According to a report from L’Équipe, the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is open to selling the French football club if a suitable offer is presented.

This openness to a sale comes amid a perceived waning interest in PSG from its Qatari stakeholders following the 2022 World Cup. Despite this, there is no indication that Qatar intends to withdraw from the club entirely.

The report suggests that PSG is no longer considered a top priority in Qatar, especially after Qatar Sports Investments' (QSI's) unsuccessful attempt to acquire Manchester United. There appears to be a growing detachment from the Paris project, coinciding with Qatar's decision to reduce investment levels in PSG.

Club Denies

However, responding to the report, a PSG spokesperson, speaking to the journalist Ben Jacobs, strongly denied any suggestion that the club would consider selling, highlighting their recent substantial investments.

“This is completely false, the same newspaper writes the same complete rubbish week and week again,” the statement read, directly addressing L’Équipe’s claims.

Premier League asks clubs to lobby against independent football regulator

The Premier League has distributed a template letter for clubs to send to their local MPs, outlining concerns about the Football Governance Bill currently progressing through Parliament. This lobbying effort aims to restrict the powers of the proposed independent football regulator, as reported by The Athletic.

According to the letter, the Premier League believes that while certain aspects of the bill are positive, such as enhancing fan engagement and protecting club heritage, other elements pose significant risks to the league's competitive balance and financial autonomy.

The league argues that stringent financial controls could hinder ambitious, well-managed clubs from challenging the established hierarchy, potentially leading to a "closed shop" scenario.

Additionally, the regulator's "backstop" power to mandate greater revenue sharing could disrupt the current financial structure, especially if it results in reduced parachute payments for relegated clubs.

Amendments proposed

To address its concerns, the Premier League proposes three amendments: making the backstop power a last resort, maintaining parachute payments as key to competitive balance, and limiting regulation to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy.

While the Premier League has resisted such regulation, the EFL supports it as a means to ensure fairer wealth distribution within English football.
 

DAZN secures exclusive global broadcasting rights for FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The sports streaming platform DAZN has struck a deal with FIFA to become the exclusive global broadcaster of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

According to the deal, all 63 matches of the tournament, featuring 32 clubs from around the world, will be live-streamed for free on DAZN globally. There is also potential for sublicensing to local free-to-air linear broadcast networks.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: "Through this broadcasting agreement, billions of football fans worldwide can now watch what will be the most widely accessible club football tournament ever - and for free."

Links to Saudi Arabia

DAZN CEO Shay Segev hailed the agreement as a "milestone" in DAZN's mission to be the leading sports entertainment platform.

According to The Daily Telegraph, industry insiders are drawing links between the deal and a potential $1 billion investment in DAZN by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Four football agencies merge to create one big agency

The investment firm Bruin Capital and the private equity company TJC are backing a significant merger in the football agency industry, creating a new entity named As1, which will represent some of Europe's top players.

The Financial Times reports that As1 will be formed by merging three agencies - Nomi Sports, Position Number, and Promoesport – with Bruin set to acquire Football Division Worldwide as the fourth component.

The London-based As1 will manage around 300 players, including Premier League stars such as Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, Liverpool's Luis Díaz, and Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo. The agency will also represent talent from La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga.

Valued at €285 million

According to a source familiar with the deal, the combined group is valued at $310 million by enterprise value. Bruin claims that As1 will rank among the top 10 largest football agencies based on the market value of its players, estimated at roughly €700 million by Transfermarkt.

Ignacio Aguillo, former Atlético Madrid executive, has been appointed CEO of As1.

777 Partners denies seeking investors for Genoa

Genoa CFC and 777 Partners, their American ownership group, have issued a statement denying that they have engaged Moelis & Company to find investors interested in acquiring the club.

This clarification comes after media speculation and reports suggesting that the investment bank had been appointed to explore the market for potential buyers.

According to the statement released on Genoa's official website, 777 Partners reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Genoa in its growth and consolidation within the relevant market. The firm contested any form of media speculation and conjecture regarding its intentions for the club.

No mandate

"Moelis Bank has no mandate from 777 Partners to find investors interested in taking over Genoa," the statement emphasised.

This somewhat unexpected stance from 777 Partners appears to confirm the American firm's dedication to continuing its involvement with Genoa, despite facing several proceedings in the United States due to its precarious financial conditions.

Manchester United have told supporters that controversial ticket price increases are part of wider measures designed to put the club “on a stronger financial footing”.

Last week the club communicated the decision to raise prices of remaining home tickets this season to £66 per match, without concessions for children or pensioners.

United supporters and fan groups immediately expressed their fury, with a protest before Sunday’s match against Everton, and the club emailed supporters clarifying the price changes the following day.

“Focused on cost saving”

United said: “As a club, we have been focused on cost saving to put us on a stronger financial footing. This means having to make very hard decisions, including a significant reduction in our staff numbers.

“It also means looking for opportunities to increase our revenues so we can continue to invest in football and infrastructure. We have now sold over 97 per cent of tickets this season, many of which were at a discounted rate.

“We are implementing some policy changes for matches that have already sold out, where only small numbers of tickets will be released.”

Infantino insists FIFA will not raid reserves to fund Club World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has insisted he will not raid the organisation’s reserves to fund the new 32-team Club World Cup, despite the failure so far to secure a broadcaster for the tournament.

The draw for the expanded tournament takes place in Miami tomorrow and some reports have suggested clubs are banking on £40 million from the competition.

However, covering the costs of staging the tournament and providing clubs with minimum participation payments plus performance bonuses has proved a challenge for FIFA.

“Self-sustainable”

Minutes from a recent FIFA meeting seen by The Times state: “The objective for the FIFA administration was to make the FIFA Club World Cup self-sustainable and for the revenues generated by the competition to be redistributed, without any of FIFA’s other income being invested in it.”

The minutes add: “The president echoed [the secretary general] Mattias Grafström’s words, stressing that the tournament would be self-sustaining and nothing would be drawn from the FIFA reserves.”

FIFA is believed to be seeking a total of $800 million for broadcast rights and up to $1.2 billion in partnership and sponsorship sales. In 2023 FIFA had reserves of $3.5 billion.

Liga MX clubs to vote on investment deal with Apollo and NFL

Liga MX has reportedly reached a formal agreement on an investment deal with New York-based Apollo Global Management and the NFL that will pool some of the Mexican league’s commercial rights.

The deal, which will go ahead if it is approved by the 18 Mexican top-flight teams, is the result of months of negotiations that started with a $1.25 billion influx of capital from Apollo.

In a letter sent to Liga MX club owners on Friday, a copy of which was seen by Sportico, Mexican Football Federation (FMF) president Juan Carlos Rodríguez outlined the agreement, which he said could be the “largest transformation project” in the history of Mexican football.

Reorganisation of pyramid

The letter states that an agreement would give Liga MX more capital, stronger corporate governance and a reorganisation of the football pyramid in the country.

It also mentions participation in the investment by the NFL, as well as talks with MLS about an expansion of their ongoing partnership, including a possible ‘Leagues Cup 2.0’ starting in 2027.

Saudi Arabia makes 910 sports sponsorship deals in 2034 World Cup plan

Saudi Arabia has struck 910 sports sponsorship deals, including 194 specifically concentrated on football, as it prepares for next week’s announcement confirming its hosting of the 2034 World Cup.

The figures are revealed in a new report compiled by Danish-run organisation Play the Game, which aims to promote democracy, transparency and freedom of expression in sport.

It maps what its authors describe as Saudi Arabia’s “strategic effort to reshape the Kingdom’s global image while leveraging sport as a tool of geopolitical influence”.

Annual partnership with FIFA

Of the sponsorship deals identified, 71 are with state oil company Aramco, including a $100 million annual partnership with FIFA, while the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and its subsidiaries account for 346 sponsorship agreements across a range of sports.

The report underlines how football, in particular, has been targeted in the buildup to the World Cup announcement, and explains that as well as numerous sponsorship deals the country has made dozens of formalised agreements with football federations.

LaLiga opens Riyadh workspace to strengthen Saudi Pro League ties

LaLiga has announced the opening of a workspace within the Saudi Pro League (SPL) headquarters in Riyadh, which it says is designed to allow the two organisations “to share best practices and drive innovation” in football.

The new facility, designed for use by LaLiga and Spanish clubs, officially commenced operations on Monday. Its inauguration was attended by LaLiga president Javier Tebas and SPL CEO Omar Mugharbel.

LaLiga also announced that it will have a delegate in Riyadh as part of its strategic internationalisation plan, which has expanded the Spanish league’s presence to 34 countries through 11 offices around the world.

“Great opportunity for growth”

Tebas said: "LaLiga is committed to the growth of the sports and entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia, a country that also represents a great opportunity for growth for our clubs.

“The opening of this office marks a turning point in our presence in the region and we are confident that it will help us strengthen ties."

Reading owner Dai Yongge rejects fresh takeover bid

Reading’s Chinese owner Dai Yongge is facing further backlash from fans after rejecting a “credible” takeover bid from Roger Smee, a former player and owner of the EFL League One club.

Smee – who spent seven years as the club’s chairman in the 1980s – has revealed his disappointment in a statement sent to The Daily Telegraph after his proposal was knocked back by Reading on Monday.

In the statement, Smee said: “I’m disappointed that news of my bid has been leaked to the media. … I confirm that my team submitted a carefully considered bid last week. I believe it was firmly competitive with previous proposals that had been entertained and publicly granted exclusivity.”

Alleged breakdown in Rob Couhig talks

This summer, former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig’s proposed takeover of Readng fell through after an alleged breakdown in negotiations with Yongge. Couhig had agreed exclusivity during the talks.

Following Smee’s failed bid, the Sell Before We Dai supporters group said this week: “We would love the club – as promised – to clarify at what stage the sale process is now at, but would also like to call on the EFL to lend their voice to the situation. How many more credible bids can be rejected without communication with the fans?”

Kylian Mbappé has referred his former club Paris Saint-Germain to the LFP’s disciplinary committee over the French striker’s claim of €55 million in unpaid wages and bonuses, the AFP has reported.

A source at the LFP told the news agency that a hearing will take place on 11th December over PSG's refusal to pay the money owed to the player, who moved to Real Madrid in June.

PSG were ordered by the LFP to pay Mbappé the sum owed from his time at the Parc des Princes but said in October they would refuse to do so on the basis that the player had agreed in August 2023 to waive the money.

PSG confident of outcome

Last month the French Football Federation (FFF) rejected PSG's request to reconsider the order to pay Mbappé, saying it was submitted a day late.

The LFP could impose a fine or transfer ban on PSG. However, it is understood the club is confident the LFP cannot have the final say on the case and that it would have to go before an industrial tribunal.

Liverpool expand scouting network to find next batch of academy stars

Liverpool are to expand and revamp their scouting operation, with a greater focus on unearthing the next batch of academy graduates, according to a report from The Times.

As part of a commitment to recruit, retain and develop talent, it is understood the club is set to make a number of key appointments across the fields of recruitment and loan management.

Among the changes, a new head of loan management at the club will be recruited to succeed Matt Newberry, who has been promoted to the role of director of global talent.

Two new roles to be created

Two new roles — loans pathway lead and loans performance analyst — are also being created, reflecting the importance of players gaining experience away from the first-team environment.

In addition, a global talent scout, a regional scout for the Netherlands and Belgium, and two further European regional scouting roles will be appointed. Liverpool also plan to bolster recruitment, analysis and scouting at its academy.

Hellas Verona takeover by US firm moves closer

A proposed takeover of Hellas Verona by the American firm Presidio Investors is moving closer after a meeting with the local mayor over plans for a new stadium, Sky Italia has reported.

The interest in the Serie A club from the Austin, Texas-based fund was first reported by Bloomberg last month. As part of the potential agreement, Presidio would want to demolish the current Bentegodi stadium and construct a completely new venue on the same land.

Hellas Verona president Maurizio Setti recently accompanied Presidio representatives at a meeting to discuss the plans with the Verona mayor Damiano Tommasi, who is a former player of the club.

Final figure of €72-75 million

It is understood negotiations over the takeover are at an advanced stage, with discussions taking place over a final figure of between €72 million and €75 million plus bonuses.

The aim is said to be the completion of a deal by Christmas. If plans were approved for a new stadium, Hellas Verona would play at a temporary ground for one or two seasons.

Eintracht Frankfurt shareholders approve €66 million capital increase

Eintracht Frankfurt are aiming to raise €66 million from a capital increase next year after the move was unanimously approved by shareholders at the club’s AGM held yesterday.

The Bundesliga club’s members will have the final say on whether the planned capital increase will go ahead when they vote on the issue at a meeting on 17th February 2025.

It is not yet known who the possible investors are. The capital increase is set to be carried out in the first half of 2025 and, among other things, would be intended to strengthen the club’s equity position.

Transfer of voting rights

In a statement, Eintracht said: "The size of the capital increase may not exceed the issue of 368,333 new shares and must amount to at least €179.41 per share. In total, up to €66 million in capital are to be raised. New shareholders must then commit to transferring their voting rights to Eintracht Frankfurt e.V."

The club’s president Mathias Beck said: "I am pleased with the unanimous decision of the shareholders to follow the club's proposal with regard to the capital increase and thus strengthen the club's position as the main shareholder in the long term."

FC Nantes face prospect of new spending limits ahead of DNCG meeting

FC Nantes are facing the possibility of further spending restrictions as they prepare for their mid-season review with French football’s financial watchdog the DNCG today.

The Ligue 1 club’s wage bill has been monitored by the DNCG since June, limiting their activity in the summer transfer window, and according to L'Équipe, there are concerns the restrictions will be extended into January.

Nantes’ spending on player salaries included in their budgeted for 2024/25 was lower than their outlay in 2023/24, but not low enough in the eyes of the DNCG following a significant decline in revenues.

Slump in broadcast income

In 2022/23, when they reached the Europa League knockout round play-offs, FC Nantes’ revenues amounted to around €80 million, including €30 million in broadcast income, and the club spent around €50 million on wages.

However, their broadcast revenue slumped to €6 million in 2023/24, partly due to an absence of European competition. In October 2024, owner Waldemar Kita injected between €35 million and €40 million into the club.

A proposal to ban state-controlled clubs from English football has been submitted in an amendment to the Football Governance Bill, which is set to introduce a new independent regulator.

As reported by The Times, Lord Bassam of Brighton, a Labour peer, has put forward the amendment to the legislation going through the House of Lords.

If agreed by parliament it would prevent professional English clubs being owned or controlled by sovereign wealth funds or government ministers from any country.

Manchester City and Newcastle would be affected

The move would mean that Manchester City, whose owner is Sheikh Mansour, the vice-president of the UAE, and Newcastle United, who are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), would be forced to change their ownership in order to be granted a licence by the regulator.

Whitehall insiders insist the chance of the amendment being agreed is small, but some Premier League clubs have previously urged the government to introduce such a ban.

Saudi clubs attract investment interest from 25 companies

The move to open up Saudi Arabian football clubs to private investment has sparked significant interest from both local and international firms, the country’s sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal has said.

Speaking during the country’s Budget Forum 2025, the minister revealed that 25 companies are now actively pursuing investment opportunities in six of the 14 clubs proposed for privatisation in the first phase of the process.

He added that it is estimated the investments could amount to SR500 million ($133 million). As well as domestic firms, he said “there is also interest from foreign companies in investing and acquiring clubs, which we will announce soon.”

Privatisation project

In July, the Saudi ministry of sport launched the latest phase of the 'sports clubs investment and privatisation project' designed to bring in fresh investment at 14 clubs, including Saudi Pro League teams and some below the top-flight.

Prince Abdulaziz noted that the Saudi Pro League’s international profile is on the rise, with broadcasts now reaching over 160 countries. He added that revenues from the league have increased by 33 per cent this year.

Real Sociedad announce record revenues of €160 million for 2023/24

Real Sociedad have posted record revenues of €160 million and a profit of €1.2 million for the 2023/24 financial year.

In a statement, the LaLiga club said the result was driven in large part by the team's qualification for the knockout phase of last season’s Champions League. Their participation in the competition generated €44.5 million in prize money.

In addition, the club earned €78.2 million in broadcast income, €15 million in commercial revenue and €14.3 million from members and season ticket holders.

Wage bill exceeds €100 million for first time

The profit was achieved despite a rise in the club’s wage bill, which exceeded €100 million for the first time. First-team salaries accounted for €89.5 million, due partly to bonuses for the progress in Europe.Real Sociedad also announced a reduction in their forecast for total revenues in 2024/25 from €150 million to €127 million.

The club, who are competing in the Europa League this season, said the adjustment “reflects a conservative financial stance, prioritising the control of expenses over the demands of the competition.”

RSC Anderlecht post €1.6 million profit for 2023/24

RSC Anderlecht have reported a profit of €1.6 million for the year ending 30th June, 2024, following a loss of €6.1 million the previous year.

The Belgian Pro League club noted that the surplus is its first since 2016/17, apart from in 2021/22, when a positive net result was achieved “as a consequence of a wavering of debts”.

A key factor in the result for 2023/24 was a 9.9 per cent decline in the club’s wage bill to €49.3 million, following a 4 per cent decrease to €54.7 million in 2022/23.

Revenues reach €105.7 million

Total revenues for 2023/24, including transfer income, rose to €105.7 million, up from €101.2 million in 2022/23, despite the absence of European football. Anderlecht said income was boosted by an average occupancy rate of 98 per cent at its stadium.

The club added that the sale of goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to Brighton & Hove Albion and the sell-on fee generated from left winger Jérémy Doku’s transfer from Stade Rennes to Manchester City “contributed significantly to the revenue increase.”

Paris FC takeover by Arnault family and Red Bull completed

Paris FC have announced that the takeover of the club by the family of France's richest person Bernard Arnault, alongside Red Bull, has been completed.

In a statement, the Ligue 2 club confirmed that the Arnault family, which owns the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, has become majority shareholder of the team via its Agache holding company, with Red Bull acquiring a minority stake.

Agache Sport has purchased a 52.4 per cent shareholding, with Red Bull taking 10.6 per cent. Paris FC’s president and former majority owner Pierre Ferracci retains a 29.8 per cent stake through Alter Paris, while BRI has 7.2 per cent.

“Ambitious goals”

Ferracci said: "This milestone we have just taken is an important moment in the life and history of the club. With the arrival of Agache Sport and Red Bull, Paris FC is giving itself the means to set ambitious goals.

“Without cutting corners, by respecting its identity and values and by relying on a Ile-de-France area whose potential is well-known, Paris FC will continue its progress, which will benefit its training centres and its first teams, both women's and men's.”

Manchester United paid around £10.4 million in compensation to former manager Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff following his dismissal last month.

The figure was revealed in United’s results for the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year published earlier this week, which also showed the club paid more than £21 million to change managers.

The Old Trafford club paid Sporting Clube de Portugal around £11 million to appoint Ruben Amorim and six members of coaching staff.

£70 million since Moyes

The latest figures mean United have spent an estimated £70 million in compensation to dismissed managers since sacking David Moyes back in 2014.

Ten Hag was the fifth permanent United manager to lose his job since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Ralf Rangnick also received compensation following the end of his interim spell in charge in 2022.

Moshiri makes pledge over Everton £451 million debt if takeover drags on

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has reportedly agreed to convert his £451 million loan to the club into shares if it has not been sold by the time the Premier League’s revised Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules come into force.

According to The Guardian, Moshiri has committed to waiving the huge debt on completion of his planned sale to the Friedkin Group, and will convert it to equity if it appears that will not happen before 11th January.

From that date shareholder loans will become subject to a fair market value test by the Premier League after last week’s vote on APT rules, to which opposition was led by Manchester City.

Switched sides

Moshiri is understood to have made the undertaking before last week’s vote, when Everton switched sides and voted with the league’s executive to endorse the new APT rules. The proposed amendments were passed by 16 votes to four.

Based on the Bank of England’s current interest rate of 4.75 per cent, Everton would need to pay £21.3 million to cover Moshiri’s loan, which would put them at risk of another breach of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Vitesse Arnhem given new 21-point deduction by KNVB

Vitesse Arnhem have been hit with a new 21-point deduction by the Dutch FA (KNVB) after breaking its licensing rules on four occasions over the last few months.

It comes after the club suffered an 18-point penalty last season, confirming their relegation to the Dutch second-tier, and a further six-point deduction this campaign, meaning the team’s current points tally in the second division is now -15.

Vitesse have been mired in financial trouble since their Russian owner, Valeriy Oyf, tried to sell the club to the US-based investment company Common Group. The takeover was blocked by the KNVB and led to another unsuccessful rescue attempt, this time from Dutch entrepreneur Guus Franke.

“Side letter”

In a statement, Vitesse said the latest punishment included a nine-point penalty forfailure to provide information on a “side letter” covering agreements between Franke and Common Group about the potential takeover of the club.

In addition, Vitesse were hit with an additional six points for the late delivery of their 2022/23 accounts and 2023/24 forecast, three points for the 2023/24 half-year figures, and three points for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 annual figures.

Vitesse have decided not to appeal the punishment and said they were “grateful” the KNVB had opted not to fine the club, either in addition to or instead of the points penalty, due to the club’s current financial situation.

Bastia handed provisional relegation by DNCG

Ligue 2 club Bastia have been provisionally relegated by French football’s financial watchdog the DNCG in its latest round of sanctions.

In a statement, the body said it has decided to demote Bastia to the third-tier Championnat National “as a precautionary measure” at the end of the season. It has also imposed a transfer ban with immediate effect and said it will monitor the club’s wage bill.

The punishment follows DNCG’s mid-season review of Bastia, who will be required to improve their finances to avoid relegation in May.

Orléans spending to be monitored

National 1 club Orléans will also be impacted by the DNCG’s latest sanctions. The watchdog said it will monitor the club’s wage bill and transfer spending.

However, the DNCG confirmed that no sanctions have been imposed on Ligue 1 clubs Nice and Reims, or Ligue 2 sides Clermont, Troyes, Annecy, Caen and Laval.

A couple of weeks ago, the Allianz Arena, home of FC Bayern Munich, hosted an NFL game between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants.

This marked the NFL’s second game in Munich and showcased the relationship between two global sporting giants - football and American football. For Bayern Munich, the event wasn’t just about hosting; it became a platform to reflect on their own international ambitions, particularly in the U.S., a market of growing importance. 

Michael Diederich, Bayern Munich’s executive vice chairman and CFO, sheds light on how the club is navigating the challenges of expanding into the U.S. market while staying true to their German roots, sharing insights into the club’s plans and his visions for German football.

U.S. and Germany: Key markets for growth

Bayern Munich views the U.S. as one of their most crucial international markets, reflecting a commitment to strengthening its presence in the region. 

“Germany and Europe is one of the most important markets for NFL. The other way around the U.S. for us is one of the important markets,” Diederich said.

The club have had an office in the U.S. for over 10 years, underscoring the importance of local partnerships. Their collaboration with Los Angeles FC and their relationship with the NFL team, Kansas City Chiefs, exemplifies the value of such relationships in the U.S. market.

 “To enter the US market, you need to have a local angle and a local partner to navigate to all the do's and don'ts in the region, especially in the US,” Diederich explains.

But Bayern can’t make the Bundesliga popular in the U.S. alone. Diederich highlights the need for a nuanced approach to penetrate a market as diverse as the U.S. 

“It is not only us, but you also have 36 clubs organised in the DFL. It is all their responsibility in working on that internationalisation of the brand and of the attractiveness of the German football,” he noted. 

The club sees these collective efforts as vital for competing with leagues like the Premier League, which has already established a significant global footprint.

Taking notes from the NFL playbook

The partnership with the NFL has provided Bayern with valuable insights. 
As Diederich explained. “The willingness to expand and to internationalise the product and the sport to other regions” is something the Bundesliga could take inspiration from. 

Events like the NFL game in Munich serve as a win for multiple stakeholders. 

“For the city it is a win, for our stadium it is a win for the audience, for sure, it is a win.”

While the collaboration between the NFL and Bundesliga is strong, there are clear differences in approach.

Peer Naubert, chief marketing officer of Bundesliga International, made it clear that the Bundesliga has no plans to emulate the NFL’s practice of playing competitive games abroad. 

“I think it's super unrealistic that we will ever play a regular season game anywhere abroad, not even in the states, because the Bundesliga stands for ‘football as it's meant to be,’ and we believe that the Bundesliga is rooted in Germany and will always be played in Germany.”

“It’s a priority”

Despite its domestic roots, Bayern Munich is committed to international growth. The club's global fan base spans continents, as Diederich emphasised. 

“We have a huge fan base in Germany, sure, but we also have a huge fan base internationally.” 

The club’s efforts are guided by a dual focus on expanding internationally while staying true to its local heritage.

And particularly with the major international events on the horizon, the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the newly expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Bayern Munich continues to see the U.S. as a crucial focus.

These events provide Bayern with unique opportunities to deepen their engagement with American fans and partners.

“The US for sure is important for us and especially because of these two big events which are going to happen next year and the year after. So, for us it is a priority, let me put it that way,” Diederich says. 

The case against Manchester City for 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules may not be concluded before the end of this season after it emerged the hearing will not be finished until the middle of December.

The Lawyer website has reported that the hearing has been paused while City and the Premier League prepare their closing arguments. These are not due to start until early to mid-December and it could be three months or more before the three-man commission issues a judgment.

If City or the Premier League were to challenge that judgment via an appeal that would probably take several more months, and legal experts have told The Times there is a good chance any appeal would not be resolved before the end of May.

Thirteen-week hearing

One complex financial case heard by the High Court last year had a 13-week hearing, similar to the length of City’s, but a judgment has still not been issued a year later. Other less complex cases can take a much shorter time, but legal experts say it is impossible to predict how long City’s will take.

City are facing more than 100 alleged rule breaches over a 14-year period. The original 115 alleged breaches now total 130, as when the Premier League originally announced the list of charges, in February 2023, there was confusion over some of the rules listed in the charges in relation to particular seasons and it had to issue a correction. City deny any wrongdoing.

Čeferin urges EU to give more concrete protections to European sports model

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has called for “legal certainty” to protect the European sports model in an address to the Council of EU sports ministers in Brussels.

Čeferin encouraged ministers and the European Commission to take concrete actions towards implementing the Council’s resolution made in November 2021 to protect the model "from those who seek to destroy it for their own power and selfish gain."

EU sports ministers signalled their support for the model with a joint declaration in February this year, and this week held a debate on providing additional political backing, with the topic said to be one of the key priorities of the European Commission's new 2024-2029 mandate.

“Based on sporting merit”

“For 70 years, the European sports model has been built on principles of open competitions, promotion and relegation based on sporting merit, financial solidarity and recognition of sport’s social impact,” Čeferin said. “These principles have guided UEFA since its foundation.”

The UEFA president’s call for action comes amid ongoing speculation about fresh attempts to launch a European Super League following the European Court of Justice (CJEU)’s ruling last December that banning clubs from joining a breakaway league was unlawful.

LaLiga revenues reach €2 billion mark for 2023/24

LaLiga have recorded turnover of more than €2 billion for the first time after generating strong growth in commercial income in 2023/24.

Sponsorship revenue grew by 8 per cent to €162.3 million as EA Sports became the new title sponsor of both the Spanish first and second divisions in a five-year deal worth €60 million per season.

Other sponsorship agreements provided a further boost to commercial income, while broadcast revenue also grew, rising by 1.7 per cent to €1.86 billion.

International TV rights up 3.5 per cent

Overseas broadcast rights generated €744 million, up 3.5 per cent compared to 2022/23. LaLiga said this was largely driven by increases in the Americas – mainly the US and Brazil – and the MENA region.

However, the amount from domestic rights was still below the figure for 2018/19, when it reached €1.14 billion.

Despite the increase in revenues, LaLiga posted a loss of €6.3 million for 2023/24, which according to Spanish media was due to the start-up of various projects and subsidiaries.

AS Roma post €81.4 million loss for 2023/24

AS Roma have recorded a further easing of losses after finishing the year ending 30th June, 2024 €81.4 million in the red.

The Serie A club’s financial results for 2023/24 are due to be published later this week, and some of the headline numbers have been revealed by Italian media.

The latest negative result follows losses of €102.7 million in 2022/23, €219.1 million in 2021/22 and €185.3 million in 2020/21, and brings the total losses since American businessman Dan Friedkin took over the club in August 2020 to €588.1 million.

Operating costs €15 million lower

The 2023/24 accounts also reportedly show that Roma’s operating costs have been reduced by around €15 million compared to 2022/23, while positive numbers are highlighted around attendance and merchandise sales.

The club’s total home attendance last season reached 1.7 million, averaging around 63,000 per match across the season and resulting in an occupancy rate of 99 per cent. Meanwhile, 131,000 replica shirts were sold, setting an all-time record for the club.

FIFA launches $50 million 2022 World Cup legacy fund

FIFA has launched a $50 million legacy fund for social programmes in collaboration with 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR.

It comes after FIFA promised in November 2022 that the legacy fund from 2022 World Cup proceeds would be used to help "some of the most vulnerable people in the world".

The $50 million equates to around 1 per cent of the commercial revenue raised around the 2022 World Cup. Revenues from previous World Cups have been put into legacy funds for the host nation to use for the development of the game.

“Tackling key priorities”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: "FIFA is taking the concept of a legacy fund to the next level in terms of reach and impact by tackling key priorities such as refugees, occupational health, education, and football development."

However, Amnesty International said the fund does nothing for families of migrant workers who died or were exploited when building Qatar's stadiums for the World Cup.
 

FIFA has announced the suspension of all its ongoing cases related to the transfer rules that have been deemed unlawful by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)’s judgement on the Lassana Diarra case.

The CJEU ruled last month in favour of the former French player, stating that specific FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) conflicted with EU law.

FIFA has now suspended all its cases before its Disciplinary Committee concerning Articles 6 and 17 of the RSTP, both of which were deemed "contrary" to EU law and "likely to hinder the free movement" of professional footballers by the CJEU.

Disciplinary measures

FIFA said it will abandon for the time being "any disciplinary measures" against "players" and "coaches" who have not respected these two rules, meaning they are for now able to leave their club without having to suffer sporting sanctions or pay compensation.

However, FIFA stressed the suspension of the cases does not exclude "a subsequent reinstatement" and does not constitute an "admission of illegality of such measures".

Manchester United post £1.4 million profit for Q1 2024/25

Manchester United have reported a net profit of £1.4 million and operating loss of £6.9 million for the three-month period ending 30th September 2024.
The club acknowledged that the slender net profit, which followed a loss of £25.8 million in the same period last year, was “attributable primarily to foreign exchange gains on unhedged US dollar borrowings”, adding that “the majority of this gain is expected to be reversed” in Q2 2024/25.

Key factors behind the operating loss for the period, which came after an operating profit of £1.9 million in Q1 2023/24, were United's absence from the Champions League this season and costs related to the club’s redundancy programme.

Broadcast revenue fell by 20.4 per cent year-on-year to £31.3 million, while commercial income declined by 5.6 per cent to £85.3 million and matchday revenue was down 3.3 per cent to £26.5 million.

Wage bill falls 11.2 per cent

United's wage bill in Q1 2024/25 was £80.2 million, a fall of 11.2 per cent on the prior year’s first quarter, with the club saying the drop was due "primarily to changes in the make-up of the first-team playing squad".

The Old Trafford club also recorded an exceptional cost of £8.6 million which they said "comprises costs incurred in relation to the restructuring of the group's operations, including the redundancy scheme implemented in the first quarter of financial year 2025".

Watzke defends Dortmund sponsorship deal with German arms manufacturer

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has defended the club’s sponsorship deal with Rheinmetall, Germany’s biggest arms manufacturer, despite strong opposition to the agreement from fans.

The controversial three-year partnership, which the Bundesliga club agreed in May, was a key talking point at the club’s AGM on Sunday, with two mock tanks and an information stand set up in protest at the deal.

Members attacked the agreement, with a majority voting in favour of a motion to end the partnership as quickly as possible. Of the 855 members present 556 voted in favour, with 247 voting against and 52 abstaining.

“Balancing act”

However, Watzke stood firm on the deal when addressing the AGM. "It was a decision that involved a balancing act between economic aspects and social sustainability,” he said. “The committees voted unanimously in favour of it. But I have respect for everyone who sees it differently."

Managing director Carsten Cramer added: "The only area we can grow is sponsorship. We have red lines there. We have rejected funds from Russia or those that we believe contradict Borussia Dortmund's CSR criteria."

Legal battle ensues over confidentiality agreement between lobbyist and PSG president

A France-Algerian lobbyist has taken legal action to nullify a confidentiality agreement he signed with Nasser al-Khelaïfi, the Qatari president of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), claiming he was coerced into the agreement, according to a report from L'Équipe.

The lobbyist, Tayeb Benabderrahmane, argues that the agreement, which required him to hand over any "confidential document" concerning "NAK" (al-Khelaïfi), was signed under duress. He entered the agreement on July 10, 2020.

According to Benabderrahmane's account during a civil hearing at the Paris Judicial Tribunal, he was arrested in Doha in January 2020 and subjected to harsh conditions in a Qatari prison. He alleges that his release from detention was contingent upon signing the agreement, orchestrated by al-Khelaïfi's lawyers and his brother, who was head of Qatari intelligence.

Another perspective

Al-Khelaïfi's camp tells a different story, claiming Benabderrahmane was arrested for espionage and attempting to sell information to the United Arab Emirates. They assert that al-Khelaïfi had no involvement in the arrest and only became aware of it in May. Al-Khelaïfi's lawyer, Marie Burguburu, maintains that the agreement is valid as Benabderrahmane faced no "resistance" during signing and had legal representation.

Furthermore, al-Khelaïfi is demanding €5 million from Benabderrahmane for allegedly violating the protocol by retaining potentially compromising digital content for blackmail purposes.

Benabderrahmane is also under separate criminal investigation for stealing intimate images of al-Khelaïfi. Another investigation into potential torture in Qatari prison is ongoing. The court will deliver its decision on April 29, 2025.

Premier League clubs have voted to approve changes to the associated party transaction (APT), with Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest opposing the amendments during a meeting in central London.

According to a statement from the Premier League, these changes were prompted by an arbitration tribunal's findings earlier this year, which deemed some aspects of the APT rules unlawful following a legal challenge by Manchester City.

The tribunal's decision, made public in October, led to a series of legal correspondences between Manchester City and the Premier League on how to address the issue.

Disagreement over vote timing

The APT rules are designed to ensure that clubs do not gain an unfair advantage through commercial deals or cost reductions that are not at fair market value (FMV), due to relationships with associated parties. They serve as a safeguard for the financial stability, integrity, and competitive balance of the league.

In light of the inability to process APT deals and potential damages from other clubs seeking associated party deals during the interim period, the Premier League was eager to propose their amendments swiftly. Despite Manchester City's stance that no vote should occur until full guidance from the tribunal on APT rules is available, consultations with clubs have been ongoing for over a month leading up to this decision.

Real Madrid's president reveals plan to assess new ownership structure

Real Madrid's president, Florentino Pérez, has announced plans to propose a "corporate reorganisation" of the club to its members.

In a 90-minute speech to the club's annual assembly, Pérez claimed that a dispute with LaLiga over the CVC investment deal and the way the league collectively negotiates TV rights meant that a new structure was needed to guarantee the club's independence.

"You can be sure that we will do whatever is necessary to ensure that this club continues to belong to its members, as it has done throughout our 122 years of history. In summary, to ensure that no one can take away our economic heritage,” Perez said.

“Therefore, I confirm that we will bring to this Assembly a proposal for the reorganisation of the club's corporate structure that clearly guarantees our future, protects us from the threats we are experiencing and, above all, ensures that we members are the real owners of our club, the real owners of our financial assets in our own right."

No specific details

Real Madrid is one of only four Spanish clubs that remain member-owned and were not required to become public limited companies due to a 1990 law.

While Pérez confirmed that a proposal for reorganisation would be brought before an assembly, he did not provide specific details on what this reorganisation would entail.

Florentino Pérez insists on the creation of the Super League

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has openly criticized UEFA and FIFA during the club's annual general meeting, with the contentious issue of the European Super League once again coming to the forefront.

At the Real Madrid assembly on Sunday, Perez, a leading proponent of the breakaway league, took aim at the governing bodies for their handling of football competitions and their scheduling.

Perez expressed his dissatisfaction with the revamped Champions League format, which includes an increase in group stage matches. "The new Champions League format is unfair, nobody understands it," Perez stated.

Perez also reiterated his belief that football is in a dire state, describing it as "gravely injured" and in its "most delicate situation" ever.

"A unique opportunity"

Despite the challenges faced by the Super League initiative, including significant opposition and legal battles, Perez remains optimistic about its future, and highlighted a ruling by the European Court of Justice

“We have a unique opportunity to develop a new model of governance and competition that prioritises both the well-being of the players and the passion and excitement of the fans. There is a real opportunity to change course, to revitalise football and restore it to grandeur. And the sooner we do it, the better.”

Eagle Football secures $40 million investment from Portuguese fund

Eagle Football Holdings, the multi-club ownership group led by American entrepreneur John Textor, has announced $40 million of initial equity investment toward a $100 million pre-IPO financing round, led by UCEA Capital Partners, a Portuguese investment fund.

Eagle Football Holdings, the parent company of football clubs Olympique Lyon, Botafogo, and Molenbeek, is making strides towards an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange by the first quarter of 2025.

"Eagle Football has reached an exciting inflection point, and this funding brings us one step closer to our IPO ambitions," said John Textorl.

"We are thrilled to have the backing of such a respected investor as we execute scalable entertainment and technology strategies to complement our network of global football clubs.”

Financial challenges

Last week Lyon were handed a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 and an immediate transfer ban by French football’s financial watchdog, the DNCG, following its mid-season meeting with the club.

John Textor has insisted the Ligue 1 club will not lose their top-flight status. The American claimed the "imminent" sale of Eagle’s 45 per cent stake in Crystal Palace could alone cover "more than what OL needs", and that the club had several ways to cover its deficit "of around €100 million".

FFF denies PSG's appeal over Mbappé's unpaid salaries

The French Football Federation (FFF), has denied Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG's), request to reconsider the Professional Football League's (LFP's), order for the club to pay 55 million euros in unpaid salaries and bonuses to their former player, Kylian Mbappé

This decision was confirmed by a source close to the situation on Friday, according to the French news agency, AFP.

According to the source, PSG's appeal to the FFF Executive Committee was submitted one day after the ten-day deadline that followed the LFP's joint appeals committee ruling in favor of Mbappé on October 25. The ongoing dispute between PSG and Mbappé remains unresolved.

A setback for the club

The LFP's injunction puts PSG in a challenging position as they are compelled to comply with the substantial financial payout to Mbappé, who is now associated with Real Madrid.

The rejection of PSG's request by the FFF signifies a setback for the club in their legal battle over the payment issue.