Jakub Jankto breaks men’s football’s biggest taboo saying he ‘no longer wants to hide’
February 14 – In a groundbreaking moment, Czech international Jakub Jankto has become the first active international men’s player to declare he is gay.
World Football
CSB says it has yet to earn from Canada Soccer deal, but is ready to provide more cash
February 14 – Following the debacle over the Canadian Women’s team strike threat, and accusations of a lack of financial transparency over the commercial deals of Canadian Soccer Business (CSB), the commercial partner of Canada Soccer, has issued a statement.
beIN Sports completes 4-year renewal for Conmebol’s club competitions
February 14 – Qatari-based broadcaster beIN Sports has renewed its commitment to South American football, extending its licensing of broadcast rights to the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana for the MENA region in a four-year deal.
Legal threat persuades Canadian women to suspend strike action ahead of SheBelieves Cup
February 13 – Canada will play in the SheBelieves Cup after Canada Soccer threatened legal action against the women’s national team players. They had threatened strike action but have now returned to training ahead of the tournament.
Belgian top tier club Gent look to private equity for new money
February 13 – Belgian club KAA Gent have been put up for sale and could become the latest to end up in foreign ownership.
UEFA clubs to show solidarity with earthquake victims before matches this week
February 13 – UEFA has announced that a moment of silence will be observed before kick-off at all their club competition matches taking place this week as a show of support for Turkey and Syria and as a mark of respect for the victims following the devastating earthquakes that affected both countries.
UEFA donates €200K for earthquake victims with fundraising at UCL Istanbul finals planned
February 13 – UEFA and the UEFA Foundation for Children, have made an initial donation of €200,000 to support the humanitarian operation following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
European Leagues and ECA slam Super League pitch saying there was no consultation; and no EPL teams either
By Andrew Warshaw
February 12 – The umbrella body for Europe’s major leagues is the latest stakeholder to denounce the resurrection of the Super League concept that has made worldwide headlines but which is not actually so super, reportedly being void of any English Premier League clubs.
UEFA report shows revenues edging up but Ceferin warns of spiralling wage inflation
February 10 – In a benchmarking report, a review of the European football finance landscape, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has warned clubs against ever-growing players wages which risk “compromising their economic sustainability”.
Turkish earthquake crushes any hope of Hatayspor finishing the season
February 10 – Hatayspor have withdrawn from the Turkish Super Lig following the devastating earthquake that has rocked the country.
Belgian clubs report record losses of €156m for 2022
February 10 – Belgian football presented record losses for the financial year 2022, with the 25 professional clubs collectively losing €156 million, confirming the trend of the last few seasons.
Ghana’s Christian Atsu still missing in Turkish earthquake chaos
February 10 – Former Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu is still missing following the earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria despite earlier reports the 31-year-old had been rescued.
NWSL releases league and revamped cup schedules for 2023 season
February 10 – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has announced its full schedule for the 2023 regular season that will kick off on March 25.
European Super League is back with revamped 80-team proposal
February 9 – The backers of the European Super League have returned with a revamped format proposal that would see 60 to 80 teams competing in a multi-divisional structure.
European Court rules fans have no say over financial integrity of Messi’s deal with PSG
February 9 – The European Court has ruled against a Barcelona fan group in France that demanded the European Commission investigate whether Paris Saint-Germain unfairly signed Lionel Messi.