South Melbourne sign record agreement with CF Capital

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Image provided by South Melbourne FC

National Premier Leagues Victoria side South Melbourne FC have announced CF Capital as a Major Principal Partner for the next two years.

The six-figure sponsorship agreement is the largest single sponsorship in the history of the side. The partnership is a vote of confidence in South Melbourne FC both on and off the football pitch.

The news comes at a significant time particularly with Football Australia setting a placeholder for a prospective national second division in the 2022-23 Domestic Football Calendar.

CF Capital is one of the leading funds management firms in Australia with expertise in a range of asset classes including real estate development, equity, investment and credit.

CF Capital joins a group of high calibre club sponsors from the finance and investment industries and will leverage the relationship with South Melbourne FC to further develop their network.

Investment Director Paul Chiodo together with his leadership team represented CF Capital at the 2022 Jersey Night where they provided further direct support for South Melbourne’s Men’s, Women’s, Blind and Powerchair teams.

South Melbourne FC President Nicholas Maikousis welcomed CF Capital to the club saying in a statement released by South Melbourne FC:

“I’m proud to have Paul Chiodo and CF Capital join South Melbourne FC as the clubs Major Principal Partner. Their commitment represents the largest sponsorship in the history of the club. The six-figure annual agreement represents trust in the South Melbourne brand, its values and its approach to aspirational success and achievement. Paul and his leadership team have been impressed with our community diversity and engagement. They have pledged to directly support our All Abilities Programs.”

South Melbourne FC members and supporters will become familiar with the CF Capital brand around Lakeside Stadium, with signage featuring the logo prominently for the livestream audience in front of the Clarendon Corner. As the side’s Major Principal Partner, CF Capital will also be involved in corporate events and functions.

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Bank of America confirmed as Official Partner of Club World Cup

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Image credit: Shutterstock.com / Frame Craft 8

FIFA has confirmed Bank of America as the newest Official Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The agreement builds off of a deal from earlier this year, when Bank of America was confirmed as the Official Bank Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The declaration of partnership was made ahead of the official draw for the Club World Cup in Miami later this week.

The Club World Cup will welcome 32 of the best clubs from every confederation to the United States for the most expansive club tournament in history.

Club World Cup matches will be hosted across 11 American stadiums, allowing for Bank of America and FIFA to create positive influential economic and social impact to local communities.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino professed excitement for the upcoming collaboration.

“We are thrilled to have Bank of America on board for the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup,” he said via press release.

“In recent months we’ve enjoyed detailed discussions with Bank of America’s leadership about FIFA’s mission both on and off the pitch, so we’re delighted that they’ve joined us on our journey to redefine global club football in addition to working side-by-side with us for FIFA World Cup 2026.

“As a global organisation with operations around the world and in every tournament host city, Bank of America is a perfect partner for this ground-breaking tournament.”

Bank of America’s Chair and CEO, Brian Moynihan, detailed the successful outcomes of the partnership. 

“This partnership with FIFA, for both World Cup 2026 and now Club World Cup 2025, sharpens our focus on deepening client relationships through the most iconic sporting events in the world, and generating lasting economic impact, globally and locally,” he said in a press release.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will kick off on in Miami June 15, and run until July 13, 2025, in New York New Jersey.

Premier League’s 3pm Blackout Could End After 60 Years

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Image credit: Premier League

The long-standing 3pm broadcasting blackout for Premier League and EFL matches may soon be a thing of the past.

According to The Sun, the restriction could be lifted within the next five years, potentially reshaping the football viewing landscape in the UK.

The Current Situation

The blackout, which has been in place for six decades, prevents live broadcasting of games played at 3pm on Saturdays.

This rule aims to safeguard attendance at lower-league matches by encouraging fans to watch games in person rather than on television.

The Premier League’s new four-year broadcasting deal, set to begin next season, will maintain the blackout. However, both the Premier League and EFL agreements are scheduled to expire at the conclusion of the 2028-29 season, opening the door for significant changes.

Changing Perspectives

Traditionally seen as essential to protect matchday attendance, the blackout’s relevance is being questioned.

EFL studies suggest that televising matches has minimal impact on crowd numbers, challenging the necessity of the rule.

With a surge in live games on TV and digital platforms, the football community is increasingly debating whether the blackout is outdated.

Currently, the Premier League broadcasts 270 matches per season, leaving 110 games locked behind the blackout, and this has become increasingly controversial with local fans left frustrated at the fact they can’t watch all of their teams games.

Piracy Concerns

The blackout has inadvertently contributed to the rise in illegal streaming. Fans often resort to using devices like “cracked Fire Sticks” to watch Saturday 3pm matches, undermining the very attendance-focused intent of the restriction.

Recently, the Premier League have cracked down on piracy, threatening jail time and/or a large fine for anyone who illegally streams games that are affected by the blackout.

What’s Next?

Although the blackout remains in place for now, its future is under scrutiny. As midweek fixtures are exempt from the rule, every Premier League game this week is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

The decision to lift the blackout will likely come as part of broader broadcasting negotiations, potentially marking the end of a long-standing tradition and redefining how fans experience English football.

With the rule being considered ‘outdated’ by many, the 2028-29 proposed change comes at the right time. Both the Premier League and the EFL can capitalise on an even bigger national TV rights deal, strengthening both leagues’ finances.

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