FIFA closes the door on Palestine hosting 2026 qualifiers but it might not be good for Israel
July 29 – FIFA and the AFC have refused Palestine the right to stage their home World Cup qualifying matches in September in the West Bank.
August 1 – Tony Gustavsson and the Matildas have parted ways after Australia exited the Olympic football tournament in the first round, Football Australia confirmed on Thursday.
July 31 – Speaking after the bid book for the hosting of the 2034 World Cup was handed in to FIFA in Paris on Monday, Yasser Al Misehal (pictured), president, Saudi Arabian Football Federation said, that they will deliver an event that will “astonish the world”.
July 31 – Saudi Arabia’s Roshn Group on Tuesday unveiled plans for the construction of a 45,000-seater stadium in Riyadh. Earlier this week, the Arab Kingdom submitted its bid book for the 2034 World Cup.
Saudis release early plans for 92,000-capacity Riyadh Stadium for 2034 World Cup
July 29 – Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to build a 92,000-capacity stadium in Riyadh to stage major sporting events with a decision on its 2034 World Cup bid due this year.
Saudi FA increases second season financial support for women’s game to $16m+
July 29 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has boosted to funding for the second season of its Women’s Football Clubs Development Fund Program to $16 million, a rise of SAR10 million ($2.7 million).
Croatia and China agree knowledge exchange and player development agreement
July 29 – The Croatian Football Association (HNS) and the Chinese National Football Academy have signed a cooperation agreement.
AFC and UN’s FFTG initiative jointly commit to sustainability goals
July 25 – The AFC, in collaboration with the United Nations’ (UN) Football For the Goals initiative (FFTG), yesterday completed a workshop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, designed “to clear a path” to increased collaboration over the use of football to drive social change.
IMG lands 5-year Saudi broadcast production contract
July 25 – IMG has won the broadcast production contract for the Saudi Pro League (SPL) and Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) in a five-year partnership that will see it produce matches for the Roshn Saudi League (RSL), King’s Cup, and Saudi Super Cup, starting from the 2024-25 season.
Aussie A-Leagues kick off new 3-year Mitre deal
July 24 – Mitre will be the Aussie A-Leagues Official Match Ball Partner for the next three seasons.
AFC raises age criteria for its Referee Academy, now in its fifth intake
July 23 – The AFC’s Referees Committee has raised the entry age of its Referee Academy and lengthened the ‘retention’ period of graduates to two years to ensure ongoing monitoring and mentoring of its top officials.
Football Australia signs Allianz as sponsor ahead of Matildas’ Paris 2024 opener
July 23 – Football Australia and Allianz Australia have agreed a multi-year partnership, that will see Allianz become the Official Insurance Partner of Football Australia and its national teams.
AFC draws groups for first two stages of inaugural Women’s Champions League
July 18 – The AFC has drawn the first two group stages for its inaugural Women’s Champions League that will see 13 teams kick off play in August 25-31.
AFC extends Neom partnership for further five years
July 10 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has extended its partnership with Saudi-based Neom until 2029.
Consortium to expand Tokyo national stadium with 2050 World Cup bid a possibility
July 9 – A consortium led by Japan’s largest mobile phone carrier NTT Docomo is aiming to increase the permanent capacity at Tokyo’s National Stadium from 68,000 to 80,000 as the country reportedly eyes a shot at hosting the FIFA World Cup for a second time.
