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Tag: FIFA

  • England Lionesses and Lionel Messi lead nominees in Fifa Best Awards 2022

    England Lionesses and Lionel Messi lead nominees in Fifa Best Awards 2022

    The three English nominees Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, and Keira Walsh are joined by Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina’s World Cup-winning team, as nominees for the 2022 Fifa Best Awards.

    Jude Bellingham, an English midfielder for Borussia Dortmund, and Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, both players for Real Madrid, are also on the men’s shortlist.

    The nominees for the women’s prize include Alexia Putellas, who won last year, Sam Kerr, and Jessie Fleming of Chelsea.

    For best coach, Sarina Wiegman, Emma Hayes, and Pep Guardiola are contenders.

    Sarina Wiegman, Emma Hayes and Pep Guardiola are up for best coach.

    Arsenal forward Mead’s nomination comes in a year in which she was named player of the tournament at Euro 2022, shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or and won BBC Sport’s Personality of the Year.

    Lionesses manager Wiegman, who led the team to their first major tournament trophy at Euro 2022, is joined on the women’s coach list by Canada’s English-born manager Beverly Priestman, as well as Chelsea’s Hayes.

    The Chelsea coach, who won the Fifa Best award last year, became the first manager to guide a side to three consecutive WSL titles in May.

    Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, France’s Didier Deschamps and Argentina’s World Cup-winning manager Lionel Scaloni are nominated for best men’s coach.

    Morocco’s Walid Regragui also features on the shortlist after his side became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

    Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne and Julian Alvarez are all nominated for best men’s player, as is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

    http://tigpost.co/messi-scores-on-return-to-psg-galtier-delighted/

    Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, Manchester City’s Ederson and Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez are up for the best men’s goalkeeper award.

    England and Manchester United number one Mary Earps is on the women’s shortlist, alongside Chelsea’s Ann-Katrin Berger.

    Alessia Russo’s backheeled finish in England’s Euro 2022 semi-final win over Sweden is among the contenders for the Fifa Puskas Award for the year’s best goal.

    She will face competition from Kylian Mbappe’s stunning volley for France, which took the World Cup final to extra time.

    Voting closes on 3 February, with the three finalists in each category to be announced later that month.

    Best Women’s Player

    Aitana Bonmati (Spain/Barcelona)

    Debinha (Brazil/North Carolina Courage)

    Jessie Fleming (Canada/Chelsea)

    Ada Hegerberg (Norway/Lyon)

    Sam Kerr (Australia/Chelsea)

    Beth Mead (England/Arsenal)

    Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands/Arsenal)

    Alex Morgan (USA/Orlando Pride/San Diego Wave)

    Lena Oberdorf (Germany/Wolfsburg)

    Alexandra Popp (Germany/Wolfsburg)

    Alexia Putellas (Spain/Barcelona)

    Wendie Renard (France/Lyon)

    Keira Walsh (England/Manchester City/Barcelona)

    Leah Williamson (England/Arsenal)

    Best Men’s Player

    Julian Alvarez (Argentina/Club Atletico River Plate/Manchester City)

    Jude Bellingham (England/Borussia Dortmund)

    Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid)

    Kevin de Bruyne (Belgium/Manchester City)

    Erling Haaland (Norway/Borussia Dortmund/Manchester City)

    Achraf Hakimi (Spain/Paris Saint-Germain)

    Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich/Barcelona)

    Sadio Mane (Senegal/Liverpool/Bayern Munich)

    Kylian Mbappe (France/Paris Saint-Germain)

    Lionel Messi (Argentina/Paris Saint-Germain)

    Luka Modric (Croatia/Real Madrid)

    Neymar (Brazil/Paris Saint-Germain)

    Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)

    Vinicius Junior (Brazil/Real Madrid)

    Best Women’s Coach

    Sonia Bompastor (France/Olympique Lyonnais)

    Emma Hayes (England/Chelsea FC Women)

    Bev Priestman (England/Canadian national team)

    Pia Sundhage (Sweden/Brazilian national team)

    Martina Voss-Tecklenburg (Germany/German national team)

    Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands/English national team)

    Best Men’s Coach

    Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Real Madrid)

    Didier Deschamps (France/French national team)

    Pep Guardiola (Spain/Manchester City)

    Walid Regragui (Morocco/ Wydad AC/ Moroccan national team)

    Lionel Scaloni (Argentina/ Argentinian national team)

    Best Women’s Goalkeeper

    Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany/Chelsea)

    Mary Earps (England/Manchester United)

    Christiane Endler (Chile/Olympique Lyonnais)

    Merle Frohms (Germany/Eintracht Frankfurt/VfL Wolfsburg)

    Alyssa Naeher (USA/Chicago Red Stars)

    Sandra Panos Garcia-Villamil (Spain/Barcelona)

    Best Men’s Goalkeeper

    Alisson Becker (Brazil/Liverpool)

    Yassine Bounou (Morocco/ Sevilla)

    Thibaut Courtois (Belgium/Real Madrid)

    Ederson (Brazil/Manchester City)

    Emiliano Martinez (Argentina/Aston Villa)

  • Brazil legend, Pele, lying in state in Santos’ stadium

    Brazil legend, Pele, lying in state in Santos’ stadium

    Throughout the night, thousands of mourners lined up to pay their respects to Pele, a legend of Brazil who is buried at the site of his old team Santos.

    Fans lined the streets to enter the stadium as Pele’s coffin was positioned in the middle of the field at the Urbano Caldeira stadium in Sao Paulo.

    The three-time World Cup champion passed away on December 29th at the age of 82.

    At 12:00 GMT on Tuesday, there will be a parade through Santos’ streets to a private family burial.

    “We’re going to ask every country in the world to name one of their football stadiums with the name of Pele,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who attended the memorial.

    Following Pele’s passing, the Brazilian government proclaimed three days of national mourning.

    As the 24-hour vigil comes to an end, the newly elected president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will go to Santos, a city in the state of Sao Paulo, to pay his respects.

    The greatest footballer in history, Pele, had been receiving treatment for colon cancer since 2021.

    ‘There will be no one else like Pele’ – fans pay tribute

    Thousands of fans gathered on the streets as the hearse arrived at the stadium on Monday morning, with some queuing overnight to see the coffin.

    Former Brazil midfielder Ze Roberto and Pele’s son Edinho helped carry his coffin while floral wreaths were sent by Neymar, Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid.

    Beatrice woke up at six in the morning to travel with her husband from the city of Soracaba to Santos, and had been waiting for more than two hours in the queue.

    “I’m determined to pay my final respects to him,” the 56-year-old told the BBC.

    Pele fan Beatrice holding a rose as she queues to see Pele lying in state
    Beatrice queued for more than three hours to see Pele lying in state

    When asked what Pele meant to Brazilians aside from football, Beatrice said he had helped unite modern Brazil, breaking through racist standards in Brazilian society to open the world of football and wider society to black Brazilians.

    Wilson Genio queued with his 13 year old son Miguel, carrying white roses and a family treasure: a Santos Football Club flag personally signed by the legend himself.

    The flag reads: “To the family Genio, your friend Pele”.

    The Genio men had travelled overnight with the hearse carrying Pele’s body from Sao Paolo. “We followed him all the way. We’ve been here since 3.30am,” they said.

    “We could pass another 1,000, 2,000 years and there will no one like Pele. He’s the one and only legend.”

    Santos fans Wilson Genio and his son Miguel proudly pose with their signed Santos flag from Pele
    Wilson Genio and his son Miguel queued to pay their respects with a signed flag from Pele himself

    ‘The whole city is drawn to the stadium’

    The BBC’s Frances Mao in Santos

    It is baking hot- about 30 degrees in Santos, but it feels like the whole city is drawn to the heart of Vila Belmiro stadium where Pele’s coffin lies.

    A steady stream of mourners pass through the centre to pay their final respects – sometimes a smattering of applause breaks out as they pass his coffin. People from all over Brazil – and the outside world – have come. I spot a Mexican flag, a Dutch pin.

    There are several news helicopters buzzing overhead. People are dressed in the striped black-and-white jerseys of the Santos Football Club – Pele’s team – or in Brazilian national team yellow jersey.

    Pele’s voice blasts over the stands in the stadium – his 2006 song “Meu Legado”, meaning My Legacy, is playing on repeat.

    Outside the stadium, a queue of thousands snakes for kilometres across half a dozen city blocks. It is a two-hour wait in the midday sun.

    Men have taken off their shirts to wrap around their heads like bandanas. Others are fanning themselves with the tribute newspaper printed just for the day. Some have come prepared with hats, umbrellas and their tributes.

    Sometimes a Mexican wave ripples through. There are occasional chants of Pele! Rei! But mostly, the crowds are patient in the heat, waiting for their turn to say goodbye.

    The hearse carrying Pele's coffin arrives to Santos as a firework goes off in the early morning
    Hundreds of fireworks were set off on Monday as Pele arrived at Santos’ stadium
    Shirts with Pele's face and number 10 are hung up in the Santos FC stadium
    The city of Santos prepares to say goodbye to its hero Pele, who played 656 competitive matches for the club
    Pele's coffin is carried in front of a Brazilian flag
    Several authorities are expected to attend the memorial, including newly sworn-in Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
    Fans queuing outside Santos football stadium
    Pele’s body will lie in state at Santos’ stadium for 24 hours for the public to pay their respects
    FIFA President Gianni Infantino with Pele's son Edinho
    Fifa president Gianni Infantino attended the memorial
    Mourners stand in line outside Vila Belmiro stadium as they wait to pay their respects to Pele
    Thousands of mourners from all around the world are expected to gather in Santos

  • U.S. Open Cup says Salt Bae is banned from finals, FIFA launches investigation into his World Cup behavior

    Many found Salt Bae’s behavior at the World Cup to be outrageous.

    A quick recap in case you missed it: after Argentina’s win against France in the finals, Salt Bae, or Nusret Gökçe, somehow found his way onto the pitch, where he held and kissed the FIFA World Cup trophy and bothered a handful of players, including Lionel Messi, into taking photos with him.

    Due to his actions, he is no longer allowed to attend the U.S. Open Cup final in 2023. The official Twitter account for the soccer competition tweeted as much on Tuesday: “Salt Bae is hereby banned from the 2023 U.S. Open Cup Final.”

    FIFA hasn’t yet announced any punishment. The organization has launched a probe into how he got onto the field after the game. Additionally, FIFA said that his appearance on the field breached World Cup rules, which say that only winners and heads of state can touch the trophy. The 18-carat World Cup Trophy costs around $21.3 million.

    “Following a review, FIFA has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail stadium on 18 December. The appropriate internal action will be taken,” the statement said, per Fox News.

    Besides Messi, Salt Bae managed to get photos with Angel di Maria, Leandro Paredes, Nicolas Otamendi, Paulo Dybala, and Alexis Mac Allister, among others.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Blatter alleges Infantino’s disrespect and blasts World Cup plans

    Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticized plans to expand the World Cup while accusing his successor Gianni Infantino of showing contempt.

    The present 32-team format of football’s preeminent competition will not be used in the Qatar 2022 edition; instead, 48 nations will compete in the 2026 edition.

    Since taking over for Blatter as the leader of FIFA, Infantino has advocated for growth and has looked into making the World Cup a biannual or triennial event.

    However, his predecessor claims he is not acting in the sport’s best interests.

    “What is happening at the moment is an over-commercialisation of the game,” he told German newspaper Die Ziet. “[It is] trying to squeeze more and more out of the lemon.

    “[Look at] the World Cup with 48 teams, or a Club World Cup that must be viewed as competition to the UEFA Champions League. FIFA is meddling in something that doesn’t really concern them.

    “I have no relationship with Infantino. He behaved disrespectfully because he has refused any contact with me since his election. He only communicates with me through lawyers.”

    Infantino returned to an expansion that had been delayed by the COVID-19 outbreak earlier this month by announcing plans for a 32-team Club World Cup.

    The idea is still awaiting confederation approval, and numerous elite teams are expected to object, especially in light of the failed European Super League breakaway.

  • How Davido’s uncle reacted to the singer’s performance in Qatar

    Davido’s uncle, who doubles as the Governor of Osun State in Nigeria, Mr. Ademola Adeleke, has hailed the singer for what he described as an impressive show at the closing ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    In a video shared on his social media platforms, Mr. Ademola Adeleke was captured in the company of some individuals grooving to Davido’s performance which took place in the presence of thousands of spectators gathered in the stadium.

    He shared the said video with the caption;

    “Myself and the beautiful people of Osun love you, Davido. We all watched your performance live and you put a smile on our faces. Thank you for representing the nation yet alone the state of Osun.”

    However, the ‘Jowo’ hitmaker was supported by fans all over the world after he made his return to the stage, months after the demise of his three-year-old son.

    The Nigerian Afrobeats superstar was among a host of artistes who entertained the audience at Lusail Stadium after Argentina’s clash with France in the World Cup final.

    The 30-year-old singer performed the 2022 World Cup theme song alongside Dana, Aisha, Ozuna, Gims, Nora Fathi, Balqees, Rahma Riad, and Manal.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Why Canadian rapper Drake predicted Argentina victory but lost US$1m bet

    Canadian rap star Drake predicted Argentina’s hard-won victory at the FIFA World Cup finale yesterday, Sunday, December 18, 2022, but still lost his $1 million bet.

    Drake had bet in the 1×2 market, which meant he was confident Lionel Messi and his side’s victory would come within the 90 minute period of the showdown.

    The lacklustre game, with Argentina completely dominating France with possession and a 2-0 scoreline, suddenly turned into a nail-biting clash some minutes into the second half.

    By end of 90 minutes and 8 minutes added time, the French star Kylian Mbappe had found the net three times, twice by a penalty, bringing the scoreline to 3-3.

    This signalled that the ‘God’s Plan’ hitmaker had lost on his bet.

    With France finding their rhythm and confidence heading into 30 minutes of extra time, it seemed the South Americans were on their way to becoming the latest victims of the Canadian rapper’s curse; almost always, when Drake, alias Drizzy, supports or bets on a sports figure, he or she loses their game.

    After a demanding 30 minutes extra time, with Rodrigo De Paul crying on the bench, the Qatar 2022 climax came to penalities.

    Argentina edged out France during the shootout, 4-2, to lift the World Cup.

    Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty for Argentina.

    Had Drake’s Sunday morning bet and prediction proven accurate, he would have won $2.75 million.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • FIFA accused of risking players’ welfare with new Club World Cup proposal

    FIFPRO claims that FIFA‘s “short-sighted” intentions to start a 32-team Club World Cup in 2025 are endangering the wellbeing of the players.

    At a news conference on Friday, the football governing body presented their brief recommendations for the new iteration of the competition, which is presently played yearly by seven teams.

    The FIFA Council met earlier in the day and authorized plans to move through with the expanded competition, which will be contested once every four years.

    In addition, FIFA announced the creation of a Women’s Club World Cup and the alternating-year World Series event, which would feature nations from other continents.

    However, the global union for professional football players has hit out at the announcement, claiming there had been no dialogue with FIFA prior to the competitions being ratified.

    “FIFPRO took note with surprise of today’s decisions by the FIFA Council concerning the international match calendars for men’s and women’s football that could have serious consequences for and aggravate pressure on the welfare and employment of players,” the statement read.

    “Despite an understanding FIFPRO reached with FIFA last week that a joint negotiation of the international match calendar would take place before the FIFA Congress in March 2023, these decisions were taken unilaterally without seriously consulting, let alone agreeing, with the players.

    “The announcements today of a new format for the Club World Cup as of 2025, new principles for the Men’s and Women’s IMC [international match calendar] post-2024 and 2023 respectively, including the ‘rolling over’ of the current women’s IMC into 2024-25 which will cause severe congestion during the Olympic competition year, have created new conditions, that further increase pressure on player workload and their job.

    “Once again, decisions to scale competitions without implementing appropriate safeguards are short-sighted and pay no attention to players’ health and performance.

    “This decision once more shows that key stakeholders of the game are not being appropriately involved in decision making of football, even when it concerns the core of their fundamental rights.”

    It was confirmed on Friday that Morocco will host the 2023 Club World Cup in February, when European champions Real Madrid will be seeking a record-extending fifth title.

  • Fifa to increase World Cup teams to 32 in 2025 – Gianni Infantino hints

    The Club World Cup will begin in 2025 with 32 teams competing, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

    “There will be a club World Cup with 32 teams held every four years. And the first edition would be held in the summer of 2025.

    “It will be in the slot of the Confederations Cup,” Infantino said on Friday ahead of the World Cup final on Sunday between Argentina and France in Doha.

    The current format of the tournament involves seven teams competing for the title, with Chelsea the current holders after victory over Palmeiras in the United Arab Emirates in the a delayed 2021 edition held in February.

    This event has been pushed back several times, first due to COVID and then again in 2021 to accommodate the Copa and Euro. Infantino added.

    FIFA must still discuss, agree on, and decide on the details. Infantino also mentioned that a women’s Club World Cup is in the works. FIFA’s governing body also established the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.

    In addition to FIFA’s club competition, the Under-17 World Cups will be moved to an annual format.

  • Infantino reveals new 32-team Club World Cup

    Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, said that the organization is moving on with plans for a 32-team Club World Cup, while the structure of the following World Cup would be reviewed.

    For the first time since his extraordinary news conference at the commencement of Qatar 2022, Infantino spoke to the media in Doha on Friday.

    On this occasion, he decided against a 45-minute opening speech and instead used the chance to give an update following a FIFA Council meeting earlier in the day.

    Plans to move forward with a previously suggested expansion to the Club World Cup were authorized at that meeting.

    Currently, the competition puts the champions of the major continental club competitions against one another every year. The new competition, which will take place every four years, will involve 32 teams from around the world.

    “It will be a Club World Cup of 32 teams, every four years, and the first edition will be summer of 2025,” he said. “They will be the best teams in the world invited to participate.”

    “I have to say, after this World Cup and the success of groups of four and looking at other competitions such as the Euros, here [four-team groups] have been incredible,” he added

    “I think we have to revisit or at least re-discuss the format. This is something that will certainly be on the agenda.”

    Speaking two days before Qatar 2022’s final, Infantino summarised the tournament as a success in every way, in his opinion, praising the behaviour of supporters.

    “The World Cup has been an incredible success on all fronts,” said Infantino.

    “The main one being the fans, the behaviour, the joyful atmosphere, the bringing of people together. The fans meeting the Arab world, it has been very important for the future of all of us.

    “When it comes to the matches, we have seen some incredibly competitive games, some surprises, some great goals.

    “At the end of the day, there was on average 10 minutes played as additional time every match. This was a very fair World Cup on the pitch, no simulations, not so many yellow and red cards.

    “But this shows the compliment goes to the players and coaches, who maintained their calm, and of course the referees.”

  • FIFA declines Ukrainian president’s request to deliver a live global peace message ahead of World Cup final

    FIFA turned down Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to deliver a message of world peace before the World Cup final kicked off on Sunday, a source told CNN.

    According to the source, Zelensky’s office offered to appear in a video link to spectators in the stadium in Qatar before the game and was taken aback by the response. It’s not clear if Zelensky would deliver a live or recorded message.

    “We thought FIFA wanted to use its platform for the greater good,” the source said.

    However, talks between Ukraine and the sport’s governing body are still underway, the source added.

    The request, while unorthodox, is unsurprising. Kyiv has repeatedly tried to use major world events, regardless of their theme, to keep the global spotlight on the war in Ukraine.

    Zelensky has appeared via video at everything from the Group of 20 Nations summit to the Grammys and the Cannes Film Festival. He’s also done interviews and conversations with a diverse array of journalists and famous entertainers, including Sean Penn and David Letterman.

  • Morocco to host 2023 FIFA World Cup

    FIFA awarded Morocco on Friday the hosting rights for the upcoming Club World Cup, which will take place in February and grow to 32 teams in 2025.

    From February 1 through 11, the usual seven-team competition will feature Real Madrid, the European champion, Flamengo, the South American champion, and Seattle Sounders, the first American team to win the CONCACAF Champions League.

    After Morocco’s inspiring run to the World Cup semifinals in Qatar, the country will now stage the next global soccer event in six weeks’ time, FIFA’s ruling council decided.

    It will be one of the last seven-team editions for continental champions with an expanded, month-long tournament planned to start in 2025.

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the intended change was “making it really like a World Cup.”

    In Morocco, Casablanca should stage games with the city set to provide two teams in the 10-day competition, which features continental champions from each of the six confederations in world soccer.

    Wydad won Africa’s Champions League last season and also the Moroccan league. The place FIFA reserves for the host nation’s domestic champion should revert to league runner-up Raja. Both teams are based in Casablanca, where the 67,000-seat Stade Mohammed V is the likely venue for some of the eight Club World Cup games.

    Morocco also hosted Club World Cups in 2013 and 2014, which were won by Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, respectively

    Only European and South American teams have won the Club World Cup since it was revived in the current format in 2005.

    FIFA has long wanted to launch an expanded version with 24 or 32 teams in a tournament played in June.

    A planned inaugural edition in 2021 in China was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, though no tournament format had been agreed nor broadcasters or sponsors signed.

    A 2025 launch is now planned, Infantino said, promising talks with soccer stakeholders after the ruling council approved the principle Friday.

    It could be hosted in the United States and serve as a test event for the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

  • 2022 World Cup: Morocco file protest against referee in semi-final loss to France

    Morocco’s national football association (FMRF) has complained to FIFA over the refereeing following their World Cup semifinal loss to France.

    WHAT HAPPENED? Morocco believe they should have been awarded a penalty when Sofiane Boufal went down in the box in the first half, but referee Cesar Ramos booked the winger for a foul on Theo Hernandez instead. They were also upset about the refusal to act when Selim Amallah was brought down in the second half.

    WHAT THEY SAID: The FMRF said in a statement confirming their complaint: “The FMRF has written to the relevant body to review the refereeing decisions that deprived the Moroccan team of two penalties that were indisputable in the view of several refereeing specialists. The FMRF was equally astonished that the video assistant referee (VAR) did not react to these situations.”

    THE BIGGER PICTURE: The decisions may have proved crucial for Morocco as they went crashing out of the World Cup, losing 2-0 due to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.

    WHAT NEXT FOR MOROCCO? After their semi-final loss, Morocco will take on Croatia on Saturday to decide who finishes third in the competition.

  • GFA, FIFA to present over 30,000 footballs to schools in Ghana

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has decided to donate more than 33,000 footballs to schools throughout the nation in collaboration with FIFA, UNESCO, the Ministry of Youth & Sports, and the Ministry of Education.

    Through this project, football will be used as a vehicle for social development, and schools will get support to better the lives of schoolchildren around the nation.

    Students between the ages of 4 and 14 may participate in this program through FIFA’s Football for School initiative at schools that have physical education teachers who are certified to do so.

    In January 2023, the GFA will launch this program in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Youth and Sports.

    In the growth of grassroots football in Ghana, schools and colleges continue to play a significant role in the Ghana Football Association.

    FIFA will send approximately 33,000 footballs to Ghana, and it is anticipated that the Ministry of Education will assist in clearing the footballs to ensure a prompt program launch and an equitable distribution to schools in all areas and for boys and girls.

     

     

  • FIFA to introduce new match ball for World Cup semi-finals

    FIFA has confirmed a new match ball will be used for the final stages of the World Cup.

    The Al Hilm, which succeeds the Al Rihla, will be used in the semi-finals, third-place play-off and final of Qatar 2022, having been introduced for the last four games by adidas.

    The existing ball, which has been implemented with technology to assist in tracking and helping referee decisions across the tournament, has been used so far across the group stages and initial knockout rounds.

    But the Al Hilm, which will come with a gold base design and triangular pattern paying tribute to the deserts surrounding major host city Doha, will now take its place.

    Adidas general manager Nick Craggs said: “Al Hilm represents a beacon of light on the power of sport and football to bring the world together. 

    “Millions will tune in from almost every country around the globe, united by their passion for the game. We wish all teams involved in the final stages of the tournament the best of luck.”

    The semi-finals have been set for Qatar 2022, with 2018 winners France and runners-up Croatia both potentially in line for a rematch in the final four years on.

    The pair will play Morocco, the first African nation to reach the last four in the tournament’s history, and former winners Argentina respectively.

  • Argentina and Netherlands being investigated by FIFA

    Argentina and the Netherlands are being investigated by FIFA following Friday’s fiery World Cup quarter-final.

    South American champions Argentina prevailed 4-3 on penalties at Lusail Stadium, having earlier squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 as the game went the distance.

    Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz issued 15 cards to players who played a part in the game – the most in World Cup history, overtaking Cameroon versus Germany in 2002 (14).

    Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries was also shown a red card after the match.

    There was a big flashpoint in the 89th minute when Leandro Paredes committed a foul on Nathan Ake and then booted the ball into the Netherlands’ dugout.

    Both sets of players and coaching staff squared off, though tensions again threatened to boil over in extra-time and also in the subsequent penalty shoot-out.

    FIFA announced in a statement on Saturday that proceedings have been opened against the Argentinian Football Association and the Dutch Football Association.

    The charge relates to a possible breach of article 12 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code – the misconduct of players and officials.

    Lionel Scaloni’s side are also being investigated over an additional potential breach of article 16, which relates to order and security at matches.

  • First temporary stadium for the World Cup is set for demolition

    After hosting seven matches in two weeks at Qatar 2022, Stadium 974   – the World Cup’s first temporary stadium and the country’s “beacon of sustainability” is set to be pulled down.

    Named after Qatar’s international dialling code and the number of shipping containers used in its construction, Stadium 974 was one of seven grounds built for the tournament, while an eighth was extensively redeveloped.

    The infrastructure of Stadium 974 can be repurposed for another World Cup or major sporting tournament with similar size or several smaller facilities.

    First Temporary World Cup Stadium Set for Demolition (News Central TV)

    The 44,089-capacity Stadium 974 which sits on Doha’s stunning waterfront presents an array of  multicoloured shipping containers and linked steel frames that can be seen from outside the stadium. It contains toilet facilities, tea kiosks and food stands.

    Qatar’s intent derives from its pledge to deliver the first carbon-neutral World Cup. Apart from the seven new stadiums, Qatar has a new airport, metro system, roads and about 100 new hotels. Many have thrown flacks at the government over concerns about the mistreatment of thousands of migrant workers who built the infrastructure.

    Because it was the only stadium built for the World Cup without air conditioning, it hosted only evening matches, culminating in Brazil’s last-16 victory over South Korea on December 5.

    First Temporary World Cup Stadium Set for Demolition (News Central TV)

    Deploying shipping containers and recycled steel helped reduce waste generated and construction time compared to the other new venues.

    The designers Fenwick Iribarren Architects and the Qatari government said they aimed to avoid building a “white elephant”. It wasn’t meant to be a facility rarely used after a tournament, as has proven the case following the three previous World Cups in Russia, Brazil and South Africa.

    A report into Stadium 974 commissioned by FIFA and delivered by emission reduction experts pointed out that reusing existing dismountable structures could be widely replicated. It allows stadiums to be assembled in more central and “easily accessible” locations, thereby reducing “intra-city fan travel” during competitions.

    There are indications that the dismantled Qatar stadium will be shipped to Uruguay, where it could host the 2030 World Cup.

  • FIFA to feature anti-discrimination messages to mark International Human Rights Day

    In honor of International Human Rights Day, FIFA will broadcast anti-discrimination messages during the World Cup quarterfinal games on Friday and Saturday.

    The #NoDiscrimination hashtag will be shown on the enormous screens and LED boards within the stadiums thanks to a partnership between FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO).

    The World Cup in Qatar has drawn significant criticism for the host country’s standards of human rights, particularly for its attitudes toward same-sex marriage and its treatment of the migrant workers who built the tournament’s infrastructure.

    The Athletic reported on Wednesday that a Filipino man in his early 40s passed away while working at the Saudi Arabian base during the group round.

    When questioned on the incident the chief executive of Qatar 2022, Nasser Al Khater, told the BBC: “Death is a natural part of life, whether it’s at work or in your sleep.”

    FIFA also declined to comment on the reports, with its secretary general Fatma Samoura saying to Reuters: “We’ve already elaborated… about what we are doing in Qatar.

    “We are talking about things we have already discussed for months and months, time and time again.”

    However, FIFA announced its decision to observe International Human Rights Day on December 10, stating in a press statement that discrimination is one of the most widespread types of abuse and violation of human rights.

    “FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) will mark International Human Rights Day on Saturday, 10 December by reinforcing the message that there is no place for discrimination of any kind, either in football or in society in general.

    “During the FIFA World Cup quarter-final matches on 9 and 10 December, the #NoDiscrimination message will feature on giant screens and LEDs in stadium and, as during the whole of the tournament, on the captains’ armbands.”

  • World Cup 2022: Fifa is saddened at the alleged death of a migrant worker

    Fifa is saddened following the news of a migrant worker’s death at a World Cup in Qatar.

    According to The Athletic, the Filipino national died after collapsing while performing maintenance at a resort that served as a base of operations for the Saudi Arabian team.

    The organization that governs football worldwide stated that it had been informed of an accident but withheld further information.

    It stated that it was speaking with the local authorities to get additional information.

     

    “Fifa is deeply saddened by this tragedy and our thoughts and sympathies are with the worker’s family,” it said.

    “Fifa will be in a position to comment further once the relevant processes in relation to the worker’s passing have been completed.”

    Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers has been one of the main controversies overshadowing the build up to the World Cup.

    A report by the Guardian newspaper last year said 6,500 migrant workers had died in Qatar since the country was awarded the World Cup in 2010.

    That figure has been rejected by the Qatari authorities, who say there have been three work-related deaths in construction related directly to the tournament and a further 37 non work-related deaths.

    World Cup officials say a number of reforms to improve the health and safety standards for migrant workers have been implemented in recent years, and that they are “committed” to making more improvements as a legacy of the tournament.

    Human rights organisations and a number of football associations whose countries are involved in the tournament say they will “continue to press” Qatar and Fifa to establish a compensation fund for migrant workers and their families, as well as the establishment of a migrant worker centre in Doha.

     

  • World Cup 2022: Fifa ‘deeply saddened’ after reported migrant worker death

    Fifa expressed its sorrow over the alleged death of a migrant worker at a World Cup facility in Qatar.

    The organisation says it is “deeply saddened” following the reported death of a migrant worker at a World Cup facility in Qatar.

    The Filipino national fell to his death while carrying out repairs at a resort used as a training base by the Saudi Arabian team, The Athletic reported.

    Football’s world governing body said it had been made aware of an accident, without giving details of the incident.

    It added it was in touch with the local authorities to request more details.

    “Fifa is deeply saddened by this tragedy and our thoughts and sympathies are with the worker’s family,” it said.

    “Fifa will be in a position to comment further once the relevant processes in relation to the worker’s passing have been completed.”

    Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers has been one of the main controversies overshadowing the build up to the World Cup.

    A report by the Guardian newspaper last year said 6,500 migrant workers had died in Qatar since the country was awarded the World Cup in 2010.

    That figure has been rejected by the Qatari authorities, who say there have been three work-related deaths in construction related directly to the tournament and a further 37 non work-related deaths.

    World Cup officials say a number of reforms to improve the health and safety standards for migrant workers have been implemented in recent years, and that they are “committed” to making more improvements as a legacy of the tournament.

    Human rights organisations and a number of football associations whose countries are involved in the tournament say they will “continue to press” Qatar and Fifa to establish a compensation fund for migrant workers and their families, as well as the establishment of a migrant worker centre in Doha.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • ‘Best group stage of a FIFA World Cup ever,’ Infantino says

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino has asserted that the 2022 World Cup has been a “fantastic success,” pushed along by the best group stage in the competition’s history.

    Speaking on the first rest day of the World Cup, Infantino said: “I have seen all the matches, indeed, and put very simply and very clearly, this has been the best group stage of a FIFA World Cup ever.

    “So, it’s very promising for the remainder of the FIFA World Cup.

    “The matches have been of great, great quality in beautiful stadiums – we knew that already. However, as well, the public who was there was incredible. Over 51,000 on average.

    “Record-breaking figures on TV – we already had over two billion viewers, which is really incredible.

    “Two and a half million people in the streets of Doha and a few hundred thousand every day in the stadiums, all together, cheering together, supporting their teams, fantastic atmosphere, great goals, incredible excitement and surprises.”

    Following an unprecedented opening address in which he disregarded several critiques and controversies surrounding the finals, FIFA president Infantino was under fire as Qatar 2022 got underway.

    Even though there have been more of these incidents during the tournament, most notably the controversy surrounding the OneLove campaign, Infantino thinks the product on the field has improved.

    No side finished the group stage with nine points out of a possible nine, since there were several surprises, most notably Argentina’s defeat to Saudi Arabia and Germany’s early exit.

    These surprises have continued into the round of 16, with Morocco eliminating Spain on Tuesday via penalties.

    “For the first time as well, national teams from all continents going to the knock-out phase, for the first time in history. This shows that football is really becoming truly global.”

    Infantino expects the finals to conclude in a similarly entertaining manner.

    “We hope that the FIFA World Cup continues and concludes as it has started – a fantastic success,” he said. “I am sure that we will reach the five billion viewers around the world.

    “When it comes to stadium attendances, the stadiums are sold out, full practically at every match. The fan festivals, the different fan zones, are also very crowded with people celebrating and enjoying [themselves].

    “And at the end [of the day], we simply want to give some joy and some smiles to people all over the world. That’s what football is about, that’s what the FIFA World Cup is about, and that’s what should also happen from now until the end.”

  • World Cup 2022: list of full fixtures for quarter-finals

    Eight nations are eyeing to win the championship in Qatar on December 18 as the 2022 Fifa World Cup reaches its pinnacle.

    Portugal defeated Switzerland on Tuesday, winning 6-1 to complete the quarterfinal line-up.

    Morocco, who are the only African country left earlier defeated Spain 3-0 on penalties, after a goalless 120 minutes, to become only the fourth African country to reach the quarter-final stage of a World Cup.

    Full quarter line-up below

    Friday

    Education City Stadium, Doha

    Croatia v Brazil – 4 PM

    Lusail Stadium, Doha

    Netherlands v Argentina – 8 PM

    Saturday

    Al Thumama Stadium, Doha

    Morocco v Portugal – 4 PM

    Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

    England v France – 8 PM

  • World Cup 2022: Luis Suarez blasts FIFA for not allowing him meet his wife and children after Ghana victory

    Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has expressed his displeasure after FIFA denied him access to meet his wife and children after the 2-0 win over Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    Ghana skipper Andre Ayew missed a penalty in the 21st minute as his kick was saved by Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet following a foul on Mohammed Kudus.

    Uruguay went on to win the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Giorgio de Arrascaeta in the 26th and 32nd minutes of the game but it was not enough as teams went out of the tournament.

    Suarez explained to TeleDoce after the game: “I saw a France player with his children on the substitute bench. So why always (is it a problem) against Uruguay?”

    “It seems that we have to have another power at the media level to have access to have my children to allow them come down for a second to greet me, but hey, that’s FIFA.”

  • FIFA, Ethiopian national TV in a heated dispute over World Cup matches piracy

    Amid a report that FIFA accused Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) of illegal piracy of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches, Addis Zeybe learned from its sources at EBC that the national TV claims to have an agreement granting it the right to broadcast all the matches of the competition.

    This has resulted in a heated controversy between the two parties, while EBC kept on broadcasting the matches despite FIFA’s alleged cautionary notice.

    A Kenyan football news portal, Soka25east.com, disclosed on Nov 29 that FIFA has threatened the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) with the permanent withdrawal of any FIFA rights accusing EBC of illegal piracy of the FIFA World Cup 2022 matches.

    According to the report, EBC had only acquired the media rights to 28 matches for the FIFA World Cup but the Ethiopian broadcaster had repeatedly and illegally pirated the broadcast signal from a large number of matches for which “it had not acquired a valid license going against the terms and conditions in its media agreement with FIFA free-to-air license for the territory”.

    EBC’s sports department official who preferred to speak anonymously told Addis Zeybe that the prior agreement between FIFA and EBC is to broadcast “all the Qatar 2022 World Cup games”. But later EBC is approached with a new deal arrangement that allows it to only broadcast 28 matches which EBC refused to accept. He said, “when this happened EBC proposed options of paying more money or its initial payment getting refunded”.

    “We refused to comply with their new [28 matches scheme] because we’ve already informed the public and even got into sponsorship deals. So since we got the FIFA rights to broadcast all the matches with our first agreement, we have decided to go forward accordingly. There wasn’t anything that says ‘28 matches’ in the initial document.”

     

    A private local radio, Tirita, came up with a report on Nov 28 that firms that dealt an agreement with EBC to sponsor the World Cup matches issued a complaint with the allegation that EBC shouldn’t have announced to televise all the 64 matches when it’s only allowed to broadcast 28 games.

    Addis Zeybe’s source at EBC explained that despite the fact that EBC had signed an agreement with FIFA to broadcast the complete matches, FIFA didn’t even send the national TV the signals of the 28 matches it admitted to having given EBC the right to broadcast.

    “Full payment is settled for all the matches according to the first agreement. And since we paid not EBC’s but the Ethiopian people’s money, we are obliged to broadcast the matches irrespective of the outcome and will continue to do so. We are working to resolve the disagreements though.”

    Soka25east.com’s report stated that “despite FIFA pointing out the issue of the illegal breach to EBC it is said that they continued the piracy operations of the said signal”.

    Tirita radio’s report also added that FIFA media rights licensees in Ethiopia have claimed that EBC violated the agreement by pirating and broadcasting the matches it is not licensed with and would report the breach to FIFA.

    EBC’s official believes the dispute may not have been basically incited by FIFA as an institution but by corrupt individuals/agents in the association and is plausibly fueled by the business interests of private satellite TV broadcasters operating locally.

    “Such private sports satellite broadcasters operating in Ethiopia would possibly conspire to get EBC prohibited from having full rights to air the matches. This is because if a national broadcaster is granted such rights, their local market is expected to be affected,” he said.

    FIFA’s official document on media licensees for Qatar 2022 World Cup shows that SuperSport International, New World TV (Free to Air), BBC Radio Sub-Sahara, and RFI – Radio France International are licensed to broadcast the matches from FIFA while Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) is licensed to televise the matches from New World TV (Free to Air).

    It is indicated in Soka25east.com’s news that “FIFA has threatened to exclude EBC from the FIFA Family of broadcasters such that the Ethiopian national broadcaster will no longer be permitted to acquire commercial rights from FIFA directly or indirectly.”

     

  • LaLiga demand UEFA sanctions against Juve after mass board resignation

    Following the widespread departure of the club’s board, including president Andrea Agnelli, LaLiga has demanded that UEFA impose “immediate sport consequences” against Juventus.

    Following an urgent meeting on Monday, Juve declared that Agnelli, vice president Pavel Nedved, and managing director Maurizio Arrivabene had all resigned from their positions.

    It comes after Juventus reported a record deficit of €254.3 million for the 2021–2022 season and as a result of an inquiry into an alleged tax fraud, which Juventus has disputed.

    LaLiga has now urged the sport’s European governing body to act in reaction to the developments in a statement.

    “Following the resignation of the Juventus board of directors, LaLiga demands immediate sports sanctions to be applied on the club,” read a league statement.

    “LaLiga filed an official complaint against Juventus with UEFA in April 2022 reporting financial fair play breaches being investigated by Italy´s Guardia di Finanza.

    “Specifically, the complaint charges that Juventus accounted for transfers above fair value and under accounted for employee expenses, resulting in a breach of UEFA break even requirements.

    “This Monday, in the same statement announcing the resignation of its board, Juventus acknowledges financial accounting irregularities, which are also aimed at misleading UEFA financial fair play authorities, among others.

    “LaLiga continues to pursue these complaints against Juventus and demands immediate sporting sanctions to be applied on the club by the relevant authorities.”

    Javier Tebas, the president of LaLiga, has enforced a high standard of financial restraint among the league’s clubs and has regularly clashed with the state-owned business models of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

    In addition, he was one of Agnelli’s most outspoken detractors of Juventus and the attempts of Barcelona and Real Madrid, two of the teams he oversaw, to form the independent European Super League.

    “LaLiga has long been a major proponent for the implementation, application, and enforcement of strong financial sustainability rules in football,” the statement added.

    “Financial sustainability is paramount to protecting the business of football. Protect our football.”

     

     

  • FIFA lifts suspension of Kenya Football Association

    FIFA has lifted the suspension on the Kenya Football Federation (FKF) following the local government’s decision to reinstate the body after it was dissolved over suspicions of corruption, the sports minister said on Monday.

    A letter from Fifa on Monday, seen by AFP, said it had “decided on November 25, 2022 to lift the suspension of the FKF with immediate effect.”

    In February, world football’s governing body had suspended the FKF, citing government interference after authorities shut down the organisation last year over allegations of corruption.

    In November, Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba announced that the federation would be reinstated, but warned former leader Nick Mwendwa, who is facing corruption charges, not to return to the KFK until the case was concluded.

    Namwamba told reporters in Nairobi that he had met Fifa officials in Qatar to discuss the suspension.

    “I would like to express my joy for Kenya making a comeback (on the scene) of international football,” he said.

    “I am happy that FIFA has made it clear that certain issues of integrity, accountability and good governance in football will be addressed and that the judicial investigations will remain ongoing,” he added.

    The FKF was dissolved in November 2021 after an investigation into its finances revealed it had failed to account for funds received from the government and other sponsors.

    Its leader Nick Mwendwa was arrested the same month.

    The case was dropped for lack of evidence, but Mr Mwendwa was re-arrested in July 2022 on new charges of misappropriating 38 million shillings, about €312,000.

     

    Source: African News

  • Iran lodges protest with FIFA over US Soccer flag post

    Iranian football federation slams ‘unprofessional act’ as US football body uses modified flag in social media posts.

    Iran’s football federation says it has lodged a complaint to FIFA over the removal of the word “Allah” from the Islamic Republic’s flag on social media posts by its counterpart in the United States, ahead of an upcoming World Cup game between the two countries.

    “In an unprofessional act, the Instagram page of the US football federation removed the Allah symbol from the Iranian flag,” state news agency IRNA reported on Sunday.

    “The Iran Football Federation sent an email to FIFA to demand it issue a serious warning to the US federation,” it added.

    There was no immediate public response from world football’s governing body to the reported complaint, which came as the US prepares to face Iran in a decisive World Cup match on Tuesday — a fixture already burdened by the decades of enmity between the countries.

    The US and Iran cut diplomatic relations in 1980.

    Show of ‘support’ for Iran protests

    The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) said in a statement on Sunday morning it had decided to forego the official flag on social media accounts in a show of solidarity with the “women in Iran fighting for basic human rights” in the wake of the death of 22-year-old Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in police custody.
    The Islamic Republic’s flag consists of three horizontal bands in red, white and green with the word “Allah” appearing in stylised script in the middle.

    The Twitter account of the US men’s team displayed a banner with the squad’s matches in the group stage, with the Iranian flag only bearing its green, white and red colours. The same was seen in a post on its Facebook and Instagram accounts laying out the point totals so far in its group.

    By Sunday afternoon, the normal flag with the emblem had been restored in the Twitter banner, and the Facebook and Instagram posts with the altered flag had been removed.

    “We wanted to show our support for the women in Iran with our graphic for 24 hours,” the federation said.

    The United Nations says more than 300 people have been killed amid a crackdown on the protests which erupted in the wake of Amini’s death in September, and some 14,000 have been arrested, including children. Iran has accused the US and other foreign states of fomenting the demonstrations, without providing evidence.

     

    Eagerly awaited rematch

    Iran’s Tasnim news agency said on Twitter that the US team had “breached the FIFA charter, for which a 10-game suspension is the appropriate penalty”.

    The US team “should be kicked out” of the World Cup, it added.

    It is not expected that FIFA will take any such action.

    Meanwhile, the two nations’ prospects on the pitch at the World Cup remain finely posed.

    Iran’s dramatic 2-0 win over Wales and the US team’s tense goalless stalemate against England on Friday set up a tantalising final round of Group B matches.

    England, sitting top with four points, face the bottom side Wales, meaning the Iran-United States contest will decide which team goes through to the round of 16.

    The eagerly awaited meeting is a rematch of the 1998 World Cup group stage contest, dubbed the “mother of all games”, which Iran won 2-1. In a symbolic moment before that match at Lyon’s Stade Gerland, the Iranian players gave white roses, a symbol of peace in the country, to their American opponents.

    Source: Aljazeera.com 

     

  • World Cup 2022: Which side needs what to qualify? Permutations explained

    Fifa+ has worked out all the potential scenarios for every team in terms of qualifying and going out.

    France are the first team to progress, while Qatar and Canada are out

    Brazil and Portugal have the chance to qualify in their second fixtures

    These calculations will be updated after every match

    Who needs what to make it through to the Round of 16 at the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022™? And who could soon be on their way home?

    With Matchday 2 now underway, Fifa+ has analyzed all the key scenarios going forward.

    Group A

    Ecuador-Senegal (29 November, 18:00 local time)

    Netherlands-Qatar (29 November, 18:00 local time)

    Netherlands need to win or draw to qualify. They will still qualify if they lose, provided Ecuador beat Senegal.

    Ecuador need to win or draw to qualify. They remain in contention to qualify if they lose and Qatar beat the Netherlands.

    Senegal need to win to qualify but remain in contention if they draw and Qatar beat the Netherlands.

    Qatar are eliminated.

    Group B

    Wales-England (29 November, 22:00 local time)

    IR Iran-USA (29 November, 22:00 local time)

    England will qualify with a win or draw. Depending on goal difference, the Three Lions could also make it through in defeat.

    Wales must win to have any chance of progressing.

    IR Iran are guaranteed to progress if they beat the USA.

    A draw will also take the Iranians through provided Wales do not beat England (in which case goal difference will come into play).

    For the USA, it’s simple: win and they are through. Lose or draw and they will be heading home.

    Group C

    Saudi Arabia v Mexico (30 November, 22:00 local time)

    Poland v Argentina (30 November, 22:00 local time)

    Poland will be through with a win or a draw but would be knocked out by a defeat coupled with a Saudi Arabia victory. If Poland lose and Saudi Arabia draw, the two teams will have to be separated by goal difference. If Poland lose and Mexico win, their fate will also be decided by goal difference.

    Argentina must win to be sure of progressing, while a draw would be enough if Mexico and Saudi Arabia also draw. However, a draw coupled with a Saudi Arabia victory would see La Albiceleste knocked out, and a draw coupled with a Mexico win takes the group to a goal difference. Argentina are out if they lose.

    Saudi Arabia will reach the Round of 16 if they win. A draw would be enough if Poland defeat Argentina, but if both matches are tied, they will go out. Should Argentina defeat Poland and Saudi Arabia draw, progress will be decided othe n goal difference between the European and Middle East sides. Defeat would see them knocked out.

    Mexico must win to have any chance of staying in the competition. They will be sure to go through if Poland win. If they win and Argentina and Poland draw, it will come down to goal difference with Argentina. Should Argentina win, goal difference will be required to separate Mexico and Poland.

    Group D

    Tunisia-France (30 November, 18:00 local time)

    Australia-Denmark (30 November, 18:00 local time)

    France are already qualified and will top the group unless they lose to Tunisia and Australia beat Denmark, which would leave them tied on six points with the Socceroos.

    Victory will see Australia qualify, while a draw would be enough unless Tunisia beat France, which would see the North African side go through on goal difference.

    Denmark must win against Australia and, if they do so, will be certain to qualify unless Tunisia beat France, which would leave them tied on four points with the Carthage Eagles.

    Tunisia must beat France and hope Denmark avoid defeat by Australia to be in contention to qualify.

     

    Group E

    Costa Rica-Germany (1 December, 22:00 local time)

    Japan-Spain (1 December, 22:00 local time)

    Spain will qualify for the Round of 16 with a win or a draw. Defeat to Japan will leave them relying on their currently superior goal difference to progress unless Costa Rica beat Germany, in which case Luis Enrique’s side will be out.

    Japan can go through with a victory against Spain, while a draw, coupled with deadlock in Costa Rica v Germany clash, will ensure they progress. They will go out if they are beaten by Spain, or if the match ends in a draw and Costa Rica triumph against Germany. Goal difference will be required to decide their fate if they draw and Germany are victorious.

    Costa Rica can reach the last 16 by defeating Germany. A draw for Luis Fernando Suarez’s side would also guarantee a spot in the next phase if Spain overcome Japan, but if the current group leaders are beaten then goal difference comes into play. A draw in both games or a defeat for Costa Rica puts them out.

    Germany must pick up three points to stay in contention. Victory over Costa Rica coupled with a win for Spain against Japan will see them qualify. A draw between Luis Enrique’s side and the Samurai Blue, or a win for Japan, would take the equation to goal difference. All other results would see Hansi Flick’s men out of the competition.

    Group F

    Canada-Morocco (1 December, 18:00 local time)

    Croatia-Belgium (1 December, 18:00 local time)

    Croatia are through if they win or draw. Defeat would leave them needing eliminated Canada to overcome Morocco, in which case goal difference would be required to separate Zlatko Dalic’s side from the Atlas Lions.

    Morocco are through if they win or draw. Defeat would leave them needing Belgium to overcome Croatia, in which case goal difference would be required to determine if they or the 2018 runners-up progress to the last 16.

    Belgium will qualify for the Round of 16 with a victory over Croatia. Defeat will see them knocked out. A draw will only be enough if Morocco are beaten by Canada, with a goal difference then set to determine where Roberto Martinez’s side and Walid Regragui’s outfit finish in Group F.

    Canada are already eliminated after losing their opening two fixtures.

    Group G

    Cameroon-Serbia (28 November, 13:00 local time)

    Brazil-Switzerland (28 November, 19:00 local time)

    A defeat would knock Serbia out if Brazil fail to win against Switzerland.

    A win would Brazil see through if Cameroon fail to win against Serbia.

    A defeat would knock Cameroon out if Switzerland fail to win against Brazil.

    A win would see Switzerland through if Serbia fail to win against Cameroon.

    Group H

    Korea Republic-Ghana (28 November, 16:00 local time)

    Portugal-Uruguay (28 November, 22:00 local time)

    A win would see Portugal into the Round of 16.

    A defeat would put Ghana out.

    Uruguay and Korea Republic can neither qualify nor be eliminated on Matchday 2.

    TIEBREAKER INFORMATION

    If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after the completion of the group stage, the following criteria, in the order below, shall be applied to determine the ranking:

    STEP 1:

    • (a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
    • (b) superior goal difference in all group matches;
    • (c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.

    STEP 2:

    If two or more teams in the same group are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:

    • (d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
    • (e) superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
    • (f) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;
    • (g) highest team conduct score relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained;
    • (h) drawing of lots by Fifa.

  • World Cup 2022: Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Serbia over controversial Kosovo flag

    Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Serbia’s football association after its team hung a controversial flag depicting Kosovo in their dressing room prior to their World Cup defeat by Brazil.

    The flag showed an outline of Kosovo filled with the Serbia flag, with the words ‘no surrender’.

    Tensions are running high between ethnic Serbs and the Albanian-led government in Kosovo, amid fears violence could flare up again, 23 years after the Kosovo war.

    Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but Serbia – an ally of Russia – does not recognise it as an independent country.

    On Friday, the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) submitted a complaint to Fifa, football’s world governing body, over Serbia’s “chauvinistic rhetoric”.

    In a statement, it said: “Such acts of chauvinism have no place in a sports event, and even less inside the facilities where the biggest event of world football takes place, therefore FFK, as an equal member with all other members of Fifa, demands from this institution to undertake sanctioning measures against actions that incite hatred between peoples and are against human values.”

    It added: “It is unacceptable for this act to pass in silence, therefore we strongly request that Fifa strictly implement its rules and punish the football federation of Serbia for this aggressive action and against the values ​​that football conveys.”

    Kosovo’s sports minister, Hajrulla Ceku, said it expected “concrete actions” from Fifa against Serbia’s “hateful, xenophobic and genocidal messages”.

    Fifa’s proceedings were opened on the basis of article 11 of the Fifa disciplinary code, which is “offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play” and includes “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature”, as well as article four of the regulations for the 2022 World Cup which refers to team’s responsibilities at the tournament.

    Kosovo was accepted into Uefa and Fifa in 2016 but under Uefa rules, Serbia and Kosovo can not play each other in World Cup qualifying because of the tensions between the two countries.

    Serbia were beaten 2-0 by Brazil in their World Cup opener in Qatar on Thursday, and play Cameroon in their next Group G fixture on Monday.

    Kosovo did not qualify for the World Cup.

    Source: BBC 

  • World Cup 2022: Cristiano Ronaldo a ‘total genius’ for winning Portugal penalty – Fifa

    Cristiano Ronaldo has been called a “total genius” by Fifa for the way in which he won a penalty for Portugal in their World Cup victory over Ghana.

    The 37-year-old converted from the spot to become the first man to score at five different Fifa World Cups.

    Portugal won 3-2, but the awarding of the spot-kick outraged Ghana boss Otto Addo, who said it was “not a penalty”.

    At a briefing in Doha, Fifa technical study group (TSG) member Sunday Oliseh said strikers are “getting smarter”.

    The TSG, which is led by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, looks at each match and provides analysis including performance data and trends.

    After 20 games in this tournament, nine penalties have been awarded, which is on track to reach the previous record of 24 that were given in the group stages in Russia four years ago.

    Poland’s Robert Lewandowski and Canada’s Alphonso Davies have seen their efforts saved, while the remaining seven have been scored.

    This includes Ronaldo, who went down under a challenge from Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu. Former England defender Matt Upson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, called it a “dive”.

    Ghana boss Addo was left fuming after the defeat and told BeIN Sports: “The referee gave a penalty which was not a penalty – everyone saw that. Why? Because it’s Ronaldo or something?

    “The referee was not in our favour.”

    But former Nigeria international Oliseh, who played at the 1998 World Cup, feels Ronaldo was clever in his movement to win the penalty that allowed him to score his 118th international goal.

    “Maybe the strikers are getting smarter?” said Oliseh.

    “The Ronaldo penalty, people can say what they want about him, but the smartness to wait for that second, to touch the ball, continue his leg and then get the contact. That is total genius.

    “Let’s give strikers the compliment for getting smarter. VAR is also a major reason why this (more penalties being awarded) is happening. Referees can look at it three or four times.”

    ‘Teams will become braver’

    There were four goalless games in the opening 16 matches, which set a new record of 25% in the first round of group games.

    A fifth followed on Friday as England and the United States played out a stalemate in their second game of the tournament in Qatar.

    The record number of 0-0 draws at the World Cup stands at seven, which happened at four different editions of the tournament, but Qatar 2022 is already close to that tally with only 20 of the 64 scheduled games completed before Saturday’s matches.

    At the last World Cup in Russia, there was one goalless draw, between Denmark and France in a group game.

    “Teams have not wanted to take too much of a risk,” said Oliseh.

    “Clearly many teams are relying on a cautious approach,” added colleague Alberto Zaccheroni, who won Serie A with AC Milan and the Asian Cup when he was the coach of Japan.

    “But as the tournament progresses we will see teams become a bit braver.”

    Players ‘feeling comfortable’ with matchball

    A total of 49 goals have been scored in the 20 matches played by the end of Friday, 25 November.

    The first round of 16 games did not see a single goal scored from outside the box. Two have been scored from distance in the four games so far played in the second round of matches, which is significantly fewer than at this stage in the past two tournaments.

    Iran’s Roozbeh Cheshmi broke the trend on Friday with a rasping strike against Wales, while later in the day, the Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo scored in a 1-1 draw with Ecuador.

    The ‘Al Rihla’ match ball developed for the World Cup is described by Fifa as “travelling faster than any ball” in the tournament’s history.

    Global football’s governing also said the ball “provides the highest levels of accuracy and reliability on the field of play”.

    TSG member Faryd Mondragon, who played in goal for Colombia at the 1998 World Cup, told BBC Sport: “Technology has improved the game, it is helping the ball, boots, gloves, data. Everything is for the improvement of the game.

    “When you have good shooters, any kind of ball will be fast and dangerous. I have spoken with friends from all over the world, this is a ball they are all feeling comfortable with.

    “Us goalkeepers are always talking about the fast-moving ball but everything is for the good of the game.”

    Source: BBC 

  • Saddick Adams petitions FIFA to review and suspend the referee in Ghana Vs Portugal match

    Ghanaian Sports Journalist, Saddick Adams has called on the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) to take action against Referee Ismail Elfath.

    The performance of the referee has been condemned by Ghanaians and some football fans after Portugal and Ghana’s match in the World Cup 2022.

    Some decisions by the referee have been questioned.

    His refusal to check the VAR after a protest from Ghanaian players on a penalty award to Portugal and a supposed offside goal scored by João Félix have been the concerns of most people sympathizing with Ghana.

    In a post on Twitter, Saddick asked FIFA to review and suspend the referee.

    According to him, this is a public protest.

    The Angel FM/TV sports presenter wrote: “Dear @FIFAcom, this is a public protest asking you to review and suspend this referee, Ismail Elfath.

    He’s an apology of a referee and shouldn’t be doing this at this level. Game changing decisions without remorse.

    Portugal beat Ghana by 3-2 in the Group H opener of the World Cup 2022.

    Source: Zionfelix 

  • FIFA chief Infantino seeks to introduce ‘Maradona Day’ at World Cup

    Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, thinks Diego Maradona should have a day of remembrance at each World Cup.

    In November 2020, the illustrious Argentine passed away at the age of 60 following a heart arrest.

    At a ceremony marking the second anniversary of Maradona’s passing, Infantino paid tribute to the erratic player and said each following World Cup should honor his lasting influence on football.

    “Diego is immortal, he is with us,” Infantino said. “We not only need to pay tribute but to celebrate also Diego. I would like that from now on, at every World Cup we would take one day to celebrate Diego Armando Maradona, because he made so many people fall in love with our sport, football.

    “I am Italian and an Inter supporter. I am not Argentinian nor a Napoli supporter, and of course Diego made Inter and Italy cry many times, but we love him.

    “I am proud because after our arrival to football, mine and Alejandro [Dominguez, CONMEBOL president], Diego came back to be with us at the World Cup in Russia, and personally I had the chance to speak to him many times and start a friendship, and it was then when I realised his depth.

    “Diego was a great leader in Argentina, South America and in all the world. We need to keep celebrating him. I feel great emotion, we would have liked him to be here at this World Cup, but he is in all our hearts.”

    At Argentina’s press conference ahead of their crucial Group C encounter with Mexico, head coach Lionel Scaloni also acknowledged the anniversary of Maradona’s death, saying: “It’s a very sad day for everyone, tomorrow we will hope to bring some joy for Diego if he is looking down on us.

    “Every time we see an image of him, it’s unbelievable that he’s not here with us. Tomorrow hopefully will be a happy day for all of us.”

    The Albiceleste were surprisingly beaten 2-1 in their opening World Cup clash against Saudi Arabia, and striker Lautaro Martinez reiterated Scaloni’s comment that he and his team-mates will look to honour Maradona by securing a better result against Mexico.

    “This is a very special day” the Inter forward said. “We have him in our minds as Argentinians but he was a very important player for everyone in global football, not just us.

    “We hope tomorrow we can bring some joy.”

     

     

  • FIFA report 94% attendance for first week of World Cup

    FIFA reported that the stadiums hosting the Qatar World Cup were 94% full for the opening round of matches, despite the fact that vacant seats were evident in practically every game.

    The finals’ venues have caused significant uncertainty because original reports of their capacities were later found to be unreliable.

    The final will be held in Lusail Stadium, which was formerly estimated to hold 80,000 spectators while Al Bayt Stadium could accommodate 60,000. The capacity of each of the remaining six stadiums was listed as no more than 40,000.

    The official stadium capacities have been clarified by FIFA, and each stadium is now far larger than previously thought.

    The highest recorded attendance ahead of Friday’s action was 88,103 in Lusail to watch Brazil beat Serbia 2-0 the previous day.

     

  • Qatar 2022: Retired English referee Mike Dean questions officiating in Ghana’s loss to Portugal

    Mike Dean, a retired English official, has questioned the refereeing in Ghana’s 3-2 defeat to Portugal on Thursday in the 2022 World Cup.

    Mohammed Salisu was given a penalty by American referee Ismail Elfath for making the least amount of contact with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has now reached two World Cup semifinals.

    Elfath should have been given the opportunity to review the event at the pitch side Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor, according to Mike Dean, but that was not done.

    Even though he normally supports officials, he claimed he could not defend the decision to award Portugal the penalty.

     

    “The VAR, in my opinion, should have gotten involved, should’ve invited the referee over to have a look at it,” Mike Dean told beIN Sports after the game.

    He continued, “I like to back referees all the time, but you can’t support stuff like that. You can’t defend the undefendable.

    “For me, it should’ve been overturned, he should’ve gone to the screen…100% it was wrong.”

    Ghana head coach Otto Addo also described the penalty as a gift from Ismail Elfath while expressing his disappointment at the performance of the referee.

    Ghana will shift focus to Monday’s encounter against South Korea in their second Group H game.

  • Qatar 2022: Retired English referee Mike Dean questions officiating in Ghana defeat to Portugal

    Retired English referee, Mike Dean, has questioned the officiating in Ghana’s 3-2 defeat to Portugal in the 2022 World Cup on Thursday.

    American referee, Ismail Elfath, penalized Mohammed Salisu for the least contact with Cristiano Ronaldo to award the two-time World Cup semi-finalists a penalty.

    Mike Dean believes Elfath should have been invited to review the incident at the pitch side Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor, but that was not done.

    He said the decision to give Portugal the penalty was something he cannot defend, though he usually tends to back referees.

    “The VAR, in my opinion, should have gotten involved, should’ve invited the referee over to have a look at it,” Mike Dean told beIN Sports after the game.

    He continued, “I like to back referees all the time, but you can’t support stuff like that. You can’t defend the undefendable.

    “For me, it should’ve been overturned, he should’ve gone to the screen…100% it was wrong.”

    Ghana head coach Otto Addo also described the penalty as a gift from Ismail Elfath while expressing his disappointment at the performance of the referee.

    Joy Sports understands the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has petitioned FIFA over the key decisions of the referee that affected the outcome of the game.

    Ghana will shift focus to Monday’s encounter against South Korea in their second Group H game.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Germany protest FIFA’s OneLove ban at World Cup opener

    Germany’s players protested FIFA’s decision to ban Manuel Neuer from wearing the OneLove armband by covering their mouths ahead of their World Cup opener, as the team declared: “Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice.”

    Germany were among several European sides to commit to wearing the armband in order to promote an anti-discriminatory message in Qatar, where same-sex relationships are criminalised.

    However, the teams backed down ahead of their opening World Cup fixtures after being threatened with sporting sanctions by FIFA, which German Football Association (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf suggested were more significant than a yellow card for the affected captains.

    After taking to the pitch for their Group E meeting with Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium, Germany’s players covered their mouths for the traditional pre-match photo to protest FIFA’s handling of the row.

    The team subsequently released a statement via social media, which read: “We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect.

    “Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.

    “It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.

    “Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”

    Germany captain Neuer was seen to have his armband checked by referee Ivan Barton Cisneros ahead of Wednesday’s game.

    Die Mannschaft also warmed up for the match wearing training shirts featuring rainbow-coloured trim in another apparent show of support for LGBTQ+ rights.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • FIFA investigating Ecuador for alleged homophobic chants at World Cup

    FIFA’s disciplinary committee has opened an investigation over alleged homophobic chanting from Ecuador fans during their opening World Cup match against Qatar.

    The South Americans were 2-0 victors against the hosts on Sunday, where it has been reported homophobic chants were directed towards rivals Chile.

    Chile had accused Ecuador of fielding an ineligible player, Byron Castillo, during qualification for the tournament, with the 27-year-old left out of Ecuador’s squad to prevent any further controversy.

    Ecuador retained their spot at the World Cup but were issued a fine and handed a points deduction for their qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament.

    The are now also facing a FIFA investigation.

    “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Ecuadorian Football Association due to chants by Ecuadorian supporters during the Qatar v Ecuador FIFA World Cup match played on 20 November,” a statement read.

    “The proceedings were opened on the basis of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

    LGBTQ+ rights have been at the forefront of the World Cup as homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.

    Seven nations, including England and Germany, had planned for their captains to wear the OneLove armband during the tournament.

    However, the decision from each of the countries was taken not to do so after FIFA threatened to book captains if they broke regulations and made their own statements on social issues, rather than following guidelines from the game’s governing body.

    Source: Livescore

  • Qatar World Cup beer ban won’t apply to fans in expensive hospitality suites

    Football fans who have shelled out for expensive hospitality suites at the Qatar World Cup will not be affected by the last-minute stadium beer ban.

    It comes after the sale of alcohol at stadiums in the country was banned just two days before the tournament.

    Initially, fans were due to be able to buy Budweiser – a sponsor of the tournament – within each of the eight World Cup stadiums, but a last-minute U-turn means alcohol can no longer be consumed within stadium perimeters.

    Supporters will still be able to consume alcohol in designated fan zones.

    However, it has emerged that the only people exempt from the stadium alcohol ban will be those in pricey corporate hospitality.

    MATCH Hospitality, the worldwide provider of the FIFA World Cup 2022 official hospitality programme, confirmed that its hospitality suites will not be affected by the ban.

    In a statement, it said: “Please note that those in corporate areas of the stadiums, which include official hospitality spaces, will be served alcohol as per the product inclusions of the product purchased.”

    Qatar World Cup beer ban won't apply to fans in expensive hospitality suites

    More than 240,000 hospitality packages have reportedly been sold, ranging in luxury and price. One suite, which can accommodate 44 people, sold for £2.1 million, according to Metro.

    Perks of corporate hospitality packages can include glass-fronted boxes, access to stadium seats, as well as a dedicated concierge, live chef stations and multi-course menus.

    MATCH Hospitality also offers ‘MATCH House’, a venue which allows people to watch live-streamed matches for specific games without having a suite, and include beer and wine.

    Packages for the venue, which is at the FIFA Fan Festival site, can be booked by game and range from $450 per person to $1,145.

    Qatar World Cup beer ban won't apply to fans in expensive hospitality suites
    Some fans have forked out for private suits for the tournament. (MATCH Hospitality)

    The alcohol ban in stadiums is believed to have come after pressure from Qatar’s rulers, including the Gulf state’s Emir, and reportedly led to crisis talks between FIFA and Budweiser’s beer’s brewer, AB In-Bev.

    The last-minute U-turn sparked anger from the Football Supporters’ Association, who accused organisers of a “total lack of communication”.

    “Some fans like a beer at a game and some don’t, but the real issue is the last minute U-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters,” a spokesperson said.

    “If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”

    In a statement FIFA said: “Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.

    “There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums.

    “Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.”

    Speaking shortly after the news broke, England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale said he thought travelling fans would find a way of enjoying themselves despite the ban.

    He said: “I think the fans will find some way of having a beer, I don’t think you need to do it so much at the game.

    “Hopefully, with them not being able to drink we can perform on the pitch to give them that excitement and buzz. But we also have to respect the rules and continue to work, we will put pressure on ourselves to entertain from the football pitch.”

  • Ticket chaos leaves thousands waiting for entry to England-Iran

    The organisation of the Qatar World Cup will again be called into question after an issue with FIFA’s ticketing system left England and Iran fans struggling to get into Khalifa International Stadium.

    Ahead of the opening Group B game, and the second match of the tournament, on Monday, thousands of supporters were unable to gain entry to the ground in time for kick-off.

    This was due to a problem with the FIFA Ticketing app.

    There were thousands of empty seats when the game started, with the venue gradually filling up during the first half.

    In a statement released just prior to kick-off, FIFA said: “Some spectators are currently experiencing an issue with accessing their tickets via the FIFA Ticketing app. FIFA is working on solving the issue.

    “In the meantime, fans who are not able to access their mobile tickets should check the email accounts they used to register with the Ticketing app for further instructions.

    “In case fans cannot access their email accounts, the stadium’s Ticket Resolution Point will be able to support. We thank fans for their understanding as we work to fix the issue as soon as possible.”

    Source: Livescore

  • FIFA earns record $7.5bn revenue for Qatar World Cup

    FIFA has earned an unprecedented $7.5bn in revenue through four years of commercial deals tied to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the governing body of football says.

    The earnings, which FIFA revealed on Sunday to officials from more than 200 of its member nations, are $1bn more than what the organisation pulled in from the previous World Cup cycle leading up to the 2018 event in Russia.

    The extra income was buoyed by commercial deals with this year’s hosts. Qatar Energy joined as a top-tier sponsor, and new third-tier sponsors include Qatari bank QNB and telecommunications firm Ooredoo. FIFA also added second-tier sponsor deals this year from financial platform crypto.com and blockchain provider Algorand, its first new American sponsor in more than a decade.

    Key broadcast deals for this year’s World Cup were signed during Sepp Blatter’s presidency in two-tournament deals for the Russia and Qatar events. They included deals with Fox in the United States and Qatari broadcaster BeIN Sports from 2011.

    FIFA pays for host countries’ organising committees, prize money, travel and accommodation for teams and support staff. It also pays for a legacy fund to help develop the sport in the host country after the World Cup circus has left town.

     

    The winners of the Qatar World Cup will receive $44m out of a total prize pot of $440m.

    FIFA organises its accounts in four-year cycles around each World Cup. For the 2015-2018 cycle leading up to the Russian World Cup, the governing body brought in $6.4bn. It has used that cash to help member bodies through uncertainty in 2020 when national team football and World Cup qualifying games were almost entirely shut down.

    The organisation’s revenues are likely to approach $10bn for the next four years, thanks to a new financial strategy for women’s football and the expanded 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, which will see 48 teams compete for the first time, up from the present 32.

    FIFA has an almost blank slate for the 2026 edition with top-tier sponsors Coca-Cola, Adidas and Wanda the only deals currently extended. Separate sponsor deals for women’s football are being signed for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

     

  • FIFA earns record $7.5bn revenue for Qatar World Cup

    FIFA has earned an unprecedented $7.5bn in revenue through four years of commercial deals tied to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the governing body of football says.

    The earnings, which FIFA revealed on Sunday to officials from more than 200 of its member nations, are $1bn more than what the organisation pulled in from the previous World Cup cycle leading up to the 2018 event in Russia.

    The extra income was buoyed by commercial deals with this year’s hosts. Qatar Energy joined as a top-tier sponsor, and new third-tier sponsors include Qatari bank QNB and telecommunications firm Ooredoo. FIFA also added second-tier sponsor deals this year from financial platform crypto.com and blockchain provider Algorand, its first new American sponsor in more than a decade.

    Key broadcast deals for this year’s World Cup were signed during Sepp Blatter’s presidency in two-tournament deals for the Russia and Qatar events. They included deals with Fox in the United States and Qatari broadcaster BeIN Sports from 2011.

    FIFA pays for host countries’ organising committees, prize money, travel and accommodation for teams and support staff. It also pays for a legacy fund to help develop the sport in the host country after the World Cup circus has left town.

    The winners of the Qatar World Cup will receive $44m out of a total prize pot of $440m.

    FIFA organises its accounts in four-year cycles around each World Cup. For the 2015-2018 cycle leading up to the Russian World Cup, the governing body brought in $6.4bn. It has used that cash to help member bodies through uncertainty in 2020 when national team football and World Cup qualifying games were almost entirely shut down.

    The organisation’s revenues are likely to approach $10bn for the next four years, thanks to a new financial strategy for women’s football and the expanded 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, which will see 48 teams compete for the first time, up from the present 32.

    FIFA has an almost blank slate for the 2026 edition with top-tier sponsors Coca-Cola, Adidas and Wanda the only deals currently extended. Separate sponsor deals for women’s football are being signed for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

    Source: AP via Football Ghana

  • Italy boss Mancini rates Argentina as World Cup favourites

    Roberto Mancini has tipped Argentina to win their third World Cup as Lionel Messi and team-mates chase glory in Qatar.

    Mancini’s Italy side will not be involved after a shock 1-0 play-off defeat to North Macedonia in March.

    Italy’s absence from Qatar comes despite them being the reigning European champions, having beaten England on penalties in the Euro 2020 final.

    That triumph subsequently saw them face off against Argentina in the UEFA/CONMEBOL Finalissima at Wembley in June, after Lionel Scaloni’s men won the Copa America.

    Argentina comfortably beat Italy 3-0, and Mancini says that performance plays a part in him ranking them as favourites for the World Cup.

    “There are many strong teams,” Mancini told reporters. “If I had to choose one, I’d go for Argentina.

    “They really impressed when we played each other.”

    Italy have won their last three matches as they look to get over World Cup disappointment, most recently seeing off Albania in a 3-1 friendly victory on Wednesday. They face another game against Austria on Sunday.

    Mancini is still upset about the failure to reach Qatar, but he has been pleased with his team’s reaction, saying: “We immediately showed a desire to fight back, winning a Nations League group that was by no means easy ahead of Germany, Hungary and England.

    “Unfortunately, we’ll have to keep this suffering until mid-December when the tournament is over. Next time, we need to be more precise.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Benzema reacts to World Cup injury KO blow

    Karim Benzema insisted it was not in his nature to “give up” as he was forced to concede his World Cup dream with France was over.

    A quadriceps problem in his left thigh has flared up and left the 34-year-old resigned to packing his bags rather than contributing for Les Bleus in Qatar.

    He won the highly prized Ballon d’Or award last month, recognition of his spectacular form last season, but Benzema will be on the outside looking in on football’s biggest show after suffering a setback in France’s training session on Saturday.

    It had been his first full on-pitch activity with the France squad during the pre-tournament camp, with Benzema having been determined to prove his fitness before the team’s opening game against Australia on Tuesday.

    He had been bothered by muscular fatigue in the left quadriceps while with Real Madrid in recent weeks, missing several games, and this latest blow may be a recurrence of that problem.

    France have the option to call in a replacement for Benzema, who faces around three weeks of recovery. That time span suggests Benzema could have been fit in time to contribute before the end of the World Cup, but it was agreed he should be withdrawn from the squad.

    Reports said France would decide whether to summon an additional player on Sunday.

    Benzema wrote on Twitter and Instagram: “In my life I never give up but tonight I have to think about the team like I always do, so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our team to have a great World Cup. Thank you for all your messages of support.”

    International team-mate and fellow superstar striker Kylian Mbappe replied by writing “Force”, which translates to “Strength”.

    France and Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele was another to send a message of support, as was Presnel Kimpembe, the defender who withdrew from the squad at the start of the week due to his own injury.

    Benzema’s Real Madrid team-mate Rodrygo, a member of Brazil’s squad, wrote: “The best must compete in the best. You will be missed in the World Cup… Good recovery KB9!”

    Source: Livescore

  • Benzema ruled out of the World Cup after injury blow

    Karim Benzema will miss the World Cup after the France striker suffered an injury blow on the eve of the tournament.

    The Real Madrid captain, who missed Les Bleus’ triumph at Russia 2018 while out of favour amid an ongoing blackmail investigation, was set to play a big part this time for Didier Deschamps’ team.

    Benzema won the Ballon d’Or last month after a spectacular 2021-22 season that saw him score 44 goals in 46 games for Madrid, helping the Spanish giants win LaLiga and the Champions League.

    However, he has been troubled by physical setbacks this term and the most untimely and crushing of all blows for the 34-year-old came on the day before Qatar 2022 was set to get underway.

    Benzema only resumed full training with France on Saturday, after recent muscle trouble, but he could not complete the squad session due to injury.

    He underwent tests that produced results ruling him out of the tournament.

    The French Football Federation said in a statement: “Karim Benzema has pulled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury. The whole team shares Karim’s disappointment and wishes him a speedy recovery.”

    The former Lyon frontman was troubled by a knee blow earlier this season before missing further fixtures for Madrid after suffering from muscular fatigue in his left quadriceps, with Saturday’s blow seemingly a recurrence of that.

    World Cup holders France begin their defence on Tuesday against Australia, before also tackling Denmark and Tunisia in Group D on November 26 and 30 respectively.

    Benzema’s absence from the tournament is the latest in a line of major setbacks for France, even though coach Deschamps also has the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud as forward options.

    RB Leipzig’s prolific Christopher Nkunku was forced to pull out of the squad this week after suffering knee ligament damage in a training collision with Eduardo Camavinga.

    They also lost star midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, who would have been central to Deschamps’ plans.

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • FIFA president Infantino promises ‘everyone is welcome’ at World Cup

    Gianni Infantino promised that “everyone is welcome” in Qatar, but was adamant the country must not be criticised despite its questionable human rights record.

    A World Cup the FIFA president believes will go down as the best in history kicks off on Sunday, with host nation Qatar taking on Ecuador.

    The awarding of the tournament to Qatar, which happened in 2010, has drawn much criticism, with the Gulf state’s record on human rights particularly contentious.

    Homosexuality is still a crime in Qatar, while the nation’s government does not recognise same-sex marriage or civil partnerships, while campaigns for LGBTQ+ rights have been quashed.

    Infantino, though, assured that people of any sexuality, race or religion are welcome in the country, as in an hour-long monologue at the Main Media Centre in Doha on Saturday, he called out what he sees as the “hypocrisy” of the western world and media, insisting that he must take any criticism, and not Qatar or the players or coaches.

    “At the last World Cup I was always getting angry, because I had to deal with questions about doping, which I had nothing to do with,” Infantino said.

    “Here I have to deal with other topics. If you want to criticise somebody, don’t criticise the players, the coaches, let them focus on football and making their fans happy.

    “If you want to criticise someone, criticise me, I am here, crucify me. Don’t criticise Qatar. Criticise FIFA, criticise me. But let people enjoy this World Cup.

    “Do we want to continue to divide, to spit on people because they feel different, or look different? We obtain results, it’s a process. Help us, don’t divide, don’t split.

    “We have 32 teams, 33 with the referees, we have a beautiful city that wants to welcome the world. Let’s celebrate and hope we can give some joy around the world.”

    Infantino promised he had assurances that people within the LGBTQ+ community will be welcome and secure in Qatar.

    “I’ve been speaking about this topic with the highest leadership in the country, several times,” he said.

    “I can confirm that everyone is welcome. If you’re a person here or there that says the opposite, well it’s not the opinion of the country, and it’s certainly not the opinion of FIFA.

    “This is a clear requirement, everyone has to be welcome. Whatever religion, race, sexual orientation or belief that she or he has, everyone is welcome – this is our requirement and the Qatari state sticks to this.

    “Yes, these legislations exist in many countries in the world. These legislations existed when Switzerland organised the World Cup, in 1954. What do you want to do about it?

    “Do you want to stay home and criticise, say how bad they are – these Arabs or Muslims or whatever, because it’s not allowed to be publicly gay. Of course, I believe it should be allowed, but I went through a process.

    “If I asked the same question to my father, who is not here anymore, he would probably have a different answer than me, and my children will have a different answer than me.

    “If somebody thinks by hammering and criticising we achieve anything, it will be exactly the opposite, because it will be provocation and if you provoke me the reaction will be bad, then the doors will be more closed, even though now the door is starting to open.

    “Tolerance starts with ourselves, we shouldn’t spread aggression, we have to spread understanding.”

    Infantino hopes the tournament will help unite the world, claiming that is FIFA’s aim.

    He said: “We are a global organisation, and we want to unite the world. I am still convinced, though not sure how optimistic I still am, that this World Cup will help to open the eyes of people in the western world to the Arab world.

    “We have to live together, but we have to understand we have different beliefs, different history and backgrounds, but we are in the same world. It’s why you have to come here and say what you see – when you see something that is wrong, say how it can be rectified, please.

    “Maybe we can help everyone to understand how we can help each other a little bit better.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Infantino: I feel Qatari, I feel Arab, I feel gay

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino launched an impassioned defence of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, insisting he feels solidarity with many of the groups seemingly marginalised by taking the event to the Middle East.

    The decision to host world football’s showpiece event in Qatar – a country with a chequered past on human rights issues, its treatment of migrant workers and the illegality of homosexuality – has drawn widespread criticism, but in an extraordinary riposte, Infantino was unrepentant.

    He said: “Today I have very strong feelings. Today, I feel Qatari. Today, I feel Arab. Today, I feel African. Today, I feel gay. Today, I feel disabled. Today, I feel a migrant worker.

    “I feel all this because what I have been seeing and what I have been told, since I don’t read, otherwise I will be depressed.

    “What I see brings me back to my personal story. I am a son of migrant workers, my parents were working hard in very difficult conditions, not in Qatar but in Switzerland, I remember it very well. I know the rights migrants in Switzerland had.

    “I remember as a child how migrant workers were treated when they wanted to enter a country and look for work.

    “I remember what happened with their passports, their medical checks, with their accommodation and when I came to Doha for the first time after I was elected FIFA president I went to see some of the accommodation and I was brought back to my childhood.

    “I said to the people in Qatar, this is not right, and the same way that Switzerland has become an example of tolerance, inclusion and rights, Qatar has made progress as well.

    “Of course, I am not Qatari, I am not Arab, I am not African, I am not gay, I am not disabled, I am not a migrant worker but I feel like them because I know what it feels to be discriminated against by a bully.

    “As a foreigner in a foreign county, as a child at school, I was bullied at school because I had red hair and freckles. I was Italian, and didn’t speak good German.

    “What do you do? You lock yourself down, go to your room and cry. And then you try to make some friends, to engage, make friends. And then you try to make these friends engage with others. You don’t start fighting, you start engaging and this is what we should be doing.

    “I am proud to have this FIFA sign on my jacket. It’s not easy to read all the criticism from a decision taken 12 years ago. Now we have to make the best out of it.

    “Qatar is ready and it will be the best World Cup ever. As soon as the ball rolls, people will focus on that.”

    Infantino’s “I feel gay” comment immediately prompted accusations of hypocrisy on social media given he heads an organisation that is staging the World Cup in a country with such an oppressive outlook on homosexuality.

    He added: “If we were to exclude all these countries, you are playing football with just you and me.

    “I think football has to bring people together and I think we have to welcome everybody. Gay people are welcome in Qatar – we need to engage, don’t provoke.

    “How many gay people were prosecuted in Europe? It was a process, we went through a process. We seem to forget.

    “We shouldn’t take for granted that a country that has not had the same chance for development as we had in Europe.

    “We have to have our beliefs, engage and explain. I think provocation is the wrong way. I may be right, may be wrong. I try to engage.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Fan fury as beer is banned at World Cup stadiums

    The sale of beer around stadiums during the World Cup has been banned after talks between FIFA and Qatari tournament chiefs.

    It was revealed on Friday by FIFA that alcohol would not be available as expected in the perimeter area of stadiums.

    Budweiser is a major FIFA sponsor and sales of its product had been expected to be allowed close to the stadiums. However, only its alcohol-free variant will now be available.

    The news was swiftly criticised, with England’s Football Supporters’ Association questioning whether such an apparent U-turn could be followed by more promises not being kept.

    Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe (FSE), expressed similar concern, describing the news as an “extremely worrying” development.

    FIFA said: “Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.

    “Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.”

    Referencing Budweiser’s parent company, FIFA added: “The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”

    Reports said Budweiser posted on Twitter “Well, this is awkward”, before deleting the post.

    The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) said its concern was less about the beer decision but about the prospect of fans being affected by possible further unexpected decisions at the controversial mid-season World Cup.

    The FSA said in a statement: “Some fans like a beer at the match, and some don’t, but the real issue is the last-minute U-turn which speaks to a wider problem – the total lack of communication and clarity from the organising committee towards supporters.”

    It condemned the lack of explanation and said fans would have “understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues”.


    Source: Livescore

  • World Cup 2022: All the groups ranked

    Sports scientists and mathematicians have spent years studying the best and fairest ways to organise tournaments.

    With five billion people expected to tune in to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the pressure to get it right is on.

    The most frequent criticism of FIFA’s draws for World Cup groups is that they tend to produce groups of unequal strength.

    Some may get a comparatively easy ride through the group stage while others could find themselves in a “group of death”.

    Organisers need to make sure strong teams aren’t penalised for their strength, while avoiding the emergence of any weak groups, to maintain fairness and keep TV audiences riveted.

    How does it work?

    FIFA’s seeding system assigns the host nation and the seven strongest teams to each of the eight groups. To guarantee a geographical spread, it defines six qualifying zones: Africa, Asia, Europe, North and Central America, with the Caribbean, Oceania and South America in the final pot.

    No two teams from the same zone – except Europe – can be in the same group, while no more than two European teams can be in the same group.

    Qatar football World Cup 2022 - GROUPSAt first glance, this year’s draw seems pretty even-handed. Group E, with Spain and Germany, looks sewn up from the start, as does Group F, with Belgium and Croatia. But anything could happen in the other groups.

    Ordering the groups at Qatar 2022 according to their average FIFA world rankings reveals each one’s overall strength.

    We can also determine the spread of rankings within a group to judge which is the most competitive.

     

    8. Group A: Netherlands, Senegal, Ecuador, Qatar

    With an average world ranking of 30, and a spread of 48 ranking places between strongest and weakest, Group A seems the weakest. The Netherlands (8th), should sail through. Senegal (18th) should see off Ecuador (44th). Qatar (50th) have a home advantage – and when players have experience playing in the Middle East’s conditions, this could count for a lot.

    7: Group H: Portugal, Uruguay, South Korea, Ghana

    Weighing in with an average world ranking of 28 and a spread of 52 rankings, Group H is the second weakest. Portugal (9th), Uruguay (14th) and South Korea (28th) will be pushing hard for the knockout spots. Ghana (61) will be lucky to progress.

    6. Group C: Argentina, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia

    The group has an average world ranking of 23.25 and a spread of 48 places. Argentina (9th) will be among the tournament favourites but to get there, they’ll need to see off Mexico (13th), as well as Poland (26th) and Saudi Arabia (51st).

    5. Group D: France, Denmark, Tunisia, Australia

    The next toughest pool has an average world ranking of 20.5 and a spread of 34 positions. France (4th) and Denmark (10th) will likely see off Tunisia (30th) and Australia (38th) but the European teams will need to ensure their consistency through the early stages of the tournament.

    Qatar 2022 football World Cup Match Schedule4. Group G: Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia, Cameroon

    This group has an average world ranking of 20 and a spread of 42 ranking positions. Brazil (1st) are legends of the game and the most successful national team in the history of the World Cup with five titles. Switzerland (15th), Serbia (21st) and Cameroon (43rd) do not ensure this group’s destiny is written yet, with the Serbians’ dogged tenacity and the flair of Cameroon being crucial to their chances.

    3. Group F: Belgium, Croatia, Morocco, Canada

    The Belgians may not spring to mind as one of the world’s top footballing nations, but they are currently ranked second in the world. And in a group with an average world ranking of 19.25 and a spread of 39 places, the Red Devils should face no problem getting through. Croatia (12th) will be in hot pursuit, while Morocco (22nd) and Canada (41st) may struggle to get to the later stages of the competition.

    2. Group E: Spain, Germany, Japan, Costa Rica

    This group has an average world ranking of 18.25 and a spread of 24 ranking places. Spain (7th) and Germany (11th) will likely be favourites to top Group E, but Japan (24th), semi-finalists in 2002, can’t be written off. With Costa Rica (31st), expect a strong challenge from all in this group.

    1. Group A: England, USA, Iran, Wales

    The toughest group of all due to the average world ranking of 15 and a spread of just 15 places. It is also the tightest and most competitive.

    England (5th) must be considered a serious challenger for the trophy. But there could be fireworks, as England take on their neighbours, Wales (19th), and USA (16th) face off against geopolitical rival Iran (20th).

    Yet, mere statistics don’t equal results on the pitch.

    Which teams can find it within themselves to become more than the sum of their parts? Who can defy the odds within 90 minutes? This is, after all, why we all watch the beautiful game.

     

  • Global stars join FIFA in launching Football Unites the World campaign

    A host of international icons have joined forces to launch Football Unites the World, the campaign illustrating football’s unrivalled ability to bring people together that will run throughout the FIFA Infantino.

    Hassan Al-Haydos, Alisson Becker, Karim Benzema, Lucy Bronze, Didier Drogba, Giulia Gwinn, Kaká, Robert Lewandowski, Carli Lloyd, Édouard Mendy, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Emmanuel Petit and Cristiano Ronaldo have all contributed to the launch videos which highlight the hope, joy and passion that are hallmarks of the most global sport ahead of a tournament that will be followed by more than five billion people worldwide.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “Football brings people together like nothing else and the FIFA World Cup will be a celebration of that unity and passion for the game we love so much.”

    Under the umbrella Football Unites the World, FIFA will team up with a range of international partners and organisations to promote and highlight causes such as anti-discrimination, sustainability, and education during the FIFA World Cup.

    Mr Infantino continued: “Although football is and should be our main focus, the FIFA World Cup is also about values and causes that extend far beyond the pitch and we are delighted that football stars past and present have joined us to promote and highlight these topics, which also unite the whole world.”

    “The campaign is there to celebrate football and the players have provided us with the ideal kick-off, but our sport is also about the fans. In this way, we want them to be part of the global celebration, and that is why we are inviting fans from all over the world to show their passion for football on social media, and by that give the example of how football unites the world,” the FIFA President added.

    FIFA will select some of the best images and will display them during the FIFA World Cup which begins on Sunday, 20 November when Qatar take on Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium, and concludes with the final at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, 18 December 2022.

    Source: Livescore

  • FIFA rejects Denmark’s ‘human rights for all’ World Cup training shirts

    FIFA has rejected the Danish Football Association (DBU) request to train with shirts emblazoned with the phrase “human rights for all” at the World Cup.

    Denmark revealed in September toned down Hummel kits for their World Cup jerseys, including a third black kit, as a protest to Qatar’s human rights record.

    According to DBU, FIFA’s decision is “regrettable”.

    The DBU have been proactive in their criticism of Qatar’s treatment of foreign workers and restrictive social laws, minimizing commercial activities in the nation while stating last year that training kit sponsors would make way for messages.

    DBU chief executive Jakob Jensen revealed on Thursday that FIFA had turned down their training shirts submission.

    “We have today got a message from FIFA that the training shirts our players were to train in, where it would say ‘human rights for all’ at the stomach [of the shirt], have been rejected due to technical reasons, which is regrettable,” Jensen told Ritzau news agency.

    “We believe the message “human rights for all” is universal and not a political call, but something everyone can support.”

    FIFA’s rules stipulate that any team equipment cannot have political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images, while the organization wrote to teams recently to urge them to focus on football in Qatar rather than ideological or political issues.

    Players from Australia, who are in Denmark’s group along with France and Tunisia, recently released a video criticizing the human rights record of Qatar, specifically migrant workers and LGBTQ+ people.

    Source: Livescore

  • Morocco’s Atlas Lions are optimistic about the 2017 FIFA World Cup

    A new manager and the return of an exiled player are ingredients for an intriguing World Cup finals for Morocco.

    It’s a baptism of fire for Walid Regragui, who took the top job in September – three months before the Qatar showpiece event.

    The former Morocco international replaced Vahid Halilhodzic, who was fired due to disagreements with the country’s football federation over preparations for the World Cup.

    Regragui will be looking to lead the Atlas Lions into the knockout round after failing in their last three attempts.

    The North African nation came agonizingly close in 2018 Russia, conceding a last-gasp own goal to lose 1-0 to Iran and allowing Spain to steal a 2-2 draw with a late goal.

    Can Hakim Ziyech turn the tide for Morocco?

    Redemption is on the cards for the Chelsea winger, who returned from exile following Halilhodzic’s exit. The 29-year-old was so unhappy under the disciplinarian Halilhodzic that he even announced his international retirement.

    Ziyech is clearly part of Regragui’s plans after he was deployed alongside Angers winger Sofiane Boufal to support Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri in a 2-0 friendly win over Chile last month.

    The new-look attacking trident should get plenty of scoring chances if Achraf Hakimi is in form. The Paris Saint-Germain right back is one of the best attacking fullbacks in world soccer and has pace, skill, good passing and an eye for shooting with eights goals in 53 games for Morocco.

    Morocco, which is playing in its sixth World Cup after making its first appearance in 1970, became the first African team to reach the knockout round in 1986.

    The Atlas Lions will need to be at their best as they face 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia in the tournament opener (23 November), before meeting European heavyweights Belgium four days later. Their final Group F clash will be against Canada (1 December).

     

    Source: African News