World Cup has found ‘right number’ by expanding to 48 teams, says Wenger December 5, 2025 Arsene Wenger insists that Fifa has found the “right number” by expanding the World Cup to 48 teams for the first time in 2026. The former Arsenal manager, now Fifa’s chief of global football development, has long been among the most vocal supporters for the expansion. Critics argue that the move makes the tournament too [...]
World Cup draw: Why Scotland have bookmakers running scared December 5, 2025 Scottish success is the result that bookmakers fear the most ahead of today’s 2026 World Cup draw, William Hill has said. Scotland booked their return to football’s biggest event, ending a 28-year absence, with a dramatic win over Denmark last month. Steve Clarke’s team are 125-1 outsiders to lift the World Cup but that hasn’t [...]
London City Lionesses score deal as Mastercard doubles down on Kang December 5, 2025 Mastercard has expanded its partnership with Michele Kang’s stable of women’s football clubs by becoming a sponsor of London City Lionesses. The company has become official payments partner as part of a wider deal with the club that will see it offer cardholders and supporters “Priceless” matchday experiences, including meeting players and mascot opportunities. Mastercard [...]
LA Olympic Games passes $2bn in sponsorship deals December 5, 2025 The Los Angeles Olympic Games has seen sponsorship value pass $2bn, over two years out from the 2028 showpiece event. The LA28 company tasked with finding sponsors came into 2025 with two partners but is set to end the year with 15, with a value surpassing $2bn. The target figure of $2.5bn is well within [...]
Jamie George leaves Team England Rugby, Itoje and Genge stay on December 5, 2025 International rugby union player Jamie George has left his role as director of the company he formed with teammates to handle contract and commercial negotiations with the RFU. A Companies House update reveals that the former British and Irish Lion has left Team England Rugby Limited, effective last month. The company was credited with helping [...]
Investec Champions Cup: How Prem Rugby can beat Top 14 budgets December 5, 2025 It seems to come around quicker every year; not Christmas but the Investec Champions Cup. Some criticise the competition – whether it is because of the inclusion of the South African United Rugby Championship teams, its availability being restricted to Premier Sports or its odd pool format – but it is the very best of [...]
Football regulator to investigate bad club owners from next week December 5, 2025 Time is ticking for poor football owners as the Independent Football Regulator will be able to investigate unsuitable club bosses from next week. The Independent Football Regulator was set up following the passing of the Football Governance Bill in Parliament earlier this year, with Richard Monks and David Kogan tasked with being chief executive and [...]
World Darts Championship to leave Ally Pally’s West Hall next year December 4, 2025 The future of darts at Alexandra Palace has been resolved, with organisers of the World Darts Championship agreeing a new five-year contract to stay in north London. But the annual end-of-year jamboree is set to relocate from the venue’s West Hall to the Great Hall from next year, in a move that will help the [...]
Pubs to stay open until 1am if Home Nations reach Fifa World Cup knockouts December 4, 2025 Pubs will stay open until 1am if England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland reach the final stages of the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that “the party won’t end before the final whistle is blown”, adding that “if any [home] nation reaches the final stages, we will extend licensing hours”. The [...]
Exclusive: LIV Golf creator 54 acquires Polo In The Park operator Sportgate December 4, 2025 54, the global agency behind the creation of LIV Golf, has set its sights on elevating another sport steeped in tradition after acquiring Chesterton Polo In The Park organiser Sportgate International. The deal, set to be announced today at the Hurlingham Club in London, will see 54 add its advisory, planning and operations expertise to [...]