By Andrew Warshaw
March 24 – In an act of brazen effrontery, Russia has unexpectedly thrown its hat into the ring to stage Euro 2028 despite the country’s ban from international football because of the invasion of Ukraine.
March 24 – Japan and Saudi Arabia have ensured their passage to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following the Samurai Blue’s dramatic last-gasp 2-0 win against the Socceroos in Sydney.
March 24 – The British government has amended Chelsea’s special operating licence in order to allow supporters to buy tickets to away games and all cup matches.
March 24 – FIFA has added Indian education technology provider BYJU’S as an official sponsor of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
March 24 – Brazilian football has a new boss. After rudderless months, Ednaldo Rodrigues has been elected the new president of the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) for a four-year term.
March 24 – The Dutch FA (KNVB) have extended their 25-year main sponsorship with ING bank through to 2028. And in keeping with a financial theme have unveiled crypto exchange Bitvavo as a new sponsor.
March 24 – The safest place to be a club manager in terms of holding on to your job is in Northern Ireland, where the average tenure of coaches is 1,536 days. In contrast coaches in Saudi Arabia last on average 156 days. Eddie Howe watch out.
March 24 – The United Soccer League is beefing up its broadcast and media presence with the launch of a new media group under industry veteran Michael Cohen, and a commitment to open a business presence in New York to expand its partnerships.
By Paul Nicholson
March 23 – The four UK FAs and the Football Association of Ireland have today formally submitted a joint Expression of Interest to host Euro 2028.
March 23 – Injuries cost the Big Five football countries in Europe (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) a staggering €279.49 million in the first half of this year according to a new study.
March 23 – Excitement and anticipation is mounting ahead of next week’s World Cup draw in Qatar which will be conspicuous by the three slots that will still be open because of Russia’s war with Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic.
March 23 – On Thursday, Australia will host Japan in a blockbuster that will all but decide the fate of two of the powerhouses in Asia’s final round of World Cup qualifying. Graham Arnold and the Socceroos must win if they are to remain in contention for an automatic qualifying place for Qatar 2022.
March 23 – Cryptocurrency sponsorship has come to FIFA with Crypto.com becoming the exclusive cryptocurrency trading platform partner for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
March 23 – Tickets for the Wembley play-off between the national team champions of Europe and South America – dubbed the Finalissima 2022 – go on sale Thursday with category 3 tickets priced at £25.
March 23 – FIFA has opened up another ticket buying window for the Qatar 2022 World Cup ahead of the Final Draw next week.