FC Barcelona expands with Mexican television channel

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FC Barcelona
Image credit: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

FC Barcelona has broadened its reach with television channel Afizzionados, who became the LaLiga side’s official regional partner until 2026.

Afizzionados is a pay-tv channel that focuses entirely on sports, including live game broadcasts, debates, interviews, news, and analysis. Super Estadio and Vamos América are two of its original productions, with exclusive content covering the major European teams.

FC Barcelona, via this new agreement with Afizzionados, has been able to expand its worldwide network of partners. Afizzionados is broadcast on izzi 503/801 and Sky 545/1545 signals in Mexico.

Vice President of FC Barcelona Marketing Area, Juli Guiu, said via press release:

“Thanks to the agreement with afizzionats we can get a little closer to our Mexican supporters with audio-visual experiences and content associated to the football world. This will enhance the sense of belonging among Mexican fans, a country for which Barça has a special love.”

The partnership acts as another major step in growing FC Barcelona’s presence in Mexico, a country they have had close connections with since 1937. During the height of the Spanish Civil War, the club made one of its most important international tours of all time, which served as a driving force for the club in difficult times. As part of the deal, millions of Afizzionados subscribers will have access to special content and experiences modified for Barca supporters, which include draws for tickets for games at Spotify Camp Nou and men’s and women’s football shirts.

General Sales Manager for Izzi and Sky, Michel Bauer, added via press release:

“This new deal with such a high calibre sports club as FC Barcelona is a unique opportunity for us to continue advancing our mission to become the first-choice sports channel among consumers. We are also delighted to offer a chance for all Barça fans in Mexico to get a bit closer to and be more united to the Catalan club.”

The partnership will extend the prolific relationship shared between FC Barcelona and Mexico. Along with the deal with Afizzionados, FC Barcelona’s Exhibition appearing in Guadalajara and Monterrey early last year is a key step in fostering stronger ties with Mexico.

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Football NSW announce price freeze for junior and youth players

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has announced a fee freeze for junior and youth community players in 2027, continuing its pledge to keep the game accessible for everyone across the state. 

In addition, senior players aged 19 and above will see their registration fee increase by just $1.50. Both junior and youth player fees will remain the same at $54.43, whilst senior members will pay $107.50.

The fee freeze highlights Football NSW’s commitment to keeping the game financially convenient for both players and families. 

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, said via Football NSW, “Football is the game of the people, and we recognise the importance of keeping participation accessible for families across our state. By freezing our registration fees for junior and youth players in 2027, we are continuing to support the next generation of footballers and help ensure that cost is not an unnecessary barrier to participation.”

The decision comes following similar price freezes at Football Queensland and Northern NSW Football in 2025. 

Despite the governing bodies acting separately, their unity on maintaining affordability throughout the game is a welcome sign. Managing to keep fees at an fair rate for families is a key component in sustaining grassroots football across the country.

“We have worked hard to manage the pressures facing the game, particularly around insurance, while ensuring Football NSW can continue to deliver the services and support our clubs, associations and participants expect,” said Tsatsimas. 

Despite the cost of living crisis, it is important that the game remains accessible for everyone. Football NSW have identified that even during tougher financial times, they can keep it that way. 

Through diligent financial handling, especially with care surrounding insurance and inflation (more of which can be read here), they are prioritising the game long-term over a short financial gain.

This fee freeze will directly impact the senior players and the families of younger members, too. The decision makes football not only more accessible, but provides more opportunities for players to strive for the highest levels of the game. 

Football Victoria demands more Victorian Government support amid grassroots boom

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Marlborough Street Reserve. Credit Football Victoria

Football Victoria is targeting Victorian Government funding for Glen Eira FC, in order to improve the club’s facilities and accommodate a recent surge in participation.

The interest and demand in football across Melbourne is ever growing, and Glen Eira FC is one such example.

Located in Melbourne’s inner south-east, the club has more than 1,100 players with nearly 95% of them aged 18 or under. In the suburb of Bentleigh alone, football participation has increased 18% alongside female engagement growing 76% in recent years.

However, at Marlborough Street Reserve, the conditions of the pitch – specifically during winter – can curb accessibility. Wet weather, non-stop usage and limited capacity make it difficult to accommodate all club members. This results in restricted training and playing opportunities.

Lachlan Cole, Football Victoria’s Head of Government Relations & Facilities, said via Football Victoria: “The story at Glen Eira FC is one we are seeing right across Victoria and specifically in Metropolitan Melbourne. Participation is growing, particularly among juniors, women and girls, but the infrastructure needed to support that growth is buckling under the weight of demand.”

To tackle this, both Football Victoria and Glen Eira FC want to convert the existing pitch to a synthetic surface and provide improved lighting for the ground. This would create a more reliable environment for players and support the growing demand for football in that community.

Speaking to Football Victoria, Glen Eira FC President Odilia Wijburg said, “A new sporting precinct with a synthetic pitch would be a game changer, providing year-round access, supporting participation growth and creating a lasting community asset that will benefit local families for generations.”

These issues are not exclusive to just Victoria, but are instead seen nation-wide. Football NSW recently pledged over AUD 200,000 to three amateur clubs to help upgrade their facilities and support the local communities.

Despite the increased interest in the game, the lack of reliable infrastructure, especially in grassroots football, leaves not only local areas without proper facilities, but creates a complicated road for young players hoping to navigate to the top of the game. 

Without the support of the Victorian Government, grassroots football could suffer an underwhelming fate. If the game is not supported from the bottom, the top might not reap the rewards of the next generation. And if that happens, alongside local communities, both the domestic leagues and the international team may suffer.

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