South American football body CONMEBOL have publicly backed Gianni Infantino for re-election as FIFA president, becoming the first confederation to call for a further four-year mandate.

The endorsement was issued in a statement on Thursday, in which CONMEBOL’s council cited Infantino’s “leadership” and progress made in football development during his tenure. Infantino has not formally declared his candidacy but is expected to seek another term.

In the statement, CONMEBOL said Infantino’s management had delivered “advances made” in the game, adding that his leadership had supported development across the sport.

World Cup expansion discussed

CONMEBOL position follows discussions within FIFA over a proposal to expand the men’s World Cup to 64 teams in 2030, which was formally presented by South American representatives earlier this year.

The 2030 tournament is scheduled to take place across six countries on three continents, with opening matches in South America and the remainder staged in Europe and North Africa, while FIFA has yet to provide further detail on the proposed expansion.

 

Stéphane Richard appointed president of Marseille

Stéphane Richard has been appointed president of Olympique Marseille, the club have confirmed. The decision was announced by owner Franck McCourt at a press conference on Friday.

Richard will take up the role in July, replacing interim president Alban Juster. Juster has overseen the club since late February following the departure of Pablo Longoria.

Stéphane Richard said in the statement: " It is an honor to be chosen to lead Olympique de Marseille, and I thank Frank McCourt for his trust. I am fully aware of the demands and responsibility that this role entails."

Richard joins with a background in business and public administration, including a period as CEO of Orange, a French telecommunications operator.

New role days before Marseille move

Richard was appointed to a new non-executive position at an international telecommunications group at the end of March, shortly before his Marseille nomination.

He also currently works as a partner at a Paris-based mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, a position he said he will leave at the end of June ahead of formally joining the club.

 

Napoli president De Laurentiis accuses FIFA and UEFA of dishonesty

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has criticised FIFA and UEFA, accusing both organisations of misleading clubs over how revenues from international competitions are distributed.

Speaking to CBS, De Laurentiis said the governing bodies retain too much income from tournaments and do not pass sufficient funds to clubs, which he argued bear the financial burden of employing players.

“They make too much money, when the earnings should belong to the clubs and not the federations… They say they distribute the wealth, but it's not like that. They lie, they don't tell the truth,” he said.

Compensation demands

De Laurentiis also called for changes to the international calendar, proposing a single two-month window for national team fixtures instead of multiple breaks during the season.

He added that clubs should be compensated when players are called up, including payments linked to salaries and financial protection in case of injuries sustained on international duty, which he said are not currently covered.

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

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

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

Legal basis of format vote

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revenue decreases

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shift in commercial strategy

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

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

Ligue 1 clubs reported combined losses of €466 million for the 2024/25 season, according to the French football financial regulator DNCG, with Olympique Lyon and Olympique Marseille accounting for a large share of the deficit.

The total marks an increase from €164 million the previous year, equivalent to a 184 per cent rise. Lyon recorded losses of €208.5 million, representing 44 per cent of the Ligue 1 total.

Marseille posted losses of €104.7 million, followed by Strasbourg with €78.3 million, Nice with €40.5 million and Paris Saint-Germain with €40.1 million.

Broadcast revenues decline

The results can primarily be attributed to lower domestic broadcast income following changes in rights agreements. The 2024/25 cycle generated around €500 million, approximately €200 million less than the previous deal.

Future distributions remain uncertain under the new Ligue 1+ channel, with revenues expected to fall further.

Lille reported a positive balance of €81 million, while Brest with €6 million, Lens with €4.2 million, Toulouse with €2.2 million and Monaco with €2.9 million also finished in profit.

Leicester City lose appeal against six-point deduction

Leicester City have lost their appeal against a six-point deduction imposed for breaching English Football League profit and sustainability rules.

The sanction relating to the three-year period to June 2024 had been upheld by an independent appeal board and is now accepted by the club.

In a statement, Leicester said: “We acknowledge that an independent Commission’s decision to recommend a six-point deduction on the Club this season has been upheld by an independent Appeal Board. The decision relates to our profit and sustainability position for the three-year period to June 2024 and is accepted by the Club.”

Premier League appeal also rejected

The Premier League said the appeal board dismissed challenges from both Leicester and the league, confirming the original sanction.

It added that the leagues own challenge seeking an increased penalty due to Leicester’s late submission of annual accounts was also rejected by the appeal board.

Serie A explores minority sale of international media rights unit

Italy’s Serie A has approached private equity investors over a potential minority stake in its international media rights business, according to Reuters.

The league appointed JP Morgan last year to review options for the unit, which generates about €250 million annually from overseas broadcasting and related commercial activities.

Sources told that funds including Apollo Global Management, CVC Capital Partners, Ares Management and Sixth Street have been informally contacted ahead of a possible formal process later this month.

49 per cent stake could be sold

The proposed structure could involve selling up to 49 per cent of the unit under a long-term agreement, while any transaction would require approval from at least 14 of the league’s 20 clubs.

Serie A has faced weaker demand for its overseas rights, with competition from the expanded UEFA Champions League and continued global appeal of the Premier League affecting broadcaster interest.

Joseph Tey nears full control of Sampdoria as Manfredi exits

Joseph Tey is close to taking full control of Sampdoria after reaching an agreement in principle with Matteo Manfredi for the transfer of his shareholding, according to Italian media Il Secolo XIX.

The deal would end the current partnership between the two investors and leave the Singapore-based Tey as the sole owner of the club.

Manfredi is set to transfer his 42 per cent stake, with voting rights, in the club’s holding company at no cost.

Investor interest re-emerges

Following the transaction, Tey would become the sole shareholder of Blucerchiati SpA, the entity that controls Sampdoria, consolidating governance under a single owner.

The club’s board structure is not expected to change immediately, although expressions of interest from financial investors have re-emerged as uncertainty around the ownership situation begins to clear.

Sunderland AFC have confirmed they have agreed to sell a majority stake in their women’s team to Bay Collective, a multi-club ownership group backed by U.S. investment firm Sixth Street.

The club said the transaction will see Bay Collective acquire a controlling interest, subject to approval from WSL Football, which oversees the top two tiers of women’s football in England. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Sunderland stated the move is intended to support the development of the women’s team, adding that the new investor will take operational control once the process is completed.

Different structure to recent deals

The deal follows a series of transactions involving women’s teams at clubs including Chelsea, Aston Villa and Everton, where stakes have been sold to external investors after internal restructures.

Unlike those cases, Sunderland have not undertaken a prior internal reorganisation of their women’s team. The club confirmed that Sunderland Association Football Club Limited will retain a minority shareholding, while a new UK-based entity linked to Bay Collective is expected to assume control of the women’s team.

Textor proposes $25 million personal investment in Botafogo

John Textor has formally proposed injecting $25 million of his own capital into Brazilian side Botafogo’s SAF, according to a letter sent to the club’s social association.

The American businessman set out the proposal as an equity investment via the issuance of new shares in the club’s corporate entity, rather than a loan. The move comes as Botafogo face financial pressure and seek liquidity to meet short-term obligations, including salary payments.

In his statement, Textor said: “This is an investment, not a loan; in other words, new and healthy money is entering the club.”

SAF structure under pressure

Botafogo operate under a Sociedade Anónima do Futebol (SAF) model, a corporate structure used in Brazilian football that separates the club’s professional operations into a limited company.

The proposed capital increase is intended to support short- and medium-term funding needs within that structure. The social club’s 10 per cent stake would remain unchanged, while Textor said the funds would add to a separate $25 million secured from GDA Luma and Hutton Capital, bringing total planned investment to $50 million.

Spanish court rejects La Liga claim over 15-second player protest

Spain’s National Court has rejected a legal challenge by La Liga seeking to classify a brief player protest earlier this season as unlawful.

The case related to a coordinated 15-second delay to kick-off across fixtures in October, staged in response to plans to move a league match between Villarreal and Barcelona to the United States.

In its ruling, the court said the action did not amount to a strike but was instead an exercise of players’ rights. It stated the protest fell within “their right to freedom of expression” and freedom of association.

La Liga had argued the stoppage disrupted competition and should be treated as industrial action under existing agreements with players.

La Liga to appeal ruling

La Liga said in a statement it will appeal the decision to Spain’s Supreme Court, maintaining that the players’ actions should be treated as a strike under existing regulations.

The league said it is seeking to protect the integrity of the competition and its audiovisual rights, despite the court’s finding that the protest had no material impact on matches.

CBF sets out unified league plan for Brazilian clubs

The Brazilian Football Confederation has set out a proposal for a unified league body to organise Brazil’s top two divisions, with an initial meeting held with clubs and state federations.

In a statement, the governing body said it convened representatives from Série A and Série B clubs on Monday in Rio de Janeiro to begin discussions on the creation of a new league structure.

The CBF said the initiative is intended to bring together currently divided club groupings and centralise commercial and media rights. “We believe that the league must have the clubs in the leading role,” said CBF director Helder Melillo.

Clubs remain split over commercial structure

Brazilian clubs remain divided into rival blocs that jointly hold broadcast rights to the Série A until 2029, limiting a unified commercial approach.

The CBF said a single league could address issues including scheduling, infrastructure and revenue generation, while aiming to increase club income once new arrangements come into effect from 2030.

Botafogo have initiated legal proceedings against Olympique Lyonnais, seeking repayment of more than €125.5 million linked to a series of loans provided to the French club, according to a statement issued by the Brazilian side.

The Rio de Janeiro club said the funds, totalling over 745 million Brazilian reais, were transferred as part of a shared management structure within Eagle Football Group following Lyon’s acquisition in 2022.

Botafogo said Lyon’s current leadership had terminated the agreement and declined to repay the outstanding balance.

“Despite having benefited from the resources received, the French club failed to fulfill its obligations, refusing to pay the debt,” the club said.

Eagle Football structure under pressure

The dispute has affected Botafogo’s financial position, with the club indicating it has faced restrictions linked to its ability to meet obligations, including a transfer ban imposed by FIFA.

Lyon are also reported to have an outstanding €12m obligation to Belgian club RWDM Brussels, while Eagle Football Holdings Bidco, controlled by John Textor, has entered receivership under restructuring firm Cork Gully as it seeks potential buyers for its assets.

 

Chelsea lead agent fee table as Premier League bill hits £460m

Chelsea FC were the highest spenders on agents’ fees for a third consecutive year as total payments across the Premier League reached a record £460.3 million in 2025/26, according to figures published by the The Football Association.

Clubs collectively increased their spending by 12 per cent year-on-year, with Chelsea accounting for £65.1 million. The club had also led agent payments in the previous two seasons, recording £60.4 million in 2024/25 and £75.1 million in 2023/24.

The figures were released on the same day Chelsea confirmed a £262.4 million loss for the last financial year, the largest reported by a Premier League club.

A breakdown of spending shows Aston Villa as the second-highest payer at £38.4 million, followed by Manchester City (£37.4 million), Liverpool (£33.8 million), Arsenal (£32.1 million) and Manchester United (£31.7 million).

Total of £500 million

Across England’s top four men’s divisions, total payments to intermediaries exceeded £500 million for the first time.

In the women’s game, agent fees across the top two tiers remained substantially lower, although the FA reported that spending in those leagues nearly doubled compared with the previous year.

 

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina resigns after Italy World Cup failure

Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina has resigned following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 men’s World Cup, the federation confirmed.

Gravina stepped down two days after Italy were beaten on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualification play-off final, a result that leaves the national team absent from a third consecutive World Cup.

Italy’s sports minister Andrea Abodi said the situation required structural change, stating: “It’s evident to everyone that Italian soccer needs to be overhauled … and that process needs to start with new leadership at the FIGC.”

Former captain Gianluigi Buffon also resigned from his role as head of delegation, a position he had held since August 2023, the federation said.

New FIGC leadership to be elected in June

The FIGC said a new president will be elected on June 22, while no update was provided on the future of head coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Gravina had led the federation since 2018 and remained in post after previous tournament setbacks, including Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and a last-16 exit at Euro 2024.

 

Southampton report £53.9m loss for 2024/25 financial year

Southampton FC have reported a pre-tax loss of £53.9 million for the financial year ending June 2025, according to the club’s published accounts.

The result follows a pre-tax profit of £17.3 million in 2023/24, when the club competed in the Championship, and an £87 million loss in 2022/23. The latest figures cover a season in which Southampton returned to the Premier League after securing promotion via the play-offs in 2024.

Turnover increased to £158.4 million from £84.8 million the previous year, reflecting higher broadcasting and commercial income linked to top-flight participation.

Cost control

Player wages rose to £83.2 million from £58.8 million, although this represented a smaller share of revenue at 52.5 per cent compared with 68 per cent in 2023/24.

Cost controls reduced total staff wages as a proportion of turnover from 93.5 per cent to 73.2 per cent, according to the accounts.

Chelsea FC have reported a pre-tax loss of £262.4 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2025, the highest recorded in Premier League history.

The loss marks a reversal from the previous year, when Chelsea recorded a £128.4 million profit. That outcome was largely driven by the sale of the women’s team to a subsidiary company for close to £200 million.

The club attributed the latest losses in part to increased operating costs during the 2024/25 period compared with the previous year. Chelsea also reported revenue of £490.9 million, their second-highest on record, including income linked to participation in the Club World Cup.

Compliance under PSR rules

Chelsea are understood to be compliant with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) for the three-year period ending 2024/25. The regulations permit losses of up to £105 million over three years, with certain costs excluded from calculations.

Those exclusions include spending on infrastructure, youth development and women’s football, which can be added back under the rules.

UEFA presses FIFA over World Cup prize money distribution

UEFA are lobbying FIFA to increase prize money and financial support for federations competing at this summer’s World Cup in North America.

According to The Athletic, the move follows requests from several European member associations, who have asked UEFA to raise concerns over tournament finances with FIFA.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said the competition is expected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue, while the organisation has committed to redistributing at least 90 per cent of its World Cup cycle budget into football globally.

Financial concerns among federations

European associations are concerned that rising operational costs linked to participation could reduce or eliminate financial returns from the tournament, despite the scale of FIFA’s projected revenues.

FIFA is understood to be aware of the concerns and is working on potential solutions with participating federations, with the issue set to be discussed at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver at the end of May.

Abramovich plans foundation to challenge UK stance on Chelsea sale funds

Roman Abramovich is seeking to establish a charitable foundation in a move that could challenge the UK government’s position on the frozen £2.35 billion proceeds from his sale of Chelsea.

According to The Athletic, the proposed entity would distribute funds to global humanitarian causes rather than restrict spending to Ukraine, which remains a condition set by the UK authorities.

The foundation, expected to be overseen by former UNICEF executive Mike Penrose, is in the process of being registered with the Charity Commission. A spokesperson for Abramovich said: “Mr Abramovich maintains his intention to donate funds to humanitarian causes once the relevant legal obstacles are resolved.”

The UK government has maintained that the funds will remain frozen unless Abramovich agrees they are used solely for Ukraine, following Russia’s invasion in February 2022 and the subsequent sanctions imposed on the Russian businessman.

Sale dispute continues

Abramovich was forced to sell Chelsea in May 2022, when the consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital acquired the club, but the proceeds have not been released amid the ongoing dispute over their allocation.

In December, Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned Abramovich of potential legal action if he does not accept the government’s conditions, while his representatives continue to dispute that such restrictions formed part of the original agreement.

Aston Villa post £17 million profit as revenue rises 37 per cent

Aston Villa FC reported a profit after tax of £17 million for the 2024/25 financial year, as revenue increased 37 per cent following participation in the UEFA Champions League.

The club generated £378.1 million in revenue, with growth largely driven by reaching the quarter-finals of the competition, according to its financial statement.

Commercial revenue rose 69 per cent to £70 million, while sponsorship income increased 31 per cent to £28.6 million.

Ownership restructuring

During the year, NSWE Sports Limited, part of the club’s ownership group, transferred its investment in the women’s team and a subsidiary holding rights to The Warehouse, a multi-use entertainment venue at Villa Park, to NSWE Holding Limited to enable external investment without direct involvement in the men’s team.

Aston Villa continued to operate within the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.

Newcastle United’s 2024/25 accounts show the club sold St James’ Park and adjacent assets to a company controlled by their own shareholders, contributing to a pre-tax profit of £34.7 million.

The transactions generated £176.2 million in proceeds and an accounting gain of £133.1 million, according to the club’s financial results. Without these intragroup sales, Newcastle would have reported a £98.4 million loss for the period.

The purchasing entity, PZ Newco Holdings Limited, is owned by the same parent company as Newcastle, which is majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Late-year sale

The stadium structure was sold as leasehold improvements for £172.1 million shortly before the financial year end, while a separate subsidiary holding land near the ground was also transferred for £4.1 million.

The land at Strawberry Place remains used by club-linked operations, including a fan park, allowing related income to be included in financial submissions to governing bodies. Following the transactions, the stadium is no longer held directly by the club but sits within a separate entity under the same ownership.

Tottenham Hotspur report £94.7 million net loss on £565.3 million revenue

Tottenham Hotspur have reported a net loss of £94.7 million for the 2024/25 financial year, despite revenues rising seven per cent to £565.3 million, according to the club’s latest accounts.

The club said the total revenue increase wad supported by higher matchday and commercial income, as well as prize money from their Europa League win. However, those gains were offset by increased operating costs and lower media income following a 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

The accounts also show a pre-tax loss of £120.6 million, reflecting the impact of a higher wage bill and the cost of hosting additional fixtures during the season. Tottenham’s net debt rose to £831.2 million as of 30 June 2025, an increase of nearly £60 million compared with the previous year, although the club said most borrowings remain on fixed interest rates at just above three per cent.

Risks and uncertainties highlighted

The club stated in the report: “The Board of Directors continually monitors the Group’s exposure to a range of risks and uncertainties… including the success of the First Team and our level of spending thereon.”

Managerial changes during the period included the departures of Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank, while interim coach Igor Tudor also left. The club have just appointed Roberto De Zerbi as they seek to stabilise results.

Milan city council offices raided over San Siro stadium sale probe

Italian financial police have raided offices at Milan’s city council as part of an investigation into the sale of the San Siro stadium to AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Authorities seized computers and mobile phones during the operation, while more than 10 individuals have been placed under investigation on suspicion of bid-rigging, according to Calcio Finanza. The two clubs are not under investigation.

The council agreed last year to sell the stadium, which is owned by the municipality, to the two clubs for close to €200 million.

Investigation follows complaints

AC Milan and Inter Milan secured approval for a redevelopment project valued at around €1.5 billion after negotiations with local authorities and heritage bodies. The plan includes partial demolition of the existing structure and construction of a new stadium nearby.

Opposition groups and some councillors have argued the agreed sale price, including surrounding land, undervalued the asset.

Everton cut losses to £8.6 million after selling women’s team and stadium to owners

Everton have reduced their annual losses to £8.6 million after selling their women’s team and Goodison Park to their parent company, according to the club’s latest accounts.

The transactions generated a combined profit of £49.2 million and relate to deals with Roundhouse Capital Holdings Ltd, the investment vehicle used by the Friedkin Group when acquiring the club in December 2024.

The accounts show losses fell from £53.2 million in the previous year, with Everton stating the sales contributed to improved financial results while maintaining compliance with Premier League profitability and sustainability rules.

Separation of women’s team and stadium assets

Everton said the sale of the women’s team allows it to operate as a separate commercial entity, which the club believes could support future investment opportunities.

The accounts also confirm record revenues of £196.7 million for the final season at Goodison Park, with the club forecasting a 25 per cent increase to around £250 million in their first season at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia charged with tax evasion

Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), has been formally charged with tax evasion following a court ruling made public. The decision also targets several other senior officials at the governing body.

The charges follow a criminal complaint filed by Argentina’s tax authorities, which allege that the AFA and its executives failed to pay taxes and social security contributions. The alleged damage is estimated at 19 billion pesos, equivalent to around €11.8 million.

Four additional AFA officials have been charged alongside Tapia, including treasurer Pablo Toviggino. According to the ruling, 350 million pesos (€21,900) have been frozen from the assets of Tapia and Toviggino as part of the investigation.

AFA charged as legal entity

The case also includes the AFA as a legal entity, with all five officials having appeared before the presiding judge on 12 March. Other individuals named include Víctor Blanco Rodríguez, Cristian Ariel Malaspina and Gustavo Roberto Lorenzo.

Separately, Tapia and the AFA are also under investigation over financial dealings with two companies, in cases examining alleged money laundering and the diversion of funds to shell companies.

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

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

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

11 clubs need replacements

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shift in stance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ongoing legal fallout

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

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

CAF general secretary steps down as AFCON final fallout continues

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

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

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

AFCON changes

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

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

John Textor has lost control of his Eagle Football multi-club group after its UK-based holding company was placed into administration by its main creditor, Ares Capital Corporation.

Administrators from London insolvency firm Cork Gully have taken control of Eagle Football Holdings Bidco and will begin seeking buyers for the group’s majority stakes in Botafogo, Lyon and RWDM Brussels.

In a press release announcing their appointment, Cork Gully said Ares had taken this step due to “events of default under its financial agreements” with Eagle, including repeated failures to file accounts and other financial statements on time.

Gravely offended

Bidco is the only entity within the Eagle structure under administration, meaning the clubs themselves are not directly affected and will continue to operate as normal while the sale process is prepared.

Eagle Football objected the move, describing Ares’ decision as “unilateral and predatory” and disputing the basis for the defaults.

The company said it would work with the administrators while seeking to regain control, while Ares said it would defend its position against what it described as “highly misleading and inaccurate statements”.

 

Friedkin Group claim alternative to blind trust for dual European entry

The Friedkin Group believe they have a structure in place that would allow both Everton and AS Roma to compete in the same European competition without using a blind trust, according to The Times.

UEFA regulations prohibit clubs under the same ownership or control from participating in the same competition. The group did not implement a blind trust for either club before UEFA's March 1 deadline.

Instead, insiders cited by The Times said the owners have a “structural solution” they believe would meet UEFA’s test on decisive influence between clubs.

Review required

Details of the structure have not been disclosed, and any arrangement would need to be assessed by UEFA's Club Financial Control Body if both clubs qualify for the same competition.

If the body determines the structure does not comply with regulations, one of the clubs would be removed, with UEFA rules stating the lower-placed team in their domestic league would lose its place.

 

Leicester City report £71.1m loss in Premier League relegation season

Leicester City have reported a pre-tax loss of £71.1 million for the 2024/25 season, covering their return to the Premier League, according to the club’s financial results.

Turnover increased to £186.5 million from £105.4 million. However, the club's wage bill rose to £152.9 million from £107.2 million, while profit from player sales fell to £7.3 million from £71.8 million, contributing to the overall loss.

The latest accounts take the club’s total losses over a three-year period spanning promotion and relegation cycles to more than £180 million.

Leicester's chief executive Kevin Davies says "improving" the club's financial position "remains a priority and will continue to shape the decisions we take as a club".

Points deduction

The accounts follow a six-point deduction imposed this season for previous overspending, with the scale of recent losses likely to attract further scrutiny from regulators.

Leicester have also experienced two relegations in three seasons and are currently competing in the Championship, where they are attempting to avoid a further drop into League One.

 

Botafogo SAF to share financial documents after fraud allegations

Botafogo’s SAF said on Friday it will open its offices to the social club to present financial documents following allegations linked to the club’s sale agreement.

The move comes after the social club raised concerns over a lack of transparency and possible non-compliance with clauses tied to John Textor’s acquisition. Globo reported that three formal requests had been sent seeking access to financial records and transaction details.

The SAF said a meeting has been scheduled for next week to provide full documentation. In a statement, it said the process was intended to ensure “transparency, good faith and collaborative partnership”.

Dispute over investment structure

Under the shareholders’ agreement, the social club holds a 10 per cent stake and has oversight responsibilities. According to Globo, internal discussions have focused on whether the agreed R$400 million investment was fully executed, with part of the funds allegedly transferred to Olympique Lyonnais, also linked to Textor’s ownership group.

Some members of the social club argue the transaction structure undermined the intended investment in Botafogo. The SAF said the required contribution had been deposited in advance and that funds transferred from Lyon exceeded amounts received by the Brazilian club.

 

Sixth Street near agreement for 80 per cent Sunderland Women stake

Sixth Street are close to finalising a deal to acquire an 80 per cent stake in Sunderland Women, according to Bloomberg.

The report said the move is part of Sixth Street’s wider strategy to expand its sports investments. The firm has previously backed a number of sports organisations, including football clubs, as it builds its portfolio.

A person familiar with the situation told Bloomberg the deal is nearing completion, although terms have not been disclosed and the agreement has not yet been signed.

Growing investor interest

Sunderland Women operate within the wider Sunderland AFC structure and compete in the English women’s football pyramid. The team have developed a following and have recorded competitive results in recent seasons.

The potential acquisition reflects ongoing investor interest in women’s football, with private capital continuing to target the sport’s commercial growth and audience expansion.

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

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

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

Clubs question consistency

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

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

Nottingham Forest report £71 million loss for 2024/25

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

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

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

Squad investment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entourage dismisses allegation

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

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

Record sales drive Bournemouth £14.9 million pre-tax profit

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

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

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

Revenue growth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Responses to decision

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

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