UEFA warms to Green Deal sign-up and focus on carbon cutting Euro 2024
December 17 – UEFA and president Aleksander Ceferin have formally confirmed they will support the newly launched European climate pact.
Gold Cup 2025
Mexico open Gold Cup defence against aspiring Dominican Republic
June 13 – Mexico approach the 2025 Gold Cup with typical confidence, having secured early silverware through March’s Concacaf Nations League triumph – a psychological boost that sets them up beautifully for the right to be called Kings of the Region.
Who’s the Daddy? Maradona legend continues with court ordering DNA is preserved
December 17 – The body of Diego Maradona “must be conserved” in case his DNA is needed in a paternity case, an Argentine court has ruled.
India promises opening of new football frontiers with launch of 2027 Asian Cup bid
By Paul Nicholson
December 16 – India have launched their bid for the 2027 Asian Cup hosting in New Delhi, joining already confirmed Qatar and Saudi Arabia as potential hosts for AFC’s flagship competition after China host in 2023.
Basque breakaway bid looks for UEFA and FIFA recognition
December 16 – The Basque Football Federation has applied to FIFA and UEFA to be officially recognised so the regional team can compete in international competition.
Lille owner Lopez parts company with club as US money pulls rank, reports
December 16 – Gerard Lopez has reportedly sold Lille following pressure from major US creditors Elliott Management and JP Morgan.
PSG favourites to pick up Messi’s £52m wages
December 16 – Paris Saint-Germain are reported to be growing increasingly confident of landing Lionel Messi on a free transfer next summer because of his wage demands at Barcelona whose finances have taken a massive hit as a result of the effects of coronavirus.
AC Milan’s Gazidis casts doubt over ‘reality’ of Super League breakaway
December 16 – AC Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis has downplayed the threat a European Super League which recently resurfaced when former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said his club had received an invitation to take part.
Brexit rules will stem flow of young foreign talent, says Man Utd academy boss
December 16 – The head of Manchester United’s academy has warned that Brexit will have an adverse effect of English clubs trying to sign young players from overseas.
Cristante to miss Serie A match for breaking Italian blasphemy law
December 16 – Italy’s international midfielder Bryan Cristante has been banned for one Serie A game for breaking the country’s strict blasphemy laws following his own goal in Roma’s 5-1 over win over Bologna on Sunday.
AFC retreads Continental global deal with new 3-year cycle
December 16 – Continental Tires, who celebrate a 150th anniversary next year, will do so with a renewed sponsorship of the Asian Football Confederation’s national team competitions and the exclusive sponsor in the tire category.
Belgium’s Oostende release Ondoa over lockdown party chaos
December 16 – KV Oostende have dismissed their Cameroon goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa with immediate effect after he allegedly organised a lockdown party.
Barca go live on Twitch with LaLiga match commentary and esports focus
December 16 – Spanish giants Barcelona today launch their official channel on live streaming behemoth Twitch, opening with commentary of the club’s LaLiga match against Real Sociedad.
Covid-disrupted Concacaf clubs gather for final rounds of Champions League in Orlando
December 15 – Concacaf kicks of the centralised finish to its Champions League tonight with a double of hearer of quarter finals games at Orlando’s Exploria Stadium.
FIFPro marks social pioneering moments and 25 years since game-changing Bosman ruling
By Andrew Warshaw
December 15 – International players’ union FIFPro is celebrating exactly 25 years since the landmark Bosman ruling that changed the face of world football.
Everton post second-consecutive £100m-plus pre-tax loss
By David Owen
December 15 – The sobering story of the 2019-20 Premier League financial results season has continued, with Everton posting a towering pre-tax loss for the year to end-June of £139.9 million.