After 15 months making a difference to the lives of refugees across Europe, ECA’s €1million Ukraine Relief Fund has delivered on its last round of projects. The ground-breaking fund was announced at the General Assembly in March 2022, by ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, who said the seven-figure sum would be available to support clubs’ efforts in assisting the Ukrainian refugees, while many also offered to find a safe place for Ukrainian young football players.
ECA Chairman told clubs gathered in Vienna that football could be a positive social force to help the Ukrainian people.
Since then, 30 projects have benefited from the fund, which has been managed through an ECA Relief Committee chaired by ECA Vice-Chairman Dariusz Mioduski.
The third and final round of projects were:
- FC Shakhtar Donetsk
- FC Vast (Football Club Mykolaiv)
- FSC Mariupol
- MFC Metalurg
- Skoruk FC
Together this means a total of 24 clubs have been part of the innovative scheme, with clubs initially applying for donations of between €25,000 and €50,000. The aim has been to provide real and effective humanitarian and emergency actions to provide support and opportunities for the integration and development of refugees affected by the war.
ECA partnered with the UEFA Foundation for Children in order to implement this humanitarian project, in advance of establishing a dedicated ECA Foundation which is part of the Association’s future plans.
During the initial two rounds of the project, the ECA Ukraine Relief Fund demonstrated its dedication to creating tangible positive change in the lives of Ukrainian refugees. Through the support of the participating member clubs, a diverse range of projects were delivered, including in the four main areas highlighted below:
- Emergency Humanitarian Assistance: The fund facilitated the distribution of essential supplies, such as food, clean water, clothing, and medical aid, to affected communities. These efforts significantly contributed to easing immediate difficulties.
- Education and Skill Development: Recognising the significance of education in times of crisis, the fund supported initiatives that provided access to quality education and training for refugee children. These educational programmes aimed to empower individuals with knowledge and skills for a brighter future.
- Shelter and Infrastructure: The fund played an active role in the construction and renovation of shelters to provide safe living environments for displaced families.
- Psychosocial Support: Addressing the emotional and psychological impact of displacement, the fund supported therapy services, fostering emotional well-being among those affected.
Commenting on the allocation of the remaining funds to the clubs, Dariusz Mioduski, ECA Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the ECA Relief Committee, said:
“At ECA we are all engaged in assisting clubs and allowing them to continue their excellent work in supporting Ukrainian children and families displaced by this tragic war, started by the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The allocation of the remaining funds to the last five projects is the right moment for me to thank once again all the clubs and individuals involved for their dedication and hard work. In total thirty projects have benefitted from the ECA Ukraine Relief Fund and their work will continue.
“I would also like to thank my colleagues on the ECA Relief Committee for their time and support in delivering this important work. Thanks to their efforts we have been able to contribute and make a difference to those families and individuals whose lives have been so tragically affected by this conflict, which unfortunately is ongoing.”
The list of all the approved projects, including the ones from the third round, are:
- AC Sparta Praha
- AS Trencin
- Athletic Club
- Celtic FC
- FC Chikhura Sachkhere
- FC Shakhtar Donetsk
- FC Slovan Liberec
- FC Vast (Football Club Mykolaiv)
- FC Veres Rivne
- FC Zimbru
- FSC Mariupol
- GNK Dinamo Zagreb
- Heart of Midlothian FC
- Legia Warszawa
- Maccabi Haifa F.C
- MFC Metalurg
- Nõmme Kalju FC
- SJK Seinäjoki
- SK Slavia Praha
- SK Slovan Bratislava
- Skoruk FC
- Sporting Clube de Portugal
- Trabzonspor AS
- Wisla Kraków
The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), in use of the powers granted by article 51 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level. This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings opened against Mr. Luis Rubiales on Thursday, August 24.
Likewise, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and in order to preserve, among other factors, the fundamental rights of the national soccer team player Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and the good order of the disciplinary proceedings before this disciplinary body, has issued two additional directives (article 7 FDC) by which he orders Mr. Luis Rubiales to refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national football team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso or her close environment. Likewise, the RFEF and its officials or employees, directly or through third parties, are ordered to refrain from contacting the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and her close environment.
The decision adopted by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has been communicated today to Mr. Luis Rubiales, the RFEF and UEFA for due compliance.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will not provide any further information on these disciplinary proceedings until a final decision has been taken.
FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respect the integrity of all persons and therefore condemns with the utmost vigour any behaviour to the contrary.
Published Friday, 25 August 2023.
A year on from the EFL’s launch of the ‘Together’ strategy, the EFL's Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, David McCardle, has provided an update on the strategy and the impact it is having across the EFL and its Clubs.
Twelve months ago, the EFL launched its new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy to aid Clubs in taking steps on their EDI journey.
This month, we mark the one-year anniversary with the launch of a new short film highlighting the diverse nature of supporters across the League with the key message that we are Together for the love of the game. In addition, we have highlighted the good practice which has been undertaken by EFL Clubs throughout the 2022/23 season in conjunction with the Together Strategy.
‘Together’ set out a clear five-year vision for the EFL and its Clubs to reflect and represent the communities they serve.
Following the launch of the EFL Together strategy in August 2022, all 72 Clubs have made a contribution to breaking down barriers and improved their processes and outlooks, leading to sustainable change, which will allow greater diversity.
Involving 100 hours of consultations with Equality Stakeholders and 100 hours of Club Development meetings, the strategy has seen great success during the 2022/23 season.
Together comprises five pillars: Support, Educate, Communicate, Embed and Listen – all of which have been covered over the course of last campaign.
Last term saw the refreshed EFL Equality Code of Practice which was a key deliverable within the Together Strategy and will allow the opportunity for EFL Clubs to have a continued EDI journey.
Clubs throughout the EFL undertake the Code’s which assesses work, learning, development and commitment to EDI and provides a grade of Bronze, Silver or Gold after review. Throughout season 2022/23 the EFL supported each of its Clubs during the development phase in preparation for every Club being assessed during the 2023/24 season.
To support the creation of a League-wide diverse workforce, the EFL has also launched I-Recruit which is an anonymised recruitment tool for Clubs.
Across the EFL there are over 65 diverse fan groups, some of which have been established with support of Fans for Diversity. In addition, Clubs have also been supported in the establishment of a new Discrimination Reporting mechanism.
The EFL’s Inclusion Team – along with Stakeholders, EFL Clubs and Football Bodies – delivered 48 online webinars for EFL Clubs and EFL Staff to attend during the 2022/23 season. Clubs have completed over 6,500 collective hours of EDI Education, which exceeded the initial target of 1,000 collective hours each season for the next five seasons.
And in May 2023, a number of conferences to help support Clubs and to share best practice were held. All three conferences hosted over 100 delegates with guest speakers, Club and fan experiences in focus.
More recently, the EFL Together Advisory Panel has set progress in motion for a new panel which will act as a forum for advice, guiding the work of the EFL by providing advice of the highest possible quality on issues relating to Equality Diversity and Inclusion.
And the EFL and our Clubs are not finished in this journey. The hard work continues into the new season when all of the aforementioned tools and services will continue to support Clubs to make an impact and drive change.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee informed Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on 20 August 2023.
The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter.
FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.
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No suspicious betting or match‑manipulation threats identified during the 64 matches
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Second successive edition of FIFA Women’s World Cup™ to have been monitored
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Task force composed of members from expert organisations
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Integrity Task Force, which was established to safeguard the competition from match‑manipulation and integrity-related threats, has recently concluded its successful work in monitoring the betting markets and in‑game action in real time during all 64 matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™.
At its post-competition meeting held today, the task force concluded that no suspicious betting activities or match‑manipulation threats had been identified around any game that took place during the tournament. This was the second edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ to be monitored by the task force, which was launched ahead of the 2019 finals.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Integrity Task Force comprised representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, INTERPOL, the Council of Europe’s Group of Copenhagen, United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports, the International Betting Integrity Association, Sportradar, Sport Integrity Australia and the New Zealand Police.
During the competition, FIFA centralised the collection of information from betting monitoring reports based on market activity data from various jurisdictions, including law enforcement entities and physical surveillance at competition venues.
The monitoring of both the betting markets and in-game action in real time during all of the group- and knockout-stage matches through to the final, which was played on 20 August, found no match‑manipulation threats.
The collaborative effort between FIFA and key international stakeholders in the field of sports integrity ensured an experienced, coordinated and timely response – based on information and data – to any alert during the competition, with each participating stakeholder contributing their specific expertise (investigative and/or technical) throughout the tournament.
In parallel, FIFA continues to work with confederations, member associations and other integrity stakeholders in the fight against match manipulation. In line with its core objective to promote the integrity of football, FIFA takes the battle against match manipulation very seriously and any suspicious activities can be reported via its confidential, dedicated, highly secure and web-based whistle-blowing system.
Further details of FIFA’s integrity initiatives are available here.
Published Monday, 21 August 2023.
In line with its commitment to improving the fan experience by harnessing technology and innovating in the digital and TV space, FIFA has invested in remote live production, cutting-edge data-driven insights and captivating behind-the-scenes content at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.
“Innovation and sustainable technology are to the fore when it comes to our broadcast delivery at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a tour of the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Sydney.
“The IBC is the centre for video content from all venues in Australia and New Zealand, and for all 64 matches, we have been setting new standards in sports broadcasting thanks to our fully remote live match and non-live production,” the FIFA President added. “This innovation is a step forward from the men's FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and something new to sports on such a scale. This is also a new, more sustainable technological approach which has helped deliver the FIFA Women's World Cup to a global audience.”
In order to bridge the gap between analytics and entertainment and to improve the viewing experience for fans, FIFA has also engaged the concept of “datatainment", which seamlessly integrates advanced analytics with real-time graphics based on the official optical tracking data at each FIFA Women’s World Cup™ stadium. As an overlay on live feeds, “datatainment” provides fans with unparalleled insight and enjoyment, with several Media Rights Licensees having taken advantage of the technology during the tournament.
“Football is more than just a game; it's a passion that connects millions of fans worldwide. Together with our partners, we are redefining the fan experience by leveraging the power of data and technology to integrate analytics into an entertainment package, as well as offering fans new ways of consuming football through social media,” said FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai.
Responding to the growing trend in consuming candid, backstage moments, the tournament in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand has also seen digital-first coverage of every game. Captured in vertical video formats and from a unique perspective, the content allows fans following FIFA’s pages on social media to experience the raw emotion of players and fans filter-free. Such clips have also been distributed to broadcasters and tailored for their social media accounts, thereby providing unique coverage of the competition globally.
“Thanks to the collaboration with the participating teams we have access to exclusive content behind the scenes – on the pitch or in the locker room after the match, players have shown their willingness to produce unique content at the peak of their emotions in cooperation with our media rights licensees. We are thrilled to have used this ground-breaking tournament to bring these concepts to life and allow fans all over the world to further experience and share their excitement for the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” added Mr Gai.
Published Friday, 18 August 2023.
An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed an action plan and £150,000 fine on Leeds United for misconduct in relation to crowd control that took place during the 20th minute of their game against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday 11 March.
Leeds United admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and do not use words or otherwise behave in a way which is improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting with reference to sexual orientation.
Published Wednesday, 16 August 2023.
Reading Football Club has today received a one-point deduction with a further three points suspended after an Independent Disciplinary Commission determined that the Club had breached EFL Regulations.
The breaches related to the Club having failed to pay its players’ wages on time and in full on or around 31 October 2022, 30 November 2022, and 28 April 2023.
Reading’s 2023/24 League One points tally will be adjusted immediately whilst Owner Dai Yongge has also been fined £10,000 and ordered to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the Club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated Club account, in an attempt to avoid further breaches.
If the 125% deposit is not paid within 28 days of the Independent Disciplinary Commission’s decision or there is any further failure to pay players’ salaries up until 30 June 2024, then the suspended points sanction will be activated.
The EFL remains extremely frustrated at the consistent failures of the Club’s ownership to meet its ongoing obligations under EFL Regulations, the consequences of which are having a negative impact for all those associated with Reading, particularly its staff members, supporters, and local community.
Whilst we acknowledge the independence of the commission and the sanction imposed, this outcome does fall some way short of the League’s existing sanctioning guidelines. The EFL will now undertake a full review of the decision issued, taking into consideration the recent previous sanctions imposed on the Club and their subsequent impact.
The Independent Disciplinary Commission’s Written Reasons can be viewed here.
If produced and published, written reasons can be found for Appeal Board hearings by clicking *here* and selecting “County Appeal” on the “Offence Type” dropdown list. Alternatively, use this URL: https://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/discipline/written-reasons.
Southend Manor FC v Essex Senior League – 4 July
Appellant: Club
Charge: Failure to fulfil a fixture
Sanction: £645 fine
Result: Appeal Dismissed
Craig Worton v Birmingham FA – 7 July
Appellant: Manager
Charge: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct against a Match Official (including abusive language/behaviour).
Sanction: 5-match suspension, £70 fine, warned as to future conduct.
Result: Appeal Dismissed
Dequann Jamaal Ebanks v Berks & Bucks FA – 11 July
Appellant: Coach
Charge: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct (including threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour)
Sanction: Warning as to future conduct
Result: Appeal Allowed – Sanctions Quashed.
Written Reasons: https://www.thefa.com/-/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/discipline-cases/2023/dequann-jamal-ebanks-v-berks-and-bucks-fa---18-may-2023.ashx
Jake Sobalak v Middlesex FA – 12 July
Appellant: Player
Charge: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct - Assault or Attempted Assault on a Match Official
Sanction: 343-days suspension (backdated to 11 May 2023), £75 fine, to complete a face-to-face education course, 7 club penalty points.
Result: Appeal Allowed – Remitted for a rehearing.
Grace Lovett v Lincolnshire FA – 13 July
Appellant: Player
Charge: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct - Assault or Attempted Assault on a Match Official
Sanction: 1825 Days from 23/03/2023 to 20/03/2028, complete a face-to-face education course, 8 club disciplinary points.
Result: Appeal Allowed – Sanction Varied: 1825 Day to 150 Day Suspension (23/03/2023-20/08/2023), £75 fine.
Written Reasons: https://www.thefa.com/-/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/discipline-cases/2023/grace-lovett-v-lincolnshire-fa---appeal-board---13-july-2023.ashx
Mark Cooper v Wiltshire FA – 13 July
Appellant: Player
Charges:
• Charge 1: FA Rule E3 – Improper Conduct (including foul and abusive language)
• Charge 2: FA Rule E3.2 - Improper Conduct - aggravated by a persons Ethnic Origin, Colour, Race, Nationality, Faith, Gender, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation or Disability.
Sanction: 8-Match Suspension, complete an online education course, £65 fine.
Result: Appeal Dismissed
Bayley Vaughan v Essex FA – 18 July
Appellant: Player
Charge: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct (including violent conduct and threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour)
Sanction: 2-match suspension, £25 fine.
Result: Appeal Allowed – Remitted for rehearing.
Written Reasons: https://www.thefa.com/-/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/discipline-cases/2023/bayley-vaughan-v-essex-fa---appeal-board---24-july-2023.ashx
Patrick Carton v Amateur FA – 20 July
Appellant: Manager
Charges:
• Charge 1 - FA Rule E3.1 - Improper Conduct (not including threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour).
• Charge 2 - FA Rule E3.1 - Improper Conduct Against a Match Official.
Sanctions:
• Charge 1 – 1-Match Suspension, £20 fine.
• Charge 2 – 2 match suspension, £40 fine.
Result: Appeal Dismissed.
Patrick Carton v Amateur FA – 21 July
Appellant: Manager
Charge: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct (including violent conduct and threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour).
Sanction: 7-match suspension, £90 fine
Result: Appeal Allowed – Sanction Varied (Reduced from 7-match suspension to 3-match suspension, and £90 to £60).
Max Onabanjo v Amateur FA – 21 July
Appellant: Player
Charge: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct against a Match Official (including physical contact or attempted physical contact and threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour).
Sanction 200-day suspension, £80 fine, complete a face-to-face education course.
Result: Appeal Dismissed
Benjamin Webster v Huntingdonshire FA – 25 July
Appellant: Club Chair
Charges:
• Charge 1: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct (not including threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour)
• Charge 2: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct against a Match Official (including abusive language/behaviour)
Sanctions:
• Charge 1: 1-match suspension, £20 fine
• Charge 2: 3-match suspension, £50 fine
Result: Appeal Dismissed
Eric Armanazi v London FA – 25 July
Appellant: Manager
Charge: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct against a Match Official (including abusive language/behaviour).
Sanction: 2-match suspension, £25 fine
Result: Appeal Allowed – Sanction effective from date amended of first qualifying match.
Langley Old Boys v Berks & Bucks FA – 26 July
Appellant: Club
Charge: FA Rule E20 - Failed to ensure directors, players, officials, employees, servants, representatives, conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending any Match
Sanction: £75 fine
Result: Appeal Dismissed
Adam Garget v Durham FA – 26 July
Appellant: Manager
Charges:
• Charge 1: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct (including foul and abusive language)
• Charge 2: FA Rule E3.2 - Improper Conduct - aggravated by a persons Ethnic Origin, Colour, Race, Nationality, Faith, Gender, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation or Disability
Sanction: 6-match suspension sanction, a £30 fine complete an online education programme.
Result: Appeal Dismissed
Jason Smith v Lancashire FA – 27 July
Appellant: Manager
Charges:
• Charge 1: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct (including foul and abusive language)
• Charge 2: FA Rule E3.2 - Improper Conduct - aggravated by a persons Ethnic Origin, Colour, Race, Nationality, Faith, Gender, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation or Disability
Sanction: 8-match suspension and complete an online education programme
Result: Appeal Dismissed – sanction increased: 12-match suspension and complete a face-to-face education programme
Rhys Flitton v Surrey FA – 27 July
Appellant: Player
Charges:
• Charge 1: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct - Assault or Attempted Assault on a Match Official
• Alternate Charge 1: FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct against a Match Official (including physical contact or attempted physical contact)
Sanction: 5-year sanction (from 03/02/23), complete a face-to-face education programme, 10 Club penalty points.
Result: Appeal Allowed - Remitted for Rehearing
Sporting Meadows FC v Leicestershire & Rutland FA – 28 July
Appellant: Club
Charges:
• Charge 1: FA Rule E20 - Failed to ensure directors, players, officials, employees, servants, representatives, conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending any Match.
• Charge 2: FA Rule E20 - Failed to ensure directors, players, officials, employees, servants, representatives, conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending any Match.
Sanctions:
• Charge 1: £80 fine
• Charge 2: £175 fine
Result: Appeal Dismissed
- Launched in 2019, Drake Football Study is a 10-year project tracking the physical and mental health of footballers
- Over 170 men’s and women’s players were included in the study, beginning during their playing careers and transitioning through to retirement
- Dr Lervasen Pillay, one of the PhD candidates working on the study, talks to FIFPRO about the first published data connected to knee and hip osteoarthritis in men’s players
The first data results from the 10-year Drake Football Study have now been published. Launched in 2019, the Drake Football Study is tracking the physical and mental health of around 170 men’s and women’s footballers – beginning during their playing careers and transitioning through to retirement.
The project’s first findings, based on studies on men’s professional footballers, showed a low prevalence of knee and hip osteoarthritis (degeneration of joint cartilage); that pain is a valid symptom to suggest osteoarthritis presence; and that the chances of developing knee osteoarthritis increased with the number of injuries by 1.5 times and just over four times more with surgeries.
"This is good news for footballers as further research now can be done on developing management guidelines and determining if any other risk factors for osteoarthritis exist in this population," said Dr Lervasen Pillay, who has been practicing in the field of sports medicine for 19 years and has been involved in the Drake Football Study since October 2021.
Most previous research in knee and hip osteoarthritis has been conducted on retired athletes using only X-rays, whereas these latest findings have been determined using validated questionnaires and clinical examinations on active players.
"New information is always helpful to stimulate further research," said Dr Pillay. "It gives us a better understanding of the association of osteoarthritis with risk factors (like injury and surgery), pain and function in the active professional footballer.
"In the real-world setting, this translates into providing clinicians with more information to allow for improved management of their athlete’s condition – in this case osteoarthritis."
Learning from the players
The former Chief Medical Officer of the South African Premier Soccer League, Dr Pillay’s involvement in the Drake Football Study stems from his combined PhD with the University of Pretoria and University of Amsterdam.
While the 10-year study is giving priority to joint pain in ankles, hips and knees of players, and how it can potentially impact the wellbeing of players in the long-term, it also aims to explore mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression which are often reported by players.
"Part of this study is to identify whether there is an association between mental health symptoms and severe injuries and surgeries," said Dr Pillay, who has been monitoring the analysis of men’s players during the study.
"The mental health component of professional male footballers has always been neglected. Through the study, we will be able to collect data on the prevalence and incidence of mental health symptoms and learn if there are associations with risk factors of players developing mental health symptoms."
Coordinated by FIFPRO, the Drake Football Study is seed-funded by The Drake Foundation and supported by Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Mehiläinen (Finland) and Push Sports (The Netherlands).
FIFPRO Chief Medical Officer Prof Dr Vincent Gouttebarge is the project lead together with Prof Dr Gino Kerkhoffs, chair of the Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine department at the Amsterdam University Medical Centres.
As well as the length of the research and its focus on active players during their careers and transitioning through to retirement, what also sets the study apart is learning directly from the players.
"We are exploring data received from players themselves – the athletes voice is vital," said Dr Pillay. "The study also involves cohorts which aren’t European based, which helps give a global perspective.
"Since all the sub-studies are investigating the active professional footballers, it provides an opportunity for developing better identification and management guidelines of certain conditions.
"Studies looking at neurocognitive function and ankle cartilage may provide new information that has not been described in this population before, and thus begin a new research interest angle. I am excited about the entire project and its potential impact over the next 10 years."
FIFA has launched two separate invitations to tender (ITT) in Australia today for the media rights to the FIFA World Cup 26™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. The respective tenders also allow for the opportunity to bid for the FIFA World Cup 2030™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031™. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the 23rd edition of the competition and will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the USA. With iconic venues, passionate supporters and a wealth of experience in delivering world-class entertainment events, the host nations will provide an unrivalled platform to celebrate the game and its ability to connect and inspire people around the world.
The new-look tournament will be the biggest FIFA World Cup™ ever, with a total of 104 matches spread over an extended competition window of five-and-a-half weeks. It will also be the first to feature 48 teams, thereby offering nations a greater chance to qualify than ever before. At least eight AFC teams will participate at the finals, with the potential for another AFC team to qualify through the FIFA intercontinental play-off tournament. Australia’s Socceroos have qualified for every FIFA World Cup since 2006 and enjoyed their joint best performance ever in 2022, reaching the knockout stage before being eliminated by eventual winners Argentina.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ is currently taking place in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, with the final set to be played on Sunday, 20 August at Stadium Australia in Sydney/Wangal. The expanded 32-team tournament has been a resounding success, with exciting matches and unexpected results demonstrating the increasing competitiveness of women’s football globally. The tournament has generated unprecedented support from fans across the host nations, with record attendances and over 1.7 million tickets sold. Australia’s Matildas have shown their prowess and won the hearts of the nation, leading to record match audiences for local broadcasters. The bidding process for the 2027 edition of the tournament is already underway, with the host(s) expected to be announced in May 2024.
The tender processes will allow FIFA to select those entities who are best placed to secure the required transmission and production commitments to achieve FIFA’s objectives of reaching the widest possible audience whilst providing a high-quality viewing experience for fans.
Entities wishing to participate in either or both of the tender processes can request the ITTs by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The bid submission deadline in each case is 10:00 (CEST) on Tuesday, 19 September 2023.
Through the sale of media rights for its football tournaments, FIFA generates income that is essential to support and develop the game worldwide, including through the FIFA Forward Programme.
Published Friday, 11 August 2023.
Published Thursday, 03 August 2023.
TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA
Circular no. 1855
Zurich, 28 August 2023
Lifting of the suspension of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL)
Dear Sir or Madam,
We would like to inform you that, based on the decision taken by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on 27 August 2023, the suspension of the FFSL has been lifted with immediate effect.
In view of the above, all of the FFSL’s membership rights as defined in article 13 of the FIFA Statutes have been reinstated with immediate effect. Consequently, the FFSL’s representative and club teams are again entitled to take part in international competitions. This also means that FFSL members and officials may benefit from development programmes, courses and training provided by FIFA and/or the AFC. Moreover, FIFA member associations may again enter into sporting contact with the FFSL and/or its teams.
Thank you for taking note of the above.
Yours faithfully,
FIFA
Fatma Samoura
Secretary General
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its anti-doping and integrity initiatives, Concacaf is collaborating with FIFA to intensify its anti-doping efforts within the Confederation’s competitions.
In addition to educational programs, the frequency and volume of testing has increased in 2023 compared to previous years and can be expected to continue to grow in 2024.
2023 has already seen Concacaf implement a new program of doping controls at various major international and club tournaments, including the recently completed 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League Finals, 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup and the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup, which is currently underway. The 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League and future competitions will also include these new anti-doping provisions.
“Working hand in hand with FIFA, we continue to expand the Confederation's anti-doping program and prioritize integrity and fair play in our game,” said Concacaf Director of Competitions Carlos Fernandez.
“Our joint efforts, including education programs for players and staff and additional testing before and during tournaments, will contribute to Concacaf football's ongoing growth, professionalism, and success.” concluded Fernandez.
Published Friday, 25 August 2023.
TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA
Circular no. 1854
Zurich, 24 August 2023
FIFA Women’s Football Member Associations Survey Report 2023
Dear Sir or Madam,
As part of The Vision 2020-2023, FIFA is working hand in hand with its member associations to further accelerate the growth of women’s football on and off the pitch.
In order to measure the progress of women’s football around the world, by means of circular no. 1832 dated 31 January 2023 FIFA invited all member associations to complete a survey on their women’s football landscape and provide information across different areas.
As a result of this process, FIFA is pleased to share with you the enclosed FIFA Women’s Football Member Associations Survey Report 2023. By getting access to and analysing the data of women's football globally, FIFA, the confederations, the member associations and the football stakeholders will be more equipped to make informed decisions on how to further accelerate the growth of the women's game and achieve the goals set within the FIFA Women's Football Strategy launched in 2018.
If you have any questions regarding the report, please do not hesitate to contact Marina Radulovic of the Women’s Football Division at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We look forward to keep working with you to further accelerate the growth of women’s football all over the globe.
Yours faithfully,
FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE
DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Fatma Samoura
Secretary General
FIFPRO fully endorses the statement of Spanish player union AFE in calling for immediate action to address the conduct of Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales and is calling for investigation of his actions under FIFA’s code of ethics.
We reiterate that it was deeply lamentable that such a special moment for the players of the Spain national team taking place before a global television audience should be stained by the inappropriate conduct of an individual in a role carrying so much responsibility.
Uninitiated and uninvited physical approaches towards players are not appropriate or acceptable in any context, and especially not when they are put in a position of vulnerability by a person who holds a position of power over them in their workplace.
Morecambe FC has received a three-point deduction to be suspended until 30 June 2024 after admitting a breach of EFL Regulations for failing to pay its player wages on or around 28 March 2023.
The Club’s ultimate beneficial owner will also be required to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the forecast monthly wage bill - for all staff across the football club - in a designated Club account, which may be called upon by the Club should there be any future delays in processing wage payments.
The suspended sanction will take effect if the payment is not made by the owners of the Club to the Club Deposit Account as per the terms of with the Agreed Decision or there is any failure to pay its players on time until 30 June 2024.
The sanction was imposed in accordance with the terms of an ‘Agreed Decision’ which has formally been ratified by an Independent Disciplinary Commission Chair as per the requirements of EFL Regulations.
Morecambe FC will also pay the associated costs of ratification of the Agreed Decision.
The Agreed Decision can be found here.
Following the extremely serious incidents which occurred ahead of the postponed UEFA Champions League third qualifying round match between AEK Athens and GNK Dinamo Zagreb initially scheduled for 9 August 2023, in Athens, and which resulted in the death of a Greek national, UEFA has decided that fans of GNK Dinamo will not be allowed to attend any away matches as a minimum for the remainder of the 2023/24 season of UEFA club competitions.
Following an assessment made by UEFA, all matches involving visiting GNK Dinamo supporters are considered to be high risk and this was unfortunately confirmed by the extreme gravity of incidents due to the presence in Athens of GNK Dinamo supporters, in spite of the decision not to provide them with tickets for the match in question. It was also highlighted in the report containing information on the incidents provided by the Greek authorities to UEFA.
GNK Dinamo are furthermore requested, in conjunction with the relevant political, public security and football authorities in Croatia, to devise and implement a strategy to eradicate football related violence associated with their club. UEFA expects to receive a report in due course from the club, with detail of the action plan drawn up to address this significant problem.
While GNK Dinamo and their respective opponents must do their utmost to prevent GNK Dinamo supporters from travelling, visiting teams travelling to Croatia may continue to receive their full allocation of tickets and GNK Dinamo and the relevant public authorities must take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of visiting supporters.
UEFA will inform directly the competent authorities of the host countries/cities of this measure.
Gianni Infantino has said that the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ has transformed the face of women's football and appealed to governments, member associations, broadcasters and media to help keep the momentum going towards equality once the tournament ends on Sunday.
Speaking at the opening of the Second FIFA Women's Football Convention in Sydney, the FIFA President thanked Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand for co-hosting "simply the best and greatest and biggest FIFA Women's World Cup ever".
"This FIFA Women's World Cup has been truly transformational, not only in Australia and New Zealand but all over the world," he said. "In the host countries, we had almost two million spectators in the stadiums -- full houses everywhere -- and two billion watching all over the world --- and not just watching their own country but watching the World Cup, because it’s an event [where] I don’t just watch my team . It's great sport, it's entertaining and people love it."
"We have to thank and congratulate Australia and New Zealand because without them this would not have been as magical."
Australia’s Minister for Sport Anika Wells echoed the FIFA President’s comment. “While this is almost the end for this [FIFA] Women’s World Cup, it is only the start of a new era for sport in Australia. The sleeping giant has awoken,” she said. “In Australia, this FIFA Women’s World Cup has not just changed women’s football; it has changed women’s sport. Australia is now a football country.
“I want to thank FIFA for what you have done to accelerate the pursuit of gender equality in our country.”
The FIFA President said there was still much to do and urged FIFA’s partners to contribute. "We need everyone. We need the UN agencies, who have been very helpful to us in this World Cup, participating with us. We need the governments, we need the institutions, to create dedicated spaces for women, and for women’s sport and women’s football in particular, of course. We need the partners, the sponsors to pay a fair price. We need the media,” Mr Infantino said.
He asked broadcasters “to pay a fair price for women's football, not just for the (FIFA Women’s) World Cup, but for women's football in general, in all the countries, all the leagues, in all the competitions”.
The FIFA President urged FIFA's member associations to ensure that they organise women’s leagues, pointing out that some of the players who had starred at the tournament would not have any competitive football to go home to.
"(Female players) cannot all go to play in a few clubs in Europe or the USA. We need in the next four years to create the conditions for them to be able to play at professional level at home and this is the biggest challenge we have to take on board," he said.
Mr Infantino added that the tournament's success had supported the decision to enlarge the tournament from 24 to 32 teams. "FIFA was right," he said. "By increasing number of teams, we had eight debutants, we had many countries who suddenly realised they had a chance to participate. Now, everyone has a chance to shine on the global stage."
The tournament had showed that standards were rising while the tournament had generated USD 570 million, allowing it to break even, he said.
In concluding, the FIFA President also appealed to the assembled audience to act at all levels: "We have to start treating women and men in the same way. I say to all the women that you have the power to change. With FIFA, you will find open doors, just push the doors, they are open. And do it at national level in every country, at continental level in every confederation, just keep pushing, keep the momentum going, keep dreaming and let’s really go for a full equality."
Published Thursday, 17 August 2023.
- Report released with guidelines and mitigation strategies for hot conditions in professional football
- Series of studies show national team players unanimously agreed that hot and humid conditions made performance difficult during matches
- Eleven 'Hot Tips' that should be considered by governing bodies, competition organisers, and more to better protect players’ health
FIFPRO has released a report with guidelines and mitigation strategies for hot conditions in professional football.
Following several high-profile international competitions played in hot conditions, a series of cross-sectional studies showed that national team players and managers unanimously agreed that hot and humid conditions made performance difficult during these matches.
The report contains 11 ‘Hot Tips’ that should be considered by governing bodies, competition organisers, clubs, staff members and players to better protect players’ health.
“The human body maintains a constant core temperature that usually ranges from 36.1°C to 37.8°C – and in extreme heat, players are at risk of suffering from heat-stress disorders such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat strokes,” said FIFPRO’s Chief Medical Officer Prof Dr Vincent Gouttebarge.
“To prevent or mitigate this risk and thus to protect players’ performance and health, better guidelines relying on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), or on the ambient temperature, should be implemented and enforced.”
FIFPRO’s position on extreme heat
At present, FIFA guidelines state that if there is a WGBT of more than 32°C (89.6°F) cooling breaks are mandatory in both halves of a match, around the 30th minute and 75th minute. The decision on whether to suspend or cancel the match is at the discretion of competition organisers.
FIFPRO believes that these guidelines do not do enough to protect the health and performance of players and recommend among other things that if there is a WBGT between 28-32°C, cooling breaks should take place around the 30th minute and 75th minute. If there is a WBGT of more than 32°C, training and matches should be rescheduled.
FIFPRO’s 11 Hot Tips
- Heat guidelines should be adopted and respected by football stakeholders, clubs and national teams for matches and training and embedded within regulations (e.g., minimum medical requirements, laws of the games, collective bargaining agreement for national competitions; FIFA competition regulations, social dialogue).
- Heat guidelines should refer to thresholds for WBGT (especially in elite professional football) and ambient (in case a WBGT measurement device is unavailable) temperature to increase their understanding and global implementation across all levels of professional football.
- A WBGT above 26°C (or ambient temperature above 30°C) should warrant cooling breaks during matches (e.g., at approximately 30 minutes in each half of a match).
- A WBGT above 28°C (or ambient temperature above 36°C) should lead to the delay or postponement of matches until conditions for players and officials (and fans) are safer.
- WBGT (and/or ambient temperature) should be measured on-site before each match and training session (e.g., two hours), and consultation between key stakeholders (e.g., players, coaches, match officials, team physicians) about potential risks should occur.
- National and local weather forecasts should monitor the weather conditions (e.g., at least five days before each match) and estimate potential hot conditions to schedule matches (and training) optimally and provide players with a safe environment.
- Next to additional cooling breaks, other mitigation strategies (e.g., heat acclimation/acclimatisation, cooling methods, easy availability of cool drinks all around the football field) should be planned and used for matches and training, with responsibility for their implementation resting with teams and individuals involved.
- Stakeholders (international, continental, national) and television broadcasting companies should not schedule matches at the hottest time of day, that means avoiding mid-day or afternoon matches (i.e., full sunshine) where high WBGT is most likely.
- A (inter)national registry of heat-related collapses and/or deaths should be developed to assess their prevalence, explore the underlying contributing factors, and improve existing guidelines and mitigation strategies.
- While players’ responses (e.g., physiological, cognitive) when exercising in hot conditions have been extensively studied, more research is needed to understand (i) how thresholds (WBGT and/or ambient temperature) in heat guidelines could evolve, (ii) how mitigation strategies, including potential modification of the laws of the game and heat acclimation/acclimatisation, could be optimally implemented and enforced in practice, and (iii) how new technologies might enable the assessment of personal factors (e.g., metabolic rate, thermoregulatory function) and contribute to the prediction of the risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Particular attention should be given to female and youth players with regard to individual responses when exercising in hot conditions or when it comes to avoiding television broadcasts of their matches at mid-day or in the afternoon (i.e., full sunshine).
- Power to the Players is a comprehensive vision for the transformation of football in Asia/Oceania
- Aims to channel unprecedented interest in the region, as demonstrated by 2023 Women’s World Cup, by positioning players at the heart of the sport
- Framework has five key objectives: player organising, member unions, bargaining, diversity, and innovation, data and alliances
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has launched a new strategic framework for the division: Power to the Players, a comprehensive vision for the transformation of the football industry in the region.
The framework aims to channel the unprecedented interest in the sport in Asia/Oceania, as demonstrated by the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, by positioning players at the heart of the sport.
Launched at the division’s bi-annual congress in Auckland, the framework sets forward a path to build on the outstanding efforts of generations of players and member unions by elevating the players’ voice to achieve positive impact.
Designed to play a leading role in supporting FIFPRO’s global reform agenda, the framework has five key objectives:
- Player Organising and Mobilising: building and embedding a strong culture of organising across the region;
- Member Unions: enhancing all member unions throughout the region;
- Bargaining and Leverage: Building effective relationships with strategic partners such as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC);
- Diversity: Promoting the diversity of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania’s members while pursuing a workplace for players that is free from all forms of discrimination and risks to players’ human rights;
- Innovation, Data and Alliances: Commitment to proactively shaping the future of Asian and Oceanian football through evidence-based research, analysis and partnerships.
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Chairman Takuya Yamazaki said: "The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has shone a spotlight on the immense talent and potential within Asia and Oceania, whilst also exposing the enormous challenges faced by players. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we ensure our players are given the support and representation they deserve.
"A legacy of this transformational Women’s World Cup will be stronger representation for all footballers. We plan over the next three years to build stronger unions, enhance player organising and effective relationships to deliver better outcomes for players and the game."
Anna Green, NZPFA's representative on FIFPRO's Asia/Oceania Division board, an-82 time New Zealand international and Sydney FC defender, said: "The interests of the players and the game are inherently linked. Our mission is to enhance all of our unions across Oceania and Asia and ensure that the players’ rights are protected and respected.
"This is the starting point for the players having greater impact and transforming football across the region into a workplace that deeply respects and protects the rights of players."
Download the framework HERE.
The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today that Osaze De Rosario, a Canadian Premier League (CPL) soccer athlete affiliated with the York United Football Club, received a one-month sanction for an anti-doping rule violation. The athlete’s urine sample, collected during an in-competition sample collection session on October 1, 2022, revealed the presence of cannabis, a prohibited cannabinoid. The CCES is satisfied in this case, that cannabis was inadvertently ingested out-of-competition and unrelated to sport.
The presence of cannabis, classified as both a “specified substance” and a “substance of abuse” on the 2022 World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List, is considered an adverse analytical finding when the urinary concentration exceeds 150 ng/mL. The CCES assessed the relevant provisions of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) and proposed a one-month period of ineligibility for this violation.
In response to the CCES’s proposition, the athlete signed an Agreement on the Consequences thereby waiving their right to a hearing and accepting the proposed sanction and all other consequences. The sanction terminates September 3, 2023.
During the sanction period, the athlete is ineligible to participate in any capacity with any sport signatory to the CADP, including training with teammates.
In compliance with rule 8.4 of the CADP, the CCES’s file outcome summary can be found in the Canadian Sport Sanction Registry.
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Most comprehensive programme ever implemented in competition’s history
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All 835 tests conducted in and out of competition by FIFA yield negative results
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More than 25% increase in tests per team compared to France 2019
FIFA has implemented the most comprehensive FIFA Women’s World Cup™ anti-doping programme ever, with the 835 in- and out-of-competition tests conducted up to and including the quarter-finals yielding negative results.
Every participating team was tested in unannounced doping controls before the competition and further systematic tests have also been performed during the event, with post-match controls as well as tests on non-matchdays for the teams. With the aim of ensuring the most meaningful and intelligence-based programme, all tests were targeted based on key criteria, including recommendations from FIFA’s Athlete Passport Management Unit, potential injuries suffered by the players, performance data and the players’ testing history.
The testing programme has been implemented in coordination with Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ), with FIFA’s Athlete Passport Management Unit, composed of independent experts, reviewing player data to detect potential deviations that may indicate the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs.
The breakdown of test figures from the lead-up to and during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ is as follows:
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835 tests conducted directly by FIFA – 449 pre-tournament and 386 during the tournament (up to and including the quarter-finals); additional tests implemented by national anti-doping organisations and the confederations in 2023
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1,711 samples produced in the tests conducted by FIFA (824 urine, 415 blood, 409 blood passport and 63 dried blood spot samples)
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More than 25% increase in tests conducted per participating team in comparison to the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™
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All 32 participating teams were tested in advance of the tournament
All samples collected were analysed at WADA-accredited laboratories, with most of the analyses carried out at the laboratory in Sydney, Australia.
Published Monday, 14 August 2023.
Published Friday, 11 August 2023.
Published Thursday, 03 August 2023.
Published Wednesday, 26 July 2023.
5th Sports Law Arbitration Moot (SLAM)