Brisbane Roar and Ausenco renew deal to support women’s team

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Image credit: Brisbane Roar website

Ausenco has renewed its commitment to the Brisbane Roar, signing on as Platinum Partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the Ninja A-League team for a fourth consecutive season.

Ausenco is a global engineering, consulting and project management company that was founded in 1991 with its main headquarters in the Brisbane CBD area, close to the club. They have grown and expanded internationally, now operating 26 offices in 15 countries, with projects in over 80 locations worldwide.

In addition to backing women’s football and Brisbane Roar’s Ninja A-League side, Ausenco will also support players’ personal and professional growth beyond the field.

The partnership will see the company continue offering workshops focused on teamwork, leadership, and foundational business skills as part of its ongoing sponsorship.

Ausenco CEO Zimi Meka spoke on their ambition to develop women’s football and create an empowering culture.

“It’s been fantastic to see the growth of women’s football globally over the last few years, particularly after the World Cup,” Meka said via press release.

“We’re excited to be part of the continued development of women’s football and creating a culture where women are equally empowered to excel.

“We look forward to working with Brisbane Roar to not only help their athletes achieve their ambitions on the field but look beyond their sporting careers with personal and professional development.”

Brisbane Roar Chairman & CEO Kaz Patafta expressed his excitement at continuing the partnership with a strong, global brand like Ausenco to support the club and women’s football in Queensland.

“We’re pleased to continue our relationship with Ausenco, a brand that closely aligns with the club’s desire to grow women and girls’ participation from grassroots level through to the professional level in Queensland,” Patafta said via press release.

“It’s a great time to highlight Ausenco’s support of women’s football. Not only supporting the club but the players as individuals is greatly appreciated by the club.”

This partnership is one of the longest running for Brisbane’s women’s teams, highlighting the club’s commitment to player development. The focus on off-the-pitch growth aligns with the Roar’s broader strategy, which extends to their junior and men’s squads.

This deal spells great news for the women’s team ahead of a landmark 2024/25 campaign.

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Coventry City set for stadium redevelopment

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Image Credit: Coventry Building Society Arena

Newly promoted Premier League club Coventry City have announced a $29 million deal to redevelop their current stadium.

Following a Championship winning 2025/26 campaign which saw the club return to the top-flight for the first time in 25 years, Coventry is hoping to transform CBS Arena into a destination stadium.

The project will focus on upgrading the stadium’s premium hospitality areas, with several new lounges, suites and event spaces planned as part of the redevelopment.

The investment is part of the club’s long-term vision to maximise the venues year-round commercial potential.

Work on the stadium redevelopment is expected to be carried out over the next three years alongside Coventry City’s home fixture schedule.

Coventry City Owner and Executive Chairman Doug King said the investment represents a significant milestone for both the club and the CBS Arena.

The investment demonstrates a commitment to developing the venue into one of the leading multi-purpose stadiums in the region.

The announcement follows a growing trend across English football, with clubs continuing to invest in stadium infrastructure as they seek to diversify revenue streams beyond ticket sales.

Hospitality, conferencing and live events have become increasingly important sources of income, particularly as clubs look to improve long-term financial sustainability.

Venue management company Legends Global is the club’s new long-term partner as part of the project.

Legends Global said Coventry fans deserve a venue experience that matches the occasion, with the partnership focused on transforming the stadium and raising the standard of what it offers.

The CBS Arena has been Coventry City’s home since 2005 and regularly hosts major sporting events, concerts and business functions.

 

 

UEFA set to end FIFA boycott threat after World Cup investment plan collapse

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Image Credits: UEFA

UEFA is set to withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving assurances that a controversial private investment plan will not return. The dispute originally centred on FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to bring private investors into the commercial rights of the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments.

UEFA strongly opposed the plan. European football leaders argued that major international competitions should not become investment products. FIFA later withdrew the proposal. However, UEFA continued to demand guarantees that it would not be revived.

Those assurances now appear to have eased the immediate conflict.

FIFA’s money move

The dispute was about more than football governance. It raised a major question about who controls football’s most valuable commercial assets.

Infantino’s proposal involved creating a new commercial structure that could have attracted billions of dollars from private investors. Reports put the proposed business at around $28 billion ($20 billion USD), with investors set to take a stake in the new entity. For FIFA, private capital could have created new opportunities to expand commercial revenue and fund football development. For investors, World Cup-related rights would offer exposure to one of the world’s most valuable sporting properties.

But UEFA’s opposition highlighted the risks. Selling part of the commercial upside could reduce FIFA’s control over future revenue and create pressure to prioritise financial returns.

Why it matters for football

The outcome could shape how football’s biggest competitions are financed in the future. FIFA still controls enormous global media, sponsorship and commercial assets. Any move to bring outside investors into those assets could change the balance of power across the sport.

The failed proposal also exposed tensions between FIFA and major football confederations. UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC all criticised the original plan.

For clubs, broadcasters and sponsors, stability matters. A prolonged dispute between FIFA and UEFA could create uncertainty around competition. The FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup kicks off on September 5th. Not only was there debate over whether European nations would participate, but the tournament is being held in the European nation of Poland.

With the boycott officially over, the disruption to the tournament has been alleviated, but wider tensions still remain.

The conflict is not over

UEFA may now drop its boycott threat, but its discontent with Infantino’s leadership remains.

UEFA leaders continue to push for a change at the top of FIFA. European football figures have also called for greater transparency and stronger consultation with football stakeholders. So whilst the immediate business threat has eased, the bigger question remains. Who should control football’s future commercial growth and who could contest Infantino in March at the next presidential election?

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