Messi to leave Barca after club unable to fund his wage demands
August 6 – After 21 years and a relationship of romance, thrill and exultation, Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona will part ways “because of financial and structural obstacles”.
Leeds United go crypto with plan for $LUFC Fan Token
August 6 – Leeds United have become the fourth Premier League club to join the Socios.com blockchain-based Fan Token platform.
Fiorentina launch 95 NFT shirts using Genuino blockchain technology
August 6 – Serie A’s Fiorentina have issued their first blockchain-based merchandise with the limited edition digital NFT offer of 95 new jerseys, matching the 95 years of the club.
eBay to donate ad space across EFL clubs to local small businesses
August 6 – In perhaps what is the ultimate display of marketing and advertising solidarity within local communities, the English Football League (EFL) has announced a new three-year partnership with eBay that will see the online marketplace donate advertising space at EFL grounds to small businesses.
Clubs cash in as CVC buys into LaLiga digital plan with €2.7bn stake
August 5 – La Liga has agreed a €2.7 billion cash injection with private equity firm CVC who will take a 10% stake in a new company set up to handle LaLiga’s commercial business.
AFC marketing group report global brand gains as football has resumed in 2021
August 5 – Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic on football across Asia and the AFC’s geographical footprint, its marketing committee reports that its brand has strengthened and its expanding reach has been a positive outcome in a difficult period.
Paying the penalty: British police arrest 11 for online racial abuse after Euro 2020 final
August 5 – UK Police have arrested eleven people over online racial abuse of England players after the Three Lions’ defeat in the Euro 2020 final on penalties.
UEFA brings in VAR for remainder of Qatar 2022 qualifiers
August 5 – UEFA is bringing in video assistant referees (VAR) for all remaining European Qualifier matches for the Qatar World Cup 2022.
Dominguez highlights Conmebol’s €1.3bn revenue return, saying there is more to come
August 5 – The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) distributed $1.3 billion among its associations and clubs between 2016 and 2021, the organisation’s president Alejandro Dominguez claimed in a virtual meeting with his council.
Dutch bring Van Gaal back to manage tricky Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign
August 5 – Louis van Gaal is back. For a third time, the Dutchman will take charge of the Netherlands, succeeding Frank de Boer following Oranje’s disappointing campaign at Euro 2020.
Barca expand Allianz partnership into a 3-year global deal
August 5 – FC Barcelona and Allianz have renewed their partnership, which has been expanded into a global campaign and will run until 2024.
Bitci adds LaLiga’s Alavés to blockchain roster with 30m fan token plan
August 5 – Turkish blockchain technology company Bitci.com have expanded their Fan Token base in Spain with a deal with LaLiga’s Deportivo Alavés that includes a three-year brand advertising package.
HotForex adds another year to PSG sponsorship
August 5 – HotForex has renewed its Official Partnership agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for a second season.
Blast from the past. Revisionist FIFA bans Hayatou over Lagardere deal for CAF
August 4 – Four years after he was voted out of office, former African football chief Issa Hayatou has been banned by FIFA for 12 months over a controversial $1 billion TV and marketing rights deal with Lagardere Sports which infringed competition regulations.
Looney Lekjaa? Headbutting FA president tells UEFA to get out the way of bi-annual World Cup
August 4 – The president of the Moroccan FA, Fouzi Lekjaa, who with Saudi Arabia led the proposal at FIFA’s Congress for the World Cup to be played every two years, has again led Africa’s call for the concept, issuing a stinging rebuke of UEFA and others who oppose the concept.