Inside world football

By Andrew Warshaw

April 26 – Premier League boss Richard Masters hit out at FIFA’s lack of consultation with European football today by saying there was a “chasm” of difference between how they and UEFA operate.

Speaking at a press conference following the general assembly of the European Leagues, hosted by the Premier League, Masters said the proliferation of new competitions, notably FIFA’s expanded Club World Club, was making the international calendar far too congested –

April 26 – The Spanish government has formed a special committee to oversee the country’s football federation (RFEF) until the governing body holds fresh elections following the scandal surrounding its former president, Luis Rubiales.

April 26 – Japan powered past Qatar in extra time of the U23 AFC Asian Cup, crushing the host’s senior and U23 Asian Cup double dream on home soil with a 4-2 win.

April 26 – Benfica starlet Joao Neves is the most seasoned U20 player in world football according to data provided by the CIES Football Observatory.

April 26 – Sweden is set to reject the introduction and implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after elite clubs voiced their opposition to the technology.

April 26 – Brazil legend Marta, 38, will retire from international football this year, she confirmed.

April 26 – The row between Manchester United and Newcastle over the latter putting their sporting director Dan Ashworth on gardening leave is set to go to arbitration in an effort to resolve the impasse.

April 24 – Juventus and WPP-owned sports marketing agency Two Circles have agreed a five-year partnership to collaborate on the 36-time Italian Champions’ new commercial partnerships programme.

April 25 – State-owned Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco has become one of FIFA’s Major Worldwide Partners’ in a four-year deal running through to the end of 2027 and covering both the 2026 men’s and 2027 women’s World Cups.

April 26 – A record 35 nations have expressed interest in competing in the 2024 Concacaf Girls’ U15 Championship to be held in August 5-11.