Asian women’s qualifying groups for Paris 2024 drawn
January 12 – The AFC has held the draw for the 26-team first round of Asian qualifiers for the Women’s 2024 Olympic tournament.
DAZN reveals $1.36bn loss but reports pick-up in subs and engagement as model evolves
January 12 – Sports-streaming giant DAZN has reported an operating loss of $1.36 billion in 2021, taking the company’s total losses over the past three reported financial years to $5 billion.
Aston Villa’s BK8 deal heats up the UK debate on bookmaker sponsorship
January 12 – The expected replacement of Aston Villa’s shirt sponsorship by online bookmaker BK8 has provoked an immediate backlash.
Women’s World Cup 2023 builds ‘Beyond Greatness’ theme with first ‘champions’ unveiled
January 12 – Promotion of the Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand is gathering speed with FIFA picking up the ‘Beyond Greatness’ theme of local organisers and launching their own team of local stars to be known as ‘Beyond Greatness Champions’.
Amstel extends Copa Libertadores deal to 2026 and adds women’s club titles
January 12 – Dutch beer-brand Amstel have extended their official beer partnership with Conmebol, sponsoring the Copa Libertadores until 2026 as well as adding the women’s version of the competition.
Qatar 2022 breakout stars exciting the winter transfer market
January 12 – A number of players worldwide seized the opportunity to showcase their talents on the largest stage at the World Cup. These once-less-known players are now well-known and frequently the subjects of attention as seen with the latest online casino games.
French federation pressure on Le Graet intensifies. Is Platini waiting in the wings?
January 11 – The head of French football is fighting for his job as the backlash intensifies into controversial comments he made about national icon Zinedine Zidane.
USL pushes women’s pro Super League launch to 2024 as it builds W League platform
January 11 – The United Soccer League (USL) has pushed back the start of its new professional women’s league into 2024.
AFC media deal with Eleven ends, FMA re-tenders key rights across six markets
January 11 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has cut short its broadcast deal with Eleven Sports Network following a restructure of Eleven’s business in the region.
Thailand beat Malaysia to set up Asean Championship final with Vietnam
January 11 – Defending champions Thailand will face Vietnam in the final of the Asean Championship after the Thais defeated Malaysia 3-0 to overturn a first-leg defeat.
Hillsborough crowd crush prompts probe into Newcastle FA Cup tie
January 11 – Safety officers have joined the English FA in investigating claims of crushing and overcrowding in Newcastle’s FA Cup third round upset at Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.
Saudis deny Ronaldo contract has €200m World Cup ambassador add on for 2030 bid
January 11 – Cristiano Ronaldo’s new club Al Nassr have denied reports that his contract includes a commitment to back a Saudi Arabian bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Welsh boss Page wants to keep Bale involved with national team
January 11 – Wales manager Rob Page wants Gareth Bale to stay involved in the international set-up after the superstar forward announced he was hanging up his boots.
Alves faces sexual harassment allegation after night in Barcelona night club
January 11 – Former Barcelona and Brazil star Daniel Alves is under investigation over the allegation of sexual harassment of a woman at a Spanish nightclub, Catalonia’s Supreme Court has said.
Sports apps dominating the data, information and gaming landscape
January 8 – Sports apps have become a staple for sports fans looking to stay abreast of live scores and the latest news around favourite teams, players, and leagues. Several applications are now available that service the demand, delivering news, stats, and occasionally betting chances on various sporting events.