FIFA opens World Cup video archive during COVID-19

Liam Watson
Soccer’s world governing body FIFA has opened up a men’s and women’s World Cup video archive featuring full matches due to the mass suspension of domestic and international games caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The aim is to bring football home with people able to have their say upon the release of a new video archive that will help get people through this unfolding crisis.

The #WorldCupAtHome campaign will see more than 30 past matches made available and premiered from 21st March via FIFA’s official website and YouTube channel, as well as its Weibo channel in China.

The soccer body have based the campaign around allowing fans to vote on games they want to see via social media. Additional engagement opportunities will also allow viewers to interact with live chat on YouTube and vote for a favourite moment of the match.

FIFA will additionally make available a catalogue of its in-house documentary features and interviews with some of soccer’s biggest names.

Due to the isolation process that people will continue to experience likely being over the next few months, the archive is designed to be an immersive experience that gives fans the chance to relive their favourite and most memorable moments and gaining the best experience possible from their homes.

FIFA has already seen its opening votes, with Spain vs Netherlands edging Brazil vs Colombia and Germany vs Argentina in a 2014 World Cup vote, while in the France 2019 Women’s World Cup poll, the semi-final between England and USA prevailed over France vs USA.

As fans all around the world are craving something to enjoy in these unprecedented times, FIFA has put their foot forward to unite fans in a time of uncertainty – providing us with this access to games in tricky times for us all.

This voting process will take place over the next six weeks, helping fill a void left by the growing number of competitions to suspend their seasons.

Until regular football activities are resumed, we’ll be able to take the time to reflect on past achievements and milestones all around the world and celebrate the game that is.

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APL and PFA remain without agreement as bargaining tensions continue

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Image Credit: A-Leagues

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) remain without a new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations continuing less than three months before the start of the 2026–27 A-Leagues season.

The APL presented the players’ union with a new one-year interim proposal on August 5, which included an increase to the A-League Women salary cap and a commitment to establish a pathway towards full-time professionalism for the women’s competition within 12 months.

The proposed agreement would provide an interim framework while the two parties continue discussions over a longer-term collective bargaining agreement.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the proposal reflected the league’s commitment to reaching a sustainable agreement with players following eight months of negotiations.

However, the PFA criticised the APL for publicly announcing the proposal shortly after presenting it to the union, arguing that the approach had further damaged trust between the two parties.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch also said players had overwhelmingly rejected the APL’s previous final offer, citing a lack of trust in the league’s ability to ensure its future.

Full-time professionalism for the A-League Women remains a key priority for the PFA, with players seeking improved conditions and greater investment in the competition.

The A-League Men and A-League Women seasons are both scheduled to begin on 16 October 2026.

With the new season approaching, both parties face pressure to resolve the dispute and establish the framework governing player conditions across the A-Leagues.

 

 

Jeff Bezos consortium set for $2.7 billion Liverpool investment

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Image Credits: Fortune

Liverpool could soon welcome one of the world’s richest men into its ownership structure.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the club.

The proposed deal values Liverpool at around $8.6 billion (4.5 billion pounds). Bezos has a personal fortune estimated at $363 billion.

The investment would give Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a major financial return. It would also allow FSG to keep control of the club, which they bought in 2010.

The proposal has attracted attention across football. It has also created concern among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

FSG set for major return

FSG bought Liverpool for $573 million (300 million pounds) in 2010. The ownership group later provided further funding through loans. In the last 16 years, the club has undergone major growth.

Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. The club also won the Champions League in 2019. Another Premier League title followed in 2025.

Stadium redevelopment and a new training centre have also increased the club’s value. FSG could cash in on $2.7 billion (1.4 billion pounds) if the 30% share is sold.

The deal would therefore represent a huge return on its original investment. However, whilst the investment would provide a massive cash out for the owners of Liverpool, due to Financial Fair Play there won’t be increased investment in the transfer market.

Why Bezos wants Liverpool

Bezos has explored sports investments before. He has been linked with major American franchises such as the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Liverpool would give him a stake in one of football’s biggest global brands. The club also has a large following in the United States. The New York Times has also reported Liverpool has 26 million fans in America.

That makes the investment attractive for investors looking to expand their reach in global sport. American businessmen Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia are also reportedly involved in the consortium.

The deal would add to the growing American influence across English football.

Fans remain cautious

Liverpool supporters have not automatically welcomed the proposal.

The club’s previous experience under Tom Hicks and George Gillett still influences the fanbase.

Supporters also want greater clarity over the consortium’s intentions. Questions remain over board representation, control and the long-term purpose of the investment.

For many fans, ownership must involve more than financial ambition. The Bezos proposal could strengthen Liverpool’s commercial position. It could also deliver a huge payday for FSG.

But until the consortium reveals more about its plans, supporters are likely to treat the deal with scepticism.

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