Xabi Alonso keeping focus on Bayer Leverkusen as Liverpool and Bayern circle
February 23 – Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is continuing to play down speculation linking him with both Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Draw keeps big clubs separated as Europa League enters round of 16
February 23 – The draw for the Europa League last 16 knock-out rounds has the feel of a Champions League draw with Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen (both leading their national leagues), AC Milan, Benfica, Marseilles and Roma all in the competition, and none of them drawn against each other in the next round.
Belgian top-flight women’s club White Star to pull put of Super League
February 23 – Belgian women’s club White Star Woluwe will withdraw from the top flight at the end of the season, citing “a lack of financial resources”.
Liverpool and Chelsea face off for first English silverware of the season
February 23 – The EFL Cup will conclude Sunday as injury-hit Liverpool take on a Chelsea, who are showing signs of improvement, to decide which club picks up the first silverware of the season.
US pace and power proves too much for Argentina as 4-0 win sends warning to rivals
February 24 – The USA put four past Argentina at the Dignity Health Park stadium, scoring three in eight minutes in the first half, to stamp their authority on the W Gold Cup and guarantee progression to the quarter finals.
Germany recall Kroos for Euro 2024
February 23 – Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos will return to the German national team in time for Euro 2024 selection, despite retiring from international football three years ago.
Mexico dismantle Dominican Republic with an 8-0 drubbing
February 23 – Mexico dispatched Dominican Republic 8-0 in the second round of Group A games to put behind their failure to score against Argentina well and truly behind them, and warm them up for what will be a big night at the Dignity Health Stadium on Monday against the USA.
Uzbeks and Saudis pull out of 2026 Women’s Asian Cup bids, leaving Aussies clear run at hosting
February 23 – Australia, co-hosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, have become the sole bidders left for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup after Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia withdrew.
Concacaf books Hilton as hotel partner for Champions Cup and 2024 W Gold Cup
February 23 – With the W Gold Cup closing out the first round of group games, Concacaf has announced another sponsor partner with Hilton becoming the confederation’s Official Hotel Partner for the 2024 Champions Cup and the 2024 W Gold Cup.
German fan protests force DFL to scrap plans to raise private equity cash against TV rights
February 22 – In a classic case of fan power, multiple protests have torpedoed plans by the German Football League (DFL) to sell a stake in its media rights income to an outside investor.
Spanish court jails Alves for four a half years for rape
February 22 – Former Brazilian international Dani Alves, one of the most decorated footballers in history, has been sentenced to four and a half years in jail after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in an Barcelona nightclub on New Years Eve in 2022.
Canadian player’s union files $40m ‘negligence’ suit against Canada Soccer
February 22 – The Canadian Soccer Players’ Association, which represents the national women’s team, has filed a $40 million lawsuit against 15 current and former board members of Canada Soccer alleging “negligence and breach of fiduciary duty.”
One European league they will win. Chelsea top money movement ranking
February 22 – Chelsea FC are the biggest money movers in world football, according to the latest data report from the CIES Football Observatory.
Canada ease into 2024 tournament mode with 6-0 win over El Salvador
February 23 – Canada eased passed El Salvador 6-0 at the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston in the opening game of their W Gold Cup campaign.
Ratcliffe wants a new Old Trafford to be England’s national stadium
February 22 – New Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he wants to build a new stadium to replace Old Trafford where the club have played since 1910 – and make it a national venue.