A decade into Gianni Infantino’s presidency, FIFA has expanded globally while becoming more polarizing, shaped by growth, controversy and constant change.
New Year's Eve is almost upon us, meaning 2025 is about to be consigned to the past - but how will it be remembered by the football world? It was certainly an unforgettable year for some players, coaches and clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, for example, finally got their hands on the trophy they craved above all others, the Champions League, thus vindicating a sensible change in recruitment strategy by the club's owners, who went from signing superstars to investing millions in youth.
UEFA is facing separate legal battles worth a total of €4.5 billion as Real Madrid and A22, the company behind the European Super League, are suing the governing body in the wake of a court ruling. A22 have also sent a letter to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, demanding the controversial project be given full approval.
The Dutch professional footballers' union (VVCS) has joined a growing class action lawsuit against FIFA, the KNVB and several national football associations over what it calls an “unfair” transfer system. The legal challenge, spearheaded by the Justice for Players foundation, could impact over 100,000 players across Europe and potentially reshape football’s transfer rules.
Chelsea skipper Reece James has sent a warning to FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup as he urged the football’s governing body to rethink kick-off times to protect players from potentially "dangerous" heat conditions. The 25-year-old defender, who lifted the Club World Cup with Chelsea in the United States earlier this year, described the sweltering temperatures during the tournament as "super difficult" and believes that matches played in similar conditions next summer could put players’ health at risk.
Three Premier League clubs are set to compete in the Club World Cup from the next edition as FIFA aim to increase the number of teams in the competition. The inaugural edition of the tournament, held in the USA, saw English giants Chelsea winning the title by beating European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final. The representative from England were Manchester City.
FIFA is reportedly unlikely to advance a proposal to expand the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for 2030, despite recommendations from CONMEBOL, South American FA leaders, and several presidents from the continent. The Guardian reports that while FIFA heard the pitch and will share it with stakeholders, there is internal skepticism about the plan.
The Ballon d'Or. Love it or loathe it, it's the award every footballer in the world dreams of one day winning. And now, after a memorable 2024-25 campaign, the winner of the 2025 Golden Ball has been announced: Ousmane Dembele.
If you thought the days of the Ballon d'Or generating headlines were over after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's era of dominance came to an end, then think again. After one of the most closely-fought races for a number of years, Rodri came out on top in 2024, beating Vinicius Jr into second place as Real Madrid dramatically boycotted the ceremony in Paris in protest at their star player missing out.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher tore into Chelsea and claimed the Blues "can't pretend" that the Todd Boehly era has been a success after they spent £2bn to win only the Conference League and the Club World Cup. Since Boehly’s consortium took control at Stamford Bridge, the Blues have been trying to rebuild a squad that was once one of Europe's finest. However, after an eye-watering spend, Chelsea find themselves on the outside looking in at the Premier League’s top dogs.
Luis Enrique will face no punishment for slapping Joao Pedro in Paris Saint-Germain's Club World Cup final defeat to Chelsea, with FIFA closing the case.
Swiss federal prosecutors confirmed on Thursday that they would not challenge the acquittals of Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, effectively closing the long-running case against the two former giants of world football. With that, after a decade of legal battles, accusations, and high-profile trials, the curtain has finally come down on one of football’s most infamous sagas.
Real Madrid are among a host of top European clubs that are pushing for more changes to the Club World Cup format. The revised 32-team competition was held for the first time in the US this summer and Chelsea won the title, beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final. The next edition of the tournament is scheduled to be held in 2029 and after which FIFA might consider hosting it even more frequently.
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