Latest FIFA News

FIFA urged to put more human rights scrutiny into 2034 World Cup deal with Saudi Arabia

Oct. 11, 2024 11:27 AM EDT

ZURICH (AP) — Two months before FIFA is set to confirm Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup host, the soccer body was urged again Friday to allow independent scrutiny of the kingdom’s human rights obligations for the tournament. A group of law and human rights experts plus Saudi...

FIFA bans Italian player Curto for 10 games for discrimination toward South Korean opponent

Oct. 08, 2024 09:46 AM EDT

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA banned Italian soccer player Marco Curto for 10 games for making a discriminatory remark at South Korea forward Hee Chan Hwang in a preseason game between Como and Wolverhampton. The 25-year-old Curto also must do “community services and undergo training and...

Will global soccer be reshaped after EU's top court issued a major ruling in Lassana Diarra case?

Oct. 07, 2024 11:25 AM EDT

The global soccer transfer market, worth more than $10 billion each season, 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. By ruling that some FIFA regulations on player transfers...

Landmark ruling from top EU court says some FIFA rules on transfers are contrary to EU law

Oct. 04, 2024 13:18 PM EDT

Some FIFA rules on player transfers are contrary to European Union legislation relating to competition and freedom of movement, the EU’s top court said on Friday. The ruling will likely lead to a shakeup of the soccer market's global regulations and could change the sport's...

2025 Club World Cup final to be at MetLife Stadium, site of 2026 World Cup final

Sep. 28, 2024 19:28 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Next 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. Twelve stadiums will be used for the 32-team tournament, FIFA said Saturday night, including five...

Phone deal for visiting fans at 2026 World Cup part of Verizon sponsor pact with FIFA

Sep. 24, 2024 13:03 PM EDT

GENEVA (AP) — Soccer fans arriving in North America for the 2026 World Cup have been promised help with their cell phone coverage from Verizon as part of a sponsor deal with FIFA announced on Tuesday. The New York-based technology provider said FIFA expected three million...

FIFA teams up with UN health agency for campaign to educate world soccer about concussion

Sep. 18, 2024 05:36 AM EDT

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA teamed up with the World Health Organization on Wednesday for a campaign to educate the soccer industry about the risks of concussion injuries. “Concussion is a public health issue of concern at all levels of football, and many other sports, requiring greater...

Frito-Lay upgrades FIFA sponsorship with fan awards at men's and women's World Cups

Sep. 12, 2024 11:59 AM EDT

ZURICH (AP) — Texas-based snacks maker Frito-Lay will be a global sponsor for the next men’s and women’s World Cups and back a “fan of the match” award at every game, FIFA said on Thursday. Frito-Lay upgrades its previous FIFA deals as a third-tier North American sponsor...

FIFA aims for the perfect pitch at 2026 World Cup following fields called a disaster at Copa America

Aug. 30, 2024 03:04 AM EDT

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The 2026 World Cup is coming to North America with an ambitious plan, expanding the field by 50% and spreading the soccer spectacle over 16 cities in three countries with multiple climates and elevations. FIFA, aiming to create the perfect pitch for every...

Global players' union builds on FIFA regulations with a guide for expectant mothers

Aug. 27, 2024 14:31 PM EDT

When Cheyna Matthews got pregnant with her first child back in 2018, she had a lot of questions. In addition to concerns about her legal rights as a professional soccer player, how would she manage pregnancy and the birth? And, importantly, when could she safely play again? ...