Sportdigital secures AFC championships in German-speaking markets for further 5 years
December 16 – The AFC has extended its media partnership with Sportdigital in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for the 2025-2028 cycle.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Croatian capital Zagreb commits €40m to rebuilding of Kranjčevićeva stadium
December 17 – Following a public consultation, the city of Zagreb has issued a tender for the reconstruction of the Kranjčevićeva stadium in Croatia’s capital.
Concacaf and MLS sign on for invitation-only business conference before Nations League finals
December 17 – Sports Business Journal and sister company Leaders in Sport will hold a soccer-focussed business of football conference next March 19-20, 2025 at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California.
Ukraine complain after graphic at FIFA 2026 draw omits Crimea
December 16 – FIFA has been criticised by Ukraine for an “unacceptable error” after it appeared to exclude Crimea as part of the country during last week’s European draw for the 2026 World Cup.
Rodriguez quits Liga MX after clubs refuse to back $1.25bn Apollo deal
December 16 – Juan Carlos Rodríguez, the president of Liga MX and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), resigned on Friday during a meeting of Liga MX club owners who disagreed with his proposed investment strategy for the league.
Saints and Wolves fire managers as gap opens at bottom of Premier League
December 16 – The Premier League’s bottom two clubs both sacked their managers on Sunday as Gary O’Neil was dismissed by Wolverhampton Wanderers, followed by Southampton parting company with Russell Martin.
Wiesenhof build on Euro 2024 sponsorship with 2025 commitment
December 16 – UEFA has announced that German poultry producer Wiesenhof has become an Official National Partner for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, set to take place in Switzerland from 2 to 27 July. It is the company’s first sponsorship of the tournament.
German power brokers Neuendorf and Watzke endorsed again for FIFA and UEFA roles
December 16 – The German FA (DFB) have backed Bernd Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim Watzke for re-election to the FIFA Council and UEFA executive committee respectively.
Laced: English FA boss Debbie Hewitt forced to justify support for Saudi Arabia 2034
December 16 – English FA president Debbie Hewitt has defended her organisation’s backing of Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 World Cup, a decision that FIFA and its membership rubber-stamped last week.
US women stay top of the world as ranking grows to 195 nations
December 16 – The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) will close out 2024 at the summit of the FIFA world rankings, reclaiming their dominance after a turbulent year. The latest update, released on Friday, confirms their position ahead of reigning World Cup champions Spain, who remain in second place.
Bochum and Union Berlin walk to draw after Drewes hit on head by missile
December 16 – Bochum will protest to the German football association after their goalkeeper Patrick Drewes was hit by a lighter in their Bundesliga draw at Union Berlin on Saturday, with the teams later returning to the pitch to finish the match but running down the clock without trying to score.
Pachuca beat Al Ahly on penalties to set up Real Madrid final
December 16 – Mexico’s Pachuca will play Real Madrid in the final of the Intercontinental Cup after defeating Egypt’s Al Ahly in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
Baller League raises £33m for 6v6 entertainment product
December 16 – New platforms of football continue to evolve with the latest iteration being ‘Baller League’ an innovative 6-a-side football league, which hopes to blend the ‘beautiful game’ with the energy of street culture.
San Diego FC set new franchise record for shirt sales launch
December 16 – San Diego FC, who will make their debut in Major League Soccer (MLS), next season, are already breaking records before they’ve even stepped foot on the pitch.
Subway takes naming rights to Women’s League Cup
December 15 – Fast food giant Subway has signed a multi-year agreement with Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), making it the new title partner of the Women’s League Cup.