When FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced in January that the 2026 World Cup would be expanded from 32 teams to host 48, it evoked widespread negativity from the football World. However, none that reacted to that meeting in Zurich with discontent, could have anticipated what would follow 11 months later. As a dramatic World Cup qualification campaign culminated in …
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From sponsorship to the ever-expanding world of football media coverage, when it comes to the business of football, SBC has got you covered. The first biweekly review tackles the continuing saga of overseas TV rights money, as well as looking at some of the winners and losers from World Cup Russia 2018 qualification. Sky Sports backlash over Amazon Man City deal …
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For betting operators, the countdown to next Summer’s showpiece event, the World Cup in Russia is well and truly underway. The 2014 tournament in Brazil saw a 750% increase in mobile bets compared to the World Cup in South Africa four years previous. Therefore, for LeoVegas, an operator that takes pride in its efficient and engaging mobile service, the World Cup …
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Gordon Strachan has inevitably been relieved of his duties as Scotland manager following the disappointing 2-2 draw with Slovenia in Ljubljana five days ago. That result ended any hopes of a second placed finish in Group F and a playoff berth, with the 2018 Russia World Cup now a mere pipe dream, one that will mark twenty years since the …
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Tuesday’s dismal defeat at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago, meant that the United States Men’s National Team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Whilst the poor performances of Bruce Arena’s side will have caused widespread disappointment amongst US Soccer fans, the devastation will be elevated for executives at 21st Century Fox, who …
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As the enduring South American World Cup qualifying process draws to a close, football fans are left contemplating the possibility of a World Cup without Lionel Messi and Argentina. A disparaging draw with Peru last week has left La Albiceleste desperately needing a victory over Ecuador tonight if they want to save their dwindling World Cup hopes. Although Argentina have …
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Group director of E-Commerce at Romanian bookmaker Superbet, Jamie Hart identified how he believes bookmakers will innovate ahead of next Summer’s World Cup. As part of a panel at Betting on Sports 2017, Hart discussed how the World Cup can help provide bookmakers with the perfect opportunity to engage with a wider audience. Hart said: “Everyone uses the world cup …
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Paddy Power has rewarded the faith of one optimistic Irish fan, who despite seeing his nation’s hopes of qualifying next Summer’s World Cup dampened, backed Ireland to lift the Jules Rimet trophy in Russia. A defeat at the hands of Serbia left Ireland’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance, however this didn’t stop one plucky Irishman taking a gamble on his …
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For a number of years’ FIFA Football has ranked amongst the world’s top-selling video games, bridging a vital gap between generations’ of console gamers. However, despite FIFA’s popularity, the game has yet to crack the top echelon of competitive esports play and competition. Esports Insider’s Ollie Ring details what he believes is hindering FIFA’s progress within esports ranks and why …
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Bookmakers appear tepid on the prospect of an enlarged 48-team FIFA World Cup for 2026. Last week, the FIFA Council voted unanimously in favour of President Gianni Infantino’s expanded 48 team format, which drew criticism from multiple football stakeholders. At present, the expanded 48 team tournament will see an opening stage of 16 groups of three teams, with the top …
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