Governing Bodies
FIFA’S TRANSFER BAN THREAT HANGS ON ZAMALEK
Egyptian giants Zamalek have until the end of April to decide whether to appeal the fact that they must pay former player Benjamin Acheampong over $1m.
On Thursday, football’s world governing body Fifa sent the five-time African champions the full reasoning of why it had instructed the Cairo club, on 1 March, to pay the money to the Ghanaian.
Within this, Fifa made clear it was not persuaded by evidence presented by Zamalek that it had reached a greatly-reduced settlement with Acheampong through former Egypt captain Nader El Sayed, who is now an agent.
Zamalek have 21 days from 8 April, when the reasoning was sent out, to file any appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
Fifa’s decision last month came after Cas, sport’s highest legal body, ruled in December that Zamalek must pay Acheampong after determining that the player was forced into breaking his contract by the club’s actions.
Cas found the Ghanaian had ‘no other option but to terminate’ his contract in 2018, citing – among other reasons – his lack of proper payment as well as his exclusion from both training and the squad for his second season at the club.
In January, Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings against Zamalek “for a potential failure to respect a … Cas decision”.
Two months later, they instructed the club to pay Acheampong around $1.1m – as per Cas’ instructions – by the end of March or face a transfer ban.
However, Zamalek’s decision to request the full grounds extended this deadline, which will be further delayed if any follow-up case is taken to Cas.
In its detailed reasoning, Fifa made clear that it was not persuaded by evidence presented by Zamalek claiming to have reached agreement with agent El Sayed that Acheampong had settled for just $250,000.
El Sayed told both Fifa and the BBC that he was still representing Acheampong even though the Ghanaian maintained he had not seen the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations champion, capped over 100 times by Egypt, in over three years.
That did not stop both El Sayed and Zamalek presenting three documents bearing Acheampong’s name to Fifa. The player has said he signed none of them.
“[Fifa] takes note that the amounts due under the Cas award … total almost US$1,000,000 [without interest],” Fifa’s Disciplinary Committee said in its detailed decision.
“As such, it is very unlikely that [Acheampong] would have agreed to enter into a settlement agreement where he would only receive a quarter of the amounts to which he was entitled. [Fifa] is comfortably satisfied that [Acheampong] did not authorise Mr El Sayed to act on his behalf.
“Therefore, [Fifa] deems that the arguments raised by [Zamalek] could not justify the fact that the amounts due to [Acheampong] in accordance with the award passed by [Cas] on 8 December 2020 have not been paid.
“[Fifa] concludes that [Zamalek] … is withholding money from [Acheampong].”
In addition to the threat of a transfer ban, Zamalek were also fined $30,000 by Fifa – with that fine now on hold.
Now back in Cairo with El Dakhleya FC after a spell away from Egypt, Acheampong has said he is prepared to wait for his money, which is likely to take six months at the very least, and probably far longer, if Zamalek do appeal.
“It is not easy at all but I will be strong,” the former Ghanaian youth international told BBC Sport Africa.
He has previously explained that he burned through his savings after not being paid his proper salary while at Zamalek.
In a separate move, the club once insisted – in vain – that the player had given away over half of his contractual income when signing a ‘waiver’ shortly before going out on loan in early 2018.
Zamalek are one of the biggest clubs in Egypt, Africa, where their tally of five African club crowns is only beaten by great rivals Al Ahly, and the Middle East.
They have twice lost the African Champions League final in the last five years.
-BBC
The FIFA Museum in Zurich has launched a new special exhibition titled Innovation in Action: Football Technologies on and off the Pitch, offering visitors an unprecedented glimpse into how innovation is transforming the world’s most popular sport.
Opened on Monday, October 1, 2025, the immersive showcase was developed in collaboration with the FIFA Innovation Team and other departments within world football’s governing body. It explores how cutting-edge technology supports players, referees, and fans—enhancing performance, ensuring fairness, and enriching the overall football experience—while preserving the game’s passion and human spirit.
“What makes this exhibition truly special is that we can give visitors a never-before-seen behind-the-scenes look that allows them to step inside football innovation, experiencing it hands-on rather than just reading about it,” said Marco Fazzone, Managing Director of the FIFA Museum. “We offer a glimpse at technologies and tools that fans don’t normally get to experience up close, while also showing how innovation has evolved over almost 100 years of FIFA World Cup history.”
Organised around five themed sections — Broadcasting & Media, Intelligent Data, Refereeing & Fair Play, Staging the Game, and the Innovation Lab — the exhibition blends rare artefacts with interactive displays. Visitors can relive football’s broadcast evolution, from the black-and-white footage of the 1954 World Cup to today’s ultra-slow motion 4K replays, and even step into a virtual referee booth to experience the pressures of officiating in real time.
Among the standout features is the FIFA Player App, which allows fans to explore Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s performance statistics from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final, illustrating how data helps players refine their craft.
Another exhibit showcases Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan’s water bottle from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 — marked with opponents’ penalty data — revealing how analytics influence critical moments.
Visitors can also view a referee body camera used at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, giving a fresh perspective on decision-making from the official’s point of view.
The exhibition invites visitors to engage directly with football technology. They can test their reflexes and judgment as referees, operate goal-line technology systems, or assume the role of a broadcast director managing live match feeds. Data enthusiasts can analyse player movements, while aspiring innovators can design their own football tech concepts inside the Innovation Lab.
Innovation in Action runs until 31 March 2026 at the FIFA Museum in Zurich. Entry is included with a standard museum ticket.
With its rich mix of storytelling, interactivity, and history, the exhibition promises to be a must-see experience for anyone passionate about the future of the beautiful game.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday that football could not solve conflicts, but it must carry a message of peace and unity as Israel’s military operation in Gaza and other global tensions fuel calls for the sport to take a stand.
“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world,” Infantino told a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich where he met Palestinian federation president Jibril Rajoub.
“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.”
Infantino said world football’s governing body could not solve geopolitical crises, but “it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
“I met Palestinian Football Association (PFA) President Jibril Rajoub today at the Home of FIFA in Zurich to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East region,” Infantino later wrote on Instagram.
“I commend President Rajoub and the PFA for their resilience at this time and I reiterated to him FIFA’s commitment to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world.”
FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football.
The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has been taken. Infantino has consistently said such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution.
The comments came a day after FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani noted that any decision over Israel’s participation in European competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, was a matter for UEFA to decide, effectively putting the onus on the European body.
“First and foremost, it (Israel) is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason… They have to deal with that,” Montagliani told reporters at the Leaders sports business conference on Wednesday.
Israel are third in Europe’s Group I of the qualifying stage for next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Amnesty International on Wednesday sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA calling on them to suspend the Israel Football Association.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports suggesting that its Statutes will be amended at this year’s Annual General Assembly (AGA), insisting that no such plans are on the table for the September 27 meeting.
In a statement, the Federation stressed that the ongoing conversation around its Statutes remains at a preliminary stage and that suggestions of imminent changes are unfounded.
Ahead of the AGA, the NFF will host a workshop on September 26, bringing together representatives of its members, as well as officials from FIFA and CAF. According to the Federation, the forum is strictly consultative, designed to deliberate on proposals for new Statutes in line with the principles of good governance and international best practices.
The NFF explained that only after consensus is reached with its members will a separate General Assembly be convened to formally consider and adopt any proposed Statute changes.
“The NFF remains committed to due process, transparency, and working hand-in-hand with its General Assembly Members, FIFA, and CAF,” the statement read.
“The ultimate goal is to establish enduring Statutes that will strengthen governance, broaden representation, and promote inclusivity within Nigerian football.”
The Federation added that the long-term reform framework is aimed at ensuring stability and progress across its structures and enhancing the participation of all stakeholders in the country’s football administration.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- CAF Confederation Cup1 week ago
Asante Kotoko End Kwara United’s Confederation Cup Campaign in Abeokuta
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup4 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers