US women take world lead into 5th year; ranking grows to 176 nations
December 10 – The US women remain top of FIFA’s rankings, a position they have held since 2017. They are followed by Sweden and Germany.
SIGA invites candidates for 4th women’s global mentorship programme
December 10 – Sports integrity group SIGA has opened applications for its 2022 women’s global mentorship programme, aimed at promoting future leaders in sport and fostering greater gender equality in the boardroom.
RFEF questions legality of CVC’s €2bn stake in LaLiga as clubs prepare to vote
By Paul Nicholson
December 9 – Two days before LaLiga’s clubs are scheduled to vote on the Impulso Project which will see CVC inject almost €2 billion into the league, the Spanish FA (RFEF) and its president Luis Rubiales have issued a statement against the fund raising and questioning its legality under Spanish law.
Rennes fury at Spurs’ lack of ‘fair play’ as covid crisis forces game off
December 9 – Rennes have reacted angrily to UEFA’s decision to allow Tottenham Hotspur to call off tonight’s European Conference League fixture against their French opponents because of an outbreak of Covid-19.
Five nations bid for Beach Soccer 2023 hosting
December 9 – Colombia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Seychelles and Thailand have all expressed an interest in hosting the 2023 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Lyon docked a point for bottle-throwing fan who caused abandonment of Marseilles game
December 9 – French top-flight side Lyon have been docked one point after their home game last month against Marseille was abandoned when the visitors’ Dimitri Payet was hit on the head by a bottle.
Real Madrid borrows another €225m to complete Santiago Bernabéu renovation
December 9 – Real Madrid has agreed a €225 million loan extension to complete the Santiago Bernabéu remodelling. The club said the loan was required work “not forseen” in the initial plans.
Barca bomb out at Bayern and fail to reach Champion League last 16
December 9 – For the first time in 18 years Barcelona have been eliminated from the Champions League before the knockout stage after being humbled 3-0 by Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Crystal Palace become sixth Premier League club to go crypto with Socios.com
December 9 – Socios.com are racking up the crypto air miles. Having yesterday announced Brazil’s Palmeiras as joining their Fan Token universe, today they are in Europe unveiling Crystal Palace as the sixth Premier League team to sign up.
Ajax extend Overmars deal until 2026
December 9 – Technical director Marc Overmars has extended his contract at Ajax Amsterdam until 2026. He has held the role since 2012.
Pele back in hospital for chemo, but will be home for Christmas
December 9 – Brazilian legend Pele is back in hospital, for follow-up for treatment for a colon tumour.
Coronavirus: With a month to go, CAF says AFCON is staying in Cameroon
December 8 – The Confederation of African Football has dismissed rumours that next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could be moved away from Cameroon following the recent discovery of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Crouch sticks to view that English game can’t govern itself
December 8 – Fan-led review chair Tracey Crouch MP has responded to criticism, arguing that an independent regulator will help grow the English game.
MLS unveils 21 starting clubs for its new MLS Next Pro league
December 8 – Major League Soccer has unveiled plans for the debut of its third tier league, MLS Next Pro, that will start play in 2022 with 21 clubs.
Bellingham fined for questioning ‘match-fixing’ refs impartiality
December 8 – England’s teenage midfield international Jude Bellingham has been fined €40,000 by the German Football Association for unsportsmanlike conduct after he criticised referee Felix Zwayer following his Borussia Dortmund team’s 3-2 defeat by Bayern Munich last weekend.