Who will be Priestman’s replacement?

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/12/2024 (624 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I have questions. And as this is my first column of winter, and my last of 2024, I think it’s as good a time as any to ask them.

I’m not looking for immediate answers. Indeed, many of these queries won’t even be addressed until well into the New Year. I want to put them out there, because of my own curiosity and the likelihood more than a few will take up a lot of space in 2025 and I want to be prepared.

Let’s start here at home.

When will Canada’s women’s soccer team name a new head coach?

It’s a question that invites a number of follow-up questions. The “dronegate” scandal that overshadowed the Paris Olympics signalled the end of 2020 gold medal-winning manager Bev Priestman’s tenure with the national team, and Canada Soccer said last month a search for her replacement will “commence shortly.”

Is Dalhousie’s Cindy Tye, who oversaw the recent draw with Iceland and 5-1 win over South Korea, in the running? Or will Canada Soccer look for an internationally-established figure?

This generation of Canadian players is a good one, and the up-and-coming group has the potential to be better still. Hiring a head coach who can help them realize their potential is imperative, especially with the nascent Northern Super League set to function as a backdrop.

Can Spain win a first Women’s Euro?

Spain followed up its World Cup win of 2023 with a UEFA Nations League title in 2024. An Olympic semifinal loss to Brazil kicked off a four-match winless skid that included a 1-1 draw with Canada in October.

They’ve since turned the corner with wins over South Korea and France, and just last week Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named The Best FIFA Women’s Player — adding to her second consecutive Ballon d’Or. Five Spain players were also named in the Women’s World XI for 2024.

La Roja should really be winning a first European Championship next summer. Germany, however, have prevailed in eight of the previous 11 tournaments, and France, still without a major trophy, will be desperate as well. Still, this will be Spain’s tournament to lose. Can they deliver?

Will the Club World Cup be more trouble than it’s worth?

Perhaps, at least for now, the question should be phrased a bit differently: Will the FIFA Club World Cup go ahead? Legal matters suggest the controversial event is far from fait accompli.

An October lawsuit involving 39 professional divisions and more than 60,000 footballers alleges FIFA, the sport’s governing body, is putting its players at risk in an “oversaturated international football calendar” that jeopardizes “safety and well-being.”

Not a single linear TV outlet stepped forward to televise the competition, which will be streamed exclusively on DAZN — a violation of FIFA’s own broadcasting statutes. You get the feeling FIFA will pull out all the stops to ensure its Club World Cup has at least the veneer of success.

A related question: Can football possibly sustain so much of the awkward, irritating and attention-craving Gianni Infantino? We may already know the answer to this one.

Whither the European Super League reboot?

They. Just. Won’t. Quit.

It’s been three years since a proposed European Super League was mercifully quashed, but like a football phoenix the idea simply cannot die. There’s too much money to be made.

The latest incarnation, put forward by the A22 promotional group (tells you all you need to know right there), would create a brand-new competition involving 96 teams over three tiers. Thankfully, the European Leagues group has at least rejected the notion in principle, going so far as to say it was “not requested.”

Now – Please. Stop.

Will Manchester City be in the Premier League next season?

It’s never a good look when the courts are so heavily involved in so many aspects of a sport. That’s where we are, and Manchester City have a lot to do with the legal realm taking up so much of football’s oxygen. Which is a pity, as other stories have a lot less space to breathe.

This one, at least, will be over with soon.

Early in the New Year, a verdict will be returned as to City’s 80 alleged breaches of financial regulations and a further 35 regarding the club’s failure to co-operate with investigations into those allegations. As punishment, the reigning four-time Premier League champions could face a symbolic fine or the stripping of their titles and relegation from the English top flight — or anything in between.

It’s something that’s hung over European club football for far too long already, although the understandable desperation to conclude the matter shouldn’t rush a just decision.

Will City be a Premier League enterprise a year from now? More than likely, yes. Should they be? Probably not.

Will geopolitics come into play during World Cup qualification?

UEFA qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States, will begin in March. Already, Norway has indicated they won’t play their Group I matches against Israel, citing what their football association president has called “disproportionate attacks” on Gaza’s civilian population.

It’s a matter FIFA will be pressed into dealing with in the short term. Russia, meanwhile, are banned from participating, although a change in U.S. administration could signal increased pressure for reinstatement.

Will these and other geopolitical situations introduce potentially explosive controversies onto the football landscape? Assuming they will, how will FIFA respond?

Spot-kicks

Let’s finish up with a few quick questions for 2025.

Will Marcus Rashford leave Manchester United?

Will Barcelona be able to sign new players — or existing ones?

Will Atalanta win a first Scudetto?

Will a new stadium be built in Milan?

Will Atletico Madrid pip Barcelona and Real Madrid to the Spanish title?

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Will Canadian stars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan Davies re-sign for their current clubs or join new ones?

Will ex-Toronto FC and Canada head coach John Herdman go into hiding or resurface with another team?

A merry and bright holiday season to you all.

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