Latest news with #UEFAChampionsLeagueTrophy


Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic and Rangers could be impacted by THREE major Champions League changes as Uefa re-draw rules after just one season
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELTIC enjoyed a great run in the inaugural year of the new format 36-team Champions League - but they could be affected by THREE massive rule changes if they get back there next season. When they finally get over the line as this year's Premiership champions, the Hoops will need to negotiate the playoff round to make it back there. 3 Brendan Rodgers after the clash with Bayern Munich Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 The UEFA Champions League Trophy Credit: Getty 3 Rangers crashed out of qualifying to Dynamo Kyiv Credit: Alamy Rangers will be able to join them in the new format of the Champions League if they can make it past three qualifying rounds - or perhaps just two if Bilbao go on to win the Europa League AND qualify for the Champions League by league position. There could also be an extra league phase spot up for grabs for the champion which doesn't automatically qualify with the best five-year coefficient but the likes of FC Copenhagen or Bodo/Glimt seem likely to beat the Hoops to that spot. But whatever Scottish clubs do or don't make it into the league phase, they could find major changes according to a report from German paper Bild. They say Uefa are considering bringing in THREE major changes - and they could all come on board for next sesaon. Uefa's club competitions committee will decide on any adjustments on May 30 in Munich and make a corresponding proposal to Uefa's Executive Committee. All three changes only relate to the knockout phase, in other words kicking in AFTER the league phase. The first could see matches at the knockout phase go straight to penalties, rather than extra time. Had such a rule been in place this year, Celtic would have been only seconds away from reaching a penalty shootout against the mighty Bayern Munich. The second proposed rule change relates to second leg home advantage. In order to incentivise teams in the league phase even more, teams that finish in the top eight teams should be rewarded with second legs right through to the semi-finals, rather than just the last 16. Will Adam Idah still be at Celtic next season after failing to take Kyogo's jersey And finally, a further rule change could reinstate 'country protection' - ie making it impossible for clubs from the same country to meet each other BEFORE the quarter finals. In an interesting innovation this season, Uefa opened up the Champions League to meetings from clubs from the same association from the playoff round onwards. As a result, PSG faced Brest, Bayern Munich took on Leverkusen and Real Madrid took on Atletico - but it appears the bigger clubs are keen to roll back on this innovation. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

Mid East Info
22-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Mastercard brings UEFA Champions League to life across key Africa markets with Priceless football experiences
The Mastercard 2025 UEFA Africa campaign celebrates football as the universal passion for Africans, offering Mastercard cardholders a unique opportunity to experience the UEFA Champions League. Moroccan fans had a priceless opportunity to see the UEFA Champions League Trophy up close for the first time at Morocco Mall in March. Johannesburg, South Africa: Mastercard is bringing Africa closer to the UEFA Champions League like never before with the launch of its 2025 Africa football campaign, running from February to May 2025. As a proud and long-standing sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, Mastercard is delivering a powerful campaign that connects millions of fans to the thrill of world-class football through uniquely curated, Priceless experiences—deeply rooted in African culture, tourism and connection. Cardholders across South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco and Ghana have the opportunity to win exclusive UEFA Champions League viewing experiences—designed to resonate with local audiences and elevate their passion for the game. The campaign brings unique experiences to life, from a chance to win luxurious, all-expenses-paid trips to iconic African destinations, to football-themed mall activations with instant rewards. It captures Africa's energy and love for football while celebrating the continent's rich beauty and diversity. Africa's enthusiasm for football is iconic. With over 400 million fans tuning in for UEFA Champions League broadcasts each year, the appetite for premium football experiences continues to grow. Mastercard is stepping into that moment with purpose, investing in meaningful ways to bring African fans closer to the game they love. 'At Mastercard, we understand that the connection to football goes far beyond the pitch for millions of fans across Africa —it's a shared language that unites communities and ignites passions across the continent. The 2025 Africa football campaign is our commitment to fuelling this bond by connecting communities to the UEFA Champions League with unforgettable experiences that blend football, culture and the spirit of African tourism. This initiative is an example of how we bring our global assets to life in a way that is meaningful locally,' said Ahmed Abdel-Karim Hussein, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Mastercard EEMEA. In a major highlight, Mastercard brought the UEFA Champions League Trophy to Morocco for the first time, offering fans a rare opportunity to see the trophy up close at Morocco Mall. The experience featured interactive screen games, iconic UEFA moments, influencer-led engagements, and instant prizes for fans who made transactions using Mastercard via Google Pay or Apple Pay, creating a powerful connection between local fans and a global sporting icon. With this initiative, Mastercard is not only strengthening its presence across African markets but also reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the region's growth. By merging global collaborations with local culture and national pride, Mastercard is delivering unforgettable experiences that go beyond payments to connect people to what matters most to them. For over three decades, Mastercard has been an unwavering supporter of the UEFA Champions League, bringing fans and cardholders Priceless moments and unparalleled experiences. The UEFA Champions League represents the pinnacle of European club football, and Mastercard is committed to delivering that global excitement to Africa with a campaign rooted in creativity, connection, and cultural pride.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mastercard Brings UEFA Champions League to Life Across Key Africa Markets With Priceless Football Experiences
The Mastercard 2025 UEFA Africa campaign celebrates football as the universal passion for Africans, offering Mastercard cardholders a unique opportunity to experience the UEFA Champions League. Moroccan fans had a priceless opportunity to see the UEFA Champions League Trophy up close for the first time at Morocco Mall in March. JOHANNESBURG, April 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mastercard is bringing Africa closer to the UEFA Champions League like never before with the launch of its 2025 Africa football campaign, running from February to May 2025. As a proud and long-standing sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, Mastercard is delivering a powerful campaign that connects millions of fans to the thrill of world-class football through uniquely curated, Priceless experiences—deeply rooted in African culture, tourism and connection. Cardholders across South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco and Ghana have the opportunity to win exclusive UEFA Champions League viewing experiences—designed to resonate with local audiences and elevate their passion for the game. The campaign brings unique experiences to life, from a chance to win luxurious, all-expenses-paid trips to iconic African destinations, to football-themed mall activations with instant rewards. It captures Africa's energy and love for football while celebrating the continent's rich beauty and diversity. Africa's enthusiasm for football is iconic. With over 400 million fans tuning in for UEFA Champions League broadcasts each year, the appetite for premium football experiences continues to grow. Mastercard is stepping into that moment with purpose, investing in meaningful ways to bring African fans closer to the game they love. "At Mastercard, we understand that the connection to football goes far beyond the pitch for millions of fans across Africa—it's a shared language that unites communities and ignites passions across the continent. The 2025 Africa football campaign is our commitment to fuelling this bond by connecting communities to the UEFA Champions League with unforgettable experiences that blend football, culture and the spirit of African tourism. This initiative is an example of how we bring our global assets to life in a way that is meaningful locally," said Ahmed Abdel-Karim Hussein, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Mastercard EEMEA. In a major highlight, Mastercard brought the UEFA Champions League Trophy to Morocco for the first time, offering fans a rare opportunity to see the trophy up close at Morocco Mall. The experience featured interactive screen games, iconic UEFA moments, influencer-led engagements, and instant prizes for fans who made transactions using Mastercard via Google Pay or Apple Pay, creating a powerful connection between local fans and a global sporting icon. With this initiative, Mastercard is not only strengthening its presence across African markets but also reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the region's growth. By merging global collaborations with local culture and national pride, Mastercard is delivering unforgettable experiences that go beyond payments to connect people to what matters most to them. For over three decades, Mastercard has been an unwavering supporter of the UEFA Champions League, bringing fans and cardholders Priceless moments and unparalleled experiences. The UEFA Champions League represents the pinnacle of European club football, and Mastercard is committed to delivering that global excitement to Africa with a campaign rooted in creativity, connection, and cultural pride. About Mastercard Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. *Source: AETOSWire View source version on Contacts Mastercard Communications Contact:Kanyi Mwangi Sign in to access your portfolio

Associated Press
22-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Mastercard Brings UEFA Champions League to Life Across Key Africa Markets With Priceless Football Experiences
JOHANNESBURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 22, 2025-- Mastercard is bringing Africa closer to the UEFA Champions League like never before with the launch of its 2025 Africa football campaign, running from February to May 2025. As a proud and long-standing sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, Mastercard is delivering a powerful campaign that connects millions of fans to the thrill of world-class football through uniquely curated, Priceless experiences—deeply rooted in African culture, tourism and connection. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: '2025 Africa Football Campaign' by Mastercard for UEFA Champions League (Photo: AETOSWire) Cardholders across South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco and Ghana have the opportunity to win exclusive UEFA Champions League viewing experiences—designed to resonate with local audiences and elevate their passion for the game. The campaign brings unique experiences to life, from a chance to win luxurious, all-expenses-paid trips to iconic African destinations, to football-themed mall activations with instant rewards. It captures Africa's energy and love for football while celebrating the continent's rich beauty and diversity. Africa's enthusiasm for football is iconic. With over 400 million fans tuning in for UEFA Champions League broadcasts each year, the appetite for premium football experiences continues to grow. Mastercard is stepping into that moment with purpose, investing in meaningful ways to bring African fans closer to the game they love. 'At Mastercard, we understand that the connection to football goes far beyond the pitch for millions of fans across Africa—it's a shared language that unites communities and ignites passions across the continent. The 2025 Africa football campaign is our commitment to fuelling this bond by connecting communities to the UEFA Champions League with unforgettable experiences that blend football, culture and the spirit of African tourism. This initiative is an example of how we bring our global assets to life in a way that is meaningful locally,' said Ahmed Abdel-Karim Hussein, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Mastercard EEMEA. In a major highlight, Mastercard brought the UEFA Champions League Trophy to Morocco for the first time, offering fans a rare opportunity to see the trophy up close at Morocco Mall. The experience featured interactive screen games, iconic UEFA moments, influencer-led engagements, and instant prizes for fans who made transactions using Mastercard via Google Pay or Apple Pay, creating a powerful connection between local fans and a global sporting icon. With this initiative, Mastercard is not only strengthening its presence across African markets but also reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the region's growth. By merging global collaborations with local culture and national pride, Mastercard is delivering unforgettable experiences that go beyond payments to connect people to what matters most to them. For over three decades, Mastercard has been an unwavering supporter of the UEFA Champions League, bringing fans and cardholders Priceless moments and unparalleled experiences. The UEFA Champions League represents the pinnacle of European club football, and Mastercard is committed to delivering that global excitement to Africa with a campaign rooted in creativity, connection, and cultural pride. About Mastercard Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. *Source: AETOSWire View source version on CONTACT: Mastercard Communications Contact: Kanyi Mwangi [email protected] KEYWORD: SOUTH AFRICA AFRICA KENYA MOROCCO TANZANIA GHANA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SPORTS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LICENSING (SPORTS) VACATION FINTECH PAYMENTS TECHNOLOGY DESTINATIONS TRAVEL MARKETING SOCCER COMMUNICATIONS FINANCE SOURCE: Mastercard Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 04/22/2025 08:22 AM/DISC: 04/22/2025 08:21 AM