Inter Miami and Lionel Messi’s trip hits a Chinese wall
November 2 – Inter Miami’s postseason parade of China with superstar Lionel Messi has been cancelled just four days before the team were due to play their first game.
FA bans offensive ‘from the river to the sea’ phrase from players’ social media
November 2 – The English Football Association is writing to all clubs banning the phrase ‘from the river to the sea’ following a pro-Palestinian post by Hamza Choudery who plays for Championship club Leicester City.
Serbia to appeal another stadium ban for its racist fans ahead of deciding Euro 2024 qualifier
November 2 – UEFA’s disciplinary committee has fined the Serbian FA (FSS) €90,000 and a game behind closed doors for racist chants by Serbian fans aimed at Montenegro during a Euro 2024 qualifier on October 17.
Infantino officially rubber stamps sole bidders for 2030 and 2034 World Cup finals
By Samindra Kunti
November 1 – With a decision that will reshape football’s pinnacle event, FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino officially confirmed that the 2030 finals will be played in six countries on three continents with opening matches to be held in South America to celebrate the tournament’s centenary as the deadline for the submission of official bid letters of interest passed with no challengers.
Human rights groups shine ethics spotlight on FIFA’s award of 2034 sole bid status to Saudi Arabia
November 1 – Leading human rights activist group Human Rights Watch has accused FIFA of ignoring its own rules in the process of awarding the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 World Cups.
Celtic ban the ‘unacceptable’ political march of the Green Brigade
November 1 – Scottish champions Celtic have banned season ticket holders belonging to the so-called Green Brigade, one of the club’s supporter groups, from attending home matches after “repeated incidents of unacceptable conduct”.
Ronaldo snipes at Messi’s 8th Ballon d’Or win
November 1 – Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram to react to Lionel Messi’s record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or win, but the five-time recipient of the award refrained from extending social media congratulations to his long-time rival.
Israel to play crucial home Euro 2024 qualifiers in Hungary
November 1 – Israel will play their next two home Euro 2024 qualifiers in Hungary, UEFA has announced.
Belgium stun England as Dutch eye Nations League final four and 2024 Olympics
By Samindra Kunti in Leuven
November 1 – England’s chances of Olympic qualification were given a huge dent after a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, a result that leaves the Netherlands in control of Group 1 in the Women’s Nations League.
Al Dawsari and Kerr score Player of the Year titles at AFC Annual Awards
November 1 – Two goalscorers who had a stunning 2022/23 season have scooped the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) men’s and women’s player of the year awards.
Concacaf sets dates for 2023/24 Nations League deciders
November 1 – Concacaf has set the November dates for the final rounds of its Nations League quarter finals which will qualify the final four for the March 2024 finals.
Leeds sign Asian deal with 12Bet as club pushes for Premier League bounceback
November 1 – Leeds United have signed an agreement with 12Bet that will see the sports betting company become the championship club’s Asian betting partner.
Botev Plovdiv joins with BTCPayServer to allow bitcoin payments in-stadia and club shop
November 1 – Bulgaria’s Botev Plovdiv have become the first Bulgarian club to accept Bitcoin payments, saying they are partnering with the world leader in accepting bitcoin payments, BTCPayServer.
Australia pull out of bidding for 2034 World Cup, leaving Saudi Arabia as sole candidate
October 31 – Australia have confirmed that they will not bid for the 2034 World Cup, leaving Saudi Arabia as the only host candidate for the finals as FIFA’s deadline for candidate countries to express interest in bidding for the 2034 tournament expired today.
Messi wins men’s Ballon d’Or for 8th time, Aitana Bonmati lifts women’s award
October 31 – Argentine legend Lionel Messi won the men’s Ballon d’Or for a record-extending eighth time on Monday after fulfilling a lifetime ambition to lead his country to the World Cup title.