UEFA to boost Women's Champions League with new group stage

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — In a move to raise the quality, profile and value of women’s soccer, UEFA is changing the Champions League format to include a group stage. The 2021-22 edition will have a 16-team group stage with increased revenue from the sale of centralized broadcast and sponsor deals,...

Garrett’s helmet swing is latest violent incident in sports

Violence is part of the game in many sports but Myles Garrett crossed a line that attracts the attention of authorities sometimes from within their sport and in other cases from criminal prosecutors. The Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end ripped the helmet off Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and hit...

FIFA hires Arsene Wenger for global soccer development role

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA has hired Arsene Wenger in a full-time role leading its global work developing soccer. The former Arsenal manager accepted FIFA’s offer Wednesday more than two months after it was first reported, and one week after talks with Bayern Munich about the German champion’s vacant...

FIFA hires Arsene Wenger to lead global soccer development work

FIFA won't rebuke Club World Cup host China on human rights

FIFA President Gianni Infantino glossed over questions about human rights violations in China while celebrating the country's selection as the first host of soccer's expanded Club World Cup. "We have a social responsibility due to the magnitude and the power that football brings with it," Infantino said after the...

FIFA inviting some non-champions to enlarged Club World Cup

Based on qualification procedures seen by The Associated Press, teams can qualify for FIFA's expanded Club World Cup without having to win a regional competition — even at the expense of some champions. The FIFA Council on Thursday is set to approve China as host of the inaugural edition of the 24-team...

AP Sources: China in line to host 2021 Club World Cup

China is in line to be chosen by FIFA as host of the first edition of the expanded 24-team Club World Cup in 2021. FIFA's decision-making body will meet in Shanghai on Thursday to select the venue of its revamped tournament for clubs that is due to be staged every four years, replacing the little-regarded current...

Megan Rapinoe enjoys whirlwind, focuses on soccer pay fight

NEW YORK (AP) — Megan Rapinoe is enjoying the whirlwind of a two-time World Cup winner. She picked up the FIFA Player of the Year award in Milan rocking a deeper shade of lavender hair, sent off retiring U.S. coach Jill Ellis with an undefeated victory tour and kept up the fight for pay equity against the...

Spanish soccer league tries again to stage game in Miami

Undeterred by the resistance it faced last season, the Spanish soccer league is trying again to take a regular season game to the United States. The Spanish soccer federation has been asked to allow Villarreal's home game against Atlético Madrid on Dec. 6 to be moved to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The...

Soccer star Rapinoe, boxer Shields win sportswomen of year

Soccer star Megan Rapinoe and boxer Claressa Shields have been honored as Sportswomen of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation. They won in the team and individual categories, the awards coming at the foundation's 40th annual Salute to Women in Sports. Rapinoe led the U.S. to victory at the World Cup in...