AFC give life bans to two Laos players for match-fixing
February 26 – Two Laos internationals have been handed life bans for alleged match-fixing by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Uruguay’s Valdez handed year ban by FIFA Ethics
February 26 – Despite efforts to shake off its tarnished image, Conmebol has been rocked by yet more scandal after its former FIFA Council member Wilmar Valdez (pictured) was banned for one year for breaking his duty of loyalty.
Concussion sub protocol proves a headache for lawmakers
By Andrew Warshaw
February 25 – Proposals to introduce concussion substitutes in English football next season seem likely to be shelved after experts failed to agree on the best approach.
FIFA turns to private equity for CWC funding and hope it will Raine $$$
By Samindra Kunti
February 25 – Billions, billions and more billions. That seems to be a core part of Gianni Infantino’s modus operandi as supremo at FIFA. His latest trawl for cash has seen the world federation acquire the services of American financial firm Raine Group to seek the $1 billion the organisation will need to kick-start a revamped 24-team Club World Cup in 2021.
Qatar 2020: 1,000 days to go, 2 stadia ready, 3 to open this year, 3 to finish
February 25 – Qatar will open three more of its World Cup 2022 stadiums this year, adding to the two already open. That will leave three more for completion, including the Lusail Stadium that will host the opening game and final.
Covid-19 virus spread shuts doors on Inter vs Ludogorets, Serie A debates closing stadia
February 25 – Inter Milan’s Europa League last-32 home second leg against Ludogorets of Bulgaria will be played behind closed doors as the spread of the coronavirus hits European competition.
Man Utd fan group makes formal complaint over ‘shameful’ Bruges welcome
February 25 – Manchester United fans group ‘MUST’ has written an open letter to the mayor of Bruges, complaining of what they call “deplorable treatment” during their trip to the city last Thursday to attend their club’s Europa League match. The letter also says “fans were in genuine fear for their safety.”
Senegal launches $250m stadium build with Youth Olympics and AFCON targeted
By David Owen
February 25 – Senegalese President Macky Sall has launched construction of a new 50,000-capacity stadium in the West African country that is destined to stage events at the 2022 Youth Olympic Games.
England, NI and Scotland bring in heading ban in for U11 players
February 25 – Primary school children have been banned from heading in football training in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Mondelez sweet on Man Utd becoming 26th global partner
February 25 – Manchester United has signed a multi-year global partnership with US-based confectionary, food and beverage company Mondelez International.
South American boss Dominguez accuses Infantino of abuse of power
By Samindra Kunti
February 24 – In a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Conmebol boss Alejandro Dominguez (pictured) has expressed his “disappointment” and accused the world federation of “discrimination” and “abuse of power” by moving the FIFA Council from Paraguay back to Zurich.
VAR’s Premier League failure leaves everyone seeing red
By Andrew Warshaw
February 24 – When is VAR not VAR? When the system itself admits it has made a mistake!
Amr Fahmy, former CAF exec who blew whistle on corruption, dies aged 36
By Andrew Warshaw
February 24 – Amr Fahmy, former general secretary of the African Football Confederation who blew the whistle on the corrupt activities of his boss Ahmad Amhad, has died of cancer at the age of 36.
China to play World Cup qualifiers in Thailand behind closed doors, SA cancel Japan trip
February 24 – China will play their next two World Cup qualifying matches against the Maldives and Guam behind closed doors in Thailand because of the coronavirus in a further escalation of the outbreak’s disruption of sports events in the country and beyond.
Juninho continues at CBF after conflict of interest issues with Ituano player profits ruled out
February 24 – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has retained Juninho Paulista as national team coordinator after a conflict of interest arose over Paulista’s ties with Sao Paulo club Ituano.