Tottenham Hotspur chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has criticised the club’s previous wage structure and player investment strategy under former chairman Daniel Levy, saying the approach weakened Spurs’ competitiveness in the transfer market, as reported by The Telegraph.

In a summary of discussions from a recent meeting with the club’s Fan Advisory Board, Venkatesham said an internal review had identified the wage framework and player transaction model implemented during Levy’s tenure as factors that had limited the club’s ability to strengthen the men’s squad.

He also warned that the club have been loss-making for several years, meaning future squad investment will depend partly on increasing player sales alongside revenue growth in order to remain within financial regulations.

Wage model removed

Venkatesham told supporters that Tottenham have now removed the wage structure introduced during Levy’s time in charge as part of wider changes to the club’s governance and football operations.

When approached by The Telegraph, Daniel Levy declined to respond to the criticism raised by Vinai Venkatesham. People close to the former chairman, however, disputed the claims and highlighted that Tottenham qualified for a European competition in 18 of his 20 seasons in charge of the club.
 

Apollo inject €100 million into Atletico Madrid and appoint David Villa to board

Apollo Global Management have invested €100 million into Atletico Madrid after formally completing the acquisition of a 55 per cent stake in the LaLiga club, according to a club statement.

The transaction also triggers changes to Atletico’s board, which will expand to 11 members. Former Spain international David Villa joins as one of five directors representing Apollo, alongside Robert Givone, Tristram Leach, Sam Porter, Javier Valle and Antonio Vázquez-Guillen.

Chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and president Enrique Cerezo remain on the board but now hold minority stakes of 10 per cent and 3 per cent respectively, as reported by 2Playbook. Quantum Pacific Group become the second-largest shareholder with 25 per cent, while Ares Management retain a five per cent stake.

Sport city funding

Apollo’s investment comes as Atletico progress plans for the Ciudad del Deporte complex, a mixed-use leisure and entertainment development surrounding the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium.

The club said the funding will support the project while maintaining investment in the first team.
 

Report claims Marseille executive filed police incident report after Benatia dispute

A senior Olympique de Marseille executive filed a police incident report following an internal dispute with sporting director Medhi Benatia during the 2024 summer transfer window, according to La Provence.

The outlet reports tensions developed between Benatia and Cécilia Barontini, who had been appointed to help oversee the club’s administration alongside Alban Juster under president Pablo Longoria. Barontini is said to have opposed several sporting decisions, including the signing of Mason Greenwood.

La Provence adds that the disagreement escalated over several weeks and culminated in a confrontation in Longoria’s office at the club’s La Commanderie training centre, after which Barontini recorded an incident report with police.

Marseille reject

Marseille rejected the allegations during a press conference ahead of their Ligue 1 match against Auxerre. Director of communications Bel-Abbès Bouaissi said the club were “extremely shocked” by the report, describing the articles as containing “accusatory” claims and “unfounded insinuations”.

The investigation, based on around 20 anonymous sources, also alleged tensions between Benatia and Greenwood during the season, with the sporting director questioning the forward’s commitment and considering making him available for transfer.

Leicester City and the Premier League have each filed appeals after an independent commission imposed a six-point deduction on the club for breaching the profitability and sustainability rules.

The Premier League is seeking a further sanction linked to Leicester’s delayed submission of their 2023/24 accounts. While the disciplinary commission acknowledged that Leicester delayed submitting their accounts, it did not treat the delay as an aggravating factor when determining the penalty.

Premier League said it wants the appeal process concluded before the end of the EFL season in May to provide clarity for clubs and supporters.

Leicester's appeal

Leicester are contesting both the scale of the punishment and the mechanism through which it was applied. The club are understood to argue that the English Football League should not be able to enforce a sanction on the Premier League’s behalf.

The deduction has moved Leicester into the Championship relegation places. They are 22nd in the table, two points from safety, with 14 fixtures remaining.
 

OutField takes majority stake in Le Mans FC as Courtois joins as minority investor

Brazilian investment fund OutField has acquired a majority stake in Le Mans FC from Thierry Gomez, consolidating control of the Ligue 2 club six months after initially entering its share capital as a minority shareholder.

The deal was completed with the support of European investors including NinetyTwo X and NxtPlay Capital. Through the latter vehicle, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has joined the club as a minority shareholder.

OutField, which manages more than $150 million and focuses exclusively on the sports industry, also owns a stake in Brazilian club Coritiba. The fund first invested in Le Mans last summer alongside high-profile athletes such as tennis player Novak Djokovic and former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen.

New training centre

In a statement announcing the takeover, the club said a new training centre will be “one of the pillars” of the new ownership's project, with the facility scheduled to open in July 2026.

Thierry Gomez will remain a shareholder and president, continuing to oversee day-to-day operations.
 

FC Porto report €1.9 million profit for first-half of 2025/26 as player sales offset wage rise

FC Porto have reported a profit of €1.9 million for the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, up from €0.6 million in the same period last year.

The increase was primarily driven by a €15.3 million rise in profit on player sales, which reached €41.6 million. That offset a €13 million increase in wages, which climbed to €51.3 million.

Revenue excluding player sales rose 5 per cent to €80.9 million.

Debt falls

The Portuguese club reduced net debt by €46.4 million during the first six months of the financial year.

Porto finished outside the UEFA Champions League qualification places in both 2023/24 and 2024/25. They are currently top of the league as they seek to secure qualification next season and win the title for the first time since 2021/22.
 

FIFA yet to distribute €212 million Club World Cup solidarity fund as clubs grow frustrated

Clubs across multiple continents are waiting for FIFA to distribute €212 million in solidarity payments promised after last summer’s Club World Cup, more than seven months after the tournament concluded, as reported by The Guardian.

The fund, agreed as part of the competition’s financial model, was designed to benefit clubs that did not participate. While the €846million allocated as prize money is understood to have been paid, FIFA has yet to determine how the solidarity pot will be divided or when payments will be made.

There is no indication the money will not be paid, but frustration is growing, particularly among clubs in smaller leagues. If distributed evenly, the fund would amount to roughly €57,000 per top-flight club worldwide, although in practice payments are unlikely to be identical.

Allocation formula unresolved

One unresolved issue is how the €212 million will be split between the six confederations. Most of these also lack an established mechanism for distributing such funds.

A source at the Union of European Clubs told The Guardian that neither the organisation nor its members had received information on timing.

UEFA has published its financial report for the 2024/25 season, reporting revenue of €5.01 billion across all competitions — a record for a financial year without a men’s European Championship. More than €4 billion was generated from media rights agreements.

The accounts are the first released since the introduction of the new Champions League structure and outline the revenue distribution variations for clubs competing in UEFA’s three club competitions.

Paris Saint-Germain received the highest payout from UEFA, earning €144.4 million for winning the Champions League. Tottenham Hotspur received €41.4 million for their Europa League victory, while Chelsea earned €21.8 million for winning the Conference League.

Financial distribution

UEFA distributed €3.4 billion to clubs during the season, an increase of €400 million compared with the previous campaign.

The governing body allocated 10 per cent of its gross competition revenues to solidarity payments. Of that total, €308 million was distributed to clubs not participating in European competitions.

Further funds were allocated to clubs eliminated in qualifying rounds, while €25 million was directed towards the UEFA Youth League and women’s club competitions.
 

FA reviewing Ratcliffe remarks for possible breach of regulations

The English Football Association is assessing whether Jim Ratcliffe’s claim that Britain has been “colonised by immigrants” breaches its regulations, according to The Times.

The Manchester United co-owner has apologised for his “choice of language”, but the FA’s legal team is considering whether the comments could amount to bringing the game into disrepute under Rule E3.1.

As a club director, Ratcliffe falls under its jurisdiction, with breaches for media comments typically resulting in financial penalties. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said the matter was being handled by the governing body’s legal and regulation department.

Project and internal fallout

The remarks have prompted concern among figures involved in the proposed Old Trafford regeneration.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham described the comments as “inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory and should be withdrawn”, while sources told The Times that political support for the stadium project could be affected.

Senior figures at United have also indicated that the comments caused offence internally. In a statement on Thursday, the club said it “prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club” and that equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded in its work.
 

Aleksander Ceferin: UEFA position on Russia ban remains unchanged

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has said the organisation’s position on the exclusion of Russian clubs and the national team from international competitions “remains unchanged”.

Speaking in Brussels on the sidelines of UEFA’s 50th Congress, Ceferin said: “The position of UEFA is clear and has not changed,” and declined to “interfere” in discussions conducted by other parties.

Ceferin said he could not comment on what FIFA or governments decide, adding that he follows developments every day.

Return linked to end of conflict

Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, UEFA have linked any return of Russian teams to the end of the conflict.

Ceferin's remarks follow comments by FIFA president Gianni Infantino in an interview with Sky News on 3 February, when he was asked about ending Russia’s suspension and said: “We have to consider it, for sure.”
 

QPR and Crawley Town sued for £11.1 million by former player over alleged racist abuse

Queens Park Rangers and Crawley Town are being sued for £11.1 million by former player Amrit Bansal-McNulty, who alleges the clubs failed to protect him from racist abuse that he says ended his professional career.

The claim, being heard at the Central London Employment Tribunal, seeks reimbursement for loss of opportunity and personal injury. Both clubs deny wrongdoing. The case relates to the 2021/22 season, when Bansal-McNulty was on loan at Crawley.

According to documents seen by The Guardian, the claim centres on alleged racist “banter” by former Crawley manager John Yems, who was banned for three years by the FA after being found guilty of 11 charges of using discriminatory language.

Failure to act

Bansal-McNulty alleges both clubs failed to act when concerns were raised, including during a telephone conversation with QPR’s then sporting director Chris Ramsey in April 2022. Ramsey told the tribunal the player had complained about banter but denied being told it was racist and rejected suggestions he had minimised the issue.

A decision on liability is expected this month, with any damages to be determined at a later hearing if the claim succeeds.

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.

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.

SL Benfica have penned a two-year extension of their media rights agreement with telecommunications and media operator NOS, which will run until 2028.

The Lisbon club revealed that the deal is worth €57.1 million annually, or €114.2 million over its duration, making it the most lucrative media rights partnership for a Portuguese team.

The new contract comes ahead of the centralisation of media rights across the top two tiers of Portuguese football - the Primeira Liga and Liga Portugal - in 2028.

Benfica’s latest extension

The deal also includes an “advertising contract” between the club and NOS, which should deliver an additional €2.4 million.

Benfica meanwhile retains the right to exploit dynamic advertising at the club’s Estadio da Luz home, which is valued at €7.2 million.

Preston North End confirm talks with Saudi businessman Amr Zedan

English Championship club Preston North End have confirmed talks over potential investment with US-born Saudi businessman Amr Zedan.

Last week, Sky News reported that the club had been in discussions with Zedan since December, however talks had stalled recently.

In a statement responding to that report, Preston’s chairman, Ian Penrose, confirmed that Zedan was among the prospective investors in the Lancashire club, although talks were still in the “early stages”.

Looking to finalise deal at the “earliest opportunity”

“Specific comments on any approach are inappropriate at this stage,” Penrose said.

He continued: “Whilst such a transaction can take months to conclude, and there is no certainty that a successful outcome will be achieved, it is the board’s intention to conclude these negotiations at the earliest opportunity.

“It is of utmost importance that any future owner of Preston North End is the right fit for the football club, in order to maximise the club’s potential and the ambitions of our fans, stakeholders and owner.”

LFP wins legal dispute against BeIN Sports with network ordered to pay €14.1 million

France’s Professional Football League (LFP) has won its legal battle against Qatari broadcaster BeIN Sports.

The network holds rights to one weekly Saturday afternoon Ligue 1 match, through an agreement with LFP that is worth €78.5 million annually, according to L’Équipe.

However, since the start of the 2025/26 season, BeIN Sports has only paid €14 million of each of its €18 million instalments, expressing its discontentment with various broadcasting restrictions imposed by LFP. The TV provider had additionally been seeking €29 million in legal damages from LFP Media.

On Tuesday, the Paris Commercial Court ruled in favour of LFP, with BeIN Sports ordered to pay €14.1 million in “outstanding balances".

BeIN Sports will explore all avenues to appeal

Following the legal judgement, BeIN Sports told L’Équipe that the company will look to appeal against the ruling.

“We acknowledge the decision rendered at first instance by the court and will, of course, immediately explore all possible avenues of appeal,” BeIN Sports told L’Équipe.

Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter backs calls to boycott World Cup

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has supported calls to boycott World Cup matches held in the US this summer.

In a post shared on X, the 89-year-old shared comments made by Mark Pieth, a Swiss attorney and anti-corruption expert who advised fans to “stay away” from the US, due to the conduct of President Donald Trump and his administration.

In an interview with Swiss publication Der Bund, Pieth said: “If we consider everything we’ve discussed, there’s only one piece of advice for fans: Stay away from the USA.

“You’ll see it better on TV anyway. And upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t please the officials, they’ll be put straight on the next flight home. If they’re lucky.”

Blatter quoted the post on X, adding: “I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup.”

Blatter’s resignation

Blatter previously served as the president of FIFA from 1998 to 2015, when he stepped down amid corruption scandals at the time.

This year’s edition of the tournament is set to be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, and will take place between 11th June and 19th July.

Spain should host 2030 World Cup final, says RFEF president

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Rafael Louzan has stated that the final of the men’s 2030 FIFA World Cup should be held in Spain.

Speaking at this week’s Madrid Sports Press Association gala, Louzan claimed that the controversial events of this month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, held by one of the 2030 World Cup’s co-hosts Morocco, “damaged world football.”

During the AFCON final on 18th January, Senegalese players left the pitch after a penalty was awarded to Morocco in injury time, before later returning. Meanwhile, fans clashed with security in the stands at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

"It is true that in the final and some matches in AFCON, we have seen images that damage not only AFCON but also world football,” Louzan said.

“Spain has proven its organisational capacity over many years and will therefore be the host of the 2030 World Cup. The final of that World Cup will be held here.”

Portugal, Morocco and Spain will host

In 2030, Spain will host the competition alongside Portugal and Morocco, with matches also set to be played in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

As reported by The Athletic, Casablanca’s new 115,000-seat Hassan II Stadium could potentially stage the final of the tournament, while Real Madrid’s Bernabeu, Barcelona’s Camp Nou, and Benfica’s Estadio da Luz are also being considered.

WSL football makes £8.2 million loss for inaugural year

Women’s Super League (WSL) Football, the entity which oversees the top two tiers of English women’s football - the WSL and WSL 2 - has reported a loss of £8.2 million in its first year of operation.

The new entity, which was previously named Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), took over governance of the two leagues at the start of the 2024/25 season.

Despite the loss for the year ended 31st July 2025, WSL Football says this result was “fully anticipated” and “in line with the business plan”.

In a statement, WSL Football revealed that its overall income has tripled since taking over from England’s Football Association (FA). The organisation generated revenue of £17.4 million for 2024/25, which included £8.4 million in broadcast revenue, £8.5 million in sponsorship revenue, and £128,000 in other income.

CEO hails "remarkable" progress

Nikki Doucet, CEO of WSL Football, said: “We are at the beginning of a long‑term growth journey, underpinned by a clear strategic vision and increased commercial platform.

“What we have achieved in a short space of time is remarkable and our prospects for the future are positive. We have established our foundation, and we are committed to continued investment into the game and our member clubs.”

US businessman John Textor has lost a legal appeal for an injunction in an ongoing legal dispute with investment group Iconic Sports, after a ruling by the UK’s Court of Appeal.

The case, which dates back to 2022, centres around Iconic’s $75 million acquisition of a 15.7 per cent stake in Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings, when the company took over French club Olympique Lyon. Iconic are seeking around $97 million in compensation, with that figure comprising the $75 million plus 11 per cent annual interest.

With the latest decision, the case is expected to proceed, and will return to the UK Commercial Court for a full hearing that will likely take place this year, according to French publication L’Équipe.

Conflicting statements

Following the ruling on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Textor said about the verdict: “This is a significant step forward, as a favourable decision on remittal would bring the case to an end, entirely in our favour.”

By contrast, Iconic said: “We are delighted with the Court of Appeal’s ruling today, which dismissed John Textor’s primary ground of appeal in full and awarded costs in Iconic Sports’ favour."

“We fully expect judgement in our favour and for Iconic Sports to recoup the more than $97 million that it is owed.”
 

AFC Bournemouth given planning permission for improvements at Vitality Stadium

AFC Bournemouth have received planning permission for the modernisation of the Premier League club’s Vitality Stadium home.

In a statement, the club said the renovation will “deliver significant improvements to the stadium’s infrastructure and matchday experience,” after getting the green light from the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council.

The project includes the reinstallation of a perimeter fence and turnstiles, in addition to new pedestrian and cycle routes, and the construction of a new outside broadcast area.

According to Bournemouth, this will help facilitate “further phases” of the club’s “ambitious redevelopment plans” for the venue. Last year, the club bought back the stadium, which has a capacity of around 11,000. At the time, Bournemouth owner Bill Foley unveiled plans to increase its capacity to 20,000.

An “important moment”

“This is an exciting and important moment for the club,” Bill Foley said to the club's website.

“Our proposed new stadium reflects not only our ambition on the pitch, but also our commitment to investing in the community. The project will deliver long-term benefits for supporters, local residents, and the wider region beyond the BCP area.”
 

Bodo/Glimt launches new company to invest in and develop technology

Norwegian club FK Bodo/Glimt have launched a wholly owned company - Edge Case Ventures - which will invest in and develop technology.

Alongside the new venture, Glimt has entered a strategic partnership with Portuguese sports-focused investment firm Apex Capital.

Edge Case Ventures comprises two parts, namely the Edge Lab and Edge Circle. The former will serve as an innovation and testing arena for developing and testing new technologies, while the latter will be a closed partner network for Nordic companies.

Frode Thomassen, CEO of Bodo/Glimt, said: “[The club] has shown that achievements are built through culture, learning and courageous choices. With Edge Case Ventures, we are taking this further and giving it a clearer structure, where sport, technology and capital play on the same team, on and off the field.”

€1 million investment

As reported by local publication Dagens Naeringsliv, the club have invested NOK 11.7 million (€1 million) into the Apex Elite Performance Fund, through their new partnership.

Glimt is the first football club to join the fund, which invests in startups that develop technology and solutions for sport. The venture fund’s other investors include Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, as well as football legends Marcelo, Giorgio Chiellini, and Christian Eriksen.

City Football Group (CFG), the owners of several football clubs including Manchester City and Girona FC, have recieved an injection of £60 million by their Arab owners.

A Companies House submission on Monday confirmed that CFG has issued almost 6.8 million A Preference Shares at a rate of £8.82.

This marks CFG’s latest investment, after the multi-club organisation issued more than 7.9 million shares last year, receiving a cash injection of £70 million.

Record revenue

After the latest transaction, CFG’s share capital has increased to £659 million. This comprises 488.4 million ordinary shares, along with 170.6 million Class A shares.

In 2023/24, CFG generated record revenue of £1.172 billion, marking a 14 per cent increase on the previous year.

90 per cent of English clubs expecting to make a loss for 2025

90 per cent of English men’s professional football clubs are expecting to report a financial loss for 2025, according to BDO’s annual survey of football finance directors.

The report, which collated responses from club financial directors across England’s top four tiers, revealed that 60 per cent of Premier League clubs believe their profitability will improve, with the remaining 40 per cent expecting their financial situation to worsen.

For 2025, 20 per cent of Premier League clubs are forecasting a profit, compared to just 11 per cent of clubs in the Championship. However, no respondents from the third or fourth tier are projecting a profit in their latest statements.

Wage share higher in lower leagues

Premier League wages on average account for 63 per cent of clubs’ revenue, compared to 69 per cent in the Championship, and 93 per cent in League One and League Two.

Morocco threatens legal action following AFCON final

The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has threatened legal action against FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), after Senegalese players left the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations (ACFON) final.

Chaos ensued after a penalty was awarded to Morocco in injury time following a VAR review, with the score 0-0 at the time. As a result, several Senegalese players subsequently withdrew from the pitch, amid frustration after having a goal ruled out by VAR earlier in the match, before later returning. Meanwhile, Senegalese supporters clashed with police in the stands.

When play eventually resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, before Senegal ultimately won the match in extra time.

In a statement released on Monday, the FRMF said that this sequence of events “significantly impacted the normal flow of the match and the players' performance.”

FIFA president reacts

In response to the AFCON final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.

“The ugly scenes witnessed must be condemned and never repeated. I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”

New independent football regulator to review parachute payments

England’s new Independent Football Regulator (IFR) will review parachute payments to relegated clubs as part of a new ‘State of the Game’ report, BBC Sport reports.

According to IFR chair David Kogan, the report is set to “shine a light on the financial pressures, governance gaps, and structural risks,” across the top five tiers of English men’s football. It is due to be published in draft later this year, ahead of final publication in Spring 2027.

The new governing body, which came into effect last November, will assess the distribution of revenue between leagues, and will have the authority to impose a financial settlement on the Premier League and English Football League if the two parties remain unable to agree on a new settlement after years of negotiations to no avail.

Report to give football “the clarity it deserves”

Kogan said: “The game has never been examined like this before. For the first time, we will shine a light on the financial pressures, governance gaps, and structural risks facing the football pyramid.

“The State of the Game report will give football the clarity it deserves, so decisions by the IFR can be made with confidence and for the long-term.”
 

MLS franchise Sporting Kansas City have agreed to sell a majority stake that values the club at around $700 million, according to Forbes.

If that figure is accurate, this takeover would be the most lucrative in the history of MLS.

According to local publication, The Kansas City Star, the takeover will see financial adviser and lawyer Peter Mallouk acquire an 80 per cent share in Sporting KC, and will now oversee day-to-day running of the club.

Mallouk, who is the CEO of Creative Planning, has been a minority investor in the franchise since 2022, and also has a minority stake in MLB’s Kansas City Royals.

Illig family retains governor roles

Sporting have been owned by the Illig family since 2006, when the club was acquired from Lamar Hunt, whose family own the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.

Forbes reports that the Illig family are selling a 71 per cent stake in the team, reducing their share to just under ten per cent. Despite this, the family will retain its roles as governor and alternate governor of Sporting KC.
 

Commercial growth drives revenue of women’s football’s top 15 clubs to €158 million in 2025

The 15 top clubs in women’s football have eclipsed €150 million in cumulative revenue for the 2025 financial year, as per Deloitte’s latest Football Money League report.

The study found that the clubs generated €158 million in total revenue, up 35 per cent year on year. Growth was driven mainly by commercial income, which rose to €114.1 million. Commercial revenue’s share of total income has risen steadily, from 58 per cent in 2022/23 to 66 per cent the following season and 72 per cent in 2024/25.

Chelsea delivered €19.1 million in commercial revenue, the largest amount of any club, followed by Barcelona (€16.3 million) and Arsenal (€16.2 million). However overall, Arsenal generated the most total revenue, bringing in €25.6 million.

Meanwhile, broadcast revenue dropped slightly over the past year, falling by six per cent to an average of €1.3 million during the 2024/25 season. This consequently made up just 13 per cent of the teams’ total income.

Carving its own path

Jennifer Haskel, knowledge and insight lead in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: “The topline revenue growth across women’s football clubs reflects the ongoing innovation and commercially focussed mindset in some of the games’ leading markets.

“The women’s game is beginning to carve its own path with new and expanded brand partnerships, new ticketing strategies, and dedication to truly understanding the evolving fanbase.”
 

Juventus lose appeal after being ordered to pay Cristiano Ronaldo €9.8 million in unpaid wages

Juventus have lost their appeal against a ruling in 2024 that ordered the Italian club to pay former striker Cristiano Ronaldo €9.8 million in unpaid wages.

Initially, Ronaldo had been seeking €19.6 million from his former club, which was not paid to the Portuguese after the 2019/20 season was abandoned due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

After losing their case, Juventus appealed against the decision, however the original ruling was upheld by a Turin court on Monday.

Juventus consider appeal

According to Calcio e Finanza, Juventus’ legal team are currently reviewing the latest ruling, and are considering submitting an appeal to Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation.

The ruling will not impact the club’s financial statements, as the money owed to Ronaldo was previously included in their accounts for the 2023/24 season.
 

Tottenham executive Rebecca Caplehorn to join Premier League as chief football officer

Tottenham Hotspur head of administration and football governance, Rebecca Caplehorn, is set to be appointed as the Premier League’s chief football officer, as reported by The Athletic.

Caplehorn will join the league at the end of this month, replacing Tony Scholes.

This marks the latest executive departure from the club, with sporting director Fabio Paratici leaving Spurs to join Fiorentina after the January transfer window.

Caplehorn’s resume

In October, it was reported that Caplehorn would be leaving the Premier League club at the end of the January transfer window. Having joined Spurs as head of football operations in 2015, she was promoted to her current position in 2020.

Prior to her tenure in north London, she spent five years at Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
 

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

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

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

Exceptions, renewals and academy relief

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serie A accepts AFC referees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New occupancy agreement for home stadium

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genoa’s takeover

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

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

Reading served winding up petition by former CEO Nigel Howe

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

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

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

Reading’s response

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

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