November 9 – Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has added his once powerful voice to criticism of Qatar staging the World Cup by saying the decision 12 years ago was a mistake.
November 9 – In the latest rebuttal of the constant criticism faced by host nation Qatar, World Cup CEO Nasser Al Khater (pictured) has claimed that Europeans think they hold a monopoly on the tournament.
November 9 – The backlash from yesterday’s meeting between European Super League promoters A22 Sports, UEFA and European football stakeholders has continued with both the European Club Association (ECA) and a number of LaLiga clubs unequivocally coming out against the A22 plan.
November 9 – The next two European championships will remain free to the general public after UK public-service broadcaster the BBC and commercial broadcaster ITV agreed to continue to share the rights.
November 9 – In an analysis that will surprise few observers, data scientists from KU Leuven have calculated that Brazil have a one in five chance to win the World Cup, confirming their status as top favourites in Qatar.
November 9 – Coors Light will be the official beer of the Leagues Cup – the new MLS vs LigaMx club competition kicking off in 2023 – in what is described as a multi-year partner agreement.
November 9 – There are five or six teams that wouldn’t be a surprise to see win the World Cup, but early on an arguably more interesting talking point will be which teams among the world’s elite, and who are at short odds in World Cup betting, will end up falling at the first hurdle?
By David Owen
November 8 – Premier League champions Manchester City have posted an improved annual profit, as fans returned to the Etihad. The Abu Dhabi-owned club reported a pre-tax profit of £41.7 million for the year to end-June 2022, versus £5 million a year earlier.
November 8 – World Cup organisers and FIFA president Gianni Infantino have been at pains in recent weeks to promise that everyone will be welcome in Qatar regardless of sexual orientation.
November 8 – The US-based owners of Liverpool have confirmed they “would consider new shareholders” following multiple reports that the club is for sale.
November 8 – In a move highlighting how football is closing ranks against the constant barrage of criticism of World Cup hosts Qatar, South America’s governing (Conmebol) said it is time to focus on football and for “disagreements to take a back seat”, echoing FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
November 8 – Former champions Tigres UANL from LigaMX will meet Orlando City from the MLS in what looks to be the pick of the ties from the Round of 16 draw for Concacaf Champions League (SCCL).
November 8 – US consortium Football Global Holdings has acquired a majority stake in Danish club Brondby IF, for about €30 million.
November 8 – Brentford striker Ivan Toney, on the edge of selection for England’s World Cup squad, is reportedly helping the English FA with an investigation over allegations he has been betting on matches.
November 8 – Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino will not play at the World Cup after Brazil coach Tite picked Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli over him. The 39-year-old Daniel Alves was also included among the 26 players who will go in search of a sixth world title for Brazil in Qatar.