FIFA cosies up to ECA with new MoU and the promise of more money for the big clubs
March 28 – The European Club Association (ECA) and FIFA have extended and expanded a Memorandum of Understanding that will now run until the end of 2030.
Inter head to US on brand building mission
March 28 – In Chile yesterday Inter Milan announced the opening of an Inter Academy, today the club’s international focus has shifted to North America with news that an Inter delegation is on its way the US to promote the club.
Indonesian U-20 World Cup draw postponed as local politicians protest Israeli participation
By Samindra Kunti
March 27 – FIFA have postponed the U-20 World Cup draw amid a protest against Israel’s participation in the tournament.
Russia finds friends. Iran and Iraq play friendlies as team preps for Central Asian Championship
March 27 – They may be still banned from FIFA and UEFA tournaments because of the invasion of Ukraine but Russia has nevertheless managed to manoeuvre its way back into international football.
Spurs in market for another new manager after Conte blows out with the storm
By Andrew Warshaw
March 27 – Tottenham Hotspur are looking for their fourth permanent manager in as many years after the widely anticipated dismissal on Sunday of high-profile Italian coach Antonio Conte.
Kane keeps scoring as Ukrainians provide a night of passion at Wembley
March 27 – England captain Harry Kane’s struck a record-extending 55th goal for his country on Sunday as England beat Ukraine 2-0 at Wembley in their latest Euro qualifier.
Belgium, Netherlands and Germany make 2027 WWC bid official
March 27 – You’ve got mail. With those words, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany launched their bid for the hosting of the 2027 World Women’s Cup.
European sport sponsorship hits record €20bn in 2022, finds report
March 27 – The European sponsorship market grew by 4.3% in 2022 to €29 billion with sport making up €20.69 billion of the total, according to research from the European Sponsorship Association and Nielsen Sports.
Frederik Reinfeldt takes over at top of Swedish FA
March 27 – Swedish football has a new leader. After tightly contested elections, Frederik Reinfeldt (pictured) will succeed Karl-Erik Nilsson as the president of the Swedish FA (SvFF). He defeated Lars-Christer Olsson for the presidency by over 30 votes.
Qantas buckles in for three more years with the Socceroos and Matildas
March 27 – Football Australia has landed a further three-years of Qantas sponsorship for its men’s and women’s national teams and the Australia Cup.
Inter push academy system into South America with Chile launch
March 27 – Inter Milan’s academy spread has grown to 14 countries with the launch of the latest Inter Academy in Santiago, Chile.
Finn financier enters race for Man Utd with offer to put half the club in fan ownership
March 24 – The race to buy Manchester United is hotting up with little-known Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus entering the fray.
FIFA opens bidding process for Women’s World Cup 2027 with first deadline April 23
March 24 – FIFA has released first details of the bidding process for the hosting of the 2027 Women’s World Cup with the deadline for expressions of interest set for April 23. The final vote on hosts will be made at the FIFA Congress on 17 May 2024, leaving the hosts three years to organise the event.
Belgians go to court to challenge gambling ad ban that will rip out 12% of football’s revenue
March 24 – Belgian football is joining the rest of the Belgian sports industry in going to court to challenge a total ban on gambling advertising in the country.
Chinese state opens two more investigations into FA officials
March 24 – China’s scandal-plagued federation has been rocked by new corruption probes into its chiefs of discipline and competition.