FIFA shuffles commercial pack as Gai joins as chief business officer
April 14 – FIFA has appointed former Juventus commercial chief Romy Gai as its Chief Business Officer.
Colombian legend Freddy Rincón dies in car crash, aged 55
April 14 – Aged 55, Colombia great Freddy Rincón has died after sustaining severe head injuries in a car crash. Rincón had been driving a car that collided with a bus in Cali.
Cazoo boosts its drive into Europe with first Bundesliga deal at SC Freiburg
April 14 – Online car retailer Cazoo, which has been driving its expansion across Europe through football club marketing, has announced its first sponsorship in the German Bundesliga with SC Freiburg.
Injuries hurt favourites Man City as they battle Liverpool in Premier League title race
April 14 – It has been an enthralling race for the 2021/22 Premier League title between the two premier sides in English football and it is showing no signs of slowing between Manchester City and Liverpool.
Another rigged election? FIFA administration get a brazenly fast start at keeping Infantino in office
By Paul Nicholson
April 13 – Less than a week after FIFA’s Congress in Doha and president Gianni Infantino’s announcement that he would be standing for election for a third term, FIFA’s administration have begun aggressively politicking for their president in a clear violation of the world governing body’s rules.
$2m question. Blatter and Platini fraud trial date set for June
By Andrew Warshaw
April 13 – After an investigation lasting six and half years, Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, the respective former heads of FIFA and UEFA, will go on trial for fraud and other offenses in June, Switzerland’s federal criminal court have confirmed.
Atlético win appeal to keep Wanda Metropolitano full for Man City UCL second leg tonight
April 13 – Atlético Madrid will play their second leg Champions League quarter final against Manchester City tonight in front of a full Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
Villareal stun Bayern and Real Madrid cling on against Chelsea in night of UCL drama
April 13 – Seventh in the Spanish league, Villarreal pulled off a stunning Champions League upset on Tuesday night as they scored a late equaliser to knock out German giants Bayern Munich to reach the semi-finals along with Real Madrid who fortuitously eliminated defending champions Chelsea.
Egypt appoint Galal as Queiroz successor, Ivory Coast release Beaumelle
April 13 – Ehab Galal has succeeded Carlos Queiroz as head coach of Egypt’s national team, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) have announced.
Man Utd close in on Ajax’s Erik ten Hag as Rangnick replacement
April 13 – Manchester United are reported to be on the verge appointing Ajax boss Erik ten Hag on a three-year contract in what will be perceived by many as a snub to Paris St German coach Mauricio Pochettino who at one stage was believed to be the leading candidate.
FIFA unveils Xero as Women’s Football Partner for 2023 kick-off
April 13 – Business and accountancy software specialists Xero have signed on as a FIFA Women’s Football Partner in a multi-year deal that starts in 2023 and covers the World Cup Australia & New Zealand 202, as well as the 2024 and 2026 editions of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Liverpool plays its US card for plastic scousers
April 13 – Football club branded credit cards are back in marketing fashion. Premier League Liverpool have announced financial technology firm Cardless, as an official affinity partner for the launch of club’s first branded credit card for US supporters.
Sweden, France and Spain books first European slots at 2023 Women’s World Cup
April 12 – With a second-half goal from Kosovare Asllani in a 1-1 draw with Ireland, Sweden became the first European team to book a ticket for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. On an evening of UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, France and Spain also ensured their presence in New Zealand and Australia next year.
Palestine FA boss Rajoub appeals to Infantino for support in football’s conflict with Israel
April 12 – Following the death of 19 year old Palestinian player Mohammad Ali Ahmad AlGhneim at the weekend, Palestine FA president Jibril Rajoub, has written to FIFA president Gianni Infantino asking for his support to allow football to “be played and developed freely in Palestine, without the constant threat of violence”.
FIFA takes giant step into broadcast business with launch of FIFA+ streaming channel
By Paul Nicholson
April 12 – FIFA has expanded into the media business launching its own broadcast platform – FIFA+ – that will stream a mix of live matches, acquired documentary and lifestyle programming, as well as archive content.