MLS sponsorship hits record $665m in 2024
December 9 – Major League Soccer (MLS) has continued to build its sponsorship revenues, hitting a record $665 million in 2024, uncovered by research courtesy of Sponsor United.
FIFA human rights chair ‘disappointed’ by Qatar compensation rejection but says there is a bigger picture
December 9 – Gibraltar FA president and chairman of FIFA’s subcommittee for human rights and social responsibility Michael Llamas has called FIFA’s decision to ignore the Qatar report ‘disappointing”, but denies that the work of his committee has been undermined.
Man Utd’s revolving door sees Ashworth exit after boardroom bust-up
December 9 – In a move that stunned Manchester United fans as well as the football world at large, United sporting director Dan Ashworth is leaving the club just five months after taking over the role as part of an overhaul by minority owner Jim Ratcliffe.
A big week: Botafogo add Brazilian Serie A title to Copa Libertadores win
December 9 – Completing a league-and-Libertadores double on Sunday, Brazilian club Botafogo clinched their first national title since 1995 with a 2-1 victory against Sao Paulo.
PUMA and Man City launch fan-led AI kit design platform for 2026/27 club strip
December 9 – Global sportswear brand Puma and Manchester City have unveiled an innovative AI-powered kit design platform, giving fans the unprecedented chance to design the club’s official Third kit for the 2026/27 season.
US consortium closes in on $105m Sheffield United buy
December 9 – Sheffield United owned by Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, currently top of the Championship and bidding for a return to the Premier League after being relegated last season, is set to be sold for £105 million an American consortium led by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy.
The stars align in Los Angeles for Galaxy to take sixth MLS title
December 9 – For the first time since 2014, the most successful club in the history of Major League Soccer (MLS) can call themselves, champions! The now, six-time winner of MLS Cup defeated fellow league founders, the New York Red Bulls 2-1 at a boisterous Dignity Health Sports Park, in Los Angeles, the home of the Galaxy.
West Ham and Jamaica striker Michail Antonio has surgery after car crash
December 9 – West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following his involvement in a car accident on Saturday.
Bulgarian FA to build national academy, with UEFA and FIFA help
December 9 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) plans to build a football academy with the financial help of FIFA and UEFA.
The president of the BFU, Georgi Ivanov, said in an interview with the Bulgarian National Television that FIFA and UEFA will provide the funds for the large-scale project, since the BFU does not receive any financial assistance from the state.
Argentine FA takes its world champion team to conquer the metaverse
December 9 – The Argentine economy is in meltdown however the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) has never had so much success, and that looks to continue as they are about to step into the Metaverse.
Robbie Keane in market for return to US as a coach
December 9 – Robbie Keane’s Irish heart was smiling this weekend as one of his 11 former clubs lifted the biggest title on offer in his former home of America. Keane, who spent five seasons in Los Angeles with the LA Galaxy winning three MLS Cups was on the sidelines as they won their sixth all-time title beating the New York Red Bulls 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
FIFA puts on a show for its Club World Cup group draw
December 6 – In a televised event live from Miami, that featured a pre-recorded address from US president elect Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka drawing the first team, FIFA’s Club World Cup has completed its group draw stage, the first-ever for its 32-team format.
Germany’s Bundesliga busts the €1bn barrier for domestic broadcast rights
December 6 – The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has beaten its budget with its latest media rights tender, surpassing the €1 billion mark per season for German-language broadcasting.
Belgian FA sees no problem with FIFA’s Qatar report and congratulates Saudi 2034
December 6 – The Belgian FA (RBFA) has defended FIFA’s position about compensation (or the lack of it) to migrant workers in Qatar.
Sketch: Painfully brilliant, or a shameless sham?
December 6 – The Club World Cup draw presentation yesterday in Miami was a very Latin American themed event with a sprinkling of Italians in the audience and Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero acting as master of ceremonies (co-conductor in FIFA-speak) – an elegant ringmaster on the football pitch but one who was a little wooden under this big top.