Steve Bould quits Belgium’s Lommel SK
January 15 – Citing ‘personal reasons’, Englishman Steve Bould has departed his managerial role at Belgium’s Lommel SK, one of the City Football Group clubs.
World Football
Bank of America goes all-in with long-term US Soccer sponsorship
January 15 – The second largest banking organisation in the United States, Bank of America (BofA), is continuing its foray into the world of football. Hot on the heels of partnering with FIFA’s properties, the 2026 World Cup, and the 2025 World Club Cup, BofA, can now boast the US Soccer Federation as a long-term partner.
Cyprus’ Omonia Nicosia asks CFA for foreign refs for remainder of season
January 15 – One of the most decorated Cypriot football clubs, Omonia Nicosia, has sent an official request to the Cyprus Football Federation (CFA) to have all of the team’s matches officiated by foreign referees until the end of the season.
ECA hires Nick Noble to head comms and marketing
January 15 – The European Club Association has hired football media and communications specialist Nick Noble as its new chief communications and marketing officer.
German court rules clubs must cover costs of match-day policing
January 14 – In a landmark ruling, a German court has established that football can be billed for the costs of policing during high-risk matches.
RFEF enters negotiations to keep Spanish Super Cup in Saudi
January 14 – After one of the most thrilling Supercopa Finals in the history of the competition, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) plans to extend the contract with Saudi Arabia for another five years so that the Super Cup will be held in this country until 2034.
Hollywood’s favourite team takes a step closer to European competition
January 14 – If the scales of power tip anymore in the favour of Wrexham FC, they’ll soon find themselves champions of Europe as well as Hollywood after plans have been revealed for a revamped Welsh League Cup that could hand power couple, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, a way into Europe pending approval from the English Football Association.
Court rules bookmaker Esportes da Sorte’s five club sponsorship deals are legal
January 14 – Betting operator Esportes da Sorte will be allowed to maintain their presence in Brazil following a federal court injunction.
More trouble at Barca as dealmaker Guiu exits over Nike differences
January 14 – Despite winning the Supercopa in Saudi Arabia beating their El Classico rivals, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona still have more than their fair share of backroom drama. A key Barca management figure, vice president Juli Guiu has resigned, effective immediately.
MLS’s Philadephia Union under FIFA transfer ban for failing to pay training fee compensation
January 14 – Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise the Philadelphia Union has been slapped with a temporary transfer ban by FIFA.
Botafogo land 3-year shirt sponsorship with VBET
January 14 – Brazilian giants Botafogo have announced a landmark partnership with online sports betting brand VBET as their new main shirt sponsor in a three-year agreement.
German FA renews Coca-Cola sponsorship and styles up with Marc O’Polo fashion brand
January 1 – The German Football Association (DFB) has unveiled a new multi-year partnership with Scandinavian clothing brand Marc O’Polo, naming it the official fashion partner for its men’s and women’s senior and under-21 national teams.
Bulgaria’s top tier clubs agree to cut second division into UEFA solidarity payments
January 14 – The clubs in the Bulgarian Second League are to receive €45,000 in financial assistance. The aid was following a meeting of club owners from the Efbet League (the first tier of football in Bulgaria) and a meeting with the president of the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) Georgi Ivanov and the president of the Professional Football League (BPFL) Atanas Karaivanov.
Saudi fans harass Mallorca players’ wives leaving King Adbullah Sports City stadium
January 13 – The wives of Mallorca players have said they were harassed after the club’s Spanish Super Cup game in Saudi Arabia.