Iraq declares for Ali as thanks for Jordanian development support
By Andrew Warshaw
January 20 – Iraq has taken the unusual step of publicly declaring its support of Prince Ali al Hussein in the upcoming FIFA presidency.
Asia
Chinese buy into Euro 2016 with global sponsorship deal
By David Owen
January 15 – The wave of Chinese investment in world football has reached Europe’s premier national team competition. Hisense, a white goods and electronics company based in the east-coast city of Qingdao has been unveiled as the 10th global partner of Euro 2016, to be played for the first time as a 24-team tournament in France in June and July.
Kuwait blames Sheikh Ahmad for sports ban and files lawsuit
By Andrew Warshaw
January 13 – In a move that could have potential repercussions in the forthcoming FIFA presidential election, Kuwait’s government has announced it is suing a number of top sports executives, among them FIFA executive committee member Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Sabah, accusing them of causing the suspension of the Gulf state from global sporting competition.
Chinese show appetite for buying clubs, at home and in Spain
January 12 – La Liga’s Granada has become the latest Spanish club rumoured to be the focus of Chinese investment interest. While back in China, Super League club FC Shijiazhuang Ever Bright has reportedly sold 50% to investment group Hebei Hongsong.
Saudi-Iranian AFC Champions League ties under threat as tensions rise
By Mark Baber
January 11 – Rising tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia following the execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr, are spilling over into the political arena, with Saudi clubs keen for their fixtures against Iranian clubs in the Asian Champions League to be moved to neutral territory, whilst the Iran Football Federation (IFF) insists their country is safe to host matches and they are happy to play in Saudi Arabia.
India’s I-League kicks off under cloud of uncertainty and in the shade of the ISL
By Samindra Kunti
January 8 – This weekend the ninth edition of the I-League kicks off with Mohun Bagan facing Aizawl FC in Kolkata, but big questions marks hang over the sustainability of a league with little money and little exposure.
Chinese money jostles for premium assets in football sector
By Paul Nicholson
January 6 – The scramble for football properties and a foothold in China is gathering pace with the winning bid for a 50% stake in Chinese Super League (CSL) side Beijing Guoan expected to be announced in the next few days.
Gulf challenge: UAE league fades as focus turns to Qatar and U23 Asian Cup
By Samindra Kunti
January 5 – On a Saturday night in December jeeps and cabs briskly maneuvered and zigzagged their way through dense traffic on Hazza Bin Zayed Street, one of Abu Dhabi’s arteries. They were heading for the Al Wahda Mall, an architectural monstrosity in the UAE capital’s Al Nahyan neighborhood. Affluent expats and local Emirati sauntered into the complex to indulge in the luxuries offered by Western brands including Calvin Klein,
Sleeping giant gently awakening? India open 2016 with SAFF Cup win
By Samindra Kunti
January 4 – India have won the South Asian Football Federation Cup (SAFF Cup) for the seventh time defeating Afghanistan 2-1 in the final to kick off 2016 on a high.
China targets trillion $ sports growth as Wanda weaves its magic
December 30 – China’s drive to boost its sports business and make it a key part of its economy was given renewed emphasis this week by the country’s sports minister, Liu Peng (pictured). At the same time the Dalian Wanda Group that has been growing in sports via European acquisition announced it had set up its sports headquarters in Guangzhou, the Capital of Guangdong province.
Report offers new insights into growth of Asia’s professional leagues
December 20 – Players in the top Asian professional leagues are far more likely to have made their debuts at clubs where they came through the youth system, and will be playing along more players from their own country than is the case at clubs in Europe’s Big-5 leagues.
SAFF signs Sportradar to guard against match-fixing at Suzuki Cup
December 18 – South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) have signed up match-fixing monitoring specialists Sportradar to police the Suzuki Cup which kicks off December 23 in India.
Chinese FA sets new agenda as it builds on club successes
December 18 – The Chinese Football Association (CFA) completes its three day annual conference today in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Although the prospect of the country bidding to host the World Cup was not on the agenda for open sessions, it is believed it was discussed in closed meetings.
Palestine/Israel talks continue to ‘seek solutions’ at Jericho meet
December 17 – The FIFA panel trying to bring about free movement of Palestinian players and equipment in the West Bank held its second session this week under the chairmanship of Tokyo Sexwale.
Jordan blaze trail for women’s game in Middle East with U17 World Cup
December 16 – Organisers in Jordan want next year’s under-17 women’s World Cup to “send a message that will hopefully ripple across the region” in terms of promoting gender equality.