Inside World Football - Page 5 of 2169 - For the Business of Football

Report highlights growing gap between developing pro leagues in the women’s game

January 10 – The global growth of women’s football continues to gather momentum, with expanded competitions, improved player conditions, and heightened international recognition all serving as cornerstones of the sport’s development. However, a newly published report by Fifpro and Football Benchmark reveals critical challenges that could hinder sustainable growth, highlighting stark disparities in competition access and player workload.

Concacaf

MLS salary cap rules make Inter Miami big-money move for Neymar unfeasible, says Mascherano

January 10 – Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has ruled out the possibility of reuniting Neymar with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at the club, citing Major League Soccer’s (MLS) strict salary cap regulations as a major barrier.

Federations

Hong Kong’s Kai Tak stadium nears opening as talks progress on a Summer of Premier League action

January 10 – Hong Kong’s ambitious Kai Tak Sports Park project is entering its final stages, with the state-of-the-art facility expected to open later this year. The development, situated on the northwestern part of the former Kai Tak Airport, is set to redefine Hong Kong’s sporting landscape with a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting a wide range of events but with a focus on football.

Football Marketing

PSG gets crypto-cuddly with Bitpanda

January 10 – French champions Paris Saint-Germain have announced a partnership with Austrian crypto platform Bitpanda.

Everton’s US owners fire Dyche with Moyes in talks over a return

January 10 – In the first big call by the club’s new American owners, Everton fired manager Sean Dyche on Thursday just three hours before playing an FA Cup match.

Football Marketing

Red Bull’s wings land at Atletico Madrid

January 10 – Energy drinks are one of the unquestioned drivers of sponsorship in sports, with Red Bull often leading the way. They have further cemented that reputation by joining forces with Spanish powerhouse, Atlético de Madrid, becoming the official energy drink of the club until June 2027.

Legal

CPS reviews evidence of Premier League player accused of multiple rapes

January 9 – The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has begun reviewing a “full file” of evidence submitted by the Metropolitan Police regarding a Premier League footballer accused of multiple counts of rape.

Europe

Spanish sports council grants Barca permission to register Olmo and Victor

January 9 – Spain’s national sports council (CSD) has granted Barcelona provisional permission to register Dani Olmo (pictured) and Pau Victor, following an appeal by the club after earlier rejections from La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Europe

Rich get richer as Spanish Super Cup opens with a Barca win

January 9 – The Spanish Super Cup, being played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, opened with a 2-0 win for Barcelona over Athletic Club with goals by Gavi and Lamine Yamal, against a backdrop of protests against the unequal distribution of tournament revenue to clubs.

Graham Potter returns to Premier League management with West Ham

January 9 – Graham Potter says he is looking forward to a “big challenge” after being confirmed as the new West Ham manager, 24 hours after Julen Lopetegui was fired.

Balls up. Arsenal fail to get to grips with the Puma ball

January 9 – After losing the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals 2-0 to Newcastle United, Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta came up with the unusual excuse that the match balls may have been the cause for his team’s loss.

Football Marketing

Emirates lands Galacticos-branded aircraft in Jeddah for start of Spanish Super Cup

January 9 – Current UEFA Champions League and La Liga holders Real Madrid are flying high in more ways than one after Emirates, the Official Main Partner of Real Madrid, revealed a special livery on one of its Boeing 777 aircraft.

South America

Flamengo make staff changes but stick with José Boto and Filipe Luis to lead team

January 9 – New Flamengo coaching boss José Boto has said that he wants to end the hegemony of Portuguese coaches in Brazil, marking a different direction of travel at Rio’s biggest club under new president Luiz Eduardo Baptista.

From overthrowing the UK government to owning Liverpool, Musk wants it all

January 9 – Elon Musk’s father says his billionaire son has expressed interest in buying Liverpool, one of the world’s most prestigious footballing brands.

Federations

Monica Staab steps away from Saudi women’s coaching role

January 9 – Monika Staab (pictured centre) has stepped down from her role as technical director of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, bringing her role in building the country’s women’s team to an end.