Croatia, Serbia fined for Balkan statements at World Cup
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Croatian and Serbian soccer federations were fined by FIFA on Wednesday for making Balkan political statements at the World Cup.
The next World Cup will jump to 48 teams. Is bigger better?
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The next World Cup will be the biggest ever after world soccer body FIFA took the leap from a 32-team field to 48 teams in 2026.
EXPLAINER: What’s post-World Cup future for Qatar’s stadiums
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The World Cup stadium was designed to leave a minimal footprint in the Qatari sand. It's now due to be dismantled.
Stadium 974 played host to seven matches, the last of which was Brazil's 4-1 win over South Korea in the round of 16 on Monday.
Serbia charged by FIFA for team, fans conduct at World Cup
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA brought disciplinary charges against Serbia on Monday for alleged misconduct by players and fans including offensive chants at a World Cup match against Switzerland.
Uruguay players charged for confronting World Cup referee
December 5, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Four Uruguay players were charged with offensive behavior by FIFA on Monday for their angry pursuit of the referee after being eliminated from the World Cup.
FIFA official Wenger knocks teams protesting at World Cup
December 4, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA official Arsène Wenger took a shot at World Cup teams who tried to make political statements in Qatar, saying Sunday they lacked focus for their first games.
New 48-team World Cup format fails to impress Poland coach
December 3, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The high drama of split-screen tension during simultaneous matches in the final set of World Cup group games is now a thing of the past.
Klinsmann leads FIFA team analyzing World Cup on the road
December 1, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The black SUV packed with soccer fans wearing Lionel Messi shirts pulls up alongside a World Cup -branded vehicle, both inching forward in late-night traffic after leaving Argentina’s game against Poland.
French federation files complaint over disallowed goal
December 1, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — The French soccer federation is filing a complaint with FIFA over Antoine Griezmann's disallowed goal at the end of a 1-0 loss to Tunisia at the World Cup on Wednesday.
World Cup win increases prize money for American men, women
November 30, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The U.S. women's team will make at least three times more from the men’s World Cup than they received for winning the 2019 women’s tournament, thanks to a new deal to split World Cup earnings.
FIFA says rainbow items are allowed at World Cup stadiums
November 30, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — One day after Iran and Wales were eliminated at the World Cup, FIFA finally gave a public assurance Wednesday that rainbow items and banners supporting protests in Iran will be allowed into stadiums.
Croatia charged after fans taunt Canadian World Cup player
November 29, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — A disciplinary case was opened against Croatia at the World Cup on Tuesday after the team’s fans taunted a Canada player with Serbian family ties.
Analysis: As Qatar World Cup unfolds, planet keeps spinning
November 29, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Soccer — or football, to most of the global billions watching the World Cup this month — is not human society itself, with all its thorny issues. But at times, the game is a reflection of the entire planet — of nations, their disputes, their aspirations and those of a multitude of minority communities.
FIFA lifts 9-month ban of Kenyan soccer federation
November 28, 2022 GMTNAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A ban preventing Kenya from taking part in international soccer activities has been lifted after nine months.
Soccer governing body FIFA notified the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Monday the decision was made following the reinstatement of the federation's executive committee by Kenya's new sports minister.
Qatari fans hit back at Germany by recalling Özil in protest
November 28, 2022 GMTAL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — Qatari soccer fans hit back at Germany’s World Cup protest on Sunday by holding pictures of former Germany player Mesut Özil while covering their mouths during the match against Spain.
FIFA charges Germany for no player at news conference
November 28, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Germany was charged in a disciplinary case by FIFA on Monday, though not for its players’ “hands covering mouths” protest before playing a World Cup game last week.
Queiroz slams Klinsmann’s criticism of Iran’s World Cup team
November 27, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Iranian soccer federation and national team coach Carlos Queiroz have angrily hit back at former Germany great Jurgen Klinsmann for saying that Iran's World Cup players use dirty tactics because its in their “culture."
Serbia charged over locker room Kosovo flag at World Cup
November 26, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Serbian soccer federation was charged by FIFA on Saturday for hanging a political banner about neighboring independent state Kosovo in the locker room before playing Brazil at the World Cup.
Maradona’s World Cup absence ‘strange’ for Messi, Argentina
November 25, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — For the first time since the 1978 World Cup, Argentina is without Diego Maradona on soccer’s biggest stage.
The team could use him more than ever as the South American team is off to a rocky start at the tournament.
FIFA tells Wales that fans can wear rainbow hats in stadiums
November 24, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Welsh soccer federation said FIFA has offered assurances that fans wearing rainbow symbols will be allowed at Friday's World Cup game against Iran.
The federation had asked FIFA for clarity on reports some Wales fans were stopped from taking rainbow bucket hats and flags into the team’s World Cup opener against the United States on Monday.
Germany players cover mouths at World Cup in FIFA protest
November 23, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Germany's players covered their mouths for the team photo before their opening World Cup match on Wednesday to protest against FIFA following the governing body's clampdown on the “One Love” armband.
Belgium politician wears ‘One Love’ armband at World Cup
November 23, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Belgium’s foreign minister wore a “One Love” armband when she met with FIFA president Gianni Infantino at her country’s World Cup match against Canada on Wednesday.
Denmark reignites European dispute with FIFA at World Cup
November 23, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — European soccer showed its public frustration with FIFA president Gianni Infantino again Wednesday at the World Cup — this time in the Denmark camp.
FIFA charges Ecuador over fan chants at World Cup opener
November 22, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Discriminatory chants allegedly by Ecuador fans at the World Cup opening game led FIFA to open the first disciplinary case of the tournament on Tuesday.
Hundreds of fans report World Cup ticket woes for 2nd day
November 22, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Handwritten paper tickets were given to some fans to enter a World Cup game on Tuesday as hundreds more in Qatar struggled to retrieve their digital passes amid problems with FIFA's mobile application for a second day.
Wales asks FIFA why rainbow hats were removed at World Cup
November 22, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Wales soccer federation says it has asked FIFA for clarity on reports some Wales fans were stopped from taking rainbow-colored hats into a World Cup stadium.
The Welsh federation said it was involved in creating the hats for fans to wear in Qatar, starting against the United States on Monday.
FIFA blocks ‘Love’ detail on Belgium’s World Cup jersey
November 21, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA has denied Belgium’s request to wear team jerseys with a “Love” label at the World Cup in Qatar because of a commercial link to a rave festival.
FIFA threat makes World Cup teams nix ‘One Love’ armbands
November 21, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA's threat of on-field punishment for players pushed World Cup teams to back down Monday and abandon a plan for their captains to wear armbands that were seen as a rebuke to host nation Qatar's human rights record.
Qatar opens World Cup with lavish half-hour ceremony
November 20, 2022 GMTAL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman extended one yellow-gloved hand to a FIFA World Cup ambassador suffering from a rare spinal disorder in an image meant to represent inclusion in a country facing international criticism over its human rights record.
European World Cup teams to defy FIFA in armband standoff
November 20, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — In a tense meeting at the World Cup on Sunday, FIFA tried to end a standoff with European teams about wearing unauthorized captain armbands for an anti-discrimination campaign that draws attention to Qatar.
FIFA revenue hits $7.5B for current World Cup period
November 20, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA earned record revenues of $7.5 billion in the four years of commercial deals tied to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the governing body of soccer said Sunday.
The last three sponsors — two American and one from the Middle East — were announced hours before the opening game: YouTube, Visit Las Vegas and Fine Hygienic Holding, all in the third-tier category of regional sponsors.
Germany goalkeeper Neuer to defy FIFA on captains’ armbands
November 19, 2022 GMTMADINAT ASH SHAMAL, Qatar (AP) — Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to defy FIFA’s campaign for captains to wear only official armbands with selected slogans at World Cup games.
“Yes,” the veteran goalkeeper said when asked at the Germany training camp about overriding a new FIFA project backed by United Nations agencies.
Infantino scolds World Cup critics in extraordinary diatribe
November 19, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Gianni Infantino said he feels gay. That he feels like a woman. That he feels like a migrant worker. He lectured Europeans for criticizing Qatar’s human rights record and defended the host country’s last-minute decision to ban beer from World Cup stadiums.
FIFA head says fans ‘will survive’ without beer at World Cup
November 19, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA president Gianni Infantino downplayed Qatar's last minute ban on the sale of beer at World Cup stadiums as nothing more than a brief inconvenience to spectators.
German soccer boss criticizes FIFA on human rights campaigns
November 18, 2022 GMTAL-RUWAIS, Qatar (AP) — German soccer federation president Bernd Neuendorf has criticized FIFA for its attempts to restrict national teams’ political activities when it comes to human rights.
Qatar bans sale of beer at World Cup stadiums in about-face
November 18, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Qatar banned the sale of beer at World Cup stadiums on Friday, a sudden U-turn on the deal the conservative Muslim emirate made to secure the soccer tournament with only two days to go before the opening game.
Infantino unopposed to get 4 more years as FIFA president
November 17, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA president Gianni Infantino is getting four more years in charge of soccer's governing body after no candidate stepped up to challenge him.
FIFA said Thursday the 52-year-old Swiss lawyer was the only person to enter the race by the time the deadline passed overnight — exactly four months before election day on March 16 in Kigali, Rwanda.
World Cup players get protection from social media abuse
November 16, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA and the global soccer players union have launched a moderation service aimed at protecting World Cup players from abuse on social media during the tournament.
World Cup prize money disparity is an obstacle to Equal Pay
November 15, 2022 GMTWorld Cup prize money continues to be a sticking point for equality in soccer, despite the historic equal pay agreement between U.S. Soccer and its men's and women's teams.
At G-20, FIFA head calls for World Cup ceasefire in Ukraine
November 15, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged world leaders on Tuesday to call for a ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine during the World Cup that starts this week.
Budweiser stalls to be less prominent at World Cup stadiums
November 14, 2022 GMTBudweiser beer stands at the eight World Cup stadiums are being moved aside to less prominent spots just days before the games start, Qatari organizers said on Monday.
Having the World Cup in Qatar creates unique tight schedule
November 14, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — There has never been a World Cup match schedule like this one.
The first World Cup ever played in November and December — to avoid Qatar's desert heat — is just the starting point for other unique features.
Fans across German stadiums call for Qatar World Cup boycott
November 14, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Germany’s professional soccer leagues have been marked by widespread protests against the World Cup in Qatar, with rival fans joining forces to condemn FIFA corruption and human rights abuses in the Gulf Arab country.
Philipp Lahm says it was ‘mistake’ to award WCup to Qatar
November 13, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Seven days before the World Cup is due to start in Qatar, former Germany captain Philipp Lahm says it was “a mistake” to award the tournament to the Gulf Arab country.
FIFA data project set to analyze games at World Cup
November 11, 2022 GMTZURICH (AP) — Huge amounts of World Cup match data will be shared with teams, media and fans in a performance analysis project outlined by FIFA on Friday.
Europe’s World Cup stranglehold tested by Brazil, Argentina
November 11, 2022 GMTWhen Gianni Infantino told a gathering of European soccer officials in Vienna he hoped the winner of the World Cup came from their continent, the FIFA President quickly stated — with a smile — he adapts the comment to whichever region he’s in.
Israelis, Palestinians can fly on same flights to World Cup
November 10, 2022 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Soccer fans from Israel and the Palestinian territories will be able to fly directly to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar from Tel Aviv for the first time, soccer’s global governing body announced Thursday.
Southgate says Qatar issues will be addressed at World Cup
November 10, 2022 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — England coach Gareth Southgate doesn't expect his players to refrain from speaking up about issues regarding human rights during the World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking at the announcement of his 26-man squad for the tournament on Thursday, Southgate added that a decision is yet to be made over whether his team will take a knee before games in a stance against racism.
Qatar again denies claim of cash offers to World Cup voters
November 9, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — A longstanding whistleblower allegation that Qatar offered cash to voters during its winning bid to host the World Cup was denied again by officials in a Netflix documentary released Wednesday.
Switzerland pick 4 goalkeepers amid World Cup injury doubts
November 9, 2022 GMTLUCERNE, Switzerland (AP) — Switzerland will take four goalkeepers to Qatar in a World Cup squad named Wednesday with injury concerns over first-choice Yann Sommer and backup Jonas Omlin.
Ecuador keeps World Cup place after ruling by sports court
November 8, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Ecuador kept its place at the World Cup thanks to a Swiss court ruling on Tuesday, but will be deducted three points in qualifying for the 2026 tournament because of a false document being used to get a passport for a Colombia-born player.
Blatter says picking Qatar as World Cup host was a ‘mistake’
November 8, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Picking Qatar to host the World Cup was a mistake 12 years ago, FIFA’s president at the time Sepp Blatter said Tuesday, again citing a meeting between Nicolas Sarkozy and Michel Platini for swaying key votes.
European nations press FIFA for answers ahead of World Cup
November 6, 2022 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — European nations, including England, are pushing FIFA for “concrete answers” on issues relating to migrant workers ahead of the World Cup.
The 10 nations speaking Sunday include eight with World Cup-bound teams that have committed to captains wearing One Love armbands in breach of FIFA-written rules.
EXPLAINER: Sports in Qatar as country hosts 2022 World Cup
November 5, 2022 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup but soccer isn't the only sport played in the Gulf Arab country.
From traditional pursuits to worldwide competitions, Qatar increasingly has marketed itself as a host for sports of all sorts.
FIFA urges World Cup teams to focus on soccer over politics
November 4, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — FIFA's top officials have urged the 32 teams preparing for the most political World Cup in the modern era to focus on the game in Qatar and avoid handing out lessons in morality.
Leeds loses $6.6M pandemic-caused transfer case with Leipzig
November 4, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Premier League team Leeds lost a multi-million dollar pandemic-related transfer dispute with German club Leipzig on Friday.
Ukraine soccer body asks FIFA to remove Iran from World Cup
October 31, 2022 GMTKYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Ukrainian soccer federation urged FIFA on Monday to remove Iran from the World Cup next month, alleging human rights violations and supplying the Russian military with weapons.
Soccer’s ‘most important project’ begins, not the World Cup
October 31, 2022 GMTCAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The goal is to get soccer balls to 700 million elementary school children, most of them in the poorest or most remote corners of the world.
India alone needs 1 million balls, which will likely have to travel the length and breadth of the country by road to reach kids at about 10,000 schools.
FIFA report shows growth in women’s soccer
October 28, 2022 GMTWomen's soccer is seeing growing revenues globally from sponsorships, broadcast deals and merchandising, while also seeing greater interest from fans, according to a new survey by the game's governing body.
Ukrainian club urges FIFA to remove Iran from World Cup
October 24, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Ukraine’s top soccer club on Monday urged FIFA to remove Iran from the World Cup because of the country's alleged military support to the Russian invasion.
FIFA slams unacceptable TV deal offers for Women’s World Cup
October 22, 2022 GMTAUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Broadcasters were criticized by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Saturday for what he called unacceptably low offers for rights to screen the Women’s World Cup next year.
World Cup doping: Costa Rica’s Galo positive for steroid
October 22, 2022 GMTZURICH (AP) — Four weeks before the World Cup, Costa Rica defender Orlando Galo has been suspended by FIFA after testing positive for an anabolic steroid and is set to miss the tournament.
FIFA said Saturday that Galo “has been provisionally suspended and the usual procedure has been opened.”
Russian soccer clubs challenge FIFA rule on player contracts
October 21, 2022 GMTLAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Russian soccer clubs will challenge FIFA at sport’s highest court next month over emergency rules that let players suspend their contracts and leave since the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Qatar’s 12-year journey as World Cup host has 1 month to go
October 20, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — The first World Cup in the Middle East is one month away, nearing the conclusion of an often bumpy 12-year journey for Qatar that has transformed the nation.
FIFA vows to improve Indonesian soccer safety after tragedy
October 19, 2022 GMTJAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The president of soccer's world governing body met with Indonesia's president on Tuesday and pledged to help improve stadium safety to prevent a repeat of a tragedy in which police fired tear gas at a match, causing a crush that killed 132 people as spectators attempted to flee.
World Cup ticket sales top 90% of stadium capacity in Qatar
October 17, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Nearly 2.9 million tickets have been sold for the World Cup in Qatar, FIFA and organizers said Monday, leaving about 7% of seats still available.
FIFA makes 10-team playoff draw for Women’s World Cup
October 14, 2022 GMTZURICH (AP) — Portugal will have to beat Thailand or Cameroon to advance to its first Women’s World Cup tournament next year.
Portugal, which was the highest-ranked nation at No. 23 in Friday's 10-team intercontinental playoff draw, was put into the pot despite beating Iceland in this week's European playoffs.
FIFA judge among 5 Venezuelans guilty of corruption charges
October 13, 2022 GMTZURICH (AP) — A FIFA disciplinary judge and a former president of Venezuela’s soccer federation were found guilty by the world soccer body on Thursday of financial corruption.
Former federation president Laureano González was banned for five years for mismanagement of its money including a “fictitious invoicing scheme,” FIFA said in announcing the verdicts of its ethics committee.
FBI back at FIFA, teaming up to protect the World Cup
October 13, 2022 GMTZURICH (AP) — The FBI has been back at FIFA this week, working with soccer’s governing body to protect the World Cup in Qatar from potential crime including match-fixing.
FIFA open to compensation fund for migrant workers in Qatar
October 13, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — FIFA wants to help workers in Qatar get compensation for being injured while building projects for the World Cup, one of the soccer body’s top officials told European lawmakers on Thursday.
South America soccer supports Infantino’s reelection at FIFA
October 12, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — South American soccer leaders have given their backing to Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election as FIFA president as they prepare a four-nation bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Clubs invited to get FIFA money from $209M World Cup fund
October 11, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Soccer clubs around the world were invited by FIFA on Tuesday to apply for money from a fund of $209 million set aside for teams that release players for this year's World Cup in Qatar.
England willing to be penalized for World Cup armband
October 10, 2022 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — England is prepared to face FIFA punishment by wearing the “OneLove” anti-discrimination armband at the World Cup.
Ten European nations have committed to promote inclusion and campaign against discrimination this season.
FIFA won’t sanction Indonesia over fatal crush, Widodo says
October 8, 2022 GMTJAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia’s president said the country will not face sanctions from soccer’s world governing body after the firing of tear gas inside a half-locked stadium caused a crush at the exits, killing 131 people, including 17 children.
Asian soccer chief unopposed for reelection
October 4, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — FIFA vice president Sheik Salman of Bahrain will be unopposed for reelection to lead the Asian Football Confederation, while the head of the Saudi Arabian soccer federation is a candidate to join him on the world governing body’s ruling committee.
Stadium tragedy exposes Indonesia’s troubled soccer history
October 3, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Gaining the right to host next year’s Under-20 World Cup was a major milestone in Indonesia’s soccer development, raising hopes that a successful tournament would turn around long-standing problems that have blighted the sport in this country of 277 million people.
125 die as tear gas triggers crush at Indonesia soccer match
October 2, 2022 GMTMALANG, Indonesia (AP) — Police firing tear gas after an Indonesian soccer match in an attempt to stop violence triggered a disastrous crush of fans making a panicked, chaotic run for the exits, leaving at least 125 people dead, most of them trampled upon or suffocated.
Former El Salvador soccer boss sentenced in US bribery case
September 29, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The former president of El Salvador’s soccer federation was sentenced on Thursday to 16 months in prison in the long-running FIFA corruption scandal.
FIFA’s Paris finance house to steer transfer cash to clubs
September 29, 2022 GMTZURICH (AP) — French financial regulators cleared FIFA to start processing hundreds of millions of dollars from transfer fees owed to smaller clubs who nurture players, soccer’s world body said Thursday.
Denmark to wear World Cup jerseys that protest host Qatar
September 28, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Denmark will wear team jerseys at the World Cup that protest the human rights record of host nation Qatar, with a black option unveiled Wednesday to honor migrant workers who died during construction work for the tournament.