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

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

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

Playoff format

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

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

Apollo plans $6 billion sports investment push

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

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

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

Sports investment expansion

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

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

Hoffenheim confirm Schicker will remain managing director

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

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

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

Hopp injunction blocks shareholders’ meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shareholders and economics

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

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

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

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

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

Cost increase

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

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

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

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

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

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

Increasing engagement

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

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

NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Chelsea Women ownership group

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

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

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

Investment in Premier League women’s sides

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

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

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

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

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

Amended rules

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Ruling does not reflect progress

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Project at a standstill

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

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

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

 

FIFPRO Europe set for voting seat on UEFA Executive Committee

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

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

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

Executive Committee structure

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loss limits dispute rejected

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KKR Solutions to be launched

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

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

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

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

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

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

Men’s spending decrease

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

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

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

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

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

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

Custodian appointed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stadium ownership structure

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

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

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

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

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

Power struggle ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Euro 2032 bid

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast and matchday income decline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infantino's comments

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

Russia was banned by FIFA and UEFA in February 2022.

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

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

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

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

Commercial appeal versus tradition

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

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

Morocco appeal CAF sanctions over AFCON final incidents

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

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

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

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

Sanctions imposed on Morocco

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

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

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

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

A quiet January

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

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

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

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

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

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

Levy’s position at the club

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

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

Infantino calls for Russia’s return to international football

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

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

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

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

Partially lifted

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

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

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

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

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

A “clearly defined” list of sanctions

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

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

 

AC Milan owner RedBird complete '€550 million' refinancing

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

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

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

More sustainable foundation

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Contractual dispute

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Previous court ruling

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Deal also includes kit visibility

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Estadio Monumental expansion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Textor’s position at Botafogo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former national team coach banned

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collaboration between the clubs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Textor’s future at Botafogo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women’s football spending accelerates

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

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

DFL planning to launch new U21 league

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

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

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

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

More playing time to young players

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

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

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

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

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

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

beIN Sports could challenge agreement

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

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

River Plate reveal $100 million stadium expansion plans

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

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

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

Funding for the renovation

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

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