Saudi Pro League boosts Stats Perform data deal with OptaAI technology
December 3 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has deepened its partnership with Stats Perform, adding new performance insights and data solutions via Opta and OptaAI.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Hong Kong FA powers its sponsor roster with ChargeSpot deal
December 3 – The Football Association of Hong Kong (HKFA) has announced a new sponsorship agreement with ChargeSpot, a shared power bank provider, to support the national team for the 2024-25 season, serving as HKFA’s Official Power Partner.
Al-Ittihad score a commercial brace with new club shop and VW shirt deal
December 3 – Al-Ittihad, the nine-time winners of the Saudi Pro League and current league leaders by two points after 12 games, are also enjoying a good season off the pitch, having recently announced two noteworthy deals.
RBFA kicks off Project Fenix with Orion Innovation to digitally transform Belgian game
December 3 – The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has brought in digital tech specialists Orion Innovation to overhaul the FA’s digital infrastructure.
Monaco tourist board harnesses youth ASM’s youth teams to promote principality
December 3 – AS Monaco and the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority have extended their partnership, with the Visit Monaco brand now set to feature on the kits of the club’s Academy teams.
At least 56 killed in violent clashes at club match in Guinea
December 2 – A match in Guinea’s second-largest city, Nzérékoré, turned deadly as violent clashes led to a stampede, resulting in at least 56 fatalities on Sunday, according to government reports.
Saudi Arabia, the greatest ever place for a World Cup. FIFA’s bid report says so
December 2 – FIFA World Cup bid evaluation report has, remarkably, awarded Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup the joint highest bidding score ever. Human rights groups, however, have slammed FIFA for “whitewashing” the country’s human rights record and called out glossing over environmental concerns.
Infantino sweeps FIFA sub-committee’s recommendations and Qatar migrant worker report under the carpet
December 2 – In a new low for FIFA and president Gianni Infantino’s administration, FIFA have ignored a key recommendation by its own subcommittee on human rights and social responsibility to compensate migrant workers in Qatar.
Report finds Millennials and Gen Z dissatisfied with football’s sustainability record
December 2 – Football organisations are set to face increasing scrutiny over their environmental and social impact, driven by a younger, sustainability-conscious generation of supporters, according to a new survey by Carbon Responsible focusing on UK football fans.
Lebanese FA says football will resume at start of 2025
December 2 – Football is to resume in Lebanon from early next year – days after Israel and Hezbollah announced a ceasefire in their ongoing war.
Swisscom connects as first national sponsor of Euro 2025
December 2 – UEFA has announced that Swisscom has become the Official National Telecommunications & Connectivity Partner for next summer’s Women’s Euros.
Match week 14: EPL crowds hit near-capacity ahead of first round of mid-week fixtures
December 2 – Premier League stadiums once again showcased near-capacity crowds, with match week 14 averaging an impressive 98.53% attendance – the third best of the season behind match weeks 1 and 11. Here’s how the weekend unfolded.
Man down, Botafogo beat Atletico Mineiro to win Copa Libertadores and last CWC slot
December 2 – Ten-man Botafogo clinched their first-ever Copa Libertadores with a 3-1 win against Atletico Mineiro in a gripping final in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
Collateral damage? Herdman steps down from Toronto FC as Canadian drone scandal casts long shadow
December 2 – Implicated in the Canadian drone-spying scandal that has already cost Canadian women’s coach Bev Priestman her job following the Paris Olympics, John Herdman has resigned as coach of Toronto FC, though his resignation has not been directly linked to that scandal.
Fiorentina’s Bove rushed to hospital after collapsing against Inter Milan
December 2 – Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove is in intensive care in hospital after collapsing on the pitch during his side’s Serie A match against Inter Milan on Sunday.