News analysis: Can Infantino’s FIFA really deliver 45% revenue growth in new World Cup cycle?
By David Owen
February 22 – In matters of revenue, Sepp Blatter’s FIFA tended to under-promise and over-deliver.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Leeds draft in Garcia for fight against relegation
February 22 – Spanish coach Javi Garcia has a second chance to manage in the Premier League after being hired by Leeds United as the replacement for Jesse Marsch.
‘Flight risk’ Alves refused bail in Spain over sexual assault charges
February 22 – Brazil’s former Barcelona star Dani Alves has had a request to be released from jail on bail rejected by a Spanish court as the investigation into an alleged sexual assault continues.
Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut’s body found in earthquake rubble
February 22 – The body of Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut (pictured) has been recovered more than two weeks after the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria in which more than 47,000 people have died.
TNT Sports to debut in UK in July as BT Sport rebranded for start of new season
February 22 – The UK sports broadcast landscape is changing with BT Sports channels changing their name to TNT Sports in July 2023 for the start of the new football season.
Vorwerk brands to feature on German women’s team kit
February 22 – Germany’s DFB have added household product business Vorwerk as sponsor of the women’s national team in a deal that began last night with a friendly against Sweden and runs through this summer’s World Cup.
Online bookie Stoiximan bets on Greek Super League title sponsorship
February 22 – Greek online gaming company Stoiximan has been named as naming rights sponsor of the Greek Super League in a deal that runs for the rest of this season and to the end of the 2024/25 season.
Breaking boundaries: Norway’s Klaveness asks the equality question of UEFA’s nations
February 21 – She may not have much chance of success but when Lise Klaveness runs for a position on UEFA’s executive committee in April, she will attempt to change years of male domination.
Player price inflation has averaged 9% per year over past decade, finds report
February 21 – The cost of buying players increased at an annual rate of 13.8% between the 2013/14 and 2019/20 seasons. The inflation bubble was burst with a -0.2% drop in the three seasons following the pandemic but player prices resumed their spectacular growth in 2022/23, suggesting a rapid return to record levels, said the CIES Football Observatory.
CWC finalists Al Hilal keep momentum as they look to retain their Champions League title
February 21 – Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal took a step closer to retaining their AFC Champions League title with a 3-1 win over the UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in Qatar at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Aussies head north for charity double against England
February 21 – England’s men’s and women’s teams are to play Australia in a unique international friendly double for charity later this year.
Cash-strapped Birmingham City fall foul of EFL funding and ownership rules
February 21 – English Tier-2 club Birmingham City could face a suspended points deduction after being charged with multiple counts of misconduct by the English Football League.
Liverpool not for sale, says Henry, but new investor talks on-going
February 21 – Liverpool is not for sale but the club is in discussion with potential investors which owner John Henry expects to result in new money coming into the business.
AFC broadens educational base with launch of new Certificate in Football Leadership
February 21 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched a new certificate for football administrators aimed at increasing the knowledge base and capabilities of football officials across the region.
Swedes tackle taboos to keep girls playing the game
February 21 – The betting business is not generally regarded as being the most sensitive or caring sector of the sports business but Swedish state gaming company Svenska Spel has teamed up with the Swedish FA to tackle one of the biggest taboos in the women’s game.