Americas 2026 World Cup chiefs cut host bids to 32 cities on route to final 12
October 5 – The list of potential host cities for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been further trimmed, this time to 32.
Gold Cup 2025
USA clinch last four slot with penalty win over Costa Rica
USA 2 Costa Rica 2 (USA win 4-3 on pens)
June 29 – You’d hate to use the word ‘sterile’ to describe a Concacaf Gold Cup quarter-final, but following the drama and passion of Guatemala versus Canada, it all felt a little flat as the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and Costa Rica kicked off for the right to face Guatemala in St. Louis. After 90 minutes and the drama of penalty kicks,
FIFA fines are just chump change in the battle against racism, says FARE
October 5 – FIFA must do more to combat the increasing incidents of homophobic chanting according to European football’s anti-discriminatory body FARE.
Big vs Little: Premier League clubs agree to keep foreign TV cash share-out balanced
October 5 – English Premier League clubs have rejected a proposal to end equal distribution of overseas TV money and replace it with handing a greater share to those who finish highest in the table.
FIFA fill final three sponsor slots for India U17 World Cup two days before kick-off
By Samindra Kunti in Delhi
October 4 – NTPC, Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited and Byju’s have completed the roster for the six national sponsorship slots for the U-17 World Cup in India, FIFA announced.
How Catalonian independence might hit Barça in the pocket
It was interesting to read my colleague Andrew Warshaw’s piece this week recounting Catalán sports minister Gerard Figueras’s thoughts on where the region’s top football clubs might play should the region achieve independence.
Spain readies for World Cup qualifier with team backing Catalan Piquet
October 4 – Spain’s players say they are focused solely on Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania and that they are getting tired of being asked about teammate Gerard Pique’s outspoken stance on the independence referendum in Catalonia.
One for you, more for me: Premier League chiefs clubs vote on handing Big 6 extra cash
October 4 – English Premier League club chiefs are gathering in London today for what is being touted in some quarters as one of the most important meetings since the league’s creation in 1992.
Putin says 2018 stadium builds are not a problem, but no room for complacency
October 4 – In a significant intervention over organisation of the World Cup, Russian president Vladimir Putin has expressed concern over delays to preparations but says they are not yet “critical”.
Lazio racism forces Serie A to shut Curva Nord for two games
October 4 – A section of Lazio’s stadium will be closed for two Serie A games following another outbreak of racist chanting by the Italian club’s fans during the 6-1 home win against Sassuolo last Sunday.
Real, Barca, Chelsea and Bayern stretch pay vs revenue benchmarks
October 4 – Despite talk of luxury taxes, salary caps and squad limits, the financial reality is that top clubs can afford the ever-inflating costs of players and staff, according to latest research from the KPMG Football Benchmark team.
West Ham edge Newcastle and Chelsea in seventh round of sold out games
October 4 – The Premier League had another sold out weekend for Round 7 of the season with four clubs reporting over 99% of their stadium capacity full, eight clubs over 95% and all ten home teams over 90%.
Bartomeu warns Barca could leave La Liga as reality of Catalan suppression hits home
By Andrew Warshaw
October 3 – The Catalan independence movement continues to have a major impact on the region’s biggest club with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealing they would consider playing outside the country if the campaign to split with Spain is successful.
FIFA fines Germany for pro-Nazi chants at Czech World Cup qualifier
October 3 – FIFA has fined the German football association (DFB) 32,000 Swiss francs for the disgraceful pro-Nazi chanting by a hard core section of fans during last month’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic.
West Ham warm to new shareholder after remaining Icelandic stake goes stateside
October 3 – Premier League West Ham United have a new 10% shareholder after the residual holding held by Iceland’s CB Holding, who gained the shares after the collapse of Iceland’s Stramur Investment Bank in 2009, sold to US investor Tripp Smith for an undisclosed sum.
FIFA clips Super Eagles’ wings with fine after fans invade pitch
October 3 – FIFA have slapped a CHF30,000 ($30,800) fine on Nigeria following a pitch invasion after the Super Eagles’ 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Cameroon last month and have warned the Nigerians against any repetition.