Brighton owner Tony Bloom has denied all allegations that he placed bets on his own football clubs, after The Guardian reported claims that he was the anonymous gambler behind winnings of $70 million in a US legal case.

On Friday, the publication revealed that Bloom was claimed to be the “John Doe” in the lawsuit filed earlier this year, which the 55-year-old has denied. Multiple UK MPs have called for an investigation by England’s Football Association (FA) into the case.

Bloom, who has been the owner of Brighton since 2009, also has a stake in Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, and recently invested in Scottish club Hearts.

In a post shared on X last month, Razer, the co-founder of betting firm Rollbit, said that Bloom’s syndicate had placed wagers on his own clubs. These claims, which were also repeated by Guardian sources, would constitute a breach of the FA’s regulations, which prevent Bloom from directly betting on Brighton, the Premier League, or matches involving Premier League teams.

In a separate case, Bloom was recently accused of running a £600 million secret betting syndicate in a secret case filed at London’s High Court, which accuses him of using betting accounts of famous footballers, and businessmen to place bets. As reported by The Guardian, Bloom is set to file a defence to this claim.

Bloom: Have always fully complied

In response to The Guardian’s report, Tony Bloom said in a statement shared by Brighton: “Following an inaccurate and misleading report in The Guardian earlier this evening, I can categorically assure our supporters that I have not placed bets on any Brighton & Hove Albion matches since becoming the owner of the club in 2009.

“In 2014, in addition to new rules on betting, The FA introduced a policy with quite onerous provisions for owners of football clubs with interests in betting. These provisions allow certain football club owners, including me, to continue to bet on football under strict conditions.

“In particular, the policy prevents me from betting on any match or competition that Brighton & Hove Albion is involved in. Since 2014, I have always fully complied with these conditions, and all of my bets on football are audited by one of the world’s leading accounting firms on an annual basis to ensure full compliance with The FA’s policy.”

 

Private equity firm KKR in talks to acquire PSG and Liverpool investor Arctos Partners

US private equity firm KKR are in talks to acquire a majority stake in Arctos Partners, according to the Financial Times.

Texas-based Arctos, which manages more than $14 billion in assets, has an expansive portfolio of sports investments, which includes a 12.5 per cent stake in PSG that reportedly values the club at more then €4 billion, as well as a €34 million minority stake in Italian club Atalanta, and a share in Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

Outside of football, Arctos also has investments in the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, MLB champions the LA Dodgers, and NFL franchises the LA Chargers and Buffalo Bills.

KKR could expand into sports

As reported by FT, KKR is in advanced talks, however there remains a possibility that no agreement will be finalised. The New York-based company, which manages more than $700 billion in assets, would expand its scope beyond traditional private equity investments if a final agreement is reached.

Due to Arctos’ involvement with various sports leagues, this will add further regulatory and governance risks to any potential deal.

 

English football’s new regulator to immediately clamp down on “unsuitable” owners

The new Independent Football Regulator (IFR), which will govern the top five tiers of English football, is set to clamp down on “unsuitable” owners from this week, according to its CEO Richard Monks.

The IFR, which was established this year after the UK Government’s Football Governance Bill received royal assent in July, is set to become operational from Friday 12th December.

Monks, the former EY executive who was named as the body’s first CEO in October, said in an interview that failure to comply with the regulator will result in the removal of any “unsuitable” owners.

He added that the regulator will collaborate with the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, as well as the National Crime Agency, and international enforcement agencies in order to outlaw bad owners.

Ahead of its launch, the IFR has published its new Owners, Directors, and Senior Executives (ODSE) test, which all prospective owners will be subject to from 2026.

Monks hails “new era of football governance”

Speaking on the new ODSE test, Monks said: “A new era for football governance is here. The test applies to every club across the top five tiers, and we have the tools to act quickly to help foster sustainable investment in the game.

"We will be able to gather information, investigate and demand action - including, in the most serious cases, the removal of an unsuitable owner.”

 

Nottingham Forest unveil plans to expand City Ground to 52,000

Nottingham Forest have revealed plans to expand their City Ground home to a capacity of 52,000.

In the first phase of the proposed redevelopment plan, Forest would increase the venue’s capacity from 31,000 to 45,000.

The Midlands club would subsequently expand the Brian Clough stand to add 7,000 additional seats, bringing the City Ground’s overall capacity to 52,000.

Officially submit expansion

The club outlined proposals to expand the stadium at an event last Thursday.

As reported by The Athletic, Forest are set to submit their official plans before the end of the year, with the club hosting drop-in sessions last weekend for fans and stakeholders to view the renovation plans.

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich held talks over a minority stake investment with Swedish private equity firm EQT, The Financial Times has reported.

These talks broke down following the departure of the club’s former chief financial officer Michael Diederich in August. The 60-year-old, who left to join Deutsche Bank, had been EQT’s point of contact at Bayern.

A potential agreement would likely have drawn backlash from fans, who have previously expressed their opposition to private equity investment within German football. Last year, the DFL withdrew from a deal to sell a private equity stake in its DFL media division, which was worth between €900 million and €1 billion, following fan protests.

Could have sold 5 per cent stake

Bayern Munich are majority owned by the club’s members’ association, who account for a 75 per cent shareholding. The remaining 25 per cent is held by Audi, Allianz, and Adidas.

As per the Bavarian club’s constitution, its members must always hold a stake of at least 70 per cent in the subsidiary that oversees the running of its football teams. Therefore, Bayern could have potentially sold a 5 per cent stake from their share, with the aforementioned German companies unwilling to sell their shares.
 

Women’s Bundesliga clubs split from DFB to establish new joint organisation

The 14 Women’s Bundesliga clubs have announced a decision to break away from the German Football Federation (DFB) in order to form a new joint organisation.

The new Women’s Bundesliga FBL eV will be established on 10th December at Frankfurt Arena, without any involvement from the DFB.

As reported by German sports publication Kicker, a proposed joint venture between the Women’s Bundesliga and the DFB was approved by the DFB Congress in early November. Under this proposal, both parties would hold a 50 per cent stake in the joint venture, with the DFB and clubs set to invest €100 million and €700 million respectively over the next eight years.

Although the agreement had already been finalised, the DFB subsequently made further demands, according to the teams.

Clubs “surprised” by further DFB questioning

In a statement, Bayern Munich CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, said: “In discussions with the DFB, the key points for the establishment of a joint FBL GmbH had already been agreed upon.

“Therefore, it was all the more surprising for us clubs that the negotiated cornerstones were being questioned at this point - especially since the clubs will be investing many times more in the Women's Bundesliga.

“In order not to lose any more time, we have unanimously decided to finalise the founding of the FBL eV as the association of the Bundesliga clubs as early as December - without the DFB.”
 

Tottenham to appoint new commercial director from January

Tottenham Hotspur are set to name Alex Scotcher as the club’s new commercial director, according to the Telegraph.

Scotcher will be handed the brief of securing a naming rights sponsor for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The £1 billion, 62,850-seat venue has been without a naming rights partner since its opening in 2019. The club’s failure to reach an agreement earlier was a key source of criticism for former chairman Daniel Levy, who departed Spurs after a 24-year tenure in September.

A proven track record

Scotcher joins from Elevate, the global sports and entertainment consultancy, where he played a key role in securing a reported £10 million-a-year naming-rights deal with Hill Dickinson for Everton’s new stadium, announced earlier this year.

Elevate has also been engaged by Valencia to secure a naming-rights partner for the club’s Nou Mestalla, which is scheduled to open in 2027.
 

Newcastle United are PIF’s “favourite investment”, says club’s new CEO

Newcastle United’s newly appointed CEO, David Hopkinson, has said he believes the Premier League club are the “favourite investment” of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Hopkinson arrived at St. James’ Park in September, replacing Darren Eales as the club’s new CEO.
The English club were subject to a £300 million takeover led by the PIF in 2021, with Hopkinson stating: “I truly believe, in my heart of hearts, that we are their favourite investment.”

He continued: “You’re talking about a fund that’s a major, major global player. But I think we take up so much of their shared mind and heart, that I feel like we’re a special investment to them. They show me that. I’m talking to the PIF every single day.”

Newcastle can be ‘world’s best club’

The 54-year-old Canadian envisions significant growth at the Premier League club over the coming years.

“By 2030, I see this club being in the debate about being the top club in the world,” said Hopkinson. “That kind of progress doesn’t take as long as you might think. What it takes is clarity of conviction.”

Trinity Rodman contract extension ‘vetoed’ by NWSL commissioner

The Washington Spirit’s proposed contract for US women’s national team star Trinity Rodman was vetoed by the NWSL and its commissioner Jessica Berman, according to The Athletic.

The offer, which the 23-year-old was willing to sign, is believed to have been worth more than $1 million annually. Crucially, the final two years of the four-year deal were worth more in value, with the team expecting an increase in broadcast revenue from the NWSL’s next media rights agreement from 2027.

Berman, who has been directly involved in negotiations between the club and Rodman’s representatives, considered the contract to be in breach of the league’s regulations. For next season, the elite US women’s football league’s salary cap is pegged at $3.5 million, however this is set to rise to $4.9 million by the end of the agreement in 2029.

If the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) decides to file a grievance on behalf of Rodman, the NWSL would have 14 days to respond, otherwise the case would go to a committee comprising one representative appointed by the league, and another by the NWSLPA.

Spirit “doing all it can” to finalise deal

Washington Spirit owner, Michelle Kang, told The Athletic: “All I can say is the club has been doing all it can - above and beyond - to make sure that there is a path for [Trinity Rodman] to stay.

“We’ve done that in partnership with the league.”

Brighton owner Tony Bloom is facing allegations of running a £600 million secret betting syndicate, according to a claim filed at London’s High Court.

The 55-year-old, who has been chairman of the Premier League club since 2009, is accused of controlling the “Tony Bloom Betting Syndicate”, which allegedly uses offshore gambling accounts “to place bets on sporting fixtures, predominantly football matches”, according to a legal filing obtained by The Times. The evidence submitted includes a list of bets linked to the syndicate, some of which involve Premier League games.

The claim has been put forward by Ryan Dudfield, who previously worked at Starlizard, a betting consultancy owned by Bloom through his syndicate.

Dudfield is seeking £17.5 million, and is claiming that Bloom and the syndicate used betting accounts of famous footballers, sports stars, and businessmen in order to place wagers.

Special dispensation

In 2014, Bloom was granted special dispensation by England’s FA to operate his betting firm, and to continue placing bets on football through Starlizard.

However, The FA prohibits owners from gambling on matches involving their own clubs, meaning Bloom is unable to bet on matches involving Brighton or any other Premier League team. The FA has never found Bloom to have breached its betting regulations.
 

FIFA “welcomes” input of European football bodies on transfer regulations

FIFA “welcomes” the input of European football bodies, who issued a joint resolution regarding principles of the player transfer system earlier this week.

Following last year’s legal case regarding former France international Lassana Diarra, which saw the European Court of Justice rule that FIFA had breached EU legislation in restricting players’ freedom of movement, a number of European football stakeholders revealed the joint resolution. These included UEFA, European Football Clubs (EFC), players’ union FIFPRO Europe, and European leagues.

In a statement responding to the joint resolution, FIFA said that these principles are “in line” with its own proposals, stating that the organisation “welcomes the constructive input from the European football community”.

New regulations to be approved

Football’s global governing body added that it will “continue its dialogue” with representatives over new transfer regulations, which will be “proportionate, transparent, and balanced”.

These new rules are expected to be approved by the FIFA Council over the “coming months”.
 

Ipswich Town reach £350 million valuation following ownership restructure

Ipswich Town have reached a valuation of £350 million following changes to their ownership structure, setting a record for a Championship team, The Athletic has reported.

As confirmed by Ipswich on Wednesday, New York-based private equity firm Clara Vista Partners has joined the club’s ownership group.

Following their arrival, Portman Holdings LLC, has become the majority shareholder of Gamechanger 20, the club’s parent company.
Portman comprises investments from Clara Vista, as well as the Three Lions fund.

Ipswich’s ownership

In 2021, Ipswich were taken over by US investment fund ORG, who acquired a 90 per cent stake for £30 million. Last year, Ohio-based private equity firm Bright Path Sports Partners acquired a 40 per cent stake in the team.

Amid the changes to Ipswich’s ownership structure, Bright Path Sports Partners, the Three Lions fund, and pop icon Ed Sheeran will each retain their shares in the club.
 

Feyenoord to acquire 95 per cent stake in De Kuip stadium

Feyenoord have agreed to acquire a 95 per cent stake in the club’s De Kuip stadium, as confirmed in a statement.

Under the agreement with the Association of Shareholders of Stadion Feijenoord (VASF), the Dutch club have committed to investing between €3 million and €5 million annually for the next 10 years to help renovate the 47,500-seat venue, where they have played their home matches since 1937.

The Eredivisie side have acquired 80,635 new shares in the stadium for a fee of around €3.7 million.

“Very good news”

Dennis te Kloese, general manager at Feyenoord, said: “With the agreement, we are finally taking the very important step towards the long-awaited unification of the club and stadium.

“This is crucial for the future of the stadium, for the club's further development, and the agreements also honour the special position of the shareholders as the stadium's original financiers. It is therefore very good news for all Feyenoord fans.”
 

R.S.C. Anderlecht report €100,000 profit for 2024/25

R.S.C. Anderlecht have revealed a profit of around €100,000 for the 2024/25 season.

This marks the Belgian club’s second successive year of profitability, after reporting a profit of €1.58 million for 2023/24.

Meanwhile, Anderlecht generated €111 million in operating revenue, up from €106 million last year. The club attributed this increase to their participation in both the Europa League, and Belgium’s domestic knockout competition, the Croky Cup.

Increase in operating expenses

Anderlecht’s positive result comes despite an increase in operating costs over the last year. This was mainly due to the hosting of European fixtures, as well as investments into the club’s Lotto Park home.

Although transfer revenue was down slightly compared to last season, Anderlecht saw an increase in revenue from homegrown players, such as Zeno Debast’s reported €15.5 million move to Sporting Lisbon in July 2024.

European professional football’s stakeholders - UEFA, European Football Clubs (EFC), players’ union Fifpro Europe, and European leagues - have issued a joint resolution on the key principles of the player transfer system and its reform in response to the ‘Diarra’ ruling in 2024.

This follows a formal process of social dialogue, which did not include FIFA. Last year, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in favour of former France international Lassana Diarra, determining that FIFA’s transfer regulations had breached EU law in restricting players’ freedom of movement.

FIFA has an ongoing legal dispute with Fifpro, which last year initiated legal proceedings against football’s global governing body, alleging that the organisation had abused its dominant position by expanding the playing calendar, alongside a number of European leagues.

Last month, FIFA held a summit regarding player welfare with player unions, to which Fifpro was not invited, and claimed that FIFA had consulted with “fake” unions. Fifpro was also not consulted at a separate FIFA player welfare meeting back in July.

Resolution to support “long-term integrity”

In a joint statement, the European football stakeholders said: “The joint resolution sets out a shared framework grounded in EU law and collective governance to guide ongoing and future FIFA-level reforms.

“It focuses on finding a balance between legitimate club interests and protecting players’ individual rights and freedom of movement, upholding the role of leagues and clubs in developing and sustaining the game, the redistributive effects of the transfer system, and enhancing transfer procedures to make them simpler, more efficient and more transparent - all with a view to supporting the long-term integrity, growth and competitiveness of European football.”

LaLiga reports 2 billion in revenue and a profit of €6.2 million for 2024/25

LaLiga has reported a profit of €6.2 million for the 2024/25 season, marking a return to profitability after a loss of €5.2 million for 2023/24, according to Spanish media.

Meanwhile, the organisation generated revenue of €2 billion for the year, of which broadcast revenue accounts for more than €1.8 billion. This comprises €1.2 billion in domestic media rights revenue, and €748 million from international rights.

At LaLiga’s Ordinary and General Assembly on Monday, the 42 member clubs approved its latest financial statements, with 85.7 per cent of the teams approving LaLiga’s proposed budget for next season.

Shows strength of LaLiga’s model, says president

Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, said: “The overwhelming support from the clubs demonstrates the strength of our model and their confidence in LaLiga’s financial management.

“We will continue to work responsibly and with a long-term vision to build a solid and sustainable future.”

Real Madrid and Community of Madrid reveal plans for €1.3 billion ‘Madrid Innovation District’

Real Madrid and the Community of Madrid have signed an agreement for the construction of a new technology hub at Real Madrid City named the ‘Madrid Innovation District (MID)’.

During a signing ceremony on Tuesday, Madrid unveiled plans for the new development, which will cost €1.3 billion.

According to a study led by PwC, the new district will generate €1.2 billion annually for the local economy, and will provide 23,000 permanent jobs.

District to promote innovation

In a statement, the LaLiga club said that the 85-hectare area will “promote innovation, knowledge, the development of new technologies, and the attraction of talent.”

Both the club and local government will also collaborate “to attract companies and research organisations to this space.”

Celta Vigo allowing fans to invest in new €115 million training complex

Celta Vigo unveiled a new Celta Bond at the LaLiga club’s shareholders’ meeting on Monday, allowing supporters to invest in the ‘Celta 360’ project.

The new complex, which has an estimated cost of €115 million, will feature training pitches, as well as health and leisure facilities, a hotel, and living spaces.

Speaking at this week's meeting, Celta Vigo president, Marian Mouriño said that the project is now in a “crucial phase”, as the Spanish club seeks financing for the development.

Project is “for everyone”

“I would like to take this opportunity to announce a pioneering initiative in Spanish football,” Mouriño said.

“We will open part of this financing to you, shareholders and Celta fans, because we want, like everything we do, that you are part of this growth and can participate in a Celta Bonus, which will allow this project to be a project for everyone.”

Sheffield Wednesday have been handed a further six-point deduction, due to multiple breaches of the English Football League (EFL) regulations.

The English club were previously docked 12 points back in October, when Wednesday entered administration after former owner Dejphon Chansiri relinquished control of the Championship side.

The latest charges are due to Wednesday’s failure to pay their players on time for the months of March, May, and June this year, in addition to not making other payments to the club’s staff and the UK’s HMRC.

Following the latest sanction, the club are now placed bottom of the Championship on -10 points.

Chansiri banned from EFL club ownership

In a statement, the EFL said: “Sheffield Wednesday are to be deducted six points with immediate effect for multiple breaches of EFL regulations relating to payment obligations, with the club’s former owner, Mr Dejphon Chansiri, prohibited from being an owner or director of any EFL club for a period of three years.

“The sanctions on both the club and Mr Chansiri can be confirmed after the parties reached an agreement on the appropriate sanction, which was subsequently ratified by the chair of the appointed independent disciplinary commission.”

Brazil’s CBF announces new financial fair play governing body

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has announced new financial fair play rules, which will take effect from 2026.

The CBF’s newly formed board, National Agency for Regulation and Sustainability of Football (ANRESF), will serve as an independent agency that will judge and apply sanctions to Brazilian clubs.

The board will initially only issue warnings from 2026 to 2027, however from 2028, it will actively impose sanctions for breaches of its rules, including fines, suspensions, and bans.

Clubs to be monitored three times per year

Clubs will be given a maximum permitted deficit of R$30 million (€4,82 million), or 2.5 per cent of their revenue if they are in Brazil’s top flight, Serie A, according to Palco23.

When ANRESF first launches next year, the six-member body will monitor clubs’ accounts three times per year in March, July, and November.

Premier League clubs could be required to cover tens of millions in policing costs

Premier League clubs could be required to pay tens of millions in policing costs due to new plans being drafted up by the UK Government, according to The Telegraph.

The report says that sports organisations have been invited to a series of meetings with the UK’s Home Office this week, as part of a consultation on proposals for police officers to charge teams and event organisers for major events.

Policing at matches can cost millions, with Aston Villa’s recent Europa League matchup with Macabi Tel Aviv reportedly costing £2 million for 700 police officers.

Clubs only covers 20.7%

According to the United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), the cost of policing at football games across England and Wales reached £71.69 million for the 2023/24 season, of which clubs covered just £14.87 million, accounting for 20.7 per cent of the total fee.

Earlier this year, Cheshire police Chief Constable Mark Roberts argued that £56.82 million in taxpayers’ money could be freed up if clubs covered the total policing costs. According to Roberts, this would also enable the deployment of 1,200 more officers in the UK.
 

Olympique Lyonnais recorded a net loss of €201.2 million for the 2024/25 financial year, according to figures released on Friday by Eagle Football Group. The result marks a sharp deterioration from the previous season’s €25.1 million deficit.

The club’s final accounts for the season in which John Textor served his last year as chairman show losses increasing by €176 million year-on-year despite profit from player sales at the same level as the season prior, including the transfer of Rayan Cherki to Manchester City before year-end.

Eagle Football Group said the club’s overall wage bill rose to €177.7 million as of 30 June, up from €161.9 million a year earlier, driven by heavy 2024 summer recruitment. The report also cited a €12.5 million charge linked to a settlement with UEFA’s financial control body in June 2025 to allow the club to compete in the Europa League. Most revenue streams fell, with overall turnover excluding player trading down by €101.5 million to €162.6 million.

Financial restructuring under new leadership

The report recalled that the DNCG issued an initial ruling in June threatening administrative relegation to Ligue 2, prompting governance changes under new president Michele Kang. The wage bill for the 2025/2026 financial year is expected to fall sharply by around 40 per cent.

The document also highlighted internal tensions within Eagle Football’s multi-club structure, saying the group is working with its controlling shareholder on a “global solution” to settle reciprocal debts. The new leadership said it is pursuing greater transparency and compliance, targeting a return to financial balance by 2028.

 

LaLiga generates €5.25 billion in domestic broadcast revenue from new 2027-32 tender

LaLiga has signed a new domestic audiovisual rights tender with DAZN and Telefonica for the 2027-2032 cycle, which includes €5.25 billion in broadcast revenue. This equates to more than €1 billion per season, up from €990 million under the current deal.

In total, the agreement is worth more than €6.135 billion over its duration, or around €1.225 billion annually, representing a nine per cent increase on the previous tender.

The Spanish top flight’s latest deal also includes €650 million from HORECA (hotels, restaurants, and catering), as well as €175 million for LaLiga 2 rights, and €60 million for free-to-air (FTA) rights and highlights.

As reported by Spanish media, Telefonica’s move to relinquish exclusive rights to three games per fixture round saw DAZN increase the UK-based media company’s bid. Under the latest pact, both DAZN and Telefonica will air five matches per week, including one of the two El Clasico matchups between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Tebas hails latest agreement

LaLiga president Javier Tebas said: “At a time when many leagues are experiencing declining media values, LaLiga’s continued growth and record highs are especially significant.

“This result reflects the strength of our product and the trust of broadcasters, largely driven by our committed fight against piracy, which has helped increase operators’ user bases, and by the clubs' dedication to enhancing audiovisual content and offering the best possible fan experience.”

 

Sheffield United owners weigh up options for new investment

Sheffield United’s owner COH Sports has appointed advisory firm Penwick Group to help evaluate options for new investment, Bloomberg has reported.

Last year, the Championship club were subject to a full takeover led by a US consortium that included US businessmen Steven Ross and Helmy Eltoukhy. Sheffield were previously owned by Saudi Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who acquired a 50 per cent stake in 2013, before completing a full takeover in 2019.

According to Bloomberg, COH are additionally looking to adjust their repayment plan with the club’s former ownership. The US group has so far paid off £30 million, with more instalments due imminently.

Sheffield Wednesday merger

Recent UK media outlets have reported that COH approached city rivals Sheffield Wednesday’s administrators, Begbies Traynor, to inquire about a potential merger between the two clubs.

Paul Stanley, a partner at Begbies Traynor, said: “There are some serious bidders involved and our duty is to choose the best deal for the club and its creditors.

“We just have to make sure we don’t do anything that takes a wrecking ball to the good will built up with fans by recommending the club is sold to a bidder that wants to merge the two Sheffield teams.”

 

Six bidders in race to buy Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday have six bidders interested in purchasing the English club, The Athletic has reported.

The Championship side entered administration in October, after former owner, Thai Businessman Dejphon Chansiri, relinquished control of the club following a decade-long tenure.

Begbies Traynor, the Manchester-based firm appointed as Wednesday’s administrators, have reportedly received five formal offers so far, and are expecting a sixth bid in due course.

The administrators are reportedly set to reveal their preferred bidder within the next two weeks.

Mike Ashley and John McEvoy among bidders

According to The Athletic, former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has submitted a £20 million bid to take over Wednesday, however this fell short of the administrators’ £30 million asking price. However, two other parties are believed to have matched that valuation.

US businessman John McEvoy is reportedly also among the bidders, alongside Anders Holch Povlsen, the owner of Danish club Midtjylland, another US-based group, and at least one UK-based group.

 

Mainz will have option to buy stadium in latest lease agreement

FSV Mainz 05 have received approval from the Mainz city council for a new lease agreement for the Bundesliga club’s Mewa Arena home.

Under the new agreement, Mainz will have a purchase option to fully acquire the 33,305-seat venue in 2036. The German club say that the new deal marks a “significant reduction” in lease payments, due to Mainz’s previous contributions towards financing the project.

Mainz have played at the Mewa Arena since 2011, when the stadium first opened as the Coface Arena.

“Good news” for the club

Stefan Hofmann, CEO at Mainz, said: “This is truly good news for Mainz 05 and for everyone who has worked, some for years, on a solution for a legally sound transfer of ownership.

“FSV Mainz 05 has more than justified the trust placed in us during the stadium's construction. We will have paid for the stadium with our own funds, which we have earned through sporting achievements and sound, sustainable management.”

Chelsea have been dealt a blow to the club’s potential new stadium plans, after the Hammersmith and Fulham Council approved an alternative proposal at a site in Earls Court, West London.

Earlier this year, UK media revealed that the Premier League club were considering two options: the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge, or a move to a new site in Earls Court.

On Wednesday however, the council gave the green light to plans put forward by the Earls Court Development Centre (ECDC) to build a new housing and retail development at the site.

In a statement, the ECDC said: “The 44-acre, £10 billion masterplan will transform central London’s largest cleared development site.

“This first milestone paves the way for ECDC to work with partners across the public and private sectors to move forwards with plans to start on site as soon as possible.”

Chelsea consider all options

As reported by The Telegraph, the club are still weighing up all potential options regarding their stadium plans, with co-controlling owner Todd Boehly believed to be in favour of a move to Earls Court.

Although this marks a significant development, the ECDC’s proposals will still need to be approved by the Kensington and Chelsea council in order to come to fruition.
 

Former Tottenham owner investigated amid allegations of betting on matches

The English Football Association (FA) investigated former Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis, according to Bloomberg.

The FA conducted a review into allegations that Lewis had placed bets on football matches in 2022. This would be in breach of the FA’s regulations, which prohibit owners from directly placing wagers on games.

Lewis, who was previously the majority owner of Spurs’ ownership group ENIC, was the majority owner of the Premier League club between 1991 and 2022. His stake was subsequently passed down to the Lewis Family Trust in October of that year.

Ultimately, the FA decided against taking any further action against the 88-year-old.

Lewis pardoned by Trump

In 2023, Lewis was arrested on charges of insider trading in the US, later pleading guilty and receiving a sentence of three years of probation alongside a $5 million fine in 2024.

Earlier this month however, he was pardoned by US president Donald Trump.
 

Women's Super League approached over potential new investment

The Women's Super League (WSL) has received an initial approach from a potential new investor, Bloomberg has reported.

On Thursday, England’s top flight women’s league informed its 12 clubs that it was focused on long-term growth strategies, and has postponed any decision on a potential agreement.

Bloomberg says that the WSL’s board has appointed advisors to oversee a formal process, and could potentially revisit the offer at a later time.

WSL weighing up long-term plans

Further details regarding the investment, including the identity of the investor, and whether this would be a loan or a stake, are not known.

The WSL’s board has already appointed Goldman Sachs and Deloitte, as it weighs up its long-term strategy options.

Mike Ashley has lodged a £20 million offer to buy Sheffield Wednesday, with Telegraph Sport reporting that the former Newcastle United owner has formally notified the club’s administrators of his bid.

Administrators Begbies Traynor have asked all interested parties to show £50 million in proof of funds to access the data room, with two American consortiums also regarded as serious contenders. The administrators aim to name a preferred bidder by 5 December.

Ashley has been assessing the situation since Wednesday entered administration last month and has now made a concrete proposal. The Sports Direct owner has previously explored moves for Derby County, Coventry City and Reading.

Rival interest examined

Telegraph Sport also reports that Sheffield United’s owners, COH Sports, made an inquiry during the process, with representatives for COH Sports among around 80 parties to contact administrators. Dealmaking sources have since downplayed prospects of further approaches from COH, and any idea of the two Sheffield clubs being owned by the same group has been dismissed.

Wednesday are bottom of the Championship and were beaten by Sheffield United in Sunday’s derby. The club has already received a 12-point deduction for entering administration and faces additional potential EFL sanctions over alleged financial breaches.

Belgian Pro League seeks urgent arbitration to enforce DAZN contract

The Belgian Pro League has filed a request for urgent arbitration with Belgian dispute resolution centre Cepani seeking to compel DAZN to honour its broadcasting contract with clubs.

In its filing, the league asked that the UK-based streaming service be required to meet its contractual obligations until a substantive ruling is issued.

The Pro League said the measure is intended to ensure production and broadcasts of league competitions continue, adding that it expects DAZN to comply while awaiting the arbitrator’s decision.

DAZN this week unilaterally terminated its agreement to show Belgian football after failing in recent months to resell the rights to telecom operators, leaving matches available only through its own app.

Contract dispute escalates

The Pro League submitted its request on Wednesday, according to its statement.

DAZN has not offered further public comment beyond its contract termination earlier in the week.

Justice approves Levante’s €71 million debt restructuring plan

Levante UD have secured judicial approval for a €71 million debt restructuring plan, allowing the club to proceed with measures proposed by new majority shareholder José Danvila, according to a club statement.

The plan aims to cut the club’s financial debt by more than 50 per cent over eight years, with liabilities currently standing at €127 million as of 30 June 2025. Levante said the reduction will rely mainly on player sales and broadcasting income, with staying in LaLiga’s top division viewed as financially significant.

The court decision also rules that the restructuring cannot be challenged through insolvency clawback actions and that creditors cannot request the reversal of the approved measures. The judgment is final and cannot be appealed, the club added.

Payment order confirmed

Levante said the ruling validates a payment schedule beginning with privileged creditors, including EDR and Tifosy, followed by ordinary creditors and then subordinated creditors.

The club noted that Danvila’s €14 million claim has been extinguished through capitalisation, while the remaining debt is restructured over ten years.

Schalke to repay 2021/26 and 2022/27 bonds early after new issue

FC Schalke 04 will fully redeem their 2021/26 and 2022/27 corporate bonds ahead of schedule after calling all remaining notes following the placement of a €90 million 2025/2030 bond, the club announced in a statement yesterday.

The club said that outstanding volumes had fallen to €6.51 million on the 2021/26 bond and €15.11 million on the 2022/2027 bond after investors were offered an exchange into the new issue.

Schalke have now exercised the call option under the bond terms and will repay both tranches in full on 29 December. The club said the new bond provides the funds to complete the early refinancing.

The 2021/26 bond will be redeemed at 100.5 per cent of nominal plus accrued interest, while the 2022/27 bond will be repaid at 101.5 per cent plus accrued interest.

Links early repayment to wider financing plan

Finance board member Christina Rühl-Hamers said the refinancing supports Schalke’s longer-term planning and strengthens the club’s financial flexibility. She said Schalke would use the additional headroom to optimise their financial structure.

She added that the bond forms a central part of the club’s overall financing strategy, including the planned reduction of secured financial liabilities.

DAZN’s €84.2 million broadcast contract for the Belgian Pro League has been terminated with immediate effect after the streaming service failed to secure carriage agreements with telecom operators, according to Belgian media.

Under the tender terms, DAZN was required to guarantee distribution through at least two traditional operators, but no deals were reached with Proximus, Telenet or Orange. With no broadcast partners in place and no revised agreement agreed with the league, key conditions of the contract were no longer met.

The collapse leaves uncertainty over coverage of the competition, with the next round of fixtures beginning on Friday.

Must find emergency solution

DAZN has said it wants to avoid a broadcasting blackout, but responsibility for identifying an alternative arrangement now lies with the Pro League.

The league has yet to confirm how matches will be distributed for the upcoming weekend.

PSG confirm search for satellite club to accelerate youth development

Paris Saint-Germain are assessing options to acquire a satellite club to support the progression of their academy players, sporting advisor Luís Campos has confirmed.

Speaking at an event marking the academy’s 50th anniversary, Campos said the club want to enhance their development pathway and reduce spending on signings. He noted that the lack of a competitive environment had contributed to the closure of PSG’s reserve team in 2019.

Campos said the club are examining “solutions” but cautioned that the process “isn’t easy” and should not be rushed, adding that a more robust national U23 league could also help address the gap.

Global strategy under review

PSG’s academy has recently produced Warren Zaïre-Emery, Senny Mayulu, Ibrahim Mbaye and Quentin Ndjantou, and Campos said the club intend to maintain this trajectory.

The preferred option under consideration is securing a satellite club where prospects can be loaned, similar to the model used by BlueCo with RC Strasbourg Alsace.

Gladbach secure more than €20 million in stadium naming-rights deal with Ista

Borussia Mönchengladbach will receive between €4 million and €5 million per season after agreeing a stadium naming-rights deal with energy services company Ista, according to kicker. The club confirmed on Tuesday that the partnership will run from July 2026 to June 2031.

The agreement will see the Bundesliga side’s ground renamed Ista-Borussia-Park from the 2026/27 season. The club said the additional income will provide greater financial flexibility for both day-to-day operations and future infrastructure projects.

Ista, already a sustainability partner of the club, becomes a major sponsor for the first five-year term. Borussia’s CEO Stefan Stegemann said the club sees “potential for the time thereafter”, while both sides indicated an extension is possible.

Fan concerns addressed

Talks with the fan scene were held following protests during the home match against Bayern Munich in October, where supporters criticised the lack of early communication.

Managing director Markus Aretz said the club later held two detailed meetings with fans to explain the decision and the communication approach, adding that both sides viewed the discussions as “open and transparent”.

Rangers FC have dismissed chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell with immediate effect, with chairman Andrew Cavenagh saying the pair did not align with the club’s “vision for the next chapter”.

Both executives had faced supporter criticism during a poor start that saw manager Russell Martin sacked in October after 17 matches. Stewart arrived at the club in December, while Thelwell’s appointment was confirmed in April, though he only joined after leaving Everton at the end of last season.

The club, now controlled by a US-based consortium led by Cavenagh, has appointed director Fraser Thornton as interim chief executive while it begins the search for permanent replacements.

Cavenagh outlines overhaul

Cavenagh said the club’s six-month review showed Rangers required different leadership, stressing that both men were “skilled executives” but not the right fit for current priorities.

Rangers were eighth in the league and 11 points behind Hearts when Martin was dismissed after failing to qualify for the Champions League league phase. They have climbed to fourth under Danny Rohl and narrowed the gap to nine points but have lost all four Europa League matches this season.

Saudi fund to provide up to $1bn in FIFA-backed stadium loans

FIFA has agreed a new partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to offer up to $1 billion in subsidised stadium-financing loans to member associations in developing countries.

The governing body said the scheme would enable national associations to build or renovate stadiums, following a deal announced at a ceremony in Zurich on Monday.

Infantino described the initiative as “a crucial step” to help associations improve facilities, while SFD chief executive Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad said the partnership aimed to create “lasting legacies”.

Saudi influence expanding

The agreement expands Saudi involvement in global football ahead of the men’s 2034 World Cup, which the kingdom will host. FIFA has already signed Saudi state oil company Aramco as a sponsor for the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA also announced a global Club World Cup broadcast deal with DAZN in December 2024, shortly before confirming Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host. A widely speculated $1 billion Saudi investment in the streamer was confirmed weeks later.

Fan groups call for freeze on Premier League home ticket prices

More than 100 supporter organisations have urged Premier League clubs to freeze home ticket prices for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons, following consecutive years of increases across the division.

According to a letter published by the Football Supporters’ Association, 19 clubs raised prices for the 2024/25 season, while 13 did so again this campaign, prompting 116 groups to back a collective demand for a halt on further rises.

The groups are also asking clubs to share data on pricing and policies with supporters and to hold structured discussions on future ticketing decisions. The letter warns that rising costs are making attendance harder for younger fans and working-class communities.

Reform is possible

The document highlights the current £30 cap on away tickets as evidence that coordinated price controls can work.

The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, a signatory, said two years of above-inflation increases had “hit supporters hard” and urged the club to halt any further rises to keep Stamford Bridge “accessible, inclusive and alive with the supporters who make Chelsea what it is”.

A22 demands UEFA approve revised Unify League within eight weeks

A22 Sports Management has asked UEFA to pre-authorise its proposed Unify League within eight weeks, arguing the governing body is breaching EU law.

In an 18-page letter to UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis, A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart said the revamped competition complies with the December 2023 Court of Justice of the European Union ruling, which found UEFA’s approach to rival tournaments violated EU competition law. The CJEU judgment has since been upheld in Madrid, where UEFA recently lost an appeal.

A22 and Real Madrid have begun legal action in the Spanish capital seeking damages, claiming UEFA’s refusal to approve the Unify League has caused financial harm. Real Madrid believe they are owed €4.5 billion in lost revenue over the project’s lifetime. Reichart wrote that UEFA continues to apply rules “contrary to EU law”, exposing it to claims from clubs, players and A22.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez told the club’s general meeting that the “strength” of the legal case allows them to pursue compensation and the right to organise the competition. He said the club is “not here to win a judgment but to put it into practice”.

Revised competition structure

A22’s latest proposal follows seven months of talks with UEFA and retains the governing body’s three-tier format.

The Unify League would feature 36-team Star, Gold and Blue leagues, replacing last year’s plan for four divisions. Teams would be split into two 18-team groups, each playing eight matches under a system similar to UEFA’s new league phase.

Qualification would mirror the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League pathway, with groups seeded by coefficient.