Bettson adds Racing Club shirt front sponsorship to growing Argentine presence
January 29 – Swedish sportsbook Betsson has further strengthened its presence in Argentine football, renewing a front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Racing Club.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Court returns £3.6m to West Ham from LLDC’s profit share in sale of 27% club stake
January 29 – West Ham United have not had the happiest of times since moving from their much beloved Upton Park to the London Stadium, however, the club is potentially now £3.6 million better off after winning a court case against The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), which owns London Stadium.
Saintfiet sets 7-game target for Mali at AFCON 2025
January 29 – Mali manager Tom Saintfiet believes his team can go all the way at the Africa Cup of Nations following a favourable group stage draw.
Greeks hail success of digital ticket system in combatting hooliganism
January 29 – Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance, has described the introduction of electronic tickets for football matches in the country as a huge success.
Seattle launches small business initiative as 500 days to WC countdown begins
January 29 – With the World Cup officially only 500 days away, Local Organising Committees are shifting gears with the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 (SeattleFWC26) leading the way by unveiling a World Cup Small Business Initiative.
Man City put AI designed kits to public vote
January 29 – Football clubs and their kits are big business, however the fans rarely have an input into what these kits look like. Manchester City and their kit provider, German sportswear giant, Puma, have turned that concept around by announcing a ‘fan vote’ to decide the club’s official 2026/27 Third kit.
Former head of US agency that broke the FIFA corruption case in 2015 says it isn’t over yet
January 28 – Speaking at SIGA’s financial integrity forum (FITS) in Lisbon, Portugal, Richard Weber, the former director of the US’s IRSCI (Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation) agency that broke the case that led to the US indictments in 2015 of eventually more than 40 FIFA officials and associates, said that the investigation “is continuing today”.
Belgium’s Radja Nainggolan arrested as part of cocaine trafficking investigation
January 28 – Serie A champion, and former Belgian international, Radja Nainggolan has been arrested as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking into Europe from South America.
Neymar has Al-Hilal contract cancelled, clearing path for potential return to Santos
January 28 – The cancellation of injury-prone Neymar’s contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal could ease the path to a return to Santos in Brazil where he started his career. Rumours are that he could return as both a player and investor.
MLS moves broadcast production in with WWE; IMG extends content deal
January 28 – Major League Soccer (MLS) is moving its productions to WWE Headquarters in Stamford Connecticut from East Harlem, New York.
US third-tier league NISA plans new season start in April
January 28 – US third-tier professional league, the national Independent Soccer Association (NISA), that operates under a provisional license issued by the US Soccer Federation (USSF) , has said it is targeting a return to play in April 2025 with a championship match in October.
Another day another despot. Infantino continues his private jolly jet tour of the world
January 27 – With a visit to Italy’s far-right deputy prime-minister Matteo Salvini, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has once again marked his presidency by his keenness to use his football honorarium for non-football involvement in extremist political circles.
Controversial Indian FA president Kalyan Chaubey faces growing lobby for no-confidence vote
January 27 – State associations are planning a no-confidence motion in Kalyan Chaubey (pictured), the president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Rudi Garcia tasked with returning Belgian pride and winning teams
January 27 – Frenchman Rudi Garcia (pictured) has been named the new manager of Belgium following the dismissal of Domenico Tedesco. His contract runs through until the 2026 World Cup.
Football’s first million dollar woman surfs financial wave all the way to Chelsea
January 27 – The deal is done, a momentous moment for the women’s game. Naomi Girma has become the first million-dollar transfer in women’s football history.