Lyon and Crystal Palace part-owner John Textor has blasted French champions PSG’s ownership model as ‘illegal’ during an interview with Spanish sports publication Diario AS.

In November, Lyon were given a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 by the DNCG, the organisation that oversees French clubs’ accounts, and received a transfer ban.

During the interview with AS, Textor criticised the DNCG’s decision stating that the club will launch an appeal against the ‘unfounded’ ruling.

The US businessman is the Chairman of Eagle Football Holdings, which acquired a majority stake in Lyon in 2022 for a reported fee of more than €800 million. Since Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) initially acquired a 70 per cent stake in PSG back in 2011, Les Parisian’s have won ten Ligue 1 titles.

Distorted competition

Textor told Diario AS: “PSG’s financing model is illegal, our model is perfectly legal and we are the sanctioned model. They are allowed to continue to violate European law.

“..Qatar Sports Investments, the state, a foreign state, finances 100, 200, 300 million dollars every year, and that leads to them being able to beat any competition.

“They are at the top of the league, their revenues have increased eightfold and they dominate the league. They have distorted competition, so I did not bring these laws to Europe, these laws were already in force in Europe, and if the DNCG wants to tell me that I have to respect French or European processes, I would ask the DNCG to respect those same European laws and processes and not allow one club to break the law when all other clubs have to follow the law.”

Man Utd CEO warns club staff over leaks

Manchester United staff have been informed that they could potentially lose their jobs, if they are found to be leaking confidential club information, according to British media.

In an email shared with The Telegraph, United chief executive Omar Berrada said that the Premier league club are conducting an investigation into these leaks.

Berrada’s email stated that any potential leaks will be considered by the club as ‘gross misconduct’.

"Anyone disclosing information outside of the club is breaching their obligations of confidentiality, and we are very clear that this will be considered gross misconduct," Berrada said.

"To protect the club and its colleagues, additional measures are being put in place to prevent future breaches of confidentiality and also identify any persons responsible."

Uncertainty at Old Trafford

Club staff are reportedly concerned over their job security, with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to make a further 200 redundancies, after the Red Devils reported a £113.4 million loss for the 2023/24 season.

This marks the second wave of redundancies at the Old Trafford club since Ratcliffe’s arrival, after the club announced 250 members of staff redundant in August. Earlier this week, United’s most recent financial statements revealed a loss of £27.7 million for the second fiscal quarter of 2025.

UK Sports Minister apologises to Premier League clubs

UK Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock has apologised to Premier League clubs Arsenal, West Ham United, and Brighton, after her recent comments that they were “promoting untruths” regarding English football’s new independent regulator.

In January, West Ham United vice chairwoman Baroness Karren Brady, Brighton chief executive Paul Barber, and Arsenal vice-chairman Tim Lewis gave a joint interview with The Times, during which they raised concerns that the new regulator could damage the Premier League.

Peacock wrote an Op-Ed earlier this month for Mail Online, during which she criticised the three teams' 'tenuous claims' that the regulator would hinder aspects such as clubs’ academies and long-term success.

However, the Sports Minister has now apologised for her comments, after legal letters were sent following her column.

Plans for a new regulator

Last year, the UK Government confirmed plans for an independent regulator, which would oversee the top five tiers of English football, as part of a plan to protect clubs, and provide tighter scrutiny on club ownership.

The Football Governance Bill, which would see the introduction of the new entity, did not pass into legislation under the previous Conservative Government, but was picked up by the new Labour Government, following the UK General Election last July.

49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, are leading a takeover of Scottish football giants Rangers, according to a report by Glasgow Times.

Paraag Marathe, who serves as the president of 49ers Enterprises and chairman of Leeds United, is reportedly leading the bid for the 55-time Scottish champions.

As reported by BBC Sport, a “broad agreement” is already in place between all parties, while the potential takeover could be finalised between April and June. Talks between the US investment group and Glasgow-based outfit have been ongoing for the last several months.

An expanding portfolio

Once complete, the potential takeover would see 49ers Enterprises add to its growing portfolio of clubs, after the organisation completed a reported £170 million takeover of EFL Championship club Leeds United in 2023.

Prior to the full takeover of Leeds, 49ers Enterprises initially invested in the the club back in 2018, acquiring a 15 per cent stake, before increasing this to 44 per cent in 2021.

DAZN ‘demands’ €573m in compensation from LFP over Ligue 1 rights

DAZN is demanding €573 million in compensation from Ligue 1’s governing body the Professional Football League (LFP), as reported by French publication RMC Sport.

According to the reports, that figure comprises €309 million for ‘market dishonesty’, alongside €264 million for alleged ‘breaching’ of their contract.

The global broadcaster has held exclusive domestic rights to Ligue 1 since signing a five-year partnership last year. Although terms of the deal were not revealed, the agreement is reportedly worth €400 million annually.

Earlier this month, the LFP initiated legal action against DAZN, after the company withheld half of its latest payment, which was owed to the Ligue 1 clubs.

DAZN’s case against the LFP

DAZN believes it was deceived by Ligue 1 regarding the product that the London-based media company purchased last year.

The broadcaster considers the figures on the number of subscribers and revenue generated from the previous media rights cycle to be misleading. DAZN additionally believes that Ligue 1 teams are not doing their part to facilitate exclusive editorial content.

Eagle Football partners with UBS Group for IPO

Eagle Football Holdings has teamed up with UBS Group AG ahead of a planned initial public offering (IPO) in New York, as reported by Bloomberg.

The investment company, which is owned by US businessman John Textor and owns Olympique Lyon, is reportedly set to file for an IPO over the next few weeks. The IPO is being led by William Burns, who serves of managing director of media investment banking at UBS.

As well as its investment Lyon, Eagle Football also holds a 45 per cent stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace, as well as Brazilian club Botafogo, and Belgian second tier team RWD Molenbeek.

Eagle Football’s recapitalisation plan

In October, Eagle Football unveiled plans to generate $500 million from an IPO, as part of a $1.1 billion debt and equity recapitalisation plan.

Eagle Football is aiming to raise $500 million in common equity from the IPO, as well as an additional $500 million to retire existing debt by the sale of its ownership stake in Palace, as well as other assets and players.
 

Arsenal have revealed an overall loss of £17.7 million for the 2023/24 season, despite generating record revenue of £616.6 million. Their revenue saw a 32.1 per cent increase on last year’s figure of £466.7 million, according to the club's financial results for the year ended 31st May 2024.

This comes after Arsenal made a loss of £52.1 million for 2022/23, following a loss of £45.5 million the previous year.

The uptick in revenue is driven in part by the men’s team’s strong on-field performance, after finishing second in the Premier League table, and reaching the quarter final stage of the UEFA Champions League.

Commercial revenue saw a significant increase from £169.3 million to £218.3 million for the last year. This was helped by the renewal of Arsenal’s reported £50 million a year main sponsorship deal with Emirates, as well as the club’s training centre naming rights agreement with Sobha Realty, which was signed last year.

Player wage increase

Meanwhile, wages surged from £234.8 million to £327.8 million for 2023/24, primarily due to to additional investments into player wages .

Arsenal made a profit of £51.1 million on player sales, up from £10.7 million for the 2022/23 campaign, while player loans accounted for £1.4 million, down slightly from £1.5 million last year.

Man Utd slump to £27.7 million loss for Q2 2025

Manchester United made a £27.7 million loss for the three-month period ended 31st December 2024, the club have revealed in their second fiscal quarter accounts for 2025.

The club's total revenue decreased from £225.8 million to £198.7 million, marking a 12 per cent drop compared to Q2 2024. This was driven by a 42.1 per cent reduction in broadcasting revenue to £61.6 million.

Despite this, Manchester United reported an 18.5 per cent increase in commercial revenue - from £71.8 million to £85.1 million - which was boosted by the club’s new front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Snapdragon that was signed last year.

The price of Ten Hag and Ashworth’s departures

As was also revealed in United’s latest accounts, the sacking of former manager Erik Ten Hag, and the exit of former sporting director Dan Ashworth, cost the club a total of £14.5 million.

The dismissal of Ten Hag and his staff cost the club £10.1 million, while United paid Ashworth £4.1 million during his short five-month tenure at Manchester United.

LaLiga increases salary cap for remainder of 2024/25 season

LaLiga has increased its salary cap to €2.878 billion for the remainder of the 2024/25 season, the league have announced.

This marks a three per cent increase on the previous limit of €2.8 billion for clubs across LaLiga and LaLiga 2, the top two tiers of Spanish football.

For a second successive season, LaLiga’s cap will remain below the €3 billion mark.

Real Madrid remain on top

Champions Real Madrid still have the highest Sports Squad Cost Limit (LCPD) of any LaLiga club, remaining at €754.89 million.

Barcelona have the second-largest cap space, with the club now permitted to spend up to €463.6 million – a nine per cent increase since the start of the season.

Atletico Madrid hold the third-highest LCPD at €317.28 million, followed by Real Sociedad, with just over €160 million

Man Utd co-owner INEOS ‘in talks’ over ending Spurs deal

UK-based petrochemicals firm, and Manchester United co-owner, INEOS is in talks over an early termination of its partnership with Tottenham Hotspur.

INEOS, which holds a 28.94 per cent ownership stake in Manchester United, initially partnered with Spurs in 2022, signing a five-year deal that designated the INEOS Grenadier as the official 4x4 partner of the North London club.

Although the value of the agreement has not been disclosed, the year deal is believed to be worth several million pounds annually, as reported by The Times.

Ongoing fallout from Man Utd’s financial woes

Last week, New Zealand Rugby initiated legal action against INEOS for alleged contract breaches, including a missed first payment for 2025, after entering a six-year training kit partnership in 2021.

In January, INEOS split from the Britannia America’s Cup team led by Sir Ben Ainslie, a move which has also prompted a legal dispute.

Prosecutors seek indictment of Napoli owner De Laurentiis

The Rome public prosecutors’s office is seeking the indictment of Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, over allegations of falsified accounts between 2019 and 2021, according to Italian Media.

The prosecutors are requesting that De Laurentiis, who has owned the Serie A outfit since 2004, will be put on trial alongside his advisor Andrea Chiavelli, and the club.

Central to these allegations are the transfers of Kostas Manolas in 2019 from AS Roma, as well as the signing of Victor Osimhen from Lille the following year.

De Laurentiis’s lawyers issue response

In a statement, De Laurentiis’s lawyers Fabio Fuller and Lorenzo Contrada criticised the request for a trial as “incomprehensible.”

“In the documents there are opinions from consultants and independent bodies which demonstrate incontrovertibly that Napoli acted legitimately and in compliance with Italian accounting principles,” they said. “We are convinced that the proceedings will conclude positively.”

Canadian court validates lawsuit against Newcastle United chairman

A Canadian judge has validated the service of legal papers in a potential $70 million lawsuit against Yasir Al-Rumayyan, chairman of Newcastle United, as reported by The Athletic.

Al-Rumayyan, who is also the governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), is accused of conspiring with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS), with the alleged goal of "destroying" the family of Dr. Saad Aljabri, Saudi Arabia's former intelligence chief.

The PIF, which owns an 80 per cent stake in Premier League club Newcastle United, was purchased in October 2021. Al-Rumayyan's influence extends to his role as chair of the board at oil company Saudi Aramco, which also has sponsorship deals with FIFA.

Confirms service of motion for counter-claim

According to new court documents obtained by The Athletic from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Honorable Justice Cavanagh has confirmed that a notice of motion seeking to bring about a counterclaim against Al-Rumayyan and others has been properly served. .

The proposed counter-claim alleges that Al-Rumayyan was "directly involved" in a campaign against Aljabri's family from June 2017 to January 2021, acting on MBS's instructions with "malicious intent" to harm them.

Premier League outfit Brentford have reported a pre-taxation loss of £7.9 million for the year ended 30th June 2024. In 2023, Brentford revealed a profit of £9.2 million.

The overall loss comes despite the West London club’s record turnover of £166.5 million, the same figure as they generated last year. Expenses surged from £129.4 million to £156.8 million, of which the club's total wage bill stood at £114.4 million in 2023/24. Brentford made an operating loss of £29.2 million before player trading for 2023/24, after delivering a £4.4 million profit the previous year.

In the accounts, the club have cited player transfers as a key area of profitability, having generated £25.2 million in the disposal of players. By contrast, they reported a profit on playes sales of £5.6 million in 2022/23.

Brentford additionally brought in £10.5 million by the loan fee and wage recovery of goalkeeper David Raya, who spent the last campaign on loan at Arsenal before sealing a permanent move to North London last June.

Foundations for the future

After dropping seven places in their final Premier League standings for 2023/24 season - falling from seventh to sixteenth - the club’s broadcast income subsequently decreased slightly from £135 million to £127.5 million.

“Our financial results reflect a combination of significant investment across the club and a lower finishing position in the Premier League after a tough year hampered by player injuries,” said Cliff Brown, Chair at Brentford.

“We invested heavily in the playing squad, our academy, facilities and staffing in order to compete on the field and lay the foundations for the future.”
 

Vinicius Jr leads takeover of Portuguese club FC Alverca

Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr has acquired an ownership stake in Portuguese second tier club FC Alverca, as part of a consortium comprising Spanish and Brazilian investors. Further details of the investment were not disclosed.

In a statement, the club confirmed that Ricardo Vicintin had sold his majority share in the club, which is worth between 70 and 80 per cent, according to spanish media.

"FC Alverca Futebol, SAD hereby announces that Eng. Ricardo Vicintin has sold his qualified stake in the public limited company to a group of Spanish and Brazilian investors."

Galactico investors

Matheus Ornelas will remain as chief executive of FC Alverca, with the club set to reveal further details on the new ownership group over the coming weeks.

The 24-year-old has become the latest Real Madrid player to become a part-owner of a football club, after Vinicius’ teammate Kylian Mbappe acquired a majority stake in French Ligue 2 outfit Caen last July.
 

Eintracht Frankfurt members approve capital increase

Eintracht Frankfurt members have approved a capital increase at a general meeting. The proposal, which was initially approved at the German club’s AGM in December, has now received the green light, after a majority of 78.48 per cent voted in favour.

The club will generate around €22.5 million through new shares, which could in turn increase to €66 million in the long term. In order to facilitate the capital increase, Frankfurt will take out a €15 million loan, as reported by Kicker.

The move is intended to bolster the equity of the club, which stood at €51.6 million at the end of the 2023/24 season. Frankfurt are aiming to increase equity to between €100 million and €120 million in the medium term.

A new milestone

Also at Monday’s meeting, executive board member Moritz Theimann announced that the club had surpassed 150,000 members, making it the third largest in the Bundesliga after Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Having eclipsed the 150,000 mark, Frankfurt are now the world’s largest multi-sport club with a professional football team.

Premier League clubs Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are among 28 British sports teams that have received millions through a UK Government Research and Development (R&D) tax scheme for the past five years, according to The Times.

The scheme is intended to support new developments for the public good in science and technology.

Collectively, the 28 teams have claimed £13 million since the end of the 2019 tax year, as revealed by an audit of sports clubs’ financial accounts that was led by The Times.

Chelsea provided with more than £2 million

Chelsea’s accounts have revealed the UK Government’s HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) provided Chelsea with more than £2 million in tax relief payments, over a three-year period from 2020 to 2023.

Fellow English topflight outfit Nottingham Forest meanwhile received a tax credit of £607,000, as per the club’s most recent accounts, while Fulham previously claimed £86,000 between 2019 and 2021.
 

DAZN confirms ‘$1 billion’ investment from Saudi Arabia’s SURJ

DAZN Group has confirmed a minority investment from Saudi Arabia’s SURJ Sports Investment. Although further terms were not disclosed, the agreement is believed to be worth $1billion for a 10 per cent stake in DAZN, as reported by Reuters last October.

The investment will see the launch of DAZN MENA, a new broadcasting joint venture focused on the Middle East and North Africa, while the fresh funding will help further drive the growth of the sports entertainment platform.

At present, DAZN’s International football broadcast rights portfolio includes Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League across various territories.

The growth of Saudi sports

SURJ, which is a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), will through the collaboration leverage DAZN’s global reach across more than 200 markets internationally to provide live and on-demand coverage of Saudi sport, as well as events staged in Saudi Arabia.

“DAZN is the only truly global entertainment platform dedicated to sport, which makes us ideally positioned to expand access to sports content globally from Saudi Arabia’s growing sports sector,” said Shay Segev, CEO at DAZN.

“This is a milestone partnership for the group, which is bound to transform the sports entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.”
 

Man Utd set to appoint Armstrong as CBO

Manchester United are set to hire PSG’s Marc Armstrong as the club’s new chief business officer, according to The Athletic.

Armstrong is expected to begin his role at Old Trafford in the next few weeks, where he will be tasked to help boost the clubs revenue in the day-to-day commercial activities.

In his new position, he will work with United CEO Omar Berrada, who has presided over the Red Devils’ commercial operations since joining the club from rivals Manchester City in January 2024, as well as collaborating with Sir Dave Brailsford, Jason Willcox, and Collette Roche, on the club’s footballing structure.

A proven track record

Armstrong has held his current position as chief revenue officer at PSG since June 2022, after initially joining the Ligue 1 champions in 2018.

Prior to his tenure in the French capital, Armstrong has held various executive positions at the NBA, the NFL, and England’s FA.
 

FIGC wins appeal as €4 million fine cancelled

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has won its appeal against a €4.2 million fine, which was imposed by the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM). The financial penalty has been overturned by the Regional Administrative Court of Lazio (TAR).

The sanction came after the Federation was accused of abusing its dominant position over the organisation of amateur youth football competitions by excluding Sports Promotion Bodies, and limiting their involvement.

However, the TAR ruling stated that "the intentionality of the obstructive and/or dilatory action by the FIGC in the stipulation of the conventions cannot be fundamentally contested."

FIGC responds

"We are very satisfied, because the correctness of the actions of the FIGC has been recognised, which has always been inspired by respect for the protection of children's health, the law and the CONI regulations,” said Gabriele Gravina, President of the FIGC.

“Before the third-party judge, we have demonstrated on the merits how the Antitrust investigation was influenced by misleading statements and was based on incorrect legal reasoning.”

Manchester City have won a legal dispute against the Premier League, with a tribunal ruling that sponsorship rules enforced between 2021 and 2024 were “void and unenforceable.”

The Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules were introduced to prevent clubs from striking inflated commercial deals with companies linked to their owners.

However, the tribunal found that elements of the rules were unlawful, backing City’s claim that the entire system during that period was invalid. The ruling could open the door for other clubs to seek compensation for undervalued sponsorship deals agreed under the voided regulations.

Premier League faces uncertainty

"The tribunal's decision has found that the three narrow aspects of the old APT rules, previously found to be unlawful, cannot be separated from the rest of the previous rules as a matter of law," the Premier League said in a statement.

"The result, the tribunal has determined, is that the previous APT rules, as a whole, are unenforceable.

"However, the previous APT rules are no longer in place, as clubs voted new APT rules into force in November 2024. This decision expressly does not impact the valid operation of the new rules."

Although the Premier League says its revised APT rules, introduced in November 2024, remain valid, City have launched a fresh legal challenge against them. The outcome of this separate case, expected later this year, could reshape financial controls across English football.

TV rights crisis: LFP will pay the clubs itself

The French professional football league (LFP) will step in to directly cover payments to Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs, as the league navigates an ongoing dispute over domestic broadcasting rights, according to a report from L'Équipe.

This interim measure comes as the LFP awaits a legal ruling concerning a dispute involving DAZN. The broadcaster was due to pay an instalment in mid-February under its sublicensing agreement for Ligue 1 rights but has not yet made the payment.

To prevent immediate cash flow problems for clubs, the LFP will step in and cover the payments. This temporary solution is intended to protect the financial stability of clubs, many of which rely heavily on media rights revenue to operate.

Legal outcome pending

A decision from the Paris Commercial Court is expected in the coming weeks, with a key hearing scheduled for February 28, and could clarify whether DAZN is required to fulfill its payment commitments or whether the LFP will need to seek alternative solutions.

For now, the LFP's intervention offers short-term relief to clubs, though the long-term sustainability of French football's broadcasting revenue model remains uncertain.

USL to launch new top-tier league in 2027, challenging MLS

The United Soccer League (USL) has announced plans to introduce a new Division 1 league in 2027, placing it at the same tier as Major League Soccer (MLS).

This move would establish USL as the only organisation with a presence at every level of men’s professional soccer in the U.S.

USL President Paul McDonough downplayed the rivalry with MLS, stating, “I don’t think of it as a threat to MLS. I think we’re just gonna go and do our business.”

Requirements for division 1 approval

For Division 1 sanctioning, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) requires a minimum of 12 teams across multiple time zones, with at least 75 per cent in metro areas of one million people. Stadiums must hold at least 15,000 seats, and clubs must meet financial and operational benchmarks, including broadcast contracts and full-time staff.

McDonough acknowledged that the league’s launch was delayed as USL monitored the recent NASL vs. MLS/USSF trial. “We probably were ready to go with this sooner,” he said. “But with everything pending with U.S. Soccer, we just put it on hold. But we have to get going, so now’s the time.”

Belgian Pro League clubs report €160m loss despite financial improvements

Belgian Pro League clubs continue to struggle financially, posting a combined loss of €160 million in 2024, despite some signs of gradual improvement.

The latest annual accounts, reviewed by the Licensing Committee, indicate that financial reforms introduced under the Football First plan in 2022 are beginning to take effect but have yet to fully stabilise club finances.

Pro League CEO Lorin Parys acknowledged both the progress and ongoing challenges. “There is still a lot of work to be done, but we see gradual improvement. The Football First measures are driving positive developments,” he stated.

Increased investment

At the same time, clubs have increased spending in key areas. Investments in youth football rose to €78 million, marking a 59 per cent increase over three years.

Women’s football spending grew by 30 per cent to €2.3 million, while contributions to social responsibility projects increased by 20 per cent to €1.3 million.

Manchester United warn staff: Leaks about job cuts damage the club

Manchester United management has warned employees that leaking information about the extensive cuts in the club is damaging both to colleagues and the club as a whole. This is stated in an email to staff, seen by The Telegraph.

In the email, sent on Friday, it is emphasized that “any leaks, whether accidental or intended, can be damaging to colleagues and the wider club.”

The warning follows a series of media reports that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans to lay off another 100 employees. This is in addition to the 250 positions that were cut last summer as part of a comprehensive restructuring of the club.

Briefed in more detail

Manchester United has not officially commented on the email, but according to The Telegraph, the goal of the changes is to get the club winning again. This requires transformation both on and off the pitch, staff were told.

Employees have been summoned to a meeting on February 24, where they will be briefed in more detail about the plans.

The Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) will remain in place for the 2024/25 season after clubs agreed that proposed financial reforms will not be ready in time, according to The Athletic.

At a meeting in London on yesterday, top-flight clubs discussed introducing a Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) system, which would cap spending on transfers, wages, and agent fees at 85 per cent of revenue – similar to UEFA’s 70 per cent limit.

However, no vote was held, and clubs accepted that the new regulations will require further work before a formal introduction in 2025/26.

Criticism from clubs

Anchoring – a separate proposal to limit top clubs’ spending to five times the prize money earned by the bottom-placed side – was also reviewed and will be monitored in the background next season.

PSR, which restricts clubs to losses of no more than £105 million over three years, has drawn criticism from clubs like Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa, who argue it limits their transfer market spending.

Qatar warns PSG and BeIn Sports backing could be pulled after Al-Khelaifi indictment

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been indicted in France on charges of “complicity in vote-buying and infringement on voting freedom,” as well as “complicity in abuse of power."

The charges relate to an alleged attempt to influence a shareholder vote involving French businessman Arnaud Lagardère and the Qatari sovereign fund, a stakeholder in Lagardère’s group.

Following the indictment, Qatari officials have threatened to withdraw their investments in France, including PSG and broadcaster BeIn Sports, according to a report from france media RMC Sport.

A source close to the Qatari government claimed they are “tired of the false legal proceedings, blackmail and constant criticism” and feel unfairly blamed for issues in France.

Previous legal cases

The charges come two and a half years after Khelaifi was acquitted of corruption allegations in a case concerning World Cup broadcasting rights.

He was also found not guilty in February 2023 following a corruption inquiry into Qatar’s bid to host the 2017 World Athletics Championships.

Serie A takes Stats Perform to court over €200 million betting deal

Lega Serie A has taken Stats Perform to court over its sudden withdrawal from a betting rights agreement with the Italian league last October.

As reported by Italian media, the case centres around Stats Perform's failure to comply with the five-year contract worth a total of €200 million. It is understood the firm has failed to pay either the first tranche of the fee, due on 1st July 2024 or the second, due on 1st September 2024.

Lega Serie A has now followed up on its initial civil precautionary action in relation to the case.

“Malicious nature”

In a statement, Lega Serie A said: “In order to protect the regularity of the betting market on the Italian Serie A championship, the Coppa Italia and the Super Cup, [Lega Serie A] has long since filed a civil precautionary action aimed at ensuring that [Stats] Perform complies with the existing licensing agreement for the commercialisation of the rights to exploit images and data for betting purposes.

“Following further and specific checks, Lega Serie A reluctantly had to note the malicious nature of [Stats] Perform’s conduct, which – potentially assuming criminal relevance – required the filing of a complaint before the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office”.

Everton, Forest and Leicester set to be warned over ‘unlawful’ gambling sponsorships

Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City are to receive written warnings they could face fines and staff could face prison sentences over front-of-shirt sponsors that have been deemed “unlawful” in Great Britain, according to a report from The Daily Telegraph.

The move comes after the Gambling Commission announced that Everton’s front-of-shirt sponsor, Australian bookmaker Stake, will stop operating in the UK by 11th March.

That means Everton are the third Premier League club to promote a sponsor that cannot operate in Great Britain on the front of their shirts, along with Forest and Leicester.

Unlicensed gambling businesses

In a strongly worded statement, the Gambling Commission said Everton and two other Premier League clubs, understood to be Forest and Leicester, would now receive written warnings.

It said: “The letter will warn that club officers may be liable to prosecution and, if convicted, face a fine, imprisonment or both if they promote unlicensed gambling businesses that transact with consumers in Great Britain.”

French football is facing a fresh media rights crisis after Ligue 1’s main broadcaster DAZN decided to only pay half of the domestic TV rights money owed this month, prompting the LFP to take legal action against the UK-based streaming platform.

As reported by L’Equipe, DAZN only paid €35 million of the amount due to be received by Ligue 1 clubs for February when €70 million was expected. The other €35 million has been frozen as DAZN wishes to indicate it has the means to pay.

It is understood that DAZN has grown tired of the LFP’s perceived lack of results in the fight against piracy, and is also angry at Ligue 1 clubs for their limited help in giving the broadcaster editorial content.

LFP files court summons

The LFP has rejected DAZN’s allegations and filed a court summons for the broadcaster to pay its TV rights money share in full.

In a statement, the LFP said it “has taken note of DAZN's unfounded refusal to honour its financial commitments.”

It added: “The LFP, for its part, scrupulously respects all its contractual commitments and will do everything possible to assert its rights. In particular, the LFP has decided to refer the matter to the urgent applications judge in order to obtain an urgent order against DAZN to pay the sums provided for in the contract and to be ordered to perform all of its contractual obligations.

“The LFP intends to firmly defend the interests of French professional clubs, while hoping for an amicable solution to this dispute, which it hopes will be temporary.”
 

Manchester United to continue cost-cutting with fresh round of 200 redundancies

Manchester United are set to make a further 200 members of staff redundant as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues his drive to cut costs, according to a report from The Guardian.

The move follows a 250-person cull last summer as part of a series of measures enacted by Ratcliffe which he says are to address the club’s finances. United have posted five consecutive full-year losses since last achieving profitability in 2018/19.

United’s staff are yet to be informed about the latest round of job losses but, as reported by The Athletic, the club’s executive has resolved they are necessary amid a challenging season.

Average of 1,112 monthly employees

Club accounts for the year ended 30th June, 2023 reported that United’s monthly employees had risen to an average of 1,112. Liverpool, by comparison, had 1,008 employees in the same period, while Arsenal reported 723.

Ratcliffe and his INEOS executives were of the view that United required “right-sizing” and the club embarked upon a redundancy programme, announced to staff in May, which led to around 250 employees being put out of work.
 

Premier League’s PSR replacement faces potential delays due to legal claims

There are fears among club chiefs that an agreement on the Premier League’s new financial rules may be delayed because of the legal challenges against the top-flight, according to a report from The Times.

It is understood that some clubs believe there is little point in having a final vote on new regulations until the outcomes of Manchester City’s two actions against the league’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules are known. There is also a legal threat from players’ union the PFA in the background.

The Premier League is due to end its Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) at the end of the season. The options for replacing them are due to be discussed at a shareholders’ meeting today and although the Premier League is not ruling out a vote, one looks unlikely.

Squad Cost Rule

The favoured option is the Squad Cost Rule (SCR), which would limit clubs to spending 85 per cent of their revenue on player wages, transfers and agents fees. It follows UEFA’s similar rule, which has a 70 per cent limit.

One club chief told The Times that APT rules were “essential” to any financial system that replaces PSR, because if there are no restrictions on how much revenue clubs can raise from associated parties then the SCR would be virtually meaningless.

Another club executive said it was “almost pointless” agreeing to a new system until the outcome of the City legal cases is known.
 

Tottenham potential Qatari takeover plan – Levy could continue to run club

Daniel Levy could be given the chance to stay on at Tottenham Hotspur by a consortium seeking to buy the club, The Guardian has reported.

The newspaper has learned that a group of Qatari investors are willing to give Levy a long-term contract to continue running Spurs as executive chairman.

Retaining Levy would be a controversial move given the antipathy towards the chairman from many Tottenham fans, but it is understood the investors are keen to retain his expertise. It is thought they want control of Spurs but that the proposed takeover could take the form of a phased buyout.

Under one model being considered by the investors, Levy would be offered a management contract to run the club, which would remain in place even if Enic, which owns 86.91 per cent of Tottenham, becomes a minority shareholder.

Longstanding interest

Tottenham have been the subject of longstanding interest from potential investors in America and the Middle East, but no one has met the £3.75 billion valuation.

The identity of the Qatari bidders is unclear, but The Guardian has been told they are private individuals rather than the government-backed Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) or Sheikh Jassim, who tried to buy Manchester United two years ago.
 

Napoli president De Laurentiis rules out Maradona stadium revamp

Aurelio De Laurentiis, the Napoli president, has officially communicated to the mayor of the Neapolitan city, Gaetano Manfredi, that the Serie A club is not interested in pursuing a renovation of its Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

As reported by Italian media, the decision definitively excludes Naples from the list of possible host cities for Euro 2032, which already saw the capital of Campania lagging behind the other contenders.

It was also reported that during a dinner between De Laurentiis and Manfredi, the Napoli president informed the mayor that he was working to build a new stadium with at least 60,000 seats.

Too late to be included

At the moment, however, no such project has been presented, and it is therefore too late to include Naples in the Italian Football Federation (FIGC)’s list to be presented to UEFA for the European Championships that Italy will host in 2032 together with Turkey.

Manfredi said: “The club is making its choices and we discussed the situation. It is still an interlocutory phase, however. Evaluations are underway.” The mayor also did not rule out a revamp of Napoli’s current home given there are no alternative projects on the table at the moment.
 

LaLiga has submitted a formal complaint against Real Madrid over the club’s recent complaints about refereeing decisions, after the league’s president Javier Tebas had threatened the club with legal action last week.

It comes after Madrid wrote an open letter to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) claiming Spain's refereeing system was "totally discredited," and that decisions against them represented "manipulation and adulteration of the competition."

The claims were rejected last week by fellow clubs at a meeting with LaLiga and the RFEF. As reported by Spanish media, the Spanish league has now filed a complaint to the Competition Committee, an independent disciplinary wing of the RFEF, asking it to sanction Real Madrid for calling into question the integrity of the competition.

RFEF and clubs also consider legal action

It is not yet clear what sanctions Madrid may face. However, reports have also indicated that the RFEF and other LaLiga clubs are also considering legal action. They believe Madrid have overstepped the line, and are currently evaluating what steps to take.

It is understood that Madrid are not concerned by the moves being made against them as they believe any defence they are required to put up will be based around numerous complaints from other clubs about Spanish refereeing over recent years.
 

UK opposition leader Kemi Badenoch accused of ‘own goal’ after scrapping support for regulator

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative opposition party, has been accused by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) of going back on her words after describing the game’s incoming regulator as “a waste of money”.

Speaking on The Telegraph’s Daily T podcast, Badenoch maintained she has consistently opposed the plans and suggested the body is now at risk of being an example of “so much rubbish that happens in government”.

However, the FSA hit back over an alleged “own goal”, claiming to have evidence that she previously expressed support for the regulator in a letter to a constituent.

Football Governance Bill

“It’s curious that Kemi Badenoch now opposes the regulator as we have seen correspondence she sent to a constituent a couple of years ago when she said ‘I support these reforms’,” the FSA said. “This is what’s known in football as an own goal, Kemi.”

Labour’s Football Governance Bill, currently making its way through the House of Lords, follows plans for an independent regulator first put in place by the previous Conservative government.
 

UEFA and ECA set to switch from TEAM to Relevent Sports for global rights

UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) are set to drop TEAM Marketing, the Swiss agency that has sold Champions League rights since 1992, and replace it with the US firm Relevent Sports.

In a statement, UEFA and the ECA said the board of its joint venture UC3 “has agreed to enter into an exclusive period of negotiation with Relevent Sports over the global commercial rights to the UEFA men’s club competitions for the period 2027 - 2033.”

The statement added: “The decision follows an open tender process, launched last summer, which attracted bids from a number of global and regional agencies. UC3 anticipates concluding the process in the coming weeks and shall not be making any further comment in the meantime.”

US rights for three seasons

Relevent’s first Champions League deal with UEFA, struck in 2022, let the New York-based company market the US rights for three seasons up to 2026/27.

As reported by AP, influential officials from a number of Champions League clubs pushed for the move from TEAM toward a fresh approach by Relevent for the global rights. UEFA men’s club competitions have earned gross commercial revenue of at least €4.4 billion for each season up to 2026/27.

José María del Nido Carrasco, the president of Sevilla, has heavily criticised Real Madrid over recent complaints about refereeing decisions, and has accused the club of "trying to destroy Spanish football".

Madrid filed a formal complaint over the referee's handling of their 1-0 LaLiga defeat at Espanyol on 1st February, and asked the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to release audio recordings of conversations between the on-field referee and VAR.

Madrid's open letter called Spain's refereeing system "totally discredited," and said decisions against them represented "manipulation and adulteration of the competition." The claims were rejected by fellow clubs at a meeting with LaLiga and the RFEF.

“Honour of referees”

Speaking to DAZN ahead of Sevilla's 4-1 defeat to FC Barcelona on Sunday, Del Nido Carrasco said: "We have to differentiate two things: being able to modify the refereeing system and some aspects of refereeing, and Real Madrid's statement.”

He added: "Real Madrid are trying to destroy Spanish football, with Real Madrid TV, and in various other ways. … It brings into question the honour of referees and the competition. The world of football should denounce, publicly and in the courts, a statement which goes against football's integrity."

Borussia Dortmund post €7.7 million profit for H1 2024/25

Borussia Dortmund have reported a net profit of €7.7 million for the six-month period ending 31st December 2024, down from €70.6 million for the first half of the previous year.

The decline was largely due to a fall in net transfer income to €22.2 million, compared with €82.4 million during the first six months of 2023/24. Dortmund completed the sale of Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid for a reported fee of €103 million in June 2023.

The Bundesliga club also noted that the longer league phase of the Champions League means that income from international TV rights will be recognised at a later date during the year than was the case in the previous year.

Turnover falls to €244.5 million

Turnover for H1 2024/25, not including transfer income, amounted to €244.5 million, down from €256.5 million in H1 2023/24. Broadcast income was €98.2 million, down from €109.3 million, while matchday income was €25.4 million, down from €27.6 million.

Commercial revenue rose to €73 million, up from €70.5 million, and conference, catering and miscellaneous income climbed to €24.8 million, up from €22.7 million, but merchandise income fell to €23.1 million, down from €26.4 million.

As for costs, personnel expenses decreased to €118.1 million, compared with €126.7 million in the first half of 2023/24, but depreciation, amortisation and write-down costs climbed to €49.6 million, up from €46.6 million. Other operating expenses rose to €80.5 million, up from €78.9 million.

Belgian Pro League format changes on hold after proposals fail to secure vote

Proposals for the Belgian Pro League to adopt a new competition format mirroring the Champions League's Swiss model have been put on hold following a meeting of clubs yesterday.

Under the proposed changes, the regular season would be cut from 30 to just 16 gameweeks, followed by an extensive play-off system to decide the league champion and European competition qualifiers.

Six of Belgium’s biggest clubs –Anderlecht, Club Brugge, KRC Genk, KAA Gent, Royal Antwerp and Standard Liège – voiced their desire for the new format in a letter addressed to the Pro League but did not find support among the smaller teams.

Fresh alternatives

As reported by Belgian media, the Pro League put forward two proposed options but no vote took place at yesterday’s general assembly of professional clubs, and it was concluded that without the necessary majority, fresh alternatives must be considered.

It is understood the Pro League management still want to find a solution to the issue this month. The next meeting where the matter is due to be discussed is scheduled for 20th February.

Juventus hearing: 200 civil party applications accepted

Around 200 civil parties have been admitted to the proceedings that opened in Rome in December against the former top management of Juventus, Italian media have reported.

The civil party applications, which were accepted by the Rome preliminary hearings judge (GUP) Anna Maria Gavoni, were made, among others, by the Italian financial markets regulator CONSOB, as well as shareholders, investment funds and consumer associations.

The case follows an investigation into alleged irregularities in Juventus’ salary payments to players, and accusations of false accounting in relation to capital gains from player transfers.

Case moved to Rome

The investigation into the club’s accounts was initially launched by Turin prosecutors before the case was moved to a court in the Italian capital.

There are 12 suspects, among them former president Andrea Agnelli as well as other former directors Pavel Nedved, Maurizio Arrivabene and Fabio Paratici. Juventus and the individuals under suspicion have previously denied any wrongdoing.