Inside World Football - For the Business of Football

Mexico’s clubs take FMF and Liga MX to CAS with demand to reinstate promotion and relegation

May 20 – The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and 18 clubs from Liga MX are facing a legal battle with 11 clubs from the Mexico’s second tier who are demanding a return to the promotion and relegation system between the two leagues that was put on hold for the 2019/20 season when the Covid pandemic hit.

The claim filed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) yesterday is being made on behalf of 11 of the 15 clubs who play in Liga MX Expansión.

Finance

49ers Enterprises in inject £120m into Leeds Utd via share issue

Leeds United

May 20 – Championship winners Leeds United are set to benefit from a substantial £120 million cash injection via a new share issue by owners 49ers Enterprises, with funds earmarked for both the Elland Road redevelopment project and strengthening the squad ahead of their Premier League return.

Finance

Leicester City relegated but PSR rule break sees Fox hunt continue

May 21 – Leicester City, relegated from the Premier League, face an uncertain future after being referred to an independent commission over alleged profit and sustainability rule (PSR) breaches for the 2023-24 season, when they competed in the Championship.

Football Marketing

Bayern expand global reach in Asia; Schalke extend HRS kit sponsorship

May 21 – Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have plenty to celebrate beyond their record-breaking 32nd title. The Bavarian giants are now embarking on an aggressive international expansion throughout Southeast Asia, establishing a year-round presence that coincides with the club’s 125th anniversary.

Sponsorship

Continental Tire puts more mileage on MLS partnership

May 21 – Continental Tire and Major League Soccer (MLS) have announced a multi-year extension to their partnership, continuing a successful 15-year relationship. As part of the renewed agreement, Continental Tire will remain the presenting partner of Sunday Night Soccer on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Europe

Legends to play pre-UCL final tournament at SAP Garden as part of Champions Fan Festival

May 20 – UEFA Champions League finals are no longer just about Champions League finals.

Football Marketing

CKB Bank agrees Montenegran national team sponsorship

May 20 – The Football Federation of Montenegro (FSCG) has agreed a deal with financial services provider OTP Group, its CKB Bank (Crnogorska Komercijalna Banka) becoming the sponsor of all Montenegro national teams.

Europe

Disabled fans fury at Europa League final ticket allocation

May 20 – Disabled supporters of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have expressed outrage at UEFA’s “woefully inadequate” allocation of just 52 accessible tickets for the Europa League Final in Bilbao, Spain. The San Mames stadium has a capacity of nearly 50,000.

Africa

CAF announces partnership with European Commission to support continental tournaments

May 20 – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the European Commission (EC) have announced a formal partnership that will see the EC backing several of CAF’s flagship tournaments — including upcoming editions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the CAF African Schools Football Championship.

Europe

Ligue 1’s anti-homophobia campaign littered with incidents and controversy

May 20 – Ligue 1’s annual anti-homophobia campaign descended into controversy last weekend as multiple players declined to take part, one striker refused to play altogether, and a homophobic slur was heard during a tunnel exchange – putting French football’s commitment to inclusivity under fresh scrutiny.

Football Marketing

Kit reveals on the agenda as EPL clubs eye commercial foothold in 2025-26

May 20 – As the English Premier League campaign draws to a close, clubs are beginning to pivot commercially towards next season – and that means it’s time to reveal next season’s on-pitch money makers.

Sponsorship

Brentford drive towards the future with Cazoo commercial partnership

May 20 – Brentford’s commercial partnership with Motors is entering a new phase, with the automotive platform elevating its recently acquired brand Cazoo to the forefront of its multi-year deal with the English Premier League club.

South America

Brazil lose FIFA Council seat as CONMEBOL appoints Argentina’s Claudio Tapia

May 20 – Brazil has lost its seat on the FIFA Council following CONMEBOL’s decision to replace former Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) boss Ednaldo Rodrigues with Argentina’s Claudio Tapia as its representative on an interim basis.

Europe

Kerkez set to leave Botev Plovdiv as Bulgarian football faces financial Armageddon

May 20 – Dusan Kerkez, the Bosnian coach in charge of financially-stricken Bulgarian outfit Botev Plovdiv, has announced he will leave the club at the end of the current season.

Football News

End of an era: Lineker departs BBC following antisemitic scandal

May 20 – BBC presenter Gary Lineker, who was expected to host the corporation’s World Cup and FA Cup coverage next year, has confirmed he will be leaving this weekend without a payoff, just days after he apologised for amplifying online material with antisemitic connotations.