WWC qualification play-offs start in NZ with three slots still open
February 17 – The final qualification play-offs for the last three Women’s World Cup slots begin tomorrow in New Zealand, one of the co-hosts of the finals in the summer.
FIFA consider CAS appeal over lifting of ban on alleged serial sex abuser Jean-Bart
February 17 – FIFA is considering lodging a rare appeal against the shock ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to lift the lifetime ban on Yves Jean-Bart, former president of the Haitian Football Federation (FHF).
Alonso re-elected to presidency of Uruguayan FA, after challenger Ferrari controversially stands down
February 17 – Ignacio Alonso has been re-elected for another four-year term to lead the Uruguayan FA (AUF).
Saudis join bidding race for Man Utd ahead of today’s ‘soft’ deadline, reports
February 17 – Investors from Saudi Arabia have submitted a bid for Manchester United ahead of today’s “soft” deadline according to The Daily Telegraph newspaper.
Transfer market big spenders Chelsea top Premier League ranking of home-grown players
February 17 – Only two clubs in Europe’s Big 5 leagues have fielded home-grown players for more than 50% of the total minutes played this season – Athletic Club in LaLiga (56.6%; 13 players ‘trained’), and Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1 (52.2%; 11).
M&T Bank joins as sponsor of SIGA’s Summit on Female Leadership
February 7 – M&T Bank has become a partner of the upcoming Summit on Female Leadership in Sport, which will be hosted by Mastercard in New York on March 7, and which is organised by the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA).
Čeferin unopposed for UEFA presidency but race hots up for exco seats
February 16 – UEFA has re-confirmed that Aleksander Čeferin will stand for re-election to the UEFA presidency unopposed with the announcement of candidates for election at its 47th Ordinary Congress in Lisbon on April 5.
French sports minister denies interference in FFF despite ordering audit of Le Graët’s leadership
February 16 – France’s sports minister has refuted any suggestion of government interference in the affairs of the French FA (FFF) as the fallout gathers pace over the status of veteran FFF chief Noel le Graët.
Canada’s Priestman calls for end to equality dispute ahead of SheBelieves kick-off
February 16 – Canada women’s coach Bev Priestman has called on Canada Soccer and her players to resolve their labour dispute over pay equality and cutbacks to the programme as soon as possible as the country enters crucial preparations for this year’s Women’s World Cup.
Chinese FA tells Super League clubs to set up women’s teams or risk exclusion from CSL
February 16 – The Chinese Football Association (CFA) have demanded top flight men’s clubs establish a women’s team as part of license requirements to compete in the 2023 season.
Former Inter owner turned government minister, Erick Thohir, takes over at Indonesian FA
February 16 – Erick Thohir, a senior cabinet minister and a former chairman of Inter Milan, is the new head of Indonesian football with the task of totally reforming the game months after the country suffered one of the world’s deadliest stadium stampedes.
England women want to wear OneLove armband but will FIFA bully them as well?
February 16 – England captain Leah Williamson wants the Lionesses to be able to wear the OneLove armband at the women’s World Cup in July.
MSP Sports Capital prepares $3.75 billion bid for ‘not-for-sale’ Spurs
February 16 – Tottenham Hotspur’s board has indicted that it is not for sale and its owners are committed to their long-term plans for the Premier League club.
Women’s World Cup Trophy to start its journey to Australia/New Zealand finals in Japan
February 16 – FIFA will start its Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour next week in Japan before arriving in Australia and New Zealand in June and touring all nine Women’s World Cup host cities before the start of the tournament on July 20.
Dominican Republic to host U20 Women’s finals as Concacaf kicks off new youth formats
February 16 – Concacaf is returning to the Dominican Republic for the finals of its Women’s U20 Championship that will qualify three teams for next year’s U-20 Women’s World Cup.