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Every Rules & refereeing story we publish, newest first.
FIFA has sent a circular to all its member associations and the six confederations outlining the principles that must govern football arbitration tribunals. The organisation led by Gianni Infantino makes clear that a tribunal can only be considered independent if it guarantees parity, impartiality, a fair trial and equal treatment between the parties.
InfoBlaugrana
·5 min read
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says he still trusts VAR despite the officiating mistake that led to his team's derby defeat against Manchester City. The video referee missed a clear offside by Enzo Fernández in the buildup to the winning goal. Carrick also backed Leny Yoro after criticism of his display in the Carabao Cup.
varela·6 min read
The Confederation of African Football has invited Gianni Infantino to a two-day strategic conference in Cape Verde on October 7 and 8. The meeting comes amid a growing battle over FIFA's leadership and strengthens African backing for the Swiss president before the March 2027 elections in Rabat.
Javi·5 min read
UEFA and Concacaf have asked Gianni Infantino to release part of FIFA's reserves to guarantee at least $10 million for each of the 211 national federations over the next three years. Their presidents argue that FIFA will end the year with close to $6 billion in cash and that direct support should not depend on private investment.
varela·6 min read
The Football Association of Ireland formally asked UEFA to keep the Republic of Ireland and Israel in separate groups for future competition draws. The European governing body turned down the request because the two countries have never been in direct conflict. Ireland and Israel are due to meet in the Nations League on 27 September and 4 October.
Natilla·5 min read
UEFA and Concacaf have written to Gianni Infantino demanding that FIFA release at least $10 million from its cash reserves for each of its 211 member associations. The request comes after the collapse of the president's private equity proposal. Both confederations argue the money should be invested in football development.
Natilla·5 min read
Russia is set to compete in an official FIFA competition for the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The under-15 national team will take part in the U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan next month after being drawn in a group with Turkey, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Sierra Leone and Sudan. The FIFA Council agreed in December that the tournament would be open to all 211 member associations.
Javi·4 min read
The second leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 between Sao Paulo and Boca Juniors ended in a draw, but the Argentine club advanced with a 1-2 aggregate score. A disallowed goal for the Brazilian side in the 69th minute sparked outrage when cameras caught the bizarre VAR procedure carried out by the match officials. The audio from the video review room has left Sao Paulo fans furious.
Javi·6 min read
The first international window of the 2026-27 men's season will run for three weeks across late September and early October, while the traditional October break disappears. National teams will play four matches instead of two, and the calendar is locked in until at least 2030. The shift is driven by the 2026 World Cup, player welfare and reduced travel.
Matt·5 min read
Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has written to FIFA president Gianni Infantino demanding the release of all documents related to the abandoned plan to sell a stake in the World Cup. The letter also requests a written explanation for the cancelled suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun during the tournament.
Matt·6 min read