The German Football League (DFL) is set to propose new financial rules at an upcoming general assembly meeting on 3rd March, Kicker has reported.

According to the German publication, the 36 clubs across the Bundesliga and 2 Bundesliga are set for a vote on a squad cost rule, which would be similar to UEFA’s financial sustainability regulations.

Under the proposal, clubs would be allowed to spend up to 70 per cent of their sports-related revenue. Investor contributions would be exempt from this, while significant sponsorship payments from shareholders and companies with ties to team owners will be assessed on whether they are at market value. This would apply to potential deals between Red Bull and RB Leipzig, and Bayer Group with Bayer Leverkusen.

A “clearly defined” list of sanctions

The report says that the potential new regulations will include “clearly defined” penalties, in the event of breaches. This will include financial sanctions, while “repeat offenders” could face point deductions, as well as receiving embargoes on registering new players.

If approved at next month’s assembly, the new regulations would be introduced for the 2027/28 season with purely financial sanctions, before being fully implemented the following season.

 

AC Milan owner RedBird complete '€550 million' refinancing

AC Milan owner RedBird Capital Partners have paid off a vendor loan owed to Elliott Management, after securing new funding.

The US private equity firm, which took over the Serie A club for €1.2 billion in 2022, has completed a refinancing led by US private credit manager Comvest Credit Partners, which is worth €550 million.

This marks the exit of Elliott, which previously controlled the club between 2018 and 2022, prior to the RedBird takeover.

More sustainable foundation

Gerry Cardinale, managing partner at RedBird and president owner of AC Milan, said: “Over the past three years, we have worked to consistently strengthen AC Milan's financial and sporting performance, returning the club to profitability and building a strong, more sustainable foundation for its future.

“Our ownership of AC Milan is driven by a long-term commitment to the club, its leadership in the city of Milan and its heritage as one of the most successful European football clubs in the world.”

 

Blackburn Rovers served legal papers amid “contractual dispute” with kit supplier Macron

Blackburn Rovers have been served legal papers by their kit supplier Macron, the club confirmed.

The Championship side initially signed a five-year partnership with the Italian sportswear brand in 2021, which is now in the final year of its contract.

However, Macron are now claiming a ‘breach of contract’ in a case filed with the UK’s High Court. According to British publication The Telegraph, this pertains to an agreement prohibiting Rovers from talking to other kit suppliers before the end of an exclusive renegotiation period.

Previously, the Lancashire club informed a fan forum that they had completed the tender process for a new kit deal after the 2025/26 season, with Castore/Umbro reported as a potential replacement.

Contractual dispute

Blackburn Rovers said in a statement last week: “The club has been served with court papers by its technical kit supplier, Macron, in relation to a contractual dispute.

“The claim is being handled by the club with the support of its legal team and it would be inappropriate to comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.”

 

Brazilian club Botafogo prohibited from selling players and assets after court ruling

Brazilian club Botafogo have been blocked from selling players and assets, following a ruling by a Rio de Janeiro court last week.

This marks the latest blow for Botafogo, after receiving a transfer ban from FIFA on 31st December for failing to pay Atlanta United a $21 million fee for the transfer of Argentinian midfieldeer Thiago Almada, who has since joined Atletico Madrid.

Last November, a previous ruling stipulated that US businessman John Textor, whose company Eagle Football Holdings took over the team in 2022, could only sell players if he informed the court. However since then, players such as Marlon Freitas and Savarino have been sold without the court being notified.

Textor has been under mounting pressure amid reports that his tenure at the Brazilian club could be in jeopardy. Last week, Textor was dismissed as director of Eagle Football Holdings by Ares Management and Michelle Kang, which he has since disputed, stating that control of the company remains “in dispute”.

Previous court ruling

Last Thursday, Judge Marcelo Almeida de Moraes Marinho cited a “blatant disregard” of November’s ruling, giving Textor 48 hours to inform the court of any previous or ongoing plans to carry out any asset negotiations or dividend distributions.

The judgement continued: “Considering the media reports regarding the hasty negotiation of athletes, I hereby order, as a precautionary measure, the suspension of all acts related to the sale and negotiation of assets and any other acts with economic repercussions for the club, until the records demonstrate strict compliance with this rapporteur's decision, as well as unequivocal knowledge of the acts by all parties involved in the process.”

 

FC Barcelona strike ‘multimillion-dollar deal’ with UAE investors

FC Barcelona have reached a ‘multimillion-dollar’ agreement with UAE investors to build a new club-themed residential complex in Dubai, according to Spanish media.

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the LaLiga champions have already received an upfront payment, and could receive more than $12 million annually from the new deal, which requires approval at an assembly by the Spanish club’s delegate members.

The mini-city project would feature buildings and luxury apartments, with Barcelona receiving prominent brand visibility throughout the development.

Deal also includes kit visibility

Alongside the residential complex, the partnership would reportedly also include branding on the back of the club’s shirts, replacing UNICEF from July.

Although this would be visible during domestic fixtures, the team would still feature the Barça Foundation’s logo in its place for Champions League matches, as UEFA’s regulations stipulate that shirts must have a charitable sponsor.

 

River Plate sign '$110 million’ naming rights deal for Estadio Monumental

River Plate have secured a 10-year naming rights partnership with Live Nation for the Argentinian club’s Estadio Monumental home.

According to Argentinian sports publication Olé, the contract is worth $110 million over its duration.

The agreement, which takes effect from the start of 2027, will see the entertainment company replace the existing deal with supermarket chain ChangoMâs, which was signed in 2022.

Estadio Monumental expansion

Under the new partnership, Live Nation will receive exclusive presentation rights for live concerts held at the stadium.

Last week, the Buenos Aires club unveiled plans to expand the venue’s capacity from around 85,000 to 101,000 as part of a redevelopment that will cost more than $100 million according to River Plate’s own estimates.

US businessman John Textor has fired back at reports claiming that he has been dismissed as director of multi-club ownership group Eagle Football Holdings.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Textor had been ousted in a joint action by private equity firm Ares Management and Olympique Lyon president Michele Kang. However, in a statement shared by Brazilian media outlet Globo, Textor has claimed that control of Eagle remains “in dispute.”

“Following concerns about Olympique Lyonnais' financial reports and the discovery of undisclosed changes in the club's governance, I had no option but to take control of the board of directors,” he said. “Shortly afterwards, Ares attempted to regain control, although this is still in dispute.”

Textor added: “I remain the controlling shareholder of Eagle Football Holdings Limited.”

Textor’s position at Botafogo

Earlier this week, reports also suggested that Textor’s status as the controlling owner of Brazilian club Botafogo via Eagle was also under threat.

According to Globo, he is currently facing significant pressure within the club’s management, with multiple executives lobbying for his departure. There is a “consensus” that his ownership is damaging the Rio De Janeiro club, amid its ongoing financial difficulties, with a debt of at least R$ 1.5 billion (€241 million).

Addressing his tenure at the club, Textor said in his statement: “Despite these proceedings in France, I continue to hold the position of president and leader of Botafogo.”
 

China issues 73 lifetime bans and docks points from 13 clubs in clampdown on match-fixing

China has issued 73 lifetime bans to people from working in football, as well as docking points from 13 professional clubs.

These sanctions come as part of a clampdown on alleged match-fixing, and were announced in a joint statement on Thursday from China’s Ministry of Public Security, General Administration of Sport, and the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

Nine clubs will start the 2026 Chinese Super League (CSL) season on negative points, including the reigning champions Shanghai Port as well as last years runners-up Shanghai Shenhua.

The sanctioned clubs were deducted a cumulative total of 72 league points, and were fined a total of 7.2 million Chinese Yuan (€866,000).

Former national team coach banned

Meanwhile, among the individuals to receive bans was Li Tie, the former head coach of the China men’s national team between 2020 and 2021. Previously, Li was handed a 20-year prison sentence in 2024 for offering and accepting bribes.

Chen Xuyuan, former president of the CFA, was also sanctioned.
 

Chelsea considering AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane as new home for women’s team

Chelsea are considering AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane as a potential option for Chelsea Women’s home fixtures going forward, The Athletic has reported.

Since 2017, the WSL champions have played the majority of their home matches at Kingsmeadow, which has a capacity of 4,850, with Women’s Champions League and select league games held at Stamford Bridge.

Plough Lane, which has a capacity of around 9,200, has been home to the League One side since 2020, and is located roughly five miles from Kingsmeadow.

Collaboration between the clubs

Previously, Wimbledon and Chelsea Women shared Kingsmeadow between 2017 and 2020, after Chelsea purchased the stadium from their London neighbours back in 2015.

In December, Wimbledon received planning permission to raise the venue’s capacity to 20,000.

US businessman John Textor has been dismissed from his position as director of Eagle Football Holdings by Ares Management, as per French media.

Last year, Textor stepped down from his role as president of Olympique Lyon, after the club had been relegated to Ligue 2 by France’s DNCG due to its ongoing financial issues (before the ruling was overturned), and was replaced by Michele Kang.

According to RMC Sport, Textor tried to regain control of Lyon ahead of a General Assembly on Wednesday by dismissing two directors - Stephen Welch and Hemen Tseayo. This would render their votes invalid, enabling him to remove the current board, Kang, and general manager Michael Gerlinger.

Ares however blocked this move, writing to Textor to state that his attempt to dismiss the two directors was illegal.

Textor’s future at Botafogo

Following his dismissal, Textor’s role as controlling owner of Brazilian club Botafogo could also be in danger, L’Équipe has reported.

Although his position is as-of-yet unchanged, he could potentially be removed by the board of directors, or by a court in Rio de Janeiro.
 

FIFA report: Men’s football clubs spent $13.1 billion on international transfers in 2025

A record total of $13.1 billion was spent on international player transfers across men’s professional football in 2025, according to FIFA’s latest Global Transfer Report.

This represents an increase of 52.3 per cent on last year’s total spend of $8.6 billion, eclipsing the $10 billion mark for the first time. English clubs spent the most on international transfers, spending $3.8 billion on new signings, while receiving $1.8 billion for player sales.

The report also revealed that a record figure of 86,158 international transfers took place last year across men’s and women’s professional and amateur football.

Women’s football spending accelerates

In the women’s professional game, a record sum of $28.6 million was spent on international transfers, up 83.6 per cent on last year’s figure of $15.6 million.

Over the last year, 2,440 international transfers were reported in women’s football, an increase of 6.3 per cent on 2024.
 

DFL planning to launch new U21 league

The German Football League (DFL) is planning to launch a new U21 league, which could be operational by the 2026/27 season, Sports Bild has reported.

The DFL has set up an ‘expert group’, which has met on four occasions to discuss the future of German football. This group includes former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp, as well as ex-Real Madrid star Sami Khedira, Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche, DFL managing director Marc Lenz, and DFB sporting director Andreas Rettig.

The DFL executive committee will propose a new set of rules for the U21 league at an upcoming members’ meeting on 3rd March, with Bundesliga and 2 Bundesliga clubs set to take a vote on its implementation.

Participation in the new division would be voluntary, with clubs given until 15th June to decide whether to enter it for the first half of the season, and a deadline of 15th January to opt to join for the second half of the campaign.

More playing time to young players

Under the proposal, players recovering from injury after an extensive period recovering would be able to play their first games back in the new league.

The main purpose of the U21 league would be to provide more playing time for young players, in order to better facilitate their development.
 

Ligue 1+ aiming to air all matches from 2026 FIFA World Cup

LFP Media’s in-house streaming platform, Ligue 1+, is aiming to broadcast this year’s FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

As reported by L’Équipe, LFP Media CEO Nicolas de Tavernost revealed during a Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 board meeting on Wednesday that a deal had been reached with FIFA to air all 104 matches from this summer’s tournament, which will run from 11th June to 19th July.

The agreement is worth €20 million, with that figure comprising €18 million in broadcast rights, and an additional €2 million in production costs.

beIN Sports could challenge agreement

Ligue 1 clubs unanimously approved LFP’s deal with FIFA, which is now pending approval from the FIFA Council.

Pay-TV rights to the World Cup were previously held by beIN Sports in France. The Qatari broadcaster could seek to challenge the new partnership, with its chairman, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, known to be a close associate of Gianni Infantino.
 

River Plate reveal $100 million stadium expansion plans

Argentinian club River Plate have unveiled plans to expand their Estadio Monumental home to a capacity of 101,000.

This would make the venue the largest stadium in South America, and the second largest in the world. Currently, the Estadio Monumental has a capacity of around 85,000.

River Plate estimate that the redevelopment project will cost more than $100 million, and will take around three years to be completed.

Funding for the renovation

The Buenos Aires club are looking to fund the stadium’s expansion in part through a long-term loan, which would be paid off with revenue from the upgraded stadium.

River Plate are also looking to secure a ten-year naming rights partnership for the venue. The club’s current seven-year agreement with Mas was signed in 2022, and will expire in 2029.

SL Benfica have penned a two-year extension of their media rights agreement with telecommunications and media operator NOS, which will run until 2028.

The Lisbon club revealed that the deal is worth €57.1 million annually, or €114.2 million over its duration, making it the most lucrative media rights partnership for a Portuguese team.

The new contract comes ahead of the centralisation of media rights across the top two tiers of Portuguese football - the Primeira Liga and Liga Portugal - in 2028.

Benfica’s latest extension

The deal also includes an “advertising contract” between the club and NOS, which should deliver an additional €2.4 million.

Benfica meanwhile retains the right to exploit dynamic advertising at the club’s Estadio da Luz home, which is valued at €7.2 million.

Preston North End confirm talks with Saudi businessman Amr Zedan

English Championship club Preston North End have confirmed talks over potential investment with US-born Saudi businessman Amr Zedan.

Last week, Sky News reported that the club had been in discussions with Zedan since December, however talks had stalled recently.

In a statement responding to that report, Preston’s chairman, Ian Penrose, confirmed that Zedan was among the prospective investors in the Lancashire club, although talks were still in the “early stages”.

Looking to finalise deal at the “earliest opportunity”

“Specific comments on any approach are inappropriate at this stage,” Penrose said.

He continued: “Whilst such a transaction can take months to conclude, and there is no certainty that a successful outcome will be achieved, it is the board’s intention to conclude these negotiations at the earliest opportunity.

“It is of utmost importance that any future owner of Preston North End is the right fit for the football club, in order to maximise the club’s potential and the ambitions of our fans, stakeholders and owner.”

LFP wins legal dispute against BeIN Sports with network ordered to pay €14.1 million

France’s Professional Football League (LFP) has won its legal battle against Qatari broadcaster BeIN Sports.

The network holds rights to one weekly Saturday afternoon Ligue 1 match, through an agreement with LFP that is worth €78.5 million annually, according to L’Équipe.

However, since the start of the 2025/26 season, BeIN Sports has only paid €14 million of each of its €18 million instalments, expressing its discontentment with various broadcasting restrictions imposed by LFP. The TV provider had additionally been seeking €29 million in legal damages from LFP Media.

On Tuesday, the Paris Commercial Court ruled in favour of LFP, with BeIN Sports ordered to pay €14.1 million in “outstanding balances".

BeIN Sports will explore all avenues to appeal

Following the legal judgement, BeIN Sports told L’Équipe that the company will look to appeal against the ruling.

“We acknowledge the decision rendered at first instance by the court and will, of course, immediately explore all possible avenues of appeal,” BeIN Sports told L’Équipe.

Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter backs calls to boycott World Cup

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has supported calls to boycott World Cup matches held in the US this summer.

In a post shared on X, the 89-year-old shared comments made by Mark Pieth, a Swiss attorney and anti-corruption expert who advised fans to “stay away” from the US, due to the conduct of President Donald Trump and his administration.

In an interview with Swiss publication Der Bund, Pieth said: “If we consider everything we’ve discussed, there’s only one piece of advice for fans: Stay away from the USA.

“You’ll see it better on TV anyway. And upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t please the officials, they’ll be put straight on the next flight home. If they’re lucky.”

Blatter quoted the post on X, adding: “I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup.”

Blatter’s resignation

Blatter previously served as the president of FIFA from 1998 to 2015, when he stepped down amid corruption scandals at the time.

This year’s edition of the tournament is set to be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, and will take place between 11th June and 19th July.

Spain should host 2030 World Cup final, says RFEF president

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Rafael Louzan has stated that the final of the men’s 2030 FIFA World Cup should be held in Spain.

Speaking at this week’s Madrid Sports Press Association gala, Louzan claimed that the controversial events of this month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, held by one of the 2030 World Cup’s co-hosts Morocco, “damaged world football.”

During the AFCON final on 18th January, Senegalese players left the pitch after a penalty was awarded to Morocco in injury time, before later returning. Meanwhile, fans clashed with security in the stands at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

"It is true that in the final and some matches in AFCON, we have seen images that damage not only AFCON but also world football,” Louzan said.

“Spain has proven its organisational capacity over many years and will therefore be the host of the 2030 World Cup. The final of that World Cup will be held here.”

Portugal, Morocco and Spain will host

In 2030, Spain will host the competition alongside Portugal and Morocco, with matches also set to be played in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

As reported by The Athletic, Casablanca’s new 115,000-seat Hassan II Stadium could potentially stage the final of the tournament, while Real Madrid’s Bernabeu, Barcelona’s Camp Nou, and Benfica’s Estadio da Luz are also being considered.

WSL football makes £8.2 million loss for inaugural year

Women’s Super League (WSL) Football, the entity which oversees the top two tiers of English women’s football - the WSL and WSL 2 - has reported a loss of £8.2 million in its first year of operation.

The new entity, which was previously named Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), took over governance of the two leagues at the start of the 2024/25 season.

Despite the loss for the year ended 31st July 2025, WSL Football says this result was “fully anticipated” and “in line with the business plan”.

In a statement, WSL Football revealed that its overall income has tripled since taking over from England’s Football Association (FA). The organisation generated revenue of £17.4 million for 2024/25, which included £8.4 million in broadcast revenue, £8.5 million in sponsorship revenue, and £128,000 in other income.

CEO hails "remarkable" progress

Nikki Doucet, CEO of WSL Football, said: “We are at the beginning of a long‑term growth journey, underpinned by a clear strategic vision and increased commercial platform.

“What we have achieved in a short space of time is remarkable and our prospects for the future are positive. We have established our foundation, and we are committed to continued investment into the game and our member clubs.”

Spanish football player Sergio Ramos is leading an investment group that has entered a period of exclusivity to explore a takeover of his boyhood club Sevilla, according to Spanish media.

The deal is worth around €450 million, with with bidders granted three months to complete due diligence on the La Liga club.

Ramos is not expected to be the largest financial backer but is acting as the public figurehead for the bid. He has worked with JB Capital Fund to assemble investors and selected Five Eleven Capital, led by Martin Ink and backed by US investment, as part of the consortium, according to a report from The Athletic.

The 39-year-old began his career at the club before his transfer to Real Madrid in 2005. Ramos later returned to Sevilla for a one-year stint in the 2023/24 season.

Have lost €155 million in last three years

The change in ownership comes amid Sevilla’s financial difficulties in recent years.

Over the last three seasons, the club has lost a combined €155 million, comprising €54 million in 2024/25. €82 million in 2023/24, and €19 million in 2022/23.

DFL clubs deliver record €6.33 billion combined revenue for 2024/25

German Football League (DFL) clubs generated a record combined revenue of €6.33 billion for the 2024/25 season.

This figure is up 7.9 per cent on last year’s total of €5.87 billion, as per the DFL’s latest economic report.

Meanwhile, 28 of the 36 clubs across the Bundesliga and 2 Bundesliga made a profit for the last campaign.

President hails “success story”

Hans-Joachim Matzke, president of the DFL, said: “German professional football has undergone rapid development over the past 25 years - in sporting, structural, and economic terms alike.

“The league association and the DFL are a success story - the current figures underscore this impressively.”

Wrexham AFC receive £47.8 million financial boost

Wrexham AFC have issued a single share worth £47.8 million, according to a filing on the UK’s Companies House.

This marks the Championship club’s latest investment, after selling a minority stake to US-based Apollo Sports capital (ASC) in December.

Wrexham’s latest cash injection comes with one week remaining in the current January transfer window.

Wrexham’s commercial growth

Despite reporting a loss of £2.7 million for 2023/24, Wrexham generated record revenue of £26.7 million last season, in a 155 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

This was driven by an uptick in commercial revenue, which rose from £1.8 million to £13.2 million, and accounted for around half of the club’s overall income.

FIFA announces record $4 million prize purse for inaugural Women’s Champions Cup

FIFA has announced a record prize purse of $4 million for this month’s inaugural Women’s Champions Cup.

The semi-finals of the tournament, which features the champion teams from each of the six continental federations, will take place on Wednesday, ahead of the final on Sunday 1st February at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

The winner of the Women’s Champions Cup will receive $2.3 million, marking the highest payout ever in women’s club football.
The second-placed club will earn $1 million, with each of the two semi-finalists to be paid $200,000.

A “clear statement”

FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, said: “A total payout of close to $4 million distributed among the six participants based on their performance is a clear statement of the belief in women’s club football and the players, teams and competitions driving its continued rise.

“It reflects the global growth of the women’s game and FIFA’s commitment to making targeted, meaningful investments that strengthen women’s club football for the long term.”

Former Charlton Athletic owner, Thomas Sandgaard, has been charged with fraud in the US.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the Danish entrepreneur is facing 15 charges of fraud, during his tenure as CEO of Zynex between 2017 and 2025. He has been indicted by a US federal grand jury in Rhode Island.

The 67-year-old, who founded the medical device manufacturer back in 1996, previously owned English club Charlton from 2020 to 2023.

Sandgaard’s charges

Alongside the company’s chief operating officer, Anna Lucsok, Sandgaard allegedly “orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars from government and private healthcare payers and patients.”

As per US Attorney Charles C Calenda, the charges include one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, mail fraud and securities fraud, as well as nine counts of healthcare fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and three counts of aggravated identity theft.

 

MLS extends summer transfer window until September

Major League Soccer (MLS) has extended its summer transfer window, in order to better align its schedule with that of European leagues.

In November, MLS unveiled plans to switch to a July-to-May calendar, which will take effect from 2027, pivoting from its current February-to-November format.

This year’s summer transfer window, also referred to as the ‘secondary window’, will run from 13th July until 2nd September.

“Greater opportunity” to acquire top talent

In a statement, MLS said: “With the Secondary Window extending into September for the first time in two decades (excluding the Covid-adjusted 2020 season), the conclusion of the MLS window will align with top leagues from around the world, giving MLS teams a greater opportunity to acquire high-quality international talent in their run to the MLS Cup Playoffs.”

The announcement comes in the buildup to the 2026 season, which kicks off on 21st February.

 

German club Karlsruher SC win legal dispute against ticket platform Viagogo

Karlsruher SC (KSC) have won their legal dispute with ticketing platform Viagogo, with the Mannheim Regional Court ruling in favour of the Bundesliga 2 side.

KSC are the third German club to sue Viagogo, after FC St. Pauli and Union Berlin also took legal action against the Switzerland-based firm.

Going forward, resale of KSC match tickets on the platform will be illegal.

Refused access to stadium

Under the court ruling, Viagogo will be required to clearly indicate that tickets sold on the platform do not grant access to the club’s Wildparkstadion home.

The company had previously been reselling KSC tickets at inflated prices, with buyers refused entry to the stadium.

 

Real Madrid could go to trial over alleged noise pollution offences at Bernabeu concerts

Real Madrid could face a trial over alleged noise pollution offences caused by concerts held at the club’s Bernabeu Stadium.

This legal case dates back to July 2024, when the Bernabeu Affected Residents’ Association filed a complaint against the LaLiga side, following a series of concerts staged at the venue.

As reported by The Guardian, Real Madrid’s general manager, Jose Angel Sanchez, and Real Madrid Estadio, the company which oversees business activity relating to the stadium, have been cited in legal documents regarding the charges. The case centres around concerts at the Bernabeu between April and September 2024.

Last week, Judge Monica Aguirre de la Cuesta of Madrid’s court of instruction number 53, approved the case to go to trial. In a court document shared by the Athletic, she said: “There are indications of the commission of allegedly criminal acts, a crime against the environment, in its form of noise pollution.”

Intended to increase club’s revenue

The iconic stadium, which has a capacity of around 84,000, was subject to a reported €1.3 billion renovation from 2019 to 2024. The Athletic reports that Madrid borrowed €1.1 billion in order to finance the development project, which has seen the installation of a retractable roof and pitch.

The club viewed the revamp of the Bernabeu as an opportunity to increase their revenue by hosting events and concerts. However last September, Madrid announced that they would be “provisionally rescheduling” all converts being held there, in order to comply with municipal regulations.

 

Al-Hilal surpasses €300 million in revenue and delivers a profit

Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal have reported a profit of SAR 37.8 million (€8.5 million) for the 2024/25 season.

As per the club’s latest annual accounts, Al-Hilal generated revenue of SAR 1.27 billion (€300 million), marking a 17 per cent increase on last year’s figure of SAR 1.09 billion (€250 million).

Largely driven by sponsorship revenue

The team have attributed the year-over-year (YoY) growth to an uptick in sponsorship revenue, which accounted for 40 per cent of the Riyadh club’s overall income, as well as diversified revenue streams.

Sponsorship revenue saw a 16.5 per cent YoY increase to reach SAR 505.9 million (€114.2 million) for 2024/25.

Meanwhile, fan attendances were up 79 per cent compared to the previous season.

US businessman John Textor has lost a legal appeal for an injunction in an ongoing legal dispute with investment group Iconic Sports, after a ruling by the UK’s Court of Appeal.

The case, which dates back to 2022, centres around Iconic’s $75 million acquisition of a 15.7 per cent stake in Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings, when the company took over French club Olympique Lyon. Iconic are seeking around $97 million in compensation, with that figure comprising the $75 million plus 11 per cent annual interest.

With the latest decision, the case is expected to proceed, and will return to the UK Commercial Court for a full hearing that will likely take place this year, according to French publication L’Équipe.

Conflicting statements

Following the ruling on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Textor said about the verdict: “This is a significant step forward, as a favourable decision on remittal would bring the case to an end, entirely in our favour.”

By contrast, Iconic said: “We are delighted with the Court of Appeal’s ruling today, which dismissed John Textor’s primary ground of appeal in full and awarded costs in Iconic Sports’ favour."

“We fully expect judgement in our favour and for Iconic Sports to recoup the more than $97 million that it is owed.”
 

AFC Bournemouth given planning permission for improvements at Vitality Stadium

AFC Bournemouth have received planning permission for the modernisation of the Premier League club’s Vitality Stadium home.

In a statement, the club said the renovation will “deliver significant improvements to the stadium’s infrastructure and matchday experience,” after getting the green light from the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council.

The project includes the reinstallation of a perimeter fence and turnstiles, in addition to new pedestrian and cycle routes, and the construction of a new outside broadcast area.

According to Bournemouth, this will help facilitate “further phases” of the club’s “ambitious redevelopment plans” for the venue. Last year, the club bought back the stadium, which has a capacity of around 11,000. At the time, Bournemouth owner Bill Foley unveiled plans to increase its capacity to 20,000.

An “important moment”

“This is an exciting and important moment for the club,” Bill Foley said to the club's website.

“Our proposed new stadium reflects not only our ambition on the pitch, but also our commitment to investing in the community. The project will deliver long-term benefits for supporters, local residents, and the wider region beyond the BCP area.”
 

Bodo/Glimt launches new company to invest in and develop technology

Norwegian club FK Bodo/Glimt have launched a wholly owned company - Edge Case Ventures - which will invest in and develop technology.

Alongside the new venture, Glimt has entered a strategic partnership with Portuguese sports-focused investment firm Apex Capital.

Edge Case Ventures comprises two parts, namely the Edge Lab and Edge Circle. The former will serve as an innovation and testing arena for developing and testing new technologies, while the latter will be a closed partner network for Nordic companies.

Frode Thomassen, CEO of Bodo/Glimt, said: “[The club] has shown that achievements are built through culture, learning and courageous choices. With Edge Case Ventures, we are taking this further and giving it a clearer structure, where sport, technology and capital play on the same team, on and off the field.”

€1 million investment

As reported by local publication Dagens Naeringsliv, the club have invested NOK 11.7 million (€1 million) into the Apex Elite Performance Fund, through their new partnership.

Glimt is the first football club to join the fund, which invests in startups that develop technology and solutions for sport. The venture fund’s other investors include Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, as well as football legends Marcelo, Giorgio Chiellini, and Christian Eriksen.

Manchester United have agreed a multi-million pound deal with US entertainment company Lionsgate to produce a drama series centred on the club’s history, The Athletic has reported.

Production of the series is still currently in its developmental phase, and has not yet been picked up by a broadcaster or streaming platform.

Although further terms of the agreement are not known, the contract with Lionsgate is believed to be worth “in the low multi-million pounds,” if the series is produced and sold, with the Premier League club and production firm set to share royalties.

The show will take a similar format to Netflix drama series The Crown, reflecting on the team’s history.

Walked away from £10 million Amazon deal

United withdrew from a previous agreement with Amazon to produce an ‘All or Nothing’ style documentary series during the 2025/26 season, due to fears that this could act as a distraction and hinder the club’s on-field performance.

Amazon were reportedly willing to offer more than £10 million to produce the behind the scenes series, which would have been its most lucrative payment to any club for an All or Nothing production.

AS Roma’s capital increase raised to €800 million by The Friedkin Group

AS Roma’s owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), have raised the club’s capital increase to €800 million, as reported by Italian outlet Calcio Finanza.

The further increase from €650 million was approved during a meeting on 22nd December.

Meanwhile, the deadline of the operation has been extended until 31st December 2026.

TFG has invested more than €750 million

This takes TFG’s investment in the Serie A club beyond €750 million, since the US-based consortium first took over Roma in 2020 for around €600 million.

TFG’s ownership portfolio also includes English club Everton, who were subject to a takeover worth €450 million in 2024, as well as French club AS Cannes.

FIFA’s inaugural Women’s Club World Cup could have “catastrophic impact”, says Womens Super League

FIFA’s recently announced plans for the inaugural Women's Club World Cup could be “catastrophic” for English women’s football, according to Womens Super League Football.

The governing body, which oversees the top two tiers of the women’s game in England - the Women’s Super League (WSL) and WSL2 - has criticised the scheduling of the competition.

The inaugural edition of the Women’s Club World Cup is set to take place in January 2028, which would be during the middle of the WSL and WSL2 season. The tournament would therefore clash with at least five match-days, with further information regarding its dates and qualification process yet to be revealed.

A spokesperson for WSL Football told UK media that the body is firmly opposed to the proposed timing of the Club World Cup, and claimed that it was not consulted before FIFA approved the plans on 16th December.

Could effect welfare of our players

“The timing of that tournament causes us significant concern by multiple levels,” the WSL spokesperson said.

“At best, it is inconvenient and is going to cause real headaches for us. At worst, it’s catastrophic for the game in this country, for our commercial programme, and more importantly for the welfare of our players.”

City Football Group (CFG), the owners of several football clubs including Manchester City and Girona FC, have recieved an injection of £60 million by their Arab owners.

A Companies House submission on Monday confirmed that CFG has issued almost 6.8 million A Preference Shares at a rate of £8.82.

This marks CFG’s latest investment, after the multi-club organisation issued more than 7.9 million shares last year, receiving a cash injection of £70 million.

Record revenue

After the latest transaction, CFG’s share capital has increased to £659 million. This comprises 488.4 million ordinary shares, along with 170.6 million Class A shares.

In 2023/24, CFG generated record revenue of £1.172 billion, marking a 14 per cent increase on the previous year.

90 per cent of English clubs expecting to make a loss for 2025

90 per cent of English men’s professional football clubs are expecting to report a financial loss for 2025, according to BDO’s annual survey of football finance directors.

The report, which collated responses from club financial directors across England’s top four tiers, revealed that 60 per cent of Premier League clubs believe their profitability will improve, with the remaining 40 per cent expecting their financial situation to worsen.

For 2025, 20 per cent of Premier League clubs are forecasting a profit, compared to just 11 per cent of clubs in the Championship. However, no respondents from the third or fourth tier are projecting a profit in their latest statements.

Wage share higher in lower leagues

Premier League wages on average account for 63 per cent of clubs’ revenue, compared to 69 per cent in the Championship, and 93 per cent in League One and League Two.

Morocco threatens legal action following AFCON final

The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has threatened legal action against FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), after Senegalese players left the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations (ACFON) final.

Chaos ensued after a penalty was awarded to Morocco in injury time following a VAR review, with the score 0-0 at the time. As a result, several Senegalese players subsequently withdrew from the pitch, amid frustration after having a goal ruled out by VAR earlier in the match, before later returning. Meanwhile, Senegalese supporters clashed with police in the stands.

When play eventually resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, before Senegal ultimately won the match in extra time.

In a statement released on Monday, the FRMF said that this sequence of events “significantly impacted the normal flow of the match and the players' performance.”

FIFA president reacts

In response to the AFCON final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.

“The ugly scenes witnessed must be condemned and never repeated. I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”

New independent football regulator to review parachute payments

England’s new Independent Football Regulator (IFR) will review parachute payments to relegated clubs as part of a new ‘State of the Game’ report, BBC Sport reports.

According to IFR chair David Kogan, the report is set to “shine a light on the financial pressures, governance gaps, and structural risks,” across the top five tiers of English men’s football. It is due to be published in draft later this year, ahead of final publication in Spring 2027.

The new governing body, which came into effect last November, will assess the distribution of revenue between leagues, and will have the authority to impose a financial settlement on the Premier League and English Football League if the two parties remain unable to agree on a new settlement after years of negotiations to no avail.

Report to give football “the clarity it deserves”

Kogan said: “The game has never been examined like this before. For the first time, we will shine a light on the financial pressures, governance gaps, and structural risks facing the football pyramid.

“The State of the Game report will give football the clarity it deserves, so decisions by the IFR can be made with confidence and for the long-term.”
 

MLS franchise Sporting Kansas City have agreed to sell a majority stake that values the club at around $700 million, according to Forbes.

If that figure is accurate, this takeover would be the most lucrative in the history of MLS.

According to local publication, The Kansas City Star, the takeover will see financial adviser and lawyer Peter Mallouk acquire an 80 per cent share in Sporting KC, and will now oversee day-to-day running of the club.

Mallouk, who is the CEO of Creative Planning, has been a minority investor in the franchise since 2022, and also has a minority stake in MLB’s Kansas City Royals.

Illig family retains governor roles

Sporting have been owned by the Illig family since 2006, when the club was acquired from Lamar Hunt, whose family own the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.

Forbes reports that the Illig family are selling a 71 per cent stake in the team, reducing their share to just under ten per cent. Despite this, the family will retain its roles as governor and alternate governor of Sporting KC.
 

Commercial growth drives revenue of women’s football’s top 15 clubs to €158 million in 2025

The 15 top clubs in women’s football have eclipsed €150 million in cumulative revenue for the 2025 financial year, as per Deloitte’s latest Football Money League report.

The study found that the clubs generated €158 million in total revenue, up 35 per cent year on year. Growth was driven mainly by commercial income, which rose to €114.1 million. Commercial revenue’s share of total income has risen steadily, from 58 per cent in 2022/23 to 66 per cent the following season and 72 per cent in 2024/25.

Chelsea delivered €19.1 million in commercial revenue, the largest amount of any club, followed by Barcelona (€16.3 million) and Arsenal (€16.2 million). However overall, Arsenal generated the most total revenue, bringing in €25.6 million.

Meanwhile, broadcast revenue dropped slightly over the past year, falling by six per cent to an average of €1.3 million during the 2024/25 season. This consequently made up just 13 per cent of the teams’ total income.

Carving its own path

Jennifer Haskel, knowledge and insight lead in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: “The topline revenue growth across women’s football clubs reflects the ongoing innovation and commercially focussed mindset in some of the games’ leading markets.

“The women’s game is beginning to carve its own path with new and expanded brand partnerships, new ticketing strategies, and dedication to truly understanding the evolving fanbase.”
 

Juventus lose appeal after being ordered to pay Cristiano Ronaldo €9.8 million in unpaid wages

Juventus have lost their appeal against a ruling in 2024 that ordered the Italian club to pay former striker Cristiano Ronaldo €9.8 million in unpaid wages.

Initially, Ronaldo had been seeking €19.6 million from his former club, which was not paid to the Portuguese after the 2019/20 season was abandoned due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

After losing their case, Juventus appealed against the decision, however the original ruling was upheld by a Turin court on Monday.

Juventus consider appeal

According to Calcio e Finanza, Juventus’ legal team are currently reviewing the latest ruling, and are considering submitting an appeal to Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation.

The ruling will not impact the club’s financial statements, as the money owed to Ronaldo was previously included in their accounts for the 2023/24 season.
 

Tottenham executive Rebecca Caplehorn to join Premier League as chief football officer

Tottenham Hotspur head of administration and football governance, Rebecca Caplehorn, is set to be appointed as the Premier League’s chief football officer, as reported by The Athletic.

Caplehorn will join the league at the end of this month, replacing Tony Scholes.

This marks the latest executive departure from the club, with sporting director Fabio Paratici leaving Spurs to join Fiorentina after the January transfer window.

Caplehorn’s resume

In October, it was reported that Caplehorn would be leaving the Premier League club at the end of the January transfer window. Having joined Spurs as head of football operations in 2015, she was promoted to her current position in 2020.

Prior to her tenure in north London, she spent five years at Championship side Queens Park Rangers.