In December of last year, Saudi Arabia was officially announced as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

This makes them the fourth country from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to host the tournament—following Japan and South Korea in 2002, and more recently, Qatar in 2022.

What stood out about Saudi Arabia’s selection, though, was the lack of competition—they ended up being the only country to submit a formal bid.

Australia, a fellow AFC member nation had initially expressed interest in hosting the 2034 World Cup, but with Saudi Arabia heavily investing in their bid and momentum clearly shifting in their favor, Australia chose to step back.

Instead, they redirected their focus toward hosting the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup—an event they were awarded in 2024—and the 2029 Club World Cup.

This isn’t the first time Australia has tried to bring the World Cup Down Under. Back in 2010, they launched a bid to host the 2022 tournament.

However, it ended in disappointment—they received just one vote in the first round, while Qatar controversially secured hosting rights under what many described as “suspicious circumstances.”

Now, 15 years after that failed bid, and with Saudi Arabia next in line to host, it seems increasingly unlikely that Australia will get a World Cup anytime soon. And there are several reasons why that might be the case.

Cost Factor

One of the major reasons Australia may not host a men’s FIFA World Cup in the near future is due to the enormous cost involved in staging the tournament.

According to Statista, Qatar spent a staggering $220 billion USD ($342 billion AUD) to host the 2022 World Cup, making it the most expensive edition in the tournament’s history.

This was largely due to Qatar needing to build much of the necessary infrastructure from scratch.

Even so, previous World Cups have still come with hefty price tags.

Russia spent around $11.6 billion USD ($18 billion AUD) to host the 2018 tournament, while Brazil’s 2014 World Cup cost about $15 billion USD ($23 billion AUD).

In fact, the last men’s World Cup to cost under $1 billion USD ($1.56 billion AUD) was the 1994 tournament held in the United States.

In contrast, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup—co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand—had a far more modest price tag.

According to FIFA’s bid evaluation report, the tournament was expected to cost around $150 million AUD, with just over $100 million AUD contributed by governments.

Not only does the Women’s World Cup cost significantly less to host, but many of the stadiums and infrastructure acceptable for the women’s tournament would fall short of FIFA’s stricter requirements for the men’s event.

To meet those higher standards, Australia would need to make substantial upgrades, adding further to the cost.

Beyond the economic risks, there's also a broader question of national priorities.

Australia may ultimately decide that the billions required to secure and host a men’s World Cup could be better invested elsewhere—into areas that deliver more lasting and equitable benefits for the population.

For example, upgrading the nation’s public health system, affordable housing initiatives, education infrastructure, and climate resilience projects are all pressing needs that demand long-term funding and attention.

Investments in regional transport networks, Indigenous community support, and renewable energy development could arguably provide a stronger return on investment in terms of social and economic outcomes.

Given these competing priorities and the immense cost of hosting, Australia may find that the pursuit of a men’s FIFA World Cup is a luxury it simply can’t justify—at least not in the foreseeable future.

Rival Interest

Rival nations within the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) would play a major role in limiting Australia's chances of hosting a Men’s FIFA World Cup.

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, and the competition to host it is incredibly fierce.

Countries go to great lengths to secure hosting rights, especially within the AFC, where Arab nations in particular have been extremely proactive.

One major factor is the concept of sportswashing—the practice of using sports to improve a country’s global image, often as a way to divert attention from human rights issues or political controversies.

This has become especially common in the Middle East over the past decade.

Between early 2021 and mid-2023, Saudi Arabia alone reportedly spent $6.3 billion on sportswashing efforts, including around 300 sponsorship deals.

Their investments span across numerous sports: boxing, motorsport, snooker, golf, ATP tennis, cricket, and even the America’s Cup sailing regatta.

However, football has been their biggest focus.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia's top-tier football league—the Saudi Pro League (SPL)—has emerged as Asia’s most high-profile domestic competition.

This rise in prominence has largely been driven by the league signing world-famous players to extremely lucrative contracts.

The most notable example is Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the most recognisable athlete on the planet, who joined Al Nassr on a deal reported to be worth around $207 million USD (approximately $322 million AUD) per season.

But Saudi influence in football isn’t limited to their domestic league. They’ve also hosted major international club competitions.

For instance, five of the last six editions of the Supercopa de España—a tournament featuring the top Spanish clubs—have been held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital.

Now it's not just the World Cup, looking at the AFC Asian Cup, the premier men’s international football tournament in Asia, three of the last four editions were hosted by Arab nations.

Qatar alone hosted it twice during that period and Saudi Arabia is also set to host the 2027 edition.

So, Australia faces stiff competition within the AFC for the rights to host a World Cup—particularly from wealthy and politically influential Arab nations that have a proven track record of securing major football events.

The last FIFA World Cup (2022) was held in Qatar, and the next AFC host is Saudi Arabia and based on the current pattern, it wouldn’t be surprising if another Arab nation—such as the UAE—secured the next opportunity after that.

Location

One major factor that could affect Australia’s chances of hosting a men’s FIFA World Cup is its geographical location.

Because Australia is so far from Europe and the Americas—where most of the global football audience is—many matches would air at inconvenient times in those regions, potentially lowering TV viewership.

This issue was already evident during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

According to FIFA, the final between Spain and England reached 222.02 million viewers.

That’s a noticeable drop compared to the 2019 final in France, where the USA faced the Netherlands and drew 263.62 million viewers.

A decline like this in viewership could make FIFA and its broadcasting partners think twice about holding a men’s World Cup in Australia.

Speaking of broadcasting, broadcast rights are another concern with time zone differences potentially reducing the value of international broadcast deals, since matches wouldn’t air during prime hours in key markets.

In fact, ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, FIFA reportedly missed its target for selling broadcast rights by about $100 million USD ( $155 million AUD), according to the Wall Street Journal.

FIFA had hoped to bring in $300 million USD ($466 million AUD), but only managed around $200 million USD ($310 million AUD).

It even reached a point where FIFA president Gianni Infantino warned of a possible TV blackout across Europe unless broadcasters increased their offers.

All of this shows how Australia’s remote location could seriously impact global viewership and broadcasting revenue, making it a tougher sell as a host for a future men’s World Cup.

Conclusion

So, in light of these financial, geopolitical, and logistical challenges, it’s clear that the odds of Australia hosting a FIFA World Cup remain firmly stacked against them—making another failed bid not just possible, but increasingly probable.

Given the significant financial demands, complex geopolitical dynamics, and substantial logistical hurdles involved, it becomes increasingly evident that Australia faces an uphill battle in its pursuit of hosting a FIFA World Cup.

These compounding challenges not only diminish the likelihood of a successful bid in the near future, but also raise the probability that any renewed attempt could end in yet another disappointment.

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Last Thursday James Johnson announced his resignation as CEO of Football Australia (FA) after five and a half years at the helm.

James Johnson over his tenure has presented over much activity in Australian football.

He’s overseen Australia’s co-hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with New Zealand.

This event produced a record influx of girls and women to all levels of the game and highlighted that the current footballing system didn’t have the capabilities to sustain this increase.

He was partied to the A-Leagues break from the FA into the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

Only recently he was instrumental in the FA’s creation of the National Second Division (NSD) to develop the footballing pyramid.

Many of these initiatives had and continue to have a significant impact.

Yet the complexity and work for these undertakings continue.

Though who is going to be the successor?

Heather Garriock, ex Matilda, has been confirmed as Interim CEO.

She has had experience in this type of role serving as CEO of Australian Taekwondo and as a director on the FA Board since 2021.

Garriock currently serves on the Asian Football Confederation’s Technical Committee and is an exciting fit.

Other than Garriock’s appointment, very little has been spoken on the position.

State Federation CEOs such as Football NSW’s John Tsatsimas and Football Queensland’s Robert Cavallucci are well regarded in the industry.

Would taking them away from their state positions a wise plan or are they even keen to take this huge role anyway?

Maybe from outside the footballing space a CEO of business experience could be valuable.

That being said, caution of people with little ‘football knowledge’ should not be taken lightly.

Football fans know all too well the divisiveness of CEO’s who don’t understand the complexities of the game can be.

What challenges are ahead?

For whoever claims the top spot, they and the FA already face some important hurdles.

First and foremost, they will have to preside over the upcoming start of the NSD in October this year.

A huge occasion in the story of Australian Football and a competition that many clubs, fans and communities are banking on to be a success.

If successful, not only will it bring back into the limelight storied clubs, who’s history have woven the rich tapestry of Australian football, but it’ll open the pathway to a new and improved Australian footballing pyramid, giving clubs the following and support they need to grow and develop.

Things such as funding opportunities, more mainstream media audiences and the chance to stamp their mark into the footballing nucleus.

Though with great expectation comes more chance for disappointment.

The current system for the NSD can be argued to be sufficient, but like all great shifts in football it needs to grow, to expand and importantly to deliver on its goal of a more streamline pyramid.

This push will face funding and support challenges and the NSD, the clubs and the FA will struggle if this new chapter is stagnant.

Which brings us to the next challenge.

The A-League and APL

The A-league is producing an amazing new generation of players for Australia, with increased viewership, fan presence and transfer revenue from home grown talent its producing a record season.

However, under the surface the A-League has struggled since its break from the FA into the APL.

The funding and its recent overhaul paint a bleak picture for the clubs.

On top of this the prospect of future relegation would worry any figures of the clubs, from investors to the club’s lifeblood’s, the academies and fanbases.

Whoever takes up the new role must walk the uncomfortable tight rope of supporting the extensive and growing football scene while not ignoring our highest professional level.

The Women’s Game

The 2026 Women’s Asian Cup is just around the corner, providing an exciting opportunity to further elevate Australia’s women's football journey and continue its impressive momentum.

On-field and tournament success are only the tip of the iceberg as the continuation of the game’s development is critical.

The positives of this progression far out way the negatives but the FA and its incoming CEO must make smart and well-constructed plans to keep the progress going.

Funding

James Johnson and the FA recently hatched together a plan for $3 Billion worth of Funding from the Government.

Funding through Government sporting grants is the backbone of football, especially the grassroots system, the highest participated sport community in Australia.

Before leaving James Johnson, the FA and the extensive member federations presented their Securing Footballing Future initiative before the 2025 Federal Election decided our new government.

This document 23 major points, spanning all levels of the game outlines where and how this funding should be allocated over 10 years.

Securing Footballing Future is bold and focuses on key aspects that have been present issues for football.

The new CEO should make sure that this initiative is a crucial deal to ratify with the government to stabilise funding for years to come.

The federal governments $200 million “Play Our Way” grants program in 2023 was created in the euphoria of the Women’s World Cup.

Though not centrally football focused and far smaller amount of funding, it’s proof that government funding can be acquired and allocated.

As the Sydney Morning Herald reported this week, the FA will record $8.3 million loss at the next general meeting on May 23, funding will become a fundamental issue.

Now more than ever the FA is calling for Garriock and its next potential CEO to be ambitious, show strong leadership and be open to taking calculated risks.

It’s a monumental task ahead, but for the passionate and invested football fans around Australia, they know that optimism for the future while simultaneously being grounded in the present is part of the beautiful game.

As the saying goes, ‘one game at a time’.

Whoever is appointed as Football Australia CEO, whether Garriock or another candidate, should seize the opportunity and lead with purpose.

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Football Australia has announced the appointment of Heather Garriock as Interim Chief Executive Officer, following James Johnson's resignation

This appointment is a landmark moment for Football Australia, with Ms Garriock becoming the first woman ever to lead the organisation.

As the most popular sport in both Australia and the world, this marks a significant turning point in the history of Australian sport.

A former Matilda, Olympian, and accomplished sports administrator, Ms Garriock brings a wealth of experience to the role.

She has previously led Australian Taekwondo as CEO, has been a member of the Football Australia Board since 2021, and currently sits on the Asian Football Confederation’s Technical Committee.

Ms Garriock also had an exceptional playing career. She represented the Matildas in three FIFA Women’s World Cups, three AFC Women’s Asian Cups, and two Olympic Games.

In recognition of her remarkable contribution to the sport, she was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2021.

As part of standard governance procedures, Ms Garriock officially stepped down from her position on the Football Australia Board yesterday.

Ms Garriock expressed her honour in taking on the role, highlighting her commitment to inclusive leadership, key strategic goals, and drawing on her lifelong experience in football to guide the game's future at the highest level.

“I’m honoured to step into this role at such a pivotal time for football in Australia," Garriock said in a press release.

“My focus will be on strong, collaborative and inclusive leadership as we work to deliver on key priorities — from Socceroos World Cup qualification and the appointment of a new Matildas coach, to the delivery of major tournaments and the continued development of our digital platform, PlayFootball.

“I have spent a lifetime in football and have literally played every position in football both on and off their field.

"This experience provides me with the unique ability to bring all perspectives of our game to the highest levels of decision making and build on the great work of James Johnson."

She will now take on the role of Interim CEO while the Board undertakes both a local and international search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

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Salford City FC has entered a new era following its acquisition by a diversified global ownership group, led by David Beckham and Gary Neville, alongside US businessman Declan Kelly and former UK government minister Lord Mervyn Davies, who will both serve as Co-Chairs of the club's board.

The transition marks a significant strategic shift, aimed at scaling the club's ambitions across sporting, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, with a focus on long-term sustainability.

A Unique Ownership Model Fusing Football Legacy and Global Expertise

The club’s unique ownership model stands apart in English football. Operating as a members’ club, it brings together nine high-profile individuals and entities across sectors including finance, law, technology, and entertainment.

Key investors include:

• Dream Sports Group (India's leading sports tech company)
• Frank Ryan (Global Co-Chair & Americas CEO, DLA Piper)
• Colin Ryan (Founder, Clipper Street Capital)
• Nick Woodhouse (Executive Vice Chairman, Authentic Brands Group)
• Shravin Mittal (Founder, Unbound)

This model, inspired by U.S. sports investment syndicates, offers a commercially-driven approach to ownership. It aims for multi-market expansion, making Salford City FC a more global brand while staying grounded in its local roots.

Building on the Class of ’92 Legacy

This strategic move builds on the foundation laid by the Class of '92 — Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville — who, together with Peter Lim, took Salford City from non-league football to League Two status. While Lim has stepped down as a shareholder, the Class of ‘92 remains involved in the club’s operations, spanning technical roles, football development, commercial strategy, and the academy.

Co-Chair of Salford City FC's new ownership group, Gary Neville emphasises the long-term vision for Salford City FC, with a clear focus on both footballing success and financial sustainability.

“Football will come first, but it’s critical we drive the club toward sustainability in the next 4–5 years,” he said via press release.

Consello to Lead the New Commercial Strategy

Salford City FC’s new commercial strategy will be developed in collaboration with Consello, a global advisory and investment firm founded by Declan Kelly. Janey Whiteside, former Walmart CCO, will lead growth efforts as Chief Growth Officer, focusing on partner acquisition across the UK, U.S., Europe, and Asia. The goal is to evolve Salford City from a local football project into a global, sustainable brand with strong community connections, elite player development, and diversified revenue streams.

Beckham’s Personal Connection to Salford City FC

Co-Chair of Salford City FC's new ownership group, David Beckham, expressed an emotional connection to the club's vision.

“Salford City is at the heart of its community... I’m proud to be part of its next chapter,” he said via press release.

Beckham’s involvement brings significant cultural influence and global brand recognition, particularly in North America and Asia, where he continues to maintain strong commercial sway.

Broader Strategic Implications for the Football Business

This acquisition highlights key trends in the evolving football business:

• Diversified ownership models bringing cross-sector expertise and capital to smaller clubs
• A shift towards sustainability and structured growth, not just on-field success
• Global brand building, even at lower league levels
• Growing interest in football investment from institutional players outside traditional sport ownership

If successful, Salford City FC could become a prime example of how a commercially viable football brand can be built from League Two upward, all while staying true to its local community roots.

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Chief Executive Officer of Football Australia, James Johnson has advised the Board of his decision to resign.

Mr Johnson’s decision marks the end of his 5½-year term as CEO of the sport’s governing body, during which he, together with the Board, the Football Australia team, and the wider football community, led one of the most successful eras in Australian football history.

During his tenure, Mr Johnson steered Australian football through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the sport reach record participation levels. Under his leadership, Football Australia launched a 15-year strategic vision, achieved unprecedented revenue growth, implemented significant reforms such as Club Licensing Regulations and updates to the Player Transfer System, and revitalised the Australia Cup by linking it to Asia via the AFC Club Competitions.

Mr Johnson oversaw Football Australia’s successful bid for and hosting of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™, a globally acclaimed event that marked a cultural turning point for sport in Australia. During his time as CEO, Football Australia also secured hosting rights for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and elevated both the men’s and women’s national teams into prominent global sporting brands, each achieving their best-ever results at the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

In a reflection on his time at the helm, James Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Football Australia over the past 5½ years, highlighting the dedication and talent of the colleagues he worked with throughout his tenure.

"It has been a privilege to lead Football Australia for the past 5½ years, having had the pleasure to work alongside the most talented, committed and dedicated staff, executives and board members," he said via press release.

"As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down.

"I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football.”

The Football Australia Board has appointed current director and former Matilda, Heather Garriock, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) to continue to develop and strengthen the football network in the country.

To sign the MoU, AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John and SAFF General Secretary Ibrahim Alkassim marked the deal at the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah Hotel before the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025.

The MoU highlighted several programmes designed to enhance the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's football infrastructure, operational procedure and employees before the nation hosts the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

In particular, the MoU seeks to establish a new framework which focuses on education and research via the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE) to upskill participants' ability to manage and operate footballing institutions.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John outlined the AFC's dedication to assisting Member Associations.

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901 European clubs have received a record combined $413.7m AUD from the UEFA EURO 2024 Club Benefits Programme.

Clubs from each of the 55 member associations were supported, ranging from the highest tiers of play to amateur football.

Designed to support clubs who had released players to their national teams across the 2020/2024 cycle of European competitions, the Club Benefits Programme aided clubs through events such as the 2020/21 and 2022/23 UEFA Nations League, European Qualifiers 2022–24 and the UEFA EURO 2024 final tournament.

The mechanisms for the distribution of payments were devised by the UEFA Executive Committee in April 2022. In accordance with these mechanisms, $177m was reserved for the 2020/21 and 2022/23 UEFA Nations League as well as the European Qualifiers to UEFA EURO 2024.

Across these periods, $163m was distributed, a significant increase upon the previous cycle's $124m distribution. The remaining $14m was saved for the next distribution cycle.

Furthermore, the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament itself saw an increase in the amount of money distributed for the release of players - growing from $230.8m to $248.6m, supporting 196 clubs from 29 UEFA national associations.

Additionally, the overall $413.7m supplied to European clubs is a major increase on the $355m distributed in the previous cycle.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin expressed the organisation's joy for the success of the programme.

"It is fantastic to see clubs of all sizes and levels, across the entire football pyramid, receiving financial rewards for their vital role in developing players who contribute to the success of our national team competitions - including the highly successful UEFA EURO 2024 final tournament," he said in a press release.

"Every success of our competitions is a shared one, and this benefits programme is another testament to that principle, recognising the dedication of those who work tirelessly to make European football the greatest sport in the world. When football thrives, everyone benefits."

Chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), Nasser Al-Khelaïfi highlighted the importance of the ECA's and UEFA's combined efforts in creating the Club Benefits Programme.

"I am very pleased see that more than 900 clubs from all corners of Europe have benefited from this unprecedented distribution under the Club Benefits Programme, which is a key pillar of UEFA and ECA’s Memorandum of Understanding," he said in a statement.

"This initiative recognises that clubs play a vital role in the ongoing success of national team football through developing, employing and releasing players; and also that the national team game in-turn drives the development of clubs and their communities.

"This harmonious relationship perfectly reflects the great collaboration between UEFA and ECA today, driving growth, innovation and the positive development of European football in the interests of all.”

To learn which clubs benefited from the programme, and the amount they received - see this list.

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Grants are open for South Australia's Active Club Program - Regional Drought Relief Round - until midday Wednesday 28 May 2025.

The Active Club Program is an ongoing grant from the South Australian government designed to support clubs attract participation and ease operation. This special Regional Drought Relief Round aims to address the disadvantages and barriers clubs face due to being adversely affected by drought.

In total the Regional Drought Relief Round is providing $2 million dollars to clubs in drought affected areas facing hardship, with clubs able to claim $5000.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must:

• be a non-profit recreation, sport, or community club whose primary purpose is the delivery of sport or recreational programs or services within South Australia; or
• be a non-profit fishing club whose primary purpose is the delivery of recreational programs or services within South Australia; and
• be incorporated under the Associations Incorporations Act 1985 (SA); and
• have a minimum total membership base of 20 members. Total membership can include
  associate, social and life membership; and
• be operating for 12 months or longer; and
• be located within an eligible council area or comparable regional or remote area. (List can be found on the guidelines page HERE).

Conversely, the following organisations will be ineligible:

• Any organisation which holds a gaming license.
• Organisations which have been operating for less than 12 months
• For profit, commercial organisations.
• Local councils/local government authorities.
• State associations and peak bodies which receive funding from the State Sport and Recreation Development Program.
• Educational institutions.
• Dance organisations unaffiliated with DanceSport Australia or another recognised body by the Australian Sports Commission.
• Any organisation whose primary purpose is not the delivery of active recreation, sport or recreational fishing programs.
• Any organisation which has overdue grant acquittals for the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) at the time of funding recommendations.
• Any organisation which has less than 20 members.
• Any organisation which cannot demonstrate an acceptable level of financial responsibility.
• Any organisation whose primary purpose is to run one off or yearly events.
• Any organisation physically located in a metropolitan area.

Eligible Projects

Program grants can be used for projects and equipment which target participation and water initiatives or expenses.

Examples include:

• Water saving or harvesting initiatives
• Energy efficiency initiatives
• Utility bill relief
• Sporting equipment
• Fishing equipment
• Uniforms and protective gear
• Professional development
• Positive menstrual health initiatives
• Medical training
• Medical equipment
• Club promotional material
• Hardship subsidies
• Technology directly associated with
  participation or club sustainability
• Playing venue maintenance
  equipment
• White goods
• Travel and accommodation

Conclusion 

Before applying for the grants, ensure that you have the mandatory documents required. These are the most recent Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) and/or Statement of Financial Performance (Income and Expenditure Statement) of your organisation, and they must cover a period of 12 months.

To apply for the Regional Drought Relief Round, click HERE.

For more information on the grants, learn from the guidelines HERE.

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In a landmark display of solidarity, Australia's football governing bodies have united to submit a joint, ambitious proposal to the government ahead of the next federal election, claiming that this proposal is crucial to ensuring the game's survival.

The sport's new national agenda, outlined in Securing Our Football Future, calls for more than $3 billion in funding at all governmental levels to cover urgent facilities improvements, grassroots growth, elite development, and Australia's global aspirations.

The message is clear: without urgent and significant investment, football runs the risk of losing a generation of players at a time when participation in the sport is rising at an unprecedented rate in Australia, especially among women and girls.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth

At the centre of Football Australia’s recommendations is the urgent need to bridge the “change room facilities gap”, a rolling 10-year federal program totalling $1.56 billion. Despite football being one of the country's most played club sports, many community facilities are still outdated, inaccessible, and unsuitable for the increasing number of female players.

Over the next five to ten years, the agenda also requests $1.2 billion from state, territory, and municipal governments to repair vital infrastructure, like drainage and lighting systems, which have been highlighted as significant obstacles to increasing participation in a safe and inclusive manner.

Other key proposals include:

• $50 million investment in a new national football headquarters to house both Football Australia and the Australian Professional Leagues
• Funding support for three new state football headquarters and upgrades to five existing ones
• Backing the redevelopment of Perry Park in Brisbane as a key football venue ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games
• $1 million seed funding for the launch of the Australian Championship, the long-awaited National Second Tier
• Strengthened support for sports diplomacy, international tournament bids, and social programs linked to football’s community impact
• Updates to regulatory frameworks, including visa categories for players, urban planning laws, and stadium policing standards

Grassroots Strain: Participation Outpacing Facilities

Following the Matildas' historic FIFA Women's World Cup campaign, grassroots participation has skyrocketed across the nation. However, the infrastructure required to sustain this expansion has fallen dangerously behind.

More than 2,000 community facilities are required to be upgraded, according to a detailed national audit conducted by Football Australia and the state federations. Of these, 7,848 proposed projects were needed to satisfy "minimum standard" requirements.

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, emphasised the urgency in New South Wales, where football has the greatest participation rates of any sport.

“Football is the most popular sport in New South Wales, yet many facilities are outdated. Investment in modern fields, lighting, and female-friendly amenities is essential to support our growing football community. Government funding will ensure safe, inclusive spaces for all players, driving participation and talent development,” he said via Securing Our Football Future.

The challenge is even more acute in Victoria, a state that is experiencing rapid population expansion in suburban corridors.

Football Victoria Acting CEO, Dan Birrell, warned that without immediate investment, the sport risks losing young players.

"Children are being turned away due to a lack of suitable playing fields and facilities. Government investment in modern, accessible pitches and club infrastructure is essential to creating more opportunities for children, fostering community connections, and ensuring football remains inclusive and accessible for all," he said via Securing Our Football Future.

Strengthening the Domestic and International Game

The Securing Our Football Future agenda goes beyond community football to focus on the game's larger ecosystem, from strengthening Australia's standing on the international football scene to expanding the A-League.

In order to assist the league's expansion and stability, key professional clubs, including Macarthur FC, Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory, Western Sydney Wanderers, and Perth Glory, have all pushed for regulatory changes. These include reforms to high-performance funding, simplified visa categories for foreign athletes, and urban development plans to promote improved access to stadiums and training facilities.

APL, Executive Chair, the Hon. Stephen Conroy, highlighted the importance of building on the momentum of the A-Leagues in showcasing local and international talent.

"Football infrastructure, facilities and stadia are not keeping pace with the huge grassroots participation, and the growing pathways and professional game in Australia. It's hoped this initiative will help unlock the investment the participation base and potential of the game deserves," he said via Securing Our Football Future.

Meanwhile, the establishment of the Australian Championship — a brand-new National Second Tier league — is seen as a vital component that will provide a direct pathway between grassroots and professional football.

At the elite level, continued support for the Subway Socceroos and CommBank Matildas is still essential, as is deliberate funding for initiatives like Bridge to the World, which aim to give Australian players additional opportunities abroad.

A Critical Moment

Although several members of the football community applauded the federal government's recent $200 million grants program called Play Our Way, leaders contend that, especially considering the size of the participation surge, it does not adequately address the urgent needs of grassroots infrastructure.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson emphasised that the sport’s rapid growth must be matched by urgent infrastructure investment.

“Our surge in participation has put football at a tipping point where our growth is outpacing our infrastructure. All levels of government need to act to address the facilities gap to give grassroots players an opportunity to participate and support our current and emerging talent to compete on the world stage," he said via Securing Our Football Future.

The message from football's unified leadership is straightforward: the sport's current momentum, which is based on generational accomplishments, runs the risk of halting without immediate, significant investment.

Securing Our Football Future provides a road map for not just preserving the game but also fulfilling its full potential as Australia's inclusive, diverse, and grassroots global sport.

The time to act is now.

To read through the full Securing Our Football Future 2025 policy proposals, click here.

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This Saturday the Australian public will shape the future of the nation when they head to the polls to vote in the 2025 Federal election.

Another factor that could sway some voters is the promises made by the major parties to support local sports clubs and reserves, especially those focused on football.

The Albanese Labor Government has already made major strides when it comes to funding the future of soccer in this nation, particularly for women's and girl's involvement.

On the back of a successful FIFA women's World Cup campaign on home soil which saw the Matildas make it to the Semi-Final, the Albanese Government announced the "Play Our Way" program.

This program would provide greater opportunities for women and girls to access, participate and remain involved in sport and physical activity.

Women and girls in Australia are under-represented in sport and physical activity, so, the Play Our Way program will support and provide more opportunities for equal participation in sport and physical activity, as well as access to sporting facilities, equipment and initiatives.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the importance of the program.

“The Matildas have given us a moment of national inspiration, this is about seizing that opportunity for the next generation, investing in community sporting facilities for women and girls around Australia," he said in a press release.

“Sport is a great unifier and a great teacher – it brings communities together, it teaches us about teamwork and resilience and the joy of shared success.

“We want women and girls everywhere in Australia to have the facilities and the support to choose a sport they love.”

The Australian government has provided $200 million for the Play Our Own program which will run over three years from 2024-25 to 2026-27.

Looking ahead, Labor has made several commitments to supporting the growth of football across the country.

One example is the pledge to commit $1.2 million to upgrade soccer facilities in Creswick and Daylesford if the Federal Labor Government is re-elected.

In April, Catherine King, the Member for Ballarat, announced that the funding promise will go towards upgrades at Victoria Park in Daylesford and the Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve in Creswick.

According to Ms King, the Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club has around 150 players, including 40 female players, and has been forced to cap its intake because current pitches cannot accommodate this growth.

Labor’s pledge will help rectify this issue as well as create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all women and girls. 

Other pledges by Labor include $10 million towards a new mini stadium for Melbourne City FC, facility upgrades at Alamein FC/ Ashburton SC, $3.5 million towards female-friendly facilities at St Albans Saints FC, and more.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party has also pledged strong support for the future of the sport, promising funding if elected.

One notable example is the party's pledge to commit $2 million to upgrade Heidelberg United Alexander FC facilities should it win the federal election.

In April, Liberal candidate Chris Parr made the announcement in the Jagajaga electorate, joined by local MP Keith Wolahan and Senator James Paterson.

The funding will go towards major improvements to the club’s facilities, including a new Olympic Museum, bigger training areas, more open green space, and larger clubrooms to better serve the growing community.

The announcement has been seen as a big win for local families, sports lovers, and volunteers, with the Coalition highlighting its commitment to supporting communities by working closely with local groups and the Banyule City Council.

Another notable pledge by the Liberal Party is to upgrade Devlins Road Recreation Reserve in Ocean Grove.

In March 2025, the Liberal Party confirmed that the first stage of the upgrade would receive $5 million if the Coalition wins the federal election.

This project would bring new soccer fields with lighting and fencing, a pavilion, and a new home for the Surfside Waves Soccer Club, establishing a permanent base for junior soccer and other sports at the reserve.

However, in the following month, the Albanese Labor government pledged to match the election promise made by the Coalition meaning the first stage of the Devlins Road Reserve upgrade in Ocean Grove will get a $5 million kickstart regardless of which party forms the government next month.

This is just one of many instances where both parties have clashed over election commitments to local clubs and reserves, with other examples including FC Eaglehawk, Dwyer Street Reserve, Phillip Island Soccer Club just to name a few.

According to Football Victoria, the 2025 federal election has resulted in a total funding commitment value of $93,560,000 in just the state alone.

So, as Australians head to the polls, it’s clear that the battle for votes extends beyond national issues, with local football sports funding emerging as a key play in shaping community support.

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The Tasmanian Liberals have promised to provide $1.69 million to complete Launceston City FC's precinct redevelopment if they are elected to government.

Founded in 1958, Launceston City is one of Tasmania's largest sporting clubs, with around 750 registered players competing for the club across NPL Tasmania and the NTJSA.

Since 2021, Launceston City has been engaged in upgrading their home ground facilities at Prospect Park to account for the rapid growth the club has achieved, and to future proof the ground for the next generation.

The initial upgrades saw the construction of the Peter Mies Pavillion, named after a club legend, the pavilion added two modern changerooms to the club. However, rising costs prevented the development of another two changerooms and renovations to crucial club amenities such as parking, lighting, clubrooms and spectator facilities.

Liberal candidate for Lyons, Susie Bower pledged a Liberal government would fund the second stage of the project and help Launceston City build the facilities it required during a press conference at Prospect Park.

"It's absolutely fantastic to be here today at Prospect Vale to announce that a Dutton-led Coalition Government will commit $1.69 million for stage two of the Launceston City Football Club masterplan," she said.

"Now, this masterplan for stage two actually includes two more sets of change rooms, which we know are absolutely critical for this football club because they have over 615 juniors signed up and over 150 senior players."

In a club statement, Launceston City FC expressed gratitude for Susie Bower's visit and accompanying pledge.

"We sincerely thank Susie for this election commitment as well as her ongoing support. This funding will future proof our club for generations to come and help us achieve our strategic vision to have the modern and inclusive facilities and infrastructure our community deserve," the statement read.

The 2025 federal election takes place this Saturday May 3, for information on how or where to vote, visit the Australian Electoral Commision website. 

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has embraced Midea in a new global partnership which will see the Chinese white goods company support the AFC's club competitions.

Through the deal, Midea will enter into a multi-year agreement and become a "Global Supporter" of the AFC Champions League Elite™ for the remainder of the current 2024/25 season until the 2028/29 season, and the AFC Champions League Two™ and AFC Women’s Champions League™ across the 2025/26 to 2028/29 period.

In entering the partnership, Midea will hold exclusive rights to advertise its products across all AFC club competitions, giving Midea prime access to billions of consumers across Asia.

AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John explained how the addition of Midea into the AFC family was emblematic of the AFC's immense growth.

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The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) have announced the appointment of two new Club Directors to the APL Board, as well as updates to the salary cap structure which will be implemented from the 2025/26 season.

At an Extraordinary General Meeting held earlier today, Club Unitholders voted to appoint John Dovaston, Chairman of Melbourne Victory, and Kaz Patafta, Chairman and CEO of Brisbane Roar, as new Club Directors to the APL Board.

Both bring a strong mix of football, business, and governance experience to the table, drawn from their work both within and outside the sport.

The rest of the Board — including the Chair, a Silver Lake Director, the FA-appointed Director, and three existing Club Directors — remains unchanged, as they were not up for election.

After consulting with the Board, Club Unitholders, and club reps, the APL also announced it will introduce a new financial sustainability framework for the A-Leagues, to be rolled out over the next three seasons.

The focus will be on revamping the salary cap system.

The current setup which includes a $2.55 million soft cap and six types of salary exemptions was originally designed to support financial stability and competitive balance, but it's no longer delivering as intended.

Starting from the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season, a $3.5 million hard cap trial will be introduced.

Then, in 2026/27, a $3 million hard cap (plus one marquee player) will be enforced. Clubs that exceed the cap will face financial and sporting penalties.

For the 2025/26 season, clubs will still operate under the current salary cap rules and exemptions, with the trial period acting as a transition to the new system.

A broader financial model, based on each club’s revenue will be finalised with input from clubs and the PFA and introduced in the 2027/28 season.

Executive Chair, Stephen Conroy, highlighted the need for change when it came to the current salary cap structure as well as the benefit of the new reform.

“Following consultation with clubs over the last twelve months, it was determined that the current spending structure, which has been in place since 2005, was no longer fit for purpose," he said in a press release.

“We are doubling down on strategies that are already working; investing in our product and highlighting our fantastic homegrown talent. 

“The implementation of these reforms over the coming years is designed to ensure a competitive balance and to build long term foundations for growth that helps unlock the full revenue potential of each club.

“The APL Board firmly believe this is the model for long term success, giving clubs time to assess and plan before a new model is agreed to for season 2027/28 based on global best practice, that can deliver greater outcomes for talent development and a better football product.ˮ

The APL’s latest moves mark a significant step forward for the future of the A-Leagues, with new leadership on the Board and a clear plan to overhaul the financial structure of the competition, the league is positioning itself for long-term stability and growth. 

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Last week, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) announced the appointment of Beau Busch as the organisation's new Chief Executive for a four-year period until 2029.

Busch is an experienced presence within the PFA, having joined the players' rights and wellbeing organisation back in 2013. Since then, he has held a number of key roles, including Co-Chief Executive, Head of Player Relations and Development, and Media and Communications Manager, in addition to being appointed FIFPRO Asia/Oceania President in 2024.

Across these positions, Busch has worked to protect players' welfare and rights, as well as push standards across the A-Leagues and National Teams.

PFA Chair Francis Awaritefe explained how Busch would deliver much needed stability in his new role during times of uncertainty for the sport in Australia.

“The professional game has reached an important juncture, with critical industrial and commercial negotiations set to occur. We have no doubt that Beau’s appointment will ensure the players can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities over the coming years," he said in a press release.

“Beau has built incredible trust with the PFA membership, and this will be invaluable as the players seek to shape the future of the game.”

PFA Co-President Tameka Yallop described why Busch would be a valuable fit for the role.

“Beau’s passion for the game, integrity, and proven leadership make him the ideal leader to guide the PFA into its next chapter," she said via press release.

“The players are committed to ensuring we build an industry that we can all be incredibly proud of and we know that under Beau’s leadership the PFA will continue to a be a values-led organisation.”

In a statement, Busch expressed his joy at being selected for the position by the plays.

“It is an honour to represent our members and to work alongside an outstanding Executive, Delegates and staff team," he said.

“This generation of players have an opportunity to drive the success of the professional game and to leave a lasting legacy for the players that follow them.”

Together, Busch and the PFA will continue to protect players' rights and uphold the standards of the game across Australia.

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After a six-year legal battle, US Soccer and Relevent Sports have reached a settlement in the latter's antitrust lawsuit which opens the potential for European leagues to play games in the US.

Recently Relevent’s lawyers filed a motion in federal court to dismiss their case against U.S. Soccer with prejudice—which means they won’t be able to bring the same lawsuit or claims against the federation again in the future.

US Soccer expresses relief as a longstanding issue is resolved, allowing the organisation to fully focus on growth and building momentum ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

“We are pleased to put this matter behind us as we remain focused on growing the game and harnessing the momentum of US Soccer ahead of next year’s World Cup," US Soccer said via statement on ESPN.

The details of the settlement haven’t been made public, bringing an end to the long-running legal battle between the federation and Relevent Sports, the agency co-founded and owned by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.

Relevent had already reached a separate deal with FIFA last year, agreeing to remove soccer’s global governing body from the lawsuit as a co-defendant.

“We appreciate US Soccer’s collaboration in reaching this settlement,” Relevent chief executive Danny Sillman told ESPN via statement.

”Ultimately, we all share the same goal: growing the sport throughout America.

“We’re excited to continue supporting clubs from Europe and around the world to expand the sport’s reach and impact across the US.”

Relevent first revealed plans in 2018 to host a La Liga match between Barcelona and Girona in Miami, as part of its 15-year commercial deal with Spain’s top football league.

FIFA quickly responded by introducing a policy that banned league matches from being played outside the home countries of the participating clubs.

As a result, Barcelona pulled out of the game, there was also disagreement between La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over the idea of playing a league match overseas.

Relevent later tried to bring an Ecuadorian league match to the US, with support from LigaPro Ecuador, but U.S. Soccer denied approval, again citing FIFA’s policy.

In response, Relevent sued both U.S. Soccer and FIFA in 2019, accusing them of working together to block foreign league games in the U.S.

The lawsuit claimed this was done to protect Soccer United Marketing (SUM), Major League Soccer’s (MLS) commercial arm, and prevent competition.

Although the case was initially dismissed in July 2021, that decision was overturned in May 2023, opening the door for a trial.

Relevent eventually reached a settlement with FIFA, which included the creation of a working group to explore possible changes to its rules on international matches.

Just last month, it was confirmed that Relevent had secured the global commercial rights for UEFA’s men’s club competitions over a six-season cycle starting in 2027/28.

This means Relevent will now manage, sell, and market the commercial rights for the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League worldwide.

Additionally to collaborating with La Liga, Relevent also has commercial partnerships with the English Football League (EFL) and the Bundesliga, it's also responsible for scheduling and promoting pre-season Premier League games in the US.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has celebrated the work of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) in a meeting with the Federation's key leaders.

Speaking with AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth and AFF General Secretary Winston Lee, Shaikh Salman celebrated the AFF's success as one of the leading Regional Associations in the AFC, linking the Federation's strong sense of unity with its ability to effectively achieve shared goals to improve the standard of the game across Asia.

The AFC President also praised the Federation for the triumphant delivery of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup in January, as well as the AFF's other competitions including the new ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup 2024/25.

In a press release, President Shaikh Salman detailed the importance of the ASEAN Football Federation.

"As a Regional Association, the ASEAN Football Federation are amongst the pioneers in establishing top level competitions for their Member Associations and the fervent fanbase that has rallied so passionately around these regional platforms is indeed testament to the AFF leadership," he said.

“Perhaps most encouraging of all is the expansion of these competitions to also include women’s football, age-group tournaments as well as futsal so it is clear that the beautiful game in ASEAN now has the potential to grow more systemically and holistically, further complementing the shared outcomes that we aspire towards as one Asian football family.

“In every way, under the wise leadership of Major General Sameth, the AFF has emerged as a model RA who have continued to serve as a thriving regional hub for its Member Associations to strengthen their capabilities and the AFC remains ready to assist them in realising their bold ambitions.”

The meeting also saw Major General Khiev Sameth thank the AFC President and Confederation for its assistance. In particular, Sameth highlighted the impact of the AFC Enhance program - a project which will double the Confederation's support for Regional Associations.

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The City of Greater Geelong has proposed plans for a new major soccer hub to address the region's lack of professional level facilities. 

The proposal revealed a bid for a new regional facility in Geelong's north which would transform the landscape of soccer in the city.

Plans for the facility highlighted it could provide up to eight elite pitches, including a primary exhibition pitch which could hold between 1000 to 2000 people for standard games, and up to 5000 people for special events.

On this show pitch, Geelong locals could bear witness to future National Premier League, A-League and even international games on their doorstep.

Currently, the council is scrutinising nine different locations across Geelong's north for the proposed soccer hub. Additionally, a second subregional multi-sports hub towards the city's south in the Armstrong Creek region was also revealed.

Rumblings of a regional soccer centre in Geelong first occurred in 2021 when the City of Greater Geelong committed $50,000 to a feasibility and business plan, which was later strengthened through a strategic partnership between the council and Football Victoria.

Speaking to Soccerscene, City of Greater Geelong Councilor and Chair of Sports and Recreation, Eddy Kontelj, explained why the proposed hubs would be so vital to soccer in the region.

"These regional facilities would open up so many great opportunities for us," Cr Kontelj said.

"In terms of the development of coaches, players and administrators, a central location would certainly help us to correlate all the skills and services you need to help aid that development.

"But the exposure to the game here would be opened up too. Having significant tournaments played here of a national nature would be such an advantage."

Furthermore, the council has plans for the new soccer hub to be used for premier games and competitions.

[caption id="attachment_29131" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Councilor Eddy Kontelj says the hub would be a boon for Geelong. Image Credit: Eddy Kontelj[/caption]

"In 2022-23 we completed an issues and opportunities report to assess where we need to go, and that's driven this focus to establish our regional and subregional facilities in Geelong. We invited all our clubs and Western United to participate and we got really good feedback from it," Cr Kontelj said.

'United is really excited and they're looking forward to being able to partner with us in Geelong to continue to grow the game in the region.

"And a facility like this could include the W-league, the Matildas, and the Socceroos - and the opportunity for those clubs to also train at a higher level at this type of facility."

Currently, there is a shortage of elite level facilities in the Geelong region for soccer players. In 2023, the G21 Regional Football Strategy 2023-33 revealed that 36% of the city's pitches were in a "poor" condition. The same report found a lack of football facilities, specifically multi-pitch facilities featuring natural, hybrid and synthetic grass were inhibiting participation and the ability to draw tournaments to the region.

Additionally, without a dedicated soccer hub, Geelong is on the backfoot compared to Victoria's other major regional cities, Bendigo, Ballarat, Shepperton and Mildura.

Cr Kontelj denied that the sport had been neglected in the region but said that there was more to be done.

"At the club level our facilities are magnificent. I've compared those with the facilities Melbourne has and I'd have to suggest our sporting facilities are probably superior. I've even had club presidents tell me that too," he said.

"However, having that said that - it's the expansion and development of the game that we have probably been a little slower on, and that is something we must catch up on now."

Through the new sports hubs across Geelong's northern and southern regions, the council hopes the plans will not only cater for the area's pre-existing network of players, clubs and fans but also provide easy access to pristine sporting facilities for a rapidly growing city.

"We're one of fastest growing cities in Australia currently and we've got some new growth areas that are opening up - namely the north-northwest growth zone, which is forecasting to have some 110,000 to 120,000 people living there in the next 20 years," Cr Kontelj said.

"This project is not only a requirement today. It's going to be a requirement going forward with the growth of population that we're expecting." 

The council now aims to finalise the hubs' design and secure funding for the project.

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Grassroots football in the Sutherland Shire has received a massive shot in the arm with Sylvania Heights Football Club unveiling a remarkable $2.9 million upgrade to their home ground at Box Road Reserve just weeks before the season opener.

The comprehensive redevelopment features two re-levelled grass pitches complete with irrigation and enhanced drainage systems designed for year-round use.

The upgrade also includes cutting-edge smart-control LED floodlighting, a purpose-built viewing platform, and improved fencing and pathways to bolster safety and accessibility for players and spectators alike.

This ambitious project was delivered through a collaborative effort between Sutherland Shire Council and the club's parent organisation, the Sylvania Heights Community & Youth Club, with crucial backing from the State Government, Cricket NSW and significant contributions from the Club itself.

In a ceremony held last Saturday, the transformed facilities were officially opened with a host of dignitaries in attendance, including Sutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd, Dr. Sarah Kaine MLC, Miranda MP Eleni Petinos, and councillors Carmelo Pesce, Jen Armstrong and Haris Strangas.

Representatives from Sylvania Heights Community & Youth Club, Cricket NSW, Football NSW, and Sutherland Shire Football Association were also on hand to celebrate the milestone.

Chris Plakias, Vice President of Sylvania Heights Community & Youth Club, highlighted the crucial role Football NSW played throughout the funding process.

"Football NSW's support was invaluable to us during the critical bid stage and greatly assisted us in successfully securing funding from the NSW Government," Plakias mentioned via official FNSW media release.

"We are extremely pleased to have realised our vision of creating a modern, high-quality and accessible community sporting facility.

“Football is the Club's largest activity and what a fantastic way to launch into the 2025 Winter football season than with these state-of-the-art facilities."

Helen Armson, Football NSW's Head of Strategic Partnership and Corporate Affairs, emphasised how the redevelopment aligns perfectly with the organisation's broader infrastructure goals.

"It's very rewarding to witness the commitment and persistence of the many volunteers who oversaw this project through to completion," Armson commented via official FNSW media release.

"This upgrade aligns perfectly with Football NSW's Infrastructure Strategy of advocating for better facilities leading to connected communities and this was evident today.

"We look forward to seeing teams from Sylvania Heights FC benefit from this upgrade and playing under lights on their new pitch in May."

The multi-purpose venue isn't exclusive to football, as it also hosts cricket and OzTag competitions, along with various school and community events throughout the year.

The updated facilities will be a huge bonus for the area and a fantastic space to develop the footballing and sporting prowess of the community.

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The Ford Women in Leadership Graduate Network has been launched by New Zealand Football with the aim to continue supporting the learning and development of more than 100 graduates of the Ford Women in Leadership Programme.

The Ford Women in Leadership Programme, launched in 2020 and expanded as part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 legacy plan, focuses on developing leadership skills, addressing biases in women’s football, and creating a community of female leaders dedicated to enhancing their influence on the game.

The programme has seen graduates from various sectors of football, including New Zealand Football, the six regional football federations, community clubs, and New Zealand Football’s partner, Ford.

The network is designed to provide a space for participants of the Ford Women in Leadership Programme to connect, learn, and grow together. It will also serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements of alumni in football, both in New Zealand and internationally.

As part of the network, participants will be invited to attend a series of events and engage in collaborative opportunities that will help further develop the game.

Paula Hansen, GM of Legacy and Special Projects at New Zealand Football, views the Graduate Network as an essential next step for the success of the Ford Women in Leadership Programme.

One of the notable graduates is Alana Gunn, New Zealand Football’s Women’s Talent Manager and U-17 head coach.

Gunn participated in the programme while coaching in the Women’s National League Championship, and since then, she has advanced to international coaching, further contributing to the growth of women’s football in New Zealand.

“The Ford Women in Leadership programme has been a great success, bringing together participants from across the country to share in an empowering experience," she said via press release.

“There are thousands of women involved in the game in various roles, yet football remains male-dominated so programmes like this are essential for building connections and creating opportunities for learning and growth.

“The Graduate Network takes this initiative further by connecting over 100 women who have participated in the programme, allowing them to continue growing together, learning from one another, and sharing their experiences of the biggest team sport in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

It will also serve as a platform to honour the achievements of alumni in the game throughout Aotearoa and beyond.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reinforced its desire to protect the sanctity and professionalism of football and to stop doping across Asia through the Confederation's Principles of Clean Sport seminar.

In collaboration with Sportradar's Integrity Service, the webinar attracted more than 120 participants last week. Designed to support the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) yearly online campaign, Play True Day, the seminar explored a number of crucial topics which aimed to protect fair sport.

Head speakers, Niall Murphy, Sportradar Senior Manager for Risk & Investigations, and Dominic Mueser, Sportradar Head of Integrity Partnerships in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, led conversations on doping, its effects and regulations, and the need for wide-ranging education, legislature and protections for whistleblowers.

Additionally, the seminar explored how to support medical experts and professionals in the sports industry deal with doping.

Dominic Mueser explained why Sportrader was eager to support the AFC.

"We’re committed to supporting organisations like the AFC in their mission to protect clean athletes," he said via press release.

"It’s critical that we give everyone involved in sport a strong understanding of fair play and clean sport values early on, so they’re able to make smart and informed decisions."

Furthermore, the Principles of Clean Sport seminar analysed the leading codes, regulations and rulings of WADA, including: the WADA Code and International Standards, Anti-Doping Rule Violations and current WADA Prohibited List.

Niall Murphy explained why these conversations were so important.

“With the next iteration of the World Anti-Doping Code currently being drafted and due to take effect in 2027, it is vital that all stakeholders including athletes, support personnel, medical professionals and anti-doping practitioners, keep up to date on the latest rules and regulations, and understand the impact doping can have at an individual level and for sports as a whole," he said in a press release.

The program further covered topics surrounding the ethical and cultural issues around doping as well as how to better protect whistleblowers.

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Brentford FC has signed a strategic partnership with Gil Vicente, a competing club in Portugal's Primeira Liga, focused on sharing player development, recruitment, performance, and broader football operations.

The collaboration highlights Brentford’s ambition to create a global network of like-minded clubs, united by shared values and a modern approach to football.

As part of the new partnership, a delegation from Gil Vicente recently visited west London, spending time at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium and the Robert Rowan Performance Centre. This visit marked the first step in a broader plan for mutual learning and long-term collaboration between the two clubs.

Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Football strategy and game model design
• Scouting and player recruitment systems
• Coaching methodologies
• Club communications and brand positioning
• Fan engagement and matchday experience management

By combining Premier League-level insights with Primeira Liga experience, both clubs aim to challenge traditional models and uncover new efficiencies in the highly competitive world of professional football.

Brentford's Technical Director Lee Dykes highlighted how the new partnership will build on these foundations and further enhance the club’s internal processes.

“Football is always evolving, and one way to improve is by sharing knowledge. Gil Vicente has a proud history and are well-respected for their youth development, their resilience and their community spirit.

"This partnership with Gil Vicente will help us improve all aspects of our player development model and allow us to have a close relationship with a well-respected club in Portugal,” he said via press release.

The collaboration also aligns with Brentford’s wider strategy of resourcefulness and innovation, using international partnerships to complement the club’s relatively small-scale operational model compared to traditional Premier League giants.

President of Gil Vicente Rui Silva emphasised the advantages of such a collaboration.

"A partnership with a club competing in the world's most challenging league represents a unique opportunity to elevate our structure. Brentford has been a reference in data, player recruitment and development, as well as in its relationship with fans.

"These values align perfectly with our vision for the future of Gil Vicente,” he said via press release.

The Portuguese club brings its strengths in youth development, club culture, and resilience in domestic competition to the table, making this a mutually beneficial partnership.

The Brentford-Gil Vicente agreement is part of a growing trend in European football, where clubs outside the traditional elite are forming technical and operational collaborations.

Not only is this positioning Brentford as a forward thinking-player in the game globally, it is also a brand-building strategy, capable of influencing not just on-pitch performance but off-pitch strategies as well.

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Melbourne Victory has celebrated being awarded funding under the Play Our Way program by inviting Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon. Anika Wells to Aami Park.

Play Our Way is a $200 million program from the Federal Government created after the success of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 to increase women and girls' participation in all sport.

The program seeks to achieve its goals by funding initiatives that aim to tackle the barricades that prevent women and girls from engaging with sport and physical in order to create a more equitable environment for everyone.

There were over 660 applications for the participation stream of the program, with only 70 programs across all sports and levels becoming successful recipients: of those, only four were professional clubs.

In a joint visit to Aami Park, Minister Wells and member for Macnamara Josh Burns MP spoke with key club representatives such as Managing Director Caroline Carnegie, former Matilda Lydia Williams and Melbourne Victory community program participant Tesnim Beke about the club's work to support women and girls.

Carnegie highlighted how the visit reinforced Victory's commitment to breaking down the barriers to equality in sport.

“We were honoured to welcome MP Anika Wells to Melbourne Victory to discuss and celebrate the incredibly important work we are undertaking as a Club to provide more opportunities in football for women and girls,” she said in a press release.

“Our projects will provide a program that will have an immensely positive impact on not only participation in sport, but allow individuals to grow their social and leadership skills.

“At Melbourne Victory, we aim to lead, unite, connect and inspire through football, and the Play Our Way program allows for women and girls to connect and reach their potential.

“We look forward to seeing our programs and pathways continue to welcome new participants across Victoria.”

Through funding from the Play Our Way program, Melbourne Victory now has the support it needs to build a comprehensive partnership strengthened program that will support participation in sport across schools, communities and clubs. This program will deliver important and educational physical sessions as well as workshops which encourage leadership.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has locked in a media rights agreement with sports broadcast giant ESPN, covering the upcoming 2025-2028 period.

The fresh deal sees ESPN continue as the exclusive media partner for top-tier AFC competitions.

Their services will be channelled to the footballing regions of Central and South America, including selective parts of the Caribbean.

Viewers can continue to catch the action across ESPN's platforms, including the Disney+ streaming service.

Covering marquee events like the 2027 Asian Cup and both Champions League Elite and Champions League Two club competitions, the agreement marks a significant boost for international football coverage.

This has come after the ending of the deal between the sports media giant and the AFC starting in 2021.

ESPN have broadcasted the AFC since 1989 and continues to want to deliver the AFC onto the international stage through its media reach.

Michael Walters, Vice President for programming and acquisitions at ESPN International explains how they wish to connect the AFC with the whole international community.

"At ESPN, our main goal is to serve the sports fan with a vast array of sportive events and our experts' analysis," he said via press release.

"We're thrilled to renew this agreement, so that audiences in Latin America, Central America, and the Caribbean can continue to enjoy the AFC's competitions in real time."

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John praised ESPN's commitment, noting they've been playing a crucial role in expanding the confederation's global reach.

"The AFC is delighted to renew our media partnership with ESPN, who have been strong supporters of Asian football and played a key role in expanding the reach of our competitions well beyond the borders of our Continent," he said via press release.

The deal comes hot on the heels of another recent partnership, with the AFC announcing a global support agreement with Chinese financial technology firm Du Xiaoman Technology for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last week.

This latest media rights renewal underscores the growing international appeal of Asian football and ESPN's strategic approach to sports broadcasting.

With the highlight focus of football centred around Europe it is very important that the AFC can reach all areas of football.

To connect the AFC across the Americas continues to tap into a football region and help elevate the AFC with other international footballing powerhouses.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced a new partnership with Du Xiaoman Technology.

Through the collaboration the Chinese financial technology company will become a Global Supporter of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26.

Together, the AFC and Du Xiaoman Technology will aim to expand their individual markets through a combined effort. Du Xiamon Technoloy will bolster the AFC through providing competition activities to engage fans as well as brand new gameday experiences which will excite audiences.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John welcomed Du Xiamon Technology into the fold.

"The AFC is delighted to welcome Du Xiaoman Technology as a Global Supporter of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 and we thank them for showcasing their confidence in the future of the Asian game," he said in a press release.

“The enhanced qualification format has already elevated the levels of anticipation and competition for both our teams and passionate fans and we look forward to partnering with like-minded organisations such as Du Xiaoman Technology to create even more memorable experiences for all our valued stakeholders.”

General Manager of the Brand Marketing Department at Du Xiaoman Technology, Xinxin Cui explained why the deal was enticing to her organisation.

“Football embodies passion and dreams, which naturally align with our company’s philosophy of empowering micro- and small- business development," she said in a press release.

"Moving forward, through the partnership with the AFC, Du Xiaoman Technology will identify breakthrough opportunities where technology enhances the sporting experience. We aim to deliver innovative financial solutions to benefit football fans while strengthening support for China PR’s football development.”

CEO of AFG Patrick Murphy, embraced Du Xioman Technology into the growing network.

“We are proud to welcome Du Xiaoman Technology as a Global Supporter of the Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26. We value their trust and collaboration in bringing this partnership to life, as we approach an exciting stage of this competition."

Together the AFC and Du Xiaoman Technology will work to elevate Asian football for fans across the continent.

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Football Australia has unveiled a partnership with Live Graphics Systems (LIGR) to establish a world-first centralised production and distribution model for over 3,500 matches annually across multiple competition tiers.

This ambitious undertaking is set to transform sports broadcasting efficiency whilst unlocking future commercial opportunities for Football Australia and its nine State and Territory Member Federations.

The collaboration comes as Football Australia prepares to kick off the Australian Championship this October.

In mid-2024, Football Australia began developing a new production strategy, defining requirements across multiple tiers of Australian football.

The strategy encompasses the Hahn Australia Cup, NSD and the top tier of Federation Competitions for both men and women (National Premier Leagues), Futsal and National Para-Football Championships included as well.

LIGR's appointment followed a rigorous Request for Proposal (RFP) process, led by Football Australia in alliance with Member Federations, aimed at identifying a single partner capable of managing the complex scale.

LIGR, an Australian tech business recently acquired by European-based tech company Crionet, will provide technical and operational broadcast management, live monitoring and AI integration across Football Australia's multi and single camera productions.

Additionally, LIGR's world-leading streaming, graphics and highlights automation platform will enable seamless integration of key sponsors on broadcasts.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, highlighted the significance of the partnership.

"This partnership marks a defining moment in Australian football and represents a paradigm shift in the way the game is produced, distributed and commercialised both in Australia and abroad," Johnson explained via Football Australia official press release.

“By unifying production across thousands of games and multiple tiers of competition, we are not only streamlining operations but also reshaping the future of football broadcasting in this country. This is innovation at scale.

"Through this centralised model, we are building long-term operational and cost efficiencies and can focus on building sustainable revenue streams for the connected football pyramid."

Luke McCoy, CEO of LIGR, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.

"At Crionet and LIGR, our mission is to disrupt the traditional sports production, streaming, and distribution landscape," McCoy commented via Football Australia’s official press release.

“Our partnership with Football Australia and its State and Territory Member Federations represents a groundbreaking shift towards a truly aggregated model, marking a significant milestone for sports coverage in Australia.

“Our cutting-edge technology and innovative approach sets us apart, and we are excited to elevate the game, enhance fan engagement, and drive innovation across all levels of the sport."

This multi-tier integration represents an unprecedented approach, as no other Australian rights holder has consolidated production across such a diverse range of competitions under a single centralised model.

This new centralised approach will allow the sport to optimise its production workflows and unlock new commercial opportunities in the evolving broadcast and streaming landscape.

An exciting development in increasing viewership and commercial viability for, as Football Australia's 2024 National Participation Report confirmed, the most popular and fastest growing sport in the country.

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Football NSW community registrations have rocketed beyond the 200,000 marks, keeping pace to eclipse the record numbers set in 2024, as the code's popularity continues to boom across the state.

Australia’s most populous state has been breaking records the last couple years with rising participation numbers. This year continues to solidify that trend.

Junior participation is leading the charge with more than 115,000 children aged 5-12 already signed up with local clubs as the winter football season draws near.

This sustained growth follows an exceptional 2024 season that witnessed a 9% increase in overall player registrations, with female participation skyrocketing by an impressive 17%.

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas was particularly proud with the increased junior and female representation.

"It's pleasing to see the healthy number of juniors registering for the upcoming community football season," Tsatsimas commented via official Football NSW Press release.

"It's equally great to once again see female participation at the forefront of our growth.

"Our club volunteers and Associations have done a tremendous job in overseeing registrations within their local communities and we're looking forward to seeing the new season get underway in April."

Not just grassroots football in NSW, but nationwide, football participation has seen huge growth in youth and female participation.

A strong NSW football environment at the forefront of this surge is key to maintaining and cultivating participation.

Though with every increase in participating numbers, the community-based clubs bear the brunt of more demand.

Now more than ever, associations and clubs need sufficient support from the state Football federation if they want to continue these exciting results.

Though time will tell how much of an increase in players there will be, the report is promising.

How to maintain the players and bring more into the footballing community in the coming years will be the next big questions for all levels of football in the state and in the country.

The post Football NSW 2025 Registrations Surge as Season Approaches appeared first on Soccerscene.

The German Football League (DFL) has broken its revenue record across the top two flights of football from the 2023/24 season, producing $10.098 Billion AUD.

The impressive feat is a 12% increase on the previous record of $9.014 billion AUD, achieved in the prior 2022/23 season. The majority of revenue was produced by the Bundesliga, accruing more than $8.25 billion AUD in revenue. Meanwhile the .2 Bundesliga recorded its highest ever total revenue, generating $1.7 billion AUD.

Helping boost the DFL's record breaking revenue were the Bundesliga's best ever ticket sales. The 2023/24 season broke the record for most tickets sold in a season, with over 20.74 million tickets sold across the top two divisions, an increase of almost one million tickets on the 2022/23 season. Additionally, the 2023/24 season recorded the highest average number of tickets sold per game ever with approximately 33,885 tickets sold per game.

In the top division, matchday revenue was significant, recording $899 million AUD, 10.91% of the league's total revenue. However, in the second division, matchday revenue was even more impactful - generating $449 million AUD and accounting for 24.45% of the total revenue share.

However, the Bundesliga's record $197 million AUD profit was boosted by the league's strong transfer period which contributed to 18% of total revenue gained.

Ultimately, media rights were once again by far the largest source of income, accounting for $2.6 Billion AUD in the Bundesliga.

Chairman of the DFL supervisory board, Hans-Joachim Watzke, outlined how the records were strong signs of a healthy German football pyramid.

“With these key figures for the 2023-24 season, German professional football is sending positive economic signals against the general trend," he said in a press release.

“Furthermore, and beyond the economic dimension, football has a positive impact on society. Our stadiums are places where people from all walks of life can come together and share emotions and unforgettable moments.”

Additionally, from the 2023/24 season each of the Bundesliga's clubs and 14 of the .2 Bundesliga club achieved positive equity.

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Representatives of the Asian Football Confederation met online on Thursday for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Youth Panel. Through the virtual event, Member Association's (MAs) shared their experiences of their youth systems for the 2024-25 term.

The panel was hosted with a key focus on identifying how to improve the developmental programmes of the 16–19-year-old age group. The meeting discussed ways to not just improve technical skill but also strengthen the mental resilience of players and increase the number of competitive matches they are playing.

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In episode three of Soccerscene's Off the Pitch podcast, Football Coaches Australia (FCA) President and former Socceroo and NSL star Gary Cole joins the show to delve into the health of Australia's coaching scene.

As a player, Cole was renowned for his lethality in front of goal - winning the NSL Golden Boot in back-to-back years, playing for Heidelberg United in 1980 and 1981. For Australia, Cole recorded 21 goals from 40 games across all levels and even held the Australian record for most goals scored in an international match after kicking seven against Fiji in 1981.

After his professional playing career, Cole became a renowned coach. He first worked under the Australian Institue of Sport as youth development coach, before transitioning to the NSL as Heidelberg United boss, and then moved to the Victorian Premier League as coach of the Bentleigh Greens, Bulleen Inter Kings and the Altona Magic (two different stints). In the VPL Cole won two championships as head coach, first with the Altona Magic in 1996 and secondly with the Bulleen Inter Kings in 1998.

Following his work in the VPL, Cole moved into administration, enjoying stints as the Director of Football at Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC. Later, Cole would work for Football Victoria before finally joining the FCA.

For his impact as a player, coach and a continual supporter and driver of footballing standards in Australia, Cole has been awarded as a member of both the Australian and Victorian Football Hall of Fame.

On the Off the Pitch podcast, Cole relayed his experiences and explained the work the FCA was doing to support coaches across the country.

"Football Coaches Australia is a voice for coaches in Australia. It started very focused for professional coaches in Australia, and really during COVID, when there wasn't a lot of football happening, we branched into ongoing coach development," Cole said on the podcast.

"[For coaches] the [FCA] is representation, continuing professional development, trying to be their voice, trying to raise standards, and focused on their mental health."

"They're our primary things, as well as to raise the bar for coaches, coach behaviors - and to try and get some equity and some equality in the game."

To discover more about how the FCA is assisting coaches in Australia and learn about the challenges the organisation is facing, listen to the full interview with FCA President Gary Cole on episode three of the Off the Pitch podcast by Soccerscene HERE

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Football Victoria (FV) celebrates Mount Martha Soccer Club’s milestone as the club moves into its new home base at the Civic Reserve Sports Pavilion.

The $10.5 million pavilion offers Mount Martha SC new infrastructure, featuring four female-friendly change rooms, referees’ facilities, a multi-use social space, first aid and meeting rooms, as well as ample storage.

The Ceremony

An opening ceremony was held on February 13th with FV Regional Development Coordinator Jackson Landy, Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr. Anthony Marsh, deputy mayor Cr. Paul Pingiaro, as well as club representatives, in attendance.

Jackson Landy expressed how the development was ‘well-deserved’ in growing football within the area.

“Mount Martha SC are leading the way in female participation and quality programs in the area, and this development is a just reward for their sustained efforts throughout their 10-year existence.

“We look forward to seeing how they utilise the brand new facility throughout the coming years,” he said via press release.

New Investments 

The Mornington Peninsula Shire invested $6.5 million into the new pavilion, with the additional $4 million from the State Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program. 

McIntosh told The News, Mornington Peninsula, the perfect base has been provided for clubs with the new building allowing for an increase in local memberships, a place to train, compete, and develop programs at the ground.

“These volunteer-run clubs are an integral part of the community, and they deserve modern facilities they can be proud of.

“The female-friendly pavilion opens up more opportunities for participation and provides the perfect foundation for local clubs to grow, and for the community to host big events," he said via press release.

New Era of Football

The facility will ensure there are more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate, helping the club grow and enhance its football programs.

Grass roots football continues to expand across Victoria, with access to modern, sustainable, and accessible sporting facilities; the local sport is marking a new era on the Mornington Peninsula.

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The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) latest AFC Coach Education Panel Meeting reflected the Confederation’s desire to continually strengthen each Member Association (MA).

The meeting was led by AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh and took place virtually Thursday last week, featuring technical and coaching experts from across Asia.

With the key focus on finding how to strengthen coaching to boost player development, the meeting saw a range of matters discussed such as the AFC Coaching Convention, the AFC-UEFA Diploma equivalence, and the progress of tutor courses.

Most notably, the panel witnessed an extensive presentation on the pioneering Triple A Project, an all-new AFC programme designed to elevate technical standards and player development across the Confederation.

The name Triple A comes from the founding principles the initiative was built from of Analysis, Advice, Accreditation. To achieve its goals, the Triple A Project will engage with MAs to establish technical summits to effectively deliver unique supports according to each member’s needs.

Roxburgh explained how the Triple A Project would be beneficial for MAs.

“The idea is to hold joint exchanges with MAs, allowing us to analyse global developments and enable the Confederation to provide tailored support, offer advice, and establish guidelines,” he said in a press release.

“This will facilitate greater information exchange and drive further enhancements in technical projects, activities, and initiatives.”

Panellists next reviewed reports of The Hub initiative, a programme in collaboration with the Japan Football Association (JFA) designed to create opportunities for female coaches to gain their AFC Pro-Diploma status.

Panel members were then made aware of the latest endorsements under the AFC Coaching Convention, as well as future events like the upcoming AFC Coach Education Conference 2025.

To finalise the meeting, participants undertook an active QandA session, sharing key insights and learnings while also questioning standard practices to help the Asian Football Confederation and its Member Associations reach their true potential.

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Brentford FC and Bees United, the club's official supporters trust, have announced a major overhaul to their ownership structure.

This upgrade strives to ensure that Bees United keeps its core rights and oversight while also restructuring governance.

New Holding Company and Protective Rights Deed

Brentford FC owner Matthew Benham will transfer his shares to a newly formed holding company, awaiting Premier League approval.

As part of this transition, a legally binding Protective Rights Deed will replace the Special Share currently held by Bees United.

This deed will secure Bees United’s ability to veto any proposed sale of the stadium and maintain a fan representative on the club’s board - safeguards unique among Premier League clubs.

Ensuring Long-Term Stability and Growth

If Benham’s ownership stake falls below 75 percent, any subsequent owners must uphold this deed, ensuring Bees United’s rights are protected.

The holding company structure increases the club's flexibility, preparing it for long-term expansion, investment opportunities, and future Premier League success.

As a result, this will enable a more efficient financial and legal process, ensuring the club’s stability in the future while taking into account Benham’s family interests.

Benham and Club Leadership Reaffirm Commitment

Matthew Benham reiterated his unwavering dedication to Brentford FC, its fans, and its legacy.

To ensure it remains a source of pride for supporters, Benham clarified that he made these adjustments with the club’s long-term prosperity in mind.

Brentford FC Chair Cliff Crown highlighted the significance of this transition for the club.

“This transition strengthens the club’s ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the Premier League and beyond.

“It will allow Brentford FC to grow responsibly, remain competitive at the highest level, and ensure that Bees United’s role as a guardian of the club’s future remains secure for generations to come,” he said via press release.

Bees United Chair Stuart Hatcher reaffirmed the supporters’ trust’s commitment to protecting the club's values.

“We recognise everything Matthew has done for the club and, having determined that Bees United’s rights remain intact and that the right safeguards remain in place for the club and the fans, we were happy to support his request," he said via press release.

A New Chapter for Brentford FC

These changes mark a new chapter for Brentford FC that builds on the club’s journey and, importantly, ensures that the voices of the fans remain at the heart of its future.

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The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and UN Women have renewed a memorandum of understanding to improve gender equality across the Pacific.

Having first joined forces in 2022, the reinvigorated partnership will enable both organisations to tackle gender-based violence and discrimination by empowering women and girls on and off the pitch.

UN Women will support the OFC through the Pacific Partnership to End Violence Against Women and Girls (Pacific Partnership) programme, an initiative predominantly resourced by the Australian Government alongside the European Union and organised by UN Women and the Pacific Community (SPC), in a strategic partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

UN Women Fiji Country Office Representative, Delphine Serumaga outlined why the UN elected to continue the partnership with the OFC.

In the Pacific Islands, sports play an important role in shaping attitudes, values and behaviours that can promote gender equality and prevent violence against women and girls. UN Women is pleased to support OFC and the member associations in their commitment to make football safe, equal and inclusive,” she said in a press release.

OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo expressed how vital it was to have continued support from UN Women to progress the Confederation's work.

“Gender equality has taken an even greater focus in our region following the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the first senior FIFA World Cup to be held in Oceania. The development and launch of This Is How We Football as one of our legacy programmes is a testament to this,” he said in a press release.

“Using the power of football to drive gender equality also means continuing to develop women’s football from grassroots to the elite level. Ensuring girls and women have the opportunity to perform on the field is a key part of our work to change attitudes and perceptions.

“We’ve achieved a lot in our partnership with UN Women so far and are excited to continue building on those foundations.”

The This Is How We Football initiative is a Football for Good programme designed to tear down barriers preventing women and girls from playing football. Implemented in eight countries in 2024 (Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Vanuatu, Samoa, New Caledona, Fiji, Tonga and Kiribati), the programme will add a ninth in 2025 with the addition of Papua New Guinea.

In combination with the OFC's Just Play programme, both initiatives have rapidly improved capacity building for women. Of the 600 participants for volunteer and coaching courses in 2024, 65% were female.

Furthermore, the OFC and UN Women partnership has already achieved a litany of major successes, such as the Gender Equality Playbook 2022, The Power of Football 2023 social responsibility strategy, a localised 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence Campaign and a range of regional workshops to support women across the Confederation.

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Mauritania has celebrated two momentous football developments with FIFA as the African nation pushes to strengthen the talent of its upcoming stars.

In a milestone ceremony in Nouakchott, the Mauritanian Football Association (FFRIM) welcomed FIFA representatives, over 30 presidents from African FIFA Member Associations and a number of other global members to celebrate the opening of the FIFA Talent Academy Mauritania: the first FIFA Talent Academy in Africa.

Additionally, the FFRIM also announced the launched of the Cheikha Boïdiya Stadium project, a plan to double the stadium's capacity to 16,000 people, supported by an investment of 4.67 million AUD through the FIFA Forward 3.0 Programme.

President of the Mauritanian Football Association, Ahmed Yahya explained the impact the FIFA Talent Academy would have on football in the country.

“We feel honoured and proud to have this academy in Mauritania,” he said via press release

“This academy represents a key asset for us because it will bring footballers who can raise the standards in our local league football and our national teams, as well as training professionals who will enhance our country's image.”

In addition to providing academy players with world class coaching, equipment and playing oppurtunities, the academy will also focus on personal development, ingraining valuable core principles and skills within players for life.

In a video message, FIFA President Gianni Infantino remarked on the importance of the new FIFA Talent Academy for Mauritania and FIFA.

“Today is a great day for football in Mauritania – a country that is passionate about our beautiful sport [and] where football progresses and grows from day to day," Infantino said.

“[This is] an extremely important moment for all the young talents in this country. We launched [the FIFA Talent Development Scheme] three years ago with a very simple objective: to give every talented player the chance to maximise their potential, regardless of their origin and situation.”

FIFA will continue to support nations across the world through its Talent Development Scheme as it seeks to expand the number of FIFA Talent Academies to 75 by 2027 as part of the organisation's Strategic Objectives for the Global Game.

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Three Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) representatives have completed an educational training seminar in Saudi Arabia on Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. The trip comes as the Confederation continues to implement VAR as part of its continental upgrades before the OFC Professional League kicks off in January 2026.

OFC VAR Project Manager, Mihaly Fabian was joined by instructors Jamie Cross and Nick Waldron as they sought to improve their knowledge on VAR to streamline the OFC's adoption of the technology.

Training on VAR began with the instructors watching how VAR was used across a number of Saudi League matches in Riyadh. The trio then attended seminars in Gassim for referees and VAR Officials designed for Saudi Arabia's top two divisions, the Roshn Saudi League and Yelo Saudi League.

As the week progressed the instructors first participated in a Yelo Saudi League seminar, discussing post-match analysis. Finally, the team attended a Roshn Saudi League seminar to understand how VAR is utilised at the highest levels of play. Both sessions covered critical topics such as handballs, penalties, offsides and general VAR procedures.

OFC Head of Refereeing, Kevin Stoltenkamp underlined the significance of the seminars for the Confederation as a whole.

“Providing our match officials with exposure to high-level VAR environments is crucial. This experience will accelerate their development and support OFC’s implementation of VAR across Oceania,” he said via press release.

Upon returning to the Confederation, Fabian expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.

“We were fortunate to learn from some of the best VAR instructors in the world. We would like to make a special thank you to Manuel Navarro, Farkhad Abdullaev, Hakan Anaz and Ali Altraifi," he said in a press release.

“SAFF’s (Saudi Arabian Football Federation) incredible hospitality and willingness to share knowledge made this an invaluable experience. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a strong, long-term collaboration between OFC and SAFF."

The Oceania Football Confederation will continue to work to roll out VAR across the Confederation as it progresses through stage three of FIFA's Implementation Assistant and Approval Programme (IAAP).

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Long-standing FIFA partner Coca-Cola has settled a legal dispute with the international football governing body and will now sponsor the revamped FIFA Club World Cup this June in the United States.

In October 2023, Coca-Cola lodged a legal complaint against FIFA at the Arbitration Centre in Zurich, Switzerland, arguing that its existing partnership agreement should have included sponsorship rights for the Club World Cup.

At the time, FIFA had only secured one confirmed sponsor for the tournament and was reportedly renegotiating contracts with existing partners, a move that left Coca-Cola “less than thrilled,” according to The Guardian.

FIFA’s struggles to attract sponsors

Coca-Cola has a partnership agreement with FIFA that extends until 2030, covering major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup. The beverage giant believed that FIFA was prioritising new sponsors over long-term partners like itself.

While the details of the resolution remain unclear, Coca-Cola has now officially joined Bank of America and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund as sponsors of the tournament. FIFA will likely welcome this resolution, as reports suggest the governing body has faced difficulties in attracting commercial interest for the expanded Club World Cup, which aims to secure up to 10 sponsors to generate over $1 billion in revenue.

The long-standing partnership continues strong

FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai spoke on the incredible relationship between the two parties despite recent issues.

“The Coca-Cola Company has been involved in stadium advertising at every FIFA World Cup since 1950 and has provided many memorable experiences in global football over the decades," he said in a press release.

"We are delighted to have such an important and a long-standing partner on board as we usher in a new era in global club football with the FIFA Club World Cup. This will be an exciting, inclusive and a truly global tournament that will ultimately further the development of the club game while delivering value to our partners."

Brad Ross, Vice President of Global Sports and Entertainment Marketing and Partnerships at The Coca-Cola Company shared the same sentiment.

“Sports partnerships like the one we have with FIFA are an important growth driver for our company, brands and global system, and the FIFA Club World Cup will be a significant moment to bring the world together through the power of sport," Ross said in a press release.

"Football fans are among the most passionate in the world, and we’re honoured to be part of these moments by refreshing fans and athletes with our portfolio of beverages and providing them with innovative experiences.”

Club World Cup faces backlash

The revamped tournament, which kicks off on 14 June, will feature 32 teams, including 12 from Europe, six from South America, four each from Africa and Asia, five from North America, and one from Oceania.

Despite securing a global broadcast deal with DAZN, the new format has drawn criticism from clubs and players, who argue that additional fixtures will further congest an already demanding football calendar.

Conclusion

The resolution of this dispute reinforces Coca-Cola’s long-standing association with FIFA and provides much-needed commercial support for the Club World Cup.

However, concerns over fixture congestion and the tournament’s commercial viability continue to pose challenges for FIFA’s latest project.

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Football Queensland (FQ) and CQUniversity (CQU) have trumpeted a groundbreaking new partnership which will link the two organisations for the next three years.

As a part of the deal, CQU will become FQ's Official University Partner and enjoy a pivotal role in delivering physiotherapy, chiropractic and podiatry education at carnivals and festivals, in player development sessions and to FQ Academy teams.

Additionally, FQ has opened placement spots specifically for CQU sports science students within the FQ Academy, providing students with firsthand experience in a professional sporting environment and delivering personalised supports to upcoming athletes.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci detailed how transformative the collaboration with CQU would be for FQ and its Academy.

“We are thrilled to partner with CQUniversity as we integrate cutting-edge education and research into our high-performance pathways, ensuring we remain dynamic in our approach and consistently implement new best practices that benefit all our participants,” he said in a press release.

“This partnership will provide FQ Academy and Queensland State Team players with access to expert physiotherapy, chiropractic, and podiatry services, while also offering CQU sports science students the opportunity to work closely with our emerging athletes, supporting training programs and player welfare, and gaining invaluable experience in an elite environment that contributes to the development of the next generation of sports science professionals.  

“We’re also excited to collaborate with CQU on future research projects aimed at advancing player development and injury prevention while opening up more opportunities for higher education pathways for FQ participants and members.”  

CQUniversity Director of Sport Strategy Professor Fabio Serpiello expressed the university's enthusiasm for the partnership.

“CQU is proud that our unique sport science, rehabilitation and community sport expertise is supporting the important work and growth of Football Queensland, across high performance, grassroots engagement, and leadership development,” he said via press release.

Dean of the School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Professor Andy Stewart explained how CQU would be able to connect with all footballers across Queensland.

“Whether it’s city or region or remote town, everywhere CQU operates in Queensland, football is a key sport in that community,” Prof Stewart said in a press release. 

“CQU’s community-connected, inclusive approach is a perfect fit to meaningfully support the growth of accessible, empowering physical activity and competition, especially for girls and women, and people of all abilities.” 

For more information on CQUniversity, click HERE.

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The long-awaited upgrades to KGV Stadium on Grove Road have now been completed, delivering a refurbished grandstand and improved facilities for players, officials, and spectators.

The redevelopment includes two new player change rooms, referee change rooms, a first aid room, a kiosk, and additional storage spaces.

Stage one of the project was finalised in July 2024, introducing upgraded player and referee change rooms, as well as new public toilets to replace the previous facilities.

KVG Stadium was the home to many Tasmanian clubs' FFA Cup ties with its maximum capacity of 4,000 being useful for bigger events.

However it went through a big rebuild and has largely gone unused for top competitions, highlighting the big news of its completion.

To improve safety and matchday operations, fencing and gates have been installed on either side of the change rooms beneath the grandstand, with additional fencing set to be added near the new change rooms adjacent to the public toilet block.

These measures aim to provide clear separation between players, match officials, and spectators when entering or exiting the field. Spectator access to the public toilets is available via the rear of the grandstand.

In addition to the grandstand upgrades, Glenorchy Knights’ clubrooms have undergone a full refurbishment, including the former Football Tasmania head office. The clubrooms are open to patrons on match days, with the upstairs mezzanine area designated for club members. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

The redevelopment was carried out in collaboration with Glenorchy City Council and Glenorchy Knights, with both organisations playing a key role in the planning and execution of the project.

These upgrades mark a significant step forward for Tasmanian football, providing modern, high-quality facilities that support the growth and development of the sport at all levels.

It allows the state federation to host bigger matches in the football season and gives the state a 'home' that can be recognised as the centre of Tasmanian football.

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Football West has celebrated the renewal of its longstanding partnership with the Insurance Commission of Western Australia.

Together, the two organisations have committed to a new agreement which will see the Commision support Football West for the next three years, until the end of 2027.

As a part of the deal, the Commision's Belt Up campaign will feature prominently across West Australian football leagues to help spread road safety awareness, and will become a name partner for the following key competitions:

• Belt Up Amateur Night Series
• Belt Up Men’s Amateur, Metro, and Masters leagues
• Belt Up Men’s Amateur, Metro, and Masters cup finals
• Belt Up Amateur, Metro and Masters Awards

Additionally, the yearly Regional Festival of Football will be rebranded to the Belt Up Regional Festival of Football.

The Insurance Commision of West Australia will also become a pivotal backer of a range of important initiatives across Football West, including the Belt Up NAIDOC Ball Design Competition and Belt Up Round.

Through their previous work with Football West over the last seven years, the Insurance Commision of West Australia has delivered over 16,000 footballs to clubs across West Australia with Belt Up advertising. Their new renewed partnership will see the Commision continue to provide over 2,000 balls a year.

Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell expressed the importance of the collaboration for the organisation and West Australian football.

"It is fantastic that the Insurance Commission is committed to extending its support for grassroots football in Western Australia through the Belt Up campaign, helping us share the important road safety message in metro and regional WA," he said via press release.

“We have seen how our clubs have benefited from our agreement, with the Belt Up ball distribution providing them with thousands of footballs each year.

“It is also exciting to have the Belt Up campaign across the Regional Festival of Football, giving further exposure to the campaign.”

Insurance Commission General Manager Governance and Stakeholder Relations, Alison Wilson, outlined how the deal would help improve the delivery of the Belt Up campaign's messaging.

"The Belt Up campaign is an important initiative to encourage the use of seatbelts every time you get into a car to reduce preventable injuries and fatalities resulting from crashes. Each year, around 100 people are killed or seriously injured in crashes as a result of not wearing a seatbelt." she said in a press release.

"Our partnership with Football West helps share the important Belt Up message across the football community, and we’re pleased to continue our sponsorship of Football West with an additional focus on regional areas. We’d much rather see you on the pitch than end up as a statistic. Play it safe and Belt Up!”

Through their collaboration, Football West and the Insurance Commission of West Australia will continue to support community football and preach road safety.

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The Ocean Football Confederation (OFC) has reinforced its commitment to developing the professionalism of its Member Associations (MAs) with a recent visit to the Solomon Islands in a rejuvenated collaboration with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF).

As part of the visit, OFC Chief Operating Officer, Frederic Guillemont, and Head of MA Services, Flavia Lopes, liaised with SIFF staff and leaders to conduct an organisational review and leadership workshop.

The visit to the Solomon Islands was a part of the OFC's Capacity Building Programme, which provides MAs with personalised services to account for their needs; especially focusing on operational efficacy, strategic planning and effective leadership.

The collaboration proved timely for the SIFF, as the organisation has continued to excel at developing a professional footballing network across the country, in time for the launch of the new OFC Professional League set to kick off in 2026.

SIFF President Donald Marahare, expressed how important the work of the OFC was for the Solomon Islands.

“The collaboration between SIFF and OFC will help us define our identity as a football organisation—our values, strengths, potential, and areas for improvement,” he said in a press release.

"We now have a clearer vision of our path forward and what needs to be done to elevate the Federation to new heights.”

Together, the SIFF and OFC achieved one of the key objectives of the visit - the development of a new action plan that highlighted important areas for the SIFF to work to continue their forward development.

At the visit's conclusion, Guillemont conveyed the OFC's optimism for football in the Solomon Islands.

“This collaboration was an important step in our commitment to strengthening football management across Oceania," he said via press release.

"The enthusiasm and dedication of SIFF’s leadership and team members were evident, and we are confident that with the right structures in place, the Federation will continue to grow both on and off the pitch. Our role at OFC is to build capacities in football management and leadership, provide resources needed for long term success."

Lopes echoed Guillemont's sentiement.

“The response to the workshop was overwhelmingly positive. SIFF leadership and team members were engaged, motivated and eager to refine their internal structures and enhance their operational efficiency,” she added.

The Oceania Football Confederation will continue to aid and guide the Solomon Islands Football Federation and other Member Associations as football grows rapidly across the region.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is set to launch the AFC Integrity Education Programme 2025, a brand-new world-class initiative designed to boost AFC Member Associations' (MAs) ability to fight match fixing across Asia.

Set to launch on March 10, the programme is designed to bolster the capabilities of Integrity Officers throughout the Confederation's MAs across a six-month long course.

The initiative was built in coordination with Sportsrader, a Swiss sports data company, and aims to provide programme participants with the knowledge to train upcoming officials within their respective organisations to effectively combat corruption and uphold professional footballing standards.

The AFC Integrity Education Programme 2025 will feature seven online sessions, educating participants on key issues such as match-fixing, sports betting, social media and digital integrity, prevention measures, the misuse of inside information and the consequences of breaching integrity standards.

After the online courses, the programme will finish with an in-person assessment for participants to receive their certificate.

AFC General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs, Andrew Mercer, underlined how important the course would be for Asian football.

“It is our foremost priority to ensure that the Confederation’s competitions conform to the highest ethical standards," he said in a press release.

“We remain resolute in our quest to safeguard the integrity of Asian football, and the AFC Integrity Education Programme will play a significant role in aiding our Integrity Officers by providing tailored support to uphold the principles of good governance.”

Sportradar Executive Vice President of Integrity, Rights Protection and Regulatory Services, Andreas Krannich, expressed Sportsradar's willingness to aid the AFC.

"We are pleased to support this significant educational initiative," he said via press release.

"The programme combines Sportradar’s expertise in sports integrity with the AFC's commitment to good governance, creating a framework for developing the skills of integrity officers across Asia. This collaborative approach represents a crucial step in safeguarding football in the region.”

The AFC integrity Education Programme 2025 will begin March 10 2025. For more information on the programme, contact integrity@the-afc.com.

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Football Australia has unveiled the "Australian Championship," a groundbreaking new competition that promises to reshape the nation’s football landscape.

Officially launching in October 2025, the Championship will serve as a vital bridge between state-based competitions and the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s system, bringing clubs, players, and communities closer together.

This announcement comes on the heels of the October confirmation of the National Second Tier (NST) format, marking a significant milestone in Australian football.

The Australian Championship will provide a national platform for clubs and players to showcase their talent while fostering stronger connections with fans and communities across the country.

Competition Format and Vision

The Australian Championship will feature 16 teams competing in a dynamic format designed to balance competitive integrity and fan engagement. The competition will include:

Group Stage: Four groups of four teams playing home-and-away fixtures.

Elimination Finals: The top two teams from each group advancing to knockout rounds.

Grand Final: The inaugural champion to be crowned in December 2025.

This structure highlights Football Australia’s ambition to create an inclusive, exciting, and commercially sustainable competition that celebrates the depth of Australian football talent.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson spoke on the importance of this announcement for the future of Australian football.

“The Australian Championship is much more than a competition – it’s a national celebration of football; uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent, and inter-generational community connection. It reflects the core values of Australian football: authenticity, opportunity, and ambition," Johnson said in the press release.

“This competition will complement the A-League, NPL, and Hahn Australia Cup, providing a connected, meaningful pathway for players and fans alike. Today’s brand launch is a statement of our commitment to grow domestic football in Australia and unlock its full potential.”

Founding Clubs and National Representation

The competition will include eight Foundation Clubs with storied histories, such as APIA Leichhardt FC (NSW), Avondale FC (VIC), Marconi Stallions FC (NSW), Preston Lions FC (VIC), South Melbourne FC (VIC), Sydney Olympic FC (NSW), Sydney United 58 FC (NSW), and Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW), representing some of the strongest footballing traditions in the country.

Joining them will be eight Member Federation clubs drawn from the National Premier Leagues (NPL) across all states and territories.

This model ensures representation from every corner of the national football community, giving grassroots and state-level clubs an opportunity to compete on a larger stage.

Core Pillars of the Australian Championship

The Australian Championship aims to unite Australian football under the following key values:

Authenticity: Honouring historic clubs, iconic venues, and long-standing rivalries.

Discovery: Showcasing emerging talent and rising stars from across the nation.

Connection: Strengthening ties between grassroots, state competitions, and professional pathways.

Pride and Belonging: Celebrating football’s ability to bring players, fans, and communities together.

A New Era for Australian Football

With its launch, the Australian Championship is set to redefine the country’s domestic football ecosystem, creating new opportunities for players, clubs, and fans. Football Australia’s initiative reflects a commitment to building a thriving national competition while staying true to the rich heritage and passion that underpin Australian football.

As October 2025 approaches, anticipation will only grow for what promises to be a transformative moment in the nation’s sporting history.

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UEFA has embraced Unilever as an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Women's EURO 2025, kicking off in Switzerland on July 2 until July 27, 2025.

Unilever's deal with UEFA builds off of their 2024 partnership and will see a wide array of Unilever's Foods and Personal Care brands ignite their own integrated advertising campaigns to connect with fans and consumers in and out of the stadium, including household names like Dove, Rexona, Knorr and Hellmann's.

UEFA marketing director, Guy-Laurent Epstein expressed UEFA's excitement to work with Unilever again.

“Building on the success of our collaboration last summer, we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Unilever for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025," he said in a press release.

The support and interest in women’s football is on a sharp upward trajectory, and with Unilever’s portfolio of Food and Personal Care brands reaching billions of people every day, we look forward to celebrating the power of the game and bringing excitement to fans everywhere.”

General Manager of Unilever Foods Europe, Robbert de Vreede conveyed his enthusiasm for Unilever's involvement in the upcoming Women's EURO 2025.

"We are thrilled to partner with the UEFA Women's EURO 2025, enabling our Foods brands to connect with a large audience who come together enjoying the thrill of a football match with friends whilst sharing delicious foods," he said in a UEFA press release.

"Just as a great BBQ brings people closer, football unites fans in a shared experience of passion and camaraderie. In this partnership we will create memorable moments that highlight the best of summer – good food, great company, and beautiful games."

General Manager of Unilever Personal Care Europe, Fulvio Guarneri detailed why the collaboration between UEFA and Unilever was a perfect fit.

“This is an exciting opportunity for some of our biggest brands to tap into a big cultural moment and connect with millions of consumers who will be watching the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025," he said via press release.

"It’s a great time for women’s football and this partnership fits perfectly with our Personal Care products which are all about feeling clean and confident, and taking part in sports. Together with our retail partners, we look forward to building on the success of last year’s men’s tournament, delivering unmissable campaigns across a variety of channels that celebrate the power of women’s football.”

Unilever joins an exciting list of brands for the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 tournament, including household names such as adidas, Amazon, AXA, Booking.com, EA, Euronics, Grifols, Heineken, Hublot, Just Eat Takeaway.com, Lay's, Lidl, PlayStation and Visa.

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In a landmark initiative for women's football, FIFA has unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at reaching 60 million female players worldwide by 2027.

The comprehensive plan, supported by 13 distinct development programmes, is available to all 211 FIFA Member Associations, marking a significant step forward in the sport's global evolution.

FIFA also took the announcement to highlight the achievements for women’s football in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Oceanic Football Confederation (OFC).

The recently enhanced FIFA Women's Development Programme underscores the organisation's strengthened commitment to expanding the women's game.

The upcoming 2025 calendar promises several groundbreaking developments for women's football.

The Philippines will host the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup, while Morocco makes history as the first African nation to stage the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

The latter tournament sees significant expansion, growing from 16 to 24 teams and shifting to an annual format.

International competition reaches new heights with continental championships scheduled across multiple confederations.

The pathway to the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027 commences with African qualification matches, while major regional tournaments including the UEFA Women's EURO and OFC Women's Nations Cup will crown new champions.

In a significant advancement for club football, all six confederations will host their respective continental club championships for the first time.

This renewed focus comes amid unprecedented growth in participation rates, particularly evident in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup co-host nations.

New Zealand has reported a remarkable 27 per cent surge in female participation since 2022, with particularly strong growth among Māori and Pasifika communities, showing a 14 per cent increase.

A strategic partnership between New Zealand Football and Māori Football Aotearoa further strengthens grassroots development.

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell voiced the federations successful results.

"The expansion of football and futsal in Aotearoa New Zealand has been extraordinary, with the Women's World Cup serving as a genuine catalyst for growth," he explained via official FIFA press release.

Across the Tasman, Football Australia's Growing Football Fund Community Grants programme continues to foster development at the grassroots level.

The latest round of funding benefits 118 recipients, complementing the 121 projects supported in March 2024.

This initiative particularly emphasises regional development, with nearly half the grants allocated to areas outside major metropolitan centres.

The grants provide essential support for women's football development, encompassing coach education, introductory programmes, and vital equipment procurement, further cementing the sport's foundation at the community level.

Also within the AFC, footballing powerhouse Japan has successfully hosted the continent's first female-exclusive Pro Licence coaching course.

A collaborative effort between FIFA, AFC, and the Japan Football Association (JFA), represents a significant milestone in professional football development.

The intensive seven-day course attracted participants from fourteen nations, featuring presents such as AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh and Japan men's national team coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Participants gained valuable practical experience through observations of pre-season training sessions at both J.League and Nadeshiko League clubs.

JFA Technical Director Masanaga Kageyama emphasised the programme's strategic importance and inclusivity.

"This course is a joint AFC/JFA initiative to increase the number of top-level, professionally licensed female coaches in Asia. It aims to provide existing talents with additional advice to help them achieve greater success in their current coaching positions and secure future success," Kageyama explained via official FIFA press release.

This initiative aligns with JFA's renowned long-term development philosophy and a significant advancement in creating pathways for women in professional football coaching.

This newly improved strategy at the global scale will hopefully allow for more women in both professional and amateur spaces to get the opportunities they deserve in football.

It also highlight’s that AFC & OFC nations, including Australia, will have a strong place within the growth of women’s football.

Read more on the FIFA Women's Development Program here.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced a partnership renewal with worldwide digital payments service, Visa.

The rejuvenated collaboration will see Visa become the Official Global Supporter of the AFC's crown jewel competitions - the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Women's Champions League and AFC Champions League Two for both the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, in addition to the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26.

The partnership between the AFC and Visa first bloomed at the AFC Asan Cup Qatar 2023, and will now work to include more regions and provide a variety of exciting new fan experiences such as:

• The Visa Coin Toss: Selected Visa cardholders will join in the pre-match coin toss with the team captains and officials.
• Final Whistle Experience: Visa winners will be able to watch the final ten minutes of games from the pitch side.
• Visa Player Escort Kids Programme: More than 100 children will be granted the opportunity to lead players onto the field at the AFC Champions League Elite Finals.

AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.

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Football Queensland has unveiled an innovative development program aimed at nurturing the next generation of female football talent across the Sunshine State.

The FQ Academy Emerging Female Program, launching this February, will provide specialised coaching for girls aged 9-13 under the expert guidance of Football Queensland Academy and Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) technical staff.

The eight-week initiative, operating alongside existing club programs, represents a significant boost to Queensland's female football pathway.

Players will receive professional coaching focused on fundamental skills development, with sessions designed to complement their regular club training.

FQ Academy QAS Isaka Cernak expressed their support of the new program.

"The launch of this program is an important step in our commitment to developing the women's game in Queensland, as we aim to support our clubs, coaches, and players who are looking for, or would benefit from additional technical skill development," Isaka Cernak said via press release.

"The program is designed to complement existing club training, helping players enhance their technical skills and football knowledge during the critical skill acquisition phase of their development, benefiting both the individual player and their club environment."

The program is also creating opportunities for aspiring female coaches.

FQ General Manager – Football & State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer highlighted this crucial aspect.

"Supporting the growing number of female coaches is critical to the long-term success of the women's game, and through this program, we are creating more opportunities for current and aspiring female coaches to develop their skills and advance their technical knowledge," Ganczer commented via FQ official press release.

The initiative aligns with FQ's ambitious 2024-2026 Women and Girls Strategy, which targets 50/50 gender parity by 2027.

It's particularly timely as Queensland looks towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with organisers hoping to unearth and develop future CommBank Matildas talent.

Term 1 Key Information:

• Tuesday, 11 February – Tuesday, 1 April 2025

• Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

• 8 sessions per term (1 per week for 8 weeks)

• Nudgee Recreation Reserve, 290 Elliott Rd, Nudgee

• Cost: $100

• Age groups: U9-U13 girls

Football Queensland has indicated plans to expand the program, with further announcements expected in the coming months.

The impressive growth of women’s football in Queensland has been consistently supported through the state's footballing federation. It is hopeful this program can deliver more opportunities for young girls to advance their development and football ambitions.

Interested participants must register by Friday, 7 February 2025, register for term 1 through the link here.

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New Zealand A-League club, Auckland FC, have announced a partnership with premier New Zealand institution, the Auckland University of Technology (AUT).

The collaboration will be a non-commercial partnership and instead provide several mutually advantageous bonuses to both organisations, benefitting AUT staff and students, as well as Auckland FC players.

Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker, expressed the club's pride for the deal with AUT.

"We’re delighted to be collaborating with New Zealand’s top sports university and further cement our place as part of the Auckland community," he said in a press release.

“To have the support of, and access to, AUT’s people, resources and research is extremely valuable to the club and our aim of developing clear professional pathways for New Zealand’s top talent.”

As New Zealand's third largest university by number of enrolled students, AUT's partnership with Auckland FC is a significant signing for the young club.

AUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, explained why the upcoming collaboration was so important for the university.

"With AUT’s strong position in New Zealand’s sporting ecosystem – including its world-class sports research and our School of Sport and Recreation being ranked in the top 30 in the world – there is a natural synergy between the two organisations," he said via press release.

"The partnership is an ideal alignment from an educational, sporting and community perspective and will provide valuable opportunities for our students, staff and Auckland FC.

“This is also a significant moment for the development of football in Tāmaki Makaurau and we’re very proud to be standing alongside Auckland FC at the beginning of a new chapter of football in our city."

Consistently placing in the top 1% of universities across the world, AUT presents as a high-achieving and experienced partner for Auckland FC to continue to grow their brand with.

Auckland FC will continue to represent the Auckland community as it cements itself in the A-League as an ambassador of the city and New Zealand.

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Football Australia has presented the 2024 National Participation Report, revealing record growth for the sport across the country.

The report found that football is in a healthy state in the country, once again being Australia's most popular sport. With an 11 percent increase in participation from 2023 to 2024, total participation now sits at over 1.9 million active participants.

However, total participation was not the only success uncovered via the report, as a number of key areas saw substantial increases in participation.

Key Findings from the 2024 National Participation Report: 

• Total Participation: Climbed 11% to 1,911,539 participants.
• Women and Girls' Participation: Grew by 16% to 221,436 participants.
• Registered Coaches: Rose by 19%.
• Registered Volunteers: Increased by 26%.
• Outdoor football participation: Increased by 10% to 640,170 participants.
• Social Football Engagement: Grew by 13% to 174,846 participants.
• Schools and Community Football Programs Participation: Rose by 13%.
• Football Australia Sporting Schools Program Participation: Increased by 21% to 158,700 participants.

Football Australia has lauded the hard work of each Member Federation and the role out of key grassroots strategies such as the Club Changer: Club Development Program in attaining these positive outcomes.

Launched in February 2023, and aided by the Australian Sports Commission, the Club Changer initiative has assisted over 1,000 grassroots clubs across Australia. Through providing unique support for each club, the program aimed to develop club operations, increase volunteer numbers and retention, as well as improve women and girls' participation.

For its efforts, the Club Changer Program won the AFC President's Recognition Grassroots Award for the second year in a row.

Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, outlined how important initiatives such as Club Changer are for community football.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ inspired a generation, and we are determined to harness that momentum to unite and grow football across the country. Through programs like Club Changer, we are empowering community clubs to deliver quality football experiences while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability remain at the heart of our mission," he said via press release.

"Our success is a shared achievement with our Member Federations, local associations, grassroots clubs and community volunteers. Programs like the Growing Football Fund supported by CommBank, have provided vital resources to over 200 community clubs, fostering opportunities for women and girls in football and enabling the next generation of coaches, referees and players to thrive."

One of the core focuses of Football Australia's grassroots development plans has been on diversity and inclusion. In collaboration with the National Volunteer Focus Group and 28 clubs, Football Australia has developed a series of action plans that strive to increase women and girls' participation by aiming for 40% women, 40% men and 20% flexible roles' structure.

Through 2025, Football Australia will continue to support grassroots and community football via valuable programs such as Club Changer and the Growing Football Fund to build off of the immense success of 2024's participation records.

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Football NSW has unveiled its latest cohort of First Nations scholarship recipients, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to increasing Indigenous participation across all levels of the sport.

The comprehensive scholarship program, which includes both metropolitan and regional recipients, demonstrates the organisation's ongoing efforts to boost Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation throughout the football community.

Football NSW Indigenous Advisory Group Co-Chair Bianca Dufty highlighted the program's significance.

"The Football NSW scholarships are an important part of the work Football NSW is undertaking to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in football," she said via press release.

"It's exciting to see so many talented Aboriginal footballers and coaches take the next steps in their footballing journey, and it's great that we are able to support the successful scholarship recipients and be part of that journey.

"I can't wait to see the next Aboriginal footballer, referee, and coach inspiring our next generation to play, referee and coach, and fall in love with the world game."

The selection process, conducted in partnership with the Football NSW Indigenous Advisory Group, maintained strict anonymity during assessment to ensure fair consideration of all candidates.

The program has awarded scholarships across playing and coaching categories, with referee scholarships set to be confirmed.

The initiative specifically targets the reduction of barriers for Indigenous participants in elite pathways whilst expanding development opportunities.

It places particular emphasis on identifying emerging talent beyond traditional channels, especially focusing on individuals who may not have previously had access to elite-level opportunities.

The 2025 playing scholarships have been awarded to five metropolitan recipients: Jarrah Longbottom, Zachary John Healey, Coen Hardy, Hollie Willats, and Summer Smith.

The regional recipients are Maddison Houghton, Khloe Houghton, Alexis Woolsey, Carter Lane, and Jaxxon Woolsey. Joshua Jamieson and Jessica Garrett have been named as the recipients of the coaching scholarships for 2025.

This scholarship is a great initiative for the inclusivity of the game and a perfect way to find emerging players and inspiring coaches from the NSW Indigenous Community.

Hopefully this scholarship program and its new cohort can help promote the important place football has in supporting and enriching the NSW community.

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Football South Australia has established a significant development partnership with educational institutions, implementing comprehensive football programs across the state.

The two-year initiative, characterised by consultation between Football SA personnel and educational football coordinators, has delivered substantial outcomes in both sport and educational aspects.

The collaboration has instituted several professional development pathways, including accredited community coaching certification and formal referee education programs for students.

Educational staff have received specialised professional development through structured training days and a specifically designed Foundation of Football Course.

Strategic innovations within the framework include the implementation of Student-Led Football Festivals and the integration of Teqball, an advanced football-based training methodology utilising specialised curved table equipment.

The establishment of the Development Centre at Trinity College, Gawler, represents a significant expansion of the program's geographical reach, while Rostrevor College has functioned as a demonstration facility for inter-institutional professional development.

Roma Mitchell Secondary College staff member Theo Tsiounis provided his personal assessment on the initiative.

"Collaborating as a network of schools with Football South Australia has been an excellent opportunity to enhance our support for players, helping them progress in their sporting journeys and personal development,” Tsiounis explained via Football SA press release.

Football South Australia Participation Officer Owen Gallas emphasised the program's momentum.

"With 50 teachers already signed up with the school ambassador program, there is no better time to take part in creating a strong network of like-minded teachers who are actively looking to promote sport within their community and, more specifically, football," Gallas explained via Football SA press release.

The 2025 strategic plan encompasses further expansion of the organisation's educational reach. The existing Football in Schools Program, which currently facilitates engagement with approximately 2,000 students per annum, will be augmented through integration with Football Australia's Sporting Schools Program.

The introduction of the School Ambassador Program represents a strategic initiative to establish sustained one year-round connection between educational institutions and football development. The school ambassadors will handle all football related activities, conversations and news for schools.

Football South Australia continues to seek expansion of institutional participation and welcomes enquiries regarding engagement with any aspect of these initiatives.

The collaboration between football programs and educational institutions has always been an important part of success for the sport within Australia.

Football and sport in a larger sense have been a great avenue to implement educational practices onto young players and similarly educational institutions are perfect places to grow and develop the sport.

This ongoing program is an exciting prospect for the sport and the state, one which will continue to grow more opportunities and development.

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UEFA has publicly issued support for Operation Kratos, a multinational effort to prevent international piracy.

Headed by the Republic of Bulgaria's Ministry of the Interior and supported by police agencies from the Italian and Croation Republics alongside Europol and Eurojust, as well as Spanish football league LaLiga, Operation Kratos has actively dismantled a global piracy network used by over 22 million users.

Executed throughout the middle of 2024, during major sporting events such as the, Paris Olympics, UEFA EUROs tournament and UEFA Champions League, Operation Kratos undertook 112 search and seizures of equipment, and identified 102 suspects, arresting 11.

Across the seizures, law enforcement discovered 270 IPTV devices, 100 domains that had been used for crime, and nearly 30 servers. In addition, authorities found weapons, drugs, 2.65 million AUD in cryptocurrency and 66,000 AUD in cash.

UEFA played a crucial part in the operation, providing critical and prompt information on illegal sports streams. Information was gained through UEFA's widespread content protection program which monitors for stolen content using the latest available technology.

A UEFA spokesperson highlighted the value of Operation Kratos for the organisation and sport as a whole.

“UEFA welcomes and supports such a successful and unprecedented operation that neutralised a record number of illegal streaming platforms and illegal IPTV services. We would like to thank the various stakeholders involved for their ongoing efforts and the high level of cooperation in fighting digital piracy by bringing actions such as this against organised crime”

“Financial revenue generated from media rights is vital for the well-being of both professional and amateur football. In particular, it is essential to football development and grassroots investment throughout Europe.

“The fight against the online piracy of our competitions remains a key priority for UEFA. We are committed to doing whatever is possible to stop this core threat to the revenues which underpin the European football ecosystem.”

UEFA will continue to assist organisations in the fight against piracy.

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Football Australia and Football Queensland have presented a comprehensive infrastructure proposal for the Queensland Government’s 100-day infrastructure review for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, positioning the sport as a key driver of long-term regional development.

The submission champions a strategic approach that leverages football's significant community impact, highlighting the sport's 350,000 active participants across Queensland.

Central to the proposal is a purpose-built Tier 2 rectangular stadium, potentially located at Perry Park, designed to accommodate 17,000 to 20,000 spectators with capacity for an additional 13,000 temporary seats during the Games.

The proposal also includes:

Enhancements to Training Sites

• Strategic upgrades to Meakin Park's Queensland State Home of Community Football, creating a versatile multi-sport infrastructure in a rapidly expanding urban corridor.
• Guarantees FIFA tournament compliance while establishing enduring high-performance facilities for community and elite athletes.

Innovative Regionalisation Approach

• Champions a decentralised Games delivery model to amplify participation across broader Queensland communities.
• Introduces collaborative content-sharing and strategic partnerships to bolster regional sporting infrastructure and engagement.

Cost Savings and Value Creation

• Identifies potential savings and revenue opportunities exceeding $1 billion through optimised venue design.
• Commits to generating substantive economic benefits and sustainable legacies for Queensland's diverse communities.

Football Australia Chairman Anter Isaac emphasised the proposal's broader vision.

"Brisbane 2032 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a legacy for communities across Queensland and across the Asia-Pacific region. Football's submission aligns with a best for city, state and games, master planned approach with a focus on innovation and sustainability," Issac commented on FQ official press release.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson also joined in underscoring the stadium's significance.

"A purpose-built rectangular stadium is critical to addressing the needs of the sport in Queensland. This venue will not only elevate the fan experience but also position Brisbane to host future international tournaments," Johnson explained via FQ official press release.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci was keen to highlight the grassroots focus that this investment would deliver.

"Football Queensland's priority is to ensure the benefits of Brisbane 2032 extend to every community in the state. By investing in regional and grassroots infrastructure, this proposal ensures all Queenslanders can be part of the Games' legacy," Cavallucci expressed via FQ official press release.

The proposal has garnered support from key stakeholders including the Asian Football Confederation, Oceania Football Confederation, Australian Professional Leagues, Brisbane Roar, and Professional Footballers Australia.

Football Australia and Football Queensland’s approach show a unified football push to try and garner an exciting sporting and footballing spine within the city of Brisbane and wider areas, using innovation and sustainability to enhance a positive prospect.

With a comprehensive vision spanning elite and community levels, football's Olympic submission represents a significant strategic play for the sport's future in Queensland.

Read the official proposal from Football Queensland here.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reinforced its strong commitment to advancing women’s roles in football with the launch of the AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme (AEWFP), an innovative online initiative highlighting the various contributions women make to the football industry, both on and off the field.

This six-month programme will provide participants with essential knowledge and skills to better understand the global football ecosystem, promote gender equity and inclusion, and identify and tackle industry barriers using ethical, strategic, and diplomatic approaches.

The programme will examine the significant contributions women have made in football’s history across areas like business strategy, advocacy, brand transformation, executive leadership, and other key aspects of the modern game. It will highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion, showcasing their exceptional role in advancing both Asian and global football.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John talks extensively about the programme.

“The AEWFP is truly a groundbreaking programme that aligns with the AFC’s continuous championing and promotion of gender equity, inclusivity and integrity,” he said via press release.

“From a historical viewpoint to contemporary leadership, women have long played, and are playing, a powerful role in shaping the football industry. This programme not only honours their immense contributions but also empowers the next generation to drive positive, inclusive change and lead the football business into a future of excellence.

“The AFC places the advancement of our MAs, RAs and the Asian football community as key to realising our Vision of becoming the world’s leading Confederation. The AEWFP is in line with our objective, and we strive to ensure it provides our leaders with the knowledge to continue making impactful decisions that keep to the industry’s best practices, for the betterment of their respective organisations and global football as a whole.”

The AEWFP is the newest initiative from the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), established in 2021 to enhance the skills of Asian football leaders. It adds to a prestigious line-up of programmes, including the AFC Football Management Certificate, AFC Football Management Diploma, AFC Certificate in Football Leadership, AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management, AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding, and AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning.

The AEWFP, designed for leaders of the AFC Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs), and other football stakeholders, consists of seven modules. These modules address topics such as the strategic influence of women in football business, overcoming barriers, driving organisational innovation, and empowering women in executive leadership roles.

These tailored modules are delivered online, combining theoretical insights, practical activities, and real-world case studies. Participants will graduate with the skills to make decisions that enhance inclusivity, diversity, and integrity, while strengthening women’s impact on the global growth of football in an ever-evolving and competitive environment.

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FIFA celebrated Bahrain's successful FIFA Talent Academy under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme with a milestone ceremony in the country's capital, Manama, last week.

The event saw significant figures such as President of the Bahrain Football Association, His Excellency Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and legendary former manager Arsene Wenger, the FIFA Chief of Global Football Development attend, highlighting a major moment in FIFA and Bahraini collaboration.

The event marks an inaugural celebration of the first of over 20 operational FIFA Talent Academies under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS).

Launched in February 2022, the TDS aims to bolster the footballing prowess of men's and women's national-team football across the globe by providing pathways for sustainable long-term development for member associations. Across its lifespan, the TDS has so far assisted more than 200 FIFA Member Associations, developing players in all corners of the world.

As the TDS continues to march on successfully, the scheme has a key focus to develop at least 75 FIFA Talent Academies around the world by 2027.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, expressed his admiration for the FIFA Talent Academies and Bahrain's work in a video message.

“Bahrain has been a pioneer in the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, and I want to thank you for your support. Together, we celebrate the great progress that has been made,” he said via press release.

“We are also aware that football has an important role to play beyond the pitch, so the FIFA Talent Academies will look to develop well-rounded individuals by instilling values such as discipline, teamwork and leadership through football in a safe environment. This will ensure that players not only excel on the pitch but also grow as responsible, contributing members of society.”

A core tenant of every FIFA Talent Development Academy is the responsibility to protect and educate players, allowing them to flourish in a safe environment.

FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, spoke of the goals of the academies.

“The ultimate objectives of FIFA Talent Academies are to develop young players by providing them with the highest levels of training, education and development to help them reach their full potential, contributing to the overall growth of football in the country,” he said via press release.

FIFA will continue to investigate and develop ways to create sustainable long-term football systems to elevate player skill and the sport as a whole.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) wrapped up the AFC Member Association Anti-Doping Programme webinar on Monday, highlighting the confederation's desire to strengthen the honour and fairness of football in Asia.

With 40 Member Associations (MAs) present, the AFC's webinar was designed to educate MAs on the recently implemented AFC Anti-Doping Activities and Monitoring System, a broad sweeping process aiming to standardise anti-doping practices across the confederation.

Designed to modernise Asian anti-doping practices, the AFC Anti-Doping Activities and Monitoring System is helping to transition MAs from paper-based data collection to digital alternatives. Through this, MAs will be able to observe and record doping activities far easier and will be in compliance with the AFC Anti-Doping Regulations and World Anti-Doping Code.

The AFC Anti-Doping Activities and Monitoring System also includes a number of tools to help boost MAs anti-doping effectivity, such as real-time data submission and secure access controls. Additionally, the system includes provisions to conducting educational programs, recording anti-doping violations, and programme testing.

Saudi Arabian Football Federation Medical Committee Member, Dr. Khalid Awad, outlined the importance of the anti-doping webinar.

“It was a pleasure to be part of the discussions and to learn more about this new system. I feel it has great potential to strengthen collaboration among MAs,” he said in a press release.

“We can use the platform not only to safeguard the integrity of our sport but also to develop more ways to educate ourselves and help our athletes perform at their highest levels.”

Pakistan Football Federation Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Muhd Azam Khan expressed his satisfaction for the AFC's commitment to modernising anti-doping practices in Asia.

“This is an excellent step by the AFC to digitise records. It will serve as a stimulus for the growth and development of MAs," he said via press release.

"Additionally, I am confident it will motivate us to organise more capacity-building initiatives in our respective federations.”

The webinar also allowed the AFC and MAs to share the discoveries of a recent AFC survey, which aimed to discover the unique problems each MA has in regard to doping in football.

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The United States Soccer Federation (US Soccer) has announced a significant long-term partnership with Bank of America, marking the financial institution as the first official banking partner of all 27 US national teams.

This includes the senior men’s and women’s teams, as well as the federation’s youth and extended squads.

In August, Bank of America partnered with FIFA to become a global sponsor of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.  In December, it expanded its collaboration with FIFA by sponsoring the revamped Club World Cup.

While no financial figures have been made public, the deal is reportedly worth AU$161 million.

The agreement also sees Bank of America join as a founding-level partner of US Soccer’s National Training Centre, which is set to open in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2026.

The founding level represents the top tier of partnerships for the facility, and Bank of America is only the second company to achieve this status.

With this deal, Bank of America becomes US Soccer’s 16th strategic partner and its ninth new sponsor since the organisation assumed control of its commercial rights at the start of 2023.

In recent months, US Soccer has secured other high-profile sponsorships, including agreements with global health company Haleon and chemical firm Henkel.

The federation’s sponsorship roster already features notable brands such as Volkswagen (presenting partner), Nike (kit supplier), Allstate, AT&T, Marriott Bonvoy, Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Visa, and Ticketmaster.

Domestically, Bank of America is already well known for its prominent sports sponsorships, including its naming rights partnership for the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

As part of its agreement with US Soccer, Bank of America will also work on community and fan engagement initiatives, further embedding itself in the sport's grassroots and supporter culture.

David Wright, US Soccer chief commercial officer spoke with enthusiasm about the big move.

“This landmark partnership marks one of the largest long-term investments in US Soccer history, and Bank of America’s global leadership will help catapult our sport," Wright said in a press release.

“Bank of America shares our commitment to growing the game, investing in female leaders, and significantly bolstering our efforts in service to soccer on all fronts.”

David Tyrie, Bank of America’s chief digital officer and chief marketing officer shared the importance of their connection to football with this deal.

“Our investments in the US Soccer Federation and in soccer overall provide unique and ongoing opportunities to build client relationships, engage our teammates, and drive positive economic impact, locally and globally, as the most popular sport in the world takes centre stage over the next two years and beyond.” he said in a press release.

This partnership could prove transformative for the United States as a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering a significant opportunity to elevate the sport's domestic profile.

Under the guidance of legendary coach Mauricio Pochettino, the national team is focused on rebuilding after disappointing performances, including a group stage exit in 2022 and failing to qualify for the tournament in 2018.

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Football Victoria has taken a major leap forward in youth development with the confirmation of its new academy program, set to kick off in the 2025 season.

The comprehensive initiative will cater to both male and female players from Under 14s through to Under 17s, while also incorporating existing women's Under 20 and NPLW squads.

A talented group of young players has already joined the program following successful trials that commenced in October.

The academy, based at The Home of The Matildas, will combine expert coaching with state-of-the-art facilities to develop both technical skills and high-performance mindsets in its young prospects.

FV's Head of Youth Development Steve Mautone praised the initiative as a "fantastic development" for Victorian football.

"The academy will become the players' club, providing them with the opportunity to compete in the junior boys and girls NPL season in 2025. This provides a clear pathway for talented young players to progress. We are incredibly excited about the potential of the 2025 program," Mautone said via official press release.

The academy has already hit the ground running, with promising youngsters selected through trials conducted since October. These players will form the inaugural squads competing in next year's NPL competitions.

Beyond match play, the program will emphasise technical development and high-performance habits, with participants receiving specialist coaching at the purpose-built Matildas facility.

The academy forms a crucial piece in Football Victoria's Elite Pathways program, working alongside established talent identification initiatives like TIDC and SAP.

This structured approach aims to smooth the traditionally bumpy road from grassroots to elite football. For ambitious young players, the academy offers multiple pathways to professional football.

This academy will hopefully give graduates the necessary pathways towards progressing through A-League and NPL ranks, national careers and even securing overseas contracts.

Football Victoria will launch dedicated social media channels to showcase the academy's talent and keep supporters updated on player development and events throughout the season.

This academy is the starting for a more streamlined approach to development in one of Australia’s most dedicated footballing states.

To young footballers and their supporting communities, this academy could relieve the pressure from Grassroots and NPL clubs in supporting the growth of the state’s youth.

The academy could also allow for Victoria to further help solidify a national style of play, though one must also be careful not to disrupt the rich tapestry of historical footballing culture.

Overall, this news be watched closely by all industry makers involved, hopeful it can produce future generations of talented players.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) hosted the AFC Regional Associations Workshop for the first time since 2019.

Conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from January 15 to 16, the workshop aimed to bolster the aptitude of Regional Associations (RAs) through discovering the best services to assist them, by providing a platform to acknowledge problems and share solutions.

Highlighting the importance of the conference, the General Secretaries of each AFC RA; Winston Lee (ASEAN Football Federation), Ulugbek Karimov (Central Asian Football Association), Yosuke Mihara (East Asian Football Federation), Anwarul Huq (South Asian Football Federation) and Khalil H. Al Salem (West Asian Football Federation), spoke at the event, facilitating a number of conversations around the successes, goals of and threats to each RA.

The first day of the workshop hosted sessions centred around integral programs for the regions, such as the FIFA Forward 3.0 Initiative, AFC Enhance Programme and AFC Academic Centre of Excellence courses.

Additionally, members conversed over the AFC's dedication to social responsibilities such as child safety.

Day two of the forum saw Football Australia President Anter Isaac hold a presentation on creating and maintaining sustainable growth alongside reinforcing RA governance.

Next, the AFC Governance Coordination Unit and AFC Legal Unit held presentations and conversations around desirable governance, and how to become more transparent and resilient.

AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John, outlined the importance of forums like the AFC Regional Associations Workshop.

The AFC will continue to evaluate and explore ways to assist Regional Associations across 2025 and beyond.

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Football West has confirmed the details of the 2025 Club Development Conference to take place at the Sam Kerr Football Centre in Queens Park on Saturday 8 February, running from 9am to 4pm.

This groundbreaking conference in WA is designed for everyone involved in grassroots football, including club administrators, coaches, referees, players, volunteers, and parents.

The event will feature numerous guest speakers and presenters from across the country, including representatives from Football Australia, SportWest, Monarch Leadership, Pride Cup, Helping Minds, and the Football Futures Foundation.

Football West General Manager Football, David Lewis, mentioned the great opportunities that will be involved at this event.

“The Club Development Conference is a great addition to the Football West calendar and a terrific opportunity for club representatives to gain new tools and to network with other key stakeholders ahead of the new season,” he said via press release.

Community Manager, Abid Imam, touched upon the insights on how it could progress your club.

“This will be our first club conference at Sam Kerr Football Centre so come along to this special opportunity where you can learn some great insights to progress your club, meet Football West staff and other club representatives in person, and kick off your season the best way possible,” he said via press release.

Some of the details included in the session are as follows:

Volunteers – Football Australia

Football Australia Manager of Member Services, Jamie Monteith, will share insights from his experience working with football clubs nationwide on effective strategies for recruiting, retaining, and recognising volunteers.

Participate in a Q&A session with other club representatives and gather valuable tips on supporting your volunteers.

Female Representation – Football Australia

Football Australia's Women’s and Girls Coach Engagement Lead, Lizzie Ramsey, will discuss the significance of female representation, the value of creating female-only learning environments, and the impact of mentorship programs for women.

Effective Communication – Monarch Management

Founder of Monarch Management, Monica Beazley, delves into how communication shapes positive relationships among coaches, players, and parents.

Attendees will gain insight into how different communication styles affect motivation, understanding, and team dynamics, while exploring strategies to strengthen connections, minimise conflicts, and foster an inclusive, supportive sporting environment.

To register click here.

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Football Australia has celebrated the latest round of the Growing Football Fund Community Grants, with 118 clubs and associations awarded up to $5000 to support women's football programs. 

In conjunction with the Commonwealth Bank, the latest grants from Football Australia built upon the first round of the program from March 2024 that saw 121 clubs and associations rewarded with grants.

The grants aim to strengthen women's football through number of initiatives:

• Assisting the development of female coaches by subsiding coach training programs
• Assisting the hosting of 'come and try' days and participation programs
• Assisting health and training workshops for women and girls
• Assisting the allocation of professional female fitting uniforms

Through the program, Football Australia also illustrated its desire to bolster rural women's sport by providing 38% of the grants to organisations from regional areas.

Football Australia General Manager of Women’s Football, Carlee Millikin, explained the impact the grants would have on community women's football.

“We are thrilled to see the clubs and associations that have been awarded the grants demonstrating a strong commitment to long-term investment in women and girls’ football within their communities that goes beyond the financial,” she said in a press release.

“It means the Growing Football Fund can play its role to help supercharge their ambitions that result in positive outcomes for female participants. The wide breadth of projects is exciting, as it shows a deepening understanding of what is required to develop inclusive and safe environments.

“In partnership with CommBank, we have already seen great results from the round one clubs delivery of initiatives and look forward to witnessing how the latest cohort creates a lasting impact through their programs."

CommBank’s General Manager of Brand, Sponsorship and Content, Di Everett, expressed their pride to sponsor the grants.

“We are so proud of what this fund has achieved so far, and congratulate the recipients of the Round Two grants," she said via press release.

"We are passionate about making community sport more accessible for all. These grants have enabled clubs across the country to assist coaches through training opportunities and support local families through an expansion of programs to drive participation for young women.”

The clubs awarded with grants from Round Two of the program are listed below via member federation:

Capital Football 

• BellaMonaro Women's Football Club
• Belsouth Football Club
• Canberra Juventus Football Club
• Canberra White Eagles Football Club
• Tigers FC
• Tuggeranong United Football Club

Football NSW

• AC United Football Club
• All Saints West Oatley Soccer Club
• Ashfield Pirates FC
• Austral Soccer Club
• Balgownie Junior Football Club
• Box Hill Rangers AFC
• Collaroy Cromer Strikers Football Club
• Colo Soccer Football Club
• Enfield Rovers Football Club
• Fairfield Bulls Football Club Inc.
• Figtree Football Club
• Football Canterbury Association
• Forest Rangers Football Club
• Future Leaders Australia Football Club Incorporated
• Gordon Football Club
• Gosford City Football Club
• Leichhardt Saints Football Club
• Leppington Lions Soccer Club
• Lindfield Football Club
• Millthorpe Junior Soccer Club Inc
• Narooma Football Club
• Narromine Soccer Club
• North Epping Rangers Sports Club
• North Turramurra
• North West Sydney Football Association
• Pennant Hills Football Club
• Pitt Town Football Club
• Ropes Crossing Strikers Football Club
• Russell Lea Women's Soccer Club
• Sydney Uni Soccer Football Club
• Wagga United Football Club
• Warradale FC
• West Griffith Soccer Club

Northern NSW Football 

• Charlestown Azzurri FC
• Coffs City United Football Club
• Cooks Hill United Football Club
• Corindi Red Rock Sports Association (Football Club)
• Great Lakes United Football Club
• Inverell Football Club
• Moore Creek Football Club Inc
• Norths United Football Club Incorporated
• Old Bar Barbarians Football Club
• Shores United Soccer Club

Football VIC

• Barwon Heads Soccer Club
• Bayside Argonauts Football Club
• Berwick City Soccer Club
• Boroondara Eagles Football Club Inc
• Craigieburn city Fc
• Croydon City Soccer Club Inc.
• Darebin Women's Sports Club
• Daylesford & Hepburn United Soccer Club
• Deakin Ducks Fc
• Drysdale Soccer Club
• Fitzroy Lions Soccer Club
• Footscray United Rangers Football Club
• Gippsland United Football Club
• Glen Eira FC Football VIC
• Keilor Park Soccer Club
• Leongatha Knights Football Club
• Middle Park Football Club
• Officer City Football Club Incorporated
• PEGS Soccer Club Football VIC
• Phillip Island Breakers Soccer Club
• Spring Hills FC
• Swan Hill Soccer League
• Traralgon Olympians Soccer Club
• Truganina Lions Soccer Club

Football QLD

• Annerley Recreation Club
• Bluebirds United Football Club Inc
• Brighton District Soccer Club Inc
• Burdekin Football Club Inc
• Centary Stormers FC
• Dayboro and Districrs Football Club
• Gold Coast Knights Football Club
• Holland Park Hawks Football Club
• Logan Village Falcons All Sports
• Mackay Wanderers Football Club
• Moreton City Excelsior FC
• Rebels Football Club
• Redlands United Football Club
• The Gap Football Club
• Townsville Warriors Football Club Inc
• Woombye Snakes Football Club Inc

Football SA

• Adelaide Ateltico
• Adelaide Jaguars Football Club Incorporated
• Campbelltown City Soccer and Social Club
• Flinders United Women's Football Club
• Mount Barker United Soccer Club
• Sacred Heart Old Collegians Soccer Club
• South Adelaide Panthers FC
• Sturt Lions Football Club Incorporated
• The Pulteney Old Scholars Soccer Club Incorporated

Football West 

• Baldivis Districts Sporting Club Incorporated
• Country Coastal Junior Soccer Association
• Esperance Soccer association
• Forrestfield United Football Club
• Karratha Glory Soccer Club
• Kingsley Westside Football Club
• Perth Atheletic FC
• Twin City Saints Soccer Club
• Westnam United Soccer Club

Football TAS

• Clarence Zebras Football Club
• Hobart City Football Clug
• Launceston United Soccer Club
• North Launceston Eagles Soccer Club
• South Hobart Football Club
• Woodbridge Football Club

Football NT

• Darwin Olympic Sporting Club
• Litchfield Football Club
• Palmerston Rovers Football Club Incorporated
• Stormbirds
• Verdi Football Club

For more information on the grants, click HERE.

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Football NSW are aiming to develop on the extraordinary numbers of the 2024 season that saw more than 260,000 players take to the pitch. The announcement comes as part of the national Play Football campaign.

With NSW being one of Australia’s largest participation states for football, the federation’s push for more numbers is a welcome target for football in the country.

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas spoke with enthusiasm about the sport's trajectory, highlighting its inclusive nature.

"Football continues to be the sport of choice for the NSW and Australian community, providing a positive environment for participants of all ages and abilities," Tsatsimas mentioned via Football NSW official press release.

"We have had unprecedented growth in players, coaches, referees and volunteers, with exponential growth in the female game."

The statistics paint a promising picture of the sport's expansion, with 2024 registering a 9% increase in player numbers from the earlier season. This translates to over 20,000 new participants.

Perhaps most significantly with the effect of the Women’s FIFA World Cup of 2023, female participation surged by 17%, with more than 9,000 women and girls joining the sport, accounting for nearly half of the total growth.

Maintaining and increasing Women and girls’ levels in the sport are crucial points for development of the Australian game and will be key for the continued rise in participation numbers.

The organisation is now actively encouraging early registration for the 2025 season to ensure players can secure spots with their preferred local clubs, with help from the updated Play Football website.

Beyond player participation, Football NSW is expanding its focus on supporting roles within the sport. The 2024 season witnessed record numbers in coaching, refereeing, and volunteering positions, all crucial components of the game's ecosystem.

The need for more people joining non-player roles through all levels of the game in NSW is evident with John Tsatsimas pointing out himself the necessity for the 2025 Season.

"There's a place for everyone in our sport, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning participants for the 2025 season," Tsatsimas explained via Football NSW official press release.

For those interested in contributing to the sport beyond playing, Football NSW has established comprehensive pathways.

The Football NSW Coach Hub provides resources and guidance for aspiring coaches looking to shape the next generation of footballers.

Additionally, the Referee Hub offers opportunities for individuals to engage with the sport from a different perspective while maintaining an active lifestyle.

With football’s exciting growth continuing in Australia with the expansion and promising viewership numbers of the 2024-25 professional A-leagues, it is always important for the sport that the participation numbers of state leagues and amateur local clubs follow the trend.

Register now for 2025 by clicking here.

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The Asian Football Confederation have confirmed the stadiums and dates for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, with the tournament announced to take place between January 7 to February 5, 2027, across eight stadiums in three cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.

In Riyadh, five stadiums will host Asia's best: the King Fahd Sports City Stadium, the King Saud University Stadium, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University Stadium, Kingdom Arena and the Al Shabab Stadium.

Jeddah will have the honour of hosting games at two stadiums: the King Abdullah Sports City and the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.

While Al Khobar will develop a new state of the art purpose-built facility for the tournament.

Chairperson of the Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup (OCAC) Mariano V. Araneta Jr. outlined the goals of the AFC for the upcoming tournament.

“The record-setting AFC Asian Cup™ in Qatar exceeded all our expectations. In every way, Qatar 2023 has set the benchmark of excellence for all future editions of Asia’s flagship tournament," he said via press release.

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The Asian Football Confederation has looked to the future in the first ever AFC Football eSports Forum.

Hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, over two days, the forum reiterated the AFC's dedication to captivate and draw audiences across a range of different multimedia, especially through the hugely popular gaming industry.

The conference brought together key stakeholders such as AFC Member Associations (MAs) and eSports professionals to develop off the triumph of the AFC eAsian Cup, which was launched alongside the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

To begin the forum, event attendees participated in an introductory session to understand the AFC's Football eSports strategy.

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Beau Busch, the Chief Executive of Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), has taken on the role of President for FIFPRO Asia/Oceania.

Busch takes over from Takuya Yamazaki, who will transition to FIFPRO’s global board while remaining a member of the FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Board.

FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, which advocates for professional footballers from 12 member unions, including the PFA, covers the Asia and Oceania region.

As a division of FIFPRO, the global organisation representing professional footballers, it is dedicated to promoting and protecting player rights, enhancing their welfare, and improving their working conditions within the sport.

Supporting Busch in leadership roles are the newly elected Vice Presidents: Anna Green from the New Zealand Professional Footballers’ Association (NZPFA) and Izham Ismail, the CEO of the Professional Footballers’ Association of Malaysia (PFAM).

The six-person board is completed by Salman Al-Ansari from the Qatar Players Association (QPA) and Hyebin Kang from the Korea Pro-Footballers’ Association (KPFA), showcasing the region's diversity.

In his inaugural statement as President, Beau Busch mentioned the responsibility the new role will involve.

“It is a privilege to represent the region’s players and their unions and one that comes with enormous responsibility,” he said via press release.

“This Board is the recipient of a significant inheritance from those who came before us and we are determined to honour this by continuing to advance the collective interests of the players and the industry.

“This generation of players and their unions have an opportunity to reshape football to deliver a better industry for the players that follow them.”

The General Assembly also provided FIFPRO Asia/Oceania with the opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contributions of departing board member Cyrus Confectioner from the Football Players Association of India (FPAI).

In tribute to Confectioner, Takuya Yamazaki talked about the fantastic leader he has been and welcoming the new additions.

“Cyrus has been an incredible leader within the Division, helping to strengthen our unions and empower professional footballers throughout Asia and Oceania,” she said via press release.

“We look forward to the new board building on the groundwork established by Cyrus and the previous board members and I welcome Beau, as President, and Anna and Izham as Vice Presidents, to their new roles.”

Busch played for both Sydney FC and North Queensland Fury between 2008 and 2010, which has been disbanded.

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Apex Steel Supplies has been confirmed as a naming rights partner of South Australia's top tier women's leagues. In collaboration with Football South Australia (FSA), Apex Steel will brand with the Women's State League (WSL) and the Women's National Premier League South Australia (WNPLSA).

Operating since 1994, Apex Steel Supplies is one of the most major privately owned steel companies in Australia, with networks across the country. Through the partnership, Apex Steel demonstrates itself as a strong supporter of South Australian and women's sport.

Football South Australia CEO, Michael Carter, warmly welcomed Apex Steel into the FSA community.

"We are delighted to welcome Apex Steel Supplies to the Football SA family," he said via press release.

"To secure Apex Steel Supplies as the Women’s National Premier League and Women’s State League naming rights partner days from our 2025 season fixture announcement is a great outcome for the game.

"Women’s football continues a strong trajectory, and investment from local South Australian brands is great for the state and local game. On behalf of the entire football family, I want to thank Apex Steel Supplies Managing Director John for his support."

Managing Director of Apex Steel Supplies, John Konstandopoulos, expressed pride for the collaboration and looked to the future.

"Apex Steel Supplies is proud to be onboard as naming rights partner with the most competitive Women’s Football Leagues in the state," he said in a press release. 

"We look forward to seeing WNPLSA and WSL teams take to the pitch with our support, and we’re honoured to be a part of this journey.

"We’re confident that this partnership will be beneficial to both parties and wish the women’s teams a successful season ahead."

The partnership between Football South Australia and Apex Steel Supplies presents a fresh and invigorating spark for women's football, continuing to drive the forward momentum of the sport at a local level.

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Football Queensland (FQ) has celebrated its successful Multicultural Programs after a year of impressive advancement.

The programs attracted over 900 participants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, from more than 50 different cultures and nationalities.

FQ Manager, Inclusion Football, Sam Escobar applauded the work of the initiatives.

"Our multicultural programs demonstrate the transformative power of football to connect communities, break down barriers, and create opportunities for individuals to thrive,” he said in a press release.

"This year’s programs were delivered across key regional areas, including Townsville and Toowoomba, where they provided essential support to recently arrived refugee communities including those coming from conflict-affected regions such as Ukraine and Palestine."

To grow the level of inclusion with football in Queensland, FQ's Multicultural Youth Program (ages 4-11) and Multicultural Settlement Program (ages 12-20) were highly influential.

“The Multicultural Youth and Settlement Programs have been a resounding success this year as we continue to evolve them to best suit the needs of those who participate, combining football development and participation with social learning support to young people both on and off the pitch," Escobar continued. 

“This year the MYP was delivered in conjunction with the Q-League Schools Program, providing participating schools with a holistic approach to student development, allowing students to not only be able to enhance their football skills through regular competitive games in Q-league, but also grow personally through the social-emotional learning framework embedded within the MYP."

In addition to providing programs for CALD communities, FQ has also worked to increase female representation in football.

“This year we were also excited to have also delivered female-only initiatives that encouraged more women and girls to participate in the sport within confidence-building and comfortable environments, ensuring that no matter your age, skill level or background, everyone has a place in our game," Escobar said. 

Football Queensland will endure to support diverse and marginal communities' participation in football across 2025. 

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Melbourne City FC has confirmed the renewal of its partnership with Workplace Law, a leading provider of employment and workplace relations expertise, for another two years.

Following a successful inaugural season together, this renewal signifies an ongoing collaboration that highlights shared commitments to excellence, equality, and innovation.

Workplace Law continues to support City's Women's program, with their logo proudly displayed on the back of the A-League Women’s training kit.

Furthermore, the logo will feature on the matchday attire of City Women’s Head Coach, Michael Matricciani, reflecting Workplace Law’s unwavering dedication to advancing women in sport.

Melbourne City FC’s partnership with Workplace Law, backed by a history of driving success on and off the field, aligns with the Club’s goal of fostering a high-performance culture for its players and staff.

Melbourne City FC CEO, Brad Rowse, shared his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership.

"We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Workplace Law, a company that shares our passion for driving excellence and creating opportunities for women in sport," he said via press release.

“Their support plays a vital role in ensuring our Women’s program can continue to thrive, both on and off the pitch. We look forward to achieving even greater success together over the next two years.”

Workplace Law Director and CEO, Shane Koelmeyer, shared this excitement.

“We absolutely love being part of the Melbourne City family and are delighted to extend our partnership for another two seasons. They are the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to creating the ideal high-performance environment for their coaches and players to thrive on and off the pitch," he said via press release.

“The Club has a wonderful history of sustained success in both the women’s and men’s programs, and we look forward to sharing in, along with their other amazing partners, further success in the future.”

This partnership not only bolsters Melbourne City’s ALW program but also showcases Workplace Law’s commitment to empowering teams and individuals to excel.

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British sports streaming mega platform, DAZN, has gained a free-to-view exclusivity deal with FIFA for the Club World Cup 2025.

The partnership will mean all 63 Club World Cup matches, featuring 32 of the world's best clubs, will be livestreamed free-to-view on DAZN's network. The deal also includes the option to sublicense to local free-to-air broadcasts.

The collaboration between FIFA and DAZN aims to make the game easily accessible to fans across the world, providing a significant boost to the launch of the new competition.

It is also a large next step for the burgeoning partnership of FIFA and DAZN. The two organisations have continued to grow more intertwined, with FIFA aiming to incorporate FIFA+ into the DAZN network.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino exclaimed his joy for the deal.

"I am delighted to announce that FIFA, in partnership with DAZN and FIFA+, will bring the best of club football for free to everywhere in the world, meaning that every single football fan across the globe can watch the best players from the 32 best clubs compete in the new FIFA Club World Cup to be the first official ‘FIFA Club World Champions'," he said in a press release.

DAZN Chief Executive Officer Shay Segev outlined the importance of the deal for DAZN.

“This groundbreaking deal with FIFA is a major milestone in DAZN’s journey to be the ultimate entertainment platform of choice for sports fans everywhere," he said via press release.

"We’re delighted to have the exclusive rights to this new chapter in global club football, marking the start of our long-term relationship with FIFA and cementing our status as the home of football.

"We’re committed to ensuring that every fan can watch every moment of the thrilling action from this new prime club tournament.”

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will kick off June 14, 2025, in Miami and finish July 13, in New York New Jersey.

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Brisbane Roar, Football Queensland (FQ), and the Queensland Government (QLD) have partnered to give more young people the chance to play football in the sunshine state.

Under the 'Active! Queensland' initiative, the QLD Government will provide a grant to Brisbane Roar's not-for-profit organisation Roar Recreation and Welfare Limited, extending the Football Queensland and Roar Football in the Community Program.

The funding aims to empower more children to get involved in sport and increase the number of active footballers.

Over 10,000 junior participants are estimated to take part in a range of different activities in the program across 2025.

Brisbane Roar will be responsible for organising over 270 clinics through the scheme, these will include school holiday clinics, community and school programs, training and education, plus game day activities.

Minister for Sport, Tim Mander, outlined the importance of the partnership for Queenslander children.

“To have a healthy community, it is essential that we have an active community,” he said in a press release.

“The physical, social and psychological rewards of sport are enormous, and football plays an important role in seeing these benefits reach young Queenslanders.

“Which is why we are proud to partner with Brisbane Roar to help more local kids enjoy the game, and hopefully set them on a path to years of involvement in sport and active recreation.”

Brisbane Roar Chairman and CEO, Kaz Patafta, expressed his appreciation for the extensive partnership.

“From our ongoing consultation with the Queensland Government, we are beyond grateful to be receiving this support to grow our community programs in collaboration with Football Queensland," he said via press release.

“With this new funding, Brisbane Roar together with Football Queensland is set to provide more opportunities for local Queensland kids to engage in football, aiming to expand the sport’s reach and impact across the region.

“We’re delighted to be able to provide more opportunities to local Queensland kids to play football as we endeavour to continue growing the game across Queensland."

The partnership kicked off last Thursday at Suncorp stadium.

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Football West and Persebaya Surabaya FC have formalised their partnership by signing a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step in their collaboration.

The agreement was signed by Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell and Persebaya Surabaya CEO Azrul Ananda in the presence of Western Australia’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, David Templeman.

This MoU sets the foundation for a talent development and exchange program between Football West, the governing body of football in Western Australia, and Persebaya Surabaya FC, one of Indonesia’s top-tier football clubs.

As part of the agreement, plans are already in motion for Persebaya’s senior team to visit Western Australia next year. The club, currently leading Liga 1, Indonesia’s top football league, will participate in various football-related activities.

Football West’s relationship with Persebaya Surabaya dates back to 2018 when the Indonesian club’s youth team visited Perth for a three-match tour. The following year, Football West reciprocated by sending an Under 19 State team to Surabaya, where the visit was also a success.

Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell spoke in length on the importance of this partnership and their connection to Indonesia.

“Football West is delighted to renew our relationship with Persebaya Surabaya and we look forward to creating sporting and cultural opportunities through our shared love of football," he said in a press release.

“Indonesia is a natural sporting partner for WA. Football is the No1 sport in Indonesia and we know from when we took our team to Surabaya in 2019 that they love Australian football.

“It has been a pleasure to host Azrul and his team this week, showing them several venues including the Sam Kerr Football Centre. We have had strong discussions about what we can achieve and it is very exciting.

“Football West’s Asian Engagement Strategy is a pillar of our Strategic Plan and this Memorandum of Understanding shows how committed we are in this area. We would like to thank Minister Templeman and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for their ongoing support for Football West in developing these relations,” he concluded.

Azrul Ananda, President of Persebaya Surabaya shared the same sentiment  about the extension of the partnership.

"We are happy to finally be able to continue our collaboration with Football West," he said in a press release.

“During several days in Perth, the Persebaya management team has received much information regarding a visit from the Persebaya senior team in July 2025 for mini training camps and other cultural activities.

“Thank you to Jamie Harnwell and friends at Football West, Western Australia Sport and Recreation Minister Mr David Templeman, and Consulate General of Indonesia Mrs Listiana Operananta for their big support.

“We believe that the agreement between Persebaya and Football West over the next three years will strengthen people-to-people relationships between the people of East Java and Western Australia.”

This MoU signifies a deepening relationship between football organisations in Western Australia and Indonesia.

It creates an official platform for talent sharing and the development of players, coaches, and officials through exchange programs.

By facilitating visits and collaborative activities, the partnership also promotes cultural understanding between the two regions.

This deal is very important for Western Australian football and its attempt to expand their Asian representation.

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FIFA has confirmed Bank of America as the newest Official Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The agreement builds off of a deal from earlier this year, when Bank of America was confirmed as the Official Bank Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The declaration of partnership was made ahead of the official draw for the Club World Cup in Miami later this week.

The Club World Cup will welcome 32 of the best clubs from every confederation to the United States for the most expansive club tournament in history.

Club World Cup matches will be hosted across 11 American stadiums, allowing for Bank of America and FIFA to create positive influential economic and social impact to local communities.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino professed excitement for the upcoming collaboration.

"We are thrilled to have Bank of America on board for the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup," he said via press release.

"In recent months we’ve enjoyed detailed discussions with Bank of America’s leadership about FIFA’s mission both on and off the pitch, so we’re delighted that they’ve joined us on our journey to redefine global club football in addition to working side-by-side with us for FIFA World Cup 2026.

"As a global organisation with operations around the world and in every tournament host city, Bank of America is a perfect partner for this ground-breaking tournament.”

Bank of America’s Chair and CEO, Brian Moynihan, detailed the successful outcomes of the partnership. 

“This partnership with FIFA, for both World Cup 2026 and now Club World Cup 2025, sharpens our focus on deepening client relationships through the most iconic sporting events in the world, and generating lasting economic impact, globally and locally," he said in a press release.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will kick off on in Miami June 15, and run until July 13, 2025, in New York New Jersey.

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Football Queensland (FQ) has celebrated a successful year of player development in the Northern region across youth and junior football through the FQ Academy.

The FQ Academy is Queensland's only recognised way for players to achieve state and national team representation and showed significant progress over 2024. The Northern region covers some of Queensland's rural major hubs, including Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr and Ingham.

In the Northen region, over 150 players participated in the FQ Acadamy across the U9 to U16 age groups, illustrating the influence of adopting Football Australia's latest national technical standards.

The success of the FQ Academy in the Northern region was further embellished through the selection of 10 local players in Queensland state teams, to compete at the Girls and Boys National Youth Championships in Melbourne and Wollongong.

FQ General Manager, Football & State Technical Director, Gabor Ganczer, expressed his joy for the achievements in the Northern region.

“2024 has been a tremendous year for football in the Northern region, with significant strides in player development as the FQ Academy continues to play a pivotal role in providing young athletes with access to world-class coaching and competitive platforms that continue to raise the standard of football in the region,” he said via press release.

“The progress seen throughout the region is the result of a sustained, long-term approach to player development, with a focus on upskilling coaches and equipping clubs with the tools and resources they need to ensure all players are supported at every stage of their journey.”  

FQ Senior Manager, Technical (Northern Conference), Michael Edwards applauded the work of the FQ Academy.

“The inclusion of local players in the Queensland state teams highlights the significant impact of the continued investment in Northern football programs, helping to elevate talented athletes to elite levels of competition," he said in a press release.

“The foundation we’ve laid this year, with the FQ Academy at the forefront, will not only set the stage for greater success in the years to come but also drive the continued growth of football in the Northern region and beyond, ensuring clear and accessible pathways for all players to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.”  

Football Queensland remains committed to developing the level of coaching skill and to enhancing player development in the Northern region in 2025 and beyond.

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On Wednesday, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will ratify Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast as hosts of the upcoming Women's Asia Cup 2026. Games will be played across Stadium Australia and Western Sydney Stadium, the Perth Rectangular Arena, Perth Stadium, and the Gold Coast Stadium.

While the Women's Asian Cup is a momentous occasion for Australian football, the exclusion of Melbourne stands as a missed opportunity.

Known as the sporting capital of the nation, Melbourne holds an incredibly passionate soccer fanbase and has continually delivered excellence on the pitch.

Zealous and Loyal Fanbase 

Most recently, Melbourne hosted six Women's World Cup games at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, otherwise known as AAMI Park, in 2023 for hungry audiences. Of the six games, five reached over 90% capacity according to AuStadiums, illustrating the desire Melbournians and Victorians have for more football.

Furthermore, Victorians have consistently shown up to support their teams across both the men's and women's A-Leagues. According to AuStadiums, in last year's ALW season, AAMI Park was on average the most attended stadium of the grounds which had hosted 10 or more games, averaging 3,500 people per game. This accomplishment built off of the 22/23 season where AAMI Park had also averaged the largest crowds for stadiums for which had hosted multiple games.

In the men's competition, AAMI Park has been by far the most played at stadium, with more than 30 games played at the stadium each season since the 21/22 season. Through this, AAMI Park has consistently achieved the highest total attendance of any A-League stadium and has additionally maintained strong crowd averages.

AAMI Park was the third most attended ground on average last year for stadiums which had hosted multiple games. Additionally, AAMI Park also appeared the most in the top 10 attended games of the year, hosting four of the largest crowds of the 23/24 season.

To deny such a passionate fanbase the opportunity to see their national team, and other elite Asian teams, locally, would be a travesty. Compounding it, the decision to neglect one of Australia's most beloved, professional and modern stadiums on a global stage is another disappointment.

World Class Facilities

In the latest Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) 2023-24 A-League Men Report insights from players, executive teams and coaches, AAMI Park was one of the highest scoring stadiums across Australia and New Zealand.

In terms of pitch quality, measured by the pace, smoothness, hardness and overall quality of the surface, AAMI Park scored above average. Depending on the hosting team, the stadium was rated between 3.5 stars to 4 stars placing it above the 3.2 average across the league.

Additionally, AAMI Park recorded the best atmosphere leaguewide when Melbourne Victory played, achieving a 4.4-star rating. Nearly half a star higher than the second-best atmospheric stadium.

These sentiments were similarly echoed in the most recent PFA A-League Women Report from the 2023-24 season. The report illustrated AAMI Park as one of the premier stadiums in the country, with the ground achieving a 4-star and near perfect 4.9-star rating, across its two hosts.

Australia's Most Liveable City 

In combination with providing a world class stadium for some of the world's best teams, hosting games at AAMI Park in Melbourne at the Women's Asia Cup would have propelled Australia's image on the global stage by highlighting one of the world's most liveable cities. Ranked fourth in the world for most liveable cities by the Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index 2024, Melbourne continues to showcase the very best of Australia.

Travelling fans would get to enjoy the cultural events and sights Melbourne has to offer, while also finding their way to and from games easily due to Melbourne's simple public transport system.

Furthermore, Melbourne would not only highlight the best of Australia to travellers, but to an ever-increasing global audience. With the rise of interest in women's football, the amount of people watching and interacting with games has increased exponentially.

According to FIFA, over two billion people engaged with the Women's World Cup in 2023. Furthermore, the tournament produced over 2.72 billion viewer hours, a 9.2% increase in consumption from the 2019 Women's World Cup. With so many eyes now on women's football, it makes sense to put forth Australia's best.

Conclusion 

Fortunately, as Australia's most loved team, the Matildas will draw crowds wherever they play, having now sold out 16 home games in a row.

Yet the neglect of Melbourne from the Women's Asia Cup will prevent one of the country's most fervent fanbases, which has repeatedly supported the national team and the A-Leagues, from witnessing one of Australia's most important sporting events.

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FIFA has invested $76.7 million into the World Cup 2022 Legacy Fund, in collaboration with Qatar, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Previously announced in November 2022, the fund will aid a number of social programs across the world.

To launch the Legacy Fund, the initiative was presented and signed on an online meeting.

Attendees included FIFA President Gianni Infantino, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Secretary General H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi.

The FIFA World Cup Legacy Fund will be deployed across the following streams:

Public Health/Occupational Health and Safety: The Legacy Fund will contribute to programs which aim to improve working conditions, and health and wellbeing. In particular, FIFA will support WHO's Beat the Heat initiative, to protect people from the hazards caused by extreme heat and the advance of climate change.

Education: In conjuncture with the WTO and International Trade Centre, FIFA will bolster the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund, a program which seeks to empower female entrepreneurs. 

Refugees: In partnership with the UNHCR, FIFA will assist schemes which aim to strengthen vulnerable peoples' self-sufficiency and access to basic amenities.

Football development: FIFA will place greater emphasis on finding young talents across remote, marginalised and developing countries through the Aspire Academy and the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, headed by Arsène Wenger. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his pride for the Legacy Fund.

“The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund is a landmark project that builds on the unprecedented impact of the tournament from a sustainability point of view,” he said via press release.

“FIFA is taking the concept of a legacy fund to the next level in terms of reach and impact by tackling key priorities such as refugees, occupational health, education, and football development. I would like to thank the UN Refugee Agency, the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization for their commitment to, and cooperation on, this historic initiative.”

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the importance of the partnership.

“The worlds of sport and health must collaborate to create safe, clean and healthy environments for all people engaged in the preparation, delivery and legacy of mega sport events, including workers, athletes, spectators, and communities,” he said in a press release.

To learn more about the Legacy Fund, FIFA has launched a website.

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The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) have released their 2024 Annual A-League Men's report. This analysis has highlighted key successful areas of last season and importantly areas of growth in the league.

This review uses a wide range of data but importantly uses a strong player-based approach.

A key tool for data collection for this report is the A-League Men's end-of-season survey conducted voluntarily online between May 7-31, 2024. This survey received 191 player responses, a record number with at least 13 players from each club.

The survey provides a comprehensive and representative source of player insights for policymakers, offering robust comparisons across the league.

Categorised below are some key factors of the report.

International Benchmarking

The Twenty-First Group's World Super League model provides insights into the A-League Men's (ALM) competitive positioning.

The analysis employed a machine learning approach, rating team strengths based on performance and player movements from ten relevant leagues over six seasons. The ALM ranks eighth among these competitions as a second-tier Asian league.

The salary cap system contributes to the consistent team strengths, with a slight overall decline in score over six years likely attributed to league expansion. Despite this, the ALM's league ranking remained stable.

From a player development perspective, the analysis offers guidance for international transfers to leagues that offer promising development pathways for Australian players looking to progress in their international careers.

Transfer Revenue

The Australian A-League Men (ALM) has experienced a remarkable transformation in its transfer market dynamics as a significant talent production and export market over recent years.

In 2024, ALM clubs received at least $17.5 million in transfer fees, with the total value potentially exceeding $20 million, significantly up from the approx. $10 million in 2023 and the $2.5 million average in past seasons.

This growth represents a fundamental shift in the domestic men's football economy. For the first time, transfer revenue is now surpassing broadcast revenue.

In the context of the broader market, while ALM revenues have grown quickly, they remain a fraction of those in slightly more advanced leagues.

AFC Club Competitions

Previously, AFC competitions were often more costly than beneficial.

However, in the new 3-tier continental club competitions for 2024, the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) qualifying for the eight-match group stage guarantees $1.23m, with an additional $150k per win. Champions can earn at least $18.5m.

The ACL2, Which CC Mariners won last season, provides $462k for group stage participation and $77k per win, with champions potentially earning up to $5m. ALM clubs receive one berth in both the top two tiers.

Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, players will receive an increasing share of prize money from the Round of 16 onwards.

Player Profiles

The PFA conducted a comprehensive analysis of match minutes across six leagues: A-League Men (ALM), J1 League, K League 1, MLS, Scottish Premiership, and Belgian Pro League.

The analysis revealed that Australian and Belgian leagues stood out, with over 10% of match minutes played by under 20s, compared to less than 5% in the other four competitions.

The introduction of scholarship players outside the salary cap has notably reduced the league's average age, emphasizing its commitment to youth development.

Attendance

Average attendance for regular season matches has increased to 8,076 from 7,553 in 2022-23, but crowds have still not recovered to their pre-COVID levels.

Excluding the lowest attended teams of Western United and Macarthur FC the average attendance last season was 9,232, 14% higher than the 8,076 overall average.

Though the overall bias against crowd attendance can be assumed to be not as prevalent as people think, identifying this can help deal with the situations that hinder attendance.

Competitive balance

Competitive balance overall was strong with 7% of matches featuring a margin of four or more goals and 7% decided by three goals.

There was a tight race for the top 6 and the bottom two teams from 2022-23, Macarthur and Melbourne Victory, both made the finals, demonstrating the strong competitive balance of the ALM across seasons.

CBA Progress

Total player payments were around $57.8m in 2023-24, down slightly from the all-time high of $58.8m the previous season with the average payments per club being around $4.8m. This was well above the salary cap of $2.6m.

The vast majority of exempt payments from the cap were those to Marquee and Designated players. The average spend on Scholarship Players was just under $300k per club.

This report describes how revenues from transfer fees and a more lucrative AFC Champions League present new financial opportunities for our clubs.

Player Perceptions

According to the PFA end-of-season survey, 50% of ALM players were dissatisfied and 27% were very dissatisfied with how APL has performed in its management of the competition.

46% of players had ‘low trust’ in APL regarding developing a vision to improve the league.

The PFA was rated highest by the players, with 91% satisfied with its performance regarding ALM and 64% having high trust in the PFA to develop a vision.

In issues of the league, trajectory players outlined fan core experience as a centre stage with more than half including Broadcast (58%) and Atmosphere (51%) in their top three with Visibility and Branding/Marketing coming in second.

Workplace Safety

The PFA end-of-season survey uncovered concerning findings regarding the safety of ALM players’ workplaces.

11% of ALM players felt their club environment was either physically or psychologically unsafe and one in five players (20%) said they or a team-mate were unwilling to discuss issues with coaching staff and 16% with club management. 7% of players reported instances of players being forced to train alone at their clubs.

Though only a few clubs were reported on this, is still regarded as an industry issue.

Extreme weather

Last season one in six ALM matches was impacted by extreme weather with extreme heat the main culprit. 58% of players indicated the conditions impacted the players’ performances and 9% of player performances were hindered overall.

Club Index

Sydney FC was rated as the league’s best-performing club in the overall Club Performance Index, after placing in the top three for the sub-indices for Operations, Facilities, and Culture.

Pitch and atmosphere ratings

A-League players rated Wellington’s Sky Stadium with perfect marks for its pitch quality also and a four-star average for the match atmosphere.

Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium, AAMI Park, where also highly rated by ALM players with an average around the 4 stars mark. Victory home matches received an average of 4.4 for atmosphere.

The lowest rated were Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, averaging just 2.1.

Though other factors are included for pitch quality like other events, Players should still not be subject to substandard and potentially dangerous conditions.

Conclusion

Though the report shows that in many aspects the sport is moving in the right direction, the responses from players on their welfare and on the need for more attendance is a worrying sign for the management.

This assessment is a strong example of the PFA’s dedication towards the sport in Australia and maintaining the strong relationship between the Football industry and the players themselves.

The key points of this report should be central to plans within A-League and Australian Football itself.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has shared valuable medical knowledge with key regions, ASEAN and East, across the five-day Football Emergency Medicine and Anti-Doping Course.

Hosted by The Football Association of Thailand (FA Thailand), the course presented to 20 Member Associations (MAs), from November 23rd to the 26th.

Conducted at the BDMS Rehabilitation Centre in Bangkok, the course was led by Dato' Dr. Gurcharan Singh and assisted by a variety of AFC Instructors.

The course was separated into two segments. The first segment facilitated a number of theoretical sessions and lectures on the most recent developments in football emergency medicine.

While the second segment initiated a variety of active practical sessions. These sessions provided live training on the management of critical medical emergencies on and off the pitch, sessions also covered anti-doping concerns.

Additionally, BDMS Instructors for Advance Life Support trained and assured participants were proficient in on-field emergency management of cardiac arrest, concussion, trauma and other injuries.

Dato’ Dr. Singh outlined the goals of the course.

“The contents of this course is tailored to provide the latest evidence-based practices in management of emergencies on the field in line with those of FIFA," he said via press release.

"The AFC wants to deliver a message, which is ‘unity of doctrine’ – this means that if a sudden cardiac arrest incident occurs, the medical staff will respond in a standardised protocol as implemented in accordance with the FIFA Emergency Action Plan.

“This course is part of the low-cost, high-output educational activities organised within Asia by the AFC and reinforces the AFC’s commitment in maximising the potential of our Member Associations.”

In her opening speech, Mrs Nualphan Lamsam, President of FA Thailand expressed pride for the course.

"Your presence reflects our shared commitment to advancing football across Asia. It is a privilege to host such a distinguished group whose efforts empower athletes and shape the sport’s future on the global stage," she said via press release.

“The AFC Football Emergency Medicine & Anti-Doping Regional Course embodies the strong partnership between the AFC and FA Thailand. This initiative is designed to advance expertise in sports medicine — an indispensable aspect of football, where intensity and physicality define the game.”

The presentation was the second leg of the course, the first had been held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May, for Western MAs.

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FIFA has confirmed a collaboration with US based gaming company, Mythical Games, to develop a new officially licensed mobile game - "FIFA Rivals".

Aiming for release in 2025, FIFA Rivals will be available on IOS and Android.

The game marks a significant move in FIFA's continual quest to expand and diversify its gaming and esports portfolio. Neglecting simulation-based gameplay in favour of fast paced arcade gameplay, FIFA Rivals is a departure from previous FIFA licensed games.

As an organisation with experience in mobile gaming, Mythical Games already operates a Rivals game in partnership with the NFL, with over five million downloads. The US company will now seek to grow its market in the footballing world.

Their latest offering, FIFA Rivals, will enable gamers to create, manage and develop their own in game football club. Players will also be able to create their own line-ups and enhance them via levelling up, to then play against other players.

FIFA Rivals will be a free to play game but will feature extensive in game microtransactions.

Operating off of the Mythos blockchain model, the game will include in-game and web marketplaces for players to buy, sell, trade and own in game versions of real-life football players.

FIFA Secretary, General Mattias Grafström spoke of the opportunities FIFA Rivals presented.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Mythical Games to launch FIFA Rivals, bringing football fans a mobile-first gaming experience that deepens their connection to the sport," he said in a press release.

"The game is an innovative and accessible addition to our expanding gaming and esports portfolio."

CEO and Founder of Mythical Games, John Linden outlined the goals of the collaboration.

"We’re excited to partner with FIFA and leverage our expertise to create an unparalleled football gaming experience," he said via press release.

“Our goal is to replicate our success with our previous Rivals game and set new benchmarks in the web3 gaming sector.

"The combination of officially licensed football stars (past and present), prestigious clubs from around the world and globally competitive esports gameplay will take sports gameplay to a new level.

"Through this long-term partnership with FIFA, there are major plans to integrate into the FIFA esports platform to give players in every country the ability to become a participant or fan.”

FIFA Rivals will launch worldwide in 2025, game updates are confirmed via FIFA Rivals' X account.

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Football Queensland's Far North and Gulf region has recorded unprecedented development figures throughout 2024, transforming the regional football landscape.

Football Queensland has stated that coaching participation has soared by 800%, while available courses have also increased to 400%, heralding a new era for football development in Queensland's northern corridor.

The introduction of female-only coaching courses has proved pivotal. With 29 participants, Football Queensland has marked a significant advancement towards its 2027 gender parity target and built on the growing appeal of female coaching in the region.

Football Queensland General Manager and State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer noted the significance of these developments.

“Delivering courses specifically designed for female participants forms part of FQ’s broader commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as outlined in our 2023-2026 One Football Strategy, as we continue striving to reach our 50/50 gender parity target by 2027 by supporting and catering for women and girls across all roles in football," he said via press release.

"These figures demonstrate our organisation's commitment to grassroots development. The response has exceeded all expectations.

The expansion of coach education remains paramount for Football Queensland's Far North and Gulf region, with local capacity building central to its strategy. The development of both players and coaches ensures clear pathways within the FQ Academy for local talent to progress to state and national representation.

Football Australia's revised course structures have enhanced the relevance of coaching education for community practitioners across the region. These modifications provide coaches with refined tools and methodologies to better support grassroots player development.

The organisation's commitment to excellence will extend into 2025 with the planned introduction of the AFC/FQ B Diploma, further strengthening the region's coaching pathway.

FQ Senior Manager - Technical (Northern Conference) Michael Edwards emphasised the strategic importance of this data.

“The growth of the FNG region’s football ecosystem in 2024 is also reflected in the rising commitment of local clubs to invest in their professional development, with Cairns-based Southside Comets FC making history by becoming one of the first four regional clubs to achieve Tier 2 club development status," he said via press release.

“This milestone reflects a strong commitment to not only improving coaching practices but also expanding their club’s access to the FQ Academy pathway."

These achievements align with Football Queensland's 2023-2026 One Football Strategy, establishing clear pathways through the FQ Academy for emerging talent.

As Football Queensland moves into 2025, these developmental foundations are a positive first step to further advance regional football throughout the Far North and Gulf region.

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Aki Ionnas is the General Manager & Director of Football at the Oakleigh Cannons FC, whose senior men’s side were champions of the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Victoria in 2024.

Speaking with Soccerscene in a wide-ranging chat, Ionnas details why his club continues to have great success on and off the park – cementing themselves as one of the top clubs in the state.

First of all, going back a couple of months now, you were crowned champions of NPL Victoria in 2024 - tell me a little bit about how rewarding it was to win the GF in Victoria this past season?

It was an amazing season and we deserved the results from the hard work we put in. If we even look back a bit further, what we’ve shown in the last 3 years is that we’ve proved we are the best team in NPL Victoria.

We’ve won 2 Championships in that time, a Dockerty Cup, a Community Shield and a Premiers Plate - what else can I say, these are great achievements.

What were the factors that you think contributed to your success last season, but also the last few years?

First of all, Chris Taylor and his coaching team, who are absolutely fantastic and have been for a number of years. Chris is a top class coach and since he's been with us, he has won us plenty of silverware. Our Football Operations person, John Ioannou, has also made a huge contribution to our success on the field - working very closely with Chris.

The entire board, the great support we have from sponsors, it’s all a big family and the results continue to speak for themselves.

Everyone works hard together for the same cause and that’s a main reason why we have been so successful.

How will you sustain that success moving forward into next season, what are your objectives for next season?

It’s always hard to sustain the success, it’s not easy at all. We are a close-knit club and we are now always going to be the hunted. Being the hunted is always difficult, but we will always continue to try and achieve our goals and be up there at the end of the season.

There’s a recent history of success that we’ve established, record Grand Final wins and also good results in the Australia Cup (reaching the quarter and semi-finals recently), so we’ve found the formula and I don’t see why we can’t continue that.

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Are you able to provide an update on the facility upgrades at Jack Edwards Reserve, how is that progressing at the moment and when is it due for completion?

It’s all going great. Our 550 Lux light towers are now up and they will be operational in a couple of weeks. All of our home games next season will be on a Friday Night, so everything is going to plan, which is amazing to see.

Could you just detail what the other planned facility upgrades are for?

Alongside the 550 lux light towers, there will be upgrades with a new 500 seat grandstand, a corporate function room upstairs in the pavilion, medical rooms, referee rooms and also first aid rooms. The plan is for everything to be completed by late 2025.

Council has contributed significantly to these upgrades - tell me a little bit more about how this will positively impact your club and the local community overall?

We definitely appreciate council’s support but also a big thanks goes to our Chairman Kon Kavalakis and our President Stan Papayianneris – these two have been instrumental in getting this project up and running.

The facilities are great and it’s a hub for the local community in the area; it’s going to be fantastic and really take the club to the next level. We’ve seen success on the park and now we’re starting to see the success off the park. We’re going to be one of Melbourne’s leading clubs in the state of Victoria.

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Moving on Aki, what are your thoughts on the finer details announced around the National Second Division (NSD) recently - what is Oakleigh’s stance on potentially joining the second tier?

Of course, we’d love to be a part of the national second division. We have some of the best facilities in the state, we are looking very positively at the idea (of joining a national second tier).

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What were the reasons around why the club wasn’t amongst the foundation clubs of the competition?

We initially just wanted to wait and see more of the details come out at the time of submission. Now that more details have come out into the open, it’s looking very positive overall.

With NPL Premiers across the country invited to join next year’s NSD, are you aware of the financial expectations if you were to win the premiership in NPL Victoria next season and get invited to the national competition (have they been communicated from FA to the clubs?)

No not as yet, but we expect those details to come out when appropriate.

What do you personally think of the NSD’s “Champions League” model, as opposed to the Home and Away model?

I personally think it’s a great start (with the announcement of the Champions League model) and if it was to be a home and away season eventually, we would look at those details when they come out and make a further decision.

Just back on the club, obviously women’s football participation continues to boom in the state - is an NPL Women’s side for your club on the immediate agenda for you to implement?

It’s definitely on the agenda and it’s a high priority for us. We have people in the background working on this and with the participation rates great around the women’s game it.

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What does the future for the club look like Aki? Obviously, there are very positive signs - where do you see the club positioned over the next few years and what are its main objectives?

We want this club to continue its strong success in all areas. We are always striving for this club to be competing for silverware, whether that’s in Victoria or on a national level.

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Newcastle Jets CEO, Shane Mattiske, has confirmed he will transition out of his role at the club.

Mattiske served for four years as CEO but believes now is the right time to depart, after helping gain the club new ownership under Maverick Sports Partners.

Mattiske led the consortium of A-League clubs to save the Jets in 2021, when former owner Martin Lee was stripped of the club's license for failing to pay off debts.

In a press release, Mattiske applauded the new owners and thanked Newcastle.

"It is truly a great thing to have Maverick Sport Partners behind our club and supporting its growth moving forward. I want to again thank Maurice Bisetto and the broader Jets ownership group for their belief in this club and the potential of this community," he said.

"I also want to acknowledge the significant commitment that our outgoing owners made to supporting our club and backing the shift to a new future for the Jets.

"With the beginning of this new chapter for the club, it is the appropriate time for me pass leadership to Maurice and the new ownership group. The last four years has been an incredible experience and one that, despite some challenging times, I will always value. I’ve been privileged to be part of a club that is so important to such a big community and one that has such potential for the future. I will always have the club’s success on my mind and will continue to do whatever I can to support its future."

Maverick Sports Partners Executive Director, Maurice Bisetto commented Mattiske's work at the club.

“The last four years have been a difficult period for the Jets. Under Shane’s stewardship, the organisation has navigated turbulent waters and is now well positioned to embark on a new era," he said via press release.

"On behalf of Maverick Sports Partners and the community we thank Shane for his contribution to the Newcastle Jets.”

Bisetto will step in as interim CEO, while the club searches for a full-time replacement.

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The AFC Women's Football Conference 2024 has heralded a positive future for women's football after a successful three day gathering.

Hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the conference welcomed women's national team coaches and technical staff to share insights from November 12 to 14, building off an incredibly prosperous year of women's football.

The opening day of the conference celebrated the achievements of Asian teams, including Australia's semi-final appearance at the Women's World Cup 2023.

AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John, outlined the importance of celebrating these achievements to power women's football.

Day two of the conference provided participants an overview of the upcoming AFC Women's Champions League, the AFC Women's Calendar for 2025-29 and changes to Asian women's competitions.

The final day of the conference presented an analysis of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament 2024's teams and a forum on the future of women's football, featuring Australia U20 women's national team head coach Leah Blayney.

Australia U17 women's national team head coach, Rae Dower, expressed excitement for Australian women's football with the Asian Cup heading down under in 2026.

“The future is so exciting, especially now that we have the dates and venues confirmed for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™," she said via press release.

"The football fever from the FIFA Women’s World Cup is still very strong with the Matildas continuously selling out stadiums. We can’t wait for the rest of Asia to come and share the experience with us."

The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia, will begin March 1, 2026, learn more here.

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Football Queensland's digital broadcasting platform, FQTV, has achieved remarkable growth in 2024, viewership across all competitions increased by 23%, with an additional 315,000 viewers tuning in to Queensland football content.

The platform's success has been particularly evident in women's football, which experienced an extraordinary 113% surge in viewership, attracting 118,000 new viewers. This growth aligns with Queensland's record-breaking 44% increase in female participation for 2024.

FQTV's Match Centre remains the primary platform for streaming Queensland's major football competitions, including the National Premier Leagues Queensland, Football Queensland Premier League, and various statewide tournaments.

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci highlighted the significance of this achievement.

"This year's viewership surge is a testament to the growing demand for local football content as FQ recorded an additional 315,000 viewers tuning in to watch Queensland's football action on FQTV, demonstrating the expanding reach and increasing interest in high-quality, community-driven football," he said via FQ press release.

"Through the streaming of matches on FQTV's Match Centre, clubs gain exposure to a much larger audience, which is key to strengthening community and commercial ties and is an invaluable tool for clubs to showcase their on-field talent, captivate new supporters to boost matchday attendances, and increase sponsorship value and opportunity."

The platform has also seen significant growth in regional football coverage, expanding its streaming services to include more matches from the Kappa Pro Series and statewide Kappa Queensland Cup.

Looking ahead to major sporting events, including the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, Cavallucci emphasised the platform's role in capitalising on football's growing momentum.

"With the excitement following the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ and upcoming events such as the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, local clubs now have an unprecedented opportunity to capitalise on this momentum," he added via FQ press release.

FQTV's Match Centre’s increased viewership is a strong indicator for the growing support local football is receiving from their fan base in Queensland. Local football has been struggling for recognition in Australia and this data proves that the sport's growth opportunity is there.

With the coming second tier in 2025, the Australian football pyramid is gaining community and financial support.

This news from one of Australia’s strongest footballing states only strengthens the popularity for the sport and its justified call for support to develop.

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Football Australia has confirmed the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 will run from March 1 to March 21, 2026, and will feature stadiums across NSW, WA and Queensland.

The tournament will feature Asia's best 12 teams at the following five stadiums:

New South Wales

• Stadium Australia
• Western Sydney Stadium

Queensland

• Gold Coast Stadium

Western Australia

• Perth Rectangular Stadium
• Perth Stadium

The confirmation follows recommendations from the 3rd AFC Women's Football Committee meeting, hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 12.

The decisions still require formal ratification by the AFC Executive Committee, with a confirmation meeting to be held on December 3, this year.

CEO of Football Australia, James Johnson, proclaimed his excitement for the upcoming tournament.

"We are immensely proud to bring the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ to Australia in 2026. Hosting this premier event reinforces Australia’s commitment to growing women’s football and celebrating the incredible talent within the Asian football community," he said via press release.

"With world-class stadiums in iconic cities and the unwavering support of our state governments, we are set to deliver a tournament that will inspire players and fans alike.

"We extend our gratitude to the governments of New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, for their commitment to bringing this event to life, and we look forward to welcoming Asia’s top teams for a truly memorable experience on and off the field.”

Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon Anika Wells MP, expressed her government's pride to host the Asian Cup.

"The Albanese Government is proud to bring the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ to Australia, and with it, another $15 million investment in women’s sport," she said via press release.

"We saw what the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ did for our communities – it brought people together, inspired more Australians to be active, and put women’s sport centre stage.

"The Tillies showed us what we can achieve when we rally behind them, and we’re committed to keeping that momentum going.”

The 2026 Women's Asian Cup will mark the second time Women's Asian Cup games are hosted in FIFA World Cup venues, with many of the stadiums announced previously hosting games at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reaffirmed its desire to establish soccer as the most popular sport in Asia at the AFC Grassroots Panel meeting 2024.

Hosted at the InterContinental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday, the panel meeting outlined the organisation's aspiration to connect more people than ever to soccer, regardless of their social, economic or physical disadvantages.

To begin the meeting, panel members reviewed the latest endorsements of the AFC Grassroots Charter. They focused on how to grow and develop the agreement, which currently has 43 Member Associations (MAs).

Through the meeting, members discussed the most recent grassroots objectives, including the standardisation of grassroots data collection systems and registration, and the introduction and reinforcement of mandatory child protection measures.

The panel examined the findings of a recent survey coordinated by the AFC and the Japan Football Association, which aimed to find effective ways to support MA's development of players through gathering information on the landscape of grassroots and youth football in Asia.

Attendees also discussed the importance of a potential training course for grassroots leaders, that would teach topics such as skill development, motivation, and player safety, to help aide community figures.

AFC Technical Director, Andy Roxburgh, spoke about how important it was to reach young people through such courses.

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Football Victoria has launched PlayFootball v2.0, delivering a comprehensive upgrade to its national registration platform for clubs, players and referees nationwide in 2025.

The modernised system introduces significant improvements, headlined by a complete interface overhaul prioritising accessibility and efficiency for all stakeholders.

The platform's user-centric design promises to streamline administrative processes across all levels of the sport.

Key enhancements to PlayFootball 2.0 will allow for a modern player and official identification system that will include a sophisticated reporting module.

A notable addition is the integrated Working with Children Check workflow, reinforcing Football Australia's commitment to child safety protocols.

Football Victoria is spearheading the transition by offering comprehensive training programmes, with both face-to-face and virtual sessions available to club administrators and association officials.

These sessions have been specifically designed to ensure optimal utilisation of the platform's enhanced capabilities.

Football Victoria Chief Executive Officer Chris Pehlivanis has spoken on this new update and how they see it as crucial for enhancing the footballing experience for participants and clubs.

“We are looking forward to participants having a streamlined registration process while simplifying administration for our Clubs from 2025. FV will work closely with Clubs to ensure they are well supported through the transition and familiar with the benefits of the new system,” he said via press release.

A crucial update to the registration process will require participants to settle both Football Australia and Football Victoria Governing Body Regulation Fees at the point of registration through PlayFootball v2.0.

To help participants adjust to the change, however, PlayFootball is offering 4 different payment models:

• All Fees Upfront: Club and Regulation fees paid online at the point of registration

• Regulation Fees Upfront: FA and FV fees paid online at the point of registration

• Scheduled Payment: FA, FV, Association and the first portion (¼) of the club fee is paid online at the point of registration

• Subsidised Payment: Club subsidises payment and pays for Governing Body fees on the participant's behalf at the point of registration

Player eligibility is rewarded upon the successful payment of these governing body fees.

This new program was tested by inviting four Associations, including 34 Clubs and 4,839 players to attend feedback sessions with FV and FA and beta test the new platform.

The invitation for Clubs to explore the What’s Changing Playbook has opened and for further information on all the changes coming to PlayFootball v2.0.

The platform's updated rollout represents a significant milestone in Football Australia's ongoing digitalisation strategy, aimed at reducing administrative burden whilst improving service delivery across the football community.

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Professional coaching has rapidly become increasingly intertwined with statistics to optimise maximum performance, driving the need for clubs to employ the latest data innovations to stay competitive.

Bepro is a football statistics and analysis company pushing the cutting edge of football technology, providing an all-in-one analytics platform for clubs across the world.

The company's headline product - the Cerberus - an AI powered camera, allows for an extraordinary level of football data analysis when combined with Bepro's software.

Founded in 2015, Bepro has a large reach across the world with offices in nine different countries and has served teams in the EPL, Serie A, LaLiga, Bundesliga, K-League, SPFL, and more.

Most recently, Bepro supported Spain's ascension to the 2024 European Championship.

However, Bepro also works with a range of amateur clubs, supporting over 2,400 teams across 50 nations.

The Cerberus Camera

The fundamental core of Bepro's philosophy is the use of video to provide context to statistics.

Bepro links all of its data work back to film recorded by either of its two FIFA grade cameras: the Fixed Camera System or the Cerberus.

Bepro's cameras utilise AI to power optical tracking technology, enabling the camera to follow the ball without a camera operator. This allows coaches to work with their team instead of being distracted by handling equipment.

Both camera systems feature real time processing, meaning coaches and analysts can instantly assess footage. To enhance this, Bepro cameras can be accessed from multiple devices, and via Bepro's mobile app.

Additionally, the cameras record in 4k panoramic video to capture more action in higher detail than regular cameras.

Bepro's video service also supplies a 3D video player, providing coaches a greater level of video analysis.

Although both camera systems incorporate many of the same features, the Cerberus has the key advantage of being portable.

While many would fear a portable camera could run out of charge, the Cerberus features batteries capable of four hours continuous filming. Batteries can then be swiftly changed to ensure clubs do not miss out on valuable footage.

Furthermore, the Cerberus is a resilient platform and can continue to film excellently in poor weather and lighting conditions.

Adding to the Cerberus' extremely versatility, it not only keenly tracks the ball, but can also film multiple perspectives at once. Through this, coaches can keep an eye on different angles of a training session or game.

Software and Data

Bepro offers three levels of software for clubs to use, ranging from a basic package for amateurs to highly sophisticated software for professionals.

When combined with Bepro's most expansive package, the Cerberus truly shines.

This package utilises the camera's optical tracking to gather extensive highly detailed positional and physical data of both teams, not always possible with GPS.

From 90 minutes of football, Bepro cameras can accumulate approximately three million data points, including statistics such as the distance ran, speed and sprint efforts of each individual player.

Through the package, clubs can create visualisations in their footage to showcase pressing patterns, passing triangles and more by spotlighting players or drawing lines and diagrams.

Coaches can then edit these video clips together and send them to players and staff to showcase areas for improvement or successful plays.

Conclusion

While new, the Cerberus has already made a significant impression on world football, becoming the first ever portable optical tracking camera to be certified by FIFA.

The camera passed its certification easily, illustrating its excellence by achieving "Well Above Industry Standard" in the majority of assessments, with no scores below "Above Industry Standard".

As Bepro continues to develop itself as one of the premiere football analysis organisations, revelations such as the Cerberus will drive the sport into the future.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), highlighting their dedication to fortifying football law and to providing multiple sports dispute resolution pathways in Asia.

The MoU, signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday, is a three-year agreement which aims to cultivate greater collaboration between the AFC and AIAC.

The agreement is the latest in a long running partnership for the AFC and AIAC. Since 2015, the organisations have cooperated to host seminars, conferences and training programs, focused on educating the public and officials about sports law and dispute resolution.

AFC General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs, Andrew Mercer, expressed his excitement for the agreement via press release.

“We are delighted to formalise this important collaboration with the AIAC, who share common interests and values to promote academic and practical training in sports specific alternative dispute resolution in Asia," he said.

AIAC Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Almalena Sharmila Johan, conveyed a similar sentiment.

“As we embark on this partnership, we celebrate the convergence of our expertise, values and dedication to raising the standards of ADR within the sporting community. The ASIAN Sports Arbitration Rules exemplified our commitment to advancing the spirit of justice in the sports industry as a whole, by providing a comprehensive framework for expedient dispute resolution that best preserves fairness and integrity within sports," she said via press release.

This latest agreement will facilitate the AFC's and AIAC's desire to operate a yearly workshop or conference concentrating on sports law.

Both organisations wish to voice a plurality of opinions across Asia to explore conversations about recent sports law trends and developments across the continent and the world.

Additionally, this space would also provide an opportunity to discuss and review best law practices and alternative dispute resolution methods to find new solutions and remedies that will strengthen the future of Asian sports law.

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UEFA and FIFPRO Europe have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening players' influence in European football governance.

As part of the agreement signed by both organisations' leaders in Paris, a FIFPRO Europe representative will join UEFA's executive committee starting May 2025.

UEFA has also pledged to consult FIFPRO Europe on decisions affecting players' employment conditions and any competition reforms that could influence players' workload.

Additionally, active players and player representatives will take part in a new UEFA Professional Players’ Advisory Forum, set to begin meeting next month to discuss solutions for collective challenges facing professional footballers in Europe.

This three-year MOU will grant footballers and their unions more influence over decisions impacting their work, including match calendar adjustments, playing conditions, and health and safety issues.

The agreement also establishes a framework for FIFPRO Europe and UEFA to work together on initiatives to advance women’s football, focusing on fair employment conditions and minimum standards.

The two organisations will also collaborate on medical research, player education, and awareness campaigns addressing doping and discrimination.

Additional collaboration areas include strengthening stakeholder dialogue at both national and European levels, exploring joint commercial opportunities involving player data and intellectual property rights, and offering support to players who are out of contract.

FIFPRO President, David Terrier, was full of positive thoughts regarding this agreement.

"This agreement is a hugely positive milestone for professional players across Europe. With player representation now anchored at UEFA’s highest level, we are securing a stronger voice for players where it matters most,” he said via press release.

"Our ongoing dialogue with UEFA is already yielding positive results, and this MoU will only strengthen our ability to shape a framework that will advance player welfare and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for football, where the needs and rights of players shall always be at the forefront, both on and off the pitch."

UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin, is confident their relationship with FIFPRO will support the growth of football for all.

"This partnership represents a new era in our relationship with FIFPRO Europe. Players are at the heart of football, and their perspectives must shape the decisions taken,” he said via press release.

"By inviting them to join the UEFA Executive Committee, we are creating a more inclusive future for the game, one in which the topic of player welfare will be at the forefront. This is about making tangible strides to ensure football continues to grow for everyone."

You can view the MOU here.

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The American security technology company, Evolv Technology, has fired President and CEO Peter George amid an internal investigation.

Evolv's security products are used to detect weapons in arenas worldwide, protecting stadiums in football leagues such as the EPL and MLS, plus American sports such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB. The iconic MCG in Melbourne also employs Evolv's security systems.

Evolv's board had evaluated leadership at the company since May and terminated George's contract without cause, effective immediately on October 30.

Evolv's board outlined the need for change, meanwhile thanking Peter for his dedication to the company.

“We appreciate Peter’s years of dedication to our company and his significant contributions to the company’s mission. We wish him well in his future endeavors. That said, we have determined that a change in leadership is needed to improve the company’s culture as we prepare for the next phase of growth," the board said via press release.

"We continue to believe that the fundamentals of our business remain strong. But we are also convinced that the company can do even better."

Evolv has chosen co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Michael Ellenbogen as Interim President and CEO, as he imagined the long-term mission for the company.

“As a co-founder, I care deeply for this company and its customers, employees, and shareholders. I look forward to working closely with the board and our senior leadership team to advance our mission of creating a safer world while also driving the business forward," he said via press release.

The Evolv board also reaffirmed the decision to terminate George's contract was not in relation to the company's recent inaccurate financial statements and declaration to delay future statements.

“The Board has been evaluating leadership and performance for several months – long before we became aware of any potential issues relating to the company’s sales practices and financial reporting. With respect to that ongoing investigation, the board remains committed to completing a thorough investigation as expeditiously as possible. Our goal is to ensure the company’s financial reports are always current and reliable and that our organizational culture reflects our values of integrity and honesty. That is the only way we can regain the trust and confidence of our investors.”

Evolv's internal investigation is still ongoing, while the board aims to appoint a new CEO promptly.

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Football NSW's Women in Football Leadership Program conducted a 2-day face-to-face workshop at the Pullman Sydney Olympic Park. Twenty-three curated female participants from football organisations across NSW attended the workshop. This is part of a larger 5-week leadership program that has developed over 100 female participants.

The program consisted of mixed training through In-person workshops, self-guided electronic learning and online webinars. Topics consisted of sports governance, conflict management, personality types and team dynamics.

Monarch Management and Monica Beazley facilitated the program; Beazley spoke on the importance and necessity for the workshop,

"When like-minded women come together, they create a network of support, rich in life experience and inspiration that can drive real change."

The aims and aspirations of the program coincide with developing skills and growth, instilling confidence in women to pursue leadership roles and building networking opportunities for female support within the football industry. The program emphasises immediate skill growth and long-term leadership development.

The Football NSW's Women in Football Leadership Program started in 2023 and the networking aspect of the program has remained key for the participants in sustaining successful partnerships and connections within the male-dominated industry.

“As the facilitator of the Football NSW Women in Football Leadership Conference, I witnessed first-hand how these connections ignite growth and encourage us all to push forward. The greatest takeaway for me was realising just how many talented women are already shaping this sport," said Beazley.

Participants for the 2-day workshop were selected from governing bodies, football associations, NPL NSW clubs and referee branches.

Beazley noted the importance of female equality in leadership positions, "much work still lies ahead to ensure they feel equal, valued and truly at home in their clubs as leaders and change-makers."

The entire 5-week program is funded by the NSW Football Legacy Fund and the NSW Government. Commitment to a 2025 renewal of the program shows institutional support to achieve women in leadership positions around football.

The program highlights an effort to increase women's leadership and presence in football. The growing momentum of this program will continue and foster a positive culture for football.

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FIFA has unveiled Hisense as their first partner of the new FIFA Club World Cup, which will kick off for the first time in 2025.

Hisense, a global leader in consumer electronics, will have its TV's displayed throughout the tournament, in addition to company branding on stadium screens and in the video operation room.

Announced at a ceremony at the Shanghai Tower in China, Hisense’s partnership with FIFA will promote the company’s image and latest products on a global scale.

Hisense Group Chairman Jia Shaoqian spoke keenly about the deal at the event.

“We are proud to be an Official Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which is a competition among the top clubs from all six confederations, representing a dialogue between champions, a collision of first-class excellence. This perfectly aligns with Hisense’s pursuit of the champion spirit and our latest corporate goal to build a world-class enterprise and brand,” he said.

“As the pioneer in AI televisions, Hisense’s newly launched AI TV series is a perfect match for the FIFA Club World Cup. The technological foundation of Hisense AI TV is the independently developed Xinghai large model, which supports continuous smart upgrades across various appliance categories, significantly enhancing the user experience and market competitiveness. Together with FIFA, Hisense will present the best Club World Cup for global audiences.”

This latest partnership between FIFA and Hisense is not the first between the two, with both parties first collaborating in 2017 to sponsor the FIFA World Cup.

Also speaking at the launch ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino embraced the partnership.

“We are delighted to welcome Hisense, a global market-leading brand, as an Official Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Hisense’s commitment to innovation and technology aligns with our vision for this tournament, which will bring together the 32 best teams from around the world for an unforgettable celebration of our game that will revolutionise club football,” he said.

“This partnership will offer fans unique ways to engage with the tournament, both on and off the pitch, while laying a technological and innovation-led foundation for the FIFA Club World Cup to flourish.”

The FIFA Club World Cup will begin in the United States on June 15^th 2025, and run until July 13^th 2025.

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Under UEFA’s latest football strategy, Unstoppable, the association will invest $1.6 billion into Women’s football until 2030.

Developed with the backing of key football figures and organisations, Unstoppable aims to bolster and upgrade footballing pathways for girls and women, to improve the quality of future players and referees and increase fan participation.

From 2024 to 2030, UEFA investments and competition profits will be directed into senior and youth national team competitions, club competitions, clubs, associations and developmental activities.

The Unstoppable strategy has four goals for 2030:

• To establish football as the most played women’s sport across Europe.
• To establish Europe as football’s home of the best players and competitions, aiming for six professional leagues and 5000 professional players.
• To ensure football is the most sustainable and investment friendly women’s sport.
• To celebrate the unique, diverse and important values and community of women’s football.

UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin, was enthusiastic about Unstoppable.

“Unstoppable is our road map to lay the groundwork for a sustainable future, unlocking the full potential of women’s football," he said via press release.

“Our dedication to the cause remains as strong as ever. Our mission is simple – to help women’s football gain a prominent place in the European sporting community.”

UEFA managing director of women’s football, Nadine Kessler, said Unstoppable was an important step forward to boost the growth of female football.

“European women’s football has never been in a better place. National teams and clubs are excelling thanks to enormous investments, improved competition structures and thousands of emerging professional playing opportunities," she said.

"It is our promise to keep investing and collectively lead the game forward, with all European national associations, leagues, clubs, players, fans and partners part of our journey – because women’s football is Unstoppable.”

Unstoppable will build upon UEFA’s first women’s football strategy, Time for Action, that was launched in 2019.

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The Shepparton Cup was conducted over the weekend, with the event being the largest weekend junior football tournament ever held in Australia.

The 3-day event was a huge overall success, with a record breaking 313 teams competing in the tournament across 21 divisions.

Matches were spread across 38 pitches at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, Shepparton Sports City, Rumbalara and Wanganui Oval.

With around 4,000 players participating, 755 matches were played over the weekend - with finals matches concluding the event on Sunday.

“It was the biggest and smoothest tournament we’ve ever ran in our 17-year history,” Australian Football Skool (AFS) Director Rolando Navas told Soccerscene.

“There was of course really good football on show across the age groups and great sportsmanship, which was fantastic to see.

“I think the message is getting through about how important it is to provide a positive environment for kids to play sport in. It was pleasing to see everybody there, both players and parents/supporters, had a good time.”

Navas estimates that there were well over 12,500 people attending the event across both venues over the weekend, providing a giant boost to the local Shepparton area.

“You are talking about a wide range of people who are, at a minimum, staying in the city of Shepparton or close by for two nights,” he said.

“The economic impact was massive.”

[caption id="attachment_27095" align="alignnone" width="732"] Economic activity at Shepparton Cup - Image Credit: One Nil Media[/caption]

Director for Sustainable Development at Greater Shepparton City Council, Geraldine Christou, further explained the greater benefits the tournament had on the local community.

“Australia’s largest junior weekend football tournament right here in Greater Shepparton showcases the strength of our community spirit and our capacity to host major events that bring joy, talent, and visitors to our region,” she stated.

“The economic benefit of this tournament is immense with an estimated $3 to $4 million generated for the region, supporting our local businesses and creating lasting memories for thousands of young athletes and their families.

The Greater Shepparton City Council’s Parks, Sport and Recreation team played a big hand in the organisation of the tournament, which included looking after the setup of pitches to the placement of goals at the venues.

Football Victoria CEO Chris Pehlivanis, who attended the tournament over the course of the weekend, was impressed with the execution of it.

“I’m proud of the whole tournament, it was an amazing opportunity to come down here to Shepparton and see lots of boys and girls playing football and playing lots of games,” he stated at the event.

“I think most kids had six, seven, eight games which is an amazing opportunity and not only that, there was amazing organisation.

“Everyone should be extremely proud of what they have achieved here this weekend…the logistics, everything was run smoothly…the referees were great and all the parents and participants were great.”

[caption id="attachment_27096" align="alignnone" width="688"] Kids at play during the Shepparton Cup - Image Credit: One Nil Media[/caption]

The Shepparton Cup has continued to grow exponentially over the years, initially starting with just 30 teams in the inaugural tournament in 2007.

This year’s edition also featured a wide range of off the field activities that contributed to a carnival like atmosphere. There was live music, on stage entertainment, food trucks, a fun zone for players and families.

Navas detailed to Soccerscene that the enormity of the event was not lost on him and is investigating ways to make the competition better in the near future.

“(The growth of the event has been) overwhelming, compared to many of the previous years. It was the biggest by far this year and there was a great positivity around it.

“The plan is to not necessarily make it bigger in the future, just to tweak it and add more to it and make it a better experience for everyone.

“I’d love to be able to attract some more international teams, we are looking at that to see how we can get some of the Asian teams to come across to the event.

“This would be fantastic, as it would show the kids here how football is played in different parts of the world. The way we look at things is ‘if I was 10- or 12-years-old what would I want this tournament be?’

“That’s what drives a lot of our thinking and ultimately our initiatives. It’s important to us because if the kids have a good experience, they’re going to become better players and better people because of it.

“We’ve also received some really good information from the feedback surveys we put out, which is very beneficial in shaping the tournament suitably in future editions.”

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Football West has unveiled its second State Facility Report, highlighting significant infrastructure challenges across Western Australian football venues.

The comprehensive audit, conducted over the past 12 months, reveals pressing needs for facility improvements amid record growth in participation.

The timing is crucial, with football experiencing unprecedented popularity following the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Official data confirms football as Australia's leading team sport, with Western Australia seeing a 17% overall participation increase and an impressive 30% rise in female participation in 2024.

Key Findings:

• 58% of facilities lack female-friendly changerooms
• 52% are without female-friendly match official rooms
• 54% have inadequate shower facilities
• 27% have no lighting
• 44% have substandard lighting

Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell emphasises the key findings of the report and reiterates the necessity of investment in facilities.

"The importance of having adequate facilities for our community is crucial to supporting the development and growth of football and providing a good environment for our participants," he said via press release.

"The huge health, social and economic benefits from people playing sport are well documented and football in WA plays a big role in this."

The report aligns with both Football West's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 and Football Australia's One Football Strategy, underlining the urgent need for investment in football infrastructure.

Despite some recent facility upgrades, the audit indicates substantial additional investment is required to meet the growing demands of the sport.

This report points out that key infrastructure plans are funded primarily by government grants and investment support.

An area for private investment is possible but the development needed calls for more action from the government bodies for sport.

This initiative demonstrates Football West's ongoing commitment to improving football facilities across the state, ensuring they meet the needs of the rapidly expanding football community.

Football's rise to Australia's most-played sport is a very exciting opportunity and the rise in participation is a welcoming statistic.

Football West is speaking out with other football communities expressing that we shouldn’t let the significant growth in the sport become a more pressing challenge than what is in truth, a really exciting opportunity.

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Over 100 professional women’s football players, including five Australians, have signed an open letter urging FIFA to drop its major sponsorship deal with Saudi Aramco, a state-owned oil conglomerate.

In the letter published on Monday, 106 players from 24 countries called on FIFA to reconsider its partnership with Aramco, citing concerns over human rights violations, the oil giant is 98.5% owned by Saudi Arabia.

Among the signatories are Matildas stars Aivi Luik and Alex Chidiac, alongside Australian players Isobel Dalton (Perth Glory), Emma Ilijoski (Canberra United), and Winonah Heatley (Nordsjaelland).

The letter highlights how LGBTQ+ players are being asked to promote a company from a country where same-sex relationships are criminalised and also expresses concerns about the oil giant’s role in contributing to climate change.

FIFA signed a four year worldwide partnership deal with Saudi Aramco back in April, which includes rights across multiple major tournaments, including the World Cup 2026 and the Women's World Cup 2027. It's also expected that Saudi Arabia will win the bid for the 2034 Men's World Cup, signalling no real change in FIFA's morals.

The letter highlights multiple human rights violations against women, including fitness instructor Manahel al-Otaibi sentenced to 11 years in prison under 'anti-terror' laws for promoting female empowerment on social media, the week after the partnership between FIFA and Aramco was confirmed.

The letter also asks FIFA three important questions:

1. How can FIFA justify this sponsorship given the human rights violations committed by the Saudi authorities?
2. How can FIFA defend this sponsorship given Saudi Aramco's significant responsibility for the climate crisis?
3. What is FIFA's response to our proposal of the establishment of a review committee with player representation?

However, FIFA have spoken to ABC Sport about this issue where they mentioned the deal was unlikely to be removed despite these recent events.

"FIFA is an inclusive organisation with many commercial partners also supporting other organisations in football and other sports," the organisation said in a statement to ABC Sport.

"Sponsorship revenues generated by FIFA are reinvested back into the game at all levels and investment in women's football continues to increase, including for the historic FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 and its groundbreaking new distribution model.

"As well as the increased support for teams at the tournament last year, FIFA's updated Women's Football Strategy for 2023-2027 further highlights how commercial revenues are reinvested back into the development of the women's game. FIFA's financial figures are also published annually."

This bold stand by the 106 players represents one of the most significant pushbacks women’s football has seen against a major sponsor. It's inspiring to witness how outspoken these athletes have been, despite the powerful influence of such a controversial partner.

Women’s football, which has long faced neglect and inadequate playing conditions, has steadily improved as the game has grown, but it’s clear these players are not just content with progress—they’re pushing for greater accountability.

The sponsorship with Aramco, in light of its links to human rights abuses and its environmental impact, feels like a direct affront to the principles these athletes uphold.

Whilst FIFA currently remain quite hesitant to change this fact, there is momentum growing behind this movement and it's the only way change will be brought to the game.

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In 2025, the brightest minds in global sports will once again converge in Victoria for SportNXT Melbourne, the state’s premier sports business summit, supported by the Allan Labor Government.

Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events, confirmed earlier in the month that the three-day SportNXT event will return to Melbourne next March, featuring prominent speakers from around the globe to explore the latest trends in the sports industry.

Past speakers that have appeared for SportNXT have been Manchester United COO Collete Rochie, Football Australia CEO James Johnson, FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Head of Marketing Kim Anderson and Head Coach of Western United John Aloisi.

The SportNXT summit attracts participants from diverse organisations, such as the NFL, The Walt Disney Company, the NBA, and the Australian Sports Commission. The 2024 summit saw nearly 1,000 attendees and featured a program packed with discussions on key issues, including the latest advancements in sports technology.

During the summit, speakers and delegates have the opportunity to explore Melbourne's world-class sporting infrastructure, which has positioned Victoria as a global leader in attracting major sporting events.

SportNXT will highlight Victoria's strengths in sports innovation and technology, with 40 percent of Australia’s SportsTech companies located in the state, employing nearly half of the industry's national workforce.

First held in Melbourne in 2022, SportNXT showcases Victoria's vibrant events calendar, which contributes approximately $3.3 billion annually to the state's economy.

The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, mentioned the importance of this event.

“This three-day event brings global leaders from across the sporting world to Australia’s sporting and major events capital,” he said via press release.

“SportNXT has quickly become a must-do event for sporting heavyweights from around the world – and we’re giving them the chance to see first-hand how well we do major sporting events here in Victoria.”

SportNXT Co-Founder, Bart Campbell, mirrored the same thoughts.

“With the support of the Victorian Government, SportNXT brings together the most influential leaders in sport. It has delivered significant trade outcomes for the industry and is a must attend event for anyone engaged in the business of sport. It’s where senior executives from across the globe gather in Melbourne to connect, inspire and do business,” he said via press release.

Further details about SportNXT 2025, including the line-up of key speakers, will be confirmed in the coming months, for more information click here.

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has taken another significant step in safeguarding football in Asia by signing a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

Under this partnership, the AFC and IBIA will work closely to monitor and detect irregular betting patterns and suspicious activities in football matches across Asia.

Through IBIA’s Monitoring and Alert Platform, real-time data on suspicious betting activity will be shared with the AFC, enhancing its ability to swiftly investigate potential instances of match manipulation.

The AFC General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs, Andrew Mercer spoke highly of this partnership for the sport's integrity.

“The AFC’s Vision and Mission has outlined our steadfast ambitions to uphold the highest ethical and sporting standards, and we are committed towards preserving our key tenets of fair play and integrity," Mercer said in a statement.

“Leveraging on strong collaborations with the world’s leading organisations is imperative to our fight against match-fixing and this MoU with IBIA further strengthens our ability to ensure football in Asia remains clean for the benefit of our future generation of fans, players and all our valued stakeholders.”

CEO of IBIA, Khalid Ali, expressed a similar sentiment.

“Cooperation is a vital part of any effective integrity monitoring and investigatory framework and IBIA is delighted to be able to strengthen its relationship with the AFC through this important information sharing collaboration," Ali said in a statement.

"For its part, IBIA will seek to safeguard the AFC ecosystem by utilising the monitoring of its members’ global customer account activity, which covers over $300bn in sports betting per annum.”

This follows closely on the heels of the Chinese FA’s decision to impose lifetime bans on 43 individuals, including 38 players and five club officials, after a two-year investigation into match-fixing.

It's also become quite the issue across all sports in Asia, with football still the biggest culprit.

A recent study by Sportradar revealed that Asia experienced the largest increase in match-fixing incidents in 2023. The study, which monitored around 850,000 events and matches across 70 sports, identified 1,329 suspicious matches, with football accounting for the majority of these cases.

This MoU marks a major step forward in the right direction for the AFC in combatting the rising issue of match fixing in Asian football. The hope is to erase this in professional football all together.

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In the last fortnight, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) released their annual A-League Women’s report, providing an overview of the current state of the women’s game at the highest level in Australia.

Throughout the document the PFA pinpointed their key recommendation, make the A-League Women’s (ALW) competition a full-time professional league.

The association had previously earmarked this as their number one priority in the year prior, but have now doubled down – setting a timeline for implementation by the 2026-2027 season.

The timeframe has come from extensive feedback from stakeholders within the game, with the vast majority of players agreeing that action on this front must come sooner rather than later.

The report outlined in detail the difficulties players are having with the current part-time nature of the league - with most players not on 12-month contracts, minimum wages set at $25,000 and club salary caps sitting at $600,000 per season.

The representative body also highlighted the threat to the competition based on significant progress of other women’s sporting leagues here in Australia and more importantly overseas women’s football leagues.

“The global growth of women’s football presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the A-League Women,” PFA Co-Chief Executive Kate Gill stated.

“Our players recognise that the league must embrace full-time professionalism by 2026 to remain competitive on the global stage.

“Our league and club leaders must unite behind a new vision that drives professionalism, commercial growth, and investment.”

Competitions such as the UK Women’s Super League (WSL) and the US National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), have continued to build their presence in the global landscape.

The WSL has had a 700% increase in attendances, since establishing themselves as a full- time professional league in 2018.

The NWSL has recently increased its salary cap by 40% to $4.1 million for the 2024 season, after securing a significant broadcast deal worth 40 times more than their previous one.

Alongside this, a new American professional league, the United Soccer League’s Super League (USLS) launched in August of this year – with plans underway to continue to expand the competition.

These developments will continue to affect the ALW’s ability to not only retain but also attract talent to the Australian competition, as player salaries and conditions continue to rise in overseas leagues.

Of the 106 foreign player transfers into the ALW since 2018, 63 were Americans. 46% of the imported players (across all nationalities) came directly from the NWSL. With professionalism and club standards continuing to reach greater heights in competitions in America, for example, the ALW may continue to fall behind and not be an attractive proposition for foreign players coming into our competition, but also for players already competing in the ALW.

According to 2023-2024 end of season surveys conducted by the association, ALW players have now rated the NWSL as the second most preferred league to play in, behind the WSL in the UK.

In the previous year, 56% of ALW players put the ALW ahead of the NWSL on their respective lists, but a year later only 41% of players did the same.

It’s a clear sign that these leagues overseas are offering superior opportunities for players, which the ALW needs to try to combat and minimise this impact immediately.

With full time professionalism in the Australian competition set as a clear goal by the PFA, the commercial viability of the league will be at the forefront of any discussions around this.

The ALW did increase their crowds organically in the past season by 72 percent (on the back of a Women’s World Cup on home soil) however the PFA believes there were still strategic missteps that could have led to even further growth.

Based on fan focus groups setup by the organisation, newly converted Matildas fans were ignorant to details about ALW teams and schedules – due to a lack of promotion to spectators who attended international matches.

With the Women’s Asian Cup also to be played in Australia in two years’ time, the same mistakes cannot be made and capitalising on these home tournaments is paramount.

The 2026 Women’s Asian Cup is set to be an important part of the PFA’s proposed professional relaunch of the A-League women’s competition, using the major tournament to enhance the leagues visibility.

Alongside this, the report claims that an improvement of the ALW’s match presentation is needed - from consistent match day experiences, to appropriate venues for games and better broadcast standards.

All of these factors should, alongside overall improvements to club environments, lead to an attractive product that may eventually reap commercial rewards in the future.

The question is however, will the next step of initial investment towards a professional full-time A-League Women’s competition be taken?

The post Is it time to make the A-League Women a full-time professional competition? appeared first on Soccerscene.

Football Victoria has presented the local clubs that have been successful in receiving the 2024 FV Club Development Grants.

This grant program was focused on applicants who wanted to foster a new positive sporting environment at clubs. This grant aims to help with infrastructure development, programs and plans that will enhance Female and community participation and inclusivity.

The application round had a huge amount of clubs eager to engage in the wider goals of upgrading the experience of the sport for all age groups and areas, including a great number of metropolitan and regional clubs.

The Club Development grants are part of the wider “Our Football" Strategic Plan, a re-energised campaign to encourage investment and support of the many grassroots clubs that maintain the largest amounts of participants in football.

For many grassroots clubs, grants are the main source of investment and these programs can completely change the environments at clubs and support the growing numbers of participants.

Below are the clubs that have been successful in the application.

For the success of football in Victoria and Australia as a whole, grants such as this are crucial and necessary. Sport always needs investment and for one of Victoria's most played sports the funding helps build the support for the game.

Not only do these grant-worthy recipients receive the investment needed to continue unlocking the rising potential of future players and Australia’s football culture, this funding will importantly also help maintain the strong sense of community and inclusivity these clubs bring to the average Australian.

The Club Development Grants are a positive step for grassroots sport in Australia and one can hope a success story that can be built upon in the future.

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Football NSW has confirmed the appointment of two new Directors to its Board, welcoming Strebre Delovski and Dr. Neil Gibson to the organisation.

Strebre Delovski, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most accomplished referees, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Having officiated at international, national, and state levels, Delovski’s contributions to football extend beyond refereeing. He has previously served as National Director of Referees at Football Australia and was Chief Executive Officer of Wollongong Wolves Football Club until April this year. Currently, Delovski holds the position of Deputy Executive Director at the Master Builders Association of NSW, and his leadership experience in both football and business is expected to be a significant asset to Football NSW.

Dr. Neil Gibson also joins the Board with extensive leadership and academic experience across the professional sports, higher education, and government sectors.

Known for his ability to develop successful business strategies and lead teams to achieve shared goals, Gibson is currently Project Director for the redevelopment of an Olympic Legacy site for Blacktown City Council.

His previous roles include Head of Performance for Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian FC, as well as consultancy work with the Scottish Football Association, the English FA, and other sporting organisations.

Football NSW Chair, Gilbert Lorquet, discussed the importance of these two appointments for the future of NSW Football.

“To have the high calibre of both Strebre Delovski and Dr. Neil Gibson added to our current Football NSW Board only further strengthens our position in various areas to help continue developing our sport across the state,” Lorquet said in a statement.

“Both bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our organisation that can only bode well in assisting with the well-being and growth of Football NSW.”

These appointments are expected to strengthen the leadership team at Football NSW as the organisation continues to grow and develop the sport across the state.

According to their 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, the main targets by NSW Football would certainly be participation rates in grassroots football and improving academies to produce top level talent for the national teams (Aim to average 45% selection for national teams of all ages). These appointments will attempt to turn these into reality.

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At Lenovo’s annual Tech World innovation event, the technology giant was unveiled as the Official FIFA Technology Partner, FIFA’s highest sponsorship category.

This strategic partnership covers the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as well as the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.

Lenovo’s role as FIFA's technology partner will help enhance fan experiences, broadcasts, and football’s global reach by integrating cutting-edge technology across the tournaments.

With these two high-profile events serving as a global platform, Lenovo aims to strengthen its brand presence while contributing to the growth and accessibility of the sport worldwide.

Lenovo's technology portfolio, including innovations powered by artificial intelligence (AI), ThinkPad laptops, tablets, Motorola mobile phones, and servers, will play a key role in elevating the football experience.

These products and solutions will be used to power enhanced fan engagement in stadiums, improve global broadcasts, boost analytics, and democratise data for football-playing nations globally.

This collaboration is expected to have a far-reaching impact, as Lenovo and FIFA plan to leverage AI and other technologies to grow the game internationally and make football more accessible to a broader audience.

Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang discussed the excitement of implementing their technology on the world football stage.

“As one of the world’s leading technology companies, we’re delighted to partner with the world’s most global and popular sport," Yang said at the event.

"Lenovo will be powering the largest sporting and entertainment events in human history – events with more viewers, more nations participating, and an unprecedented global demand for data processing and technology.

“Lenovo is proud to support FIFA’s vision of leveraging technology to elevate the game, enhance the fan experience worldwide, and foster innovation that levels the playing field.

"We’re excited that our cutting-edge technology and AI innovation will take centre stage in the upcoming tournaments, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of smarter technology.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke about the organisations view on utilising tech to improve fan experience.

“At FIFA, we are committed to growing the game globally and making football accessible for all – and we are excited to welcome Lenovo to our journey, and to work with them to implement technologies, innovations and programmes that spread our sport," Infantino said at the event.

"Data and technology combined helps us to know fans better, and we will use it to create unparalleled and unforgettable fan experiences at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

“In Lenovo, we have a partner who will support us as we evolve and innovate, investing in digital technology and artificial intelligence for future generations.”

The primary focus of this partnership is to transform the fan experience, both in stadiums and through broadcasts.

Lenovo's cutting-edge AI technology is just one of the many innovations that will be leveraged to explore new possibilities in the ever-evolving fan engagement landscape.

This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to redefine what the future of broadcasting and fan interaction could look like, offering exciting potential for the next generation of football viewing experiences.

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Football NSW is excited to host the second annual Club Development Conference at Valentine Sports Park on Saturday, 1 February 2025.

The Conference aims to empower community clubs by providing valuable insights, information, and tools to enhance their capabilities and support continuous growth in participation.

The conference will feature workshops, panel discussions, and keynote presentations covering a range of topics, including:

• Club Leadership and Effective Governance
• Ensuring Player and Member Safety
• Strategies for Volunteer Retention and Engagement
• Transforming Club Operations for Success
• Facilities Development and Securing Funding Opportunities
• Leveraging Marketing, Communication, and Data Insights
• Promoting Positive Behaviour Among Players and Spectators
• Enhancing Opportunities for Women and Girls in Football
• Fostering Diversity and Building Inclusive Clubs

Tickets are currently available for purchase, with early bird pricing offered until December 31, 2024.

Click here for tickets.

Club Changer Ticket Offer

It has been confirmed that all Club Changer clubs will receive a complimentary ticket. To redeem the complimentary ticket, individuals should contact trevorh@footballnsw.com.au.

To qualify for a free ticket and progress toward the 1-star Club Changer accreditation before the conference, please fill out the expression of interest form and achieve your 1-star accreditation by December 9, 2024.

For more information about the event or anything else, click here.

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Queenslanders will go to the voting booths on October 26th, as the political campaigns ramp up for the final weeks, below are the outlined sporting election promises from major parties.

A big issue for voters at this year's election is the growing development for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games and the expensive ordeal that comes with hosting one of the world's biggest sporting events.

Outlined below are the promises and plans made by the differing parties.

Queensland Labor Party

The Queensland Labor Party is focused on the 2022 Activate! Queensland Strategy Accelerated its 5-year plan to 2025 and has recently brought out several sporting grants for next year to assist Queenslanders in grassroots sport.

The Minor Infrastructure Fund utilises 45 million dollars to make local sports grounds safe, easily accessible and encourages more inclusivity in the sporting environment.

Fair play vouchers under the new premier Steven Miles have been revamped with vouchers being upgraded from $150 to $200 to deal with the cost-of-living crisis. The Number of vouchers has also been upgraded number from 50,000 to up to 200,000.

The Community and Recreational Assets Recovery and Resilience Program, assisted by the federal government is a 75-million-dollar project to help sporting facilities damaged by the natural disasters of 2021-22.

The Labor party made headlines when it was decided that it wouldn’t build new venues for the 2032 Olympics, however, they did invest to restructure current venues.

Liberal National Party of Queensland (LNP)

Recently the Liberal party leader at Pine Rivers Football Club committed to investing 3.8 million dollars to the local facility. This launched the party's proposed sports program Games On!

Up to 250 million dollars dedicated to grassroots sporting clubs up to the 2032 Olympics. This funding will help deliver new or upgraded fields and courts, clubhouses, changerooms, or lighting.

David Crisafulli running state premier for the LNP has also said they will do a 100-day review on the infrastructure for the Olympic games and if there is a need for private and public funding for a new stadium for the Olympics.

The Queensland Greens

The Greens have been more vocal about sporting options announcing a $2.53 billion sporting package aimed at getting every young Queenslander into the game.

The Free Season pass plan will offer every Queenslander under 18 one free sporting program and a $150 equipment bonus costing $381 million on a four-year program.

Local sporting clubs are set to receive a major boost with $25,000 annual grants for registered clubs. The Greens are investing $50 million yearly to accommodate an expected surge of 110,000 new players.

Additionally, 200 million dollars will be dedicated to securing new sporting fields, with a strategic focus on flood-prone areas and high-growth suburbs facing space shortages.

Overall, all parties mentioned have delivered a range of plans to continue to support the sporting community in Queensland.

The Labor Party, as the current government is maintaining their original strategy from years past till 2025, more expansive plans will have to come later, though not expressing them leaves questions for their future endeavours.

The Liberals have announced their major funding but haven’t presented the promise with much detail to the public, it’s an exciting endeavour and if they win the majority in the coming election, the public will demand more understanding of how this funding will work out.

The Greens have outlined a comprehensive strategy to help sport but their position as a minor party puts them in a difficult place for gaining any power to deliver.

Elections at the state level focus on the big issues at heart and sport, especially football, has many times taken the backseat.

However, football, the state’s most participated sport, holds great importance in the local communities and their reliance on government funding does not go unnoticed by the general public.

With the Olympic games putting the spotlight on the state, will these parties keep their promises to promote Queensland sports and football? Time will tell.

The post The Queensland Election: the promises for the sporting community appeared first on Soccerscene.

Players' union FIFPRO, along with top European leagues, have filed an official complaint against FIFA, accusing the organisation of creating an "abusive" international match calendar.

The complaint is primarily aimed at FIFA’s decision to expand both the FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup, with the Club World Cup set to grow to 32 teams in 2025 and the World Cup expanding to 48 teams in 2026.

FIFPRO argues that the extended calendar violates European Union competition laws, compromises player safety and well-being, and describes FIFA’s actions as "abusive" and "unjustified."

In recent years, concerns over the oversaturated football schedule have become a frequent topic of discussion, with players and pundits alike raising the issue.

In total for the top five European leagues, 4,123 injuries were recorded during the 2023-24 season, costing clubs $1.19 billion, according to data published by global insurance intermediary group Howden. This was an all-time record and highlights this rather aggressive schedule that benefits no parties.

Prominent players such as Dani Carvajal, Thibaut Courtois, and Rodri have spoken out in recent months, voicing their frustration over the demands placed on players.

In July, the boards of FIFPRO and the European Leagues, which represent clubs across more than 30 countries in Europe, decided to take legal action.

FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier had strong words on the current situation and the board's plan of attack with this complaint.

"FIFA refuses to listen and engage with the players, the main labour resource of our industry, who are there on the pitch, creating a powerhouse of European and global entertainment culture, and pushing their bodies to the limit," he said to the media in a press conference.

"But we have listened to our players, have received the same messages for a long period of time, that they are playing too much and do not have enough time to recover. Ahead of the worst season ever for workload, many have also decided to talk in public with the same message: enough is enough."

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters also spoke briefly on this topic when asked about it earlier this month.

"It is getting to a tipping point. The feedback we have from players is that there is too much football being played and there is constant expansion," he said.

FIFA has yet to respond to the formal complaint, which has been lodged with the European Commission. Despite the mounting pressure, FIFA has consistently minimised concerns over player workloads, arguing that its new and expanded tournaments represent only a small fraction of the total matches played in a season.

The numbers, however, tell a different story. In the coming months, this issue is expected to play out both in court and in the media, with players intensifying pressure on FIFA. There has even been talk of potential protests or a strike during the season, a move that could severely damage football financially and as a product.

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Launched to mark the International Day of the Girl and aligned with its theme, "Girls’ vision for the future," the five-part "Talia takes on... Play Unstoppable Mentorship" series expands on LEGO’s "PLAY UNSTOPPABLE" campaign, highlighting the endless opportunities for girls when they can play freely.

This digital series, created by the award-winning production company Visual Domain, highlights opportunities for girls in Australian football, narrated through the voice and perspective of 15-year-old Talia Younis, a midfielder for the CommBank Junior Matildas and Western Sydney Wanderers FC.

Released over 15 days, each episode follows Talia as she engages with and receives mentorship from women in various roles within football, including:

• Administration – featuring Alyssar Narey, the only female CEO in the A-Leagues.
• Medical – with insight from CommBank Junior Matildas' physiotherapist, Dr. Stella Veith.
• Media – in partnership with sports and lifestyle photographer Kelsey Zafiridis.
• Coaching – alongside Zainab Jaber, head coach for community girls' football.
• Refereeing – mentored by Football NSW community referee Chloe Gray.

Each mentor shares her personal journey, offering Talia and the audience a deeper understanding of her career path and unique role within the game.

Girls are given the resources to begin their own football journey through online materials available on the OUR GAME website and social media, along with the chance for schools to host visits from the OUR GAME mentors for in-school sessions.

Talia Younis shared that the Play Unstoppable Mentorship provided valuable insight into the work of thousands of women who contribute to football each week, while also exploring her own journey beyond the field.

“As a player, you don’t always get the chance to see first-hand the incredible work so many people do that allows us to play the game we love,” she said via press release.

“Alyssar, Stella, Kelsey, Zainab and Chloe have shown me that there are so many more ways that I can be part of football beyond the pitch.

“From my experience during this Play Unstoppable Mentorship, I want girls to know that anything is possible for us in football. That we can be whatever we want to be with so many strong women leading the way as they make football better every day for girls like me.”

Although the number of women and girls playing football in Australia increased by 20% over the past year, women continue to lag behind in off-field roles within the sports industry, both in Australia and worldwide.

Justine McKenny, Senior Director and Head of Marketing for LEGO Australia and NZ, stated that highlighting these off-field roles is essential for empowering girls and expanding their vision for the future.

"The LEGO Group has been dedicated to inspiring and developing the builders of tomorrow through play for over 90 years and we know that the skills developed through LEGO play are equally relevant to all children,” she said via press release.

“We're excited to partner with Football Australia to help champion and stand up for girls’ creativity. Through the new OUR GAME content series, we hope to inspire and empower girls to explore the transformative impact of their creativity both on and off field.”

It will be widely promoted through digital channels and PR, utilising the strength of the women's sports fanbase. The series will be available on Football Australia’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X accounts, with the first episode launching on October 11 and the final episode airing on October 25, 2024.

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FIFA has entered into a partnership with Konami to use its eFootball game for the FIFAe World Cup.

This collaboration will feature two tournaments, one for console and one for mobile, with participants from 18 nations competing for the title of FIFAe world champion.

This move is part of FIFA's strategy to maintain relevance in gaming and esports, particularly in engaging younger fans. FIFA has also expanded its esports portfolio with deals involving Rocket League and Football Manager.

The partnership fills the void left by EA Sports following their high-profile split with FIFA in 2022. Konami's eFootball, an evolution of the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series, is currently the only comparable game to EA Sports FC on the market.

FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai, has championed the new deal highlighting their excitement at the prospect.

"We are incredibly excited to join forces with Konami, this collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to promote football globally and to provide a platform for players to showcase their skills."

Konami the Japanese gaming company, this partnership provides legitimacy and increased awareness for eFootball, which has struggled to compete with EA Sports in recent years.

The collaboration is seen as a necessary step for FIFA, given the lack of alternatives and the time it would take to develop a new soccer simulation game. It allows FIFA to continue its presence in soccer-based esports while exploring other gaming opportunities.

Esports has grown massively in viewership and investment over the last decades, it has become a major part of the franchising side of football.

Even in Australia the rise in Esports popularity has coincided with the rise in football popularity, one can not argue against their connection towards football popularity.

FIFA have shown that Esports has become an ever-present strategy in their development of the game. For investors and shareholders in football, Esports impact is something that should not be disregarded.

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The 2024 Australia Sports Innovation Week (ASIW), the Southern Hemisphere's premier sports technology event, takes place in Melbourne from Tuesday, October 22 to Friday, October 25, 2024. Attendees can explore a variety of events to tailor their ideal Sports Innovation Week experience.

Some of the events that will be included in the week are the following:

Women-led Design

Presented by Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN), this event showcases pioneering women founders who have transformed the industry with their innovative products and solutions in sports apparel, protective gear, health and fitness initiatives, and children's physical development.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with these innovations, uncover the stories behind their success, gain valuable insights into their design philosophies, and learn how they are influencing the future of sports, participation, and sportstech.

This event is ideal for those interested in the convergence of sports, technology, and women-led innovation.

Click here to find out more information about this event.

Performance Workshop Series

The Performance Workshop Series is crafted to provide an overview and insights into three critical areas where cutting-edge sports psychology approaches can be applied to sports clubs, organisations, and athletes.

Over the course of three workshops, attendees will gain a foundational understanding of developing a performance psychology curriculum, creating high-performance environments, and implementing mental conditioning programs.

Participants have the option to attend individual workshops or all three sessions.

Click here to find out more information.

Sport Textiles Innovation Workshop

In recent years, sporting apparel has undergone significant innovation, driven by research into new materials, manufacturing techniques, seamless bonding technologies, and other advancements that are paving the way for new consumer and professional sportswear.

The RMIT textiles team will offer insights into recent industry collaborations and projects, along with a tour of their textiles research and testing lab, which is spearheading innovation in Melbourne.

Click here for more information about this workshop.

Industry professionals should attend these events at Sports Innovation Week to stay ahead of cutting-edge developments in sports technology, network with leaders and innovators, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends shaping the future of sports, performance, and athlete well-being.

These events provide opportunities to learn about groundbreaking advancements, from performance psychology to sports apparel, that can enhance their expertise and drive innovation in their own organisations.

Click here to learn more about the other events.

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Queensland's sporting community will benefit from comprehensive state government grants, which will help kids join local clubs, support elite athletes, and upgrade facilities.

For children

• Access up to $200 in FairPlay vouchers per eligible child to assist with sport and recreation club membership costs.
• Support of up to $800 is available through Emerging Athlete Pathways for athletes and officials under 18 attending state, national and international competitions.

For clubs and organisations

• Become a registered organisation to accept FairPlay vouchers, allowing eligible children to use up to $200 towards membership, registration or participation fees.
• Register your organisation's competitions at state, national and international levels through Emerging Athlete Pathways to enable athlete and official funding eligibility.
• Apply for the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund to create accessible, safe and inclusive community sport and recreation spaces.
• Not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations can access Active Clubs funding to support volunteers and deliver flexible, safe physical activities to boost participation.

Disaster recovery

• Eligible not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations affected by significant weather events can apply for up to $5,000 through the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program to restart operations.

Other Sports and Recreation funding sources

• Explore funding opportunities for not-for-profit organisations through your local council.
• Contact your state sport and recreation organisation for information about activity-specific funding options.
• Access various funding programs for individuals and sporting organisations through Sport Australia.

Sporting clubs have always been vocal about the importance that government backing has in the upkeep of the sporting industry.

Though it will take time to see the full effect of these grants, this comprehensive list of grants shows that Queensland’s government is dedicated to supporting its sporting industry.

It’s a positive sign and hopefully, it will help increase the sporting output and relieve the financial stress for the people of Queensland. A strong sporting Queensland is a benefit for sport in the country as a whole.

Learn more here.

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Football Victoria has confirmed an agreement with Vinage Customs to be the creators of the signage for The Home of the Matilda's facility.

Established in 2013, Vinage Customs specialises in design, print and signage, this collaboration with Football Victoria will see innovative signage solutions implemented throughout the football facility.

Vinage Customs has worked with tier 1, 2 and 3 commercial builders and developers making a range of signage options. They have also produced signage for smaller businesses and interested parties.

Vinage’s Customs Director Adrian D'Altorio expressed his excitement at the deal.

"Vinage is proud to be a part of the FV family at The Home of the Matildas, offering our premium signage services and building a long-term business relationship," he said via press release.

The sentiment was echoed by FV's Commercial Executive Manager, Chris Speldewinde via press release. 

"We're thrilled to have Vinage Customs on board as the Preferred Signage Partner. Their expertise will add tremendous value to our venue, enhancing the visual experience for everyone involved."

Vinage Customs will receive exclusive brand promotion opportunities through FV while delivering its comprehensive signage solutions to the venue. This partnership aims to contribute to the ongoing development of The Home of the Matildas.

As a locally based company in Tullamarine, Melbourne, this partnership showcases FV’s focus on getting local businesses involved in all aspects of the footballing community.

It also indicates to interested local investors and businesses that FV is more than willing to be more engaged with and promote local growing businesses.

Not only is the Home of the Matildas a place to find and grow local footballing talent, but Football Victoria is also making the facility a place to discover and support local growing businesses and investors.

This is a positive move in connecting the local business community with the growing local talent in the footballing world.

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Shoko Tsuji has been appointed as the new General Secretary of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania. She brings extensive experience from her time at FIFPRO's global headquarters, where she has overseen player relations strategy and managed the Global Player Council (GPC) since 2022.

In her role at FIFPRO, Tsuji played a key role in organising players across Asia and Oceania, including at major tournaments like the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, and the AFC Asian Women’s Club Championship. She also oversaw divisional research, conducted player surveys, and facilitated general assemblies in locations including New Zealand, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.

Tsuji's appointment represents a major milestone for FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, as she is the first Asian woman to assume the role of General Secretary.

Looking back on her appointment, Tsuji is excited to take on the role as a spokeswoman for the region’s growth.

“I’m excited to take on this role and continue advocating for the region’s growth and influence. Increasing Asian and Oceanian representation in international sports governance has been a lifelong passion of mine,” she said via press release.

"As FIFPRO’s first-ever Asian hire, I’ve continuously pushed for greater inclusion of Asia/Oceania players in our global projects and campaigns, and I’m excited to bring my knowledge and passion to this role.

Takuya Yamazaki, Chair of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, expressed his approval of Tsuji's appointment.

"Shoko’s passion for and understanding of the region, combined with her global experience and track record at FIFPRO make her the ideal leader to drive the Division’s agenda forward," he said via press release.

"Her dedication to ensuring Asia/Oceania’s voice is heard and her strategic approach will be instrumental as we continue to enhance conditions and opportunities for players in this diverse and rapidly growing football region."

Tsuji will oversee the execution of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania's strategic plan in collaboration with the division's board and member unions.

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