AFC keeps up fan engagement momentum with hunt for Asian Cup Superfan
October 12 – The AFC has launched another fan engagement initiative with the Asian Cup Qatar 2023 now less than three months away.
Concacaf debuts on WhatsApp Channels platform with 1.6m users in first month
October 12 – Concacaf has upped its digital engagement game by becoming an early adopter of the new WhatsApp Channels service recently launched by Meta, announcing itself as one of the first major sports organisations to communicate directly to fans on WhatsApp.
Rooney completes return to England, landing at Birmingham City
October 12 – Former England captain and Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has completed his managerial move to English Championship side Birmingham City on a three and-a-half-year contract.
Saudi path to 2034 could face obstacle of Indonesia-Aussie-Malaysia-Singapore joint bid
October 11 – Saudi Arabia, looking to be a shoo-in to stage the 2034 World Cup now looks to have a potential rival in the bidding process.
UEC attacks ECA ‘plutocracy’ saying UEFA will have to recognise their voice
By Samindra Kunti in Brussels
October 11 – Attacking the European Club Association (ECA) once again, the Union of European Clubs (UEC) reiterated that with a critical mass of members, it will become a key stakeholder in the European game and represent the interests of the continent’s small and medium-sized clubs.
UEFA’s top table bows to MA pressure and takes Russian U17 return off the menu
October 11 – UEFA has axed its controversial plan to allow Russian under-17 teams back into its international competitions following a widespread backlash amongst its own member countries.
AFC kicks off 2026 World Cup qualification with elimination round to finalise first group stage
October 11 – Asia kicks off its ‘Road to 2026’ World Cup qualifiers tomorrow with the AFC’s Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1, which sees 20 nations in action.
ESPN beats off telecoms rivals to renew Eredivisie domestic rights until 2030
October 10 – ESPN has agreed an extension to its broadcast rights for the Netherlands’ Eredivisie, Eerste Divisie and KNVB Beker until 2030.
UEFA pushes Israel’s Euro 2024 qualifier vs Swiss into November
October 11 – Israel’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Switzerland has been postponed until November 15 following the deadly attacks by Hamas militants.
PepsiCo brand Lay’s becomes Saudi Women’s Premier League naming rights partner ahead of season kick-off
October 11 – PepsiCo and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation have signed a three-year partnership that will see PepsiCo’s snack brand Lay’s, become the new strategic sponsors of the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
AC Milan and Fanblock combine to offer virtual pitch ownership to fans
October 11 – AC Milan and Fanblock have agreed a first-of-its-kind partnership that will enable the Rossoneri to purchase ‘Fanblocks’ representing sections of AC Milan’s virtual pitch.
Samsunspor dispute FIFA sanction saying all debt have been paid
October 11 – Turkey’s Samsunspor have been handed a transfer ban by FIFA covering the next two transfer windows for non-payment due of wages and bonuses to former player Arvydas Novikovas.
China corruption crackdown accelerates with arrest warrant for top sports official
October 11 – China has ordered the arrest of a former top sports official as Beijing maintains a crackdown on corruption.
VW drives capacity-building programme focussed on women’s game with Qatar Foundation
October 11 – The Qatar Foundation and Volkswagen Middle East have agreed a partnership with the aim of supporting capacity-building programmes, specifically for women and girls in football around the region.
Tite returns to Brazilian club scene, tasked with returning Flamengo to big trophy wins
October 11 – Returning to management after exiting the 2022 World Cup with Brazil in the last eight, Tite has succeeded Jorge Sampaoli as manager of Brazilian giants Flamengo with the task of winning silverware in 2024.