BYD plugs into Euro 2024 as e-mobility partner
January 15 – UEFA has announced new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD as an official partner and the Official E-Mobility Partner of Euro 2024.
World Football
Las Vegas Legends achieve a US first with NISA invite based on performance, not money
January 15 – Las Vegas is expected to be announced as one of the next MLS franchise cities once a big money ownership group is structured, but the MLS won’t have the only professional football (soccer) team in town.
Fifpro survey finds stadium security needs improvement
January 12 – Security in stadiums must be improved and sanctions strengthened to deter physical and verbal abuse of footballers, according to a survey by the players’ union Fifpro.
AFCON set for weekend kick-off with hosts Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau
January 12 – Just as the Asian Cup kicks off in Qatar, so Africa’s showpiece event, the African Cup of Nations, gets under way on Saturday in the Ivory Coast which has invested at least $1 billion on hosting the tournament having built four new stadiums while renovating two others.
End Malaria campaign harnesses AFCON to boost awareness
January 12- The RBM Partnership to End Malaria and Zero Malaria F.C. have combined for a campaign driven by football legends and music stars to increase malaria awareness and urge greater action against the deadly disease.
Dorival Jr tells Brazil that fans must get with the programme if they are to start winning again
January 12 – New Brazil manager Dorival Jr has asked supporters to rally behind the national team in a bid to get the team back on the rails and regain self-esteem.
Gambian national team escapes death after AFCON flight turned back due to lack of oxygen
January 11 – The Gambia’s African Nations Cup preparations took a turn for the worse on Wednesday when their flight to Ivory Coast had to return to Banjul airport because of a lack of oxygen on the aircraft. Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet said “they escaped death.”
Sven-Goran Eriksson diagnosed with terminal cancer
January 11 – Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed he has terminal cancer and that, tragically, he might have less than a year to live.
Dorival Jr officially takes on Brazil lead, starting with England and Spain friendlies
January 11 – Dorival Jr has been officially confirmed as the new head coach of the Brazil national side after he left Sao Paulo earlier this week.
CAF’s new Unilever sponsorship just makes it in time for AFCON 2023 kick-off
January 10 – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled Unilever personal care brands, including Rexona, Dove and Axe, as the latest Official Sponsors of its two forthcoming continental championships: the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 (which kicks off Saturday) and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024.
Bayern to hold Beckenbauer memorial service at Allianz Arena
January 10 – Bayern Munich will stage a commemoration of the German great and club legend Franz Beckenbauer at the Allianz Arena on January 19 so that supporters can take part in the farewell, the club announced on Wednesday.
MLS side Kansas City go large with Inter Miami fixture, moving venue to Arrowhead Stadium
January 10 – MLS side Sporting Kansas City have shifted their upcoming home fixture against Inter Miami to the 76,000-seater Arrowhead Stadium, home of Kansas City Chiefs, in anticipation of the presence of Argentine football sensation Lionel Messi.
Soccerex announces Rio de Janeiro event for March 25-26
January 10 – International tradeshow Soccerex has added a new date and city to its calendar with the announcement of an event in March 2024 in Rio de Janeiro.
Russian rehab still stayed but Dyukov holds UEFA exco seat as they focus on getting friendly
January 9 – Russia’s national teams may still be banned from official competition because of the war in Ukraine but the country retains its place at UEFA’s top table.
World mourns death of Franz Beckenbauer, 78, one of football’s classiest acts
By Andrew Warshaw
January 9 – Tributes are pouring in from across the globe in memory of Germany’s greatest footballing icon, Franz Beckenbauer, one of only three men to lift the World Cup both as a player and manager and known in his playing days as Der Kaiser (‘the Emperor’).