Jorge Jesus, fired from Saudi giants Al Hilal, on shortlist for Brazil job
May 5 – Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have dismissed Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus.
Author: Paul Nicholson
EA Sports FC extends Gillette deal with sponsorship of free Ultimate Team packs
May 2 – EA Sports FC has digitally deepened its revenue push with a renewed partnership with Gillette just days after the rollout of its first-ever paid battle pass – moves aimed at reenergising its flagship football simulation title amid mixed reception and growing player fatigue.
Women’s football attendances are up, but barriers to growth still need overcoming
May 2 – Attendance at European women’s football has been rising steadily but is the women’s game reaching another glass ceiling?
Man Utd and Spurs are salvaging their seasons in the Europa League
May 2 – An all-English UEFA Europa League final looks increasingly likely after dominant first-leg displays by Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in their respective semifinals against Athletic Club and Bodø/Glimt.
English and Scottish FAs ban transgender players from women’s game
May 2 – Culture wars have no boundaries and taking their cue from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States, the English Football Association (FA) has said it will ban transgender players from women’s football next season. The Scottish FA have also followed suit.
Lopetegui takes over in Qatar with play-offs targeted as route to 2026
May 2 – Qatar have named Julen Lopetegui, the former head coach of Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, as their new manager, the QFA confirmed on Thursday.
Concacaf sets dates and draw schedule for 2026 group qualifiers
May 2 – Concacaf has laid out the pathway for nations to qualify for the 2026 World Cup to be hosted in their region. With US, Mexico and Canada qualified as hosts, Concacaf has three more qualification slots and two inter-continental play-off slots to fill.
UEFA rolls out Maddli’s School of Football learning programme
May 2 – UEFA has launched Maddli’s School of Football, a new free-to-access educational programme aimed at school-age children, combining learning with movement and themed around the upcoming UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
Albanian FA and Kavaja city join forces to rebuild stadium destroyed in 2019 earthquake
May 2 – The Football Federation of Albania (FSHF) and the Municipality of Kavaja have combined to rebuild the Besa Stadium in Kavaja that was destroyed by an earthquake in November 2019. The FSHF and the municipality will jointly provide the funding, with the stadium to be completed within two years.
Matchweek 34: Sad Saints drag over season’s average attendances down with them
May 2 – Matchweek 34 saw Premier League attendances drop to a season-low average of 97.41%, according to Capacity Tracker data – a notable dip from the 97.85% season average with attendances continuing to fall as the season’s end draws near.
The day the Samba died. Brazilians turn blue over red shirt proposal
May 2 – One of football’s most iconic shirts is at the center of a national identity crisis, as Brazil spirals into a political tizzy over rumors that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) might swap the Seleção’s classic blue away kit for a crimson jersey at the 2026 World Cup. Yes, red. In Brazil. In football. Cue the dramatic samba drums.
Chelsea lands property partnership with UAE’s Damac
May 2 – The real estate industry is becoming increasingly attractive to football clubs, and Premier League Chelsea is keen not to miss the gold rush. The club has signed a new global partnership with Damac Properties, a Dubai-based luxury real estate developer.
Barca tunes up Travis Scott promo and merchandise for Clásico
May 2 – Barcelona will wear a limited-edition Travis Scott x Cactus Jack kit in next weekend’s Clásico against Real Madrid, the latest chapter in the club’s commercial partnership with Spotify.
Kawasaki Frontale beat Al Nassr to set up AFC Champions League final against Al Ahly
May 1 – Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale overcame Saudi Arabia’s star-studded Al Nassr with a 3-2 won at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium to secure a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite final on Saturday against Al Ahly.
It was a stunning display of counter-attack football by Frontale who withstood the attacking brilliance of Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran.
USA
The United States is a powerhouse in Gold Cup history. Since the tournament’s inception in 1991, the US has participated in every edition, always serving as host or co-host.