FIFA promises $9.7bn investment in world game through to 2026
December 16 – FIFA has announced that the budget for the 2023-2026 cycle will see £9.7 billion invested in football as the world cover expands its competitions and ambition.
Finance
Agents fees bounceback to $622.8m. UEFA’s big six markets account for 80%+
December 16 – Player agents and intermediaries earned a combined $622.8 million in 2022, according to FIFA’s latest figures from its Transfer Match System (TMS) database.
From Vegas to Bournemouth. Foley spends £100m on a spot in the Premier League
December 14 – Las Vegas-based businessman Bill Foley’s consortium has completed the acquisition of Premier League club AFC Bournemouth in a deal said to be worth more than £100 million.
OL Groupe confident €327m sale to Eagle Football will complete in coming days
December 8 – The sale of Ligue1 side Olympique Lyonnais to US investor John Textor’s Eagle Football group looks to have taken a step closer to fruition.
DFL’s $3.6bn private equity raise hits club road block
December 7 – The German Football League (DFL) has reportedly stalled the sale of a $3.6 billion stake in Bundesliga media rights after a number of raised concerns over the capital raise.
Textor’s Eagle Football given final deadline to complete OL Groupe buy
December 6 – US investor John Textor and his Eagle Football Holdings group have been given until December 7 to close the deal to French Ligue1 club Olympique Lyonnaise.
Reduced wages help drive Arsenal to lower losses despite absence of European football
By David Owen
December 4 – Table-topping Arsenal have posted a much-needed improvement in annual financial performance, helped by the return of live spectators to Emirates Stadium and a 13% cut in the bill for wages.
Agnelli and Juve board resign over criminal probe in to alleged hidden player payments
November 29 – In a bombshell move, the entire board of Juventus, including chairman Andrea Agnelli, has resigned en masse, plunging one of the world’s most famous clubs into crisis.
Silver Lake buys second tranche of CMC shares in Man City owner City Football Group
November 28 – US private equity investor Silver Lake has boosted its shareholding in Manchester City’s parent company City Football Group (CFG) to more than 18%.
Saudis eye up Liverpool, Man Utd and Ronaldo acquisitions
November 25 – Saudi Arabian investors could soon be homing in on trying to take over Liverpool or Manchester United, with both English giants reportedly willing to listen to offers from potential buyers.
Laporta says Barca player spending on hold as Champions League failure bites into finances
November 16 – Barcelona president Joan Laporta says the financially stricken giants may not be able to sign players in the January transfer window due to La Liga’s financial fair play rules.
American investors rumored to be closing in on Espanyol
November 15 – US investors are turning their attention to Spain with reports that Chen Yansheng, president of RCD Espanyol, is sales talks with an investment fund.
Returning fans help Manchester City to improved £42m profit
By David Owen
November 8 – Premier League champions Manchester City have posted an improved annual profit, as fans returned to the Etihad. The Abu Dhabi-owned club reported a pre-tax profit of £41.7 million for the year to end-June 2022, versus £5 million a year earlier.
FSG say they would ‘consider’ new shareholders in Liverpool, if the deal is right
November 8 – The US-based owners of Liverpool have confirmed they “would consider new shareholders” following multiple reports that the club is for sale.
Brondy sell €30m majority stake to US consortium Football Global Holdings
November 8 – US consortium Football Global Holdings has acquired a majority stake in Danish club Brondby IF, for about €30 million.