A company led by American entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick has claimed it has agreed to acquire Daniel Levy’s 24.99 per cent stake in ENIC, the parent company of Tottenham Hotspur.

Eight Sports Capital said it had signed a sale and purchase agreement with Levy’s Family Trust for the minority holding. Levy stepped down as Tottenham chairman in September after more than 25 years in charge of the club.

ENIC said it was unaware of any such transaction. An ENIC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that neither ENIC nor THFC are aware of any sale by Daniel Levy’s Family Trust of its minority stake in ENIC, THFC’s parent company.”

No contact

The Lewis family remains ENIC’s majority shareholder with a 70.12 per cent stake. It is understood ENIC has had no contact with Eight Sports Capital regarding the proposed acquisition.

Earick, a former NASA engineer who previously expressed an interest in investing in Tottenham, leads Eight Sports Capital, a sports investment firm owned by Triller. The company said it looked forward to working with the club’s shareholders, management, staff, players and fans following the claimed agreement.

 

David Sullivan steps down as West Ham joint-chair over allegations

David Sullivan has resigned as joint-chair of West Ham United after becoming aware of the impending publication of what the club described as serious historic allegations against him.

The club confirmed on Saturday that Sullivan had stepped aside as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club.

In a statement on behalf of the 77-year-old Welsh businessman and his legal representative denied the allegations. West Ham said it was understood that none of the allegations related to the club or its operations.

"The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media," Sullivan’s statement read. "After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims."

Sullivan said his decision to resign was prompted by the planned broadcast and publication of allegations concerning his personal life.

Prepare proceedings

West Ham said Sullivan would step away from his positions while focusing on responding to the allegations. The businessman said he had instructed his legal team to prepare proceedings against what he described as false complaints and would seek legal and public redress.

The development comes weeks after West Ham were relegated from the Premier League, ending the club’s 14-year stay in the top flight. Following confirmation of relegation, supporters directed criticism towards the club’s board, including personal chants aimed at Sullivan.

 

Manchester United considering £314 million debt restructuring

Manchester United are exploring options to refinance £314 million of debt due to mature next year through the private placement market, according to Bloomberg.

The Premier League club have held preliminary discussions with banks about a potential transaction, although plans have not been finalised. Both banks and institutional investors have expressed interest in participating.

The refinancing relates to debt raised in 2015 at a fixed interest rate of 3.79 per cent. Strong demand could allow Manchester United to raise as much as £375 million, providing additional capital beyond the amount required to refinance the existing borrowing.

Ownership questions remain

The discussions come as some members of the Glazer family are considering the sale of their stakes in the club. Bloomberg reported last week that several stakeholders have examined options to divest part or all of their holdings in Manchester United.

The Glazer family acquired Manchester United in a leveraged buyout in 2005, when the club carried around £50 million of debt. Since then, the owners have injected hundreds of millions of pounds into the business while also increasing the club’s overall liabilities.

 

FIFA outlines distribution of $355 million Club Benefits Programme

FIFA has detailed how it will distribute the $355 million available under the Club Benefits Programme for the FIFA World Cup 2026, following an agreement reached with European Football Clubs (EFC).

The governing body said the fund, which is 70 per cent higher than the amount allocated for the 2022 tournament, will for the first time include payments to clubs that release players for FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. The revised model is intended to broaden the number of clubs receiving compensation.

A total of $100 million has been set aside for clubs that released players during World Cup qualifying, with payments calculated on a per-player, per-match basis. FIFA said the expected payment is about $2,360 per player per match across the 905 qualifiers played.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the programme would ensure “more clubs than ever before will receive a share of the financial benefits generated by the FIFA World Cup”.

Final tournament distribution

A further $250 million will be distributed to clubs whose players take part in the final tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with payments based on squad selection and the number of days players remain involved. FIFA said the minimum expected return is about $5,000 per player per day.

The remaining $5 million will be retained to cover administrative costs and other agreed initiatives supporting club football.

 

Manchester City chairman promises ‘wonderful sit-down’ after ruling and reaffirms no sale plans

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak says he will speak in detail about the club’s long-running Premier League financial case once a ruling has been issued, while also stating that owner Sheikh Mansour has no plans to sell the club.

Speaking in his annual end-of-season interview on Manchester City’s official website, Al Mubarak said he could not comment further on the proceedings until an independent commission reaches a decision on the case relating to alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.

Manchester City were charged by the Premier League in 2023 over alleged financial rule breaches covering the period from 2009 to 2018, as well as alleged failures to cooperate with investigations. The club have denied all charges. Al Mubarak said: “Once we have a ruling, believe me, we're going to have a wonderful sit-down together and I'll say everything I've wanted to say for the last three years.”

No plans to sell

Al Mubarak also used the interview to dismiss suggestions that Sheikh Mansour could sell Manchester City or the wider City Football Group, describing the organisation as a long-term investment.

Mubarak said: “There's no intention to sell. There's only intention to keep growing this because the view here is that this will only grow and this is a beautiful business to own.”

 

Fenerbahce chairman jailed for illegal betting promotion

Fenerbahce chairman Sadettin Saran has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after a Turkish court found him guilty of encouraging illegal betting, days before the club is due to elect a new chairman.

An Istanbul court ruled that Saran and his brother, Kenan Saran, had incited individuals to participate in illegal betting through advertising and other promotional activities, according to Reuters. Both received prison sentences of two years and six months.

Saran denied any wrongdoing during his defence, local media reported. The verdict comes as Turkish authorities continue investigations into alleged illegal betting and match-fixing in professional football.

Election ahead

The ruling was handed down shortly before Fenerbahce’s extraordinary congress on 6-7 June, where members will choose a successor to Saran. He announced plans to step down earlier this year and is not standing in the election.

Former chairman Aziz Yildirim and businessman Hakan Safi are contesting the presidency as Fenerbahce seek to end a 13-year wait for a league title.

Some members of the Glazer family are considering selling part or all of their holdings in Manchester United, according to Bloomberg, as internal discussions over the club’s ownership continue more than two decades after the family’s takeover.

Several family stakeholders have examined options for divesting their shares, with early discussions focused on sales by individual family members. Some are now seeking support from relatives to pursue a broader transaction.

No decision has been made on an exit and family members remain divided on the issue. Some relatives are believed to oppose a sale, which could complicate any deal process. Manchester United declined to comment, while the Glazer family did not respond to Bloomberg’s requests for comment.

Ownership questions resurface

The discussions come as Manchester United face the prospect of funding a redevelopment of Old Trafford that could require billions of pounds in investment. At the same time, the club’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League is expected to provide additional revenue opportunities.

The deliberations follow the 2024 agreement under which Jim Ratcliffe acquired a roughly 29 per cent stake in Manchester United and assumed control of football operations, after the Glazers opted against a full sale to Qatari-backed bidders.
 

Ares owed $547 million after Eagle Football collapse

Ares Management was owed more than $547 million following the collapse of John Textor’s Eagle Football Group, according to a filing from the company’s administrators cited by Bloomberg.

The debt comprises $400 million in principal and the remainder in accrued interest. Recovery prospects will depend largely on the sale of Eagle Football’s main assets, including Olympique Lyon and its stake in Botafogo.

Administrators from Cork Gully LLP said they had contacted more than 50 potential buyers as part of an ongoing sales process and reported “a significant amount of inbound interest” in the clubs. Ares declined to comment, while Textor did not respond to Bloomberg's requests for comment.

Sale process

Administrators said investigations into intercompany balances and related transactions remain ongoing and that the complexity of those arrangements means it is not yet possible to determine what recoveries may be realised.

They added that unsecured creditors are unlikely to receive a distribution and noted that Textor has not yet responded to their enquiries.
 

Pérez outlines Real Madrid prestige investment opportunity at €10 billion valuation

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has described a potential investment in the club as a prestige opportunity rather than a conventional financial asset, saying prospective investors would pay for an association with the Real Madrid brand rather than expect profits or influence.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Pérez said investors in a proposed sale of 5 per cent of the club through a newly created subsidiary would receive no role in the running of Real Madrid and should not view the opportunity as a traditional investment.

“It would be like a sponsorship, let’s put it that way,” Pérez told the Financial Times. “There are people who associate themselves with Real Madrid without expecting anything.”

The comments come as Pérez campaigns for re-election ahead of a June 7 vote among the club’s members. The proposal to bring in outside capital was first unveiled last November and is based on a valuation of more than €10 billion for Real Madrid.

Election battle

The ownership proposal has become a key issue in Pérez’s contest with challenger Enrique Riquelme, who has criticised the plan as a step towards privatisation. Pérez has repeatedly rejected that claim, insisting that Real Madrid would remain member-owned and that outside investors would have “no involvement whatsoever” in club governance.

According to Pérez, the purpose of the transaction is to establish a formal market valuation for Real Madrid and reinforce members’ economic ownership of the club.

Pérez cited estimates valuing Real Madrid at around €10 billion and said he believes the club’s worth could reach €20 billion in a few years.
 

Trevor Birch to leave EFL after 2026/27 season

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch has told the league’s board that he will step down at the end of the 2026/27 season, bringing to a close more than six years in the role. Birch, who joined the EFL in January 2021, will remain in post throughout next season while succession plans are developed.

The EFL said Birch would continue working with the board, clubs and executive team over the coming year to support the transition to new leadership. His departure was announced on the same day as the league’s Annual General Meeting.

Birch said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chief Executive of the EFL. With one more season ahead, my focus is on supporting the League, our Clubs and colleagues, and ensuring a smooth and orderly transition to new leadership.”

Parry and Artis re-elected

At the AGM, clubs re-elected chair Rick Parry for a further three-year term and also renewed Caroline Artis’ mandate as an independent non-executive director for a second three-year term. Artis joined the board in 2023 after a career with professional services firm EY.

Clubs also approved regulatory changes, including replacing the automatic three-window fee restriction for late payments with a business plan-based approach. Clubs may still face a fee restriction for one transfer window, while appeal rights and disciplinary measures remain in place.
 

Manchester City consider legal action as Real Madrid election pledges escalate

Manchester City are considering legal action after comments made by Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme.

Riquelme claimed on Spanish television that he would sign Erling Haaland if elected president, stating that the striker wants to join Real Madrid and has a contractual clause that would make a move possible. He also unveiled a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland’s name and number.

Haaland’s representatives dismissed the claims, saying they were “all very entertaining but not true”, before City issued a statement rejecting the suggestion that a transfer could happen. The club added that it was considering legal action over the use of the player’s image in the campaign.

Election pledges

The Haaland promise formed part of a broader set of election pledges from Riquelme, who also said Manchester City midfielder Rodri would move to the Santiago Bernabéu if he wins the vote. He further pledged to refund membership fees for Real Madrid’s 100,000 members if he failed to deliver the Haaland and Rodri transfers.

The claims come amid a campaign marked by competing promises from both candidates. Incumbent president Florentino Pérez has said that if re-elected, José Mourinho would become Real Madrid manager and claimed that Ibrahima Konaté would join the club following his departure from Liverpool.

Premier League clubs have been warned they could face legal action if they enter sponsorship agreements with cryptocurrency companies that are not authorised to operate in the UK, according to a letter sent to clubs by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

As reported by the Financial Times, the regulator wrote to clubs across English football after identifying what it described as an increase in partnerships involving unauthorised firms, some of which it believes may be operating unlawfully. The FCA said clubs are expected to carry out due diligence on financial services sponsors before signing agreements.

The watchdog has already contacted clubs where it identified concerns and said it would take action where necessary. Fiona Mackinnon-Miller, who oversees scams, promotions and consumer investments at the FCA, warned that such arrangements could expose clubs to legal liability, money laundering risks and reputational damage.

Accountable companies

Stephanie Peacock, the UK sports minister, said: “Sponsorship deals play a vital part in sustaining our football pyramid, but fans deserve to know that the companies associated with their clubs are responsible, accountable and safe to use.”

The intervention comes as several Premier League clubs seek replacement commercial partners ahead of the league’s ban on front-of-shirt betting sponsorships.
 

LFP calls for revision of proposed football governance legislation

The board of the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has unanimously voted to reject the current draft of proposed legislation that would reform the governance of professional sport in France, according to an LFP statement.

The proposal includes measures that would reshape the governance of professional football, including replacing the LFP with a club-owned company structure and granting increased powers to the French Football Federation. The legislation was approved by the Senate in June 2025 and is currently being examined by the National Assembly.

In a statement, the LFP said several recently adopted amendments represented “major points of concern” and argued that they did not meet the objectives of improving governance or addressing the economic challenges facing the sector. The LFP said it wants a thorough revision of the text and remains willing to contribute to the development of what it described as a more effective and workable framework.

Bill opposition

According to L’Equipe, a joint committee of senators and deputies is due to meet on 22 July to discuss the legislation, while one source familiar with the matter told the newspaper that efforts were under way to block the bill or reduce its scope.

No date has yet been confirmed for the bill’s return to the National Assembly after a previously scheduled debate was postponed.
 

FIFA accused of using unofficial sites to move World Cup tickets

FIFA has been accused of placing unsold World Cup tickets on unofficial resale platforms at reduced prices rather than lowering prices on its own sales channels, as reported by The Times.

The accusations stems from Florian Ederer, an economics professor at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, who alleges large blocks of seats for Saudi Arabia’s group-stage match against Cape Verde in Houston on June 27 had appeared on SeatGeek at prices substantially below those listed on FIFA’s official resale platform. He argued that the pattern of availability suggested inventory was being sold in bulk rather than through normal fan-to-fan resale activity.

In a post on X, Ederer wrote that the listings “look like inventory being dumped in bulk onto secondary markets, at prices below FIFA’s official site”. Speaking to The Times, Ederer said lowering prices through secondary platforms could help avoid complaints from supporters who had paid higher prices through official channels.

Growing ticketing questions

The allegations come days after the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey subpoenaed FIFA over ticket pricing and seating arrangements amid claims that supporters may have been misled about stadium layouts.

SeatGeek said it did not have a partnership or distribution agreement with football’s governing body, while FIFA did not respond to requests for comment from The Times.
 

Brighton sporting director leaves nine months after joining

Jason Ayto has left Brighton & Hove Albion after nine months as sporting director, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday. The 41-year-old became Brighton’s first sporting director in September 2025 as part of changes to the club’s senior football structure.

Ayto joined after more than a decade at Arsenal FC, where he held several recruitment and football operations roles, including assistant technical director and interim sporting director. He replaced David Weir, who subsequently took up the technical director position at RC Strasbourg.

Ayto had been due to oversee his first summer transfer window at Brighton, with the window opening on June 15. Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said in a club statement: “I’d like to thank Jason for everything he has done for us, and to wish him well for the future.”

Technical director takes over

Mike Cave will now oversee all sporting areas of the club, working with the existing senior leadership team and reporting to chief executive Paul Barber.

Cave was promoted from assistant technical director to technical director when Weir departed and Ayto arrived.

Southampton owner and chairman Dragan Solak has said the club have no plans to dismiss head coach Tonda Eckert following the Championship spying scandal that led to Southampton’s expulsion from the play-offs and a points deduction for next season.

In a video message published on the club’s official channels, Solak said Southampton wanted to move on from the episode and confirmed the board continued to support Eckert. The club will begin the new Championship campaign with a four-point deduction after admitting to spying on Middlesbrough, Oxford United and Ipswich Town.

The comments came days after an independent commission concluded that Eckert had authorised a “contrived and determined plan” to observe opponents’ training sessions before matches.

Eckert accepts responsibility

In a separate video released by Southampton, Eckert apologised to supporters, players and the clubs involved in the affair, while accepting responsibility for the actions that led to the sanctions.

“For everything that has happened, I do want to apologise and I hold my hand up because as head coach I am responsible,” he said. “I am a young coach, I have made a mistake and I take full responsibility,” he said.

The Football Association is continuing its investigation into the case and Eckert could still face disciplinary action.

Aston Villa owner V Sports acquires stake in French club FC Annecy

FC Annecy have announced that V Sports, the ownership group behind Aston Villa, has acquired a minority stake in the French second-tier club through a capital increase.

The Ligue 2 side said in a club statement that V Sports had joined the club's shareholder base, describing the move as part of Annecy's ongoing development while maintaining its local identity and roots.

The club did not disclose the size of the investment or the stake acquired. However, multiple French media reports says V Sports had taken around a 30 per cent holding and invested approximately €4.5 million in the club.

Multi-club network expands

The investment adds Annecy to V Sports' growing football portfolio. The holding company already owns Aston Villa and has interests in Vitória Guimarães in Portugal and Real Union in Spain.

V Sports also has partnerships with clubs including ZED FC in Egypt, Vissel Kobe in Japan and ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast.

885 Capital takes control of CD Leganés after Blue Crow exit

885 Capital has acquired Blue Crow Sports’ 84.2 per cent stake in spanish club CD Leganés, taking its holding in the Spanish club to 99.1 per cent and becoming its controlling shareholder. The transaction brings to an end Blue Crow’s four-year ownership of the club.

The investment firm already owned a 14.86 per cent stake in Leganés and said the move reflected its commitment to the club’s growth and long-term development.

In a statement, the new ownership group said it would focus on strengthening sporting performance, improving infrastructure and deepening engagement with supporters while preserving the club’s identity and values. It added that its approach would be based on “a long-term vision, with a modern and data-driven growth approach”.

New president appointed

Following the transaction, Eduardo Cosín has been appointed president of Leganés. The Madrid-based executive had served as executive vice-president and joined the club in October 2022 after Blue Crow acquired a controlling stake.

885 Capital, founded by Sudeep Ramnani and Jai Mahtani, has offices in Madrid and Dubai and invests across sport, technology and real estate.

Thibaut Courtois expands football investment portfolio with Genk stake

Real Madrid and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has added Belgian club KRC Genk to his growing football investment portfolio after acquiring a minority stake through his investment vehicle NXTPLAY.

Genk announced on Monday that Courtois will become a shareholder in the club, although financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
The investment follows the club's move to attract external capital after restructuring as a limited company earlier this year.

The Belgium international came through Genk's academy before joining Chelsea in 2011. “This investment truly feels like coming home,” Courtois said in a statement released by the club.

First external investor

Courtois and NXTPLAY becomes the first outside investor in Genk since the club changed its corporate structure. The club is seeking to attract €60 million in fresh capital over the coming years.

The investment further expands NXTPLAY's presence in football. The company has already invested in French club Le Mans and, two weeks ago, acquired a stake in Spanish side CD Extremadura.

NXTPLAY will also gain representation on Genk’s board of directors, with Courtois’ business partner Gonzalo Vila expected to take the seat, mirroring arrangements at Le Mans and Extremadura.

Norway backs ethics complaint against FIFA president Infantino

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has formally supported a complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, asking the governing body's ethics committee to examine whether he breached rules on political neutrality. NFF president Lise Klaveness confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that the federation had submitted a letter backing the case.

The complaint was filed by human rights organisation FairSquare and centres on Infantino’s decision to present a peace prize to US President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw in December. The NFF has asked FIFA’s ethics committee to assess whether the award and related actions were compatible with FIFA statutes.

Klaveness said the submission had already prompted reactions within football governance circles. “We have sent it, and it is causing some political reactions,” she told reporters, adding that the NFF would continue to pursue the issue after the World Cup.

Support submitted independently

According to Klaveness, FIFA representatives raised the matter during a meeting in Budapest over the weekend, where discussions took place around the Champions League final. She said the federation explained why it considered support for the complaint important.

The NFF decided to submit its letter independently rather than seek joint backing from other member associations. Klaveness said other federations had expressed support for the initiative, but Norway chose to proceed alone in formally endorsing FairSquare’s complaint.

Sevilla FC's principal shareholders have accused Sergio Ramos of changing the terms of a proposed deal to buy the club and said they intend to seek contractual penalties following the breakdown of negotiations.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the shareholders alleged that Ramos had failed to honour the terms previously agreed and warned that legal action could follow.

In a letter sent to the Spanish media, the shareholder group said discussions with the former Spain international had reached an agreement before Ramos altered key conditions on 27 May. The shareholders suggested the move had been planned and led directly to the collapse of the transaction.

The shareholders also said they would seek to enforce a penalty clause included in the negotiations and cautioned Ramos against disclosing confidential information obtained during the takeover process.

Ramos says talks can continue

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ramos rejected suggestions that responsibility for the breakdown rested solely with his consortium and said negotiations had evolved on both sides throughout the process. He added that his group had respected confidentiality obligations and remained focused on the future of Sevilla.

Ramos said his investor group still wanted to continue discussions over a potential acquisition of the club. He argued that changes to the proposal were made following recommendations from advisers and LaLiga, including increasing a planned capital injection from €80 million to €120 million before 30 June, and maintained that the consortium’s objective was to help secure Sevilla’s long-term viability.

Brest owner open to sale amid French football financial pressures

Stade Brest president and owner Denis Le Saint has said he is open to selling the Ligue 1 club as French football continues to grapple with financial uncertainty and declining domestic broadcast revenues.

Speaking to L’Équipe, Le Saint said Brest were considering a range of options to secure the club’s future. He said any potential sale would depend on finding an owner capable of safeguarding the club’s interests rather than simply completing a transaction.

“But it isn’t a question of selling to someone who wouldn’t treat the club well,” Le Saint said.

The comments come at a time of change for Brest, who qualified for the UEFA Champions League in the 2024/25 season but have faced budget constraints despite the additional income generated by the competition.

Options under consideration

Le Saint said the club could not rely indefinitely on Champions League revenues and warned that lower television rights income was forcing Brest to explore alternative solutions to remain competitive.

He also raised the prospect of Brest joining a multi-club ownership structure, a model that has become increasingly common in French football. Referring hypothetically to interest from a leading English club, Le Saint said:

“Imagine if a big English club, who play in red, just like us, were interested in a club like Brest… there isn’t any contact, but we wouldn’t be able to say no,” said the Brest owner.

FIFA avoids India World Cup blackout with last-minute broadcast deal

FIFA has secured a broadcasting agreement for the 2026 World Cup in India, ending months of negotiations and ensuring the tournament will be available in one of the last major markets where media rights had remained unsold.

The deal was announced ten days before the World Cup begins across the United States, Canada and Mexico on 11 June. Financial terms were not disclosed, although it has previously been reported that FIFA had been seeking to finalise an agreement before the tournament starts.

India had become a notable gap in FIFA’s global distribution plans as talks with potential partners dragged on. FIFA had reportedly initially sought around $100 million for the rights package covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups before reducing its asking price to $60 million.

Shares jump 7 per cent

The agreement saw Zee Entertainment shares rise about 7 per cent following the announcement.

The deal resolves uncertainty over World Cup coverage in a market expected to be one of the tournament’s largest television audiences.

Real Madrid have been named the world’s most valuable football club for the fifth consecutive year, according to Forbes, with a valuation of $9.5 billion and revenue of $1.27 billion during the 2024/25 season.

The Spanish club retained top spot in Forbes’ annual ranking despite finishing behind Barcelona in La Liga for a second successive campaign and exiting the Champions League at the quarter-final stage. Barcelona were ranked second with a valuation of $7.5 billion.

English and American clubs accounted for more than half of the 30 teams included in the list. The Premier League contributed 11 clubs, while Major League Soccer had seven representatives, ahead of Serie A’s four and La Liga’s three. Forbes said the 30 clubs had a combined value of $87 billion, with an average valuation of $2.9 billion.

Investor interest grows

American investors have become particularly active in the sector. More than half of Premier League clubs are now majority-owned by Americans or US-based firms, while North American investors also control nine Serie A clubs and have expanded into other football markets.

The publication said growing revenues from continental competitions, stadium redevelopment projects and continued demand for sports ownership are helping support club valuations despite ongoing concerns around profitability and the risks associated with promotion and relegation.

 

Insurance company set to acquire 37 per cent stake in Columbus Crew at $900 million valuation

Nationwide Mutual Insurance has agreed to acquire a 37 per cent stake in MLS club Columbus Crew in a deal that values the franchise at $900 million, as reported by Sportico. The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to approval from the league’s board of governors.

The insurance company will purchase a 30 per cent stake from owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam and a further 7 per cent from the Edwards family. Following the sale, the Haslams will remain the club’s controlling shareholders with a 40 per cent stake.

Nationwide, which is headquartered in Columbus, is already involved in the city’s sports landscape through its ownership interest in the group awarded an NWSL expansion franchise last month. The ownership group for the new women’s team also includes the Edwards family.

Ownership history

Columbus Crew ownership transferred to the Haslam and Edwards families in 2018 after they reached an agreement with MLS to assume the club’s operating rights.

The deal followed former owner Anthony Precourt’s move to establish a new franchise in Austin. The club have since opened a new downtown stadium and won two MLS Cup titles.

 

Roma part ways with Massara after Champions League return

AS Roma have ended their relationship with sporting director Frederic Massara less than a year after his return to the club and days after securing qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. The Serie A club announced the departure on Thursday, describing it as a mutual termination of contract.

Roma thanked Massara for his work during the season, which culminated in the club reaching the Champions League for the first time since the 2017/18 campaign. In a statement, Massara said he was grateful for the opportunity to return to a club with which he has a strong connection.

The departure follows months of reported tensions between Massara and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini over recruitment strategy and transfer dealings. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, disagreements emerged during both the summer and winter transfer windows over a number of attacking targets.

Replacement expected soon

Massara had been serving his third spell at Roma after rejoining the club last June.

Tony D’Amico is expected to replace Massara, with an announcement anticipated in the coming days. He is joining from Atalanta BC, where he has held the position since 2022 until leaving last Wednesday.

 

PSG Champions League triumph brings €146 million UEFA windfall

Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory has taken the French club’s UEFA earnings for the 2024/25 season to around €146 million, according to calculations by The Athletic.

Luis Enrique’s side secured a further €6.5 million by beating Arsenal in Saturday’s final, adding to an estimated €139 million already generated through their run to a second consecutive European title.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are projected to have earned €143 million from this season’s Champions League campaign, setting a new record for an English club. The Athletic reported that the figure surpasses previous UEFA earnings achieved by Premier League sides.

Domestic tv-money

UEFA revenues provide a sharp contrast with domestic distributions in France. PSG’s Ligue 1 title win in 2024/25 generated about €38.5 million in prize money.

For Arsenal, the European payout comes on top of almost €230 million earned from winning the Premier League. The Athletic said the combination of domestic and UEFA distributions is expected to push the club’s broadcast revenue to a new high for an English side.

Talks over a Sergio Ramos-backed takeover of Sevilla FC have broken down after the former Spain defender’s consortium changed the structure of its proposed deal for the La Liga club.

Sources close to Sevilla’s shareholders told The Athletic that the new proposal represented a reduced offer compared to the original agreement and lacked sufficient guarantees.

Sevilla’s shareholders were initially considering a proposal under which the consortium would acquire 85 per cent of the club’s shares for €275 million, while also assuming €85 million in debt and committing to an €80 million capital increase.

Under the revised terms, Ramos, Five Eleven Capital and a group of Mexican investors proposed purchasing an initial 18 per cent stake for €100 millon before increasing their holding through capital injections.

Last week, Off The Pitch reported that doubts had emerged over the consortium’s funding after evidence confirming the availability of the funds had yet to be provided.

Investors dispute claims

Sources close to Ramos disputed the claims of lacking guarantees to The Athletic and argued the revised structure increased the proportional value of the offer totalling €335 million, including deferred payments and a €120 million capital increase intended to improve Sevilla’s financial position.

Both sides left the latest meeting feeling a deal would now be difficult to complete before the exclusivity deadline on May 31.
 

Ares and MetLife clash over Eagle Football debt repayments

MetLife has clashed with Ares Management over plans to restructure Eagle Football, the multi-club group that owns Olympique Lyonnais, after some lenders were asked to accept delayed debt repayments.

Bloomberg reported that MetLife has so far resisted the proposal, according to people familiar with the negotiations. The US insurer’s investment is backed by Lyon’s Groupama Stadium and revenues generated by the venue.

Ares, which provided more than $400 million to Eagle Football, is trying to stabilise the group after heavy losses linked to player spending and expansion plans. The investment firm is said to have recently marked down part of its exposure from the low 30 cents on the dollar range to about 16 cents.

Creditors are also weighing the risk of Lyon facing renewed sanctions from French football regulator DNCG if the club fails to secure fresh financing before the new season. Last year, Lyon avoided relegation from Ligue 1 after an equity injection and the exit of Eagle founder John Textor from his leadership role at the club.

Stadium revenue outlook

DBRS Morningstar last month maintained investment-grade ratings on Lyon’s €320 million stadium notes but revised the outlook to negative, citing Eagle Football’s financial position and the potential impact relegation would have on stadium revenues.

A drop into the second tier could reduce demand for hospitality and sponsorship at Groupama Stadium, affecting the revenues underpinning MetLife’s investment.
 

Arsenal owners pledge further squad and stadium investment

Arsenal FC co-chair Josh Kroenke has said the club will continue investing in the squad and Emirates Stadium despite securing the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final.

Speaking before Saturday’s final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, Kroenke said Arsenal intended to strengthen the team during the transfer window even if they become European champions for the first time.

Arsenal spent more than £250 million on signings last summer and Kroenke said the club could not afford to “stand still” while rivals continued to improve. He added that Arsenal now believed they had “very strong foundations in place” after rebuilding the squad under manager Mikel Arteta.

Stadium plans

Kroenke said Arsenal had started work with advisers on plans to improve the Emirates Stadium, with chief executive Richard Garlick overseeing the project.

He said the club wanted to preserve the ground’s character while enhancing the matchday experience for supporters.
 

Marseille face internal complaint as Lorenzi appointed sporting director

Olympique de Marseille are said to be handling an internal complaint after around 20 employees reportedly accused sporting coordinator Bob Tahri of contributing to a “toxic” working environment at the Ligue 1 club, according to L’Équipe. The anonymous message was sent to management, HR and employee representatives on Tuesday.

L’Équipe reported that the complaint accused Tahri of intimidation and manipulation, while also alleging a climate of “paranoia at every level” inside the club. The report said staff feared repercussions for speaking openly and referenced departures across several departments.

Marseille told L’Équipe that the matter was being treated seriously by the club’s HR department and that appropriate measures were being considered. Tahri denied wrongdoing, stating that people could not damage his work or reputation “without proof”.

Lorenzi appointed

Marseille have meanwhile appointed Grégory Lorenzi as the club’s new sporting director. The former Stade Brestois executive will begin in the role on Thursday following a recruitment process involving owner Frank McCourt and senior club officials.

Lorenzi spent 10 years at Brest, helping oversee the club’s rise from Ligue 2 to European qualification. Marseille said his role would include defining the club’s sporting strategy, player development and academy structure.
 

The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have opened an investigation into FIFA’s ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup, with a particular focus on matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The probe follows complaints from fans about seat allocations and rising ticket prices and comes just two weeks before the tournament is set to kick off.

New York attorney general Letitia James and New Jersey attorney general Jennifer Davenport said they had issued subpoenas seeking information about how tickets were sold and assigned. The investigation also concerns allegations that FIFA’s ticketing approach contributed to inflated resale and dynamic pricing across the tournament.

The officials said supporters may have been misled over where seats would be located within stadiums. “No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats,” James said.

"Fake scarcity"

FIFA has faced criticism since introducing dynamic pricing for the expanded 2026 tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ticket prices for some matches have risen sharply since sales opened, while lower-cost allocations have remained limited.

Davenport accused FIFA of creating “fake scarcity” by withholding blocks of tickets from sale in order to increase prices for remaining seats. The investigation also examines complaints from supporters who said tickets purchased in higher categories were later allocated seats behind goals or in upper sections of stadiums.
 

Manchester United post revenue increase over first nine months but see pre-tax loss

Manchester United reported revenue of £520 million for the first nine months of the financial year, up from £502 million over the same period a year earlier, according to the club’s latest financial results.

Broadcast revenue for the quarter ending 31 March rose 57.1 per cent to £64.9 million, reflecting projected Premier League prize money after United’s third-place finish.

Sponsorship revenue for the quarter fell 9.4 per cent to £38.5 million after the expiry of the club’s training kit agreement with Tezos, however, United are reportedly closing in on a new training kit sponsorship deal worth around £20 million per year with Betway.

The club raised its full-year guidance, increasing projected revenue from £655 million to £665 million.

Costs and pre-tax loss

United disclosed £16.7 million in costs linked to the January dismissal of Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff, following the £14.5 million charge reported last year for the departure of Erik ten Hag and his backroom team.

Despite posting an EBIT of £37.7 million over the nine-month period, interest payments on loans contributed to a pre-tax loss of £18 million.
 

Sergio Ramos group submit revised Sevilla takeover proposal

Sergio Ramos and investment firm Five Eleven Capital have presented a revised proposal to acquire a majority stake in Sevilla, according to Marca. The new offer would involve buying 60 per cent of the club’s shares instead of the 80 per cent initially proposed, with the remaining funds allocated to a capital increase.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting on Wednesday. Marca reported that Ramos’ group also presented proof of funds as part of the negotiations. Club advisers are now expected to review the latest terms before responding.

José Luis Carrión, a Sevilla shareholder who attended the meeting, said a decision could arrive within days. “They have made another proposal and a response will be given in a very short period,” he said, adding that a letter of intent included deadlines that must be respected.

Mexican backing

Carrión also confirmed that the financial backing behind the bid comes from Mexican investors. He described them as “a strong Mexican family” and said the parties involved hoped the process would conclude positively.

Carrión said his group remained focused on securing what it believes is the best outcome for Sevilla.
 

Spurs chief says club fell behind rivals during Levy era

Tottenham Hotspur chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has said the club fell behind Premier League rivals in several football operations under former chairman Daniel Levy, while the club’s owners, the Lewis family, pledged further investment after a difficult season.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Venkatesham said parts of the club were in a “significantly worse state” than he expected when he joined in April 2025. He described Tottenham’s training ground as resembling “a five-star hotel” rather than a high-performance environment and said changes would be made during the summer.

Venkatesham said Tottenham required “a complete reset” after finishing 17th under Ange Postecoglou, despite qualifying for the Champions League by winning the Europa League. He added: “When you look at where Tottenham were in many of those areas, compared to where I believe other Premier League clubs are, there was a significant gap.”

Lewis family is "all in"

Levy left his role as chairman in September after 24 years, with Venkatesham and the board later criticised during a season in which Spurs secured Premier League survival on the final day.

In a statement, Spurs owners the Lewis family pledged further investment to help return the club to competitiveness..

“This will require investment - in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more - and we are fully committed to this. We are not selling the club. We are all in.”

FIFA has confirmed that Iran will base their national team in Tijuana, Mexico during the 2026 World Cup after abandoning plans to train in the United States.

The decision follows the military conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran that began on February 28. A week before the conflict started, Arizona’s Kino Sports Complex had announced it would host the Iranian squad during the tournament.

Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said on Saturday that FIFA and World Cup organisers had approved the federation’s request to relocate the team base after meetings in Istanbul and a subsequent online discussion with FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafström.

FIFA approves switch

FIFA formally confirmed the arrangement on Monday as it announced training base camps for all 48 participating nations. Iran will be hosted at Tijuana’s Centro Xoloitzcuintle facility near the Mexico-United States border.

Mexico president Claudia Sheinbaum also confirmed that her government had agreed to host the Iranian team. The change comes 17 days before the start of the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Bournemouth secure approval for Vitality Stadium expansion project

AFC Bournemouth have received local council approval for plans to expand the capacity of the Vitality Stadium from 11,300 to more than 20,000 seats. The proposal was unanimously approved by the Eastern Area Planning Committee of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

The project will involve replacing the south stand and expanding the stadium’s three remaining stands by filling in the corners. The redevelopment will also include a fan zone, additional food and drink outlets and other upgraded facilities across the site.

Bournemouth owner and chair Bill Foley said in a statement: “The granting of planning permission is a major step forward in our vision for the future of this football club and the wider community.” He added that the project would help the club “continue to compete and grow at the highest level both on and off the pitch”.

Europa League qualification

Expansion plans were approved after Bournemouth qualified for the UEFA Europa League for the first time following a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. Foley acquired the Vitality Stadium in April through Black Knight Football Club’s newly formed holding company, Black Knight Stadium Limited.

Structadene had owned the stadium since purchasing it from Bournemouth in 2005 for £3.5 million and leasing it back to the club. The venue, previously known as Dean Court, has carried the Vitality Stadium name since 2015 under a sponsorship agreement with the insurance company.

Vitesse return to local ownership after share transfer approval

Vitesse have confirmed that the club are back in local ownership after Sterkhouders Vitesse Arnhem B.V. completed the acquisition of all shares in the Dutch side.

The licence committee of the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) approved the share transfer, allowing the Arnhem-based investor group to finalise the takeover following a prolonged period of uncertainty around the club’s ownership structure.

The transfer marked the conclusion of a process in which the previous foreign shareholders sold their stakes in the club. The club thanked the former owners, stating that legal proceedings had been handled during their tenure and that a first-team squad had been assembled “in a short period of time” ahead of last season.

Local investors

Sterkhouders Vitesse Arnhem B.V., which consists of local investors from Arnhem, said it was “more than satisfied” with the completion of the share transfer and thanked the former foreign shareholders for their cooperation during the process.

Vitesse are currently competing in the second tier of Dutch football after several years of financial and ownership-related instability surrounding the club.

AC Milan have announced a sweeping restructuring of the club’s sporting leadership following their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The Serie A club confirmed the departures of chief executive Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada as well as head coach Massimiliano Allegri with immediate effect.

The decision follows Milan’s defeat to Cagliari Calcio in their final league match, a result which saw them drop out of the top-four and qualify for Europa League. In a statement, owner RedBird Capital said the season had fallen short of expectations despite the team spending much of the campaign near the top of the table.

"Unequivocal failure"

The club said the objective set before the season had been clear after the previous year’s disappointment of finishing eighth. “The final part of the season was well below the level shown until that point and last night’s disappointing defeat turned this season into an unequivocal failure,” the statement said.

Milan said further announcements regarding replacements and the club’s future structure would be made in the coming weeks as preparations begin for next season.
 

U.S. consortium reportedly offers €2 billion to buy Napoli

An American consortium is said to have made an offer worth around €2 billion to acquire SSC Napoli from the De Laurentiis family, according to The Athletic. The bid has been led by Matt Rizzetta's Underdog Global Partners (UGP), which has reportedly been in talks for around six months despite Napoli not being formally for sale.

The proposal includes plans to privatise and redevelop the Stadio Diego Maradona as part of a wider multi-sport project involving Napoli Basketball, in which UGP acquired a controlling stake last year.

However, talks have stalled over several issues raised by De Laurentiis, although discussions could resume.

If completed, the takeover would further increase North American influence in Italian football where nine Serie A clubs are already owned by North American investors. UGP also controls Serie C side Campobasso FC alongside Canadian Premier League club Supra du Québec.

Italian football under pressure

The reported bid follows a season marked by governance disputes, financial pressure and inconsistent sporting results across Italian football, issues recently examined by Off The Pitch.

Napoli have nevertheless remained among the top of the league in recent years. The club have finished in Serie A’s top three in four of the past five seasons and won two league titles during that period, including their first championship in 33 years in 2023.
 

Riquelme to challenge Perez in Real Madrid presidential election

Enrique Riquelme has confirmed he will stand against Florentino Perez in Real Madrid’s presidential election, ending a run of uncontested votes that stretches back to 2009, after the club’s electoral board unanimously approved his candidacy on Sunday.

Riquelme announced his plans after attending Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on Saturday, where he said members would have the chance to choose between “two candidacies”.

“After 20 years, there will finally be a chance to vote,” Riquelme said. He added that his campaign was “not a candidacy against anyone” but one “in favour of Real Madrid” and said members should “be brave” when deciding their vote.

17 years with Perez

Perez called fresh elections on May 12 after Madrid completed a second successive season without a trophy. The 78-year-old has led the club since 2009 in his second spell as president and has stood unopposed in each of the last four electoral cycles.

Riquelme, 37, is chief executive of renewable energy company Cox Energy and had previously considered entering the 2021 election.
 

Saudi Arabian investor linked with potential Derby County takeover

Saudi boxing executive Turki Al-Sheikh is said to be interested in buying Derby County, according to The Times, in a potential takeover that would increase Saudi Arabia’s involvement in English football.

The report said the English Football League (EFL) and the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) are aware of Al-Sheikh’s interest in the Championship club, although neither organisation commented. Derby and representatives for Al-Sheikh also declined to comment.

Al-Sheikh, who heads Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, would need to satisfy regulators that any funding for a deal was separate from the Public Investment Fund, which owns Newcastle United.

Former investments

Al-Sheikh has previously been linked with Bristol City and is a former owner of Egyptian side Pyramids FC and Spanish club UD Almeria.

Derby finished eighth in the Championship this season under owner David Clowes, who bought the club out of administration in 2022 in a £33 million deal.
 

Core Sports Capital returns Austria Lustenau stake amid MCO wind-down

Austria Lustenau have announced that Core Sports Capital (CSC), the multi-club ownership group owned by Ahmet Schaefer and also including Clermont Foot 63 and FC Biel-Bienne, will return its shares in the Austrian club following an agreement between both parties.

The Austrian side confirmed on their website that the partnership with Core Sports Capital would end after more than four years. The move comes just after Lustenau secured promotion to the Austrian Bundesliga. 

CSC acquired a 25 per cent stake in the club in 2019 and Austria Lustenau said the group had “actively contributed to the club’s sporting development” during its involvement, highlighting that the Austrian side had taken up to three players on loan from Clermont Foot each season.

Clermont Foot expected to follow

CSC are also expected to sell their majority stake in Ligue 2 side Clermont Foot, with La Montagne reporting that two publicly known takeover approaches for the French club have emerged in recent weeks.

These include bids led by former Olympique de Marseille executive Stéphane Tessier and former Union Bordeaux-Bègles deputy chief executive Jacques D’Arrigo.