Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged FIFA to “do more” after a concession on World Cup ticket prices.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has claimed “the club wanted me to go” when Al-Hilal made a big-money bid to sign him in the summer.
England boss Sarina Wiegman was named women’s coach of the year at The Best FIFA Football Awards after leading the Lionesses to Euro 2025 success.
Prime Minister calls on FIFA to act on prices
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged FIFA to do more after the world governing body introduced cheaper World Cup tickets for a small number of fans following an outcry over pricing.
Supporters who are part of national team travel clubs and loyalty schemes discovered last week the cheapest tickets for the final would be priced at over £3,000, while England fans wishing to follow the team from the first match to the final should they get there would have to spend over £5,000 as a minimum.
However, FIFA has now announced that 10 per cent of the participant member association (PMA) allocation for each match will be priced at 60 US dollars (£45) – including for the final.
However, the concession appears to have done little to quell the anger among supporters, with one fan group branding it “nothing more than an appeasement tactic”.
And now Starmer has called on FIFA to go further, saying on X: “I welcome FIFA’s announcement of some lower priced supporters tickets.
“But as someone who used to save up for England tickets, I encourage FIFA to do more to make tickets more affordable so that the World Cup doesn’t lose touch with the genuine supporters who make the game so special.”
Fernandes says United wanted him out
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has claimed “the club wanted me to go” when Al-Hilal made a big-money bid to sign him in the summer.
The Saudi Arabian club were reportedly willing to pay £100million for the 31-year-old midfielder, offering the Portugal international wages of up to £700,000 a week.
In an interview with Canal 11, a channel owned by the Portuguese Football Federation, Fernandes has said he felt senior figures at United were keen to cash in.
“I could have left in this transfer window, I would have earned much more money,” Fernandes said in comments reported by A Bola. “I was going to leave a season ago, I would have won many trophies this season, but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely love the club.
“From the club I felt it was, ‘If you go it’s not so bad for us’. It hurts me a bit. More than hurting me, it makes me sad. I’m a player that no one can criticise, I’m always available, I always give my best…
“I don’t see it as a matter of money. Financially I can’t complain, although the difference with Saudi Arabia is massive.”
Wiegman named coach of the year
“It’s an honour to receive this award again.” 💬
Sarina Wiegman receives her fifth The Best @FIFAcom Women’s Coach award. pic.twitter.com/RqlpMBs6WK
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) December 16, 2025
England boss Sarina Wiegman was been named women’s coach of the year at The Best FIFA Football Awards for the fifth time after leading the Lionesses to Euro 2025 success.
The 56-year-old saw off competition from Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Arsenal’s Renee Slegers, Seb Hines of Orlando Pride and Lyon’s Jonatan Giraldez to take the prize at a ceremony in Doha.
Wiegman, who was not in attendance to pick up the award in person, said in a pre-recorded video: “Thank you so much, it is an absolute honour to receive this award again.
“This award is for players and staff. We have shown so much conviction, belief and togetherness which led us to our second Euros win.”
What’s on today?
Manchester City host Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-final whilst Fulham go to Newcastle.
In Scottish Premiership, Celtic host Dundee United.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all face tough away games in the Women’s Champions League.
