Groups drawn for Copa America 2024 in the US
December 8 – World Cup 2022 winners Argentina will face Peru, Chile and a Concacaf qualifier in the group stages of their defense of their Copa America title in the USA next summer.
Matic tells youth to steer clear of Red Star and Partizan, the ‘viruses’ of Serbian football
December 8 – Former Serbian Manchester United star Nemanja Matic (pictured) has launched another attack on Serbian football, its president Dragan Džajić, and the country’s biggest clubs – Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade – who he calls the “viruses” of Serbian football.
Saudi Arabia build out women’s national teams with launch of U20s under Pauline Hamil
December 8 –Saudi Arabian focus may be on the hosting of their first major FIFA event starting next week – the 2023 Club World Cup – but the Kingdom has still found time to announce the launch of a Women’s U20 national team.
Standard Chartered gives over Liverpool shirt sponsorship to its ‘Futuremakers’ initiative
December 8 – Liverpool will mark the return of the philanthropic ‘Futuremakers’ programme in collaboration with lead sponsor Standard Chartered, in the third annual effort to aid disadvantaged children worldwide.
Qataris sell minority stake in PSG to US private equity firm Arctos
December 7 – Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) has sold a minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain to US-based private investment firm Arctos Partners, the club confirmed on Thursday.
Did Rubiales get off lightly? FIFA publishes reasoned decision for 3-year sanction
December 7 – FIFA considered a longer ban than the three-year sanction it imposed on disgraced former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales for kissing Spanish World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso on the lips.
Palmeiras repeat Serie A title win in Brazil, Santos relegated for first time
December 6 – On a dramatic last day of the season in Brazil, Palmeiras won a second consecutive title following a 1-1 draw with Cruzeiro while Santos were relegated for the first time in their history following a 2-1 defeat to Fortaleza.
Concacaf seeds US, Canada and Brazil apart as it prepares for W Gold Cup 2024 draw
December 7 – The USA, Brazil and Canada will be the three seeded teams heading the groups for the draw December 11 for the 12-team Concacaf W Gold Cup 2024.
Bulgaria’s FC Hebar appeals to fans for cash to pay player wages after municipality ends its support
December 7 – Bulgarian side FC Hebar Pazardzhik is asking his fans and local companies for financial support to keep the club going after the Municipality of Pazardzhik pulled its funding.
Marseilles vs Lyon re-match played without incident, and travelling fans
December 7 – Just four days after the death of a Nantes fan that marked a new low in a French season marred by violence, a rescheduled game between Marseille and Lyon took place on Wednesday with no trouble.
New Balance target Brazil with São Paulo kit deal
December 7 – Brazilian Serie A side São Paulo has signed with New Balance which will see the sportswear manufacturers become the three-time Club World Cup champions’ official kit supplier for both men’s and women’s teams effective from January 2024.
UEFA launches women’s health expert panel with surge in ACL injuries their first focus
December 7 – UEFA has introduced a women’s health expert panel with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and their alarming occurrence in the women’s game.
UEFA breaks new ground with multi-brand Euro 2024 sponsorship with Unilever
December 6 – UEFA has secured a first-time partnership with FMCG giant Unilever with sponsorship activation during Euro 2024 for its personal care and nutrition brands.
Sunak offers another Tory apology for Hillsborough disaster, but shies away from new laws
December 6 – The British Government has stopped short of introducing a so-called ‘Hillsborough Law’ called for by campaigners in its response to a report into the experiences of the bereaved families.
Tebas secures fourth term as president of LaLiga
December 6 – Controversial Spanish league boss Javier Tebas is back in power after being re-elected for a fourth term.