Asian Women’s Cup breaks digital and TV records with 31m watching final in China
February 18 – The AFC is reporting record breaking digital engagement and broadcast TV numbers for its just completed Women’s Asian Cup.
Gold Cup 2025
No more Mr Guy: Marsch respects disciplinary process as he embeds culture of ruthlessness in Canada
June 20 – Under fire Canada coach Jesse Marsch who is facing disciplinary action following his behaviour at Canada’s opening game of the Gold Cup, said “there’s a process in place and I respect that”.
Brazilian breakaway league gathers pace as 10 clubs form ‘Forte Futebol’ alliance
By Samindra Kunti
February 18 – Ten Brazilian top flight clubs have formed ‘Forte Futebol’, a group to bolster a collective bargaining position amid ongoing talks over a breakaway league.
FIFA to propose 26-man squads and 5 subs rule for Qatar 2022
February 18 – FIFA is reported to be considering increasing the number of players in World Cup squads from 23 to 26 because of the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
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.