Biden administration backs Relevent in anti-trust case against FIFA and USSF
March 22 – The Biden administration has dealt a potential blow to FIFA by siding with Relevent Sports Group’s ambition to stage LaLiga games in the US.
News
Three stripes are out after 70-year run as Nike swoosh in for DFB deal
March 22 – The German FA (DFB) will drop Adidas for Nike as a kit supplier, bringing to an end a seven-decades-long partnership with the Bavaria-based sportswear giant.
Euro 2024 play-offs reach boiling point with final three eliminators set for Summer slots
March 22 – In the battle for the last three slots at this summer’s European Championship, Iceland have eliminated Israel from the Euro 2024 playoffs to set up a showdown with Ukraine. Wales take on Poland in the Path A playoff final after brushing past Estonia 5-1.
Robinho starts 9-year jail term in Brazil
March 22 – Former Brazilian international Robinho has been arrested to serve his nine-year prison sentence for rape.
Malaysia Airlines agrees global multi-year sponsorship with Man Utd
March 22 – Premier League Manchester United have agreed a multi-year global partnership Malaysia Airlines who become the club’s official commercial airline.
Mexico beat Panama to set up a Concacaf classic against the US on Sunday night
March 21 – Mexico cruised past Panama 3-0 in the second semi-final of the Concacaf Nations League at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. They will now meet the US in the final in what promises to be a battle of the giants on Sunday night.
US beat Jamaica in extra time to keep CNL three-peat hopes alive
March 21 – It took a deflected header off a Jamaican defender in the last play of regulation time to level the scores and keep the US in the hunt for their third consecutive Concacaf Nations League title.
Copa America play-in: Canada battle for status against a rebuilding Trinidad and Tobago
March 22 – Having thrown away their quarter final lead against Jamaica and then losing on penalties, Canada missed out on the CNL final four and now have a single match play-in against Trinidad and Tobago for qualification to the Copa America 2024.
Robinho to serve 9-year jail sentence in Brazil for gang rape conviction in Italy
March 21 – Former Manchester City and Real Madrid striker Robinho must serve a nine-year prison sentence in his native Brazil as a result of a 2017 rape conviction in Italy, Brazilian judges have ruled.
France get favourable Olympic draws; Mbappe waits for clearance to play
March 21 – Hosts France were handed a favourable group in both the men’s and women’s tournaments of the Olympic Games following Wednesday’s draw in Paris.
Copa America play-in: Costa Rica battle to stay top tier, Honduras want a seat at that table
March 21 – On Saturday (March 23) Costa Rica will be battling to retain their elite Concacaf status as they compete for one of the two remaining slots at the Copa America 2024 against Honduras at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
WSL drives attendances for Women’s Football Weekend with CGI takeover of English landmarks
March 21 – The Women’s Super League is promoting its Women’s Football Weekend (March 23-24) through a series of visual takeovers of famous English landmarks.
AWS extends DFL partnership deeper into generative AI
March 21 – Amazon Web Services (AWS), the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga Official Technology Provider, has expanded its partnership to become the Official Generative AI Provider of the DFL.
Newcastle to launch digital trading cards and collectibles on Quidd marketplace
March 21 – Premier League Newcastle United are launching a digital trading card on the Quidd platform, Animoca Brands’ digital collectibles and NFT marketplace. The first cards will be released later this month and will grow to more than 200.
Botev request for foreign refs for Bulgarian Cup semi-final denied
March 21 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has rejected the request from Botev Plovdiv to appoint foreign referees for their upcoming Bulgarian Cup semi-final matches against CSKA Sofia, to be played over two legs.
CSKA and Botev Plovdiv met in a league game last weekend, which Sofia won 4:0. After the match, Botev Plovdiv were critical of the refereeing.
A Botev statement said: “PFK Botev acknowledges its own mistakes that led to the unpleasant 4:0 loss,