CAF financially fuelled by Total Energies 4-year renewal
January 29 – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Total Energies have renewed their partnership with a four-year deal.
News
Marseilles-Nice derby marred by racist banners and homophobic chanting
January 29 – The French league has condemned yet another incident of homophobic and sexist chanting and racist banners, this time by home fans during a top-flight match between Nice and visiting Marseille last weekend.
French football and rugby union ready to join forces to manage Stade de France
January 29 – The French Football Federation (FFF) and French Rugby Federation (FFR) are preparing to join forces to manage the Stade de France if negotiations with GL Events for the stadium’s operation collapse.
Israeli top tier game abandoned over security fears, and it wasn’t the Palestinians
January 29 – A top-flight Israeli game was abandoned at halftime for security reasons after fans threw flares at players and rushed onto the field.
UCL reaches winner-takes-all final round of league matches with 27 clubs still in the hunt
January 29 – Tonight the UEFA Champions League concludes its league phase with, for the first time, all 18 games being played on the same night and with the same kick-off time.
The new format has been a major success. 27 of the 36 teams still have something to for, whether it is getting into the top eight teams, or securing a place in the next 16 places for the knockout play-offs.
Bettson adds Racing Club shirt front sponsorship to growing Argentine presence
January 29 – Swedish sportsbook Betsson has further strengthened its presence in Argentine football, renewing a front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Racing Club.
Court returns £3.6m to West Ham from LLDC’s profit share in sale of 27% club stake
January 29 – West Ham United have not had the happiest of times since moving from their much beloved Upton Park to the London Stadium, however, the club is potentially now £3.6 million better off after winning a court case against The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), which owns London Stadium.
Saintfiet sets 7-game target for Mali at AFCON 2025
January 29 – Mali manager Tom Saintfiet believes his team can go all the way at the Africa Cup of Nations following a favourable group stage draw.
Greeks hail success of digital ticket system in combatting hooliganism
January 29 – Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance, has described the introduction of electronic tickets for football matches in the country as a huge success.
Seattle launches small business initiative as 500 days to WC countdown begins
January 29 – With the World Cup officially only 500 days away, Local Organising Committees are shifting gears with the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 (SeattleFWC26) leading the way by unveiling a World Cup Small Business Initiative.
Man City put AI designed kits to public vote
January 29 – Football clubs and their kits are big business, however the fans rarely have an input into what these kits look like. Manchester City and their kit provider, German sportswear giant, Puma, have turned that concept around by announcing a ‘fan vote’ to decide the club’s official 2026/27 Third kit.
Saudi Arabia announces first women’s football sponsorship
January 28 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has unveiled a three-year partnership with Unilever’s Rexona, marking the first-ever official sponsorship of the Kingdom’s women’s national football programme.
Magwizi elected Zimbabwe FA President in landslide
January 28 – Nqobile Magwizi has been elected as the new Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) President after a landslide victory, and now faces the task of stabilising an association that has been dogged by internal wrangling.
Jamal Khashoggi’s widow urges FIFA tribute on husband at Saudi 2034
January 28 – The widow of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi has urged FIFA to commemorate her late husband at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
FIFA refuses to monitor conditions of migrant workers ahead of Saudi 2034
January 28 – In a new low, FIFA has rejected a request by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Africa to monitor the conditions of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, the hosts of the 2034 World Cup.