Jamaica 0 Guatemala 1
June 16 – It has been 12 years since Guatemala have beaten Jamaica. Six days ago they lost 3-0 to the Jamaicans in World Cup 2026 qualifying. On the opening night of their Gold Cup campaign they turned the form book on its head.
By Andrew Warshaw
July 14 – China’s emerging influence in world football has taken yet another decisive step with the news that real estate, entertainment and sports conglomerate Wanda has struck a deal with FIFA to host an annual ‘China Cup’ tournament starting next year featuring its national team plus three other as yet unannounced international sides.
By David Owen
July 14 – Match Hospitality has circulated details of luxury packages for attending the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, with the highest prices for advertised products leaving little change from $3 million.
July 14 – FIFA has formally launched its new development programme with national associations now able to apply for the first tranche of the $5 million earmarked for them in the four-year cycle.
July 14 – Professional footballers in Chile have announced strike action for the weekend of 22, 23 and 24 July if the country’s football association (ANFP) does not comply with the wishes of players’ association Sifup, according to the international players’ union FIFPro.
July 14 – Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales have moved above England and up to 11th in the FIFA world rankings.
July 14 – Panathinaikos will play their first home game of the new Greek Super League season behind closed doors as punishment for crowd disturbances in a playoff match last season against PAOK Salonica.
July 14 – Nike’s summer of success has continued with the unveiling of its Ordem 4 ball as the Official Match Ball for the 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
By Paul Nicholson
July 13 – The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams was hit with a demand for $300,000 from Metro Hotel Limited yesterday as he enters the final lobbying phase in his bid for the Caribbean Football Union presidency.
By Andrew Warshaw
July 13 – The end of Euro 2016 means only one thing: the annual summer spending spree in Europe being stepped up, particularly in the Premier League where clubs are already splashing the cash to boost resources ahead of the most lucrative season on record in terms of television revenue.
By Samindra Kunti
July 13 – English referee Mark Clattenburg led the Euro 2016 final as the tournament climaxed with a prolonged encounter between hosts France and Portugal. Clattenburg was omnipresent with 2,774 meters of high speed running (14 to 20 km/h) and 999 meters of very high speed running (> 20 km/h) during the match. In the 109th minute Antonio Eder scored the winning goal with a fine strike from outside the box.
July 13 – FIFA says there is no longer any threat of Uganda being banned for government interference following a meeting involving representatives from all parties.
July 13 – The English Women’s Super League (WSL) is to switch to a winter season and expand to 21 teams by 2017-18. The new league schedule, unlike the men’s game in England, will have a one-month winter break.
July 13 – A household name in English football but little known overseas, Sam Allardyce is emerging as the frontrunner to take over from Roy Hodgson as England manager.
July 13 – Joachim Low has decided to stay on as Germany’s head coach following their semi-final exit at Euro 2016.
By Andrew Warshaw
July 13 – Who on earth was Brendan Rodgers, the new manager of Scottish giants Celtic, trying to kid? Perhaps just himself. “There’s no embarrassment,” said Rodgers after his side were beaten 1-0 by Gibraltar part-timers Lincoln Red Imps in their Champions League second qualifying round first leg on Tuesday.