INSIDER
Israeli teams can't play international games at home. Now, are Maccabi's away games at risk?
Read full article: Israeli teams can't play international games at home. Now, are Maccabi's away games at risk?The violence against fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam has some Israelis worried if it’s safe for their sports teams and fans to travel to games abroad.
Becky Sauerbrunn and over 100 women's soccer players protest FIFA deal with Saudi oil giant Aramco
Read full article: Becky Sauerbrunn and over 100 women's soccer players protest FIFA deal with Saudi oil giant AramcoFormer U.S. national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn and Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema are among more than 100 women’s soccer players who have signed an open letter protesting FIFA’s sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabian state oil giant Aramco.
Will global soccer be reshaped after EU's top court issued a major ruling in Lassana Diarra case?
Read full article: Will global soccer be reshaped after EU's top court issued a major ruling in Lassana Diarra case?The global soccer transfer market is worth more than $10 billion each season but is facing a revolutionary overhaul or a nuanced evolution following last week’s ruling by the European Court of Justice in the Lassana Diarra case.
Landmark ruling from top EU court says some FIFA rules on transfers are contrary to EU law
Read full article: Landmark ruling from top EU court says some FIFA rules on transfers are contrary to EU lawThe European Union’s top court says some FIFA rules on player transfers are contrary to EU legislation relating to competition and freedom of movement.
2025 Club World Cup final to be at MetLife Stadium, site of 2026 World Cup final
Read full article: 2025 Club World Cup final to be at MetLife Stadium, site of 2026 World Cup finalNext year’s championship of the expanded Club World Cup will be played on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, site of the 2026 World Cup final.
Phone deal for visiting fans at 2026 World Cup part of Verizon sponsor pact with FIFA
Read full article: Phone deal for visiting fans at 2026 World Cup part of Verizon sponsor pact with FIFASoccer fans arriving in North America for the 2026 World Cup have been promised help with their cell phone coverage.
Spiraling drone-spying scandal at Olympics risks damage to Canadian soccer ahead of 2026 World Cup
Read full article: Spiraling drone-spying scandal at Olympics risks damage to Canadian soccer ahead of 2026 World CupCanada has lost its appeal against the deduction of six competition points following a drone-spying scandal in the Olympic women’s soccer tournament.
Argentina coach slams chaotic 'scandal' at Olympic soccer match vs Morocco
Read full article: Argentina coach slams chaotic 'scandal' at Olympic soccer match vs MoroccoThe head of Argentina’s soccer federation says the chaotic ending to its Olympic soccer match against Morocco “makes no sense,” and Argentina’s coach called the scene “a scandal.”.
French federation files complaint after 'racist and discriminatory remarks' by Argentina players
Read full article: French federation files complaint after 'racist and discriminatory remarks' by Argentina playersThe French soccer federation has pledged to file a complaint with FIFA over “racist and discriminatory remarks” by Argentina players in post-match chants about France’s team after their Copa America title win.
FIFA unites World Cup winners and club executives as teammates to study for soccer diploma
Read full article: FIFA unites World Cup winners and club executives as teammates to study for soccer diplomaWorld Cup and Champions League winners have been learning about the soccer industry at FIFA this week alongside club founders and front-office leaders.
FIFA adopts new protocols to support players during pregnancy, following the birth of their children
Read full article: FIFA adopts new protocols to support players during pregnancy, following the birth of their childrenSoccer’s international governing body is introducing new measures designed to further support the well-being of players and coaches during pregnancy and after the birth of their children.
Human rights experts urge FIFA to scrutinize Saudi Arabia before 2034 World Cup vote
Read full article: Human rights experts urge FIFA to scrutinize Saudi Arabia before 2034 World Cup voteFIFA has been urged by international lawyers to uphold its own policy and scrutinize Saudi Arabia’s human rights record before picking the kingdom to host the men’s 2034 World Cup.
FIFA wants global standard for punishing racist abuse and urges players to use crossed hands sign
Read full article: FIFA wants global standard for punishing racist abuse and urges players to use crossed hands signFIFA will urge all 211 national federations to make racist abuse a disciplinary offense.
FIFA moves toward ending soccer tradition and letting league games be staged in other countries
Read full article: FIFA moves toward ending soccer tradition and letting league games be staged in other countriesFIFA has moved toward ending decades of soccer tradition by reviewing the policy that currently block domestic league games being played in other countries.
FIFA report rates Brazil bid higher than Germany/Netherlands/Belgium to host 2027 Women's World Cup
Read full article: FIFA report rates Brazil bid higher than Germany/Netherlands/Belgium to host 2027 Women's World CupBrazil’s bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup has been ranked higher than the bid submitted by Germany, Netherlands and Belgium in an evaluation report released by FIFA.
U.S. and Mexico drop bid to host 2027 World Cup, Brazil and joint German-Dutch-Belgian bids remain
Read full article: U.S. and Mexico drop bid to host 2027 World Cup, Brazil and joint German-Dutch-Belgian bids remainThe U.S. Soccer Federation and its Mexican counterpart have dropped their joint bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
European soccer leagues insist they have no plans for games in the US. A lawsuit could change that
Read full article: European soccer leagues insist they have no plans for games in the US. A lawsuit could change thatLeaders of top European soccer leagues say have no plans to take games to the United States.
Supreme Court allows soccer promoter's antitrust suit over FIFA policy on league matches to proceed
Read full article: Supreme Court allows soccer promoter's antitrust suit over FIFA policy on league matches to proceedThe Supreme Court is allowing a soccer promoter’s antitrust lawsuit to go forward against FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation over the world governing body’s policy of not permitting a country to host league matches involving teams from other countries.
Palestinian soccer renews call for sanctions against Israel at FIFA congress amid Hamas conflict
Read full article: Palestinian soccer renews call for sanctions against Israel at FIFA congress amid Hamas conflictCalls for action against Israel in international soccer because of the conflict with Hamas will be stepped up by Palestinian officials at the annual FIFA congress next month.
CONCACAF Nations League final twice stopped because of homophobic chants in pro-Mexican crowd
Read full article: CONCACAF Nations League final twice stopped because of homophobic chants in pro-Mexican crowdThe U.S.-Mexico CONCACAF Nations League final match was suspended in the late stages for the second straight year because of homophobic chants by pro-Mexican fans.
Biden administration sides with promoter, says lawsuit over FIFA policy should go to trial
Read full article: Biden administration sides with promoter, says lawsuit over FIFA policy should go to trialThe Biden administration sided with a promoter who filed an antitrust suit against FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation over the world governing body’s policy against hosting league matches from other countries, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the case to proceed to trial.
FIFA gives president Infantino 33% raise in pay deal worth $4.6 million in Women's World Cup year
Read full article: FIFA gives president Infantino 33% raise in pay deal worth $4.6 million in Women's World Cup yearFIFA says it gave president Gianni Infantino a 33% raise in his base salary after he was re-elected last year.
Saudi Arabia launches formal bid to host 2034 World Cup in FIFA contest effectively already won
Read full article: Saudi Arabia launches formal bid to host 2034 World Cup in FIFA contest effectively already wonSaudi Arabia has launched its formal bid campaign to host the 2034 World Cup, in a race that basically became a formality last October when the oil-rich kingdom was the only candidate to enter the contest.
Post-World Cup, Qatar is pressing ahead with labor reforms but concerns for migrant workers remain
Read full article: Post-World Cup, Qatar is pressing ahead with labor reforms but concerns for migrant workers remainThe enduring image of the 2022 World Cup was Lionel Messi holding aloft soccer’s biggest prize in Qatar's spectacular Lusail Stadium.
With 7 matches for the 2026 World Cup, Boston expecting huge economic boost
Read full article: With 7 matches for the 2026 World Cup, Boston expecting huge economic boostOfficials in Boston acknowledged getting seven matches for the 2026 World Cup was more than they expected and offers a much-needed shot in the arm to the city's economy.
SoFi Stadium to install retractable corner seats this spring, increasing field size for soccer
Read full article: SoFi Stadium to install retractable corner seats this spring, increasing field size for soccerSoFi Stadium will begin work Monday on renovations to increase the size of its playing field area in preparation for hosting eight matches during the 2026 World Cup.
Messi edges Haaland in tiebreaker for FIFA’s best men’s player award. Bonmatí takes women's prize
Read full article: Messi edges Haaland in tiebreaker for FIFA’s best men’s player award. Bonmatí takes women's prizeLionel Messi has landed another prestigious award in soccer but the Argentina star needed a tiebreaker with Erling Haaland to win FIFA’s best men’s player prize on Monday.
MetLife Stadium to remove 1,740 seats for 2026 World Cup, officials hoping to host final
Read full article: MetLife Stadium to remove 1,740 seats for 2026 World Cup, officials hoping to host finalMetLife Stadium officials plan to remove 1,740 seats to widen the field for World Cup matches as they hope to host the 2026 final.
After surviving corruption crises, Olympics and soccer move to let presidents stay longer in power
Read full article: After surviving corruption crises, Olympics and soccer move to let presidents stay longer in powerWhen the Olympic movement and international soccer lived through very public corruption crises, both agreed to limit the terms of their presidents in an effort to protect them in the future.
Women's World Cup winner Spain finally rises to the top of FIFA rankings ahead of United States
Read full article: Women's World Cup winner Spain finally rises to the top of FIFA rankings ahead of United StatesWomen’s World Cup winner Spain has risen atop the FIFA rankings after advancing to the final four of the UEFA Nations League.
1 in 5 players at Women's World Cup abused online, FIFA says
Read full article: 1 in 5 players at Women's World Cup abused online, FIFA saysA report prepared by FIFA and the global players' association says players at the Women’s World Cup were 29% more likely to receive online abuse than those at the men’s tournament in 2022.
US and Mexico submit joint bid to host 2027 Women's World Cup
Read full article: US and Mexico submit joint bid to host 2027 Women's World CupThe U.S. Soccer Federation and Mexico Football Federation submitted a joint bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup projecting $3 billion in revenue, competing against a proposal from Brazil and a joint Germany-Netherlands-Belgium plan.
Barcelona and Madrid among teams hit by 'FIFA virus' as players get injured on international duty
Read full article: Barcelona and Madrid among teams hit by 'FIFA virus' as players get injured on international dutyThe latest international break is proving costly for European clubs like Spanish powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Ex-federation president ruled unfit to hold job in Spanish soccer for 3 years after kissing player
Read full article: Ex-federation president ruled unfit to hold job in Spanish soccer for 3 years after kissing playerThe former president of the Spanish soccer federation has been ruled unfit to work in the sport in Spain for three years after he kissed a player on the lips without her consent at the Women’s World Cup final.
One year on from World Cup, Qatar and FIFA urged by rights group to do more for migrant workers
Read full article: One year on from World Cup, Qatar and FIFA urged by rights group to do more for migrant workersOne year after Qatar hosted the men’s World Cup, the gas-rich emirate and soccer body FIFA have been urged by human rights group Amnesty International to do more for migrant workers.
2034 World Cup would bring together FIFA's president and Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed
Read full article: 2034 World Cup would bring together FIFA's president and Saudi Arabia's Prince MohammedThe near certainty that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 men’s World Cup unites two of the most influential men in world sports.
Saudi Arabia likely to host 2034 World Cup after Australia decides not to bid for soccer showcase
Read full article: Saudi Arabia likely to host 2034 World Cup after Australia decides not to bid for soccer showcaseSaudi Arabia is all but certain to host the men’s 2034 World Cup after the Australian soccer federation declined to enter the bidding contest.
Spanish soccer official who kissed unwilling star player is banned for three years
Read full article: Spanish soccer official who kissed unwilling star player is banned for three yearsThe Spanish soccer official who provoked a players’ rebellion and a reckoning on gender when he kissed an unwilling star player on the lips is banned for three years by the sport’s global governing body.
Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid boosted by Indonesia changing sides after Australia co-host talks
Read full article: Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid boosted by Indonesia changing sides after Australia co-host talksIndonesian soccer federation leader Erick Thohir says it now supports Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
Australia in talks with Indonesia about a possible challenge to Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup
Read full article: Australia in talks with Indonesia about a possible challenge to Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World CupSoccer officials in Australia and Indonesia have floated the idea of teaming up in a bid to rival Saudi Arabia for the hosting rights to the men’s World Cup in 2034.
Saudi Arabia formally informs FIFA of its wish to host the 2034 World Cup as the favorite to win
Read full article: Saudi Arabia formally informs FIFA of its wish to host the 2034 World Cup as the favorite to winSaudi Arabia has formally informed FIFA of its wish to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 in a bidding contest that increasingly looks designed for the oil-rich kingdom to win.
Saudi Arabia in lead and maybe all alone in race shaped by FIFA to host soccer's 2034 World Cup
Read full article: Saudi Arabia in lead and maybe all alone in race shaped by FIFA to host soccer's 2034 World CupIf Saudi Arabia could have designed a process for choosing future World Cup hosts, it might look similar to what FIFA has unveiled for the 2030 and 2034 men’s soccer tournaments.
2030 World Cup set to be hosted by Spain-Portugal-Morocco with 3 South American countries added
Read full article: 2030 World Cup set to be hosted by Spain-Portugal-Morocco with 3 South American countries addedA unique 2030 World Cup is set to be played in Europe and Africa with the surprising addition of South America.
FIFA allows Russian soccer teams play in its Under-17 World Cups if they qualify
Read full article: FIFA allows Russian soccer teams play in its Under-17 World Cups if they qualifyFIFA has approved the possible reintegration of Russian youth teams into its competitions and eased a total ban on the country in international soccer amid the war in Ukraine.
Luis Rubiales was suspended by FIFA to prevent witness tampering in his Women's World Cup kiss case
Read full article: Luis Rubiales was suspended by FIFA to prevent witness tampering in his Women's World Cup kiss caseFIFA moved to block potential witness tampering by Luis Rubiales when its disciplinary committee suspended the now-ousted Spanish soccer president.
European soccer body UEFA's handling of Russia and Rubiales invites scrutiny on values and process
Read full article: European soccer body UEFA's handling of Russia and Rubiales invites scrutiny on values and processA reputation built over decades that European soccer body UEFA is the good guy compared to FIFA as a cartoon caricature villain is being tested in this tough season for off-field politics.
Spain opens case against soccer chief for World Cup kiss. Luis Rubiales breaks week-long silence
Read full article: Spain opens case against soccer chief for World Cup kiss. Luis Rubiales breaks week-long silenceA Spanish government legal panel is opening a case against suspended soccer chief Luis Rubiales.
One week after sullying the Women's World Cup, Luis Rubiales is now a Spanish soccer outcast
Read full article: One week after sullying the Women's World Cup, Luis Rubiales is now a Spanish soccer outcastOne week after the president of the Spanish soccer federation kissed a player on the lips during the Women’s World Cup awards ceremony, his reputation is in tatters and he's out of his job.
FIFA suspends Spain soccer federation president Luis Rubiales for 90 days after World Cup win kiss
Read full article: FIFA suspends Spain soccer federation president Luis Rubiales for 90 days after World Cup win kissFIFA has suspended Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales from office while its disciplinary committee investigates his conduct at the Women’s World Cup final.
Spain soccer head won't resign for kissing player at World Cup. Team won’t play until he goes
Read full article: Spain soccer head won't resign for kissing player at World Cup. Team won’t play until he goesThe president of Spain’s soccer federation has defiantly refused to resign for kissing a female player on the lips after the Women’s World Cup final.
FIFA opens case against Spanish soccer official who kissed a player on the lips at Women's World Cup
Read full article: FIFA opens case against Spanish soccer official who kissed a player on the lips at Women's World CupFIFA has opened a disciplinary case against the Spanish soccer official who kissed a player on the lips while celebrating the team’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final.
FIFA head Infantino says Women's World Cup breaks even but plays down calls for equal prize money
Read full article: FIFA head Infantino says Women's World Cup breaks even but plays down calls for equal prize moneyFIFA president Gianni Infantino said Friday that the Women’s World Cup has “broken even” after generating more than $570 million in revenue but again dismissed suggestions for equal prize money with the men’s World Cup.
From upsets to record attendances, these are the trends that have emerged at the Women's World Cup
Read full article: From upsets to record attendances, these are the trends that have emerged at the Women's World CupThe traditional elite being cut down to size has been the standout theme at the Women's World Cup ahead of the quarterfinals.
Fox and Telemundo see great ratings for American women, but rest of Women's World Cup struggles
Read full article: Fox and Telemundo see great ratings for American women, but rest of Women's World Cup strugglesFans of the United States women’s soccer team remained faithful viewers no matter what hour the game was on.
FIFA can't guarantee federations will pay promised $30,000 per player at Women's World Cup
Read full article: FIFA can't guarantee federations will pay promised $30,000 per player at Women's World CupFIFA President Gianni Infantino says he is engaging with member federations to make sure that the $30,000 payments designated for every player at the Women’s World Cup reach the athletes.
For first time, every player at the Women's World Cup will be paid at least $30K
Read full article: For first time, every player at the Women's World Cup will be paid at least $30KAt the behest of players from across the globe, FIFA has agreed that a chunk of the prize money pool at the Women's World Cup go straight to the players — all 732 of them.
FIFA allows anti-discrimination captain's armbands at Women's World Cup after standoff in Qatar
Read full article: FIFA allows anti-discrimination captain's armbands at Women's World Cup after standoff in QatarThe anti-discrimination “One Love” captain’s armband denied to teams at the men’s World Cup in Qatar will be worn at the Women’s World Cup next month in an amended version now approved by soccer authorities.
Soccer faces wave of racial and offensive abuse incidents amid FIFA pledge to stop games
Read full article: Soccer faces wave of racial and offensive abuse incidents amid FIFA pledge to stop gamesA leading anti-discrimination group in soccer says there is an “urgent crisis” in the game because of racial and offensive abuse.
Soccer players' union looks to hold FIFA accountable for player payments
Read full article: Soccer players' union looks to hold FIFA accountable for player paymentsThe global soccer players’ union says is working with FIFA to make sure that payments promised to all players at the Women’s World Cup actually reach them.
Soccer authorities move toward tougher sanctions for racial abuse over last decade
Read full article: Soccer authorities move toward tougher sanctions for racial abuse over last decadeKevin-Prince Boateng set soccer on a path toward tougher sanctions in cases of discrimination when he walked off the field to protest racial abuse by an opposing team’s fans a decade ago.
FIFA extends rule to let players, coaches suspend contracts with Ukrainian, Russian clubs
Read full article: FIFA extends rule to let players, coaches suspend contracts with Ukrainian, Russian clubsFIFA has extended a rule that lets players and coaches continue to suspend their contracts with clubs in Ukraine and Russia for another season.
FIFA's Infantino optimistic about Women's World Cup TV deals in Europe
Read full article: FIFA's Infantino optimistic about Women's World Cup TV deals in EuropeFIFA President Gianni Infantino seems slightly more optimistic about completing what he would see as an acceptable deal for the broadcast rights to the upcoming Women’s World Cup in five key European countries.
Tears, anger as Indonesian soccer fears FIFA sanctions
Read full article: Tears, anger as Indonesian soccer fears FIFA sanctionsIndonesian soccer players and fans reacted with tears and outrage after the country was stripped of hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup only eight weeks before the start of the tournament amid political turmoil over Israel’s participation, leaving Indonesian soccer at risk of further sanctions.
Indonesia's turn as world soccer host in peril over Israel
Read full article: Indonesia's turn as world soccer host in peril over IsraelIndonesia could lose its chance to host a global youth soccer tournament, and its chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, after refusing to welcome a team from Israel.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino re-elected by acclaim
Read full article: FIFA president Gianni Infantino re-elected by acclaimFIFA president Gianni Infantino has been re-elected by acclaim to another four-year term after suggesting the financial results under his leadership would keep an industry CEO in the job for life.
Why FIFA changed the format for the 2026 World Cup
Read full article: Why FIFA changed the format for the 2026 World CupThe World Cup group stage format for 2026 was changed to 12 groups of four teams from 16 groups of three teams by FIFA’s Council on Tuesday, increasing the total to 104 matches from 64 in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Infantino holds FIFA power as voters share World Cup wealth
Read full article: Infantino holds FIFA power as voters share World Cup wealthFIFA president Gianni Infantino will be re-elected this week to lead a richer-than-ever soccer body with an ambition to add new and bigger competitions despite growing wariness of him in Europe.
Report: Qatar spied on Swiss prosecutor, FIFA boss meeting
Read full article: Report: Qatar spied on Swiss prosecutor, FIFA boss meetingA Swiss newspaper says a spying operation on behalf of World Cup host Qatar bugged a 2017 hotel meeting between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Switzerland’s then-attorney general.
Disgraced ex-Haitian soccer president announces he's back
Read full article: Disgraced ex-Haitian soccer president announces he's backHaiti’s former soccer federation president whose lifetime ban from sport over sexual abuse allegations was overturned last month has announced he is reclaiming his position.
Alaba abused, Croatia coach critical following FIFA awards
Read full article: Alaba abused, Croatia coach critical following FIFA awardsReal Madrid defender David Alaba has been racially abused on social media after voting for Lionel Messi and Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić has accused FIFA of disrespect in fallout from the soccer body’s annual awards ceremony.
US forward Alex Morgan supports transgender kids in sports
Read full article: US forward Alex Morgan supports transgender kids in sportsForward Alex Morgan says the U.S. national team should have internal discussions about whether to play exhibition games in states that restrict transgender kids from participating in sports.
FIFA targets $11 billion in revenue through 2026 World Cup
Read full article: FIFA targets $11 billion in revenue through 2026 World CupFIFA expects to earn $11 billion in the 2026 World Cup cycle with a 48-team men’s tournament in North America set to deliver a big increase in revenue amid ongoing uncertainty about the exact match schedule.
Memorial to American writer Wahl placed at World Cup game
Read full article: Memorial to American writer Wahl placed at World Cup gameAmerican soccer writer Grant Wahl has been honored with a tribute from FIFA on the desk where he was due to work at the World Cup quarterfinal match between France and England.