AFC prepares draws for new two-tier Champions League club competitions
August 12 – The draw for the top two tiers of the reformatted and rebranded Asian Champions League competitions will be held on Friday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
August 15 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has said it was “shocked” by the border detention by Israeli forces of Palestine FA president Jibril Rajoub and has called for an “immediate resolution”.
August 14 – Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestine FA and the Palestine Olympic Association, and the country’s sports minister was detained yesterday by Israeli forces at the Karama/King Hussein Bridge border crossing with Jordan on his return from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
August 14 – The AFC has unveiled international technology brand TECNO as a global partner in a one-season deal covering the AFC’s 2024/5 club competitions – the AFC Champions League Elite, the Women’s Champions League, and the Champions League Two.
Players strike at Vietnamese club Thanh Hoa over $640K in unpaid wages
August 8 – Players at a leading Vietnamese club have gone on strike over unpaid salaries and bonuses, a rare move in Asian football.
Red Bull buys into Asia with acquisition of Omiya Ardija in Japan
August 7 – Red Bull has announced a new addition to its growing football club portfolio, turning to the Japanese J-League as it branches out into club ownership in the Asian region for the first time.
Man City sell Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for £81 million
August 6 – Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal for Argentina striker Julian Alvarez worth up to £82 million (€95 million) as the 24-year-old looks to complete a move to the Spanish capital.
Qataris launch initiative to boost inclusion in sport in Asia and MEA regions
August 2 – As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games enter their second week, a new partnership has been launched by the Qatar Foundation, Education Above All Foundation, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) aiming to use sports to promote equality, inclusion, and education in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Aussie women exit Paris 2024, Gustavsson waltzed out of Matildas
August 1 – Tony Gustavsson and the Matildas have parted ways after Australia exited the Olympic football tournament in the first round, Football Australia confirmed on Thursday.
Saudi FA boss promises country will ‘astonish’ the world with 2034 World Cup hosting
July 31 – Speaking after the bid book for the hosting of the 2034 World Cup was handed in to FIFA in Paris on Monday, Yasser Al Misehal (pictured), president, Saudi Arabian Football Federation said, that they will deliver an event that will “astonish the world”.
Roshn Group unveil plans for building of 45,000 capacity stadium in Riyadh
July 31 – Saudi Arabia’s Roshn Group on Tuesday unveiled plans for the construction of a 45,000-seater stadium in Riyadh. Earlier this week, the Arab Kingdom submitted its bid book for the 2034 World Cup.
FIFA closes the door on Palestine hosting 2026 qualifiers but it might not be good for Israel
July 29 – FIFA and the AFC have refused Palestine the right to stage their home World Cup qualifying matches in September in the West Bank.
Saudis release early plans for 92,000-capacity Riyadh Stadium for 2034 World Cup
July 29 – Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to build a 92,000-capacity stadium in Riyadh to stage major sporting events with a decision on its 2034 World Cup bid due this year.
Saudi FA increases second season financial support for women’s game to $16m+
July 29 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has boosted to funding for the second season of its Women’s Football Clubs Development Fund Program to $16 million, a rise of SAR10 million ($2.7 million).
Croatia and China agree knowledge exchange and player development agreement
July 29 – The Croatian Football Association (HNS) and the Chinese National Football Academy have signed a cooperation agreement.
