By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Jan 13, 2022) US Soccer Players - Like most of us, Gregg Berhalter tends to speak more expressively on topics he's passionate about. The LA Times' Kevin Baxter landed on one of those during Monday's USMNT media availability from the current January camp in Phoenix when he broached the recurring subject of a proposed training facility for US Soccer. "Kevin, you . . .
FIFA and the potential economics of the biennial World Cup
FIFA held its Global Summit yesterday, announcing the results of two new studies focusing on the economic impact of the biennial World Cup proposal. FIFA has yet to bring that proposal to a vote, alongside revamping the international calendar starting in 2025. As understatements go, it's fair to say that both of those agenda items would potentially rework international soccer as we know it. As for . . .
What if FIFA gets its way?
By J Hutcherson (Dec 7, 2021) US Soccer Players - In theory, it's not that difficult to see FIFA's plan for the biennial World Cup as the obvious answer to an equally obvious set of issues. Holding the World Cup every four years uses the same logic as the Olympics with the same problem. Four years is a long time, especially in the short working lives of elite athletes. The calendar will adjust. . . .
Infantino’s three questions
Monday's soccer news starts with FIFA president Gianni Infantino's "Shape a better football" message for the federations. In part, Infantino pointed to the obvious steps necessary for the game to return to normal. Resume the schedule, eventually allow fans in the stadiums. He was careful to highlight the different situations for leagues trying to return to play. "Football is already underway or . . .
The 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids again at issue
Tuesday's soccer news starts with a trip back in time to December 2, 2010. That's when FIFA surprised many by naming Russia and Qatar as the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. As soon as then FIFA president Sepp Blatter read the names of the hosts, outrage ensued. That's continued over the years as multiple members of FIFA's executive committee ended up facing criminal charges and convictions . . .
UEFA tries to move forward
Wednesday's soccer news starts with UEFA meeting in part to try and determine a timescale for completing the 2019-20 European season. If this sounds like a topic on endless repeat these days, you're not alone. European soccer's attempt to chart a path through the uncertainty of a global pandemic carries with it the significant constraint of having no clear idea when it will be safe and in the . . .
UEFA’s Ceferin stresses purpose over profit
Tuesday's soccer news starts with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin speaking to the organization's congress in Amsterdam. With European soccer's governing body facing pressure from FIFA as well as from some of its own elite clubs, Ceferin responded by stressing UEFA's role as protector of the bigger picture. The one-sentence synopsis of that he put on repeat at the beginning and end of his . . .
Four years in, Infantino wants more for FIFA
Thursday's soccer news starts with FIFA president Gianni Infantino releasing his plan. Marking four years in charge, Infantino is pushing forward with what he calls the true globalization of the sport. "My vision is for the organization to help develop football in all regions of the world so that many more can compete at the very highest level," Infantino writes. "The goal is to have at least 50 . . .
Manchester City’s situation
Monday's soccer news starts with the same thing most of soccer is talking about, UEFA banning Manchester City from European competition for two seasons over Financial Fair Play. For a team like Manchester City, that means no Champions League and no point for the vast amount of money the club spends. That's what has them in trouble, how they accounted for incoming revenue to stay on the right side . . .
Taking stock of US Soccer as 2020 AGM unfolds
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Feb 13, 2020) US Soccer Players - The US Soccer Federation gathers its membership and executives in Nashville this weekend for its 2020 annual general meeting. A vice-presidential election, some rules and policy proposals, and the usual business review and approval of the budget are the main items on the agenda. Beyond that, it's also a moment to reflect on the . . .
