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.
Carlo Ancelotti on trial in Spanish court charged with tax evasion
April 2 – Carlo Ancelotti is widely considered the best club coach in the history of football. As coach of AC Milan, Chelsea, and now Real Madrid, the Italian has won everything, however, he’s now facing potentially one of his biggest battles as he will have to stand trial on charges of defrauding Spain’s Tax Office to the tune of more than €1 million (£836,857).
India’s Supreme Court debates new draft constitution for AIFF
April 2 – A proposed AIFF draft constitution, suggesting amendments, has been presented to India’s Supreme Court and could enable the federation to progress to fresh elections.
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.
ESPN renews AFC rights for Central and South America and Caribbean
April 2 – ESPN has renewed its exclusive media rights agreement in Central America, South America and the Caribbean with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the 2025-2028 cycle.
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.
MLS’s longest coaching reign ends as Vermes leaves Sporting Kansas City
April 1 – The longest-serving manager in Major League Soccer (MLS), Peter Vermes (pictured), has mutually agreed to part ways with Sporting Kansas City (SKC).
TS Capital Partners acquire 75% stake in Spanish side Recreativo de Huelva
April 1 – TS Capital Partners, a private equity and venture capital firm, has acquired a 75% stake in Spanish third division side Recreativo de Huelva – with the group set to become the largest shareholder in the entity.
LAFC-Club América play-off may decide final spot at FIFA Club World Cup
April 1 – With Club León being replaced in the FIFA Club World Cup due to failing to meet FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules, a spot has opened up in the tournament, billed as the richest club competition the world has ever seen.
Everton announce year of financial progress despite seventh consecutive year of losses
April 1 – It’s not often a £53.2million loss can be counted as a win, but in the case of Everton, it marks an £89.1m improvement on the deficit incurred during the 2022-23 season, with the club saying that the reduction outlines a year of financial progress.