The Premier League generated record revenue of £3.66 billion in 2024/25, although turnover increased by only 0.1 per cent year-on-year, according to the league’s latest financial report. Profit fell 25 per cent to £87 million.

International broadcasting remained the competition’s largest source of income, contributing £1.85 billion, equivalent to around half of total revenue. The overseas rights cycle is due to enter a new phase from 2026/27, when the Premier League plans to internalise international media production and distribution following the end of its partnership with IMG.

The figures also showed a decline in distributions to clubs. Payments fell 3.5 per cent year-on-year to £2.82 billion.

Costs Increase

Operating expenses rose 22 per cent to £556.3 million, largely due to an £80 million payment to community football linked to the Premier League’s 2021 agreement with the UK government over domestic TV rights.

The payment was triggered by lower-than-expected parachute payments, as more clubs moved between the Premier League and the Championship.

Legal costs fell slightly to just over £44 million in 2024/25, according to The Times, down from £48 million a year earlier.
 

De Tavernost warns on piracy as Ligue 1 broadcasting revenue remain under pressure

LFP Media director general Nicolas de Tavernost said piracy has cost Ligue 1+ around €100 million in lost revenue, during a hearing before the French Senate’s Culture, Education, Communication and Sport Committee on Wednesday. According to L’Equipe, de Tavernost said the platform could have attracted an additional 400,000 subscribers without illegal streaming.

The outgoing executive also referred to “potential conflicts of interest” when questioned about Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaïfi, who also heads beIN Media Group, following the collapse of Ligue 1+’s attempt to acquire rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

De Tavernost said neither the French Football Federation nor the LFP had pursued action with FIFA over the matter, which contributed to his decision to step down at the end of the season.

€11.7 million for winning Ligue 1

Separately, L’Equipe reported that Ligue 1 clubs have received preliminary estimates from the LFP projecting domestic and international TV rights revenues of €412.2 million for the 2026/27 season. After deductions including the share due to CVC Capital Partners, solidarity payments and Ligue 2 allocations, the net amount available for Ligue 1 clubs would fall to €184.1 million.

Under the current projections, the Ligue 1 champions would receive €11.7 million from domestic broadcasting revenues, while the bottom club would collect €3.6 million.
 

Real Madrid challenge RFEF and LaLiga Copa del Rey rights agreement

Real Madrid have filed a legal challenge against agreements between the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LaLiga covering the production and commercialisation of Copa del Rey audiovisual rights until 2031/32, according to El Confidencial.

The agreements reintroduce a centralised model for managing the competition’s broadcast rights, with the RFEF and LaLiga arguing that the structure improves production standards and strengthens the product’s position in the audiovisual market.

Real Madrid believe the arrangements exceed the organisations’ powers and restrict clubs’ ability to make independent decisions over audiovisual matters.

LaLiga defends agreements

LaLiga said it will defend the agreements, which it considers legally valid. The organisation also pointed to previous court rulings supporting centralised production, arguing the system helps protect the value and consistency of the competition’s broadcast product.

Servimedia reported that the agreement has generated €5 million more than initially forecast for the RFEF. Federation president Rafael Louzán announced the measure in September 2025 as part of renewed cooperation between the RFEF and LaLiga following his appointment.
 

Infantino defends FIFA World Cup ticket pricing policy

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the governing body’s World Cup ticket pricing strategy, arguing that demand in the resale market shows supporters are willing to pay significantly more than face value for seats at the tournament.

Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, Infantino said FIFA had to apply “market rates” in the United States, where ticket resale laws allow seats to be sold at prices far above their original value. He added that 25 per cent of group-stage tickets had been priced below $300.

Infantino also rejected criticism that FIFA's pricing was excessive, saying tickets were still appearing on resale platforms at more than double their original price. “Even though some people are saying that the ticket prices we have are high, they still end up on the resale market at an even higher price,” he said.

Jokes and inaccurate claim

FIFA's official resale platform has listed four tickets for the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at more than $2 million each. Infantino joked that he would personally buy a hot dog and a Coke for any supporter willing to pay that amount.

The comments come after Football Supporters Europe filed a complaint with the European Commission in March over what it described as excessive ticket pricing for the tournament. The Times reported that Infantino also claimed tickets for US college American Football events could not be bought for less than $300, despite lower-priced seats being available from about $30.

The referee designator for Serie A and Serie B, Gianluca Rocchi, is under investigation by prosecutors in Milan over alleged sporting fraud linked to VAR protocol and referee appointments. Authorities have requested that Rocchi attend questioning next week, with the case examining whether selections favoured Inter Milan in several matches.

Rocchi has suspended himself from his role as head of the National Referees’ Committee (CAN), while colleague Andrea Gervasoni has also stepped aside. Five fixtures from the past two seasons are under scrutiny, with three including Inter. No clubs or players are under investigation.

In a statement, Rocchi said: “I have decided to suspend myself… to allow the legal proceedings to run their course properly; I am certain I will emerge from this unscathed.” He added that the decision was taken with the referees’ association to ensure operations continue without disruption.

Investigation widens

According to Calcio e Finanza, Rocchi and Gervasoni are among a group of five individuals under investigation, which also include three VAR operators.

The case was opened more than a year ago and could prompt a review of a previously closed FIGC inquiry on the matter.
 

Norwegian FA president backs ethics complaint against Infantino

The president of the Norwegian Football Association, Lise Klaveness, has backed an ethics complaint against Gianni Infantino over his role in awarding FIFA’s Peace Prize to Donald Trump.

Klaveness said she supports a formal complaint submitted to FIFA’s ethics committee, which alleges breaches of the organisation’s rules on political neutrality. The complaint relates to Infantino’s relationship with Trump and the creation of the Peace Prize.

According to The Athletic, she criticised the process behind the award, stating: “We don’t think it’s part of FIFA’s mandate to give such a prize.” Klaveness also called for the abolition of the prize.

Complaint filed by campaign group

The complaint was submitted in December by FairSquare, which campaigns on labour and human rights issues, and has asked FIFA to investigate what it describes as repeated breaches of neutrality rules. FIFA has not disclosed how the Peace Prize winner was selected or who was involved in the decision.

Klaveness said the case should be assessed through FIFA’s internal processes and handled transparently, while Infantino has defended the decision to award Trump and said the US president “objectively…deserves it”.
 

Fiorentina offer €55 million for stadium redevelopment under conditions

ACF Fiorentina have submitted an expression of interest to the City of Florence to invest €55 million in the second phase of the Stadio Artemio Franchi renovation, according to a statement from the club. The stadium project has been under way since it was first announced in 2020.

The proposal, signed by owner Rocco Commisso, would cover the remaining funding required to complete the project, which has faced a financing gap following the withdrawal of previously allocated public funds.

The club said their investment would depend on meeting specific requirements, including cost oversight, defined construction timelines and the handover of the construction site after the first phase of works.

Euro 2032 bid

Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi visited the stadium site on Monday with mayor Sara Funaro and club officials, as authorities reviewed progress on the ongoing first phase of construction.

The first phase is scheduled for completion on 16 February 2027, with final testing concluding by 30 April, while the full redevelopment is planned to finish in 2029 ahead of use from the 2029/30 season, as Florence prepares to submit its Euro 2032 host city bid.
 

Levski Sofia agree takeover and unveil €120 million stadium project

Bulgarian side PFC Levski Sofia have signed an agreement for a change in ownership that will see Atanas Bostandzhiev become the club’s new majority shareholder, while also presenting plans for a new stadium, the club have revealed. The deal for the controlling stake remains subject to final completion.

Majority owner since 2020, Nasko Sirakov, will remain as president but will no longer hold shares. The club said the process included legal and financial due diligence by both parties, alongside work on a joint development strategy.

Sirakov said: “Today I step down as a shareholder with the understanding that Levski has stability, direction and a foundation on which to build.”

Stadium plans

Levski and architectural and engineering company IPA presented the stadium concept at a press conference, outlining design, financing and expected outcomes. The project envisages a full redevelopment into a multifunctional venue meeting UEFA Category IV requirements. The investment is estimated at €120 million, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027.

Levski Sofia are on track to win the Bulgarian first division this season with an 11-point lead and five games remaining, which would qualify them for the Champions League qualifying round next season.

A US representative of President Donald Trump has said he asked both the White House and FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup, according to the Financial Times.

Paolo Zampolli told the newspaper he had suggested to FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy should take Iran’s place despite failing to qualify for the tournament, which begins in June in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup… With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli said.

Italy and FIFA respond

Italy’s sports minister Andrea Abodi rejected the suggestion, saying it was “not possible” and “not appropriate”, and adding that qualification for the World Cup is decided on the pitch.

BBC Sport reported that the governing body has no plans to replace Iran with Italy.
 

Lyon ordered to pay €20.8 million to Botafogo in debt ruling

Olympique Lyonnais have been ordered by a Brazilian court to pay €20.8 million to Botafogo over unpaid debts linked to former owner John Textor, according to RMC Sport.

The ruling follows a complaint filed by the Rio de Janeiro club in early April seeking repayment of more than €125 million. A judge has issued an initial decision covering 122 million reais (€20.8 million), based on documents seen by AFP and cited by RMC Sport.

Botafogo claim the amount relates to loans granted to Lyon when both clubs were under Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings structure. Lyon can request to pay 30 per cent of the sum upfront and settle the remainder in six instalments, while the club has three days to appeal the decision.

New legal case

Separately, Botafogo have requested the opening of judicial reorganisation proceedings asking for a temporary suspension of Eagle’s voting rights as majority shareholder, accusing the group of blocking new investment.

The development follows the appointment of Cork Gully as administrators of Eagle Football Holdings Bidco, majority shareholder of Botafogo and Olympique Lyonnais, in March, removing John Textor from control and placing the holding company under restructuring oversight.
 

Tottenham hold talks with Sebastian Kehl over co-sporting role

Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with Sebastian Kehl about a potential appointment as co-sporting director, with the German identified as a leading candidate for the position.

The club are seeking a replacement following Fabio Paratici’s departure to Fiorentina in February, and are considering a structure in which a new hire would work alongside current sporting director Johan Lange.

According to The Athletic, no formal offer has yet been made to Kehl, who is currently without a role after leaving Borussia Dortmund in March. He is yet to decide on his next move, despite ongoing discussions.

Co-director structure

Tottenham are exploring a model that mirrors a previous arrangement between Lange and Paratici, who briefly shared responsibilities following the latter’s return to the club in October before his exit.

Kehl, a former Dortmund player who later moved into a series of off-field roles, has also been linked with a vacancy at Hamburg. However, he is understood to be weighing his options and has not committed to an immediate return to football.
 

HSV launch Supporters Trust targeting €16 million for stadium investment

Hamburger SV have launched a fan-backed “Supporters Trust” scheme aimed at raising €16 million in an initial funding phase for stadium-related investment, the club announced in a statement.

The Bundesliga club plan to offer shares priced at €887 each, with an initial tranche of 18,870 units reflecting the club’s founding year. A founding assembly is scheduled for 5 May, with sales to begin following regulatory approval.

Club president Henrik Köncke said members will have priority access during the first ten days, before the offer is extended to season ticket holders and other supporters. “In the first ten days after the launch, HSV members will initially have the opportunity to participate,” he said.

Structure and rollout

The funds raised are restricted to infrastructure spending, with the club stating they will be used to improve the stadium experience. Plans include increasing capacity at the Volksparkstadion from 57,000 to 60,000 seats.

Köncke said that, subject to approvals, expansion work could begin immediately, with capacity expected to exceed 58,000 during the next season. The club added that the initiative was backed by members in a previous vote and has support from figures including Horst Hrubesch and head coach Merlin Polzin.
 

AFE launches new international footballers’ union after FIFPRO split

The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) has launched a new international union, the International Association of Footballers (AIF), following their departure from global body FIFPRO.

The organisation was presented in Madrid by AFE president David Aganzo, who said the new body will represent more than 30,000 players and focus on their role in decision-making and the protection of their rights.

AFE left FIFPRO citing concerns over governance, with Aganzo stating during the launch that “footballers today are losing strength, losing rights and losing guarantees”, adding the union would seek to restore FIFA-backed financial protections.

FIFPRO questions legitimacy

Women’s football is set to be a central focus of AIF, including issues related to equality, working conditions and maternity protections, according to the organisation’s leadership.

FIFPRO responded in a statement, questioning the legitimacy of the new body and saying its own structure is supported by 70 national unions representing over 60,000 players, with formal recognition from the European Union and the International Labour Organization.

France’s National Assembly is set to examine a proposed law to reform the governance of professional football from 18 May.

The bill, which was adopted by the Senate in June last year, could come into force as early as next season if passed before the summer, introducing structural changes to how the professional game is run.

Under the proposal, the current role of the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) would be reshaped, with greater powers transferred to the French Football Federation (FFF). The reform would allow the federation to take back control from the league over organising competitions.

Reform plans and club pressure

The legislation, backed by senators Laurent Lafon and Michel Savin, includes plans to create a club-owned company to run competitions, similar to models used in other European leagues such as the Premier League.

It follows pressure from several Ligue 1 club presidents, who wrote earlier this year: “We call on the public authorities to accelerate the necessary and urgent reform of the governance of French professional football”, warning that the current system is no longer suited to managing broadcast rights and the league’s commercial strategy.
 

PIF sell 70 per cent stake in Al Hilal to Saudi prince

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have sold a 70 per cent stake in Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company, as the sovereign wealth fund continues to reshape its sports portfolio.

The deal values Al Hilal at €317 million and transfers majority ownership to the investment firm controlled by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal.

PIF acquired controlling stakes in four leading Saudi clubs, including Al Hilal, in 2023, and will retain a minority share in the club.

PIF strategy under focus

The sale comes amid scrutiny of PIF’s wider sports investments, including reports that it may scale back funding for LIV Golf, the breakaway circuit launched in 2022.

In a statement, PIF said the transaction aligns with its strategy to “maximize returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy”, while Bin Talal said the acquisition reflects a belief in sport as “a unifying force… and a catalyst for national development.”
 

Lionel Messi acquires UE Cornellà and expands club ownership portfolio

Lionel Messi has completed the purchase of UE Cornellà, a fifth-tier Spanish club. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The Barcelona-based side compete in Tercera Federación and are recognised for their youth development system.

Players including Jordi Alba and David Raya have previously come through the club’s academy. The acquisition marks Messi’s latest move into football ownership alongside his playing career at Inter Miami.

Messi has also established Leones de Rosario in Argentina and is a partner with Luis Suárez in Deportivo LSM. The expansion into club ownership has been complemented by the launch of the Messi Cup, a youth competition involving academy teams from multiple countries.

Players' investment trend

Current and former footballers have been increasingly active in investments. Only this year, Dani Alves, Carlos Vela and Cristiano Ronaldo have all been involved in majority or minority investments in clubs.

Earlier this week it was also reported that John Terry is fronting a consortium looking to buy Colchester United, and in January Sergio Ramos was said to be fronting a consortium looking to acquire Sevilla.

KAA Gent have initiated legal proceedings against the Belgian Pro League, seeking a renewed vote on the competition format and aiming to restore a 16-team top division with play-offs from the 2027/28 season.

The move follows a 31 March General Assembly where clubs voted to amend U23 quotas in the second tier, after pressure from the Belgian Competition Authority, but did not revisit the format decision approved in February 2025, which set an 18-team league without play-offs, according to Nieuwsblad.

KAA Gent argue the quotas were integral to securing the required majority for the wider reform package, including the removal of play-offs. The club said the decision was “single and indivisible”, adding that any change to the quotas should trigger a new vote on the full agreement.

Legal basis of format vote

The club has now opened cases at the enterprise court and the Belgian Arbitration Court for Sport, alongside ongoing proceedings at the competition authority, seeking to enforce what it views as the legal requirement for a fresh vote.

KAA Gent stated its objective is a “correct and constructive discussion” and a democratic vote on the format, while maintaining that altering quotas without revisiting the broader decision is not legally acceptable.
 

Real Sociedad report €41.6 million first half profit boosted by player sales

Real Sociedad have reported a profit of €41.6 million for the first half of the 2025/26 season, according to the club’s financial report.

The figure represents an increase of 8 per cent compared with €38.6 million recorded at the same stage of the previous campaign.

The result was driven primarily by profit on player sales, which rose to €74.8 million, largely reflecting the summer transfer of Martín Zubimendi to Arsenal for a reported fee of €70 million.

Revenue decreases

Total revenue declined by 16 per cent to €52.4 million, down from €62.7 million last year. Broadcasting revenue generated €36.2 million, while membership income exceeded €6 million. Commercial revenue reached €5.3 million.

Operating expenses remained broadly stable, with staff costs approaching €50 million and other operating expenses exceeding €20 million.
 

Nike set to secure UEFA ball rights in €40 million a year deal

Nike is in exclusive talks to become the official match ball supplier for UEFA's men’s club competitions from 2027, in a deal expected to exceed €40 million per season, effectively doubling the current agreement, according to the Financial Times.

The agreement would cover the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League for the 2027–2031 cycle, replacing Adidas after more than two decades as supplier.

Adidas confirmed it would not renew its contract, stating it was “proud to have created the most iconic ball range of all time” during its tenure with the competition.

Shift in commercial strategy

The process was managed by Relevent Football Partners on behalf of UC3, UEFA's joint venture with European Football Clubs (EFC) responsible for commercial revenues.

The proposed increase in value reflects broader changes in UEFA's commercial approach, with new sponsorship and media deals contributing to higher overall revenues across its competitions.

Everton and Fulham are in advanced talks to replace their current betting sponsors with front-of-shirt agreements involving CMC Markets, worth about £50 million over three years, according to Sky News.

The two Premier League clubs are seeking new commercial partners ahead of a voluntary league ban on gambling sponsorships, with CMC emerging as a leading candidate. CMC Markets is a London-listed financial services company led by Lord Cruddas, a former treasurer of the Conservative Party.

One industry source told Sky News that discussions were ongoing and other brands remained interested in both clubs.

11 clubs need replacements

The negotiations come as clubs prepare for the removal of betting companies from front-of-shirt positions, following growing regulatory and political scrutiny of gambling advertising in English football.

Everton and Fulham are currently sponsored by betting operators, placing them among 11 clubs needing replacements as the ban takes effect for the 2026/27 season.
 

Newly elected Paris mayor seeks summer agreement on Parc des Princes sale

Newly elected Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has said he will reopen talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential sale of the Parc des Princes, aiming to reach an agreement before the end of the summer.

As reported by French media, Grégoire said he plans to convene an exceptional Paris Council meeting in mid-April to secure a mandate to negotiate, stressing that any decision would ultimately rest with the council rather than the mayor alone.

He added: “I want to very quickly re-engage discussions… I will refer the matter to the Council of Paris,” while reiterating his personal support for a sale and stating that public funds should not be used to finance a professional football stadium.

Shift in stance

Negotiations had previously stalled under former mayor Anne Hidalgo, who opposed the sale of the stadium to the club. This had led Paris Saint-Germain to consider moving 15 kilometres away from Paris to build a new €1 billion 90,000-capacity stadium.

However, the new administration has indicated a change in approach, with Grégoire seeking to re-establish contact with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi as discussions resume over the future ownership of the venue.
 

Cardiff lose €120 million damages claim against Nantes in Sala case

Cardiff City have lost their €120 million damages claim against Nantes over the death of Emiliano Sala, following a ruling by the Nantes Commercial Court on Monday. The League One club had sought compensation linked to alleged financial losses after their relegation from the Premier League in 2019.

The Welsh club argued that Sala’s absence following his death in January 2019 contributed to their relegation, resulting in lost earnings and a reduced club valuation. The court dismissed the claim in full and instead ordered Cardiff to pay Nantes €300,000 in damages along with €180,000 in legal costs.

Legal arguments focused on the organisation of the flight that ended in the fatal crash over the English Channel. Cardiff alleged the journey had been arranged on behalf of Nantes by banned agent Willie McKay, a claim the French club denied, maintaining they dealt only with his son Mark McKay during the transfer.

Ongoing legal fallout

Sala, 28, died when the aircraft carrying him to Cardiff crashed on January 21, 2019. The incident occurred days after the striker had completed a €17 million transfer from Nantes.

In 2022, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Sala’s transfer had been finalised at the time of his death. The following year, FIFA ordered Cardiff to pay just over €11 million of the transfer fee to Nantes.
 

CAF general secretary steps down as AFCON final fallout continues

Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba has resigned amid ongoing fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Mosengo-Omba stepped down after five years in the role, with CAF confirming competitions director Samson Adamu will take over on an interim basis while a replacement is appointed.

The resignation follows a dispute over the AFCON final in which Senegal were stripped of their title after walking off during a stoppage-time penalty decision against hosts Morocco. Senegal have appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

AFCON changes

According to The Guardian, Mosengo-Omba’s tenure had also been marked by scrutiny over alleged financial irregularities, although Swiss prosecutors declined to pursue charges, and internal complaints regarding workplace culture, which he denied.

Separately, CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced that AFCON will expand from 24 to 28 teams, without detailing the format or timeline. CAF also plans to move the tournament to a four-year cycle after 2027 and introduce a Nations League-style competition from 2029.

Everton are exploring a potential legal challenge against the Premier League over its decision not to impose sporting sanctions on Chelsea for historical financial breaches, according to The Guardian.

The Merseyside club are preparing to request a formal explanation from the league after Chelsea were fined £10.75 million and handed a suspended transfer ban for undisclosed payments made between 2011 and 2018.

Everton believe the absence of a points deduction contrasts with their own case, having been penalised eight points during the 2023/24 season for breaches of profitability and sustainability regulations. One source cited by The Guardian said the differing approaches were “difficult to reconcile”.

Clubs question consistency

Nottingham Forest are also understood to be dissatisfied after receiving a four-point deduction for a similar regulatory breach as Everton, and have held discussions with the Liverpool club about a possible joint response.

Concerns have reportedly been raised among clubs that the handling of Chelsea’s case may set a precedent, particularly with a separate case involving 115 financial charges against Manchester City still awaiting resolution.
 

Nottingham Forest report £71 million loss for 2024/25

Nottingham Forest have reported a loss of £71.1 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2025, according to accounts filed with Companies House.

The figure compares to a £10.1 million profit in the previous year and follows an operating loss of £57.1 million, an improvement on the £75.3 million loss recorded in 2024.

Forest generated record revenues of £221.7 million during the period, up from £189.6 million the previous year, which the club attributed to Premier League merit payments and commercial growth of almost £10 million.

Squad investment

Wages increased slightly by £1.4 million to £168.3 million, while amortisation grew by almost 12 per cent to £68.9 million.

In the accounts, the club said: “The club’s recruitment saw further investment by the ownership to ensure the club were able to attract elite talent to give the team the best opportunity to compete in the Premier League.”
 

Nasser Al-Khelaifi targeted by report over Ligue 1 rights conflict of interest

Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been reported to prosecutors by Anticor, a French anti-corruption association, over alleged illegal conflict of interest linked to the 2024 Ligue 1 domestic television rights process, according to L’Équipe.

The organisation has referred the matter to the Paris public prosecutor, alleging that the Paris Saint-Germain president may have attempted to influence decisions during negotiations in which beIN Media Group, which he also leads, was involved.

Anticor claims Al-Khelaifi sought to sway the Ligue de Football Professionnel’s board in favour of beIN Sports during the tender process.

Entourage dismisses allegation

His entourage rejected the allegation, describing the complaint as “absurd” and stating: “These are the clubs, the league representatives and even political figures who put pressure on beIN… not the other way around.”

Reports have previously highlighted tensions during the rights process, including a 2024 meeting between Ligue 1 club executives at which Al-Khelaifi was challenged by several counterparts over a perceived conflict of interest.
 

Record sales drive Bournemouth £14.9 million pre-tax profit

AFC Bournemouth have reported a pre-tax profit of £14.9 million for the year ending 30 June 2025, compared to a pre-tax loss of £66.3 million in the previous year.

The improvement was primarily driven by a £91 million profit on player sales. Amortisation increased by 12 per cent to £69.1 million, with spending on player additions amounting to £104.3 million. Wages increased by £22 million to £158.4 million.

The club recorded an operating loss of £62.7 million, up from a £56 million operating loss in 2023/24.

Revenue growth

Total revenue grew by 17 per cent to almost £200 million. This was mainly driven by increases in broadcasting and commercial revenue of £12.4 million and £8.8 million.

Matchday revenue increased slightly, while other income grew by £9 million, supported by player loan income.
 

LFP confirm Paris Saint-Germain v Lens match postponement despite objections

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has confirmed the postponement of Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 fixture against Lens despite objections raised by Lens earlier this week.

The match, originally scheduled for April 11, has been moved to May 13 after PSG requested a free weekend between their Champions League quarter-final ties against Liverpool. The LFP approved the change, citing its policy of supporting French clubs competing in European competitions.

Lens had criticised the proposal on Tuesday, arguing it undermines the integrity of the domestic competition.

The club said: “It now appears that a concerning sentiment is beginning to take hold… that the French championship is gradually being reduced to an adjustment variable depending on the European commitments of certain clubs.”

Responses to decision

The LFP said the decision aligns with its broader strategy to protect France’s UEFA coefficient ranking. PSG were also granted a similar schedule adjustment in the previous round.

In a statement, Lens said they disagreed with the decision by the LFP board but acknowledged it responsibly. Lens president Joseph Oughourlian added in a social media post: “As Jean de La Fontaine said, might makes right.”

John Textor and Brazilian club Botafogo have announced plans to take legal action against Olympique Lyon to recover what they describe as unpaid sums.

In a statement, Botafogo said it would initiate proceedings against Lyon, as well as Eagle Football Holdings, the ownership group previously led by Textor. The club said the action relates to financial obligations it claims remain outstanding.

The dispute centres on alleged transfers involving Botafogo players in July 2024. Botafogo said it is seeking to “recuperate the amounts owed” through the courts.

Transfer dispute

The case refers to transactions involving players including Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus, who were initially expected to join Lyon. However, both players ultimately moved to other clubs, with the transfers not registered by the French Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP).

Textor, who oversaw Lyon between May 2023 and June 2025, has also argued that Botafogo contributed financially to cover losses at the French club. The legal proceedings are expected to focus on the financial flows between the clubs and the validity of the disputed transactions.

CAS confirm Senegal appeal against AFCON title decision

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) have confirmed they will hear an appeal from Senegal seeking to overturn the decision to strip them of their Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled on 17 March that Morocco were to be awarded the title, two months after the final, following Senegal’s withdrawal from the pitch during the match.

CAF declared Morocco 3-0 winners of the final played on 18 January, ending a 49-year wait for their second continental title. CAS director general Matthieu Reeb said: “CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute… we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible.”

Arbitration process under way

Senegal’s appeal aims to annul CAF’s ruling and reinstate their original victory, with the case now moving into formal arbitration procedures under CAS oversight.

Senegal have been given 20 days to submit their legal arguments, while CAF will have a further 20 days to file their defence before an arbitral panel reviews the case.

Rangers plan £16m share issue to fund squad investment

Rangers are planning to raise £16 million through a new share issue to fund investment in the men’s first team, according to a club statement.

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh said the offering will be backed by his consortium and existing shareholders, with proceeds allocated towards player acquisitions and wider club requirements.

In a letter to supporters, Cavenagh said the consortium’s total investment since taking control in summer 2025 has reached £36 million, outlining the club’s continued reliance on shareholder funding to support football operations.

The share issue will be made available to existing investors, with details of the offer and required approvals to be circulated, including a minimum subscription threshold for participation.

No plan to replace sporting director

Cavenagh also said Rangers will not replace former sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who left alongside former chief executive Patrick Stewart in November: “We do not plan to hire a sporting director. The executive team is committed to being smaller, nimbler, and more entrepreneurial.”

Season ticket prices for adults will increase by 6.5 per cent, with the club citing rising operating costs including wages, agent fees and matchday expenses, and stating that increased revenue is required to maintain spending on the squad.

FA resists Manchester United push for new Old Trafford as 2035 Women's World Cup final venue

The English Football Association is resisting efforts by Manchester United to have a rebuilt Old Trafford host the 2035 Women’s World Cup final, maintaining its preference for Wembley Stadium.

According to The Guardian, the FA named Wembley as the proposed final venue in its bid submission to FIFA last November and does not intend to revise that position, even if United complete a new 100,000-seat stadium in time.

The final decision rests with FIFA, but it would be unusual for the governing body to override the host association’s preference. The FA is leading a joint bid from the home nations to stage the tournament.

United targets 2035 final

Collette Roche, leading Manchester United’s stadium development, said: "if we could pull that off, that would be incredible,” referencing ambitions also backed by Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

“We’ve not named a date for opening, but we are on track within those timescales,” she said.

Real Madrid to convert Bernabéu pitch into tennis courts for Madrid Open

Real Madrid are preparing to transform the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium into tennis courts during the upcoming Madrid Open, according to Marca.

The stadium will be used as a training facility for players between 23 and 30 April, during the tournament, which begins on 20 April.

The initiative takes advantage of the stadium’s retractable pitch system, installed as part of the recent redevelopment completed in 2023. The surface can be removed and stored underground, allowing alternative sporting infrastructure to be built on top.

Madrid are scheduled to play away matches during this period, including league fixtures against Real Betis, Espanyol and Barcelona, enabling the venue to be repurposed without disrupting fixtures.

Multi-use strategy

The redevelopment of the Bernabéu was designed to expand non-football revenues by hosting external events. The venue has already staged concerts and an NFL game since reopening.

Club president Florentino Pérez has previously expressed interest in hosting tennis events at the stadium.

Olympique Lyon are being sued for $63 million in a London claim connected to the financing of a transfer involving Igor Jesus, Bloomberg reports. The action has been brought by PRPF LLC, linked to lender MC Credit Partners.

The dispute stems from a revised agreement tied to a proposed transfer from Brazilian side Botafogo, another club within Eagle Football Holdings. Lyon are alleged to have missed a scheduled payment due in November, leading to the claim.

According to court filings, the total includes $43.1 million in principal, alongside fees and interest charges.

Multi-club model under focus

Lyon and Botafogo are both controlled by Eagle Football Holdings, founded by John Textor, with the group facing financial pressure across its operations. Lyon have also been dealing with regulatory scrutiny over their financial position.

The case highlights the growing use of transfer-related receivables as financing tools within football, with lenders and regulators assessing risks linked to multi-club ownership structures.

UK government offers Abramovich meeting over £2.35 billion Chelsea funds

The UK government has offered to meet Roman Abramovich to seek agreement on releasing £2.35 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC to charity, despite having set a deadline this week for compliance or potential legal action.

According to The Times, Treasury officials have contacted Abramovich’s representatives through lawyers, but no agreement has been reached.

The government maintains the funds must be spent entirely within Ukraine, while Abramovich wants the money to support all victims of the war.

Stalemate continues

The proceeds remain frozen in an account linked to Abramovich’s company Fordstam Ltd, nearly four years after the club was sold. Abramovich’s representatives argue that legal action would not succeed and that his proposed terms should be accepted.

Fordstam’s latest accounts state that Abramovich is obliged to donate £987 million in net proceeds rather than the full £2.35 billion.

European clubs call for Champions League draw rule change

A number of European clubs have called for a change to Champions League regulations to allow teams from the same country to face each other in the league phase, according to the BBC.

The proposal relates to the current format introduced for the 2024/25 season, which prevents clubs from the same domestic league meeting during the opening eight-match phase before restrictions are lifted for the knockout rounds.

Concerns have been raised that the rule increases the likelihood of more difficult fixtures for non-English sides, with several clubs required to face Premier League opponents.

Clubs divided

The issue has been linked to the growing number of English teams in the competition, with three placed in Pot 1 this season, leading to additional draw constraints for other clubs.

Some clubs support removing country protection earlier in the tournament, while others favour extending it into the knockout rounds after recent domestic match-ups, including Paris St-Germain facing Monaco and Brest.

DNCG approved Red Star FC sale after limited checks on 777 Partners

France’s football financial regulator, the DNCG, carried out only limited due diligence before approving the sale of Red Star FC to US investment firm 777 Partners in 2022, according to newly released documents.

The material was obtained by supporters group Red Star Bauer Collective after a legal process lasting nearly four years, following an initial request to the French Football Federation in May 2022. The documents were only disclosed in February 2026 despite earlier court rulings in favour of release.

They indicate that the DNCG performed what the group describes as a superficial review of 777 Partners’ financial position and legal standing before authorising the takeover from then owner Patrice Haddad. “The documents show French clubs remain vulnerable to toxic buyers,” the collective said.

777 Partners fallout

777 Partners has since entered bankruptcy proceedings, with several executives facing legal action in the United States after the Red Star transaction had been completed.

Co-founder Josh Wander has been indicted in a case involving alleged fraud of $500m, including charges of wire fraud, securities fraud and conspiracy, each carrying potential prison sentences of up to 20 years.

UEFA consider direct-to-consumer Champions League streaming service

UEFA are exploring plans to launch a direct-to-consumer streaming service for Champions League matches in the next broadcast cycle, according to The Guardian.

Discussions remain at an early stage, with no decision taken on pricing or structure, and the governing body is assessing whether a dedicated platform could be introduced from the 2027–2031 rights period.

A trial is being considered in selected markets, potentially in Asia, through UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC), which manages commercial rights. One person familiar with the discussions said the aim is to test whether the model can operate alongside existing broadcast agreements.

Streaming plans tied to broader strategy

The proposal follows moves by domestic leagues to expand direct distribution, with the Premier League preparing to introduce its own app-based service in Singapore ahead of next season.

UEFA’s approach to digital distribution has also been part of wider discussions with clubs, including Real Madrid, as part of an agreement last month to settle disputes linked to the European Super League project and to explore the use of technology to deliver competitions.

Chelsea have been given a suspended one-year ban from signing first-team players and fined £10 million by the Premier League after the club admitted breaches of financial rules during Roman Abramovich’s ownership. The sanction relates to payments connected to transfers between 2011 and 2018 that were not fully disclosed in financial reporting.

The transfer ban will be suspended for two years, meaning Chelsea can continue registering senior players provided there are no further rule breaches during that period. The Premier League did not impose a sporting sanction, such as a points deduction, as part of the settlement.

The settlement agreement published by the Premier League states that the breaches involved payments exceeding £23 million to seven unregistered agents or associated entities in relation to the transfers of Eden Hazard, Ramires, David Luiz, Andre Schurrle, Nemanja Matic, Willian and Samuel Eto’o. In total, £47.5 million was paid to 12 individuals or companies connected to those deals.

Academy and FA sanctions

Chelsea have also been banned from registering academy players for nine months if those players were previously registered with another Premier League or English Football League academy. The restriction does not apply to current academy players, international youth players or those registering for the first time at Under-9 level.

The Premier League said Chelsea’s decision to self-report the historical breaches and cooperate with the investigation was taken into account in the sanction. The fine could have been £20 million and the transfer ban two windows if the club had not voluntarily disclosed the information.

According to The Times, the English Football Association (FA), which last year raised 74 alleged rule breaches, are expected to follow the Premier League’s verdict and also impose a heavy fine, expected to be within the same range as the Premier League’s. A sporting sanction is not anticipated.
 

Laporta re-elected as FC Barcelona president with 68 per cent of votes

Joan Laporta has been re-elected as president of FC Barcelona after receiving 68.2 per cent of the votes in the club’s latest presidential election.

A total of 32,934 members backed Laporta, while Víctor Font received 14,385 votes, representing 29.8 per cent.

The result means Laporta will remain president until 2031. He previously led the club between 2003 and 2010 and has held the position again since 2021. In a statement released by FC Barcelona, Laporta said: “This result is resounding and gives us a lot of strength; it makes us unstoppable. Nobody will stop us.”

Low participation

Turnout in the election reached 42.3 per cent of eligible members, with 48,480 people casting a ballot. According to 2Playbook, this represents the second-lowest participation level in the club’s electoral history.

Víctor Font acknowledged the result and said he would continue advocating for his vision for the club.
 

Boca Juniors unveil plan to expand home ground capacity to 80,000

Boca Juniors have unveiled plans to redevelop their La Bombonera stadium, increasing capacity from about 57,000 to 80,000 seats as part of a project preserving the ground’s existing location and structure. The club outlined the proposal in an executive summary released last week.

The redevelopment has a reported cost between $50 million and $60 million and represent the largest modification to the stadium since it opened in 1940. The project would add new seating tiers and hospitality areas.

Boca president Juan Román Riquelme said the club had sought a solution that would expand capacity without relocating the ground or acquiring nearby housing.

Capacity pressures

Fewer than half of Boca Juniors' roughly 126,000 active members can currently attend matches at La Bombonera because of the stadium’s limited capacity. Demand for tickets has long exceeded supply, prompting repeated debate about expansion.

The redevelopment would require the pitch to be moved about four metres within the existing structure and could force the club to stage home matches elsewhere during construction. The club expect work to begin during the upcoming World Cup and last around two years.
 

Several Liga F clubs negotiating investment from external funds

Several clubs in Liga F are in talks with investment funds over potential capital injections, as external investors increase their interest in Spain’s top women’s football competition.

The development follows the recent entry of Mercury13 into Spanish women’s football through the acquisition of a majority stake in FC Badalona Women.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Liga F chief executive Pablo Vilches said discussions between investors and clubs are ongoing. “There is interest from more funds with different clubs,” he said, adding that further capital injections into teams in the competition “cannot be ruled out”.

Supporting development and stability

Vilches had previously suggested that clubs in the competition would open their capital to external investors as the league develops commercially.

Vilches said the entry of investors such as Mercury13 could support club development and provide greater financial stability.