FIFA trialling Arab Cup with new semi-automated VAR system
November 30 – The use of technology to help officials detect offside more accurately is being trialled at the Arab Cup, which starts today in Qatar.
Women's Euro 2025
Welsh passion not enough to quell a rampant France
France 1 Wales 1
July 9 – A rampant France booked their ticket to the quarter-finals with a commanding 4-1 win over Wales in St. Gallen on Wednesday night. Despite heavy rotation, the French side pulled no punches against the Euro debutants, delivering a dominant performance that sends a clear message to whoever awaits them next week.
Head thinking: UEFA draws up concussion charter
November 30 – European governing body UEFA has drawn up a concussion charter to educate stakeholders in the game and promote good concussion management.
Third Norwegian journalist detained in Qatar
November 30 – In the build-up to the 2022 World Cup and with press coverage intensifying on the hosts Qatar, a third Norwegian journalist has been arrested in the country but later released without charge.
Infantino gets backing of African pals for game-changing biennial world cup plan
By Andrew Warshaw
November 29 – Bruised by the generally lukewarm response to his case for the World Cup to be held every two years, Gianni Infantino now claims opponents of the idea are scared of change.
‘Asia’s time’: Shaikh Salman praises MA commitment as continent takes centre stage
By Paul Nicholson
November 28 – AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has praised his member associations for their unity and commitment to making the AFC’s competition’s happen despite the challenges of the global pandemic.
Former Czech FA boss Pelta jailed for fraudulent use of government sports subsidies
November 29 – A Czech court has sentenced a former head of the country’s FA to six and years in jail for fraud.
Police raid Juve offices in probe into suspected transfer fraud
November 29 – The offices of Juventus, Italy’s most successful club, were raided by police last Friday amid an investigation into transfer dealings between 2019 and 2021.
Infantino defends Wenger’s plan for football, saying game is at a ‘critical juncture’
By Paul Nicholson
November 28 – Gianni Infantino has repeated his case for a World Cup to be held every year. Speaking to Asia’s member associations at the Asian Football Confederation congress, held virtually at the weekend, he argued that the game needed to be more global and that it needed to be kept relevant.
Crypto.com becomes Copa Libertadores sponsor and Conmebol’s NFT partner
November 29 – Conmebol has agreed a multi-year partnership with Crypto.com as an official partner of its showcase club competition, Copa Libertadores.
Portuguese farce as game abandoned after Belenenses reduced to six players
November 29 – The top-flight Portuguese game between Belenenses and Benfica was abandoned Saturday amid farcical scenes after the hosts were forced to start the game with nine players, including two goalkeepers, because of Covid.
FIFA sets Club World Cup UAE 2021 date for Feb 3-12
November 29 – FIFA has set the dates for the postponed Club World Cup 2021 to 3 to 12 February 2022. The eight-team draw will take place today.
Palmeiras retain Copa Libertadores title with extra time win over Flamengo
By Samindra Kunti in Montevideo, Uruguay
November 28 – With a dramatic extra-time goal from substitute Deyverson, Palmeiras defeated Flamengo 2-1 to retain their Copa Libertadores title and win the competition for a third time in the club’s history.
End of the road: Portugal and Italy on track for winner-takes-all Qatar 2022 decider
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – Almost unthinkably, next year’s World Cup finals in Qatar will be conspicuous by the absence of either four-time winners and current European champions Italy or Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Swiss judiciary nominates two special prosecutors to re-start Infantino criminal probe
November 26 – The Swiss criminal investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino and his involvement with disgraced former federal prosecutor Michael Lauber looks set to resume, this time with two special prosecutors rather than one.
Motsepe ‘excited’ by Super League plan, and endorses Cameroon’s AFCON hosting
By Samindra Kunti
November 26 – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and its president Patrice Motsepe, at the confederation’s congress today, have further endorsed the creation of a continental Super League, but provided little detail on the competition. Motsepe also reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to Cameroon hosting the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in January.