Iraq beat UAE 1-0 to take Qatar 2022 play-off slot qualification to the wire
March 25 – Iraq stunned the United Arab Emirates with a 1-0 win to move them to within a point of the UAE and the Qatar 2022 play-off spots with a game to go.
Liverpool to launch first NFT drop of illustrated player images
March 25 – Premier League Liverpool have launched their first NFTs, a collection of illustrations of 24 Liverpool men’s team players based on their individual likenesses and superhero characteristics.
ESA’s sponsorship sentiment tracker shows optimistic trend led by rights holders
March 25 – The European Sponsorship Association’s Sponsorship Sentiment Tracker (SST) – a rough measure of how confident the sponsorship sector is – shows rights holders as currently the most optimistic over the health of the industry.
Cazoo continues drive into Europe, parking on OM’s shirt front from start of 2022/23 season
March 24 – Online car retailer Cazoo will become the main sponsor of Ligue 1’s Olympique de Marseille in a multi-year deal that will begin at the start of the 2022/23 season. The deal will see the brand take the club’s front of shirt logo position.
Russia submit last minute bid to host either Euro 2028 or 2032
By Andrew Warshaw
March 24 – In an act of brazen effrontery, Russia has unexpectedly thrown its hat into the ring to stage Euro 2028 despite the country’s ban from international football because of the invasion of Ukraine.
Japan’s late goals secure Qatar 2022 spot with Saudi and send Aussie to play-offs
March 24 – Japan and Saudi Arabia have ensured their passage to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following the Samurai Blue’s dramatic last-gasp 2-0 win against the Socceroos in Sydney.
Chelsea license relaxed to allow ticket sales but income will not go to club
March 24 – The British government has amended Chelsea’s special operating licence in order to allow supporters to buy tickets to away games and all cup matches.
Indian EdTech business BYJU’s joins Qatar 2022 sponsor roster
March 24 – FIFA has added Indian education technology provider BYJU’S as an official sponsor of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Ednaldo Rodrigues takes CBF presidency claiming a win against racism and prejudice
March 24 – Brazilian football has a new boss. After rudderless months, Ednaldo Rodrigues has been elected the new president of the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) for a four-year term.
KNVB banks on ING, and goes crypto with Bitavo
March 24 – The Dutch FA (KNVB) have extended their 25-year main sponsorship with ING bank through to 2028. And in keeping with a financial theme have unveiled crypto exchange Bitvavo as a new sponsor.
How long can you expect your club coach to last? On average just 156 days in Saudi Arabia
March 24 – The safest place to be a club manager in terms of holding on to your job is in Northern Ireland, where the average tenure of coaches is 1,536 days. In contrast coaches in Saudi Arabia last on average 156 days. Eddie Howe watch out.
Rapidly growing USL hires Cohen to lead broadcast and media push in New York
March 24 – The United Soccer League is beefing up its broadcast and media presence with the launch of a new media group under industry veteran Michael Cohen, and a commitment to open a business presence in New York to expand its partnerships.
UK and Ireland FAs submit formal bid for Euro 2028 hosting
By Paul Nicholson
March 23 – The four UK FAs and the Football Association of Ireland have today formally submitted a joint Expression of Interest to host Euro 2028.
Big Five league player injury costs rocket to €279m, finds report
March 23 – Injuries cost the Big Five football countries in Europe (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) a staggering €279.49 million in the first half of this year according to a new study.
FIFA juggles next week’s World Cup draw protocols with three slots left open
March 23 – Excitement and anticipation is mounting ahead of next week’s World Cup draw in Qatar which will be conspicuous by the three slots that will still be open because of Russia’s war with Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic.