Messi misses Presidential Medal ceremony with Biden

Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by President Joe Biden on Saturday but did not attend the ceremony at the White House.

Chief fears Club World Cup’s impact on Man City and Chelsea

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters fears this year’s Club World Cup could create “great difficulty” for Manchester City and Chelsea ahead of next season’s English top-flight campaign.

Tuchel to watch Spurs face Newcastle as England reign begins

Thomas Tuchel will mark the official start of his England reign by watching Tottenham play Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.

Morocco, Ivory Coast set to be among top AFCON seeds

Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco and title-holders the Ivory Coast are likely to be among the top seeds when the draw for the 2025 tournament is made in Rabat on January 27.

Watch: ‘Something incredible, and extremely proud of’ – Lookman

Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman became the seventh Nigerian to win the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award following Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Amunike, Rashidi Yekini and Victor Ikpeba.

Yamal in fitness contention ahead of Atletico clash

Lamine Yamal suffered an early ankle injury during Barcelona’s 1-0 loss to Leganes on Sunday, and is running for fitness ahead of Barca’s next Liga clash with Atletico Madrid.

Watch: CAF Men’s Player of the Year Nominees

CAF has extended the list of nominees for the Player of the Year award, with Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns securing a spot in the top five. He will be competing alongside notable players such as Hakimi, Lookman, Guirassy, and others.

Dortmund to host Germany’s Nations League clash with Italy

Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion will host the second leg of Germany’s Nations League quarter-final clash with Italy in March 2025, the German FA (DFB) announced Thursday.

FIFA to reveal Club World Cup draw amid legal threats

The draw for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup takes place in Miami on Thursday, offering a first glimpse into the fine detail of a tournament that has been viewed with indifference or even outright hostility across parts of the football world.

Saudi Arabia World Cup bid ‘medium risk’ for human rights

Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup was considered “medium risk” for human rights by FIFA in its evaluation report, which said implementing reforms could take “significant time and effort”.