The Premier League has told its 20 clubs it is exploring commercial changes that could generate an additional £750 million a year, according to Sky News.

Clubs were informed at a shareholder meeting this week that executives have begun examining plans to centralise 60 per cent of pitch-side perimeter advertising sales and expand the league’s top-tier commercial partners from seven to 10. Initial modelling presented to clubs suggested the changes could deliver the projected annual uplift.

The proposal would mirror commercial structures used in several leading US sports leagues. Sky sources said discussions were exploratory and that no formal decision had been taken to proceed.

Commercial structure under review

The league’s current roster of principal partners includes Barclays, Microsoft, EA and Guinness. It also holds licensing agreements with companies such as Topps, Football Manager and Sorare.

One club executive is said to have raised concerns that increasing the number of central partners could create conflicts with clubs’ own commercial arrangements.

 

AFCON 2027 set to be held in the summer

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be staged in June and July, according to a report from The Athletic. The tournament will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe, speaking after an executive meeting in Dar es Salaam, suggested the opening match will take place in Tanzania. He also dismissed reports that the hosting rights were at risk due to alleged infrastructure delays, saying the competition would be “enormously successful”.

Although no exact dates were confirmed, a summer schedule would leave many African nations facing a compressed qualifying period following this year’s World Cup.

Considers expanding tournament

Motsepe also said he intends to increase the number of participating teams from 24 to 28 once AFCON moves to a four-year cycle after 2028.

The proposed expansion would mark a further structural change to the tournament’s format, subject to approval by CAF’s decision-making bodies.

 

Ares seek $250 million recovery from Eagle Football amid Lyon dispute

Ares Management are seeking to recover around $250 million in outstanding loans to Eagle Football Holdings amid an escalating dispute with majority shareholder John Textor, according to Bloomberg.

Ares is exploring options including forcing a sale or taking control of Olympique Lyon, which is owned by Eagle. Eagle acquired the Ligue 1 club for around €800 million in 2022, with Ares providing more than $450 million in financing as part of one of its first major football investments.

Although Ares have recouped more than $200 million of the original loan, recent filings show the firm has marked the remaining debt down to roughly 32 cents on the dollar. People familiar with the matter said Ares believe Eagle have breached multiple covenants, a claim Textor disputes.

Dispute over alleged defaults

A spokesperson for Textor said Ares had destabilised Eagle and its portfolio clubs despite signing off on audited financial statements. “We dispute all alleged events of default,” the spokesperson said, while Ares said it would defend its position through legal channels.

Eagle’s portfolio includes RWD Molenbeek and Botafogo, and previously included Crystal Palace, which was sold last summer, allowing Ares to recover a significant portion of its exposure.

 

CEO to leave LFP Media after World Cup rights dispute

Nicolas de Tavernost has confirmed he will step down as director general of LFP Media, citing a lack of support following a dispute over World Cup broadcasting rights, according to Le Figaro.

De Tavernost announced his decision during a Ligue de Football Professionnel board meeting on Thursday afternoon, describing it as irrevocable. He will remain in post until a successor is appointed. Reports suggesting he might reverse his decision have been dismissed.

The situation intensified after beIN Sports secured rights to the next FIFA World Cup ahead of Ligue 1+, despite LFP Media’s platform having agreed a deal with FIFA for pay-TV coverage of all 104 matches. The agreement was valued at nearly €20 million, including €17 million in rights fees and €2.5 million in production costs.

Dispute over legal action

De Tavernost had considered pursuing action against FIFA to defend Ligue 1+’s position, but did not receive backing for that approach. Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, indicated earlier on Thursday that it was time to move on from the matter.

beIN Sports forms part of beIN Media Group, which is chaired by Nasser al-Khelaïfi, who also serves as president of Paris Saint-Germain.

 

Canada Soccer agrees 12-year rights deal projecting $100 million uplift

Canada Soccer has agreed a new 12-year commercial rights deal with Canadian Soccer Business (CSB), projecting “well over $100 million” in additional net revenue compared with the existing contract.

Chief executive Kevin Blue said the governing body expects the uplift across the term from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2037, with a mutual option for a five-year extension. The previous arrangement with CSB, which this week rebranded as Canadian Soccer Media & Entertainment CSME), had drawn criticism from players and politicians who argued it undervalued the federation’s assets.

Under the revised structure, the parties will share the first $10 million of adjusted gross revenue annually, with Canada Soccer’s share rising to 70 per cent at $22.5 million and above. The deal also provides either $19.5 million in additional lump-sum payments at set points or a shift to a 70 per cent share of all adjusted gross revenue from 1 January 2029. A minimum annual guarantee remains in place.

Broadcast commitments

The contract commits to “wide broadcast distribution” of all senior national team home matches and international fixtures played in Canada-friendly time zones, with equal exposure for the men’s and women’s teams described as a guiding principle.

CSB, launched in 2018 to manage Canada Soccer’s marketing and broadcast rights alongside the Canadian Premier League, previously paid a guaranteed annual fee reported at $4 million, rising by around $500,000 per year ahead of the 2026 men’s World Cup.

UEFA has published its financial report for the 2024/25 season, reporting revenue of €5.01 billion across all competitions — a record for a financial year without a men’s European Championship. More than €4 billion was generated from media rights agreements.

The accounts are the first released since the introduction of the new Champions League structure and outline the revenue distribution variations for clubs competing in UEFA’s three club competitions.

Paris Saint-Germain received the highest payout from UEFA, earning €144.4 million for winning the Champions League. Tottenham Hotspur received €41.4 million for their Europa League victory, while Chelsea earned €21.8 million for winning the Conference League.

Financial distribution

UEFA distributed €3.4 billion to clubs during the season, an increase of €400 million compared with the previous campaign.

The governing body allocated 10 per cent of its gross competition revenues to solidarity payments. Of that total, €308 million was distributed to clubs not participating in European competitions.

Further funds were allocated to clubs eliminated in qualifying rounds, while €25 million was directed towards the UEFA Youth League and women’s club competitions.
 

FA reviewing Ratcliffe remarks for possible breach of regulations

The English Football Association is assessing whether Jim Ratcliffe’s claim that Britain has been “colonised by immigrants” breaches its regulations, according to The Times.

The Manchester United co-owner has apologised for his “choice of language”, but the FA’s legal team is considering whether the comments could amount to bringing the game into disrepute under Rule E3.1.

As a club director, Ratcliffe falls under its jurisdiction, with breaches for media comments typically resulting in financial penalties. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said the matter was being handled by the governing body’s legal and regulation department.

Project and internal fallout

The remarks have prompted concern among figures involved in the proposed Old Trafford regeneration.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham described the comments as “inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory and should be withdrawn”, while sources told The Times that political support for the stadium project could be affected.

Senior figures at United have also indicated that the comments caused offence internally. In a statement on Thursday, the club said it “prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club” and that equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded in its work.
 

Aleksander Ceferin: UEFA position on Russia ban remains unchanged

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has said the organisation’s position on the exclusion of Russian clubs and the national team from international competitions “remains unchanged”.

Speaking in Brussels on the sidelines of UEFA’s 50th Congress, Ceferin said: “The position of UEFA is clear and has not changed,” and declined to “interfere” in discussions conducted by other parties.

Ceferin said he could not comment on what FIFA or governments decide, adding that he follows developments every day.

Return linked to end of conflict

Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, UEFA have linked any return of Russian teams to the end of the conflict.

Ceferin's remarks follow comments by FIFA president Gianni Infantino in an interview with Sky News on 3 February, when he was asked about ending Russia’s suspension and said: “We have to consider it, for sure.”
 

QPR and Crawley Town sued for £11.1 million by former player over alleged racist abuse

Queens Park Rangers and Crawley Town are being sued for £11.1 million by former player Amrit Bansal-McNulty, who alleges the clubs failed to protect him from racist abuse that he says ended his professional career.

The claim, being heard at the Central London Employment Tribunal, seeks reimbursement for loss of opportunity and personal injury. Both clubs deny wrongdoing. The case relates to the 2021/22 season, when Bansal-McNulty was on loan at Crawley.

According to documents seen by The Guardian, the claim centres on alleged racist “banter” by former Crawley manager John Yems, who was banned for three years by the FA after being found guilty of 11 charges of using discriminatory language.

Failure to act

Bansal-McNulty alleges both clubs failed to act when concerns were raised, including during a telephone conversation with QPR’s then sporting director Chris Ramsey in April 2022. Ramsey told the tribunal the player had complained about banter but denied being told it was racist and rejected suggestions he had minimised the issue.

A decision on liability is expected this month, with any damages to be determined at a later hearing if the claim succeeds.

Real Madrid have reached an agreement with UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC) to bring the European Super League project to an end, concluding the breakaway initiative launched in 2021.

In a joint statement, the parties said the agreement was reached “for the good of European club football” and would end the legal disputes initiated by the Spanish club following months of discussions.

Real Madrid accepted that it will respect “the principle of sporting merit”, with the statement also referring to long-term club sustainability and improving fan experience through technology.

Only remaining club

FC Barcelona formally withdrew from the project last week, leaving Real Madrid as the only remaining supporter.

The Super League was launched in April 2021 with 12 clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Juventus, but collapsed within 48 hours after all Premier League clubs withdrew.
 

beIN Sports secure World Cup rights outbidding Ligue 1+

beIN Sports has secured the pay-TV rights to the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups after outbidding Ligue 1+, despite the LFP platform having reached an agreement and signed a contract for the 2026 tournament, according to L’Équipe.

Ligue 1+ had agreed a deal with FIFA worth close to €20 million for the 2026 edition, including €17 million in rights and €2.5 million in production costs, covering all 104 matches.

However, beIN Sports submitted a broader offer covering both the 2026 and 2030 tournaments, ultimately securing the rights to both competitions.

beIN Media Group is chaired by Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain.

CEO intends to step down

The fallout prompted an emergency board meeting of the LFP on Wednesday, during which Nicolas de Tavernost announced his intention to step down as chief executive of LFP Media. He said he was no longer in a position to pursue his mission effectively and intends to remain until a successor is appointed.

Appointed in April 2025, de Tavernost had overseen DAZN’s early exit from its Ligue 1 contract and the launch of the League’s in-house platform.
 

Brentford pre-tax loss widens to £20 million despite record revenue

Brentford have reported a pre-tax loss of £20 million for the 2024/25 financial year, up from £7.9 million the previous year, as operating losses increased to £40 million.

The Premier League club generated record revenue of £173.1 million, a rise of 4 per cent. However, wages increased by 11 per cent and amortisation rose by 34 per cent, with the combined total reaching £179 million.

Brentford spent a club-record £100.2 million on player additions during the season, including Igor Thiago, Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg. Profit on player sales increased by £2 million to £27.2 million.

Frank compensation

The accounts show that Brentford received £6.7 million in compensation from Tottenham Hotspur following the departure of head coach Thomas Frank and his staff. Frank was sacked by Tottenham on Wednesday.

Brentford are the fourth Premier League club to publish their financial results covering the 2024/25 season, after Manchester City, Manchester United and Brighton.
 

Spanish Footballers’ Association leaves FIFPRO to lead creation of new global players’ union

The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) has voted to leave FIFPRO, the global players’ union representing more than 70,000 professional footballers, and will lead the creation of a new worldwide footballers’ body after securing 99.8 per cent backing from their assembly members.

The decision comes just over a year after AFE president David Aganzo stepped down as president of FIFPRO, a position he held between 2021 and 2024.

AFE said the withdrawal was driven by what it described as an “absolute lack of transparency” within FIFPRO and its “non-existent dialogue with international institutions”, which it argued harms footballers.

New global structure

In addition to exiting FIFPRO, AFE will spearhead a new international players’ organisation aimed at strengthening dialogue with global sports stakeholders.

No further details have been disclosed regarding the structure, governance or membership of the proposed body.
 

Independent football regulator seeks clarity from Sheffield Wednesday takeover bidders

The Independent Football Regulator has sought further clarification from the consortium attempting to buy Sheffield Wednesday, according to The Times.

Administrators named a three-man group comprising former professional gambler James Bord, German AI entrepreneur Felix Roemer and Alsharif Faisal Bin Jamil as preferred bidder on Christmas Eve. The English Football League (EFL) has yet to decide whether the trio will pass its owners’ and directors’ test and whether they have the required funding and plan.

An IFR official said the regulator was engaging with the bidders and administrators to seek clarity, warning against a “long, drawn-out process” before its powers come into force in May, when any new owner would also need to satisfy the regulator’s test.

Bidders face scrutiny

The EFL received written notice of the consortium’s identities on January 9 and is understood to have obtained substantial documentation only in recent weeks.

The Times reported earlier this month that limited public information about the source of funding has raised questions among supporters and within the club over whether the consortium would be able to pass the EFL’s test, although the group says it remains confident the purchase will be completed.

English Football League clubs will next month vote on a proposal to expand the Championship playoffs from four teams to six after receiving approval from the Football Association to pursue a regulation change.

The 72 EFL clubs have been invited to an extraordinary general meeting on 5 March, when a formal vote will take place on introducing the new format from next season, according to the Guardian.

A simple majority is required, with at least 37 clubs overall and 13 of the 24 Championship clubs needing to support the change, which was approved by the EFL board last week.

Playoff format

The FA is understood to have signed off the proposal at a board meeting in December, despite opposition from the Premier League, which has raised concerns about competitive balance if a team finishing eighth were promoted.

Under the proposal, the fifth-placed team would host the eighth-placed team and sixth would host seventh in one-off eliminators, with the winners advancing to two-legged semi-finals against the teams finishing third and fourth.

Apollo plans $6 billion sports investment push

Apollo Global Management plan to invest $6 billion through its dedicated sports vehicle, Apollo Sports Capital, as the US investment firm increases its exposure to the global sports sector, according to a report from Sportico.

Apollo launched Apollo Sports Capital last year to invest in sports clubs, leagues, venues and media businesses. The firm, which manages $938 billion in assets, became the largest shareholder in Atlético Madrid in November.

Marc Rowan, Apollo’s co-founder and chief executive, said the sports platform could also generate between $30 billion and $50 billion in potential origination opportunities, referring to possible investments or lending deals linked to the sector.

Sports investment expansion

Apollo said its assets under management grew by almost 25 per cent last year to $938 billion. Rowan added that around 25 per cent of the firm’s revenue growth in 2026 is expected to come from new initiatives, including Apollo Sports Capital.

Beyond Atlético Madrid, Apollo has invested in Nottingham Forest and holds a minority stake in Wrexham AFC.

Hoffenheim confirm Schicker will remain managing director

TSG Hoffenheim have confirmed that Andreas Schicker will continue as managing director, the club announced in a statement.

Hoffenheim said Schicker will remain in charge of the club’s football operations, bringing an end to speculation over his immediate future.

The club did not disclose further details behind the decision but made clear that no changes to Schicker’s role or responsibilities are planned.

Hopp injunction blocks shareholders’ meeting

According to a report from Kicker, the confirmation followed legal action by majority shareholder Dietmar Hopp, which led to the cancellation of a planned shareholders’ meeting scheduled for Monday. The Regional Court of Heidelberg prohibited the meeting after Hopp applied for interim legal protection.

The meeting had been convened amid internal governance disputes and was expected to address Schicker’s position. Later on Monday, interim association official Christoph Henssler resigned with immediate effect as second chair of the registered association.

Serie A consider investment in Italy’s leading fantasy football game at €40 million valuation

Serie A are exploring the acquisition of a majority stake in Fantacalcio after valuing the fantasy football operator at €40 million, as the league looks to bring the game within its own digital ecosystem, according to Calcio e Finanza.

The league are in talks to purchase 51 per cent of the business, which generates close to €10 million in annual revenue and around €4 million in profit.

Fantacalcio is the most popular fantasy game linked to Italian football but, unlike some other leagues models, it is not currently owned by Serie A.

Shareholders and economics

The potential transaction is set to be discussed at Serie A’s next assembly, where clubs will decide whether to proceed with the investment.

Fantacalcio employs around 20 staff, reports roughly three million users and has grown revenues from about €1.2 million a decade ago to nearly €10 million, driven primarily by premium subscriptions and advertising.

Borussia Dortmund have reported a €18.7 million net profit for the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, according to preliminary figures published by the club.

The result was mainly driven by a sharp increase in profit on player sales, which rose by €32.7 million to €54.9 million. Dortmund sold Jamie Gittens to Chelsea in the summer transfer window at a reported fee of €56 million. EBITDA increased by 39 per cent year on year to €81.7 million.

Revenue rose by €1.9 million to €246.4 million. Broadcasting revenue accounted for the largest share, reaching €104.6 million, a seven per cent increase compared with the first half of the 2024/25 financial year. Commercial and matchday revenue remained broadly flat, while merchandise and other income declined slightly.

Cost increase

Wages increased by €11.2 million to €129.3 million, while depreciation, amortisation and write-downs rose by 16 per cent to €57.7 million. The club made several signings from the Premier League last summer, including Jobe Bellingham, Fábio Silva and Carney Chukwuemeka, each at a reported fee exceeding €20 million.

Borussia Dortmund are currently second in the Bundesliga and qualified for the UEFA Champions League knockout phase after finishing 17th in the league. They will face Atalanta in the play-offs for a place in the round of 16.
 

Women’s Champions League audience rises 164 per cent after format change

The UEFA Women’s Champions League has recorded its highest-ever audiences. Viewing increased by 164 per cent across the first six matchdays of the group stage, according to a report by UC3, the joint commercial venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC).

UEFA said the increase was driven by the move from four to six group-stage matches and wider audiovisual distribution.

The tournament is now broadcast in 207 territories, with 44 broadcasters showing live matches during the season.

Increasing engagement

The league phase attracted 2.6 times more live viewers than last season at the same point, with average live audiences across 54 matches rising 135 per cent year on year.

Social media engagement also increased, with total interactions reaching 774 million, up 84 per cent compared with the previous season.
 

NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Chelsea Women ownership group

Giannis Antetokounmpo has joined the ownership group of Chelsea Women, becoming the latest high-profile US athlete to invest in elite women’s football.

The NBA player confirmed his involvement alongside Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who last year acquired a stake of around 10 per cent in the Women’s Super League champions for approximately £20 million.

Antetokounmpo, 31, announced the move on social media, describing Chelsea Women as “a historic club built on passion, excellence, and a winning culture”, and said he was looking forward to supporting the continued growth of women’s sport.

Investment in Premier League women’s sides

In 2024, Chelsea sold the women’s team from Chelsea FC Holdings to parent company BlueCo 22 Midco in a deal worth £198.7 million.

Aston Villa also sold their women’s team to a parent company last year for £55 million and later announced Marc Zahr as a minority investor, while West Ham have reportedly explored a potential sale of their women’s operation.

FC Barcelona have formally withdrawn from the European Super League project, leaving Real Madrid as the only club still committed to the breakaway competition.

The La Liga champions said in a statement that they had notified the European Super League Company and the remaining participating clubs of their decision to exit the project, which was launched in April 2021 with the backing of 12 clubs

FC Barcelona’s decision follows comments made by club president Joan Laporta in October 2025, when he said the club wanted to rebuild relations with UEFA and rejoin the European Football Clubs (EFC), formerly known as the European Clubs Association.

Amended rules

Real Madrid remain in legal dispute with UEFA and are seeking what they have described as “substantial damages” over the governing body’s response to the Super League proposals.

In May 2024, a Madrid commercial court ruled that UEFA and FIFA had acted anti-competitively, echoing an earlier decision by the European Court of Justice. UEFA has since amended its rules on the authorisation of new competitions and said a subsequent ruling by the Provincial Court of Madrid did not validate the Super League project or undermine its current regulations.

 

Liverpool ordered to pay Chelsea up to £6.8 million in compensation for Rio Ngumoha

Liverpool have been ordered to pay Chelsea an initial £2.8 million in compensation for winger Rio Ngumoha following a ruling by the Professional Football Compensation Committee.

The total fee could rise to £6.8 million, with up to £4 million in add-ons linked to performance-related criteria, including senior England appearances. Chelsea will also receive 20 per cent of any future profit should the player be sold.

The ruling relates to Ngumoha’s move from Chelsea to Liverpool in September 2024, when he joined Anfield at the age of 16. The clubs failed to agree a compensation figure, leading to a tribunal to assess the value of the player’s training and development.

Ruling does not reflect progress

The PFCC ruling is not intended to reflect Ngumoha’s subsequent progress at Liverpool, where he has already made senior appearances, but is based on standardised development criteria rather than first-team impact.

The decision follows a similar PFCC ruling involving Harvey Elliott, who joined Liverpool from Fulham in 2019 at the same age. In that case, Liverpool were ordered to pay up to £4.3 million, including a £1.2 million base fee and add-ons.

 

Bologna stadium project on hold as city council set to withdraw €40 million funding

Bologna city council are preparing to withdraw their €40 million public contribution to the proposed redevelopment of Bologna's home ground Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, according to Italian publication Corriere di Bologna.

The decision follows sharp post-Covid cost inflation and the inability of the club to secure the remaining funding needed to deliver the scheme, leaving a financing gap of around €90 million. The councils decision would effectively halt the project after years of negotiations.

The total cost of the project is estimated to have risen from €150 million to approximately €230 million, with the stadium remaining under municipal ownership and available to the club only through a long-term concession.

Project at a standstill

A council resolution is expected shortly that would formally close the administrative process and free up the €40 million previously earmarked for the stadium, which are likely to be redirected to other public works.

The deadlock was confirmed publicly by Bologna chief executive Claudio Fenucci, who said the club could not absorb the increased costs alone and had received no concrete commitments from private investors.

City officials have indicated that while the current plan will be declared unviable, the option to revisit a redevelopment in future would remain open should funding conditions improve.

 

FIFPRO Europe set for voting seat on UEFA Executive Committee

FIFPRO Europe is expected to be ratified as a voting member of UEFA’s Executive Committee at the governing body’s annual congress on 12 February, according to a report by The Athletic. This would give players formal voting representation at the top of European football governance.

The move would extend the relationship between FIFPRO Europe and UEFA, more than two years after the two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding that provided for an advisory role on the Executive Committee from May 2025.

If approved, FIFPRO Europe would hold a vote when decisions are taken, including on issues such as the international match calendar, rather than participating solely in a consultative capacity.

Executive Committee structure

Ratification is expected to be a formality at the UEFA Congress in Brussels. FIFPRO Europe represents 36 national players’ unions across Europe, including those in England, France, Spain and Italy, and more than 38,000 professional players.

FIFPRO Europe president David Terrier is expected to take up the seat on the Executive Committee, which is chaired by UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and includes elected members as well as representatives of European Football Clubs and the European Leagues.

Leicester City have been given an immediate six-point deduction by the EFL, after an independent commission found the club breached profit and sustainability rules (PSR) over the three-year period ending in the 2023/24 season.

The commisions decision was announced by the Premier League on Thursday, with them ruling Leicester exceeded the permitted PSR threshold by £20.8 million.

The Premier League had sought a 12-point deduction, while Leicester argued a fine would be more appropriate and that the commission lacked authority to impose a sporting sanction in the Championship. Both arguments were rejected.

The commission said a points deduction was necessary to uphold the objectives of the rules and ensure consistency with previous cases. Leicester described the decision as “disproportionate” and said it would consider its next steps.

Loss limits dispute rejected

Leicester were referred to the commission in May 2025 over a Championship PSR breach. The club spent two seasons in the Premier League and one in the Championship during the assessment period, giving an allowable loss of £83 million.

Leicester argued the higher £105 million Premier League limit should apply, but this was dismissed.

The commission also found Leicester breached Premier League rules after failing to submit annual accounts by the required deadline and dismissed claims the club had shown exceptional cooperation during the process.
 

KKR announce acquisition of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain investor in $1.4 billion transaction

KKR have announced the acquisition of sports-focused investment firm Arctos Partners in a deal valued at $1.4 billion (€1.2 billion). Arctos Partners oversees around $15 billion and is one of the largest specialist investors in sport, holding minority stakes in Fenway Sports Group (ownership group of Liverpool), Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta.

The transaction will comprise $300 million in cash and $1.1 billion in KKR shares. The overall value could rise to almost $2 billion if performance targets are met, with up to a further $550 million linked to earn-out mechanisms.

The acquisition marks a significant expansion by KKR into sports investing and secondary transactions, purchasing stakes from existing shareholders. KKR manages more than $700 billion in assets globally.

KKR Solutions to be launched

Following completion, KKR will establish a new division, KKR Solutions, to be led by Arctos co-founder Ian Charles. The unit will focus on sports investments, secondary deals and bespoke financing solutions for other private equity firms.

KKR co-chief executive Scott Nuttall told the Financial Times that the new platform could materially increase the New York-based group’s assets in the coming years, potentially developing into a business managing more than $100 billion.
 

Women’s international transfer fees hit new January high as men's spending decrease

Women’s football spent more than $10 million on international transfer fees during the winter window in January, setting a new record for the women’s game, according to data published by FIFA. The total was more than 85 per cent higher than the previous January peak.

The rise in spending came despite a modest fall in activity. Just over 420 international transfers were completed in the women’s game during the window, almost six per cent fewer than January last year.

English clubs were the leading force in the women’s market, accounting for more than $5 million in transfer fees and recording the highest number of incoming transfers.

Men’s spending decrease

Men’s football recorded more than 5,900 international transfers in January, the highest total for the winter window in January, while spending reached more than $1.9 billion, a decrease around 18 per cent year on year.

English clubs were the biggest spenders with outlay on international transfers exceeding $360 million, while French clubs generated the highest income at more than $215 million.
 

Genoa court freezes 777 Holdings’ Genoa CFC stake in €28 million seizure

A Genoa court has confirmed a precautionary seizure of assets belonging to 777 Genoa CFC Holdings, freezing up to €28.1 million and stripping the company of control over its minority stake in Genoa CFC.

The order applies to all assets held by 777 Holdings and specifically covers its approximately 23 per cent shareholding in the club. The seizure was executed on 12 January 2026 as part of legal action brought by Genoa.

The case concerns Genoa’s claim to assign to 777 Holdings a credit owed by Fingiochi Srl, the holding company of former owner Enrico Preziosi, and to receive payment of the related amount. The court found both a probable existence of the credit and a concrete risk of non-recovery.

Custodian appointed

Ermanno Martinetto has been appointed custodian of the seized shares and will exercise voting rights at shareholders’ meetings in place of 777 Holdings while proceedings continue.

The decision further weakens 777 Holdings, already linked to creditor A-Cap, and leaves the company with limited options beyond appeal or settlement.
 

Schalke raise €7.5 million through stadium stake sale to supporters’ cooperative

Schalke 04 have raised €7.5 million after selling a minority stake in their stadium company to the supporters’ cooperative Auf Schalke eG, generating fresh equity as the club continues its financial restructuring.

The cooperative has acquired 5.4 per cent of the Veltins-Arena operating company, equivalent to a nominal €2.16 million in partnership capital previously held by the club’s registered association.

Schalke said the proceeds will be used to reduce liabilities and support balance-sheet stability, including progress towards meeting the DFL’s equity requirements.

Stadium ownership structure

Part of the funds will be used to repurchase stadium shares from Stadtwerke Gelsenkirchen, which acquired a stake in 2009. Following the buyback, Schalke said its holding in the stadium company will again exceed 50 per cent, restoring a voting majority.

Founded in late 2024, Auf Schalke eG has attracted more than 8,000 members, who have subscribed around €8 million since the start of 2025, enabling the transaction.

Ongoing upheaval at TSG Hoffenheim has continued, with the Bundesliga club confirming that managing director Tim Jost will leave his role after agreeing to terminate his contract on 1 February 2026.

The club said the decision followed “intensive and open discussions” between Jost, the football operations company and the registered association, adding that the details of the termination agreement would remain confidential.

Jost is the fourth senior executive to exit Hoffenheim within a few months. In October 2025, the shareholders, the association and majority backer Dietmar Hopp removed chief executive Markus Schütz and CFO Frank Briel, before association chairman Jörg Albrecht resigned soon afterwards.

Power struggle ongoing

Hoffenheim said the handover would be “orderly and amicable”. Sporting director Andreas Schicker is now the sole managing director of the Football Operations GmbH and is authorised to act alone.

The latest departure comes amid months of internal conflict at the club, which has intensified following a legal dispute over a stadium ban imposed on players’ agent Roger Wittmann and tensions linked to the due to the reinstatement of the 50+1 ownership structure.

Napoli city council approve €200m redevelopment of Diego Armando Maradona Stadium

Napoli's city council have approved a major redevelopment of the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, paving the way for a project estimated at around €200 million. The plan is backed by regional funding alongside €3 million released by the municipality to reopen the stadium’s third tier, Italian media reports.

The redevelopment includes the removal of the athletics track, an extension of the roof and the reopening of the third tier, with capacity expected to rise to around 70,000. City officials say the works are intended to modernise the venue and improve safety and efficiency.

Mayor Gaetano Manfredi said in a social media post the approval marked the start of a “concrete path” towards upgrading the stadium, adding that long-term planning was now possible due to improved cooperation between local and regional institutions.

Euro 2032 bid

Manfredi confirmed the city will hold a further meeting with UEFA delegates to formally present Naples’ candidacy to host matches at UEFA Euro 2032. He said regional support had strengthened the bid after previous uncertainty.

City councillor Edoardo Cosenza said initial works on the third tier are expected to begin at the end of the current season, with the aim of completing the project by 2031.

He added that multiple design solutions will be presented to UEFA, with construction planned to avoid disrupting matches, while discussions with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis over a potential new stadium continue ahead of the current concession’s expiry in 2027/28.

AS Roma have reported a consolidated loss of €53.9 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2025, an improvement of almost €28 million on the €81.3 million loss recorded in the previous season.

According to documents seen by Calcio Finanza, the Serie A club generated consolidated revenue of €270.2 million, down from €299.9 million in 2023/24, while total costs fell sharply to €305.2 million from €364.4 million.

The narrower loss was driven primarily by cost reductions, with expenses cut by more than €59 million year on year, offsetting weaker income from core revenue streams.

Broadcast and matchday income decline

Revenue from television rights fell to €90.4 million from €104.1 million, while matchday income declined to €44.4 million from €55.4 million. Commercial, sponsorship and royalty revenues increased slightly to €71.7 million.

Player trading and related activities generated €48.7 million in revenue, including €29.9 million in capital gains, largely from the sales of Houssem Aouar to Al Ittihad, Joao Costa to Al Ettifaq and Nicola Zalewski to Inter.

Total personnel costs dropped to €157.2 million from €202.1 million, reflecting significant reductions across the playing squad and coaching staff.

Ukraine condemns Infantino over comments on lifting Russia’s football ban

Ukraine has criticised FIFA president Gianni Infantino after he suggested football’s governing body should explore ending Russia’s suspension from international competition, prompting condemnation from political and sporting figures.

Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha described Infantino as a “moral degenerate” on social media, citing the deaths of hundreds of Ukrainian children since Russia’s invasion in 2022 and warning that lifting bans while the war continued would be remembered “as a shame reminiscent of the 1936 Olympics”.

The criticism was echoed by Ukraine’s sports minister Matvii Bidnyi, who said Infantino’s remarks detached football from the reality of the war, while the Ukrainian Football Association urged FIFA to maintain Russia’s exclusion, arguing that suspension remained an effective form of pressure.

Infantino's comments

On Monday, Infantino said FIFA “should actually never ban any country from playing football because of the acts of their political leaders”, adding that Russia’s exclusion since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 had “not achieved anything” and had instead created “more frustration and hatred”.

Russia was banned by FIFA and UEFA in February 2022.

English FA proposes controversial Women’s FA Cup reforms amid club opposition

The FA is facing resistance from clubs and supporters after proposing significant changes to the Women’s FA Cup aimed at increasing the competition’s commercial appeal, according to UK media.

The governing body is consulting on plans to seed the top four teams from the previous Women’s Super League season and to fix the draw from the round of 32 onwards, when WSL clubs enter the competition. A submission is due to the FA board in April, with changes potentially introduced as early as next season.

Under the proposals, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United would be kept apart until the semi-finals. The quartet have dominated the competition in recent years, with no club outside the group winning the Women’s FA Cup since Birmingham City in 2012.

Commercial appeal versus tradition

Opponents argue the reforms would undermine the competition’s traditions and reduce the chances of lower-ranked clubs enjoying lucrative cup runs. Official supporters’ groups at Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion have publicly criticised the plans, and there is understood to be widespread concern among clubs.

Supporters of the changes believe guaranteed high-profile semi-finals would be more attractive to broadcasters and sponsors, while drawing the full round-of-32 bracket in advance would give clubs more preparation time. Prize money for the winners currently stands at £430,000.

Morocco appeal CAF sanctions over AFCON final incidents

Morocco have lodged an appeal against sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations final, the country’s football federation announced in a statement.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said the penalties issued by the Confederation of African Football were “not proportionate to the seriousness and danger” of the events that occurred at the end of the match.

The final was briefly halted after several Senegal players left the pitch following disputed refereeing decisions, before returning and going on to win in extra time.

CAF fined the Senegalese Football Federation €520,000 and suspended head coach Pape Thiaw for five matches.

Sanctions imposed on Morocco

Morocco were fined a total of €267,000, including €169,000 for the conduct of ball boys, €85,000 for players and staff entering the VAR review area, and €13,000 for the use of laser pointers by supporters.

With the European winter transfer window closing yesterday, the Premier League led overall spending across all leagues, with total expenditure exceeding €400 million. Manchester City and Crystal Palace were the top spenders, combining for close to €200 million.

Serie A ranked second, with spending of more than €230 million, despite the absence of a marquee signing. Completing the top three was the Brazilian Série A, which recorded spending of more than €200 million.

Much of the Brazilian total was driven by Lucas Paquetá’s €42 million move from West Ham United to Flamengo. The Brazilian transfer window remains open until early March.

A quiet January

Despite remaining open in several leagues, the winter window appears quieter than last year, with the five highest-spending leagues recording combined outlay of around €1.1 billion.

That figure is roughly 25 per cent lower year on year than in the 2025 winter window, when the five biggest spending leagues recorded total expenditure of close to €1.5 billion.
 

Daniel Levy in talks over £1 billion sale of Tottenham stake

Daniel Levy is in talks over a potential sale of his 30 per cent holding in the ownership group of Tottenham Hotspur, with a consortium that includes Hong Kong investor Ng Wing Fai, according to Bloomberg.

The discussions place a value of roughly £1 billion on Levy’s stake, with funding largely expected to come from Asian backers. Talks are preliminary but remain ongoing.

Levy, Ng Wing Fai and representatives for the Lewis family declined to comment to Bloomberg, with the family saying it has not been involved in any negotiations.

Levy’s position at the club

Levy was removed as executive chairman of Tottenham last year after nearly 25 years in the role, ending the longest-serving chairmanship in the Premier League. His departure marked a significant shift in the club’s governance, although he retained his shareholding.

Tottenham are controlled by ENIC Sports Inc., which is majority-owned by the family of billionaire Joe Lewis, with Levy holding the remainder.
 

Infantino calls for Russia’s return to international football

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said Russia’s ban from international football should “definitely” be lifted, arguing that the exclusion has failed to deliver any positive outcome since it was imposed in 2022.

Speaking to Sky News, Infantino said that football authorities should consider changing their statutes to prevent countries being banned over the actions of political leaders.

Russia have been barred from FIFA and UEFA competitions following the country’s invasion of Ukraine, but Infantino said the measure had “not achieved anything” and had instead created “more frustration and hatred”.

According to The Times, there are currently no plans for FIFA's council to vote on lifting the ban, and any move to readmit Russia would face strong opposition from several nations.

Partially lifted

FIFA partially lifted the ban in 2023 at under-17 level, but Russian teams have remained unable to compete in practice because they cannot take part in UEFA qualification tournaments. Several countries, including England, Ukraine, Poland and Sweden, have said they would refuse to play against Russian teams.

Infantino also said he opposed bans on other countries involved in conflicts, arguing that “somebody needs to keep the ties open” through sport.