Qatar Airways lands on more UEFA properties in deal that runs to 2030
September 20 – Qatar Airways has deepened its sponsor partnerships with UEFA becoming the official airline partner of the Champions League, in a deal that runs until 2030.
News
Franz Beckenbauer Platz 5 will be the new address of Bayern Munich’s Allianz Stadium
September 20 – The city of Munich is changing the address of Bayern Munich’s iconic stadium in honour of club legend Franz Beckenbauer.
LaLiga expands its crypto roster with ‘multi-million’ Bitget deal
September 20 – LaLiga have signed a multi-year deal with Bitget which will see the company become the league’s Official Crypto Partner in the Eastern, Southeast Asian and Latin American regions.
Argentina stay top of World rankings, Qatar plummet after poor 2026 qualifying openers
September 20 – Argentina remain at the top of the latest FIFA World Rankings, leading an unchanged top ten that sees France and Spain hold their positions in second and third.
Peter Willems tasked with bringing stability as he moves into CEO role at Belgian FA
September 20 – The Belgian FA (KBVB) has named Peter Willems as the new CEO of the governing body following a summer of chaos.
US energy drink Reign Storm sign with Chelsea Women for UK rollout
September 20 – American Energy Drink company Reign Storm have signed as Chelsea Women’s Official Energy Drink Partner in a multi-year deal with the reigning Barclays Women’s Super League champions.
SmartSoft track Argentina’s rise in popularity with renewed deal focussed on Europe
September 20 – The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed the renewal and expanded its partnership with online casino games supplier SmartSoft, elevating the brand to the role of regional sponsor in Europe.
UEFA’s new Champions Innovate challenge targets promotion of healthy and active lifestyle
September 20 – The second edition of the Champions Innovate initiative has been launched with a challenge to startup companies to develop concepts promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
Messi tops MLS shirt sales; 13 nations represented in top 25 bestsellers
September 19 – For the second year running Lionel Messi has topped the table of shirt sales in the MLS.
FIFA hires Lamour from UEFA to take COO role
September 19 – The summer transfer window might be shut but off the field FIFA have made a high-profile signing by poaching one of the most respected executives in European football from UEFA.
An English fan’s-eye view of French Ligue2 protests
Fans of French Ligue2 clubs have been protesting the move to playing league matches on Friday nights to satisfy their broadcast partner. The fans welcome their teams on to the pitch noisily, but when the game kicks off go silent. Graham Harrison a Leeds United fan holidaying in Brittany, France, with a football supporting friend decided to watch a Ligue2 Friday night match last week.
UEFA technical report details smart use of width, and impact of subs as two keys to Euro2024 success
September 19 – Spain’s tactical evolution is one of the standout findings from UEFA’s Euro 2024 Technical Report that details tactical trends and developments from the tournament.
Minted: Portugal to issue €7 Ronaldo coin
September 19 – While most countries put the heads of royal families and heads of state on their currency, Portugal is putting Cristiano Ronaldo’s on a €7 coin.
Italy mourns loss of iconic striker Salvatore ‘Totò’ Schillaci, aged 59
September 19 – Salvatore ‘Totò’ Schillaci, the Italian striker who was top scorer at the 1990 World Cup on home soil, has died aged 59 after being admitted to hospital following treatment for colon cancer.
Levski Sofia begin search for stadium naming rights sponsor to replace Vivacom
September 19 – Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia have announced they are looking for a new major sponsor for the club’s stadium naming rights.