DC United break new crypto ground with XDC Network shirt sponsorship
February 23 – MLS side have unveiled blockchain business XDC Network as the club’s new shirt sponsor in a three-year partnership.
Inter Milan team up with REPs for roll out of Inter Academies in the UAE
February 23 – With covid restrictions easing, Inter Milan have restarted their international academy project opening a second initiative in the UAE in Sharjah. Inter already has an academy project open in Dubai.
Pressure builds on UEFA to strip Russia of Champions League final as troops enter Ukraine
By Andrew Warshaw
February 22 – UEFA are coming under mounting pressure to strip St Petersburg of the Champions League final due to Russia’s military incursion into eastern Ukraine which has been widely condemned in the west.
Koch head injury shows current rules are dangerous, says PFA, concussion subs needed
February 22 – England’s Professional Footballers’ Association says the current rules relating to concussion are not working and “are failing to prioritise player safety” following an injury sustained by Leeds United’s Robin Koch in Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United.
LinkedIn connects with Women’s Euro 2022 for a big summer in England
February 22 – Social media network LinkedIn has signed up for the Women’s EURO England 2022 as a national sponsor.
Pele health complications keep him hospitalised
February 22 – Pele is to stay in hospital for a urinary tract infection having already been receiving chemotherapy for a colon tumour.
Brazil’s Vasco da Gama sells $333m stake to US investor 777 Partners
February 22 – Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners have reached a deal to acquire a majority stake in Vasco da Gama, the Rio club have announced.
Iran’s Esteghlal lose CAS appeal for entry into AFC Champions League
February 22 – Iran’s Esteghlal have lost their appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to be reinstated in the AFC Champions League, having been denied entry to the 2022 competition for failure to meet AFC club licensing conditions.
Turks extend TV bid deadline for SuperLig as buyer backlash keeps fees low
By Paul Nicholson
February 22 – The Turkish Football Federation is moving deep into added time with the award of the rights for its new domestic TV deal for the SuperLig.
Ajax agree €7.8m care package for Abdelhak Nouri
February 22 – Eredivisie giant Ajax and Abdelhak Nouri’s family have reached a settlement of €7.85 million to care for the brain-damaged former player.
wefox launches in Italy on the back of AC Milan
February 22 – AC Milan has partnered with wefox, which becomes the club’s first back-of-shirt sponsor and the club’s Official Insurance Partner.
Boston Celtics owner Pagliuca buys control of Serie A’s Atalanta for estimated $450m
February 21 – After initially denying reports they were selling, Atalanta have become the latest Italian top-flight club to do a deal with American investors – this time led by Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca.
Man City star Foden abused and mother punched at Khan vs Brook boxing match
February 21 – Manchester City say they are “shocked and appalled” by an attack on their young England forward Phil Foden and his family backstage at a high-profile boxing match on Saturday.
Of Codes, Ethics and Infantino’s collision course: how is he still in office?
By James Dostoyevsky
When you leaf through the Regulations of FIFA, all sorts of useful titbits come to light. The global governing body of football claims this in its Code of Conduct: “FIFA bears a special responsibility to safeguard the integrity and reputation of football worldwide.” The FIFA Code of Conduct also claims that it ‘defines the most important core values for behaviour and conduct within FIFA as well as with external parties’.
Walker and Borges lose UEFA appeals against suspensions; OM back in the dock
February 21 – Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has had his appeal against a three-match Champions League suspension turned down.