India to host FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2020

NEWDELHI: WORLD football governing body FIFA has awarded the hosting rights of the 2020 U-17 Women’s World Cup to India, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Friday. India had earlier hosted the men’s World Cup in the same age group in 2017.

48-TEAM WORLD CUP

MIAMI: FIFA’S ruling council has recommended expanding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams but a final decision will be pushed back until June. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the council here on Friday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said a 48-team tournament is feasible and a decision will be made after consultation with Qatar. Meanwhile, Infantino also confirmed that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be used at the Women’s World Cup this year.

CLUB WORLD CUP

In his press conference on Friday, Infantino confirmed a 24-team Club World Cup starting from 2021, despite vehement opposition from top European clubs. The European Club Association on Friday said its members would boycott the event.

CITY FACE BAN: REPORT

LONDON: Manchester City will be banned by FIFA from making signings in the next two transfer windows after they broke rules related to the protection of youth players and third-party ownership, according to a report in the Sun newspaper.

UNITED SEEK WIN

WOLVERHAMPTON: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will look for Manchester United to respond to the first domestic defeat of his reign when they face Wolves in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. United tasted defeat for the first time in England under Solskjaer’s watch last weekend, losing 2-0 in the league to Arsenal.

RONALDO BACK

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo was named in defending European champions Portugal’s squad on Friday nine months after his last international appearance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.