Salah’s Egypt and Iran will contest a ‘pride match’ at 2026 Fifa World Cup December 8, 2025 The 2026 Fifa World Cup match between Egypt and Iran has been designated as host city Seattle’s “pride match”. Homosexuality is illegal in both Egypt and Iran but the local organising committee in host city Seattle – the Seattle Pride Match Advisory Committee, which is not affiliated with Fifa – has said the match on [...]
Cardiff City’s £100m Sala damages claim set for court in France December 8, 2025 Cardiff City’s £100m damages claim surrounding the 2019 transfer of Nantes striker Emiliano Sala will be heard today in France. The Welsh club argues that they’re owed damages after the death of Sala, who was killed when his plane crashed on the way to Cardiff for a £15m transfer in January 2019. He and the [...]
Icons, purpose and gastronomy: How brands can win at the 2026 World Cup December 7, 2025 The Fifa men’s World Cup is more than a tournament, it’s becoming the most glamorous, immersive and culturally defining sporting event of the decade. With 48 teams, three host nations, and a projected $17bn economic impact, the scale of the World Cup is staggering. And in true American style, Fifa has even announced the 2026 [...]
Why Formula 1 is a rare global sports asset December 6, 2025 Formula 1 has become one of the most sought-after properties in global sport — and the reasons run far deeper than glamour and horsepower. In a fragmented media landscape, F1 is one of the few rights-holders that can credibly claim global scale, cultural momentum and commercial scarcity. Start with the basics: reach. F1 remains one [...]
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 [...]