UCL giantkillers: Faroe Islands’ Klaksvik stun Hungary’s Ferencváros
July 20 – The champions of the tiny Faroe Islands, Klaksvik, have made history by reaching the Champions League second qualifying round for the first time.
News
After a disjointed and fractious build-up, FIFA stumbles to WWC 2023 start line
By Samindra Kunti in Auckland
July 20 – Australians once described football as a game for Sheilas, Wogs and Poofters but from Thursday on they will co-host, alongside New Zealand, the sport’s premier women’s tournament with more finalists than ever vying for the global crown in a World Cup that FIFA boss Gianni Infantino believes will win over the sceptics, even if pay disputes and prize money inequality shroud the month-long football festival.
Poll of US fans finds New York New Jersey as preferred venue for 2026 World Cup final
July 20 – A survey of fans across the US has found that fans want to see New York New Jersey as the host for the World Cup 2026 Final at the MetLife Stadium.
Cleared of rape charges, Mendy returns to France and signs for Lorient
July 20 – Former France international Benjamin Mendy has signed a two-year deal with French club Lorient on Wednesday, only days after being cleared of rape allegations.
AEK renews online retailer CAR.gr for a further two years
July 20 – Greek champions AEK Athens have extended their back-of-shirt sponsorship with CAR.gr for a further two years.
FIFA finds room for last minute addition of Booking.com to WWC2023 sponsorship roster
July 20 – A day before the official kick off of the Women’s World Cup, FIFA has announced Booking.com as the 2023 tournament’s Official Online Travel Sponsor.
MSC Cruises docks on AC Milan’s sleeve
July 20 – MSC Cruises have picked up the sleeve patch of AC Milan’s shirt in a multi-year deal that will start this weekend when AC Milan meet Real Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles as part of the Soccer Champions Tour 2023.
MLS vs Saudi Pro League? Garber says the point is expansion of the game beyond Europe
July 19 – Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber insists the rise of the cash-rich Saudi Pro League won’t threaten the MLS’s potential expansion into emerging viewing markets.
Welcome to the USA. Wrexham open tour against Chelsea, Man Utd to come
July 19 – Wrexham, the unheralded Welsh side owned by American Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and globally recognised after the documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, have gained even more notoriety.
Infantino and Samoura plead with Kiwis to buy into Women’s World Cup
July 19 – On the eve of the Women’s World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called on New Zealanders to buy into the tournament and get their tickets for the 32-team finals. Slow ticket sales have raised the spectre of empty seats in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin.
Van der Sar out of intensive care
July 19 – Former Netherlands goalkeeper and ex-Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar is now out of intensive care after suffering bleeding around the brain.
Visa renews US Soccer deal until 2028 with focus on gender parity
July 19 – Visa has renewed its sponsorship of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) until 2028, remaining as the exclusive payment services partner of the men’s and women’s teams.
Kumho Tire treads new global path with AC Milan deal
July 19 – South Korean Kumho Tire has become a premium partner of AC Milan and the club’s new Official Tire Partner in what is described as a long-term partnership.
Peloton takes Liverpool sponsorship for a spin
July 19 – Premier League Liverpool have agreed a multi-year partnership with Peloton, who become the club’s first digital fitness partner.
FA study links repetitive heading to brain impairment in later life
July 18 – Researchers have found evidence suggesting that repetitive heading of balls during a professional football career is associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment in later life.