In 2024, the number of European football club takeovers plummeted to 23, half of last year's figures, attributed to high valuations, legal disputes, and a downturn in the broadcasting market, as reported by various sources. Italy's government is contemplating lifting a ban on sports gambling sponsorships, following requests from the Italian Football Federation and Serie A clubs to enhance revenue, with a decision likely from the Senate Culture Committee soon.
Juventus reported a significant annual loss of €199.2 million but anticipates breaking even soon. Meanwhile, private equity firms are shifting investments toward football agencies rather than clubs, with Bruin Capital and TJC forming As1 to capitalize on rising player branding. British players are increasingly moving to Italy’s Serie A for new opportunities, with talent revitalization drawing them away from limited roles in the Premier League.
Amazon is trialing a pay-per-view model for sports streaming through its Prime platform, aiming to transform football broadcasts amid industry challenges. Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini has invested in Mercury/13 to promote women's football, signifying escalating support for female athletes.
Moreover, Portugal's footwear industry is progressing upmarket with a €600 million investment plan supported by EU funds, focusing on modernization and asserting itself as Europe’s second-largest shoe producer after a sales boost. The Italian government is also setting up a committee to oversee sports club finances for fair competition. Finally, the European Court of Justice ruled that FIFA and UEFA's rules on interclub competition approvals violate EU law, impacting football governance across the continent, as reported by various news outlets.
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