Unilever signs on for Copa América 2024 in US to push its personal care brands
Aril 29 – Unilever will be a first-time sponsor for Conmebol’s Copa América that will be played in the US across 14 cities from June 20 to July 14.
World Football
Masters slams FIFA’s lack of calendar consultation as European Leagues welcome UEFA’s new revenue model
By Andrew Warshaw
April 26 – Premier League boss Richard Masters hit out at FIFA’s lack of consultation with European football today by saying there was a “chasm” of difference between how they and UEFA operate.
Spanish Sports Council takes charge of ‘crisis’-hit RFEF ahead of new elections
April 26 – The Spanish government has formed a special committee to oversee the country’s football federation (RFEF) until the governing body holds fresh elections following the scandal surrounding its former president, Luis Rubiales.
Swedish clubs reject introduction of VAR into top-tier league
April 26 – Sweden is set to reject the introduction and implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after elite clubs voiced their opposition to the technology.
Marta to quit international football after the Olympics
April 26 – Brazil legend Marta, 38, will retire from international football this year, she confirmed.
Concacaf reports record interest in Girls’ U15 Championship to be played across 3 countries
April 26 – A record 35 nations have expressed interest in competing in the 2024 Concacaf Girls’ U15 Championship to be held in August 5-11.
ECA launches sustainability strategy as a ‘priority’ for all stakeholders
April 25 – The European Club Association has launched its first Sustainability Strategy which the organisation hopes will tackle several pressing social and environment issues facing the game.
Map reading: CAF awards Renaissance Berkane win over USM Alger after game cancelled
April 25 – Morocco’s Renaissance Berkane have been awarded a 3-0 win over Algerian rivals USM Alger in their African Confederation Cup semi-final after the game was cancelled at the 11th hour over a row about Berkane’s shirts.
Union of European Clubs appoints Belgium’s Union Saint-Gillloise boss, Alex Muzio, as first chair
April 25 – Chairman of Belgian club Union Saint-Gillloise Alex Muzio has been elected the president of the Union of European Clubs (UEC) with co-founders Dennis Gudasic and Gareth Farrelly elected to other key roles.
No head for heights: Flamengo lose first match of 2024 to Bolivar
April 25 – In their first defeat of 2024, Brazilian giants Flamengo went down 2-1 to Bolivar to cede the initiative in Group E of the Copa Libertadores to the Bolivian club.
English FA drafts in Sue Day from rugby union as new director of football
April 25 – The English Football Association has announced the appointment of Sue Day as its new director of women’s football.
English FA’s grassroots support programme for disabled people wins UEFA recognition
April 25 – The English Football Association has introduced a new wide-ranging support package to help grassroots clubs facilitate participation for disabled people, with the project winning the 2023/24 UEFA Grassroots Award for best disability initiative.
Columbus Crew take lead to Monterrey for Champions Cup semi-final 2nd leg. Club America and Pachuca tied
April 25 – Columbus Crew will take a slight advantage into the second leg of their Champions Cup semi-final in Monterrey next week, having won their home tie 2-1 last night.
Slots for W Champions Cup groups released with 7 clubs already qualified
April 25 – San Diego Wave, NY/NJ Gotham and Portland Thorns from the NWSL will be the US cohort of clubs qualified for the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup that kicks off in August.
ECA membership pushes past 600-club mark
April 25 – The European Club Association (ECA) is winning the membership battle in the football clubs stakeholder space against the newly formed Union of European Clubs (UEC).