Pakistan has FIFA suspension lifted with immediate effect
March 3 – FIFA has lifted Pakistan’s suspension after tweaks to the federation’s constitution.
Federations
Johnson says hosting Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is another key milestone for the women’s game and for Australian football
February 28 – Two years ago Australia co-hosted the biggest Women’s World Cup to date. This month marks a year to go before the country hosts the expanded 2027 Women’s Asian Cup, a tournament that once again will break all preceding records.
Chung Mong-gyu secures fourth term at Korea FA helm
February 27 – Chung Mong-gyu has secured a fourth term as president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), winning despite recent public dissatisfaction and strong competition from two prominent challengers.
Vietnamese FA and Germany’s Bundesliga extend development partnership
February 26 – Vietnam’s ambitions on the global football stage have received another boost, as the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Germany’s DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this morning which will extend their existing partnership until 2028.
Saudi bank Alinma buys naming rights to King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
February 26 – Saudi Arabian bank Alinma has secured the naming rights to one of the key stadiums set to host matches at the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking the first step in Saudi Arabia’s aggressive commercial push ahead of the tournament in nine years’ time.
Samsung harnesses growing footprint of Saudi Pro League as it expands in-country
February 19 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has landed another heavyweight commercial partner, with global electronics giant Samsung signing on as a Gold Partner in an initial short-term deal running through the 2024-25 season.
Report charts Saudi Pro League’s shift in player recruitment focus
February 14 – The Saudi Pro League’s (SPL) aggressive recruitment of ageing stars in 2023 reshaped global football’s transfer market. A new report from Football Benchmark shows the depth of the league’s tactical rethink with a new focus on recruiting younger players.
FIFA suspend Pakistan FA after refusal to accept election reforms
February 7 – FIFA has suspended Pakistan from the global game “with immediate effect” after the federation rejected constitutional change.
Saudi Pro League sends mission to strengthen Brazilian ties
February 5 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is working to strengthen its connection with Brazilian football, with league officials in country to engage with local stakeholders.
Gerrard exits Saudi Pro League after poor run of results at Al Ettifaq
January 31 – After a dismal run of results, former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has left his role as manager of Saudi club Al Ettifaq by mutual consent.
Controversial Indian FA president Kalyan Chaubey faces growing lobby for no-confidence vote
January 27 – State associations are planning a no-confidence motion in Kalyan Chaubey (pictured), the president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
HSBC becomes founding partner of Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park
January 15 – The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) has been named the exclusive Premier Founding Partner of the soon-to-be opened Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.
RFEF enters negotiations to keep Spanish Super Cup in Saudi
January 14 – After one of the most thrilling Supercopa Finals in the history of the competition, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) plans to extend the contract with Saudi Arabia for another five years so that the Super Cup will be held in this country until 2034.
Saudi fans harass Mallorca players’ wives leaving King Adbullah Sports City stadium
January 13 – The wives of Mallorca players have said they were harassed after the club’s Spanish Super Cup game in Saudi Arabia.
Hong Kong’s Kai Tak stadium nears opening as talks progress on a Summer of Premier League action
January 10 – Hong Kong’s ambitious Kai Tak Sports Park project is entering its final stages, with the state-of-the-art facility expected to open later this year. The development, situated on the northwestern part of the former Kai Tak Airport, is set to redefine Hong Kong’s sporting landscape with a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting a wide range of events but with a focus on football.
