Spotify’s €280m deal would be music to Barca’s ears
February 8 – Financially challenged Barcelona are reportedly on the verge of agreeing a €280 million shirt and training kit deal with streaming service Spotify.
Europe
TEAM retains global rights to UEFA’s Champions League but US media goes to Relevent
February 8 – TEAM Marketing has retained the rights to the UEFA men’s Champions League for the rights cycle 2024-27, but has ceded media sales rights to Relevent Sports Group in the US.
British and Irish FAs dump World Cup 2030 bid in favour of a run at hosting Euro 2028
By Paul Nicholson
February 7 – The combined British and Irish bid to host the World Cup in 2030 has been officially shelved with the five FAs instead saying they will focus on a bid to host the Euro 2028 championships.
Overmars apologises but quits Ajax after series of inappropriate messages
February 7 – Marc Overmars has quit Ajax as sporting director over inappropriate messages, the Amsterdam club announced on Sunday.
UEFA report shows the resilience of Europe’s club game and green shoots after the harshest of winters
By Paul Nicholson
February 4 – UEFA’s annual club licensing report just released, is it most impressive yet, leaving almost no stone unturned in its review and overview of the health of the club game in Europe.
Ukraine vs Russia, the real battle for European supremacy
February 4 – Ukraine and Russia play each other (today) in a historic futsal semi-final at the European championship against a backdrop of heightened political tension over the threat of renewed conflict between the nations.
People power: EC registers ‘Citizens’ Initiative’ calling for law to protect European sports model
February 3 – The European Commission has registered a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘Win It On The Pitch’, which, if it gains enough public support, will force the EC to consider the proposal aimed at protecting the European sports model.
WSL players win rights to maternity and long-term injury pay
February 2 – Players in the Women’s Super League and second-tier Championship will receive maternity and injury cover as part of an agreement between the English FA and the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).
UEFA threatens Sporting Lisbon with 3- year ban unless €1.5m Sampdoria debt is paid
January 27 – UEFA will ban Sporting Lisbon from European competition for the next three seasons unless the Portuguese club can prove they have made outstanding payments by the end of the month.
Match-fixing: FC Floresti sanctioned with automatic relegation from Moldovan top tier
By Paul Nicholson
January 26 – Moldova top tier club FC Floresti has been sanctioned with relegation from the National Division for betting related match-fixing.
Belgians keep Van Holsbeeck jailed over Anderlecht transfer fraud case
January 25 – Former Anderlecht manager Herman Van Holsbeeck will remain in prison for another month in an investigation into fraud and corruption centring on agent Christophe Henrotay.
Infantino meets EC delegation to discuss future of football
January 24 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino was in Europe at the weekend and hosted a meeting with European Commission vice-president Margaritas Schinas with an agenda that included both the Qatar 2022 World Cup and the ‘future of football’.
French vax rules threaten to disrupt Chelsea and Real Madrid plans for Champions League ties
January 21 – UEFA have confirmed that clubs in European competitions must comply with local regulations on Covid vaccinations, potentially hitting both Real Madrid and Chelsea in the away legs of their Champions League last-16 ties.
Ex-Anderlecht boss Van Holsbeek arrested for fraud including Mitrovic and Tielemans deals
By Samindra Kunti
January 20 – Former Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeek (pictured) has been detained by Belgium authorities in an investigation into fraud and corruption centring on agent Christophe Henrotay.
Turkey’s Acun Ilicali buys Hull City for £24m from Egyptian Allam family
January 20 – Turkish businessman Turkey’s Acun Ilicali (pictured) and his Acun Medya Group have become the new owners of Hull City, completing a €24 million takeover of the Championship club to end the 11-year reign of the Egyptian Allam family.