RB Leipzig appoint Tatjana Haenni as their new CEO

RB Leipzig have become the first Bundesliga team to appoint a female CEO, after appointing Tatjana Haenni as part of a restructuring at the club.

The German club revealed that Haenni will start her new role on 1st January 2026. The 59-year-old joins from the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), where she had served as chief sporting director since 2022.

Leipzig have been without a CEO for the past three years, following the departure of Oliver Mintzlaff in November 2022.

Restructuring at Leipzig

Haenni will join the club’s management board alongside chief business officer Johann Plenge, chief financial officer Florian Hopp, and managing director for sport Marcel Schafer.

The restructuring will also see Plenge assume additional responsibilities at the club, following the new CEO’s arrival.

Wolfsburg set to name Eintracht Frankfurt's Pirmin Schwegler as sporting director

VfL Wolfsburg are set to appoint Eintracht Frankfurt’s Pirmin Schwegler as the German club’s new sporting director, the club have announced.

The 38-year-old Swiss former Bundesliga player has taken over with immediate effect.

Following last month’s sacking of former sporting director Sebastian Schindzielorz, Wolfsburg’s agreement to hire TSG Hoffenheim’s sporting director Andreas Schinker fell through.

A step up for Schwegler

Following his retirement as a player in 2020, Schwegler joined Bayern Munich as a scout in 2020, and was promoted to chief scout at the club. In 2023, he would join fellow Bundesliga club Hoffenheim, before joining Frankfurt in January of this year.

In his new role, he will report to Wolfsburg’s managing director of sport, Peter Christiansen.

Genoa reveal €33.3 million loss for 2024/25

Genoa CFC have reported a loss of €33.3 million for the year ended 30th June 2025, marking a slight improvement on last year’s loss of €38.8 million for the 2023/24 season.

The overall loss comes despite the Serie A side generating revenue of €120.5 million for 2024/25, up from €85 million last year.

This year’s annual results are the first since Genoa’s takeover by Romanian businessman Dan Sucu last December. Such acquired a 77 per cent stake in the club for a reported €45 million, after the collapse of their former owner 777 Partners.

Broadcast revenue almost doubled

Over the last year, Genoa’s media rights revenue rose from €23 million to almost €44 million, accounting for the largest share of the club’s overall income for 2024/25.

Meanwhile, the team’s sponsorship revenue also saw an almost three-fold increase from €2.4 million to €6.7 million.

Como 1907 post €105 million loss for 2024/25 season

Italian Serie A club Como 1907 have made a loss of €105 million for the 2024/25 season, more than doubling the Serie A club’s loss of €47.8 million last year.

Following Como’s return to the Italian top flight for 2024/25, the club’s revenue rose from €9.8 million to €55.4 million.

The club meanwhile delivered €31 million in broadcast revenue, after not receiving any media rights revenue last season.

Costs see more than €100 million increase

Over the last year, the team’s personnel costs of €85.6 million were almost three times last year’s figure of €33.5 million.

Overall, Como’s costs increased by more than €100 million, rising from €57.6 million to €158.6 million for 2024/25.

RC Lens owner Joseph Oughourlian to withdraw from Italian club Calcio Padova

RC Lens owner Joseph Oughourlian is set to withdraw his interest in Italian club Calcio Padova, L’Équipe has reported.

According to the report, the 53-year-old is dissatisfied with the progress that the Serie B club have made since his arrival.

After first securing a minority investment in Padova back in 2017 through his holding company J4A Holdings II SARL, he became the club’s majority owner in 2019, when it was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Italian businessman linked with takeover

Padova fans’ decision to boycott home matches at the end of the 2024/25 season impacted Oughourlian’s decision to leave the club.

According to Italian media, businessman Marcelo Figoli could be set to become the new owner of Padova.

Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), the majority owner of Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, is set to take over second tier Belgian club KAS Eupen.

The agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, will see QSI fully acquire Eupen, taking full operational control of the team.

This marks QSI’s latest investment within football, after first taking over PSG in 2011, before securing a minority stake in Portuguese club SC Braga in 2022.

Building on legacy

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of QSI, said: “Qatar Sports Investments is proud to become the custodian of KAS Eupen and contribute to the development of football in Belgium.

“With QSI’s global expertise and passion for football, our objective is to build a modern, competitive football and business structure - bringing pride to KAS Eupen supporters and building on the club’s great legacy to date.”
 

Plans for Serie A’s AC Milan vs Como game to be held in Australia plunged into doubt

Serie A’s plans to stage next year’s match between AC Milan and Como in Australia have been placed in doubt, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The proposed fixture was slated to take place at Perth’s Optus Stadium on 8th February, marking the Italian top flight’s first ever overseas game. However, these plans are now shrouded in uncertainty, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Football Australia imposing strict conditions on the match.

There is now “little chance” that the matchup will be held in Australia due to these conditions, which include the referees and assistants being from the AFC, as opposed to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The league will additionally be prohibited from advertising the match as a Serie A game.

Game to be postponed

Serie A’s plans to take the match to Australia have consequently stalled, with La Gazzetta reporting that “the road is much more difficult than before”.

If the match takes place in Italy, it will need to be rescheduled to either 17th or 24th February, with AC Milan’s San Siro hosting the opening ceremony of the Milan and Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on 6th February.
 

FA hearing into Chelsea’s 74 breaches of agent regulations set to be wrapped up this week

Chelsea’s disciplinary hearing with the FA regarding 74 alleged breaches of agent regulations is set to be wrapped up this week, The Times has reported.

The charges relate to secret payments made to player agents between 2009 and 2022, when the Premier League club was owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. This includes the transfers of Eden Hazard, Willian, and Samuel Eto’o.

Following Chelsea’s takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022, the West London club’s new owners self-reported the payments to the FA, prompting an investigation. As a result, an independent regulatory commission has been hearing the case.

Hopeful of avoiding sporting sanctions

BlueCo, the Boehly and Clearlake-led consortium that owns the club, are said to have withheld £150 million from the club’s £2.5 billion sale in order to cover potential financial sanctions.

Chelsea are hopeful of receiving just a fine, as they self-reported the breaches, however the commission could opt for more stringent sanctions such as a transfer ban or point deduction. The club would most likely appeal against any sporting penalties.
 

Tottenham to conduct accounting review into Daniel Levy’s tenure

Tottenham Hotspur’s majority owner, the Lewis Family Trust, is conducting an accounting review into the work of the club’s former chairman Daniel Levy, Bloomberg has reported.

Levy spent 24 years at Spurs, before leaving the Premier League club in September.

The Lewis Family owns ENIC, the UK-based investment company that completed a takeover of the London club back in 2001.

Review comes amid alleged fallout

Although there is “no indication of any wrongdoing”, the review will cover all aspects of Spurs’ commercial operation during Levy’s time at the club, such as the structuring of sponsorship deals, and whether commercial contracts and payments were fairly valued.

According to Bloomberg, Levy’s departure came amid a fallout between the club’s ownership and the 63-year-old, who rejected multiple investment and takeover offers during his tenure.
 

Argentinian FA and clubs raided on suspicion of money laundering

The Argentinian Football Association’s (AFA) headquarters, as well as more than ten Argentinian clubs, have been raided at the behest of a federal judge.

This comes amid allegations of suspected money laundering, as first reported by local outlet La Nacion.

The investigations derive from a criminal complaint on transfers of money between teams, as well as the payment service platform of financial services company Sur Finanzas.

Tension between AFA and Argentina's president

Federal police conducted raids on the AFA’s headquarters in Buenos Aires, as well as clubs including San Lorenzo, Racing Club, and Independiente.

The raids could ramp up tension between AFA president Claudio Tapia, and Argentina president Javier Milei, who believes clubs should operate as private companies, as opposed to non-profits run by their members.
 

John Textor given right to appeal in $93 million legal dispute with Iconic Sports Management

Olympique Lyon majority owner John Textor has been granted the right to appeal against a claim filed by Iconic Sports Management, a US fund demanding $93 million from him.

This centres around a $75 million loan that the US businessman took out in 2022 in order to purchase Lyon, in return for a 15.7 per cent share in the French club. Textor currently holds a 77 per cent stake in the Ligue 1 side through his company, Eagle Football Holdings.

This agreement also allegedly stipulated an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, which never took place.

"Prospect of success”

In October, the British Commercial Court ruled in favour of Iconic in the initial proceedings, which were initiated by Textor.

In a statement released on Monday, the court said: “The Court today granted Textor permission to appeal, finding that there is a genuine prospect of success.”

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has criticised the Premier League’s new spending rules in a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic.

Last month, Premier League clubs voted to scrap the current profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in favour of new squad-cost ratio (SCR) regulations, which will take effect from the 2026/27 season. Under the SCR rules, clubs will be able to spend within 85 per cent of their revenue.

Parish, who voted against the new regulations, told The Athletic: “I predict that the people who moaned about PSR… you wait until you hear the moaning against this. You won’t be able to invest the money up front that you used to be able to.”

The 60-year-old added: “I hope we can get some amendments to it. Perhaps the most egregious thing is that even if you want to invest, you have to pay a fine to other clubs, and they will go to the big clubs.”

"We may look at getting a second club"

Parish also suggested that SCR will push more clubs towards multi-club ownership. “If you have one ecosystem that has to adhere to desperately difficult rules, why wouldn’t you go and get another club that lives in an ecosystem that doesn’t have any rules?”

And Crystal Palace will not be an exception:

“We may look at getting a second club with these rules. It’s something that we’re probably going to have to do.”
 

Wrexham announce minority investment from Apollo Sports Capital

Championship club Wrexham have secured a minority investment from global asset management firm Apollo Sports Capital. Wrexham have been owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney since 2021, with the two actors holding an 85 per cent stake in the Welch club prior to Apollo’s investment.

This marks Apollo’s latest venture within sport, after the US company recently acquired a majority stake in Athletico Madrid that valued the LaLiga club at €2.5 billion.

Wrexham and Apollo revealed the new funding will help finance the renovation of the club’s Racecourse Ground home. Wrexham are hopeful that the stadium, which currently has a capacity of 12,600, will be considered as a host venue for the Home Nations’ bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035.

Earlier this year, Apollo made its first move into English football, providing an £80 million loan to Nottingham Forest to help fund the club’s stadium redevelopment, which was announced last week.

Investment to help Premier League push

Reynolds and McElhenney said in a joint statement: “From day one, we wanted to build a sustainable future for Wrexham Association Football Club.

“The dream has always been to take this club to the Premier League while staying true to the town. Growth like that takes world-class partners who share our vision and ambition, and Apollo absolutely does.”
 

Brighton bans The Guardian’s journalists from attending matches at Amex Stadium

Brighton have banned The Guardian’s journalists and photographers from covering matches at Amex Stadium, the British publication has revealed.

Last week, The Guardian reported that Brighton owner, Tony Bloom, was facing legal action over his alleged involvement in a £600 million secret betting syndicate, whereby “frontmen” were used to place wagers on sporting events.

In a separate story published last Friday, The Guardian reported on claims that Bloom could also be the anonymous “John Doe” figure in a US case filed earlier this year. Guardian sources stated that Bloom’s syndicate had placed bets on his own clubs, constituting a breach of the FA’s regulations.

“Inappropriate” to be accredited at the Amex

In a statement shared by Brighton, Bloom condemned The Guardian’s report as “inaccurate and misleading” after its publication, while “categorically” denying all allegations.

Now, the Sussex club has written to The Guardian, saying that it “Would be inappropriate for journalists and photographers from the Guardian to be accredited to matches at the Amex, starting from Sunday’s game against West Ham [United].”
 

Real Sociedad reveal €16.9 million profit for 2024/25

Real Sociedad have reported a €16.9 million profit for the year ended 30th June 2025.

As revealed by Sociedad in a statement, the club achieved an EBITDA of €45.2 million, with €79.7 million in equity funds, and net assets of €92.7 million.

The latest results have been announced ahead of Sociedad’s general shareholders’ meeting, which is set to take place on Wednesday.

Club forecast €17.8 million profit

Last year, Sociedad generated a profit of €12 million for 2023/24, delivering revenue of €181.6 million.

Going forward, the LaLiga outfit are forecasting a profit of €17.8 million for 2025/26, as well as revenue of €178.1 million.

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

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

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

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

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

Bloom: Have always fully complied

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

KKR could expand into sports

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monks hails “new era of football governance”

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Officially submit expansion

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

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

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

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

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

Could have sold 5 per cent stake

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clubs “surprised” by further DFB questioning

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

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

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

Tottenham to appoint new commercial director from January

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

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

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

A proven track record

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newcastle can be ‘world’s best club’

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

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

Trinity Rodman contract extension ‘vetoed’ by NWSL commissioner

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

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

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

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

Spirit “doing all it can” to finalise deal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special dispensation

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

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

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

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

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

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

New regulations to be approved

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

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

Ipswich Town reach £350 million valuation following ownership restructure

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

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

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

Ipswich’s ownership

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

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

Feyenoord to acquire 95 per cent stake in De Kuip stadium

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

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

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

“Very good news”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Increase in operating expenses

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resolution to support “long-term integrity”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shows strength of LaLiga’s model, says president

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

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

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

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

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

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

District to promote innovation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Project is “for everyone”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chansiri banned from EFL club ownership

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

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

Brazil’s CBF announces new financial fair play governing body

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

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

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

Clubs to be monitored three times per year

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clubs only covers 20.7%

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

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

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

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

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

Financial restructuring under new leadership

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Tebas hails latest agreement

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

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

 

Sheffield United owners weigh up options for new investment

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

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

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

Sheffield Wednesday merger

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

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

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

 

Six bidders in race to buy Sheffield Wednesday

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

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

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

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

Mike Ashley and John McEvoy among bidders

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

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

 

Mainz will have option to buy stadium in latest lease agreement

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

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

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

“Good news” for the club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chelsea consider all options

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

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

Former Tottenham owner investigated amid allegations of betting on matches

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

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

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

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

Lewis pardoned by Trump

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

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

Women's Super League approached over potential new investment

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

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

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

WSL weighing up long-term plans

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

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