China jails two more former football officials for 11 years for corruption
August 19 – China has jailed yet another leading official for bribery as the crackdown into football corruption shows no sign of abating.
UEFA warms to new ‘league’ formats across all its club competitions
August 19 – When the Champions League proper begins next month, it will look nothing like the previous format after undergoing perhaps the most significant revamp in the competition’s history.
Ukraine’s Kryvbas appeals appointment of ‘Russian’ ref Kardesler to Real Betis play-off
August 19 – Ukrainian club Kryvbas has appealed to UEFA to replace a Turkish referee delegated for their Conference League playoff against Real Betis this Thursday.
Transfer talk: Saudis keep their hands in their pockets as Euro clubs feast on young player market
August 19 – With the new season underway in the wake of the summer’s international action, the movings of the transfer market continue to build pace with the end of the window in sight.
Chelsea welcome events sales platform Fever as sleeve partner
August 19 – Chelsea have announced events marketing platform Fever as a Principal Partner, which will see the brand feature on the sleeve of both men’s and women’s teams for the coming season.
Saudi’s fledgling airline Riyadh Air lands Concacaf deal as PIF partnership takes-off
August 19 – More detail of the Concacaf deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is emerging with new Saudi airline Riyadh Air, which will begin operations in 2025, taking over from Qatar Airways as the confederation’s official airline partner.
Gremio boss brands CBF ‘incompetent’ as match calendar bites
August 19 – After a 2-0 defeat with a reserve team against Bahia, Gremio manager Renato Portaluppi added his voice to those of discontent, slamming the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) over the match calendar.
US Women climb Olympic heights and a return to summit of FIFA rankings
August 19 – USA have returned to the top of the world women’s rankings thanks to their Olympic gold medal triumph over Brazil in Paris earlier this month.
Linebet targets African gamblers with AS Monaco deal
August 19 – Linebet has become a regional betting partner of AS Monaco, covering Sub-Saharan Africa and the Mena region, the club confirmed.
Expanded AFC Champions League Two sees 32 clubs from 24 nations grouped for Sept. KO
August 19 – While focus was on the inaugural draw for the AFC’s rebranded and reformatted Champions League Elite competition, the AFC has also drawn the groups for the expanded Champions League Two.
Man City and Sony release ‘Virtual Etihad Stadium’ via FavoriteSpace app
August 19 – Premier League holders Manchester City have unveiled the ‘Virtual Etihad Stadium’ project, delivered in collaboration with Sony and utilising Sony’s new FavoriteSpace service, the first sports brand to do so.
Floki sails out of the forest for Nottingham crypto deal
August 19 – Nottingham Forest have announced cryptocurrency brand Floki as the official cryptocurrency partner of the club.
Albanian’s top club tiers return to state broadcaster in 3-year deal
August 19 – The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has signed a three-year TV deal with Albanian Radio Television (RTSH) for exclusive rights to the Albanian First Division (Kategoria Superiore), Second Division, Albanian Cup and Super Cup matches.
AFC draws League Stage ties for revamped Champions League Elite
August 16 – The AFC today held the draw for its reconfigured two-tier Champions League club competitions which will see the expanded AFC Champions League Elite open with a Swiss style ‘League Stage’ for the first time.
Concacaf agrees multi-year partnership with Saudi Arabia’s PIF
August 16 – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), owner of Premier League Newcastle United and four of the leading clubs in the Saudi Pro League, has agreed a multi-year sponsorship with Concacaf.