San Francisco 49ers close in on £500m acquisition of Leeds Utd
December 7 – The San Francisco 49ers American Football team reportedly have “a deal in place” to buy English Premier League club Leeds United.
Gold Cup 2025
Houston we don’t have a problem. Gold Cup delivers a Central American football feast
Honduras 2 – El Salvador 0
June 21 – A piece of Central America proudly and unashamedly parked itself in Space City tonight. The Shell Energy Stadium in Houston has frequently staged Gold Cup nights of passion and community. This Saturday is was extra special.
Sampdoria president Ferrero stands down after arrest on fraud charges
December 7 – The president of Italian top-flight side Sampdoria is stepping down with immediate effect after being arrested for alleged involvement in fraudulent bankruptcy cases.
Tromsø kit keeps focus on Qatari human rights with QR code linking to sports washing page
December 7 – Norwegian top-flight club Tromsø have produced an innovative team shirt featuring a QR code that puts the spotlight on human rights issues in Qatar with just under a year until the World Cup.
Belgian fan flare-ups force Pro League to ban away fans
By Samindra Kunti
December 7 – Belgian football has banned away fans until the end of the year following a weekend of disorder across grounds, with incidents at Standard Liege and in the Antwerp derby.
Germans file criminal complaint over Bellingham’s comment on ‘match-fixing’ referee
December 7 – The German Football Association is investigating England midfielder Jude Bellingham’s comments criticising the referee during Borussia Dortmund’s weekend defeat to Bayern Munich.
Whitaker wins second term as Cayman Islands FA president
December 7 – Alfredo Whitaker has been re-elected as Cayman Island FA president for a new 4-year term taking him through to 2025.
Shot in the arm for Gunners’ women with Lavazza deal
December 7 – Italian coffee maker, Lavazza, has become the Official Coffee Partner of Arsenal Women, extending Lavazza’s relationship with the club that started in October 2018.
Covid: Germans close gates for key Bayern vs Barca, RB Leipzig vs Man City UCL clashes
December 6 – Barcelona’s vital Champions League visit to Bayern Munich this week, one of the showpiece games of the group stage, is being played behind closed doors as new Covid restrictions begin to bite in the wake of the latest increase in cases.
PACE report says No to ESL, No to Biennial World Cup and tells game to put human rights first
December 6 – With FIFA’s December 20 global summit to discuss the biennial World Cup proposal creeping closer by the day, another European parliamentary body has issued a football governance report that slams the plan as well as coming out unequivocally against the lingering European Super League proposition.
South Africa vow to fight decision after FIFA say no to replaying Ghana fixture
By Andrew Warshaw
December 6 – South African officials insist they will not give up the fight after FIFA dismissed their request to have a crucial World Cup qualifier against Ghana replayed because of alleged match-fixing by the officials.
UEFA fines Porto and Sporting for not paying their way
December 6 – Portugal’s two top clubs, Porto and Sporting, are among eight clubs fined by UEFA for financial fair play breaches.
World Leagues Forum demands FIFA drops ‘destructive’ biennial World Cup
December 6 – Opposition to FIFA’s biennial World Cup plans and overhaul of the international match calendar remains strong with the World Leagues Forum (WLF), following on from the European Clubs Association last week, again demanding FIFA abandons the plan.
Euro 2020 final chaos was a ‘national shame’ and could have cost lives, finds report
By Samindra Kunti
December 6 – The lawlessness around the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy at London’s Wembley Stadium could have cost lives, an independent FA review has found. The review recommends the government should consider a new category for football matches of national significance which would give police and organisers extra powers to make the match day safe.
USL W League hits 30 teams for inaugural 2022 season
December 6 – The United Soccer League, operator of tier two and three men’s professional leagues in the US, has announced a 30th team to join the USL W League for the 2022 inaugural season.
Inter Milan sharpens sponsorship roster with 3-year Moncler fashion deal
December 6 – Italian champions Inter Milan have signed a three-year deal with fashion brand Moncler who will become the club’s Official Formal Wear Partner.