Andy Elliott, Author at Inside World Football - Page 16 of 97

Postponing 2026 FIFA World Cup ‘not realistic’ states governing body

March 12 – As geopolitical tensions continue to grip the world in uncertainty, senior officials at FIFA say postponing the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not a realistic option, even as the governing body continues to monitor the conflict involving Iran and its potential impact on the tournament.

Speaking at the International Broadcast Centre for the 48-nation competition, FIFA World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said the scale and complexity of the tournament make any delay extraordinarily difficult.

Europe

Turkish Football Federation launches tender for national team facility

March 12 – The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has officially launched a high-priority tender to construct a modern sports hall at the Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp and Training Facilities in Riva, Beykoz.

MLS

MLS calls on gambling companies to remove markets to help tackle growing issues

March 12 – The suspensions of two players formerly with the Columbus Crew have intensified Major League Soccer’s (MLS) efforts to push gambling operators to remove certain betting markets from their platforms.

Finance

Roel De Vries set to depart City Football Group for State Entertainment role

March 12 – Roel De Vries, the Group Chief Operating Officer of City Football Group (CFG), is set to leave to become CEO of Stage Entertainment, according to reports from Yahoo Finance.

U.S. National Team to set up base in Southern California ahead of FIFA World Cup

March 12 – The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) will be based in one of soccer’s most vibrant markets in the country, Southern California, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

South America

Red card madness damaged Brazil’s reputation – Hulk

March 10 – Former Brazil star Hulk admits Sunday’s red card madness in which 23 players were sent off has damaged the image of Brazilian football.

Football Asia

Japan march through to light up AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Japan womens_Olympic_football_team_April_26

March 10 – The group stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup has concluded with few surprises at the top of the standings, as the continent’s heavyweights advanced to the knockout rounds ahead of a quarter-final line-up that blends established powers with a handful of emerging challengers.

Football Asia

FIFPRO lauds new partnerships at Sydney meeting

March 10 – Player unions from across the Asia-Pacific gathered in Sydney this week for the annual FIFPRO Asia/Oceania General Assembly, with the message from the room clear – football’s growth in the region will depend on genuine partnerships between players, federations and governing bodies.

Arsenal add security with ADT deal

March 10 – Arsenal have signed a new multi-year partnership with security firm ADT, bringing the brand into football sponsorship for the first time as the club’s Official Community Security Partner.

Abramovich will fight any attempt by UK to confiscate Chelsea proceeds

Roman Abramovich_18-05-121

March 10 – Lawyers for former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich have warned the UK government not to confiscate £2.35 billion from the sale of the London club as a dispute over the money escalates.

Concacaf

Lifetime bans for two MLS players caught in gambling probe

March 10 – Major League Soccer has handed Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah lifetimes bans for “extensive” gambling, including on games involving their own teams.

Football Marketing

Triple Espresso and Rei Ami launch NWSL kick-off campaign

March 10 – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has unveiled its 2026 season kick-off campaign as it prepares for opening day on March 13.

Football Asia

Fears grow for Iran Women despite Australia granting five visas

March 10 – Five members of the Iranian women’s football team have been granted humanitarian visas in Australia after their Asian Cup exit – but the fate of the rest remains unclear amid fears for their safety.

Concacaf

U.S. Soccer partners with M+C Saatchi

March 10 – The U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed M+C Saatchi North America as its strategic integrated marketing agency as the federation ramps up commercial and fan engagement efforts ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Europe

Stoichkov launches FIFA schools project in Greece

March 10 – The Bulgarian legend and Ballon d’Or winner Hristo Stoichkov was the central figure during the official launch of the innovative “FIFA Football for Schools” program in Athens.