The Football Association of Finland adopted a data-driven approach to increasing player numbers and growing commercial revenue as part of its participation in the Uefa GROW development programme. In this extended report, David Walmsley looks at the way it tried to achieve these objectives.
Our latest on Covid-19
Women’s World Team Squash Championship cancelled due to Covid upsurge in Malaysia
The 2020 Women’s World Team Squash Championship in Kuala Lumpur has been cancelled after the city was placed in lockdown to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Initial signs with Australian Open, extra WTA event for quarantined players
The Australian Open tennis tournament has named global hygiene services brand Initial as the ‘Official Hygiene Partner’ of the 2021 Australian Open.
DFL seeks to accelerate Virtual Bundesliga’s growth with ESL partnership
The DFL has entered into a partnership with esports giant ESL, with the long-term aim of making its Virtual Bundesliga a comparable prospect to its traditional football competitions. Adam Nelson speaks with the DFL's Andreas Heyden and ESL's Ralf Reichert.
Lower league football | Exeter City’s turbulent past equips it to cope with Covid-19 crisis
English lower league club Exeter City's personal commitment to commercial partners has put the club on solid ground during the Covid-19 crisis. Callum McCarthy speak to club chairman Julian Tagg about the club's journey thus far and the hard road ahead.
Manchester City launches Alipay partnership in China
English Premier League club Manchester City has announced a partnership with digital payments company Alipay to launch a digital ecommerce and experiences portal for fans in China
Fifa launches music initiative with Universal Music Group
Football’s world governing body has launched 'Fifa Sound', a fan engagement initiative combining music and football created in partnership with global music company Universal Music Group.
Leeds recruit Grabyo’s Duckmanton to head global content, digital strategy
Premier League side Leeds United has recruited Grabyo’s Aaron Duckmanton as its head of global content and digital strategy.
Dynamo Kiev and blockchain platform Moonwalk provide fan-focused digital offering
Ukrainian Premier League football club Dynamo Kiev has agreed a deal with blockchain company Moonwalk through which it is claimed a first-of-its-kind sports ecosystem will be developed centred around the…
New York sees big potential in online sports betting, but operating model unclear
New York, America's fourth most populous state and home to its largest media market, is on the cusp of legalizing online sports betting. But there remains significant political disagreement about the operating model in which it would happen. US Editor Eric Fisher explores the potential and pitfalls of opening up the Empire State to mobile sportsbooks.
India’s Asian Cup bid signals burgeoning ambition to be a sporting power
All India Football Federation president Praful Patel says hosting the 2027 Asian Cup will hasten India's big ambitions in football and sport more generally.
International Women’s Cup unveils plan to become direct rival to Relevent’s Women’s ICC
SportBusiness speaks to John Reynal, the founder of Onside and FXE Futbol, about the strategy behind the IWC and the potential threat of legal action from Relevent Sports.
The Premier League waits for sun to shine on chilly UK media market
The Premier League usually auctions its domestic media rights halfway through its three-season cycle, but Covid has uprooted its plans. Callum McCarthy examines the likely bidders and the league's hopes for an uplift in the value of the rights.