,000 for misconduct.