DAZN has been ordered to pay up the remainder of its €84.2 million broadcast rights deal with the Belgian Pro League, following a judgement from the Belgian Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (Cepani).

The UK-based broadcaster inked a five-year contract with Belgium’s top flight in 2024, which took effect at the start of the 2025/26 season. However, after DAZN was unable to agree distribution deals with Belgian networks Telenet and Proximus, Pro League matches were only available on its own platform.

The network consequently terminated its agreement in November, and withheld a €6.6 million instalment, prompting the league to initiate legal action.

As per last week’s ruling, Cepani has ordered DAZN to continue airing Pro League fixtures, and paying its contract until 30th June. This will amount to around €53 million. DAZN will additionally be required to cover 25 per cent of the Pro League’s arbitration costs, and will face a further €50,000 fine if specific criteria are not met.

Lorin Parys, CEO of the Pro League, said: “We are pleased that DAZN is required to honour its commitments regarding production, distribution, payment, and negotiations with the telecom companies. The winners of this ruling are our fans, our clubs, and Belgian football as a whole.”

"Provisional measures"

Massimo D’Amario, CEO of DAZN Belgium, said: “It is important to emphasise that these provisional measures, including on interim payments, do not pass any judgment on DAZN’s legal position in the ongoing dispute with the Pro League.

“DAZN remains convinced that the Cepani arbitration panel that will be constituted in the coming weeks will rule that the original contract ended lawfully.”

He added: “DAZN will in any event continue to produce and broadcast Pro League matches as it has been doing over the past months.”

 

City Football Group withdraws from Mumbai City amid “ongoing uncertainty” in Indian Super League

City Football Group (CFG) has divested its majority stake in Mumbai City, citing “ongoing uncertainty” regarding the future of the Indian Super League (ISL).

Since the arrival of Manchester City owner CFG in 2019, Mumbai have gone on to win two league titles, as well as two ISL Cups.

In a statement, CFG said the decision to withdraw from Mumbai followed a “comprehensive commercial review”, with the club’s founding owners set to “assume full control of the organisation moving forward.”

The ISL’s uncertain future

The future of the ISL remains shrouded by uncertainty, after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced that the 2025/26 season would not proceed as planned.

The ISL season, which was set to kick off in September 2025, has been delayed after the AIFF and the ISL’s operating company, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), failed to extend the Master Rights Agreement (MRA), which enables the FDSL to operate and commercialise the league. The previous 10-year MRA expired in December.

 

Juventus and Ajax appoint new sporting directors

Juventus have revealed Marco Ottolini as the Italian club’s new sporting director, effective from 1st January.

Ottolini has made his return to Turin, after previously serving at the Serie A club for four years between 2018 and 2022, when he worked in the scouting team, before monitoring the team’s loan players, and establishing relationships with international clubs.

The 45-year-old joins from Genoa, where he served in the same role for the past three years. He replaces Juventus’ former sporting director Cristiani Giuntoli, who departed the club last summer.

Ajax set to appoint Cruyff

Elsewhere, Dutch side Ajax have struck a verbal agreement to hire Jordi Cruyff as the club’s new technical director from early February.

The son of Ajax legend Johan Cruyff replaces Danny Blind, who stepped down from his role in September. The 51-year-old is set to join the club on a three-year contract until 2028.

 

Sheffield Wednesday administrators select preferred bidder

Sheffield Wednesday’s administrators have identified British entrepreneur James Bord as the preferred bidder to take over the club, according to UK media.

Begbies Traynor, the administrators appointed by Wednesday after the Championship club entered administration on 24th October, confirmed last week that they intended to grant “preferred bidder status” to an unnamed consortium.

In a statement, the firm said the decision followed “extensive financial, legal and forensic due diligence.”

Bord, who is the owner and founder of AI-powered sports analytics company Short Circuit Science, also holds a stake in Spanish second tier club Cordoba, as well as Bulgarian team Septemvri Sofia through US investment group Park Bench SFC LLC.

Takeover subject to EFL approval

Last month, multiple reports suggested that Begbies Traynor had whittled down their search for a new owner to a shortlist of three bidders, including Bord, alongside former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, and a US consortium led by John McEvoy.

The proposed takeover will now be subject to EFL approval, and will have to pass its Owners and Directors’ test. Wednesday were previously owned by Thai businessman Dejphon Chansiri, who relinquished control of the Yorkshire club in October after a decade-long tenure.

 

Club America valued at $490 million after selling 49% stake to US investors

US fund General Atlantic has acquired a 49 per cent stake in Club America, the Mexican team have confirmed. As reported by media, the investment values the club at around $490 million.

The deal also includes a stake in Club America’s 83,000-seat Estadio Azteca home, which will host matches during the FIFA World Cup in 2026, and the surrounding land.

Grupo Ollamani to retain majority stake

Alongside the new investment, Club America have also partnered with the Kraft Analytics Group, the technology and data subsidiary of New England Patriots owner, the Kraft Group.

Meanwhile, Grupo Televisa subsidiary Grupo Ollamani will retain the remaining 51 per cent stake, with Emilio Azcarraga Jean to remain as the club’s executive chairman.

Napoli and Pisa have been placed under enhanced financial supervision and will face limits on transfer spending after failing to meet Serie A’s updated cost controls, as reported by Italian media.

The decision follows a review of accounts as of 30 September by Italy’s new financial authority, which has replaced Covisoc and reported its findings to the FIGC. Both clubs exceeded the “expanded labour cost to revenue” threshold of 0.8.

As a result, Napoli and Pisa will operate under a “zero balance” rule, meaning any transfer signings must be matched by player sales of the same value. No full ban applies in January, but flexibility in the market will be reduced.

Tightening threshold

The restrictions can be lifted if the clubs restore financial balance, including through owner funding. Pisa have already begun capital injections to address the shortfall.

From next season, the threshold will tighten to 0.7 in line with UEFA standards, raising the risk of a full transfer ban from July for clubs that remain non-compliant.
 

NWSL introduces rule allowing teams to exceed salary cap by $1 million for 'high impact' players

The NWSL has announced the introduction of the High Impact Player Rule, which will allow clubs to exceed the salary cap by up to $1 million for players designated as “high impact”.

The league said the rule is intended to provide teams with greater flexibility in squad building. Players will qualify based on set criteria, including recognition in lists by sports publications, inclusion in the Ballon d’Or top 30, and the number of minutes played for the United States women’s national team.

The move comes amid an ongoing dispute between the league and the NWSL Players Association over compensation rules, following the NWSL’s rejection of a proposed contract extension for Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman. Earlier this month, the NWSLPA filed a grievance on Rodman’s behalf, alleging the decision breached the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

The NWSL said the High Impact Player Rule would contribute more than $115m in additional player compensation over the term of the existing CBA, which runs until 2030. Although the rule will formally take effect on 1 July 2026, clubs will be able to sign eligible players immediately, provided the mechanism is not used before that date.

NWSLPA challenges unilateral implementation

The NWSL Players Association said it opposes the league’s decision to implement the rule without collective bargaining, arguing that changes to compensation under the salary cap are a mandatory subject of negotiation under federal labour law.

In a statement, the union said fair pay is achieved through collectively bargained systems rather than “arbitrary classifications”, and said it had proposed an alternative approach focused on raising the team salary cap and developing a revenue-sharing projection model through bargaining.

The NWSLPA added that the league’s unilateral action leaves it “no choice but to take action to enforce the rights of the players we represent.”
 

Former Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah threatened winding-up order over unpaid debt

Former Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah threatened to serve the club a winding-up order, over an unpaid £10 million instalment from current owners COH Sports, according to Sky Sports.

Last December, the US-based consortium completed a takeover of the English club, in a deal worth more than £100 million.

However, there are still two outstanding payments to the Saudi Arabian Prince, in order for COH to finalise the formal takeover of Sheffield. As a result, Prince Abdullah issued a statutory demand to the group in November, giving them 21 days to pay off the £10 million.

After the initial deadline expired, he gave COH a further three weeks to foot the bill, threatening to issue a winding-up order that could have placed the club into administration if this was not settled.

COH has no intention to sell

Almost half of the agreed takeover fee has yet to be paid. This has prompted Sheffield’s former owner to express his concern over the new ownership in a letter to the EFL.

Despite this, COH insists that the US group remains fully committed to the Championship club, and has no intention to sell it.
 

Sheffield Wednesday asking price lowered to £15 million - £20 million

Sheffield Wednesday’s asking price has dropped, with offers worth between £15 million - £20 million now being considered, according to local publication The Sheffield Star.

The Championship club entered administration on 24th October, after previous owner, Thai businessman Dejphon Chansiri, relinquished control of the Yorkshire-based outfit. Wednesday subsequently appointed administrators Begbies Traynor to oversee the club’s sale.

Earlier this month, UK media reported that there were three bidders left in the race to take over Wednesday - former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, UK businessman James Bord, and a US-based group led by John McEvoy.

Parties rekindle interest

Begbies Traynor had been seeking an asking price of £30 million, with Ashley’s bid believed to be lower than that figure.

However, the club are now considering offers beneath the £30 million - £35 million threshold. Consequently, one consortium has re-entered the takeover race, with more parties expected to follow suit.

Serie A has cancelled plans for next year’s AC Milan vs Como match to be held in Australia, the Italian top flight confirmed. The game was slated to be staged at Perth’s Optus Stadium on 8th February, in what would have been the first Italian domestic league match to be played overseas.

In a joint statement, Serie A and the Government of Western Australia said: “The onerous conditions from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to sanction the fixture could not be implemented without financial risks to the Western Australian Government and Serie A that could not be mitigated.”

Earlier this month, Italian media reported that proposals for the Australia game were facing challenges, with the AFC mandating that the match would not be organised, promoted, or marketed by Serie A. As part of these demands, the game could only by officiated by AFC referees, as opposed to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Despite this, Serie A president Ezio Simonelli insisted last week that the match would nonetheless go ahead, stating: “The match will be played there as scheduled.” He added that following consultation with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and former Italian referee Pierluigi Collina, Serie A was prepared to accept the AFC’s conditions.

"A missed opportunity”

In the joint announcement, Simonelli said: “Due to an escalation of further unacceptable demands made in the last few hours by the AFC to the Australian Football Federation and, consequently, to the Government of Western Australia and the Lega Calcio Serie A, it has become impossible to play the Milan-Como match in Perth on 8th February.”

He added: “While expressing disappointment at the outcome of this project, we remain firmly convinced that this conclusion is a missed opportunity in the growth of Italian football at an international level.”
 

Men’s clubs spent more than $1 billion on agents in 2025

Men’s football clubs spent a record $1.37 billion on agent fees throughout 2025, surpassing the previous high of $889.4 million set in 2023.

This also marks a 90 per cent increase on last year’s spending of $710.4 million on agents, according to FIFA’s Football Agents Report 2025, which collated data from 1st January until 1st December.

English clubs spent the most of any country, accounting for $375 million of the overall figure, with German teams spending the second largest figure of $165 million over the last year.

Women’s football doubles

Meanwhile, the study also revealed that spending on agents within women’s professional football has doubled, rising from $3.1 million to $6.2 million.

In the women’s game, French agents generated the highest amount of service fees, with $1.2 million, followed by the UK and Italy, which totalled $809,200 and $790,500 respectively.
 

Africa Cup of Nations to switch to quadrennial format from 2028

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will switch to a quadrennial format from 2028, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has announced.

Currently, the continental competition is held every two years, and has taken place on a biennial basis since 1968.

The announcement came ahead of the ongoing AFCON tournament, which kicked off in Morocco on 21st December, and will run until 18th January.

African Nations League

Meanwhile, African football’s governing body has also revealed plans for the African Nations League, which will launch in 2029. The African Nations league will take place on an annual basis, comprising all 54 CAF member nations, and will be held during international breaks.

“It is an exciting new structure which will contribute to sustainable financial independence and ensure more synchronisation with the FIFA calendar,” said Patrice Motsepe.
 

Genoa CEO cleared as court dismisses A-Cap complaint

Genoa have confirmed that the Court of Genoa has dismissed criminal complaints against Genoa chief executive Andrés Blázquez, dismissing allegations of contractual fraud and unlawful influence over shareholder meetings brought by ACM Delegate LLC, a company linked to A-Cap.

The case was part of a broader effort by A-Cap to assert control over Genoa and, in effect, to block the takeover of the club by Dan Șucu. Following financing agreements signed in 2023 by 777 Partners and 600 Partners, ACM claimed that an alleged default under those loans had made it the club’s “de facto owner”.

This would include voting rights at shareholder meetings and leverage over key decisions, including any change of ownership.

The court found that ACM was never a shareholder in Genoa and that the loan documents did not give it any voting rights enforceable against the club.

Capital increase upheld

ACM also challenged a €40m capital increase approved in December 2024 and subscribed by Șucu, arguing it was designed to dilute its position and prevent it from stopping the takeover or steering an alternative sale of the club.

The judge ruled the move lawful and necessary, pointing to Genoa’s negative equity, serious financial difficulties and pressure from tax authorities to strengthen its capital.

The construction of several new stadiums for the 2034 men’s FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia is being delayed due to concerns over the cost of the projects, according to The Guardian.

The UK publication claims that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is aiming to reduce costs for the tournament. Last year, the kingdom was formally confirmed by FIFA as the host for the 2034 edition of the competition, after emerging as the only bidder.

Ahead of the tournament, Saudi Arabia has revealed plans to build 11 new venues, while four existing stadiums will be renovated and expanded. Construction has reportedly started on three of the new stadiums, while several other projects are being held back.

Reduce number of host venues

Numerous architecture firms that secured contracts to develop the new venues have been asked by the PIF to resubmit their proposals, due to the high costs of their designs.

The Guardian also reports that there is “widespread speculation” that Saudi Arabia could reduce its number of venues for the World Cup, which comprised 15 stadiums in the country’s initial bid to host the tournament.

 

Salford City announce AIG as club’s new majority shareholder

US finance and insurance firm AIG has become the majority shareholder in Salford City, the English club confirmed.

In August, AIG acquired a minority stake in the League Two side, following a reshuffling of the club’s ownership. Earlier this year, Manchester United legends Sir David Beckham and Gary Neville led a takeover of Salford as part of a new consortium comprising nine members.

This new group bought out former members of the Class of 92 investment group, which had owned Salford since 2014. These included former United players Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville.

An expanded relationship

AIG, which was previously the main shirt sponsor between 2006 and 2010, will also serve as a commercial sponsor of Salford in a partnership running until 2030.

Gary Neville, co-owner of Salford City, said: “Most partnerships in football stop at visibility, but this one goes much deeper. “The opportunity to tap into AIG’s intelligence, innovation and leadership is extraordinary, and it can help move Salford City FC forward in a meaningful way.”

 

Southampton owner Sport Republic ends takeover talks with Levski Sofia

Southampton owner Sport Republic has withdrawn from takeover talks to acquire Bulgarian club PFC Levski Sofia.

In a statement, the group said talks with Levski stalled, due to the Bulgarian club’s unwillingness to be part of a multi-club ownership model, and intention to remain independent.

“During our constructive exchanges with Levski’s management, it became clear that they do not see the club as part of a multi-club model,” said Sport Republic.

“We fully respect that position, but it means we could not reach an agreement, as Sport Republic is a multi-club organisation.”

Multi-club ownership group

The UK-based investment firm, which is backed by Serbian billionaire Dragan Šolak, bought an 80 per cent stake in the English Championship club back in 2022.

Sport Republic also has controlling stakes in Turkish side Göztepe SK, as well as French club Valenciennes.

 

Nice part ways with president Fabrice Bocquet

OGC Nice have announced the departure of the Ligue 1 club’s president Fabrice Bocquet, after just four months in the role.

In a statement, Nice said Bocquet would be leaving the Allianz Riviera, having initially joined the French club in 2022 as CEO, before becoming president on 20th August.

According to L’Équipe, Bocquet decided to step down from the position, citing a need for change, particularly regarding the club’s on-field results. The team are currently placed 13th in Ligue 1, after finishing fourth at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Return of former president

As revealed by the club, Jean-Pierre Rivère will return as president, alongside Maurice Cohen.

Rivère, who acquired a 51 per cent stake in Nice for a reported €11-12 million in 2011, previously served as the club’s chairman. After selling an 80 per cent majority stake in the club to a group of Chinese and American investors led by Alex Zheng and Chien Lee, Rivere would depart Nice in January 2019 following a dispute with the ownership.

When the club was later taken over by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS in August 2019, Rivere returned to Nice, serving as president until his departure earlier this year.

 

UEFA distributes record €9 million to clubs for releasing players for Women’s Euro 2025

UEFA has distributed a record €9 million to 103 clubs for releasing players for last summer’s Women’s Euro 2025 competition.

In collaboration with European Football Clubs (EFC) European football’s governing body has agreed to pay double the €4.5 million compensation awarded to teams for releasing players for the last Women’s Euro in 2022. €3.37 million was given to English clubs, with Chelsea and Arsenal accounting for a combined figure of €870,525.

Teams were paid a daily rate of €1,095 for releasing each player for the tournament, which was held in Switzerland last July.

"An investment in the future of the game”

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “The club benefits programme is a reflection of the vital role that European clubs play in developing the players who made UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 such a groundbreaking and memorable tournament.

“The payments are not just a financial reward - they are an investment in the future of the game, strengthening the important collaboration between club and national team football.”

LaLiga have approved changes to 13 articles of their economic control rules aimed at giving clubs greater flexibility in the transfer market, while tightening oversight of income recognition and spending limits.

LaLiga will now only allow sponsorship and commercial income to count towards the squad cost limit if a minimum portion is paid within the same season, effectively blocking the use of long-term deferred payment structures.

LaLiga have also raised the minimum amount that can be added to the squad cost limit through capital increases to €6 million, from €4 million, while keeping the cap at 25 per cent of turnover. The change will apply from 3 February and take effect from the summer transfer window.

Exceptions, renewals and academy relief

The most immediate change is a new “wild card” allowing clubs to renew one player per season without being subject to economic control conditions. The exemption can be used from the January window.

From the summer, certain salary reductions for veteran players will count as a reduction in squad cost, applying to outfield players aged 36 or over and goalkeepers aged 38 or over.

Clubs will also be able to include academy costs within the existing exemption of up to €2 million in LaLiga and €1 million in LaLiga Hypermotion, provided the funding comes from the shareholder or owner.

LaLiga have further tightened overspending limits, cutting the allowable deviation in the first tier to 6 per cent over two seasons, from 10 per cent. In the second tier, the 10 per cent limit remains, alongside a new nominal cap of €500,000.
 

Serie A president confirms AC Milan vs Como to take place in Australia

Serie A president Ezio Simonelli has confirmed that next year’s AC Milan vs Como fixture will be played in Australia as planned.

The match, which is set to be held at Perth’s Optus Stadium on 8th February, will however take place without Italian referees, Simonelli said.

Earlier this month, the proposed Australia game faced complications, amid Italian media reports that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Football Australia would impose strict conditions on the match, including that referees and assistants must be from the AFC, as opposed to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Serie A accepts AFC referees

“The match will be played there as scheduled,” said Simonelli.

“[FIFA president Gianni Infantino] and I met cordially, and we had some concerns, especially about the referees because they had appointed foreigners.

“[Former Italian referee Pierluigi Collina] gave me assurances about the Asian referees; he has some quality referees to recommend for the match. We will accept this condition, then we'll work out the rest.”
 

Olympique de Marseille to report €37 million loss for 2024/25

Olympique de Marseille are set to report a loss of around €37 million for the 2024/25 season, according to a report from L’Équipe.

This is similar to the French club’s financial statements for 2023/24, when Marseille made a loss of €39 million.

Earlier this year, the Ligue 1 club’s owner, US businessman Frank McCourt, approved a €94.5 million cash injection, which was mainly intended to offset Marseille’s losses. Marseille are expected to reveal revenue of €240 million for 2024/25, down from last year’s figure of €287 million.

New occupancy agreement for home stadium

Meanwhile, Marseille have announced a new 15-year occupancy agreement with the City of Marseille for the club’s Stade Vélodrome home. This will enable the club to make improvements to the 67,394-seat venue, where they have played home matches since 1937.

In a statement, Marseille said: “Through this agreement, Olympique de Marseille confirms its commitment to an ambitious and sustainable project that serves its supporters and promotes Marseille's sporting and economic influence.”
 

Genoa to collect €4.7 million from A-Cap after winning legal battle

Genoa have won a legal battle against A-Cap, collecting €4.7 million relating to previous debts, according to Tuttosport.

US private investment company A-Cap was the main creditor for Genoa’s previous owner 777 Partners, which collapsed in October 2024.

Earlier this year, the Court of Genoa ruled in favour of the Serie A club, rejecting A-Cap’s precautionary appeal in July, amid an ongoing legal dispute between the two parties. A-Cap is believed to have tens of millions worth of debt, largely due to advance payments made on behalf of 777 Partners.

Genoa’s takeover

Last year, Genoa was subject to a takeover by Romanian businessman Dan Sucu, who acquired a 77 per cent stake in the club for a reported fee of between €40 million and €45 million.

A-Cap attempted to block the takeover, claiming in January that it still owned the Italian side, and had not agreed to the sale, however the Court of Genoa would ultimately rule in favour of the club in April.
 

Reading served winding up petition by former CEO Nigel Howe

Reading have been served a winding up petition by the English club’s former CEO Nigel Howe who is seeking almost £100,000 from the League One club

As reported by The Telegraph, Howe have obtained a County Court Judgement, and is seeking to liquidate the League One club. Howe previously served as Reading’s CEO between 2018 and 2020, during the tenure of the club’s former owner, Chinese businessman Dai Yongge.

Earlier this year, Yongge was disqualified as an owner by the EFL, after failing its Owners’ and Directors’ test. Reading was subsequently put up for sale, before a takeover led by US lawyer Rob Couhig was completed in May.

Reading’s response

In a statement, Reading said: “Reading Football Club confirms that it is in an ongoing dispute with Mr Nigel Howe. The club denies any claims made against it.

“Given the ongoing dispute and potential legal proceedings, the club will not be making any further comment at this time.”

FIFA has announced record prize money for the 2026 World Cup, marking a 50 per cent increase on the last edition of the tournament in Qatar.

In total, $727 million will be distributed among member nations, with $655 million set to be paid out as prize money to the 48 participating teams. This was approved at a FIFA Council meeting in Doha.

The champions of the next World Cup will receive $50 million, while the runner up will be paid $33 million, and the third and fourth-placed teams will get $29 million and $27 million respectively.

All nations participating in next year’s tournament will pocket a minimum of $9 million, alongside $1.5 million to cover preparation costs for the World Cup.

Introduces “more affordable” tickets

Meanwhile, FIFA has revealed a new “more affordable” ticket pricing category for next year’s World Cup, following significant backlash over ticket prices for the tournament.

Under the newly introduced “Supporter Entry Tier,” tickets will be priced at $60 (€51). However only ten per cent of tickets allocated to member associations will be included in this category, which will likely comprise just a few hundred.

Manchester City reveal £9.9 million loss for 2024/25 season

Manchester City have reported their first financial loss since the pandemic, posting a loss of £9.9 million for the 2024/25 season.

Meanwhile, City revealed revenue of £694.1 million, the third highest in the club’s history. By comparison, City brought in record revenue of £715 million last year, reporting a £73.8 million profit for 2023/24.

Last season was the first in eight years in which the club failed to win any silverware, after finishing third in the Premier League table, exiting the Champions League at the play-off stage, and being knocked out of the FA Cup and EFL Cup domestic competitions.

CEO reflects on “difficult season”

Ferran Soriano, CEO at Manchester City, said: “We endured a difficult season from which we learned a lot, and whatever success we achieve in the future will be, in part, thanks to the learnings and the character we developed under difficult circumstances.

“We look to the future with ambition and determination, convinced that we have the systems, people and culture in place to continue our ambitious journey.”

Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell to step down amid “intolerable” abuse from fans

Celtic FC chairman Peter Lawwell will leave the club at the end of 2025, citing “intolerable” abuse from fans.

Lawwell served as CEO at the Scottish club between 2003 and 2021, before returning to Celtic as non-executive chairman in 2023.

Last month, the club’s annual general meeting was scrapped after just 25 minutes due to protests from shareholders, amid the team’s difficult start to the 2025/26 season.

Former manager Brendan Rodgers resigned in October, after his comments on the club’s transfers were condemned as “divisive” by the club’s majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

Celtic are currently second in the Scottish Premiership table, and failed to qualify for the 2025/26 Champions League competition.

Threats “dismayed and alarmed my family”

In a statement announcing his departure, Lawwell said: “I believe that my 18 years as chief executive and three years as chairman at the club have shown my ability to meet and overcome challenges on many fronts, but abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable.

“They have dismayed and alarmed my family. At this stage in my life, I don’t need this. I cannot accept this and so I leave the club I have loved all my life.

He continued: “The motivations and aims of these detractors can be investigated by others. I prefer to look back on my career at Celtic with deep gratitude and satisfaction.”

Former Chelsea owner Abramovich told by UK Government to release £2.5 billion funds

The UK Government has given former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich a final warning over releasing the £2.5 billion proceeds from the club’s sale.

If the Russian oligarch fails to release the funds within the next 90 days, he will subsequently face court action, as reported by The Guardian.

In 2022, the Premier League club was sold to a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital, after the UK Government imposed sanctions on Abramovich following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As per a license granted by the UK Government, Abramovich was allowed to sell Chelsea, on the basis that proceeds from the sale would support humanitarian aid in Ukraine. However, that £2.5 billion has since remained frozen in an account held by Fordstam, a company owned by Abramovich.

Government ready for legal action

Speaking at the House of Commons on Wednesday, UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer said: "The clock is ticking on Roman Abramovich to honour the commitment he made when Chelsea was sold and transfer the £2.5 billion to a humanitarian cause for Ukraine.

“This government is prepared to enforce it through the courts so that every penny reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by [Russia President Vladimir Putin’s] illegal war.”

Real Betis president reveals new stadium will cost €262.3 million

Real Betis’ new Benito Villamarin stadium project will cost €262.3 million, and is expected to be complete by May 2028, the club’s president Angel Haro has announced.

Speaking at the Spanish club’s ordinary and extraordinary general meeting, Haro outlined Betis’ stadium plans.
Construction of the new stadium will cost €163.1 million, with the total project development to cost €202.9 million.

Construction is set to start between March and June 2026, with Betis expected to return to the redeveloped stadium for the 2028/28 campaign.

Haro also revealed that the club will receive €15 million in financing from CVC, accounting for just six per cent of the overall cost.

Delivers record revenue for 2024/25

Also during the meeting, shareholders approved the Sevilla-based club’s latest financial results for the 2024/25 season. These included record revenue of €151 million, alongside a net profit of €4.6 million.

Betis received €86 million in broadcast rights, largely due to the LaLiga team’s involvement in last year’s UEFA Conference League.

Paris Saint-Germain have been ordered to pay Kylian Mbappe €60 million by the Paris Conseil de prud’hommes for unpaid wages and bonuses.

Last month, Mbappe initiated legal action against his former club, seeking €263 million in damages due to a dispute dating back to the 2023/24 season, prior to his move to Real Madrid.

The French champions subsequently filed a countersuit, demanding €440 million from the 26-year-old France international. PSG claimed that his departure on a free transfer constituted a loss of opportunity, after the club rejected a €300 million transfer bid from Saudi club Al-Hilal in 2023.

Court rules partially in favour of Mbappe

On Tuesday, the court determined that PSG had failed to pay Mbappe his wages for his final three months at the club in April, May, and June 2024. Alongside his signing bonus and ethics, the total fee amounted to around €60 million.

Mbappe’s advisors said in a statement: “Mbappé scrupulously fulfilled his sporting and contractual obligations for seven years and right up to the final day.

“He did everything possible to avoid litigation, even going so far as to withdraw a harassment complaint in a spirit of conciliation. In total, he had been seeking payment of his salaries and bonuses for more than 18 months.”
 

Lazio to be listed on New York Stock Exchange

S. S. Lazio is set for a listing on the New York Stock Exchange, the team’s owner and president Claudio Lotito has announced.

Speaking at the Rome-based club’s annual Christmas dinner, Lotito revealed: “Tomorrow my son [Enrico Lotito] will ring the Nasdaq bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

“It will be the second time a football club has done so. Only PSG has done so before us.”

Lazio “not for sale”

This comes as part of Lazio’s plans to expand internationally, after previously becoming the first Italian club to be listed on the Milan stock exchange in 2000.

Also during the event, Lotito denied any speculation over a potential sale of the Serie A club. “Lazio is not for sale and maintains a stable economic structure, supported by both its sporting assets and its real estate holdings,” he said.
 

Villarreal reveal €13.7 million profit for 2024/25

Villarreal have reported a €13.7 million profit for the year ended 30 June 2025, as announced by the LaLiga side in a statement.

The financial accounts were approved at the shareholders’ annual general meeting.

The Spanish side did not disclose further details on the 2024/25 accounts, but the profit represents a €27.8 million improvement on last year’s loss of €14.1 million.

2025/26 to break even

At the AGM, shareholders also approved the budget for the 2025/26 season, which forecasts the club breaking even with €215 million in revenue and expenses. This would be the second-highest revenue figure in the club’s history, behind only the 2015/16 season.

The increase in revenue is largely driven by Villarreal’s transfer activity, after the club sold players including academy graduates Alex Baena and Yeremy Pino, generating an estimated €72 million profit, as well as their return to the Champions League.
 

All Ligue 1 matches to air on Ligue 1+ streaming platform from next season

France’s Professional Football League (LFP) has unanimously agreed to take over rights to Saturday evening Ligue 1 fixtures from the 2026/27 season, as reported by L'Equipe.

Ligue 1+, the in-house streaming platform, which launched ahead of this season, will consequently broadcast nine weekly matches from next year.

Rights to the Saturday evening games were previously held by beIN Sports, with the Qatari broadcaster paying €78.5 million annually. The agreement also included an additional €20 million paid by Qatar-based sponsors, however this never materialised.

Dispute between beIN and LFP

In recent months, beIN and LFP have been embroiled in an ongoing dispute, with the broadcaster withholding €4 million from each of its last €18 million instalments, paying just €14 million. This was due to broadcasting restrictions imposed by LFP.

With beIN Sports informing LFP Media that the network no longer intends to air Ligue 1 matches from next season, LFP has now opted to show all games from the French top flight on Ligue 1+.

As a result, subscription fees for Ligue 1+ are now expected to rise to €19.99 each month, up from €14.99.
 

Three bidders remain in Sheffield Wednesday takeover race

There are three bidders remaining in the race to take over Sheffield Wednesday, according to UK media reports.

Namely, these include former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, British businessman James Bord, and a consortium led by US investor John McEvoy and the Storch family.

In January this year, Bord took over Scottish Championship club Dunfermline Athletic, with the ShortCircuit Science founder aiming to leverage data analytics from AI technology to bolster player recruitment and club operations. The 44-year-old is also part of a US-based group that acquired a 37 per cent stake in Spanish club Cordoba last year, and holds a 25 per cent share in Bulgarian team Septemvri Sofia.

As previously reported by The Athletic, Ashley’s bid has not met the administrators' asking price of £30 million. The UK businessman previously owned Newcastle between 2007 and 2021, prior to the club’s £300 million Saudi-backed takeover.

Decision imminent

After Wednesday were placed in administration back in October, following the departure of former owner Dejphon Chansiri, the Championship club appointed administrators Begbies Traynor to find a new owner.

The administrators’ said in their most recent statement that the initial 5th December deadline would slip by around one week, after which they intend to reveal a preferred bidder, pending approval from the EFL. A decision on the preferred bidder is said to be imminent.

Dolf Segaar, a Dutch lawyer leading a class action against FIFA, has called for a Europe-wide collective bargaining agreement on transfers, according to a report by The Guardian, arguing that players and clubs should agree clear contract termination mechanisms at the start of employment.

Segaar said football should move away from repeated legal disputes and instead negotiate transfer rules collectively between players’ unions and clubs’ associations, providing greater clarity and legal certainty.

“I believe that players and clubs should negotiate at the start of any employment agreement the mechanism if you want to terminate your contract,” Segaar said. “So the idea could be to have a collective bargaining agreement on a European level with the players’ unions and the clubs’ associations… It would be clear to anyone what exactly the transfer fee should be if you leave.”

Diarra ruling compared to Bosman

Maheta Molango, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, said football had previously underestimated the consequences of major legal rulings, pointing to the 1995 Bosman case.

Molango said the Lassana Diarra judgment, which found aspects of FIFA’s transfer rules infringed a player’s freedom of movement, could have a “similar or bigger” long-term impact, warning that the industry risked repeating past mistakes if it failed to adapt quickly.

Juventus shares jump 18 per cent after Tether's takeover bid

Juventus’ share price surged more than 18 per cent on Monday following a rejected takeover proposal from stablecoin company Tether, despite Exor confirming it has no intention of selling the club.

The Serie A club’s shares closed up 18.51 per cent at €2.60 on the Milan stock exchange. Juventus’ market capitalisation rose from around €915 million to approximately €1.08 billion.

The move followed disclosure of an offer submitted by Tether to Exor late on Friday, after markets had closed. Exor, the Agnelli-Elkann family holding company, controls 65.4 per cent of Juventus.

Exor rules out sale

Tether’s proposal was priced at €2.66 per share for Exor’s stake, valuing Juventus at about €1.1 billion and representing a premium of 20.74 per cent to the official closing price on 11 December 2025. Had the deal gone ahead, Tether would have been required to launch a mandatory tender offer for the remaining free float at the same price.

Tether also said it was prepared to make around €1 billion available to strengthen the first team and develop additional business activities linked to the club.

On Saturday, Exor formally rejected the offer. Chief executive John Elkann said Juventus “is not for sale”, adding that the holding company would continue to support the club’s long-term future.

Spanish Football Federation approve €403m budget for 2026

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have approved a budget of €403 million for 2026, including €39 million earmarked for investment, following a general assembly held on Monday.

The federation also confirmed that the Copa del Rey final will generate an average of €3.9 million per year after Seville’s La Cartuja stadium was secured as host venue for the 2025–2028 cycle.

In addition, the RFEF said television income will rise by a further €4.4 million this season compared with last year, driven in part by changes to its broadcast arrangements.

Broadcast rights and institutional relations

The federation highlighted an improved relationship with LaLiga, which will again manage the Copa del Rey’s audiovisual rights on an exclusive basis and partner with the RFEF on the new broadcast model for Primera Federación.

RFEF president Rafael Louzán told the assembly that the organisation was entering a new phase of institutional cooperation, contrasting it with previous periods of legal and administrative conflict with other football bodies.

Louzán also said domestic broadcast revenue for the Spanish Super Cup has grown by 70 per cent, with Movistar Plus+ retaining the rights, while international revenue from the competition has increased by 27 per cent.

Juventus’ controlling owner Exor has “unanimously”, rejected a €1.1 billion takeover proposal from cryptocurrency firm Tether.

Exor, which holds a 65.4 per cent stake in the Italian club, is the holding company of the Agnelli family, who have owned Juventus for more than 100 years. Tether, which acquired an 11.5 per cent stake in the Turin-based club in February of this year, are looking to complete a full acquisition of Exor’s shares.

Exor said in a statement on Saturday: “Exor reaffirms its previous, consistent statements that it has no intention of selling any of its shares in Juventus to a third party, including but not restricted to El Salvador-based Tether.

“Juventus is a storied and successful club, of which Exor and the Agnelli family are the stable and proud shareholders for over a century, and they remain fully committed to the Club, supporting its new management team in the execution of a clear strategy to deliver strong results both on and off the field.”

Financial woes

Juventus have faced significant financial struggles in recent years, reporting losses of €58.1 million, €196 million, and €123.7 million for the 2024/25, 2023/24, and 2022/23 seasons respectively. The Bianconeri haven’t been profitable since 2016/17, and have lost almost €1 billion (€815 million) over the last five years.

Despite the club’s financial woes, Juventus are currently valued at €915 million on the Milan stock exchange.

 

Goldman Sachs leads £125 million loan to Crystal Palace for stadium redevelopment

Goldman Sachs are leading a £125 million loan to Crystal Palace to help finance the redevelopment of their home ground Selhurst Park, according to a report from Bloomberg.

The new facility replaces an existing loan from another lender and offers more favourable terms, including a longer repayment period linked to the stadium project. The previous financing had been secured against the club’s broadcast income.

The club plan to expand Selhurst Park from around 26,000 seats to approximately 34,000 to increase matchday revenue and narrow the financial gap with larger Premier League rivals.

Stadium redevelopment

The project was initially expected to cost more than £100 million, but rising inflation and the complexity of building on the existing site are reported to have pushed the estimated cost beyond £150 million.

Chairman Steve Parish told The Athletic this week that work on the long-delayed redevelopment of the main stand is scheduled to begin in January.

 

DNCG eases financial restrictions on Lyon

France’s DNCG has decided to ease financial restrictions placed on Olympique Lyon.

This follows a meeting last week between French football’s financial watchdog and the club, with Lyon's president Michele Kang and general manager Michael Gerlinger both in attendance.

Lyon had been placed under strict supervision by the DNCG, amid the club’s ongoing financial issues. In June, the club were relegated from Ligue 1, before that decision was later overturned in July.

Limit on player investments removed

The club had been subject to strict supervision and payroll monitoring by the DNCG, as part of a number of restrictions. However, some of these have now been lifted, including a limit on player investments.

“We are very proud of the DNCG's decision, which highlights the immense work we have accomplished in recent months,” Kang said.

“Thanks to everyone's dedication, [Lyon] is continuing its comeback, and we look forward to seeing you at the stadium and in everything we do next.”

 

Portuguese investment fund raises €300 million to target European sports assets

Portugal-based investment fund Apex has raised €300 million to seek investment in European sports assets.

As reported by Forbes, the company is looking to acquire stakes worth between 20 and 49 per cent equity in clubs, leagues, and other assets.

After securing a minority stake in Italian club Venezia FC, Apex is looking to expand its investment portfolio.

Apex eyes 10-20 investments

The firm’s CEO, António Caçorino, is considering investment in ‘small and mid-size targets mostly In Europe’, according to Forbes.

Apex is expecting to sign between ten and 20 deals over the fund’s decade-long duration, which will be each worth between $15 million and $15 million

 

Bayern Munich purchase ‘€7.5 million’ stadium for club’s women’s team

Bayern Munich have agreed to purchase the Unterhaching stadium, which will become the new home of the club’s women’s team, according to German media.

The 15,000-seat venue will be sold for around €7.5 million, as reported by local outlet Merkur. The stadium’s initial purchase price of €7.56 million was reportedly reduced by €250,000, due to issues within its east stand.

Kicker reports that the German club also acquired a curling rink situated next to the stadium, which is set to be demolished and replaced with a new administrative building.

The new home of Bayern’s women’s team

The venue in Unterhaching is set to replace the Bayern Campus as the new home ground for Bayern’s women’s team.

With a capacity of 2,500, the venue was reportedly no longer considered appropriate to host Frauen Bundesliga and Women’s Champions League matches going forward.

Manchester United have revealed a £13 million operating profit for the first fiscal quarter of 2026.

As per the Premier League club’s latest financial statements, United returned to operating profitability, after making a £7 million loss for Q1 of last year.

United were able to reduce the club’s wage bill from £80.2 million to £73.6 million over the last year, following two waves of redundancies over the last year, which totalled up to 450 roles.

Impact of no European football

Overall, United’s revenue of £140.3 million was down slightly compared to last year’s figure of £143.1 million, primarily due to the club’s lack of European football. By contrast, the team played in the Europa League during the 2024/25 season.

Broadcast revenue fell from £31.3 million to £29.9 million, while commercial revenue also dropped from £85.3 million to £84.2 million. This was partially driven by the absence of a training kit sponsor, after United’s previous deal with Tezos expired at the end of last season. According to The Athletic, that agreement was worth more than £20 million annually.

The club posted a net loss og of £6.6 million for the period.

LaLiga still pushing for overseas league games as Tebas eyes Saudi Arabia

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has said the league remains committed to staging matches overseas, after previous plans to bring this month’s Barcelona vs Villarreal game to Miami fell through.

In October, LaLiga scrapped its plans to bring the fixture to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, amid protests by both players and fans, as well as legal challenges.

Speaking at the World Football Summit in Riyadh on Wednesday, Tebas said that holding a domestic game outside of Spain “is still our goal,” adding that he hopes this will materialise soon.

“There is a debate in FIFA right now about making a rule to allow for domestic matches to be played abroad,” he continued. “We will see how that evolves, but we are going to keep trying.”

Considering Saudi Arabia

Tebas also revealed that Spain’s top flight is considering Saudi Arabia as a potential destination for an overseas game.

“We’d also love to bring it to Saudi Arabia,” he said. “It is still our objective, and each time we’ve got closer to achieving it.”

Football Supporters Europe slams FIFA’s “extortionate” ticket prices for 2026 World Cup

Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has slammed FIFA over its “extortionate” ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

In a statement, the organisation said it was “astonished” by the cost of attending matches at the tournament.

The cheapest tickets for the final will cost €3.425, while fans will have to pay a minimum of $6,900 (€5,869) to attend a World Cup game through a participant member association (PMA) allocation, which is intended for the supporters who most regularly go to matches. That figure is five times the cost for the equivalent package at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“A monumental betrayal”

FSE also criticised FIFA for not making tickets in the lowest price category available, which will instead be reserved for general sales, and will be subject to ‘dynamic pricing’, whereby the price will fluctuate based on demand.

“This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters to the spectacle it is,” said FSE.

SSC Bari in discussions over foreign investment by 2026

Luigi De Laurentiis, owner and president of Italian Serie B club SSC Bari, has revealed that the club are “in discussions” to secure new foreign investment by 2026, as reported by Il Corriere del Mezzogiorno.

Speaking at a dinner on 9th December, which was attended by the club’s partners and the mayor of Bari, De Laurentiis said: “I'm working to find a foreign partner who can support me. We're working as a group and we're engaging in discussions.

He continued: “The goal is to hand the team over to a very solid organisation to reach Serie A, which I hope can be achieved by 2026. We must continue to climb.”

These comments come shortly after Bari fan groups organised a protest against the club’s ownership on 8th December. The team are currently placed 15th in the Serie B table, and are just one point above the relegation zone.

No MCO from 2028

De Laurentiis owns Bari through Italian media company Filmauro, which also owns Serie A champions Napoli, of which his father Aurelio is president. However, this ‘Multi-club ownership' model will be prohibited from the 2028/29 season.

Bari senator Filippo Melchiorre said in a statement: “I received full assurances from [FIGC president Gabriele Gravina] that he has no intention of changing the rule that allows the simultaneous control of two clubs to sell one of the two companies . The deadline is set for June 2028, and no further extensions are contemplated.”