Sportradar agrees deal for IMG Arena’s sports betting rights
March 24 – Sportradar has acquired IMG Arena’s portfolio of sports betting rights increasing its coverage of tennis, football and basketball.
Macedonia FA to donate Wales ticket money top Kocani fire victims
March 24 – The Football Federation of North Macedonia (FFM) is to donate all proceeds from ticket sales for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Wales.
Mexico face Panama at SoFi Stadium for a rerun of 2023 Gold Cup final
March 22 – The joy of Panamanian Ceclio Waterman, as he celebrated his last-minute winner against the USA on the set of CBS with former Arsenal great and TV pundit, Thierry Henry, screaming ‘Eres mi idolo’, Spanish for ‘You’re my idol’, reminded all watching that ‘this is the reason we love the game’.
‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard’
March 21 – SoFi stadium, Inglewood, California is for all intents and purposes a spaceship, and the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) probably wishes they were boarding it with a one-way ticket to Mars after being dumped out of the Concacaf Nations League semifinal by Panama.
USA have chance to save face; Canada scent blood
March 22 – Prior to the Concacaf Nations League doubleheader on Thursday at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, the smart money was on the USA and Canada to advance and contest the final on Sunday. 180 minutes later, the smart money looked foolish.
Mexico absorb Canadian offensive for spot in Nations League final
March 20 – Mexico weathered a relentless Canadian storm to win 2-0 and set up a Nations League final against Panama, a repeat of the Gold Cup final in 2023 when Concacaf were last in the SoFi Stadium.
Brazilian fury over Domínguez’s racist Tarzan comment builds, Conmebol calls emergency summit
March 21 – The governance of South American football is under renewed pressure as Conmebol President Alejandro Domínguez faces a formal legal complaint in Brazil, deepening tensions with the continent’s largest footballing power over his handling – and apparent trivialisation – of racism in the game.
Carlsberg returns to UEFA national team competition sponsorship
March 21 – After a break of nine years, UEFA has resigned Carlsberg as an official global sponsor of UEFA men’s and women’s national team football through 2030.
Palestine calls on FIFA to fulfil its human rights commitments in statutes
March 21 – Palestine wants FIFA to expedite its investigation into Israeli settlement clubs operating in the West Bank with a view to the organisation’s Council making a final decision.
Canadian league launches ‘Made in Canada’ campaign
March 21 – As political tensions between Canada and the United States escalate following controversial remarks from former US president Donald Trump about Canada becoming the 51st state, the Canadian Premier League (CPL) has launched a national branding campaign titled ‘Made in Canada’, emphasising homegrown talent and self-sufficiency in football development.
Japan are first qualifiers for 2026 World Cup and an 8th consecutive finals
March 21 – With goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo in a 2-0 victory against Bahrain, Japan became the first country to qualify for the enlarged 48-team 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Chelsea top ranking of clubs with players on longest contracts
March 21 – Chelsea’s strategy of locking down their players on long-term contracts is paying off in terms of squad stability, but it might come back to bite them as their financial commitments continue to grow. According to the latest study from CIES Football Observatory, a staggering 91.8% of Chelsea’s current squad is contracted until at least 2026, securing their place at the top of the table for ‘minutes secured’ across 37 global leagues.
Validsign’s John Lagemen pulls out of Ado Den Haag acquisition
March 21 – Dutch club Ado Den Haag have confirmed that the proposed acquisition by businessman John Lageman has been called off.
Marriott Bonvoy books in for long term stay at Kai Tak Sports Park
March 21 – Marriott Bonvoy has been unveiled as the latest heavyweight partner of Hong Kong’s soon-to-be-opened Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), in a multi-year deal that positions the global hotel group at the heart of Asia’s newest sports and entertainment hub.
Canada to host 4-team friendly tournament as part of Gold Cup prep
March 21 – Canada have announced they are hosting a four-team friendly tournament this June at Toronto’s BMO Field. Played as two doubleheaders on June 7 and June 10, matches will complete four days before the Gold Cup kicks off.