Last-minute ban on alcohol sales at Qatar 2022 stadia
November 18 – In a last-minute u-turn by World Cup organisers and FIFA, alcohol will not be sold at the eight stadiums in Qatar.
After 12 years of controversy, Qatar 2022 makes it to kick-off
By Andrew Warshaw
November 18 – Two days to go and counting to the first and most probably last winter World Cup, staged slap bang in the middle of the domestic season. Like it or not, it’s happening but rarely, if ever, has so much attention been focussed on matters off as well as on the field.
European Leagues earmarks €2.3m to help Ukrainian Premier League continue playing
November 18 – The umbrella organisation representing Europe’s top leagues have agreed to allocate €2.3 million to Ukraine to allow domestic competition there to continue in the wake of the escalating Russian invasion.
Infantino to get four more years as FIFA boss after deadline passes for challengers
November 18 – With impeccable and perhaps deliberate timing to gain maximum publicity on the eve of the World Cup, FIFA has announced that its president Gianni Infantino is getting four more years at the helm of the organisation.
Qatar 2022 loses another superstar as Sadio Mane ruled out of finals
November 18 – In a severe blow to Aliou Cisse’s team, Senegal star striker Sadio Mané has been ruled out of the World Cup with a leg injury.
AFC switches media partner in China with Shinai picking up rights
November 18 – Having terminated their broadcast and commercial rights deal with Super Sports Media over non-payment, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has quickly found a new partner in China with Beijing Shinai Sports Media Technology Co. Ltd.
Dutch to auction World Cup match shirts to support migrant workers
November 17 – The shirts worn by the Netherlands team during the World Cup will be auctioned afterwards to support migrant workers in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia and Croatia use World Cup bonhomie to sign MoU for the future
November 17 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has signed an MoU with the Croatian FA (HNS) to explore collaboration across all levels of the game.
Serie A push international expansion with Abu Dhabi office to follow New York opening
November 18 – Italy’s Serie A is to open an office in the UAE in Abu Dhabi in January 2023 with the launch of the affiliate Lega Serie A Mena FZ-LLC.
Warner loses appeal at Privy Council and faces extradition to US to face racketeering charges
November 17 – Football’s most-wanted, former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, has lost his appeal to the UK’s Privy Council and can be extradited from Trinidad to face multiple corruption charges in the US.
UEFA confirms Turkey bidding for Euro 2028 vs UK&Ireland, and 2032 vs Italy
November 17 – UEFA has confirmed that it has received three preliminary bid dossiers to host Euro 2028 and 2032 following the deadline of 16 November.
FIFA launch social media monitoring programme but can they be trusted with the data?
November 17 – FIFA in collaboration with Fifpro have launched social media protection service for players at the World Cup Qatar 2022.
Brentford striker Toney faces ban after 232 alleged breaches of betting rules
November 17 – Brentford striker Ivan Toney is facing a ban after being charged by the FA with 232 alleged breaches of betting rules.
Germans won’t support Infantino’s re-election, calling for concrete action on human rights
November 17 – The German football federation (DFB) has said that it won’t back Gianni Infantino for re-election as FIFA president, repeating its demand that a compensation fund for migrant workers in Qatar be established.