Ooredoo dialled in for Qatar Stars League naming rights
June 27 – The Qatar Stars League (QSL) has announced Qatar government-backed telecommunications company Ooredoo as its new title sponsor.
Federations
India sack Stimac after failure to reach third round of 2026 qualifying
June 17 – India have dismissed their Croatian manager Igor Stimac after the Blue Tigers failed to reach the third round of World Cup qualifying.
Saudis close league season with record sets of stats in a game-changing season
May 31 – The Saudi Pro league (officially called the Roshn Saudi League) may have its critics in western Europe, but the 2023/24 season has undoubtedly been a game changer in the country and for the league internationally.
South Korea appoint Kim Do-hoon as second interim for upcoming 2026 qualifiers
May 21 – As the wait goes on to appoint a permanent coach in succession to Jurgen Klinsmann who was sacked in February, South Korea have announced that another caretaker will be in charge when they look to seal their place in the next round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Saudi FA to review safety policy after fan whipped player at Super Cup final
April 16 – The whipping of a player by a spectator after the Saudi Arabian Super Cup final has been condemned by the country’s football federation and players’ union.
Bundesliga goes to Bollywood
April 16 – Bollywood superstar Kartik Aaryan has become an ambassador for the Bundesliga Dream India project, which aims to give opportunities to young Indian football talent and aid their development.
Ronaldo fury at Saudi Super Cup sending off for violent conduct lands him in deep desert water
April 9 – Saudi League poster boy Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a match ban and significant fine after receiving an 86th minute red card while playing for Al Nassr against Al Hilal in the semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup.
Vietnam fire Troussier as World Cup 2026 dream fades after Indonesia defeats
March 28 – Vietnam have dismissed Philippe Troussier as manager after a shattering 3-0 defeat to local rivals Indonesia in World Cup qualifying.
China sentences FA officials with former FA chief Chen Xuyuan given life in prison
March 26 – A former president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), Chen Xuyuan, has been sentenced to life in prison for bribery in the latest crackdown on the country’s corruption-plagued football landscape.
Palestine FA sends FIFA agenda item calling for Israel to be sanctioned at May Congress
March 19 – In a letter to FIFA, the Palestine Football Association (PFA) has demanded that Congress consider “appropriate” sanctions against the Israeli Football Association (IFA) and its clubs because of “unprecedented international human rights and humanitarian law violations” in the war on Gaza.
Myanmar builds its safeguarding educational output with launch of a series of programmes
March 11 Coinciding with International Women’s Day and as part of the AFC’s Women’s Football Day last week, the Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) organised a Safeguarding Workshop in an effort to fortify safeguarding practices within the game.
Recently installed Indian FA president Kaylan Chaubey already accused of corruption
March 6 – All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey has denied allegations of corruption in a letter to members ahead of the organisation’s annual general meeting.
Ireland’s Bohemians to host Palestinian women’s team in May fundraiser
March 6 – Irish club Bohemians will host the Palestinian women’s national team in May to raise funds for humanitarian relief efforts in Palestine.
Saudi Arabian FA launches SAFF+ digital hub for live streaming, player data and news content
March 5 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has launched SAFF+, a digital platform that will stream local competitions that have not sold exclusive broadcast rights.
Ronaldo handed one-game ban for Al Shabab incident
February 29 – Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match after appearing to make an obscene gesture during a match in Saudi Arabia.
