Argentine Football Association connecting with SmartSoft Gaming in digital sponsorship

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AFA and SmartSoft Gaming
Image credit: Fabideciria / Shutterstock.com

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has entered into its first European-only digital sponsorship with SmartSoft Gaming, in a deal that aims to strengthen the commercial presence of Argentinian football in Europe.

The deal comes as part of a concerted effort by the AFA to capitalise on the recent success of its football teams, particularly its men’s national team, which lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar last year.

SmartSoft is a Georgian-based gaming software company that provides innovative and high-quality virtual gaming experiences to players all over the world. SmartSoft describes itself as a pioneer of non-traditional casino games, and aims to transform such games into the mainstream for casino operators.

SmartSoft will help market Argentinian football to its European clientele through its various gaming products and software. This is tipped to include perks for SmartSoft customers, such as autographed t-shirts, match tickets and exclusive access to the national teams.

“Through this partnership with the Argentine Football Association and the Argentine National Team, we embark on a journey that unites passion and excellence, where the worlds of business and gaming converge with the magic of Argentine football,” SmartSoft Managing Partner Guga Gotsadze said via press release.

According to the AFA, the partnership signifies its intent to consolidate its global leadership position and connect with new markets across the world. Commercial and Marketing Manager of the AFA, Leandro Petersen, elaborated further on this.

“Over the last few years we have established a strategic vision and objective for our Association, to regain international prestige and global commercial attractiveness. This sponsorship agreement in the European territory with SmartSoft is the confirmation of our strategy,” Petersen added.

“Together with SmartSoft we will develop commercial and marketing actions both digitally and at international industry events, in this way AFA will be at multiple global events alongside the technology leader like SmartSoft.”

The unique partnership between the AFA and SmartSoft provides further evidence of the ways in which national football associations are building their commercial image on the international stage.

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Isabella Mossin awarded Ninja A-League Women Referee of the Year

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Image credit: Football NSW

The youngest recipient since its inception, Mossin will officially receive the award after leading the Ninja A-League Grand Final 2026 on Saturday.

 

A rapid rise

After debuting in 2023, Mossin has quickly proved quality, composure and confidence as a referee in the Ninja A-League.

As a result of the achievement, Mossin will be the appointed referee for this weekend’s Grand Final between Melbourne City FC and Wellington Phoenix.

After beginning in the North West Sydney Football Association, Mossin then honed her craft with the Football NSW Referee Academy, a journey with foundations truly embedded in youth development and grassroots football.

Thus, Mossin is not just am individual success story, but a symbol of what institutional investment and opportunities can do for young women looking for a pathway to the game.

 

Celebrating success

The plaudits, unsurprisngly, are arriving from across Australia’s football landscape, with many emphasising the incredible standards set by Mossin since her debut just three years ago.

“This award is testament to Isabella’s hard work and dedication to refereeing, and a great reflection of the next generation of referees coming through the system in Australia,” said A-Leagues CEO, Steve Rosich.

“At just 25 years of age, she has consistently demonstrated composure, leadership, strong decision-making and the ability to perform under pressure in some of the biggest matches in the competition,” highlighted Football Australia Head of Referees, Jon Moss.

“Having someone refereeing their first Ninja A-league Women’s Grand Final at the age of 25 years should inspire all girls and young women referees (and potential referees) and show them that age is not a barrier to talent being recognised within Football Australia refereeing,” said Chair of Football Australia Referee Committee, David Elleray.

Given Mossin’s reputation and experience already at the top level of women’s football in Australia, there is no doubt that she will rise to the occasion this Saturday.

LALIGA and EA SPORTS FC collaborate in community pitch project

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Image credit: EA SPORTS FC Electronic Arts

Part of the EA SPORTS FC FUTURES grassroots initiative, the newly refurbished pitch will provide New York kids with a safe, inclusive space to enjoy the game in their community.

 

From Europe to US

In the heart of the Bronx, New York, LALIGA and EA SPORTS FC unveiled the new space as the 10th collaboration between the two parties to bring pitches to future generations.

It marks an exciting development not just for community infrastructure, but for representing the global reach and connections made possible through football.

Furthermore, with support from local artist, BG183, The William Lloyd Garrison School, and soccer-inspired education and youth support program, South Bronx United, it stands as a symbol of local pride and grassroots commitment.

“This project in New York is especially meaningful because it brings together access to sport, long-term community impact and a strong local identity,” explained LALIGA’s Executive Director of Business, Jorge de la Vega.

“Together with EA SPORTS FC and our community partners, we want this pitch to become a place where young people can play, grow and find new opportunities.”

 

Using platforms for wider growth

This is a project which provides aspiring young footballers with the facilities they need to thrive in their personal and sporting development.

And although it carries an emphasis on local values, the global work and vision of EA SPORTS FC and LALIGA is undeniable.

The former now supports similar initiatives across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and right here in Australia. The Sam Kerr Pitch, unveiled in Sydney in 2023, provides young girls with free access to a high-quality space.

Thus, EA SPORTS FC is showing a unique combination in its community investment strategy: the global name of LALIGA, paired with collaboration from local organisations, ultimately establishing something even bigger.

“While EA SPORTS FC lives in the game, our ambition goes beyond it – working with partners like LALIGA and local communities to create spaces where football can be played and experienced physically,” outlined EA SPORTS FC Senior Director, Partnerships Marketing, James Salmon.

“Projects like this in the South Bronx show how football can bring people together and create lasting impact.”

 

Small space, big impact

Although this may be one small pitch in the Bronx, its signficance resonates with grassroots communities across the world who know its true value.

Hopefully, EA SPORTS FC will continue to show their commitment to next generations for many years to come.

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