Coca-Cola puts rights lawsuit behind them and buys into FIFA’s Club World Cup
February 21 – Coca-Cola has resolved its legal dispute with FIFA to become an official sponsor of this summer’s much-criticised expanded Club World Cup.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Eto’o wins battle with CAF for non-jurisdictional ethics sanction
February 21 – Cameroon’s greatest footballing icon Samuel Eto’o has emerged victorious in his long-running legal battle with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), successfully overturning sanctions that had threatened his presidency at the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT).
US buyers touchdown for a potential stake in Rangers
February 21 – A US-led takeover bid for Scottish giants Rangers is at an advanced stage with the bid being run by an investment arm of San Francisco 49ers, according to multiple reports.
Man City build their digital power play with Publicis Sapient
February 21 – Manchester City have struck a multi-year partnership with digital consultancy Publicis Sapient, naming the firm as its official digital business transformation partner in a move aimed at modernising the club’s digital ecosystem.
West Ham lead ranking with Match Day 25 attendance double
February 21 – West Ham United again led the way in the Premier League attendance table, recording a season-high 99.94% capacity at the London Stadium.
Report says US is not ready to host the Greatest Show on Earth
February 21 – The United States is about to embark upon hosting the two biggest sporting events on the planet, in the form of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and in 2028 the Olympic Games. However, according to a report released on Wednesday, the country is wholly unprepared for the burdens these events will place on its aging infrastructure.
DAZN says it was duped by France’s Ligue 1 and demands €573m in compensation
February 21 – Sports broadcaster DAZN can’t keep itself out of the news in one way or another. Hot on the heels of agreeing to a billion-dollar investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, they are now embroiled in a row with Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP).
AFC unveils Saudi stadia for Champions League Elite finals as clubs go into Round of 16
February 28 – With the AFC Champions League Elite entering the first leg of last 16 stage in 10 days time, the Asian confederation has announced the host stadiums of the centralised final in Saudi Arabia.
Bulgarian tax collectors lift seizure of Levski Sofia’s trademarks after club settles debt
February 2 – The Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA) has lifted the seizure of two of Levski Sofia’s club logos after the club paid its state taxes.
The NRA has now designated Levski as a “correct payer”, meaning that the club can now freely use its trademarks without any restrictions.
Brazilian stars complain that artificial turf pitches increase injury threat
February 21 – With drought and water shortages occurring worldwide, artificial turf is seen as one way to combat the crisis, however, leading figures in the game, including Brazilian superstars Neymar, Thiago Silva, and Memphis Depay, are not so sure.
Inter Miami’s snow day in Kansas pushes Messi’s MLS start into primetime
February 20 – Major League Soccer (MLS) Supporter’s Shield holders, Inter Miami, were due to kick off the defence of their crown on Saturday at 2.30pm EST at their home, Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Kick-off has now been moved to 7.30pm EST to allow Lionel Messi and Co a few extra hours of recovery.
Germans shortlist an initial 11 host cities for 2029 Women’s Euros bid
February 19 – The German FA (DFB) has shortlisted 11 host cities for the country’s bid for the women’s European Championship in 2029.
Berlin, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Rostock and Wolfsburg made the final cut. The DFB rejected applications from Hamburg, Essen and Bremen.
Mbappe pursuit of another €55m off PSG fails to win support of French federation
February 19 – Kylian Mbappe appears to have suffered another setback in his legal battle with Paris St Germain after the French Football Federation opted not to hear an appeal from the player against his former club from whom he is demanding €55 million.
FIFA starts Brazilian site visits in prep for 2027 Women’s World Cup
February 19 – With two years until the 2027 Women’s World Cup, FIFA has conducted inspections in Brazil to identify training sites and hotels for the tournament.
Everton christen Bramley-Moore Docks stadium with test event
February 19 – Everton finally opened their brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore Docks on Monday evening with a test event featuring 10,000 lucky Toffee fans and the U18’s of the club versus Wigan.