Chaotic scenes mar Hamburg’s return to the German Bundesliga
May 13 – Hamburger SV ‘s long-awaited return to the German Bundesliga was marred by tragic incidents following the club’s 6-1 win over Ulm that secured them automatic promotion.
Sensational Brazil lift Beach Soccer World Cup for seventh time
May 13 – The Brazilian Beach Soccer team earned a record-setting seventh World Cup title in the Seychelles on Sunday, securing the crown with a 4-3 win over Belarus at the Paradise Arena in Victoria.
Concacaf sets 2025/26 W Champions Cup dates with FIFA Women’s CWC slots on the line
May 13 – As the Concacaf 2024/25 W Champions Cup prepares for its final four stage in Monterrey, Mexico May 21-24 – América Femenil face Gotham FC and Tigres Femenil meet Thorns FC in the double header semi-finals – the confederation has released dates for its 2025/26 edition.
UEC proposes 5% ‘Player Development Reward’ fund to distribute cash from UEFA’s club comps
May 12 – The Union of European Clubs (UEC) has proposed an overhaul of how UEFA distributes funds from its club competitions to better recognise player development. It’s chances of any immediate implementation or discussion are slim with UEFA having already agreed a new distribution cycle that is currently in its first year of operation.
FIFA to expand Women’s World Cup to 48 teams in 2031 in the US
May 12 – Following the expansion of the FIFA men’s World Cup to 48 teams, the FIFA Council has unanimously approved plans to increase the Women’s World Cup (WWC) to the same number of participating countries.
The expansion will take place at the 2031 edition, which is expected to be hosted by the United States should they win what looks like an uncontested bid for hosting rights.
Cordeiro adds White House Task Force senior advisory role to FIFA duties
May 12 – The announcement last week of the personnel on the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 was dominated by US president Donald Trump and the appointment of Andrew Guiliani, son of Trump’s former lawyer and former Mayor of New York Rudy Guiliani.
Buried underneath the political noise and posturing of the Task Force personnel was the news that FIFA also had a representative on key governmental working group.
FIFA to fill gender gap with women’s refugee team, but Afghan FA remains a FIFA member
May 12 – FIFA is to establish an Afghan women’s refugee football team, allowing exiled Afghan players to compete in matches recognised by the sport’s global governing body, but which will not count towards the country’s ranking.
What happens in the dressing room might not stay there. PL to debate opening doors to TV
May 12 – The dressing room in England – that sacred temple of half-time hairdryers, tactical diagrams and hot tea – has long been football’s final frontier of privacy. Now, in a move that would make even American sports blush, the Premier League is asking clubs to swing those doors wide open for the prying eye of television cameras.
UEFA hosts Fan Forum ahead of summer Euro finals
May 12 – UEFA has placed fan experience and engagement at the heart of its preparations for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, hosting a dedicated Fan Forum in Switzerland this week for supporter representatives from all 16 participating nations.
FIFA raises maximum fine for racist abuse to $5.938 million
May 12 – FIFA has made a major update to its disciplinary code aimed at strengthening the fight against racism in football. The decisions were made during a virtual meeting of the FIFA Council.
Spartak Varna, in battle for UEFA Conference League spot, refused club license by BFU
May 12 – Bulgaria’s Spartak Varna has lost its license to participate Bulgaria’s top tier next season. The decision was taken by the Bulgarian Football Union’s Licensing Commission following Spartak’s failure to meet financial rules over payment of government taxes.
Diageo joins FIFA sponsor roster for 2026 World Cup
May 12 – FIFA continues to land sponsors at an impressive rate for the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Global spirits leader Diageo is the latest company to sign on the dotted line, becoming a Tournament Supporter.
Man City marks Etihad ‘topping out’ development milestone
May 12 – Manchester City have reached a key milestone in their £300 million stadium expansion and entertainment complex, completing the highest structural point of the project as part of an ongoing redevelopment of the Etihad Stadium and surrounding area.
J.League sets record single day attendance record
May 12 – Japan’s Meiji Yasuda J.League has set a new record for total attendance in a single day, recording more than 420,000 fans for the first time in the league’s history on May 3.
Chelsea supporters group calls for evidence after Djurgården fans swamp home end
May 12 – Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League fixture against Djurgården has sparked concerns over stadium security following widespread infiltration of the home end by away fans.