Benfica’s Estádio da Luz to expand to 70,000 ahead of 2030 World Cup
January 7 – Benfica Football Club has announced ambitious plans to expand their iconic stadium in Lisbon to a 70,000-seat capacity.
AC Milan come back from two down to beat Inter Milan and equal Supercoppa record in Riyadh
January 7 – Tammy Abraham’s stoppage-time strike crowned a remarkable comeback as AC Milan edged city rivals Inter 3-2 to claim the Italian Super Cup in Riyadh on Monday.
Barca request to register Olmo and Víctor denied by RFEF and LaLiga
January 6 – Barcelona’s precarious financial situation has been brought into sharp focus after their request to register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor for the rest of the season was denied by the Spanish league and federation.
Kings League unveils sponsors and TV partners for launch of its international 7 a-side format
January 6 – Kings League, launched by former Spain and FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique and his Kosmos company, has secured more than 20 media partners and several major sponsors for its new Kings World Cup of Nations 7-a-side tournament.
Mission 89 releases Sport Trafficking report calling for tougher legislation and more sports body engagement
January 6 – Following on from the session on sport trafficking held as a side event to the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly Third Committee in New York last November, Mission 89 has released its Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking.
Bahrain beat Oman to win Gulf Cup
January 6 – Bahrain came from behind to upset Oman in a 2-1 victory to claim the Gulf Cup, a prestigious regional tournament.
AFC renews Match Hospitality for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia
January 6 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has renewed its partnership with MATCH Hospitality Asia, appointing them as the exclusive provider of the commercial hospitality programme for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
Esteghal’s Ramin Rezaian questioned over hugging female fan
January 6 – Iran’s antiquated theocratic policy of gender discrimination has spilled over into football once again with a top player summoned to explain why he hugged a female fan.
PSG beat AS Monaco to win Trophée des Champions in Doha
January 6 – Paris Saint-Germain have kicked off 2025 in style with a 1-0 victory against AS Monaco to claim the French Super Cup in Doha.
AC Milan break Juve’s unbeaten run to head into Supercoppa final against Inter in Riyadh
January 6 – AC Milan will meet Inter Milan in tonight’s Supercoppa Italiana after new boss Sergio Conceicao christened his first game in charge with an important 2-1 over Juventus at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the final four format is being hosted.
Messi awarded US Medal of Honor but far too busy to pick it up
January 6 – Argentine great and World Cup winner, Lionel Messi, has won every conceivable football award on and off the field of play, can add the highest honour bestowed on civilians in his new home of the USA after just two years in the country.
San Diego FC looks south to build cross-border ties with Mexico’s Club America
January 6 – San Diego FC who are due to kick-off their inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign have unveiled a multi-year agreement to play perennial LigaMX super team, Club America.
Slavia Sofia president fires team captain for meddling in coach’s business
January 6 – Ventseslav Stefanov (pictured), the president of Bulgaria’s oldest club Slavia Sofia, has terminated the contract of the team’s captain and former Bulgarian international, Galin Ivanov.
Old faces win Dubai’s ‘development’ awards as Ronaldo and Mendes double up again
January 6 – With the Middle East becoming a global player in the world of football, the next natural step is to create a show that can out-muscle the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s world’s best player awards.
Denver awarded 16th NWSL franchise, paying record $110m
January 3 – Denver has beaten off bids from Cleveland and Cincinnati to become the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) 16th team, paying a record $110 million for the franchise.