DFL extends EA Sports deal until 2027
January 19 – Germany’s DFL and EA Sports have extended their partnership until 2027, seeing EA Sports retain exclusive license rights for the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 in future EA Sports FC titles.
Iraq stun Japan with 2-1 win to guarantee last 16 slot
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
January 19 – In the first major upset of the Asian Cup, Iraq triumphed 2-1 against tournament favourites Japan to advance to the last 16 and inflict a first group-stage defeat on the Samurai Blue since 1998.
Transfer talk: Man Utd target de Ligt, Chelsea need £100m+ for Gyokeres
January 19 – Manchester United are targeting a summer swoop for 24-year old Bayern Munich and Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt. The move would require a defensive clear out for the Red Devils, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof slated for the shop window come June.
Orange launches 14-team esports tournament alongside AFCON
January 19 – Telecoms giant Orange has furthered its involvement in the growth of eSports in Africa by launching an eFootball 2024 edition of the Orange eSport experience in Abidjan for the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.
Iran make hard work of Hong Kong but are through to knockouts
January 19 – Iran squeezed past a determined Hong Kong 1-0 to advance to the round of 16 of the Asian Cup with a game to spare in Group C.
Indonesia battle to 1-0 win over Vietnam
January 19 – Indonesia earned their first points in the competition by converting a decisive penalty versus a wasteful Vietnam side, as both teams went for the jugular in a battle at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
Gerrard sticking with Al-Ettifaq and on-going build
January 19 – Former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson may have departed after just six months but Steven Gerrard has signed a two-year contract extension to stay as head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq until 2027.
North Macedonia renew kit deal wth Jako for another year
January 19 – The Football Federation of North Macedonia has renewed its kit with German sportswear supplier Jako for another year.
AFC readies for 20-team eAsian Cup kick off in Qatar
January 19 – The AFC has released more detail of the inaugural AFC eAsian Cup which will be played February 1-5 in Doha, running parallel to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
Klinsmann forced to change keeper as Korea prepare for Jordan
January 19 – Jurgen Klinsmann and South Korea want to win the Asian Cup for goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, whose training-ground injury has ruled him out of the tournament.
LAFC adds Grasshopper Zurich to growing club collection
January 19 – MLS club LAFC has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Swiss club Grasshopper Zurich for an undisclosed fee.
Chung going again as AFC announces candidates for executive committee elections
January 19 – The Asian Football Confederation has announced the candidates for election to two executive committee posts that will be appointed at the confederation’s 34th Annual Congress in May in Bangkok, Thailand.
UEFA opens tender process for UWCL media and women’s football sponsorship rights
January 19 – UEFA has begun the tender process for media rights to the Women’s Champions League and Women’s Football sponsorship rights for the 2025-30 commercial cycle.
Dubai-based CFI Financial Group agrees AC Milan global partnership
January 19 – UAE-based online trading provider CFI Financial Group has agreed a global partnership with AC Milan, becoming the Italian Official Online Trading Partner.
Ratcliffe’s Man Utd buy-in was aided by Qatari failure to provide financial guarantees
January 18 – Details have emerged as to why Manchester United ended up opting for British investment instead of falling into Qatari hands.