Latest news with #nationalteams
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
NFL Stars Don't Belong on the Olympics' Flag Football Field
The National Football League has long dreamed of turning America's favorite game into a global one. At the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, it has its best shot. Flag football will be among the featured sports, and last week, the NFL agreed to allow its players to try out for national teams. Some of the league's brightest stars — including quarterback Patrick Mahomes (before walking it back) and wide receiver Justin Jefferson — have expressed interest in participating.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Canada Soccer reports 2024 loss of $4 million, looks to eliminate deficit in 2026
Canada men's national soccer team head coach Jesse Marsch (left to right), Canada Soccer CEO and General Secretary Kevin Blue and Canada women's national soccer team head coach Casey Stoney are photographed in Toronto on Monday, March 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Canada Soccer reported a loss of $4 million in 2024, up from $2.5 million the year before. The deficit is just under the $4.2 million the governing body had projected in early 2024. The gap was covered by cash reserves, of which Canada Soccer now has $5.9 million remaining. 'Better than projected but we all know that operating at levels of deficit of this magnitude is not sustainable,' Canada Soccer chief executive officer and general secretary Kevin Blue said in an interview. " And it is our intent to reduce the deficit for 2025 … and then eliminate the deficit in '26." The association has projected a $2.4 million deficit in 2025. The governing body reported 2024 revenue of $37.546 million and expenses of $41.117 million. In 2023, the figures were $34.505 million in revenue and $37.187 in expenses. The 2024 revenue included 'approaching $2 million' in philanthropy. Blue says that is part of more than $10 million already committed, with the rest coming in future years. And he anticipates more to come. Such gifts helped Canada Soccer hire national team coaches Jesse Marsch and Casey Stoney. The 2024 revenue includes $7.2 million in membership fees, $15.9 million in commercial and other fees, $3.7 in government grants and $10.7 million in FIFA and CONCACAF grants. Expenses included $21.1 million spent on national teams and $6 million in 'general and administrative' costs. According to the financial statement, Canada Soccer is entitled to receive between $3 million and $4 million annually from Canadian Soccer Business, which handles the association's broadcasting and sponsorship rights. The CSB agreement, which has been decried by national team players who believe the deal is holding back the game in Canada, runs through Dec. 1, 2027, 'with a possible extension, at the discretion of CSB, to Dec. 31, 2037,' according to the financial statement. Canada Soccer and CSB, whose investor group and board includes the Canadian Premier League owners, have been in negotiations about restructuring the rights agreement. The financial statement also notes a US$5 million loan that Canada Soccer received from FIFA in June 2023 as part of the world governing body's COVID-19 Relief Plan 'to help alleviate the economic effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.' Under the loan agreement, US$4 million is to be spent on national teams of all age categories with US$1 million to be spent on 'staff costs and the (re-) hiring of essential staff where necessary.' The loan, which does not carry interest, is to be repaid US$1 million a year from 2027 through 2031. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 28, 2025. Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
The Independent
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Pubs and bars allowed to stay open late during Women's Euros on one condition
Pubs across England and Wales have been granted permission to extend their closing times until 1am if either nation progresses to the semi-finals or final of the UEFA Women's European Championships this July. The Home Office confirmed the extension, pushing back the usual 11pm curfew to allow fans more time to celebrate potential victories. This move comes as part of a provision to relax licensing hours for occasions of "exceptional national significance." England, the defending champions, and Wales, qualifying for the tournament for the first time, both face tough competition in their group, which includes France and the Netherlands. The announcement is being made now ahead of the tournament – in Switzerland from July 2 to 27 – so pubs can sort out stock and staffing. It also gives enough time to arrange the statutory instruments needed potentially to extend opening hours before Parliament's summer recess. Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said: 'Nothing quite brings people together like watching our national football teams, which is why we want fans to be able to enjoy every minute of these matches. 'We will extend licensing hours should either team progress through the tournament, to allow supporters to watch and celebrate together for longer. 'I want to wish the best of luck to both teams and let's hope for some more memorable nights this summer.' The semi-finals take place on July 22 and July 23 while the final kicks off on July 27. Any home nation glory on the pitch could also see success for the hospitality industry, which has welcomed the move to keep the doors open for longer. Night Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill described the extended hours as 'a positive and progressive move that recognises the growing popularity of women's football and its cultural significance across the UK'. He said: 'Much like previous extensions for national celebrations, this decision will give communities the opportunity to come together and celebrate in a safe and responsible way, while also providing a welcome boost to the night-time economy. 'It represents a valuable opportunity for hospitality businesses to maximise trade during a major event – particularly important in today's extremely challenging economic climate.' British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said: 'The pub is the home of live sport. 'Nothing compares when it comes to bringing atmosphere and camaraderie to watching the football live, and we expect supporters will be flocking to their local to cheer on our brilliant teams. 'Our sector plays a huge part in boosting community spirit, and extending licensing hours means people can gather for longer and host even more events that cheer on our squads.' Billing the pub as 'the best place to watch the Women's Euros', UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: 'The success of the Lionesses, in particular, has captured the heart of the nation and I know communities will be flocking to the pub to cheer on both England and Wales. 'I'm pleased the Government has acted early with this decision, which will help pubs plan their activity during the tournament.' England will be hoping to defend the title they won at Wembley Stadium in July 2022 when they beat Germany in the final. The two home nations will face off during this year's tournament group stages on Sunday 13 July in St Gallen. England will face France on July 5 when Wales will play the Netherlands. On July 9 England will play the Netherlands while Wales's opponents will be the Netherlands.
