China corruption crackdown accelerates with arrest warrant for top sports official
October 11 – China has ordered the arrest of a former top sports official as Beijing maintains a crackdown on corruption.
Federations
VW drives capacity-building programme focussed on women’s game with Qatar Foundation
October 11 – The Qatar Foundation and Volkswagen Middle East have agreed a partnership with the aim of supporting capacity-building programmes, specifically for women and girls in football around the region.
Pakistan turn to Constantine to prepare for World Cup qualifier against Cambodia
October 2 – Pakistan have turned to globetrotting coach Stephen Constantine to help the team win their first-ever World Cup qualifier.
MBS says spending on sport is a good investment and Saudi won’t stop
September 22 – Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has rejected allegations of ‘sportswashing’ as a method of improving the kingdom’s international reputation and says he has every intention of continuing to invest in top-level sport.
Saudis link with French to develop coaches and a performance research hub
September 20 – The French FA (FFF) have signed a cooperation agreement with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) that will cover football development.
U17 World Cup hosts Indonesia head to Bundesliga clubs for training camp
September 18 – Indonesia Under-17s will undergo a five-week Bundesliga training camp ahead of the 2023 U17 World Cup in November.
Transfer focus on Saudi as Gray leaves Everton, Carrasco moves from Athletico and chase for Salah intensifies
September 8 – With the European transfer deadline over, this week focus has been on the heavily-funded Saudi Pro League to complete their deals ahead of their transfer deadline Thursday evening.
AFC calls in its top association officials for high level capacity building powwow
September 7 – The AFC is gathering the top two officials of all its member and regional associations in the same room for a two-day conference next month in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with the aim of knowledge exchange, increasing administrative capacity, and creating stronger co-operation on a national level.
Chinese crackdown continues with arrest of CSL chief Liu Jun
August 31 – Liu Jun, chairman of the Chinese Super League (CSL) company, is the latest high-profile figure to be placed under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.
Mancini takes Saudi Arabia role and sets sights on Asian Cup 2023
August 28 – Just two weeks after quitting the Italian men’s national team, Roberto Mancini has been appointed coach of the Saudi Arabia national team.
Saudi Pro League grows broadcast deals to 130+ ahead of season kick off
August 10 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has confirmed more than 130 broadcasters worldwide for the 2023/24 season including streaming channel DAZN in Europe and FOX Sports in the US.
Saudi Pro League boss says spending won’t stop as the league strives to compete with best
August 9 – Saudi authorities have no intention of halting their spending spree that has seen a host of big-name players move to the country from Europe.
LaLiga and Iraqi FA activate co-operation agreement with series of seminars
August 9 – LaLiga and the Iraq Football Association (IFA) have begun activation of their three-year collaboration project via a series of workshops for IFA executives addressing key aspects in the development of Iraqi football.
Saudi Pro League builds broadcast footprint; SRJ to construct a sports business
August 9 – The billion dollar spending of Saudi Pro League clubs to build a league worthy of global attention is starting to see its first significant broadcast deals in major football markets outside the Middle East.
Sadio Mane joins Saudi gravy train, joining Ronaldo at Al Nasser in $43m deal
August 2 – Another day, another high-profile footballing export to Saudi Arabia. Sadio Mane has become the latest big name to quit European football for the Saudi Pro League after agreeing to join Al-Nassr from Bayern Munich and team up with Cristiano Ronaldo.
