Argentine FA bans one ref and suspends six others as match-fixing probe deepens
December 11 – The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has banned referee Matías Beares following his involvement in match-fixing.
World Football
UEFA to set up of human rights advisory board for Women’s Euro 2025
December 11 – UEFA is to set up a dedicated human rights advisory board for next year’s final tournament in Switzerland. The announcement was timed to mark international Human Rights Day, observed annually on 10 December.
Udinese to turn Stadio Friuli into sports, cultural and commercial hub
December 11 – The Udine city council has approved a comprehensive redevelopment plan for Stadio Friuli, home to Serie A club Udinese.
Manuel Neuer joins lengthening Bayern Munich injury list
December 11 – German goalkeeping legend Manuel Neuer has been ruled out for the rest of the year after suffering a broken rib.
Nike renew Brazil kit contract to 2038 with $100m+ annual deal
December 10 – In 1996 the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) and Nike teamed up for a partnership worth a reported $35 million per year. On Friday a new deal was announced, and times have changed!
Messi dropped as players vote for their World XI. No US players make women’s selection
December 10 – FIFA may still rate Lionel Messi as one of the best players in the world on current form but his peers clearly do not.
Out of line: English referee David Coote fired for misconduct
December 10 – Premier League referee David Coote has been sacked after his position was deemed “untenable” by English football’s referees body following an investigation into his conduct which found his actions to be in serious breach of his contract.
MLS Next Pro vs USL Academy. Indy Eleven show US talent is nationwide
December 9 – The United Soccer League (USL) continues to provide healthy competition to Major League Soccer despite its second tier status, and that crosses over into the youth game.
Concacaf readies for Champions Cup 2025 draw
December 10 – Concacaf will hold the draw for Round One of its premier club competition, the Champions Cup, in Miami today. The final 27 teams have been pre-seeded based on the Concacaf club rankings.
UEFA’s Playmakers completes Montenegro mission
December 10 – UEFA’s Playmakers programme made its way to Montenegro for a unique football festival last week, as the institution looked to inspire the next generation of football lovers with a female-focussed event.
River Plate brings in facial recognition technology for Estadio Mâs Monumental entry
December 10 – Argentinian giants River Plate have announced the introduction of facial recognition technology at their iconic Estadio Mâs Monumental, enabling fans to ‘enjoy quick, secure, and ticketless access’.
A big week: Botafogo add Brazilian Serie A title to Copa Libertadores win
December 9 – Completing a league-and-Libertadores double on Sunday, Brazilian club Botafogo clinched their first national title since 1995 with a 2-1 victory against Sao Paulo.
The stars align in Los Angeles for Galaxy to take sixth MLS title
December 9 – For the first time since 2014, the most successful club in the history of Major League Soccer (MLS) can call themselves, champions! The now, six-time winner of MLS Cup defeated fellow league founders, the New York Red Bulls 2-1 at a boisterous Dignity Health Sports Park, in Los Angeles, the home of the Galaxy.
Bulgarian FA to build national academy, with UEFA and FIFA help
December 9 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) plans to build a football academy with the financial help of FIFA and UEFA.
The president of the BFU, Georgi Ivanov, said in an interview with the Bulgarian National Television that FIFA and UEFA will provide the funds for the large-scale project, since the BFU does not receive any financial assistance from the state.
Argentine FA takes its world champion team to conquer the metaverse
December 9 – The Argentine economy is in meltdown however the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) has never had so much success, and that looks to continue as they are about to step into the Metaverse.