Reminder that in the past two four-year cycles (i.e. three loss-making years plus a World Cup year), FIFA have made $1.2billion in profit each time Already high ticket prices for Qatar 2022 generated $686m revenue for FIFA, and that's not including hospitality

And every time someone vouches for the removal of most/all limits on owner funding in football, just point them golf's way: £4billion invested, and counting, with no end in sight to the losses And it's a drop in the ocean compared to PIF's wider business activity

LIV Golf Ltd, the United Kingdom-based entity which manages the upstart golf league’s activities outside of the United States, lost £461.8million in 2024 ($590.1million). Full story from Chris ⬇️ 🔗 theathletic.com/6686158/?utm_m…

Broadcast rights deals are key to the financial health of sports leagues LIV Golf's non-US arm generated just £2.8million in broadcast income in 2024, seven times less than the prize pot of a single LIV event Full story on LIV Golf finances The Athletic: nytimes.com/athletic/66861…

Everton's owners carried out a further £45m share issue on 29 September, on top of £56m issued in August It takes #EFC owner funding since their December 2024 takeover to £334.4m - £233.4m issued then was used to clear off some existing external debt

Goals tonight from Antoine Semenyo (two), George Dobson and Patrick Roberts. The arc of history bends towards Sunderland AFC's League One tenure

A lot has changed since the preseason AP Poll 👀 Which preseason top 10 team surprised you the most?

A look at how Madrid are rebranding the Bernabeu as a destination for events which raise revenues 365 days a year, not just as the place Mbappe and Bellingham play every fortnight nytimes.com/athletic/66861…

Robin Roefs is fast becoming a slam dunk signing for Sunderland. Played every Premier League minute so far, made crucial saves in crucial results, takes pressure off his team with claims and kicks, and the fans adore him. He cost a smidge over £10 million. Bargain.

It's now been five days since I broke the news that Nigel Farage is not declaring his income to Parliament. The Observer ran a piece on Saturday saying the same thing. Have any other single news broadcasters run with this? Nope. Any news on the Russian spy at Reform? Nope.

Brilliant read here on Russell Martin's (latest) demise

Football finance PSA: Capology wage figures are based on little reliable, bear no clear resemblance to published club wage bills and should not be looked upon for accuracy (or anything else really) Prominently cited in a national outlet today and, well, come on

Remember when the govt was going to bin the football regulator? Well, they didn’t & this week we’ve had the formal appointments to the board & now a CEO, ex-EY partner Richard Monks (below). His regulatory know-how should combine well with David Kogan’s media rights expertise.