ASEAN sub-regional federation goes all-in with Sportfive until 2032
May 22 – The ASEAN football federation (AFF) has extended its rights representation agreement with the sports marketing agency Sportfive until 2032.
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey
The 25,000-capacity home to the New York Red Bulls of the MLS and the NJ/NY Gotham FC of the NWSL is situated in Harrison, New Jersey, seven miles west of Lower Manhattan, on the waterfront in the Riverbend district.
Originally planned to be built for the MetroStars in the MLS in 2004, various planning issues prevented the build from starting until the start of 2005 when drinks company Red Bull bought the MetroStars MLS franchise from Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) and renamed the club.
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Soldier Field, Chicago
The iconic Soldier Field stadium in Chicago,Illinois, will host the opening match of the 2023 Gold Cup between the USA and Jamaica on Saturday June 24.
The multi-purpose stadium opened in 1924 and was reconstructed in 2003. It has been the home of the Chicago Bears NFL team since 1971 and Chicago Fire FC in the MLS from 1998 to 2005 and since 2020.
With a capacity of 61,500 for American football,
CAF revamps 2026 World Cup qualifiers, opening group stage to all 54 member nations
May 19 – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have announced a change in format for the African World Cup qualifiers for the 2026 finals following an executive committee meeting in Algiers, Algeria.
Belgian FA in turmoil as Van Den Bulck loses board confidence and quits
May 19 – After less than a year in his position, Paul Van Den Bulck (pictured) has resigned as the president of the Belgian FA (RBFA) due to tensions with the board of directors. He had ousted long serving Peter Bossaert as CEO two months previously.
Dutch police open probe into AZ Alkmaar fan attacks on West Ham players’ families
May 19 – Dutch police have opened an investigation after families and friends of West Ham players were attacked at the Conference League semi-final against AZ Alkmaar.
Concacaf draws group qualifiers for 2023 Road to Concacaf W Gold Cup
May 19 – Concacaf has released more details of its inaugural W Gold Cup, the confederation’s new women’s national team championship to be played February 17 – March 10, 2024, in the US.
Kosovan FA probes match-fixing allegation in women’s championship
May 19 – The Kosovo Football Federation (FFK) has launched an investigation into a match in the country’s women’s football championship. An audio recording was leaked to local media claiming that Hajvalia players tried to bribe Mitrovica players ahead of the derby between the two teams in March.
Mansour ownership group puts down $500m to secure San Diego MLS franchise
May 18 – The MLS has awarded it 30th franchise to San Diego in California, and an investment group led by Egyptian Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
Brazil breaks ranking record of exported players. France rank second, England fourth
May 5 – Brazil, a mass exporter of footballers, has broken records according to the CIES Football Observatory, with more than 1,289 players now plying their trade overseas.
High and fire club owners set records for manager sackings; Premier League is most trigger happy
May 19 – Being a manager of club in one of Europe’s Big 5 leagues has never been more precarious. This season more than 170 head coaches have been used by the 98 clubs, an average of 1.73 per club.
AFC draws groups for U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia 2024 qualifiers
May 19 – The Asia Football Confederation (AFC) has draw the groups for the remaining eight teams in Round 2 of qualifying for AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia 2024.
FIFA and ECA reach compromise on early player release dates for Women’s World Cup
May 18 – The world governing body FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have revised the rules regarding player release dates for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, allowing for more flexibility.
Brentford’s Toney banned for 8 months for betting on football
May 18 – Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been suspended from all football and football-related activity with immediate effect for eight months, fined £50,000 and warned as to his future conduct for breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.
Man City masterclass brushes off Real Madrid to set up Champions Final with Inter
May 18 – Manchester City pulverised holders Real Madrid 4-0 to reach the final of the Champions League and keep their dream of a treble alive.