Norwegian study highlights brain injury dangers from heading
February 18 – A study in Norway has revealed that repeated heading and accidental head impacts in football can alter the blood structure of the brain.
LaLiga to return to full stadium capacity March
February 18 – La Liga can return to packed stadiums after Spain’s health minister said that health authorities have decided to allow football stadiums and other sports venues to operate at full capacity again.
Iranian FA board removes its president Azizi Khadem
February 18 – After just a year in the job, the head of Iranian football, Shahaboddin Azizi Khadem (pictured), has been removed, seemingly because of differences with the federation’s executive.
AstroPay adds Crystal Palace training kit deal to Burnley and Wolves partnerships
February 18 – Online payment provider AstroPay has added a third Premier League sponsorship, with Crystal Palace joining the company’s sponsorship portfolio alongside deals with Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Arrest warrants issued for OFC bosses charged with fraud over House of Football site in NZ
By Andrew Warshaw
February 17 – Years after being plunged into scandal with a spate of high ranking officials banned for financial wrongdoing, the Oceania Football Association (OFC) has once again become embroiled in chaos and corruption.
Qatar 2022 World Cup draw reportedly scheduled for April 1
February 17 – It’s not an April Fool’s joke but the draw for the World Cup finals in Qatar is reportedly being scheduled for April 1.
AFC sets up draw for final Asian Cup China 2023 qualifiers
February 17 – The draw for the final round qualifiers for the Asian Cup China 2023 will be made next Thursday February 24 with 11 qualifying places to play for.
More goal chances and more ball in play: North and Western European leagues top ranking
February 17 – The professional leagues of Northern and Western Europe see teams playing more ‘openly’ that the leagues in South and East of the continent, according to data from the CIES Football Observatory.
OL reports first half revenue boost as covid retreats and fans return
February 17 – France’s OL Groupe, owners of Ligue 1 Olympique Lyon, is reporting a first half return to profitability for the 2021-22 season with revenues up 7% from the same period in 2020-21 to €75 million.
Italy issues international arrest warrant for convicted rapist Robinho
February 17 – Italian authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, the former Brazil star who was convicted of rape in Italy.
Hosts Uzbekistan drawn with Iran and Qatar for U23 Asian Cup group stage
February 14 – The AFC has held the draw for the men’s U23 Championship to be held in Uzbekistan this summer.
Trade Nation punts on West Brom as club looks to trade up
February 17 – English Championship club West Bromwich Albion, who are currently in the play-off positions and looking to bounceback to the Premier League after just a season out, have added trading services provider Trade Nation as a major commercial partner.
FIFPRO survey finds 75% of players are against FIFA’s biennial World Cup plans
By Andrew Warshaw
February 16 – FIFA’s biennial World Cup drive has suffered yet another setback after global players’ union FIFPRO revealed its members overwhelmingly oppose the idea.
Benfica deny €1.9m was paid via third-party business to referee Bruno Paixão
February 16 – A former Portuguese referee is under investigation for allegedly receiving up to €1.9 million from Benfica which could, if proven, reportedly lead to the Lisbon club being sensationally relegated.
Thailand steps up to host three centralised East zone AFC Champions League groups
February 16 – The AFC is staying with centralised venues for its Champions League 2022 with the first group hosts in the East Asia region finalised for April 15 kick off.