Final Qatar 2022 tickets to go on sale July 5, FIFA pushes sustainability messaging
June 29 – FIFA have announced that remaining tickets for the Qatar 2022 World Cup will go on sale July 5 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Qatar 2022 accommodation crisis: Accor hunts for 12,000 staff but where are the rooms?
June 29 – One of the world’s largest hotel operators, Accor, is recruiting 12,000 temporary overseas employees to operate 65,000 empty rooms in apartments and homes in Qatar as temporary accommodation for fans at the World Cup.
Mexico’s Groupo Orlegi takes control of Spanish second tier’s Sporting Gijon
June 29 – Mexican consortium Grupo Orlegi has expanded its portfolio of football clubs following the acquisition of the Spanish second-division club Sporting Gijon.
Qatar Airways makes a big landing on PSG shirt
June 29 – In a move that will only further fuel criticism of PSG’s reliance on Qatar-ownership related sponsorship deals, Qatar Airways has been confirmed as the club’s new shirt sponsor in a multi-year deal.
Puma laces long term AC Milan deal, adding naming rights to youth training complex
June 29 – Serie A champions AC Milan have agreed a long term extension with kit supplier Puma in what is being described as one of the biggest partnerships the club has ever signed.
Newcastle United officially unveil Saudi Arabian-looking third strip
June 29 – Already buffeted by criticism from human rights groups after being taken over by a Saudi-led consortium, Newcastle United, one of English football’s most fanatically supported clubs, face further disapproval after unveiling their third kit for the upcoming season – green and white, the colours on the Saudi Arabian flag.
High Noon for Toon with first Saudi-linked sponsorship?
June 29 – Newcastle United have confirmed Saudi Arabian-based online retailer noon.com as the club’s sleeve partner in a one-season 2022/23 deal.
Serie A brings back championship play-off decider for teams tied on points
June 29 – Italy’s Serie A in future will be decided by a play-off game rather than the club records against each other, and then goal difference, according to a new ruling passed the league.
Portugal and Spain finalise detail for 2030 World Cup bid
June 28 – The presidents of the Portuguese and Spanish FAs met with government officials on Monday to step up a possible joint bid for the 2030 World Cup.
Danish FA cautious on backing HRW call for $440m Qatar worker compensation package
By Samindra Kunti in Odense, Denmark
June 28 – The Danish Football Association (DBU) and its president Jesper Moller have remained circumspect over backing a repeated call from Human Rights Watch (HRW) for FIFA and Qatar to compensate the families of workers who died in Qatar in the build-up to the World Cup.
AFC extends bid deadline for 2023 Asian Cup to mid-July
By Samindra Kunti
June 28 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has extended the deadline for bids to stage the 2023 Asian Cup from end June to mid-July, following the withdrawal of China from hosting the tournament because of the country’s Covid-19 policy.
Lekjaa handed new term as Morrocan FA boss but does he meet FIFA eligibility criteria
June 28 – Fouzi Lekjaa has been re-elected unopposed as president of the Moroccan FA for a third four-year term.
Watford pull out of proposed friendly after fan groups protest Qatar’s human rights record
June 28 – In the latest protest against World Cup host Qatar’s human rights record, English tier-2 club Watford have cancelled a friendly match against the Qatar national team.
Aston Villa launch plan to boost capacity of Villa Park to 50,000+
June 28 – Premier League Aston Villa has launched a plan to expand the capacity of its Villa Park stadium to more than 50,000 by 2025.
Barca to sell off 10% of media rights for €200m
June 28 – Barcelona are reportedly on the verge of signing a €200 million sell off of 10% of their TV rights to US investment firm Sixth Street.