Brugge breeze past Europa League champions Atalanta to book last 16 UCL slot
February 19 –Club Brugge stunned Serie A’s Atalanta Bergamo 3-1 to progress to the last 16 of the Champions League 5-2 on aggregate.
Vinicius consortium buys Liga Portugal 2 side Alverca
February 19 – Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. has taken his influence beyond the pitch, spearheading a consortium of Spanish and Brazilian investors to acquire Liga Portugal 2 side Alverca. The Brazilian winger now reportedly owns between 70-80% of the club’s shares, as former owner Ricardo Vicintin sells up.
US Girl’s Academy launches two tier development league for elite clubs
February 19 – Women’s and girl’s youth soccer continues to be the fastest growing sector in the sport of soccer in the United States. With many different pathways available it is sometimes confusing to know which route to take, however, today the pathway is starting to look a little clearer.
Online bookie now banned in the UK, puts a Stake down in Chilean football
Wednesday 19 – Online bookmaker Stake.com, who are the short sponsors of Everton but have been banned in the UK, have turned their attention to South America and announced a front-of-shirt sponsorship with Chilean Primera División side, Club Deportivo Ñublense.
EAFC joins with Bundesliga Common Ground global grassroots initiative, starting in Rio
February 19 – EA Sports FC and Bundesliga Common Ground have launched a global initiative to invest in grassroots football, beginning with the redevelopment of a community pitch in Rio de Janeiro.
Man Utd recruit winners off the pitch despite failing to find any on it
February 19 – Manchester United are desperately trying to rebuild on the field of play, as manager Ruben Amorim continues to struggle with results. Off it, newly appointed CEO Omar Berrada and just announced Chief Business Officer Marc Armstrong will be expected to drive the already powerful commercial machine even harder.
Samsung harnesses growing footprint of Saudi Pro League as it expands in-country
February 19 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has landed another heavyweight commercial partner, with global electronics giant Samsung signing on as a Gold Partner in an initial short-term deal running through the 2024-25 season.
Bellingham’s foul mouth red card sparks avalanche of abuse aimed at referee Montero
February 19 – The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has condemned the “repulsive” abuse suffered by referee Jose Munuera Montero since his decision to send off Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
Manchester United to hire PSG’s Armstrong to boost commercial activities
February 18 – Manchester United are to appoint Paris Saint-Germain’s chief revenue officer, Marc Armstrong, as their new chief business officer in the coming weeks, according to media in both countries.
Denver NWSL franchise owner promises dedicated stadium
February 18 – The newly-announced US National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team in Denver could get its own dedicated stadium, if majority owner Robert Cohen is good to his word.
Brazil bounce back in style to retain South American U-20 title
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February 18 – In a boost to the country’s youth football, Brazil have retained the South American U-20 Championship after Argentina failed to get any reward from the last matchday of the tournament.
LaLiga continues piracy crusade
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February 18 – LaLiga has continued its aggressive stance against piracy, successfully blocking another two illegal streaming platforms.
FIFA pledges new era of transparency in player eligibility with launch of digital platform
February 18 – FIFA has launched a new digital platform listing all approved changes of association, promising a new era of transparency in international football governance – or at least in this particular corner of it.
Man City’s Bunny Shaw sends message with Black Power salute
February 18 – Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, one of the best strikers in the women’s game, raised a gloved fist in a Black Power salute after scoring on her first start for Manchester City since pulling out of the team because of racist abuse.
BFU blasts Lokomotiv Plovdiv ultras’ attack on match delegate and calls for action
February 18 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has “strongly” condemned Lokomotiv Plovdiv ultras’ attack on the match delegate for last weekend’s efbet League match between Lokomotiv and Septemvri Sofia.