February 19 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has landed another heavyweight commercial partner, with global electronics giant Samsung signing on as a Gold Partner in an initial short-term deal running through the 2024-25 season.
February 14 – The Saudi Pro League’s (SPL) aggressive recruitment of ageing stars in 2023 reshaped global football’s transfer market. A new report from Football Benchmark shows the depth of the league’s tactical rethink with a new focus on recruiting younger players.
February 7 – FIFA has suspended Pakistan from the global game “with immediate effect” after the federation rejected constitutional change.
February 5 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is working to strengthen its connection with Brazilian football, with league officials in country to engage with local stakeholders.
January 31 – After a dismal run of results, former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has left his role as manager of Saudi club Al Ettifaq by mutual consent.
January 27 – State associations are planning a no-confidence motion in Kalyan Chaubey (pictured), the president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
January 15 – The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) has been named the exclusive Premier Founding Partner of the soon-to-be opened Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.
January 14 – After one of the most thrilling Supercopa Finals in the history of the competition, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) plans to extend the contract with Saudi Arabia for another five years so that the Super Cup will be held in this country until 2034.
January 13 – The wives of Mallorca players have said they were harassed after the club’s Spanish Super Cup game in Saudi Arabia.
January 10 – Hong Kong’s ambitious Kai Tak Sports Park project is entering its final stages, with the state-of-the-art facility expected to open later this year. The development, situated on the northwestern part of the former Kai Tak Airport, is set to redefine Hong Kong’s sporting landscape with a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting a wide range of events but with a focus on football.
January 9 – Monika Staab (pictured centre) has stepped down from her role as technical director of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, bringing her role in building the country’s women’s team to an end.
January 7 – Welsh club football doesn’t often generate much publicity outside the principality but Cymru Premier champions The New Saints have lodged an appeal with FIFA claiming they are owed a transfer fee from Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah for striker Brad Young.
January 7 – Indonesia have dismissed Shin Tae-yong as manager, with Dutchman Patrick Kluivert reportedly waiting in the wings to take over.
January 6 – Iran’s antiquated theocratic policy of gender discrimination has spilled over into football once again with a top player summoned to explain why he hugged a female fan.
January 2 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) says it is gearing up for the 2024/25 winter transfer window with a sharper focus on youth development, having promised less headline-grabbing activity as clubs face strict transfer quotas with one eye on fostering homegrown talent ahead of the 2034 World Cup.
