Leeds and Burnley celebrate Premier League promotion
April 22 – Leeds United and Burnley have secured promotion to the Premier League, with the two sides occupying unassailable positions in the automatic spots on 94 points each.
Ancelotti expected to step down at Real Madrid to take Brazil job
April 22 – Carlo Ancelotti is expected to step down as Real Madrid manager following the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26, with the Italian lined up to take over as Brazil’s new head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
AC Milan launch junior camps in Central Europe
April 22 – AC Milan have taken another step in their international grassroots strategy with the launch of two Milan Junior Camps in Central Europe this July — in Prague (14–18 July) and Rovinka, Slovakia (21–25 July).
Uzbekistan claim second AFC U17 title with Saudi Arabia win
April 22 – Uzbekistan clinched a second AFC U17 Asian Cup title on Sunday night in Taif, overcoming a two-man disadvantage to defeat host nation Saudi Arabia 2-0 in a pulsating final that underlined their rising stature in Asian youth football.
Barcelona and Lyon earn first leg advantages in UWCL semi-finals
April 22 – Barcelona bounced back from Alexia Putellas’ missed penalty to secure a dominant 4-1 win over Chelsea in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals on Sunday. Olympique Lyonnais hold a 2-1 advantage over Arsenal in the other last-four tie.
São Paulo end sponsorship deal with Viva Sorte following Superbet conflict
April 22 – Brazilian club São Paulo have announced the termination of their sponsorship agreement with Viva Sorte following a conflict of interest with the club’s title sponsor Superbet.
Saudi Arabia would support 64-team World Cup in 2034
April 22 – FIFA World Cup 2034 hosts Saudi Arabia have stated they would welcome an expanded 64-team tournament.
Xabi Alonso’s “gentleman’s agreement” to leave Bayer Leverkusen
April 22 – Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has a “gentleman’s agreement” with the club, according to Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro, in relation to potential job offers from his former clubs.
FIFA World Cup 2026 poster winners announced for the 16 host cities
April 22 – The FIFA World Cup 2026 poster competition has finally wrapped up with all 16 cities proudly displaying the winners of a month’s long process to design a poster that reflects their relationship with football and the World Cup.
Adidas releases “La Vida Tropical” F50 boot in ode to Miami
April 22 – While most 37-year-olds are shopping for sensible footwear, Lionel Messi’s feet remain one of the world’s most valuable real estate investments.
Cleveland Soccer Group buys franchise and stake in new 2nd tier WPSL Pro league
April 22 – The US will have a third professional women’s league in 2026 with the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) launching as a second tier pro league.
Luka Modrić takes ownership position in Welsh club Swansea City
April 22 – One the world’s greatest ever players, Luka Modrić, has joined English Championship club Swansea City as an investor and co-owner.
BFU to uplift financial literacy of youth players
April 22 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has signed a tripartite agreement with the Junior Achievement Bulgaria Foundation (JA) and the Association for Production, Storage and Trading of Electricity (APSTE) to increase the financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills of junior and youth national football teams.
Van Dijk ends speculation, boosts Liverpool by signing new deal
April 17 – Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract, extending his stay at Anfield until the summer of 2027.
Man City continue to lag behind in Premier League attendance table
April 17 – Matchweek 32 in the Premier League saw stadiums filled to an impressive average of 97.98% capacity, maintaining what has become the norm for much of the season. Yet, behind the headline figure, a more nuanced picture is emerging — particularly at the Etihad.