NWSL-AT&T sponsorship deal ‘invests in future of women’s sports’
April 3 – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) continues to go from strength to strength, announcing a multi-year sponsorship deal with communications giant AT&T.
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UEFA Congress set to elect new cohort of Exco and FIFA Council reps
April 2 – Top of the agenda at the UEFA Congress in Belgrade, Serbia, will be the elections for UEFA’s executive committee. There will also be a vote on European representatives on the FIFA Council, with five members, including at least one female, to elected.
Conmebol brings in new 8 second rule for its club competitions
April 2 – Conmebol has introduced a major rule change for the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, becoming the first confederation to cap the time goalkeepers can hold on to the ball at eight seconds. If keepers exceed the limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.
Player sales put Nottingham Forest £12.1m into the black
April 2 – Nottingham Forest have reported a pre-tax profit of £12.1 million for the 2023-24 financial year, driven by £100 million in player sales. Despite recording an operating loss of £73.3 million, the club’s strong transfer market activity – including the £47.5 million sale of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham Hotspur—converted financial red into black.
Vidic gets political, showing support for Serbian students’ protest calls for change
April 2 – Former Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic has said that Serbia must seize “the historic opportunity” created by the student protests against the government of Aleksandar Vudic.
Yamal’s new Kings League franchise wildcarded into World Cup
April 2 – Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has made his first major move off the pitch, launching his own Kings League franchise, La Capital CF. The announcement, streamed live on Monday, marks Yamal’s entry into the growing world of football-entertainment, a space that has attracted top players, influencers, and brands looking to engage with the next generation of football fans.
MLS bans Messi’s close protection from the Inter Miami dugout
April 2 – As the world’s most famous player, Lionel Messi requires protection on and off the pitch, however Major League Soccer (MLS) has decided to take full control of his safety after banning his bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, from the touchline of Inter Miami matches.
SAOT to make Premier League debut April 12
April 2 – Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT system aims to remove human error and the drawing of lines to establish players in an offside position.
Euro compliant: USL Super League announces June play-offs to close 2024/25 season
April 2 – The USL Super League, the first-division women’s soccer league competing against the National Women’s Soccer League, has announced that its championship match will be played on June 14, 2025.
Banned from Bulgaria, Zingarevich offers 30% of Botev Plovdiv shares to fans
April 2 – Botev Plovdiv owner Anton Zingarevich has put 30% of his shares in the club for sale following the Bulgarian ban on the Russian businessman entering the country.
EFL and Smart Energy GB extend agreement to help fans manage rising costs
April 1 – As UK households brace themselves for increased energy, water and council tax bills starting this week, the English Football League (EFL) and Smart Energy GB have extended their partnership to support football fans in managing rising energy costs.
AS Monaco and VBET agree four-year partnership extension
April 1 – AS Monaco and VBET have locked in a long-term partnership extension, securing their collaboration until 2029 in a move that strengthens both brands in the highly competitive sports betting market.
North London Derby ventures East to headline Hong Kong Football Festival
April 1 – Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will take their fierce north London rivalry overseas for the first time when they face-off in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong this summer. The clash will be played at the newly opened Kai Tak Stadium on July 31, marking the first North London Derby to be hosted outside of the UK.
Brazilian referee and assistants among match officials for Women’s Euros
April 1 – UEFA has confirmed the 13 referees who will take charge at Women’s EURO 2025 in Switzerland this summer. The tournament, running from July 2 to 27, will feature a hand-picked selection of Europe’s top match officials alongside a special guest from South America.
AC Milan spread their brand in Asia by launching first youth academy in Hong Kong
April 1 – Asia continues to be the most fertile market for European clubs to spread their brands and Italian giants AC Milan are leading the way by officially launching their first youth academy in Hong Kong.