HSBC becomes founding partner of Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park
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 27 – State associations are planning a no-confidence motion in Kalyan Chaubey (pictured), the president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
January 24 – Hosts Saudi Arabia, chasing a third title, will face Uzbekistan, Thailand and China in Group A of the AFC U17 Asian Cup to be played April 3-12.
January 17 – The AFC will hold the draw next Thursday for the group stage of the U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025, to be played April 3-20.
RFEF enters negotiations to keep Spanish Super Cup in Saudi
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.
AFC launches Empowering Women in Football Programme to drive gender equity
January 14 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched a programme to accelerate the empowerment of women and increase gender equity and inclsuivity throughout the game in Asia.
Saudi fans harass Mallorca players’ wives leaving King Adbullah Sports City stadium
January 13 – The wives of Mallorca players have said they were harassed after the club’s Spanish Super Cup game in Saudi Arabia.
Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers set to kick off with 9 spots at China 2025 final up for grabs
January 10 – The qualification tournaments for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025 kicks off this Saturday, with 18 nations competing for nine slots.
Hong Kong’s Kai Tak stadium nears opening as talks progress on a Summer of Premier League action
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.
Monica Staab steps away from Saudi women’s coaching role
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.
AFC draw match-ups for last eight of inaugural Women’s Champions League
January 8 – The quarter-finals of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2024/25 were set on Wednesday at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, mapping out the road to crown Asia’s first-ever women’s club champion. The draw featured eight teams battling for the prestigious title, which will conclude in May.
Chinese FA exiles storied but debt ridden Guangzhou to amateur football
January 8 – It wasn’t so long ago that the Chinse Super League (CSL) was flying high boasting superstar players and salaries but that is in the rear view mirror and confirmed by the fact that the most successful club, Guangzhou FC, will not play professionally next season because of their failure to pay off enough of their substantial debt.
AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 dates and venues confirmed as 2-year countdown starts
January 7 – The AFC has confirmed the dates for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, marking the start of a two-year countdown to the finals of the Asian confederation’s marquee men’s event.
Wales’ New Saints unpaid for transfer of striker Brad Young to Saudi’s Al-Orobah
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.
Kluivert favourite to take over Indonesia from Shin Tae-yong ahead of 2026 qualifying
January 7 – Indonesia have dismissed Shin Tae-yong as manager, with Dutchman Patrick Kluivert reportedly waiting in the wings to take over.
