MUTV distribution expanded to smart TVs and key digital platforms
December 6 – Manchester United have increased the distribution of their broadcast channel making the MUTV app available on Samsung, LG and Android smart and connected TVs.
FC Barcelona extend SK Enmove deal into middle eastern territories
December 6 – Korean motor lubricant company SK Enmove has expanded is Asian regional sponsorship with FC Barcelona into the Middle East to include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
End of the road for the TTFA? Members call EGM but debt still casts life-threatening shadow
December 5 – Members of the Trinidad and Tobago FA (TTFA) have called an extraordinary general meeting in a bid to ensure the end of the Normalisation Committee currently running the game in the country.
Saudi Arabia look set to be awarded AFC Asian Cup 2027 hosting after rivals India pull out
December 5 – The Asian Cup 2027 now looks certain to be held in Saudi Arabia after India pulled out from their bid to host the AFC’s blue riband men’s national team competition.
Reduced wages help drive Arsenal to lower losses despite absence of European football
By David Owen
December 4 – Table-topping Arsenal have posted a much-needed improvement in annual financial performance, helped by the return of live spectators to Emirates Stadium and a 13% cut in the bill for wages.
FIFA-stooge Wenger holds the company line, saying early exiting teams were too focussed on ‘politics’
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 5 – FIFA’s head of global development Arsene Wenger has claimed that teams who avoided political demonstrations have played better at the World Cup, taking a swipe at Germany and Denmark. He also praised the tournament experience as “unique”.
Hospitalised Pélé thanks well wishers and says he ‘strong, with a lot of hope’
December 5 – Pélé and his doctors have reassured the public after Brazilian media had reported that the football legend was no longer responding to chemotherapy and had been moved to palliative care.
LaLiga says Super League would mean 55% revenue loss and ‘destroy an industry’
December 4 – A KPMG report commissioned by LaLiga estimates a 55% revenue loss for the Spanish league if a European Super League came to fruition.
Dutch brush past USA to line up Argentina
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 3 – Spearheaded by Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries, the Netherlands breezed past an inexperienced US side 3-1 to reach the last eight of the World Cup where they will meet Argentina.
SIGA picks up anti-corruption theme with week of activity
December 4 – Coinciding with the UN International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) is showcasing over the next five days work done by its members to tackle corruption, money laundering and criminal infiltration in sport.
Six of the best: Qatar 2022 sets record for group-stage survivors from outside traditional powers
By David Owen
December 3 – Qatar 2022, a World Cup of upsets? Well, actually yes, as the group stage draws to a close, the opening phase of this massively controversial tournament has indeed, by one objective yardstick, been the most surprising in recent history.
UEFA opens probe into alleged Juve financial fraud
December 2 – UEFA has opened an investigation into Juventus over the alleged financial fraud that has seen Juve’s board resign and a series of indictments issued against them by Italian authorities.
Japan star on a night of drama that sees Germany exit at group stage, again
December 2 – Once again, four-time world champions Germany departed the World Cup in the first round despite a 4-2 victory against Costa Rica in their final group E game with coach Hansi Flick saying that a reboot was needed.
Saudi Arabia submits hosting bid for AFC Women’s Asian Cup
December 2 – Saudi Arabia has formally submitted a bid to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, a major socio-political statement by the country that only a few years ago did not allow women into stadia to watch football.
The value of pitch time? Portugal tops ranking of World Cup teams by player minutes played
December 2 – Portugal’s players have on average had more playing time in 2022 than any other nation at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, according to a ranking of nations by average number of player minutes in competitive action.