OneFootball launch ‘Footballers Journey’ World Cup collection with Mane, Varane and Felix

OneFootball, the world’s leading football media platform, has today announced a whole new format of digital collectibles, based around eleven global superstars’ player stories of how they got into the beautiful game. 

Check out the announcement video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCIAh99bTtc.

Footballer’s Journey gives fans around the world the chance to own part of their favourite players’ journey, celebrating milestones throughout their life, for club and country. In a comic book-style, and across four chapters each, the collection marks the beginning of a new era of football memorabilia and mementos for a new generation of supporters.

Featuring a list of players who have dominated their leagues over recent seasons, each of them are expected to have a busy winter period. Chapter 1 of Footballer’s Journey will tell the emotive story of seven of the players and their journey within the beautiful game in an innovative comic book style of digital collectibles. 

In a candid interview for the World Cup collection, Alphonso Davies reflects on his early life in a refugee camp in Ghana, his family’s emigration to Canada and his meteoric rise in the MLS and now Bundesliga. Meanwhile, Sadio Mané shares his journey from losing his father at a young age, to running away at 15 to follow his dream of becoming a footballer. Each player shares the experiences that shaped them and helped them become the world beaters they are today. 

Vinícius Júnior commented while on shoot, “This collection with OneFootball is an awesome way for us players to share our experiences, show our human side, and connect with the fans in a way that we haven’t done before. I can’t wait to start seeing people sharing our stories and collections, it means so much to us.”

Footballer’s Journey comic books will be free to start, and fans will be able purchase packs for $29 at aera.onefootball.com/players come December 15. They can also trade on the OneFootball marketplace to complete the player story comic books to get exclusive content and the chance to win real life rewards and experiences. 

The seven featured players this winter are: 

  • Vinícius Júnior (Brazil / Real Madrid)
  • Sadio Mané (Senegal / Bayern Munich)
  • João Félix (Portugal / Atlético Madrid)
  • Alphonso Davies (Canada / Bayern Munich)
  • Raphaël Varane (France / Manchester United)
  • Serge Gnabry (Germany / Bayern Munich)
  • Minjae Kim (South Korea / SSC Napoli)

Paulo Dybala (Argentina / AS Roma), Marco Reus (Germany / Borussia Dortmund), Gio Reyna (USA / Borussia Dortmund), and Antony (Brazil / Manchester United) will all feature in 2023. 

Alphonso Davies commented, “I’m excited to be able to show young aspiring footballers that you have to work hard to get to the top, and to be able to do that in a new and innovative way with OneFootball really resonates with me. I started playing football in Canada at school and later with local club teams. That was the start of my journey that has taken me all the way to the top of the Bundesliga and playing for my country this winter.”

“The list of players that are sharing in ‘Footballer’s Journey’ is incredible, and to hear their stories has really been an eye-opening experience for us. The emotions flow, and they don’t hold back,” said Jean-Charles Gaudechon, CEO at OneFootball Labs. “The level of commitment they have each shown to get to where they are today is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to be able to share that with football fans, to get them closer to their icons.”  

PGA TOUR and United Airlines announce multi-year extension

United Airlines and the PGA TOUR today announced a multi-year extension of their official marketing relationship that designates United as the “Official Airline of the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions and Korn Ferry Tour” through 2025. This partnership renewal will also extend the commitment to annually award 55 golf teams at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) with more than half a million dollars in grants, divided equally among the schools, to fund travel for golf tournaments and recruiting efforts. Over the multi-year extension, United will award a total of $1.5 million in grants to these institutions. 

“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I’m grateful to our longtime partner United Airlines for their continued support of our players and Tour as well as HBCU golf programs across the country,” said Executive Vice President, Corporate Partnerships Brian Oliver. “Partnering with a global leader like United has allowed us to make significant steps towards diversifying the landscape of competitive golf and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience.”

Developed in early 2021 by the TOUR’s HBCU task force, the HBCU grant program aims to leverage the TOUR’s partner network in order to offset the financial burdens many HBCU golf programs face. Student athletes from across the country will also have access to mentorship and career coaching from United employees.

“We are immensely proud to continue our work with the PGA TOUR to help remove barriers for collegiate athletes at HBCUs so that they can be given the same opportunities to fulfill their potential and pursue their dreams,” said Jennifer Entenman, United’s Managing Director of Global Sponsorship and Inclusive Partnerships. “United is committed to driving racial equity and inclusion and we have seen the profound impact these grants have on the communities we serve.”

Through 2025, each school will receive $10,000 in travel credits, enabling more than 250 student-athletes, coaches and their equipment to fly United to compete in high-profile tournaments that may have been previously out of reach because of limited travel budgets.

“Even in the short time that I’ve been at Prairie View A&M, United has saved us a tremendous amount of time and money just to be able to have access to go to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston to fly,” said Prairie View A&M Golf Coach Mesha Levister. “Just to reduce costs of travel helps tremendously because now we can use those funds to give them a better experience as a student athlete and a college golfer.”

Castore and INEOS Grenadiers announce multi-year partnership

This agreement will see Castore support the team’s wide range of off-bike performance needs as the Official Premium Sportswear Partner to, amongst others, the likes of Geraint Thomas, Tom Pidcock, Egan Bernal and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot.

With both brands committed to the continued search for innovation and performance enhancement, Castore will also take on the role of managing the INEOS Grenadiers’ official E-commerce platform. This will offer fans a greater level of engagement and the opportunity to draw even closer to their favourite team.

The long-term partnership will feature industry-leading innovation as Castore and the INEOS Grenadiers co-develop bespoke training and leisurewear to meet the off-bike demands of one of the world’s toughest sports.

Tom Beahon, Co-Founder, Castore said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with the INEOS Grenadiers, one of the most iconic cycling teams of modern times. Not only are they an impressive brand but we share the mindset of relentlessly pursuing ways to optimize performance, encapsulated by Castore’s motto ‘Better Never Stops’. 

“For professional cyclists, the work continues off the bike – they need the best possible apparel to help achieve their training and recovery goals. We’re delighted to be working with them and helping fulfil their needs.”

Rod Ellingworth, Deputy Team Principal, INEOS Grenadiers said: “With performance central to everything we do as the INEOS Grenadiers, to have Castore come on board to support and work with the riders and on-race staff as our premium sportswear partner is fantastic. 

“Our team competes in a wide range of extreme conditions across the globe during the course of the season and together with Castore we will be able to ensure that we work to the highest levels of performance while at the same time delivering optimum comfort.”

The INEOS Grenadiers will start the 2023 season in Australia at January’s Tour Down Under and will then feature at all the world’s most elite bike races including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España – as well as the biggest one-day events.

The INEOS Grenadiers joins Castore’s already extensive portfolio of sports partnerships which includes the likes of McLaren F1, England Cricket, Rangers FC, Newcastle United, Harlequins and Sir Andy Murray. 

Stepathlon appoint Alison Lee and Rowena Samarasinhe to advisory board

Global fan engagement platform Stepathlon, which recently raised a round of funding from marquee investors, has announced the appointment of Alison Lee & Rowena Samarasinhe to the Advisory Board.


Alison Lee, ATP Tour Executive Vice President of International Region and Rowena Samarasinhe, Managing Director of GenSport and Partner at Sports, Media and Entertainment Law Firm, LEVEL, will join Stepathlon’s Advisory Board which will comprise diverse and prominent thought leaders from Sports, Media, Entertainment, Technology and Wellness.


On the appointment, Stepathlon Founder and Chairman, Ravi Krishnan said: “Our mission is to create a healthier, happier planet by leveraging popular culture to deliver value for all stakeholders. The point of view of women is critical to building a platform that serves the entire global community.


“Our incredible investor group is made up principally of middle-aged men – all very accomplished and very supportive. We have only two women investors. I hope to change that in the next round. Having said that, I intend to ensure that our Advisory Board has diverse representation, and the appointment of Alison and Rowena is just the beginning. We are thrilled to have such accomplished and enthusiastic women joining the Stepathlon Movement.”


Krishnan added: “I’ve known Alison for over 25 years and have seen her rise through the ranks at the ATP Tour. She has a sterling reputation both as a professional and as a person. Rowena has immediately become a valued and trusted sounding board since we were introduced. She has a very broad and deep perspective on women and women’s sport and is both open minded and single minded – a compelling combination.”


On the appointment, Alison enthused “I’ve known Ravi for many years, and have witnessed how driven the Stepathlon mission is to deliver continuous fan engagement, actionable first party data and create a healthier planet. I’m honoured to be invited to support him and his growing team, as well as enthusiastic to share my learnings across the sports industry to help ensure that fans receive much deeper value from their unwavering loyalty.”


Rowena added “I’m delighted to be helping Ravi and his passionate Stepathlon team at this exciting time for the industry and the business. I know from experience that rights holders are constantly looking at innovative ways to build fan loyalty and Stepathlon’s digital and data capabilities will enable us to offer something special – and importantly target diverse audiences at the same time. So many of my own values are reflected through Stepathlon, and to be part of a project to make the world a healthier place is really very exciting.”

Birmingham awarded 2026 European Athletics Championships

The 2026 European Athletics Championships were awarded to Birmingham on the first day of the European Athletics Council meeting in Warsaw, Poland on Friday (11).

This is the first time that a British city has been assigned the European Athletics Championships although Birmingham has staged a plethora of high profile events in recent years, including the 2007 European Athletics Indoor Championships, the 2003 and 2018 World Athletics Indoor Championships and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The 2026 European Athletics Championships will take place in the recently rebuilt Alexander Stadium, the venue for a sell-out athletics programme at the Commonwealth Games this summer.

“I am absolutely delighted to announce that we have awarded the 2026 European Athletics Championships to Birmingham,” said European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov.

“The British public has a huge appreciation for world class athletics and the British crowds are among the most knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic anywhere in the world. We saw this recently at the Commonwealth Games where the stands were at full capacity, even for the morning sessions.

“We are sure that Europe’s best athletes will be competing in a full stadium every day and in front of a huge television audience not just in Europe but globally as well. We really couldn’t ask for a better host city and venue for our showcase event in 2026,” added Karamarinov.

With 124 gold medals, Great Britain & NI is the most successful nation in European Athletics Championships history and British athletes have provided many iconic moments in championship history.

Colin Jackson and Steve Backley famously won four successive titles in the 110m hurdles and javelin respectively between 1990 and 2002 and Mo Farah won five titles in the 5000m and 10,000m between 2010 and 2014.

On the announcement, UKA’s Chief Executive Jack Buckner said: “We are delighted and honoured that we have been awarded the privilege of hosting the European Athletics Championships in 2026 in Birmingham. It is wonderful news for athletics and benefits the whole of the UK in demonstrating our ability to host major events across the whole country.

“UKA has held a long time wish to deliver this event and we thank European Athletics for its faith in entrusting us with its most important competition.”

The next edition of the European Athletics Championships will take place in Rome in 2024 from 7-12 June.

MCC appoints new Sustainability and Accessibility Manager

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has appointed a new Sustainability and Accessibility Manager to deliver the Club’s Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030 and help it continue its role as a leading voice in the world of cricket on critical issues effecting sustainability, such as climate change, which has a significant impact on sport. 

Stuart Dunlop, who previously worked in sustainability roles at Hackney Borough Council, took up the post at a time that also saw Lord’s host the launch of a new UN report on the relationship between sport and nature. 

The event saw leading sports clubs, including Chelsea Football Club and the All England Lawn Tennis Club, come together to discuss the Sport For Nature report commissioned by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and led by researchers from Loughborough University. The study, which consulted 103 sport organisations representing 30 different sports across 48 different countries, sets out the potential for sport to protect and support nature. 

Lord’s was the first UK sports venue to appoint a sustainability manager in 2009 and has taken a number of steps to make the Home of Cricket more sustainable, including moving to 100% renewable electricity with a switch to wind power energy in 2017 to reduce its carbon footprint. The Club has also recently signed up to the UN Sports for Climate Action framework alongside its sister Club in Australia, Melbourne Cricket Club, and Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.

Part of Dunlop’s role will be to ensure that MCC’s ambitious commitment to reach net zero is met. Waste management and recycling will also come under his remit, including measures to further reduce single use plastic, decrease water consumption, support biodiversity and nature and reduce the overall environmental impact of the Ground. 

Stuart Dunlop, MCC Sustainability and Accessibility Manager, said: “I’m excited to work for such a prestigious and forward-thinking organisation that has made great strides in sustainability in recent years. Cricket and the wider sporting community are already facing the impact of a rapidly changing climate, and we all must play our part in tackling this issue. It’s an exciting time to be working in this area, and I look forward to helping MCC deliver on its sustainability strategy’s critical priorities and commitments. 

Robert Ebdon, Estates Director, MCC, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Stuart’s expertise, experience and passion for sustainability with us at MCC and to help us make Lord’s even more sustainable and accessible for current and future generations. MCC has an opportunity and responsibility to lead on sustainability in sport and we are proud of the progress that we have made on sustainability, but like all areas of society, we know there is much more to do.” 

British Paralympic association announce key roles for Paris 2024

The British Paralympic Association has today announced the Chef de Mission’s team that will lead ParalympicsGB at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe OBE, who successfully led the British team to an impressive second place finish in the medal table at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, has appointed three Deputy Chefs de Mission – Phil Smith (Sport), Verity Naylor (Operations) and Jonny Riall (Performance Services).

Briscoe was at the helm when ParalympicsGB won 124 medals across 18 sports in Tokyo, reaching the podium in more sports than any other nation at a single Games. Paris 2024 will be her tenth Games.

Head of Sport Phil Smith took on the role of Chef de Mission for the first time at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games where the team enjoyed a succession of memorable results, winning six medals including one gold. He was Deputy Chef de Mission for the team at both Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020.

Director of Operations Verity Naylor MBE also reprises her role of Deputy Chef de Mission having led on all operational and logistical matters at both PyeongChang 2018 and Tokyo 2020. She will be responsible for overseeing all Games operations including ParalympicsGB Kitting Out, travel, transport, logistics, accommodation and Village management.

Commenting on her appointment, Naylor said: “Paris 2024 presents a complex operational masterplan for ParalympicsGB and I am honoured to be named as Deputy Chef de Mission. I look forward to working with Penny and the wider team to deliver world leading operations and to create optimal environments that support all team members to thrive.”

Jonny Riall meanwhile takes on the role of Deputy Chef de Mission for the first time, having joined the BPA as Head of Performance Services this summer after 17 years with British Triathlon – most recently working closely with the BPA as Head of Para triathlon and sport Team Leader at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Dr Pippa Bennett has been appointed Chief Medical Officer for the ParalympicsGB team at Paris 2024, having worked in elite sport for over 20 years and as an integral member of the medical staff supporting the British team at Tokyo 2020. Chris Dick once again heads up security, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge as security advisor to the team since London 2012.

Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe OBE added: “I’m delighted to confirm the appointment of such a talented and experienced group of individuals who I know put the team at the heart of everything they do.

“ParalympicsGB strives to be the best prepared team at the Games, providing the optimum environment for athletes and support staff to perform at their very best. With planning and preparation already well underway, I know that this leadership group will work assiduously together to achieve just that.”

EngageRM announce three-year partnership with Queensland Cricket

EngageRM, the market leading sports and entertainment business technology services partner, has struck a three-year deal with Queensland Cricket.  

Through this partnership, Queensland Cricket will utilise EngageRM’s dynamic, data driven platform to optimize day-to-day operations and enhance their interactions with partners and fans alike.  

For over 146 years Queensland Cricket has governed all levels of the game from grassroots participation to their elite teams, the Queensland Bulls, Queensland Fire and Brisbane Heat. The organisation strives to unite and inspire communities across the state though cricket.  

EngageRM’s centralised platform will support Queensland Cricket across a range of areas including sales, ticketing, customer services management and memberships for the Brisbane Heat. 

This partnership represents EngageRM’s first client in cricket and increases their strong presence in the Queensland market, including venues that will be used in the 2032 Olympics.    

Powered by Microsoft Dynamics 365, the EngageRM platform will enhance capability and connect data points across Queensland Cricket through a centralised, single platform containing business automation, data analytics and CRM functionality.  

“Improving Queensland Cricket’s data management and processes, plus our ability to make data-informed decisions is a strategic priority for our organisation and partnering with EngageRM to develop our CRM is an important step in putting our planning into action. We see significant upside and potential for QC in having EngageRM help us manage areas like our corporate hospitality program, while ensuring our partners and fans enjoy a premium digital experience with Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Heat”, explained Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson.  

Pete Lock, GM Marketing & Corporate Affairs, shared this sentiment, “We have been impressed with the power and capabilities of the EngageRM platform, and we’re looking forward to providing our fans and corporate partners with a state-of-the-art digital experience that will put Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Heat at the forefront of our industry,” he said.  

“For the better part of 150 years, Queensland Cricket has worked tirelessly to ensure cricket is a favourite sport of the state. Their passion for the game is incredible,” said Dale Morris, Commercial Account Manager at EngageRM.  

“We are truly thrilled to be working with Queensland Cricket to support the franchises efforts to drive operational improvements, boost audience engagement and build on their previous success,” Morris said.  

“This partnership with Queensland Cricket is a significant milestone for EngageRM, marking our first client in the sport of cricket and expanding our reach in the state,” EngageRM CEO Ned Coten said.  

“We are thrilled to be working with their team for the next three years to assist them in amplifying their relationships with key stakeholders,” Coten said. 

EngageRM’s partners include major U.S. sports franchises including the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, in addition to teams and venues across the U.S., U.K. and Australia, including the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and Co-op Live in Manchester.  

AC Milan announce appointment of new CEO

AC Milan announces today that Giorgio Furlani has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer to succeed Ivan Gazidis, who will end his tenure at the Club next month.

A Milan native and lifelong Milanista, Furlani has served as a member of the AC Milan Board of Directors since 2018 and has played an integral role in the Club’s success under the ownership of Elliott Advisors, from which he will step down to take up the position of CEO at AC Milan.

Commenting on the appointment, RedBird Capital Partners Founder and Managing Partner Gerry Cardinale said: “When RedBird Capital Partners agreed to become custodians of AC Milan, we spoke of bringing our expertise in sports, media and entertainment to return the Club back to the pinnacle of European football, where it belongs. In Giorgio, we have the right CEO to lead the Club day-to-day and work closely with the RedBird team to make that vision a reality. Giorgio knows both the Club and the city intimately and has established the trust and confidence of the team at Casa Milan over the last four years. This will enable him to transition to this new leadership role seamlessly so that we can keep our focus on the larger goals ahead of us. We have a clear vision for this next chapter in the AC Milan story, and the RedBird team will be hands-on owners in partnership with Giorgio and the full team at Casa Milan in realising this vision.”

Giorgio Furlani said: “I want to thank Gerry and the RedBird team for giving me the great honour of leading the Club I love as it embarks on the next phase of its revival. I look forward to working with Chairman Scaroni, Paolo Maldini, Stefano Pioli and the rest of the Club’s leadership: together, I know that we can achieve greater success, on and off the field, in the years to come. Forza Milan!”

Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management partner with Castore

Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management has today announced an official agreement with leading sportswear brand, Castore to become the official apparel partner to ADMM. 

Starting from 2023, the British sportswear brand also becomes the leading retail and merchandise partner to Yas Marina Circuit and has already built an established presence within global motorsports that includes ongoing apparel partnerships with McLaren and Oracle Red Bull Racing, and its new agreement in place with the iconic Silverstone circuit in the UK.

The innovative new sportswear brand was founded in 2015 by brothers Tom and Phil Beahon under the tagline ‘Better Never Stops’, making it the perfect retail partner for Yas Marina Circuit – ‘The Meeting Place of Champions’.

Castore holds a relentless commitment to product excellence and has made significant strides on the global sportswear market, signing major partnerships with major international sporting figures including Andy Murray and Owen Farrell, while continuing its growth into motorsports through ongoing partnerships with McLaren and Oracle Red Bull Racing as well as the illustrious 24Hrs of Le Mans race and the historic Silverstone circuit. 

As part of the official agreement with Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, Castore will also become the official staff apparel provider at Yas Marina Circuit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2023, with Castore’s brand imagery featuring prominently at key locations across the circuit including Yas Central and Yas HQ.  As part of the deal, Castore products will also be on sale across the Circuit’s sales channels, with Yas Marina Circuit co-branded apparel available to buy online in 2023.

Steven Umfreville, Executive Director Commercial, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, said: “We are delighted to announce our agreement with leading sportswear brand, Castore to become the official apparel partner to ADMM and the official retail partner to Yas Marina Circuit here on Yas Island.”

“We have witnessed the incredible growth that Castore has made since its recent beginnings, with the brand now present both within our motorsport community but also on the international sporting stage. We look forward to seeing our Yas Marina Circuit family wearing the now iconic Castore logo and growing together as global leaders over the coming years. 

Rich Brooks, Brand Director of Automotive & Motorsports, Castore said: “Becoming the official apparel partner for the Yas Marina Circuit is an incredible expansion for the Castore brand, with both partners offering unique and premium products and experiences. As we strengthen our routes in the world of motorsports, we have always recognised the synergies with the Yas Marina Circuit family, bringing our innovation to their motorsport’s excellence. This is a brilliant step forward for us and we are incredibly excited to develop this partnership”