Climate activists, including athletes, are calling on FIFA and other sports organizations to end partnerships with the oil and gas industry, targeting Saudi Aramco as the exclusive energy sponsor for the World Cup. Protests are planned at multiple World Cup stadiums and sports arenas.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland delivered standout performances in recent World Cup matches. Messi scored a hat-trick, Mbappé set a new national scoring record for France, and Haaland netted two goals in his GWC debut.
Protesters will target Hyundai at a World Cup rally in Guadalajara, criticizing its business ties with mining company Ternium, accused of environmental damage and links to activist disappearances. The rally coincides with a Mexico-South Korea game.
Japanese companies, once major World Cup sponsors, have disappeared from the event due to a shift to B2B business and the burden of the weak yen. Their absence has been filled by companies from the Middle East, South Korea, and China.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino aims to attend two World Cup games daily, utilizing a private jet provided by Qatar Airways. This ambitious schedule spans the US, Canada, and Mexico, covering vast distances and multiple time zones, a stark contrast to the more compact 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Rio Branco AC terminated its sponsorship with Blackbox, a company investigated in Operation Narco Fluxo for alleged money laundering and illegal betting operations. The company, which also sponsored other local football clubs, is accused of moving over R$1.6 billion.
President Trump is hosting a UFC event at the White House on his birthday, attracting donors and lobbyists. Sponsorship packages cost over $1 million, with political consultants advising clients to buy them. Top fighters like Jon Jones and Conor McGregor were unavailable, with McGregor's eligibility questioned due to anti-doping rules and past controversies.
Canada's immigration authority (IRCC) issued a warning about marriage fraud in spousal sponsorship applications. It urges citizens to be cautious of red flags like quick marriages, multiple past relationships, and lack of background information, highlighting potential legal and financial consequences for victims.
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned football clubs, including Premier League teams, against sponsorship deals with unauthorized crypto and trading firms, citing risks to fans and potential legal liabilities for clubs.
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has warned football clubs, including Premier League teams, about sponsorship deals with unauthorized crypto businesses, citing risks to fans and potential breaches of financial laws.
FIFA anticipates record revenues for the 2026 World Cup, with sponsorship contributing $2.69 billion, a 53.5% increase from the previous cycle. New sponsors and the North American hosting have boosted commercial deals, while FIFA implements 'clean venues' to protect brand value.
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has cautioned top football clubs against signing sponsorship deals with unauthorized international financial firms, particularly crypto and trading platforms, warning that these firms may be targeting unsuspecting fans and breaching UK laws.
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are projected to be the two richest golfers globally in 2026, with a combined net worth estimated between $430M-$470M, driven by prize money, endorsements, and investments.
A UK tribunal ordered Swan Care Solutions Ltd to pay £30,000 to Shabin Shaji, a Kerala native brought to the UK on a healthcare visa. Shaji received no work or pay, relying on charity, and the agency's license has been revoked.
Bitburger is leveraging its traditional slogan for the World Cup, hoping to boost market share amidst declining beer sales. The company is also focusing on non-alcoholic beers and diversifying investments outside its core brewing business.
Galatasaray's $5M sponsorship with TurboTech divides fan opinions on financial stability and competitive advantage.
Wang Xiyu, ranked 148, wins at French Open; Olympic champ Zheng Qinwen's rankings drop amid recovery and sponsorship concerns.
Tui has ended its sponsorship of the UK's Married at First Sight after rape and sexual misconduct allegations surfaced. Ofcom is reviewing guidance for reality shows, while Channel 4 expressed deep sorrow for the distress caused.
Tui has withdrawn sponsorship from UK, Australian, and US versions of Married at First Sight following rape allegations during filming of the UK show. Channel 4 and production company CPL are facing scrutiny.
FIFA's top sponsorship tier is exclusive, with long-standing partners like Adidas and Coca-Cola. New entrants like Lenovo and ADI Predict Street are joining for the 2026 World Cup, focusing on AI and fan engagement, reflecting FIFA's evolving priorities beyond traditional visibility.
Red Roses are reaping rewards of investment with call for others to follow their lead to increase jeopardyA world record winning streak stretched to 36 matches, no defeats in the Six Nations since 2018 and none at all since the 2022 Rugby World Cup final: England’s dominance of women’s rugby is undeniable but is it bad for the game?Before addressing that question as England prepare for their penultimate 2026 Six Nations match against Italy in Parma on Saturday, another needs to be answered – why are the world champions so dominant? The simple answer is the investment made by the Rugby Football Union. Of course the big player pool and talent play a huge part but they have been able to develop professionally since full-time contracts were announced in 2018. Alongside they have invested in marketing, getting sponsorships and gradually building crowds by showcasing the team across the country. Continue reading...
Entain wants no operators unlicensed in UK as sponsorsTwo clubs did not advertise such companies this seasonThe Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has been urged to stop Premier League clubs from accepting sponsorship from gambling companies unlicensed in the UK in the latest public consultation over its licensing regime.Entain, the global sports betting company that owns Ladbrokes and Coral, has submitted a response to the IFR asking for a clarification of its guidance that would prevent clubs from doing commercial deals with operators unlicensed in the UK. Continue reading...
Two Lanarkshire businessmen who publicly projected success through sponsorships and luxury branding were unmasked as organisers of an £11 million cocaine trafficking network after EncroChat messages exposed their operation. Despite maintaining a respectable corporate image, greed and excess drove their criminal enterprise. Their prison sentences reinforce a warning: organised crime eventually collapses under scrutiny, regardless of wealth, image or influence.
India’s chess boom is inspiring young talents, but families face huge financial and logistical struggles behind the scenes. Parents spend lakhs on foreign tournaments, visas, travel, and coaching, often without sponsorship or federation support. Many also deal with poor tournament systems in India and scams abroad. Despite rising success stories like Vaishali and Gukesh, chess parents say survival in the sport remains extremely difficult.
