DFL to trial referee announcements in an attempt to boost transparency
January 28 – In a move aimed at boosting transparency and fan engagement, the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga will trial public referee announcements during Matchday 20.
EA Sports’ stock plummets following FC 2025 video game issues
January 28 – A revised fiscal outlook and a stock market tumble suggest EA Sports might be losing its once-firm grasp on the billion-dollar football gaming industry.
Euro winner Luis de La Fuente extends Spain contract
January 28 – Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has extended his contract until 2028 after leading the team to last year’s European Championship title.
AFCON heavyweights Ivory Coast and Cameroon drawn together in 2025 finals
January 28 – Defending African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Ivory Coast have been drawn against fellow tournament heavyweights Cameroon in the group stages of the 2025 iteration of the competition.
Former Premier League referee David Coote tells all in heartfelt interview
January 28 – Former English Premier League referee David Coote has come out as gay and revealed that struggling to hide his sexuality contributed to the offensive rant about Jurgen Klopp that led to his dismissal.
Former head of US agency that broke the FIFA corruption case in 2015 says it isn’t over yet
January 28 – Speaking at SIGA’s financial integrity forum (FITS) in Lisbon, Portugal, Richard Weber, the former director of the US’s IRSCI (Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation) agency that broke the case that led to the US indictments in 2015 of eventually more than 40 FIFA officials and associates, said that the investigation “is continuing today”.
Belgium’s Radja Nainggolan arrested as part of cocaine trafficking investigation
January 28 – Serie A champion, and former Belgian international, Radja Nainggolan has been arrested as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking into Europe from South America.
Neymar has Al-Hilal contract cancelled, clearing path for potential return to Santos
January 28 – The cancellation of injury-prone Neymar’s contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal could ease the path to a return to Santos in Brazil where he started his career. Rumours are that he could return as both a player and investor.
MLS moves broadcast production in with WWE; IMG extends content deal
January 28 – Major League Soccer (MLS) is moving its productions to WWE Headquarters in Stamford Connecticut from East Harlem, New York.
US third-tier league NISA plans new season start in April
January 28 – US third-tier professional league, the national Independent Soccer Association (NISA), that operates under a provisional license issued by the US Soccer Federation (USSF) , has said it is targeting a return to play in April 2025 with a championship match in October.
Another day another despot. Infantino continues his private jolly jet tour of the world
January 27 – With a visit to Italy’s far-right deputy prime-minister Matteo Salvini, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has once again marked his presidency by his keenness to use his football honorarium for non-football involvement in extremist political circles.
Controversial Indian FA president Kalyan Chaubey faces growing lobby for no-confidence vote
January 27 – State associations are planning a no-confidence motion in Kalyan Chaubey (pictured), the president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Rudi Garcia tasked with returning Belgian pride and winning teams
January 27 – Frenchman Rudi Garcia (pictured) has been named the new manager of Belgium following the dismissal of Domenico Tedesco. His contract runs through until the 2026 World Cup.
Football’s first million dollar woman surfs financial wave all the way to Chelsea
January 27 – The deal is done, a momentous moment for the women’s game. Naomi Girma has become the first million-dollar transfer in women’s football history.
FIFA allows South Korean Son Jun-ho to continue career despite match-fixing ban in China
January 27 – In an unusual move by FIFA, the lifetime ban on former South Korean international Son Jun-ho imposed in China last year on charges of match-fixing has not been extended to the rest of the world, allowing the player to pursue his career.