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.
Federations
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.
Monica Staab steps away from Saudi women’s coaching role
January 9 – Monika Staab (pictured centre) has stepped down from her role as technical director of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, bringing her role in building the country’s women’s team to an end.
Wales’ New Saints unpaid for transfer of striker Brad Young to Saudi’s Al-Orobah
January 7 – Welsh club football doesn’t often generate much publicity outside the principality but Cymru Premier champions The New Saints have lodged an appeal with FIFA claiming they are owed a transfer fee from Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah for striker Brad Young.
Kluivert favourite to take over Indonesia from Shin Tae-yong ahead of 2026 qualifying
January 7 – Indonesia have dismissed Shin Tae-yong as manager, with Dutchman Patrick Kluivert reportedly waiting in the wings to take over.
Esteghal’s Ramin Rezaian questioned over hugging female fan
January 6 – Iran’s antiquated theocratic policy of gender discrimination has spilled over into football once again with a top player summoned to explain why he hugged a female fan.
Big spending Saudi Pro League shifts club transfer window priorities
January 2 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) says it is gearing up for the 2024/25 winter transfer window with a sharper focus on youth development, having promised less headline-grabbing activity as clubs face strict transfer quotas with one eye on fostering homegrown talent ahead of the 2034 World Cup.
Indian FA president Kalyan Chaubey accused of corruption
December 23 – Shaji Prabhakaran, a former high-ranking official in Indian football, has accused current Indian football boss Kalyan Chaubey of ethics violations.
Syrian FA changes logo colour as Assad regime crumbles
December 9 – The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has prompted the country’s football federation to change the national team’s kit and logo from red to green.
LaLiga goes in-house with Saudi Pro League in Riyadh
December 4 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has inaugurated a dedicated workspace for LaLiga within its Riyadh headquarters. This initiative marks another step in the SPL’s strategy to forge international partnerships and drive up their place in the sport.
Saudi Pro League boosts Stats Perform data deal with OptaAI technology
December 3 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has deepened its partnership with Stats Perform, adding new performance insights and data solutions via Opta and OptaAI.
Hong Kong FA powers its sponsor roster with ChargeSpot deal
December 3 – The Football Association of Hong Kong (HKFA) has announced a new sponsorship agreement with ChargeSpot, a shared power bank provider, to support the national team for the 2024-25 season, serving as HKFA’s Official Power Partner.
Al-Ittihad score a commercial brace with new club shop and VW shirt deal
December 3 – Al-Ittihad, the nine-time winners of the Saudi Pro League and current league leaders by two points after 12 games, are also enjoying a good season off the pitch, having recently announced two noteworthy deals.
Lebanese FA says football will resume at start of 2025
December 2 – Football is to resume in Lebanon from early next year – days after Israel and Hezbollah announced a ceasefire in their ongoing war.
I-League clubs urge season delay until broadcaster is secured
November 11 – Tonight (Friday), Sreenidi Deccan will open the new season of India’s I-League against Gokulam Kerala without an official broadcaster in place to cover the competition.
