Brazil’s Serie A renews 5-year Assai naming rights for a further season
April 18 – Brazilian wholesaler Assaí Atacadista has extended its title sponsorship of Campeonato Brasileiro Série A for a further season.
News
Gold Cup draw sees Mexico head group of death as US paired with Jamaica in group
By Paul Nicholson in Los Angeles
April 15 – Defending champions USA have been handed what looks like a comfortable group draw for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, with the toughest challenge in the first stage likely to come from Jamaica and their contingent of English Premier League players.
Concacaf launches Bigger Game social responsibility programme at the SoFi Stadium
April 15 – Using the backdrop of the 2023 Gold Cup Draw at the spectacular SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Concacaf officially launched its ‘Bigger Game’ social impact strategy.
Al Ahly fan ban after Zamalek hatred bubbles over in Pharco with Shikabala insults
April 17 – Three thousand Al Ahly fans have been suspended for two games for shouting “insults” aimed at Zamalek’s Egypt international Shikabala during the club’s last game against Pharco.
More racism in Spain as Real Madrid’s Rudiger is abused in Cadiz
April 17 – Not for the first time in his career, Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was the subject of racist abuse at the weekend after his team’s game at Cadiz.
One for the road: Brugges boss Mannaert told to stop drinking or lose his job
April 17 – Club Brugge’s CEO Vincent Mannaert (pictured) has admitted that his alcohol addiction could force his exit from the Belgian club.
Italian striker Immobile hospitalised after car crash
April 17 – Italy international striker Ciro Immobile is being treated for back and rib injuries in hospital after his car was involved in an accident.
Argentine Sampaoli makes dash from Spain to take over at Brazil’s Flamengo
April 17 – Jorge Sampaoli has succeeded Vitor Pereira as the new manager of Flamengo. He will make his debut on Thursday against Chile’s Nublense in the Copa Libertadores.
Fan group collects funds to support unpaid players at North Macedonia’s storied Vardar Skopje
April 17 – The financial issues facing North Macedonia’s Vardar Skopje are deepening. The team from the capital who have won more championships than any other, is fighting for a return to the Macedonian first league, and for survival.
Assistant ref Hatzidakis cleared of intent after elbowing Liverpool’s Robertson
April 14 – Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis will not face further disciplinary action for allegedly elbowing Liverpool’s Andy Robertson in the face.
Bayern drop Mané for punching Sane after Man City loss
April 14 – Bayern Munich have dramatically dropped Sadio Mané and fined the Senegal forward following reports that he struck teammate Leroy Sané after Tuesday’s Champions League 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
New York Red Bulls’ Vanzeir given 6-game ban by MLS for racial slur
April 14 – New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir (pictured) has been suspended for six games and fined by Major League Soccer for using a racist remark during last Saturday’s match against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Palmeiras set to kick off defence of Brazilian title. Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro in the hunt
April 14 – On Saturday, Palmeiras kick off the 2023 Brazilian league season against Cuiaba. Alongside Rio giants Flamengo and Belo Horizonte behemoth Atletico Mineiro, they will be favourites to win the Serie A.
Pirin Blagoevgrad future in doubt after US agency CRD pull out of sale
April 14 – The sale of Bulgaria’s Pirin Blagoevgrad has fallen through after US player agency CRD Sport pulled out after representatives of the company spent more than a week in Blagoevgrad where they negotiated with the local municipality.
EA Sports FC brand launched globally as video gamer ends its FIFA friendly
April 14 – EA Sports has started the brand building for its EA SPORTS FC title that will launch at the end of the year, ending EA’s use of the FIFA brand after a 20-year association.