Inside World Football

Zipporah to perform newly-unveiled AFC Women’s Asian Cup anthem

Andy Elliott — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:35:20 +0000

February 24 – With kickoff fast approaching, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup has moved to add another layer to the build-up, unveiling the tournament’s first-ever official anthem.

Titled ‘That’s How We Win’, the track has been developed by opening ceremony music director Joel Farland alongside Australian songwriter and producer Nat Dunn – who looked to blend percussive elements with instrumentation influenced by cultures across Asia, to reflect the tournament’s continental scope.

It will be performed live at the opening ceremony at Perth Stadium on March 1 by Australian R&B artist Zipporah,

Bayern Women activate Hitachi partnership

Andy Elliott — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:20:30 +0000

February 24 – FC Bayern Women have formally activated their new long-term partnership with Hitachi Energy, with club executives signalling that the agreement represents a step change in the commercial positioning of the women’s side.

Speaking ahead of an exclusive Monocle panel discussion in Munich, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen described the tie-up as taking women’s sponsorship at the club “to a new level”.

In his welcome address, Rouven Kasper, FC Bayern board member for marketing &

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Manchester City ink Silentnight deal to kit out ‘The Medlock’

Andy Elliott — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:19:21 +0000

February 24 – Manchester City have added another commercial partner to their expanding portfolio, confirming a deal with UK bedding manufacturer Silentnight as the club’s Official Sleep Partner.

The agreement is tied directly to the launch of The Medlock, a new hotel being developed within the Etihad campus in partnership with Radisson Blu. Silentnight will supply mattresses and toppers for the hotel, which is scheduled to open later this year.

Beyond the hotel fit-out,

Prestianni handed provisional ban from UEFA following racism claim

Andy Elliott — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:56:41 +0000

February 24 – SL Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been handed a provisional one-match suspension by UEFA following allegations of racist abuse during last week’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid.

The suspension means Prestianni is set to miss the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, with UEFA confirming the sanction has been imposed on an interim basis pending the outcome of a full disciplinary investigation. Further measures could follow once the case has been reviewed by an ethics and disciplinary inspector.

IFAB to approve time-wasting clampdown ahead of World Cup

Andy Elliott — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:29:37 +0000

February 24 – Five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal kicks are set to feature at this summer’s FIFA World Cup, with football’s lawmakers moving to clamp down on time-wasting and slow restarts.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is expected to approve a series of amendments at its upcoming annual general meeting in Wales, building on the introduction of the eight-second goalkeeper rule trialled this season. That measure – requiring keepers to release the ball promptly or concede a corner – Read more …

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British government considers unlicensed gambling operator ban in EPL

Andy Elliott — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:12:42 +0000

February 24 – The British government has unveiled plans to ban unlicensed gambling operators from sponsoring professional sports teams, including English Premier League clubs.

The move is designed to “prevent unlicensed operators from sponsoring sports clubs, as part of wider measures to tackle illegal gambling market” and a “ban would stop illegal firms using Premier League clubs as a platform to appeal to British audience.”

Previously, gambling advertisements were limited on shirts of EPL clubs,

Match schedule revealed for FIFA Series 2026

Andy Elliott — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:04:12 +0000

February 2026 – International football’s once-maligned friendly window is growing more competitive every year, and the FIFA Series 2026 is the world governing body’s firmest attempt yet to make those dates matter.

FIFA has released the official match schedule for the 2026 edition, following confirmation of host nations and group compositions in January. The schedule gives teams, broadcasters, and fans clarity on dates, kick-off times, and venues.

A total of 48 national teams,

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Dick Advocaat steps down as Curaçao coach ahead of FIFA World Cup

Andy Elliott — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:57:49 +0000

February 24 – Dutch veteran manager Dick Advocaat has stepped down as the head coach of Curaçao ahead of their debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup this summer, citing his daughter’s health.

At the age of 78, Advocaat was set to become the oldest manager in history to coach a team at the global finals, but he will no longer lead out Curaçao this summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Future uncertain for Sheffield Wednesday after relegation by arch rivals

Andy Elliott — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:41:52 +0000

February 24 – For any club as steeped in English football history as Sheffield Wednesday, relegation would be painful. But to have their three-year stay in the Championship ended by a derby defeat away to Sheffield United gave the moment a particularly brutal edge.

Relegation before February concludes is rare enough. That it was sealed by the Blades only sharpened the sense of humiliation. This was the earliest relegation in English Football League history.

Fears for World Cup security rise as Mexico burns

Andy Elliott — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:14:46 +0000

February 24 – Guadalajara, a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is in lockdown and has reignited concerns over Mexico’s ability to guarantee safety for the tournament after a military operation targeting cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes ended in his death on Sunday.

Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The fallout from his killing was immediate, with roadblocks and burning vehicles appearing across parts of the Guadalajara metropolitan area.

Serbia opens Academy for sports management professionals

Andy Elliott — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:44:32 +0000

February 24 – In what is being hailed as a revolutionary step for Serbian football, the Football Association of the Western Serbia Region (FSRZS) has officially opened enrolment for the country’s first-ever Academy for Sports Professionals.

For decades, Serbian football has faced a critical shortage of qualified administrative and operational staff. To address this alarming deficit—a concern recently echoed by the national Football Association of Serbia (FSS)—the FSRZS leadership, led by President Nebojša Živanović and General Secretary Darko Bradonjić,

Real CD España have a mountain to climb at free-scoring LAFC

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:26:09 +0000

February 25 – Los Angeles FC return home for the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup tie knowing that only an upset of epic proportion will stop them advancing to the last 16 after a 6-1 demolition of Real CD España in Honduras last week.

The Black and Gold were in imperious form in what was their first competitive game of the season, and seem to be enjoying life under their new head coach,

Nashville in driving seat against newcomers Atletico Ottawa

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:15:30 +0000

February 25 – Nashville are on a roll. Having beaten Atletico Ottawa last week in at TD Place Stadium in Canada, they then opened their MLS campaign with an impressive 4-1 hammering of the New England Revolution at Geodis Park.

In both matches Sam Surridge found the back of the net – once against Ottawa and twice against the Revolution. While Surridge has immediately hot his goalscoring stride, Ottawa are adjusting to life after their,

Vancouver Whitecaps must now turn possession into goals to beat CS Cartaginés

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:10:54 +0000

February 25 – Vancouver Whitecaps FC head into the second leg against CS Cartaginés after a bruising 1st leg in Costa Rica that finished all square.

Without that precious away goal the Whitecaps will be under intense pressure to keep a clean sheet. One mistake will require them to score two goals.

Despite dominating the possession stat by a remarkable 75% to 25% and outshooting CS Cartaginés 15 to 7, the Canadian outfit could not break down a disciplined back line with Kevin Andrés Briceño outstanding between the posts.

Infantino says FIFA coin under review at Trumps’ Mar-a-Lago crypto promo

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 04:26:13 +0000

February 23 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has again floated the idea of world football launching its own cryptocurrency, telling an audience in Florida that the organisation is studying the creation of a ‘FIFA token’ or ‘FIFA coin’.

Infantino was speaking at the World Liberty Forum hosted at Mar-a-Lago, the private residence of friend and US President Donald Trump, when he outlined the concept.

“We are also studying the development of a FIFA token and a FIFA coin –

European Leagues says it will not budge on case against FIFA as it focuses on the threats of economic imbalance

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 04:19:53 +0000

February 23 – The European Leagues board in its first meeting of the year has prioritised its focus on the international match calendar and changes to the distribution of club revenue generated from international club competitions, saying they are “critical issues” that must be addressed.

The European Leagues (EL) has an ongoing legal action against FIFA in a bid to make the world governing body comply with European Union (EU) law.

EL has been excluded from FIFA’s stakeholder discussions despite FIFA needing the clubs from their leagues to make up FIFA’s new and rapidly expanding club competition ambition.

IOC gives FIFA a clean bill of health over its backing of Trump and his ‘Board of Peace’

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 04:17:02 +0000

February 23 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s growing bromance with U.S. President Donald Trump has attracted interest in the corridors of power of Olympic sport, though having initially said they would investigate, have now issued a statement saying that the role Infantino is promoting for FIFA in Gaza is “in keeping’ with the role os a sports federation.

The IOC, which has close links with the United Nations and its various development and humanitarian programmes,

Belgian court rules Qatargate probe can continue

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:47:02 +0000

February 23 – A Belgian court has dismissed an attempt to stop the Qatargate corruption investigation into state influence in European politics.

Qatargate, the scandal that rocked the European Parliament three years ago, has been winding its way through the Belgian courts. After judge Michel Claise stood down over conflict of interest allegations, the high-profile case seemed destined to die a slow death.

However, the appeals court has ruled that the prosecutors didn’t mishandle the case,

UEFA wins piracy blocking order in India forcing ISPs to cut illegal streams

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:40:57 +0000

February 23 – UEFA has secured a significant anti-piracy ruling in India aimed at curbing large-scale illegal streaming of the UEFA Champions League.

In cooperation with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) and working alongside UC3 – UEFA’s jointly owned commercial rights holder – the governing body has obtained a copyright-based order from the Delhi High Court granting dynamic blocking powers. The ruling covers 79 domains said to be responsible for around two billion visits annually.

Cagliari’s US shareholders up stage to 49% as club eyes new stadium

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:33:20 +0000

February 23 – Cagliari Calcio has confirmed majority shareholder Fluorsid Group is selling an additional 29% stake in the club to a group of US-based investors led by Maurizio Fiori and Prashant Gupta.

Following completion of the transaction, the American group will hold 49% of the club’s share capital, consolidating what had previously been a smaller minority position. Fluorsid retains overall control with a slight majority.

The deal will not alter Cagliari’s executive leadership or day-to-day management,

Aussies mark week to go to Women’s Asian Cup with giant illuminated ball and drone show

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:11:45 +0000

February 23 – There is always a moment, just before a major tournament begins, when the host city decides to lean in. On Saturday night, in western Sydney, that moment arrived in spectacular style.

With the opening match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup set for this coming Saturday, host city Sydney marked one week until kick-off, with two public activations, staged across Parramatta and Darling Harbour.

Saturday’s festivities saw a four-metre inflatable football installed and illuminated on the Parramatta River,

Werder Bremen cancel US pre-season citing safety concerns and ‘immigration’ issues

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:04:43 +0000

February 23 – German club Werder Bremen have called off their summer tour of the United States because of safety concerns.

The Bundesliga club, which had planned to stage matches in Minnesota and Detroit, justified its withdrawal because of the political climate in Minneapolis and strong disagreement with the current US administration’s immigration policies.

A club spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic: “In Minnesota, two people were shot dead by state authorities.

New York/New Jersey cancels ‘unaffordable’ World Cup FanFest

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:23:28 +0000

February 22 – The New York and New Jersey World Cup host committee has cancelled its planned World Cup FanFest at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

The FanFest, announced in February 2025 was billed as a marquee hub, open for all 104 matches of the tournament. Tickets, priced at $10, went on sale in December.

Instead, organisers are pivoting. In a statement on Friday, the committee said an “expanded network of fan zones and community celebrations across 21 counties in New Jersey will serve as a cornerstone of the region’s official fan engagement program.”

New Jersey’s new governor,

Viaplay adds EFL Championship to English football output

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:50:53 +0000

February 23 – Viaplay Group has secured full broadcast rights to the EFL Championship across all Nordic markets under a new multi-year agreement running through 2028.

Every Championship match will be shown live on Viaplay’s streaming platform in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, with coverage spanning the entire regular season, the Play-Off Semi-Finals, and the Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium.

English football has always been popular throughout the Nordic region,

LAFC builds (S)on its Korean links with Seoul tourism deal

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:30:12 +0000

February 23 – Los Angeles FC is partnering with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organisation. The agreement names Seoul as an official tourism partner of Los Angeles FC.

The city’s ‘Seoul My Soul’ brand will feature prominently throughout the MLS season, including in-stadium exposure at BMO Stadium and broadcast integration during LAFC matches.

The collaboration also taps into LAFC’s expanding presence across Asia. Since signing for South Korea’s most recognisable football export,

Romanian FA renews Penny sponsorship for further 5 years

Paul Nicholson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:20:28 +0000

February 23 – The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) and Penny Romania have extended their partnership through 2030. The sponsorship has been one of the most enduring in the federation’s history, with the retail giant maintaining its role as the main sponsor for all 20 Romanian national teams.

Since its inception in 2015, the partnership has evolved into focusing on youth development and national performance.

Part of the German REWE Group, Penny is one of Romania’s largest retailers.

LAFC and Inter Miami set record MLS attendance for season opener at Coliseum

Paul Nicholson — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 01:10:03 +0000

February 23 – The opening matchday of the new Major League Soccer between Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami CF delivered a record-breaking 75,673 fans to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the largest crowd ever recorded for an MLS opening-weekend fixture.

It doesn’t hurt when the GOAT, Lionel Messi, comes to town, because records follow the Argentine around like silverware.

Saturday’s turnout also ranks as the second-highest standalone attendance in MLS history,

Infantino pledges £75m to Trump’s Board of Peace to rebuild Palestinean football infrastructure

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:37:38 +0000

February 20 – World governing body FIFA will invest $75 million to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure as a part of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace plans.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has yet again deepened ties with Donald Trump, committing world football’s governing body to a “true partnership” with the US president’s newly created peace initiative. On Thursday, in Washington DC, the football supremo promised that his organisation will invest around $75 million in the programme.

Turkish police swoop on five past and present Konyaspor board directors

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:32:33 +0000

February 20 – Turkey’s Konyaspor have released a statement this morning (Friday) confirming that five individuals associated with the club have been arrested.

The club’s official statement is in response to an ongoing legal investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office under Law No. 6222 (Law on Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sports).
According to the statement, the detainees include оne current member of the club’s board of directors and four former members who served in previous administrations.

Argentinean FA boss Claudio Tapia banned from travel as AFA investigated for tax evasion

Paul Nicholson — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:51:54 +0000

February 20 – The Argentinean justice system has banned Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia from leaving the country over an investigation into tax evasion and misuse of social security funds.

The national tax authority ARCA has alleged that the AFA failed to pay, and improperly withheld, employee and player pension contributions and other mandatory levies between March 2024 and September 2025.

Tapia, 58, and a FIFA Council member, has been summoned to appear before the court on March 5.