Esteghal’s Ramin Rezaian questioned over hugging female fan
January 6 – Iran’s antiquated theocratic policy of gender discrimination has spilled over into football once again with a top player summoned to explain why he hugged a female fan.
Federations
Big spending Saudi Pro League shifts club transfer window priorities
January 2 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) says it is gearing up for the 2024/25 winter transfer window with a sharper focus on youth development, having promised less headline-grabbing activity as clubs face strict transfer quotas with one eye on fostering homegrown talent ahead of the 2034 World Cup.
Indian FA president Kalyan Chaubey accused of corruption
December 23 – Shaji Prabhakaran, a former high-ranking official in Indian football, has accused current Indian football boss Kalyan Chaubey of ethics violations.
Syrian FA changes logo colour as Assad regime crumbles
December 9 – The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has prompted the country’s football federation to change the national team’s kit and logo from red to green.
LaLiga goes in-house with Saudi Pro League in Riyadh
December 4 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has inaugurated a dedicated workspace for LaLiga within its Riyadh headquarters. This initiative marks another step in the SPL’s strategy to forge international partnerships and drive up their place in the sport.
Saudi Pro League boosts Stats Perform data deal with OptaAI technology
December 3 – The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has deepened its partnership with Stats Perform, adding new performance insights and data solutions via Opta and OptaAI.
Hong Kong FA powers its sponsor roster with ChargeSpot deal
December 3 – The Football Association of Hong Kong (HKFA) has announced a new sponsorship agreement with ChargeSpot, a shared power bank provider, to support the national team for the 2024-25 season, serving as HKFA’s Official Power Partner.
Al-Ittihad score a commercial brace with new club shop and VW shirt deal
December 3 – Al-Ittihad, the nine-time winners of the Saudi Pro League and current league leaders by two points after 12 games, are also enjoying a good season off the pitch, having recently announced two noteworthy deals.
Lebanese FA says football will resume at start of 2025
December 2 – Football is to resume in Lebanon from early next year – days after Israel and Hezbollah announced a ceasefire in their ongoing war.
I-League clubs urge season delay until broadcaster is secured
November 11 – Tonight (Friday), Sreenidi Deccan will open the new season of India’s I-League against Gokulam Kerala without an official broadcaster in place to cover the competition.
Bundesliga’s Dream China player development initiative enters second season
November 14 – Following last year’s successful Bundesliga Dream China initiative, Bundesliga International and the Chinese Football Association (CFA) have announced a second edition set for April 2025.
End of the $110m road for injury-plagued Neymar in Saudi?
November 8 – Brazilian star Neymar reportedly faces being axed by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in January amid continued injury problems.
Saudi real estate giant starts first stage of tender process for ‘National Guard Stadium’ in Riyadh
November 6 – Saudi giga-project developer ROSHN has opened prequalification for a contract to build a new stadium adjacent to the National Guard facilities in southwest Riyadh as Saudi looks to gear up preparations for the 2034 World Cup, with their status as hosts all but announced.
Renard returns to Saudi with task of getting 2026 qualification back on track
October 29 – In a surprise move, Frenchman Hervé Renard has been reappointed to manage Saudi Arabia following Roberto Mancini’s departure.
Saudi Arabia remove Mancini ahead of crucial World Cup 2026 qualifiers
October 25 – After less than 15 months, Saudi Arabia have parted ways with manager Roberto Mancini after the ambitious footballing country’s national team failed to live up to expectations.
