Inside World Football

Barcelona become latest name to sign up with war-torn DR Congo

Andy Elliott — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:07:50 +0000

July 31 – FC Barcelona has inked a four-year partnership with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that will see the La Liga giants promote the African nation as a tourist and cultural destination.

Under the agreement, valued at $46.37 million, all of Barça’s professional teams will wear the slogan “R.D. Congo – Cœur d’Afrique” (Heart of Africa) on the back of their training kits through the 2028–29 season.

Man City financial rule breach verdict ‘pushed back to October’

Andy Elliott — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 10:42:10 +0000

July 31 – The long-awaited verdict on Manchester City’s alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules is now not expected to be delivered until at least October, according to reports.

The charges against Man City were first brought in February 2023, and covered alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018, most relating to how players and staff were paid, as well as accusations of over-inflating sponsorship contracts.

With the hearing on the case completed last December,

Napoli signal end of Diego Maradona era

Andy Elliott — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 10:06:51 +0000

July 31 – Serie A champions Napoli have formally signalled their intent to leave the historic Stadio Diego Armando Maradona behind, declaring it unfit for modern international competition and laying the groundwork for a brand-new stadium.

The decision follows recent meetings between club officials, UEFA, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), and local authorities, as part of discussions around Italy’s preparations to co-host Euro 2032 with Turkey.

Naples had hoped to be part of the host city lineup,

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Burnley break new ground with VR match offer

Andy Elliott — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:44:28 +0000

July 31 – Back in the Premier League for the 2025/26 season, Burnley are stepping into new territory off the pitch as well – using virtual reality (VR) to widen their reach and engage a younger, more digitally native fanbase.

In partnership with VR tech firm Rezzil, Burnley will broadcast their final pre-season friendly against Lazio in virtual reality, giving supporters around the world a seat inside Turf Moor via the Premier League Player app on Meta Quest headsets.

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“Lies!” – AFA and River Plate take on Argentina’s tax man

Andy Elliott — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:40:59 +0000

July 31 – The Argentine Football Association (AFA) and River Plate have protested strongly against the government’s tax raise on football clubs.

Earlier this week, the Argentinian President Javier Milei and his government decreed that football clubs must pay higher social security contributions. Previously, clubs enjoyed a privileged regime. Starting in August, social security contributions related to various football-related activities will be subject to a withholding rate of 13.06% to “balance the social security system deficit.”

The Argentine FA released a statement titled “Lies,

Worldwide rollout for referee bodycams set to change the game

Andy Elliott — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:15:06 +0000

July 31 – Football’s lawmakers have given the green light for referee body cameras to be rolled out worldwide.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved extending the trial of the technology to domestic and international competitions across the globe, following what they’re calling “successful tests” at this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States.

The big question now is whether the Premier League will bite the bullet and introduce the cameras for the 2025-26 season –

CBF President Xaud targeted by police search over alleged electoral crime

Andy Elliott — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:11:26 +0000

July 31 – The Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) has denied that President Samir Xaud is the target of an investigation after its offices were searched by police.

Xaud, who only became President of the CBF in May, and federal deputy Helena da Asatur were reportedly the centre of a series of searches by the Brazilian federal police, who are investigating suspected electoral crimes in Xaud’s home state of Roraima.

Police officers had search warrants for 10 addresses in both the northern state and Rio de Janeiro,

Manchester United rev up with F1 winner

Andy Elliott — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:58:10 +0000

July 31 – Manchester United are pulling out all the stops to drag themselves back to former glories – and they’re betting big on Formula One expertise to transform their fortunes after last season’s catastrophic campaign.

The Red Devils have appointed Mercedes F1 serial winner Mike Sansoni as their new director of data, hoping his championship-winning nous can finally bring some method to the madness at Old Trafford.

Sansoni arrives with serious pedigree,

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City smash British keeper record

Andy Elliott — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:32:23 +0000

Manchester City have dived head first into the transfer market by bringing James Trafford back to the Etihad, smashing the transfer record for British goalkeepers in the process.

The deal sealing the 22-year-old’s return from Burnley is worth £31million, according to Clarets sources, beating the previous £30m benchmark set when Everton nabbed England number one, Jordan Pickford seven years ago from Sunderland.

What makes this deal sweeter is City’s clever contract work when Trafford initially left.

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Leeds United add gambling sponsor despite impending ban

Andy Elliott — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:21:55 +0000

July 31 – If you thought Premier League clubs would wean themselves off gambling sponsors ahead of an impending ban, think again. Leeds United have become the latest to sign up, this time with Parimatch.

With a league-wide front-of-shirt ban on gambling companies looming in 2026-27, clubs are looking at different parts of the uniform as prime real-estate for such sponsors – and Leeds have done just that in announcing Parimatch as their official sleeve partner.

Women’s Euro 2025 beats men’s Euro 2024 for online retail sales

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:16:41 +0000

July 30 – The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 hasn’t just broken new ground on the pitch – it’s delivered knockout results in the world of online retail too. According to fresh data from ecommerce specialists Visualsoft, the Women’s tournament outperformed the Men’s 2024 edition in various online sales metrics across fashion, sport, and children’s products.

According to the data comparing the fortnight leading up to each tournament final – 1–14 July 2024 (Men’s EURO) vs 14–27 July 2025 (Women’s EURO) — Visualsoft found that the Lionesses’ charge to the final spurred greater consumer spending than their male counterparts,

Australia to kick off 2026 Women’s Asian Cup in Perth

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:45:44 +0000

July 30 – Hosts Australia will open the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup at the 60,000 capacity Perth Stadium on 1 March 2026 against the Philippines. The final will be played in Sydney on March 21.

The draw for the finals tournament was held yesterday in Sydney and also pitched Australia in Group A with South Korea who lost in the 2022 final against China. Australia were knocked out in the quarter finals in 2022 and last won the Asian Cup in 2022,

PSG and Spurs fans hustle for 2025 Super Cup tickets

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:02:35 +0000

July 30 – Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain set to take on Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy on Wednesday August 13.

UEFA has opened general public sales exclusively via UEFA.com, with prices starting at €30 and a first-come, first-served policy in place. Each buyer is limited to two tickets, and UEFA is keeping to tradition by allocating the majority of available seats to fans rather than sponsors or corporate partners.

Ban served, Priestman returns to coaching with Wellington Phoenix

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:55:23 +0000

July 30 – Former Canada coach Bev Priestman will return to coaching as manager of New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix following her spying ban.

The Kiwi club that plays in Australia’s A-league, confirmed she will take charge of their women’s team in a two-year deal.

“We’re really pleased to be able to welcome Bev back to football,” said Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison. “We all know she’s had a period of time away from the game.

Joao Felix leaves Chelsea to join Ronaldo at Al Nassr

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:50:03 +0000

July 30 – Portuguese nomad Joao Felix`s next destination is Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, the Riyadh club have confirmed, taking the total value of transfer fees he has generated over his career up to $260 million.

In the Saudi capital, Felix will team up with Cristiano Ronaldo on a reported two-year contract for a fee of $34 million. He departs London-based Chelsea.

“I’m here to spread joy. Let’s win together,” Félix said in a video announcing his arrival,

Vegas Baby: World Cup draw set to return to Sin City

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:42:23 +0000

July 30 – Las Vegas will not be hosting World Cup matches next year, but it is set to roll the dice on football’s biggest lottery later this year, with the 2026 World Cup draw reportedly heading back to Sin City on December 5, because where else could you host the draw to the world’s ultimate sporting competition.

The Sphere, that $2.3 billion eyeball of excess that opened in 2023, stands as the frontrunner to host the ceremony for football’s expanded 48-team jamboree.

Ferencváros trade up with iFOREX shirt deal

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:40:14 +0000

July 30 – Fresh off their record-extending 36th Hungarian league title, Ferencváros have signed a new back-of-shirt sponsorship deal with global fintech firm iFOREX Europe.

The agreement, brokered by Sportfive Hungary, sees iFOREX join Hungary’s most decorated club just as they prepare for another European campaign – their sixth consecutive group-stage appearance in continental competition.

The deal kicks in immediately, placing the fintech company’s branding on the back of Ferencváros’ shirts.

The post Ferencváros trade up with iFOREX shirt deal appeared first on Inside World Football.

Inter Milan’s sweet deal with Balocco

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:27:58 +0000

July 30 – Serie A runners-up Inter Milan have signed a new three-year deal with Italian confectionery brand Balocco, adding another high-profile partner to their commercial roster.

The Turin-based company, best known for its breakfast biscuits and seasonal sweets, becomes an Official Club Partner and will feature pitchside at San Siro during Serie A and Coppa Italia fixtures – though there’s no mention of continental football as the club embark on another attempt at the UEFA Champions League crown after failing so spectacularly in last season’s final.

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Walmart buys into America’s soccer dream with MLS and Leagues Cup deal

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:27:06 +0000

July 30 – US retailer Walmart has planted its flag firmly in the beautiful game, striking a multi-year deal with Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Leagues Cup that signals the shopping mall giant’s serious intent to capitalise on football’s surging popularity in the USA.

The Arkansas-based firm is positioning itself as more than a sponsor by betting big on becoming integral to the matchday experience for America’s youngest and most diverse sporting fanbase.

Sporting KC rides MLS stadium renovation wave

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:20:51 +0000

July 30 – Sporting Kansas City’s partnership with Populous to revamp their home stadium, Children’s Mercy Park positions the club within a broader trend of MLS stadium enhancements that’s transforming matchday experiences across the league.

The Kansas City renovations focus on outdoor plaza upgrades and enhanced entry areas, complete with a stage and screen for live programming. With completion targeted for summer 2026, the timing aligns perfectly with Kansas City’s FIFA World Cup hosting duties at nearby Arrowhead Stadium,

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Dream Fearless: Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 LOC unveils brand identity

Paul Nicholson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:01:31 +0000

July 30 – The official brand identity of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 was unveiled at the Finals group draw held in Sydney Town Hall yesterday.

Driven by the competition’s ‘Dream Fearless’ slogal, the organisers described the brand identity as “a powerful reflection of the courage, unity, and ambition that define women’s football across Asia. It draws inspiration from the swirling energy of the magnificent AFC Women’s Asian Cup trophy, which symbolises movement,

Besiktas fans abuse new signings Jurasek and Arroyo after Europa League loss to Shakhtar Donetsk

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:02:24 +0000

July 30 – Turkish club Besiktas has come out in support of David Jurasek and Keny Arroyo after a barrage of abuse on social media.

Ultras of the Turkish club heaped insults on Jurasek and Arroyo after Besiktas lost 4:2 to Shakhtar Donetsk in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.

Fans accused the pair of playing very poorly against the Ukrainian club. Jurasek, a left back who has been capped by the Czech Republic,

England celebrate EURO glory in front of huge crowds in London

Andy Elliott — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:54:33 +0000

July 29 – Thousands lined the streets of London on Tuesday as the Lionesses celebrated their Euro 2025 triumph with an open-top bus parade in the capital.

England’s dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Spain on Sunday – highlighted by Hannah Hampton’s two saves in the shootout and Chloe Kelly’s winning spot-kick – sparked jubilation at home and abroad.

More than 16 million people tuned in to the broadcast live, making it the most-watched television moment in the UK this year.

Everton join Chelsea and Aston Villa in selling Women’s Team

Andy Elliott — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:34:12 +0000

July 29 – Following in the footsteps of Chelsea and Aston Villa, Everton have sold their women’s team, boosting transfer funds and helping them to remain compliant with the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

The Times reported that records on Companies House show that the Merseyside club transferred Everton Football Club Women Ltd to a company called Roundhouse Capital Holdings, which is controlled by Everton’s owner Dan Friedkin.

The move mirrors strategies undertaken by Chelsea and Aston Villa to avoid breaching the league’s PSR guidelines.

England and Spain dominate EURO 2025 Team of the Tournament

Andy Elliott — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:32:37 +0000

July 29 – UEFA’s Technical Observer panel has named its Women’s EURO 2025 Team of the Tournament – with finalists England and Spain unsurprisingly dominating the selection.

Both countries have four players included in the XI, underlining their dominance in a competition that culminated in a dramatic final between the two powerhouses of the women’s game.

Spain may have come up just short in the final, but they still produced the Player of the Tournament,

Qatari league gets rebrand and new title sponsor

Andy Elliott — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:15:46 +0000

July 29 – The Qatar Stars League (QSL) is getting a fresh coat of paint, a new name, and a financial injection, with Doha Bank stepping in as title sponsor from the 2025/26 season.

From August, the top-flight of Qatari football will be known as the Doha Bank Stars League, a name that rolls off the tongue slightly less smoothly but comes with a lucrative multi-season partnership.

A new logo and visual identity were unveiled as part of the overhaul –

Arsenal sign up first-time sponsors Stanley

Andy Elliott — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:01:55 +0000

July 29 – Global food and drinkware brand Stanley 1913 has signed a multi-year deal with Arsenal, marking its first major move into football.

The partnership includes the launch of a co-branded Stanley x Arsenal product line, designed in the club’s colours and aimed at capitalising on the club’s global fanbase.

The range, which includes premium drinkware and barware, will be sold both online and within the stadium, marking Stanley’s first foray into stadium retail.

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Bulgarian FA wins Gabrovo stadium tender

Andy Elliott — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:49:12 +0000

July 29 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFS) will invest €370,000 in the construction of a football stadium with artificial turf in Gabrovo after winning a tender to rent the site of a disused velodrome held by the local Municipality.

The Bulgarian Football Union will manage the site for 20 years, with the construction of a new football pitch to take place in the next 12 months.

The BFS announced the news in an official statement: “The former velodrome in Gabrovo will be transformed into a new football field with artificial turf.

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Europe’s elite poised for return to action

Andy Elliott — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:13:02 +0000

July 29 – The five major European football leagues are gearing up for a thrilling return as the 2025-2026 season kicks off this August. This new campaign follows a high-octane summer highlighted by the revamped FIFA Club World Cup and Concacaf Gold Cup.

The action begins on Friday, August 15 with simultaneous opening matches in the English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, and France’s Ligue 1. The Premier League’s opening game sees defending champions Liverpool travel to Bournemouth on Friday evening,

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Refusal of US visas for Venezuelan baseball team renews travel ban fears for 2026 nations

Paul Nicholson — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:50:50 +0000

July 29 – Fears over US travel visas for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada have been heightened after a Little League baseball team from Venezuela was denied visas to travel to the U.S. for a major tournament.

Venezuela is one of seven countries that face a partial travel suspension under the ban.

The Cacique Mara Little League team was failed to obtain the correct visas needed to enter the country for the Senior League Baseball World Series,