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Keir Starmer's UK Labour Party achieved significant victories in two parliamentary by-elections, taking seats from Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party. Labour recorded its second-highest vote swing from the Tories since World War II, indicating a strong reaction from voters against the Conservative government. The performance of Reform UK, an anti-immigration party founded by Nigel Farage, also raised concerns among Tory strategists about a split in the right-wing vote. These results pose a major blow to Sunak's administration, which has now experienced more by-election defeats in a single term than any government since the 1960s. [Extracted from the article]

Universal Music Group NV has responded to Bill Ackman's Pershing Square fund, stating that it does not have the right to require the company to become US domiciled or delist from Euronext Amsterdam. Ackman claimed that his fund has a contractual right to list UMG in the US and is seeking board approval to delist Pershing Square Holdings from Euronext Amsterdam. UMG acknowledged Ackman's post but clarified that the company will comply with its contractual obligations regarding a US listing while prioritizing the best interests of all shareholders. [Extracted from the article]

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof canceled his trip to the UN climate summit in Azerbaijan following antisemitic attacks against Israeli football fans in the Netherlands. The violent events in Amsterdam led to the hospitalization of five fans and injuries to as many as 30 people, with over 60 suspects arrested. The incident prompted global condemnation, including from US President Joe Biden and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and sparked discussions on antisemitism and security measures in Amsterdam. [Extracted from the article]

Dutch leaders from various political backgrounds came together to denounce antisemitic attacks on Israeli football fans in the Netherlands. The violence occurred during a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax, leading to injuries and hospitalizations. The incidents prompted global condemnation, with measures being taken to address the situation and ensure the safety of all individuals involved. [Extracted from the article]

Billionaire Bill Ackman plans to delist Pershing Square Holdings Ltd. from Euronext's exchange in Amsterdam following violence against Israeli football fans in the Netherlands. The move is also influenced by the majority of trading volume occurring on the London Stock Exchange. Ackman's decision is driven by both business and moral considerations, with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemning the attacks as "completely unacceptable." Additionally, Ackman is in talks with Universal Music Group N.V. to move its domicile and listing to the US due to limited liquidity and a discount in trading. [Extracted from the article]

Dutch police arrested over 60 individuals following attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, with both Dutch and Israeli leaders condemning the violence. The supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv were targeted in various parts of the city after playing against Dutch team Ajax. The incident has sparked widespread criticism, leading to calls for increased security measures and prosecution of the perpetrators. [Extracted from the article]

Billionaire Bill Ackman announced plans to delist Pershing Square Holdings Ltd. from Euronext's exchange in Amsterdam following violence against Israeli football fans in the Netherlands. The decision was influenced by the majority of trading volume occurring on the London Stock Exchange. Ackman also mentioned discussions with Universal Music Group N.V. to move its domicile and listing to the US due to limited liquidity and a discount in Amsterdam. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the attacks as "completely unacceptable," promising prosecution of the perpetrators. [Extracted from the article]

Bill Ackman announced plans to seek approval to remove Pershing Square Holdings Ltd.'s listing from Euronext's exchange in Amsterdam, citing a shift in trading volume to the London Stock Exchange. Ackman also initiated discussions with Universal Music Group N.V. about relocating its domicile and listing to the United States. The decision follows anti-Semitic attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, leading to the arrest of 62 individuals and condemnation from Dutch and Israeli leaders. [Extracted from the article]

Dutch police arrested 62 individuals following attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, prompting condemnation from the leaders of the Netherlands and Israel for the anti-Semitic violence. The supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv were targeted in various areas of the city, leading to police intervention and hospitalizations. The incident occurred amidst heightened tensions related to the conflict in Gaza, with security measures implemented in Amsterdam and assurances of prosecution for the perpetrators. [Extracted from the article]

Dutch police arrested 62 individuals following clashes between Israeli and pro-Palestinian football fans in Amsterdam. The leaders of the Netherlands and Israel condemned the anti-Semitic violence, with Amsterdam authorities stating that supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv were attacked in various parts of the city. The conflict arose amidst escalating tensions related to the war in Gaza, with both Hamas and Hezbollah involved in the broader context of the situation. [Extracted from the article]

Dutch police arrested 57 individuals following clashes between Israeli and pro-Palestinian football fans in Amsterdam. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the "anti-Semitic" violence and thanked Dutch authorities for their efforts to calm the situation. The conflict is part of a broader context of rising anger against Israel due to the war in Gaza, with both Hamas and Hezbollah involved in the ongoing tensions. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report by the Netherlands' statistics agency, nearly one fifth of residents in the country identify as LGBTQIA, which includes lesbian, gay, bi-plus, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual individuals. This corresponds to approximately 2.7 million people, or 18% of residents aged 15 and older. The Netherlands has a history of advancing LGBTQIA+ rights, being the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, but recent incidents of aggression against the community and declining rates of acceptance among youth have raised concerns. LGBTQIA individuals in the Netherlands are predominantly younger and tend to live in urban areas. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign has resulted in a record number of senior officials being implicated for two consecutive years. This crackdown has raised concerns among investors and bureaucrats, as it threatens to unsettle the economy. The campaign has targeted various sectors, including finance, energy, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure. The finance industry, in particular, has faced increased scrutiny, with bankers being labeled as "hedonistic" and a new financial corruption work committee being established. The campaign has also led to harsh penalties for public officials involved in corruption, as demonstrated by the recent sentencing of a former deputy governor of the People's Bank of China. The military and soccer industries have also been affected by corruption investigations. However, the intensification of the campaign has created unease among bureaucrats, as the fear of purges discourages innovation and risk-taking. The Chinese leadership has acknowledged this issue and called on bureaucrats to have courage and dare to innovate. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign has led to a record number of senior officials being implicated for two consecutive years. This crackdown has raised concerns among investors and bureaucrats, as it threatens to unsettle the economy. The campaign has targeted various sectors, including finance, energy, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure. Additionally, the military and soccer industry have also been subject to investigations. However, the growing intensity of the campaign has created unease among bureaucrats, discouraging them from taking risks and stifling innovation. [Extracted from the article]

Juergen Klopp, the former coach of Liverpool FC, has been hired by Red Bull GmbH as its global head of soccer. Starting in January, Klopp will oversee Red Bull's network of football clubs, providing advice on talent and strategy. Although he will not be coaching the teams directly, Klopp's appointment is expected to have a significant impact on Red Bull's involvement in international soccer. Red Bull, known for its energy drinks, owns several teams and has a stake in Leeds United. [Extracted from the article]

Juergen Klopp, the former coach of Liverpool FC, has been hired by Red Bull GmbH as its global head of soccer. Starting in January, Klopp will oversee Red Bull's network of football clubs, providing advice on talent and strategy. While he will not be in charge of coaching the teams, his appointment is expected to boost Red Bull's global ambitions as a sports team owner and sponsor of athletes. Red Bull owns several teams, including Leipzig, Salzburg, and the New York Red Bulls, and has a stake in Leeds United. Klopp's successful track record, including major trophy wins with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, is seen as a game changer for Red Bull's involvement in international soccer. [Extracted from the article]

Juergen Klopp, the former coach of Liverpool FC, has been hired by Red Bull GmbH as its global head of soccer. Starting in January, Klopp will oversee Red Bull's network of football clubs and provide advice on talent and strategy. Although he will not be coaching the teams directly, Klopp's appointment is expected to have a significant impact on Red Bull's involvement in international soccer. Red Bull, known for its energy drinks and sports sponsorships, is privately owned by Mark Mateschitz and the Yoovidhya family. [Extracted from the article]

Sweden has uncovered an Iranian hacking operation in which 15,000 text messages were sent on August 1, 2023, with the aim of deepening divisions in the country. The messages encouraged recipients to seek revenge on individuals who had burned the Koran. While the hackers were identified, Sweden dropped the investigation as it lacked jurisdiction to charge them in Iran or bring them to Sweden for trial. The Iranian embassy in Stockholm denied the allegations, stating that they were baseless and could harm relations between the two countries. This incident is seen as part of a pattern of covert Iranian operations in Europe. [Extracted from the article]

Sweden has uncovered an Iranian hacking operation in which 15,000 text messages were sent on August 1, 2023, urging recipients to seek revenge on those who burned the Koran. The cyber attack occurred during a tense period when Sweden's application to join NATO was being considered and after public Koran burnings had sparked outrage. The investigation revealed that the Iranian state, through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, hacked a Swedish company's text-messaging service to increase tensions and fuel conflicts within Swedish society. Although the Iranian hackers have been identified, they cannot be charged or brought to trial in Iran or Sweden. [Extracted from the article]

Pernod Ricard, the maker of Ricard Pastis, has ended its global partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) due to backlash from fans. The distiller's ties with Marseille, the home of one of its founders, caused strong emotions in France, leading to a boycott of the company's products. The deal would have allowed Pernod to promote its whisky and Champagne brands with PSG, a team disliked by fans of other French clubs. Pernod Ricard's existing partnership to provide wine and spirits to PSG's hospitality suites will continue. [Extracted from the article]

Pernod Ricard SA, the maker of Martell Cognac and Ricard Pastis, has canceled a global partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after facing backlash from Marseille football fans. The distiller's ties to Marseille, the city where one of the company's founders is from, caused intense emotions and led to a social media campaign calling for a boycott of Pernod Ricard products. PSG, which is disliked by fans of other French clubs, is currently leading the Ligue 1, with Marseille in second place. Pernod Ricard's CEO decided to end the partnership after considering the opinions of employees, customers, shareholders, and his family. [Extracted from the article]

The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia in Miami turned into chaos as gate crashers stormed the stadium, causing police and security to lock down the venue. Fans with tickets were left outside as kickoff approached. The disturbances were the culmination of a Copa America tournament already marred by low attendance and fights in the stands. The incident has raised concerns about the ability to organize the upcoming World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada in 2026. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has promised an immediate review to better prepare for the World Cup games. [Extracted from the article]

The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia in Miami turned into chaos as gate crashers stormed the stadium, causing police and security to lock down the venue. Fans with tickets were left outside as the minutes before kickoff counted down. The disturbances were a culmination of a tournament already marred by low attendance, disappointing performances, and fights in the stands. Despite efforts to let fans in, the stadium had to shut gates to prevent stampedes and serious injury. The incident raises concerns about the US's ability to organize the upcoming World Cup in 2026. [Extracted from the article]

A car bomb exploded outside a tea shop in Mogadishu, Somalia, where football fans had gathered to watch the finals of the European Championship, killing five people and injuring around 20 others. The attack took place at a popular restaurant called Top Coffee. No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, but al-Shabaab militants have previously carried out similar acts of violence in Somalia. The African Union recently endorsed the creation of a new force to combat Islamist militants in Somalia. This bombing follows another violent incident at Mogadishu Central Prison, where eight people were killed during a breakout attempt by prisoners believed to be linked to al-Shabaab. [Extracted from the article]

The England men's football team is on the verge of winning their first major tournament in nearly 60 years, which could provide a much-needed boost for Britain's new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. Starmer, a lifelong football fan, could benefit from the positive narrative and increased approval ratings that a victory would bring. However, England is not favored to win, and the pain of past football failures has become ingrained in the English identity. Despite this, Starmer's genuine love of football and his association with the sport could allow him to authentically capitalize on any England victory. [Extracted from the article]

The Labour Party in the UK has promised to establish a new football regulator if it wins the upcoming general election. The party aims to ensure the financial stability of soccer clubs and protect fans by introducing a Football Governance Bill. This bill would prevent the formation of super-league style breakaways by leading clubs and may also regulate ticket prices and impose a transfer levy on player transfers. The Labour Party's proposals are significant as they currently hold a wide polling lead, making their leader, Keir Starmer, likely to become the next prime minister. The governing Conservatives had previously introduced a bill for a football regulator, but its progress was halted due to an early election call. [Extracted from the article]

Emilio Azcarraga, the controlling owner of Mexico's Club America soccer team, believes that sports team owners should be fans rather than just investors. Azcarraga, who also oversees a chain of casinos and a publishing business, is passionate about football and sees it as more than just a business. He recently oversaw the spinoff of Club America's parent company, Ollamani SAB, from Mexican media giant Grupo Televisa, and the company's stock has been performing well. Azcarraga is currently overseeing a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Azteca Stadium, the team's home, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. [Extracted from the article]

The Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank has warned that the next UK government will face the most challenging fiscal situation in 70 years. The winner of the upcoming election will be confronted with high debt, high interest rates, and low growth, making it difficult to stabilize the debt burden. The think tank suggests that the parties have three options: accept planned spending cuts, raise taxes, or borrow more and fail to stabilize the debt. The director of the IFS emphasizes the need for an upfront debate about these choices, even though politicians may be reluctant to discuss them during the election campaign. [Extracted from the article]

Eintracht Frankfurt, a German football club, is considering a potential partnership with a new United Soccer League (USL) team in Milwaukee. The partnership could involve collaboration in areas such as talent development. Eintracht Frankfurt already has a partnership with Forward Madison FC, another Wisconsin-based team. This move is part of a trend of German football clubs forming partnerships in the US to expand their access to talent and overcome ownership restrictions. No agreements have been reached yet, and representatives from all parties declined to comment. [Extracted from the article]

Eintracht Frankfurt, a German football club, is considering a potential partnership with a new United Soccer League (USL) team in Milwaukee. The partnership could involve collaboration in areas such as talent development. Eintracht Frankfurt already has a partnership with Forward Madison FC, another Wisconsin-based team. This move is part of a trend of German football clubs forming partnerships in the US to expand their access to talent and overcome ownership restrictions. No agreements have been reached yet, and representatives from all parties declined to comment. [Extracted from the article]

The UK government, led by Rishi Sunak, is planning to introduce a Football Governance Bill to establish an independent football regulator. This decision comes after the Premier League failed to reach an agreement on revenue sharing with smaller clubs. The bill aims to protect the financial health of smaller clubs and prevent larger teams from participating in breakaway tournaments. The regulator will have powers to enforce financial regulations, corporate governance, and club ownership. The government is motivated by the desire to support football fans and address the fragility of the English football pyramid. [Extracted from the article]

The organizer of Inter Miami's game in Hong Kong, Tatler Asia, has announced that it will issue a 50% refund to ticket holders, totaling $7.2 million, after fans booed Lionel Messi for not participating in the match. Tatler Asia apologized for the incident and blamed Inter Miami for the debacle. The refund comes after Tatler Asia forfeited HK$16 million in government funding. The Hong Kong government welcomed the refund and requested an explanation from Inter Miami regarding Messi's subsequent participation in a match in Japan. Messi's absence in Hong Kong has sparked outrage in mainland China, with some expressing concerns about his commercial value in the country. [Extracted from the article]

A major Chinese city, Hangzhou, has canceled a friendly match between Argentina and Nigeria, citing "well-known reasons." This decision comes after public uproar in China over Lionel Messi's failure to play in a recent Hong Kong match and his subsequent participation in a friendly match in Japan. The controversy surrounding Messi's actions has led to speculation about political motives and could potentially impact his partnerships with Chinese brands. The cancellation of the upcoming match raises questions about Messi's future engagements in mainland China. [Extracted from the article]

Controversy surrounds Lionel Messi's decision not to play in a football match in Hong Kong, with many in China expressing frustration on social media. Hong Kong sports lawmaker Kenneth Fok accused Messi and his US club Inter Miami of disrespecting local fans, which became a trending topic on Weibo. Some commentators compared Messi's behavior in Hong Kong to his demeanor in Japan, where he is scheduled to play in a friendly match. Public anger in China could potentially impact Messi's partnerships with Chinese brands. [Extracted from the article]

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, has blamed the organizer of Inter Miami's visit to the city, Tatler Asia, for the controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's failure to play in an exhibition game. Tatler Asia chose to forfeit $2 million worth of government funding for the event and CEO Michel Lamuniere blamed Inter Miami for the situation, stating that they were told Messi was fit to play. The game saw a sold-out crowd of 38,000 fans, who booed Inter Miami and their co-founder David Beckham. The incident has negatively impacted Hong Kong's efforts to showcase the city's strengths and improve its international image. [Extracted from the article]

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, has blamed the organizer of Inter Miami's visit to the city for the controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's failure to play in an exhibition game. The government has urged the organizer to provide a detailed account of the event and respond to the concerns of ticket holders. Tatler Asia has chosen to forfeit $2 million worth of government funding for the event, with CEO Michel Lamuniere blaming Inter Miami for the situation. The incident has damaged Hong Kong's reputation as a finance hub and raised questions about the government's ability to host major events. [Extracted from the article]

Hong Kong officials asked Lionel Messi, the Argentinian soccer star, to meet fans on the pitch after it was announced that he would not be playing in a match between Hong Kong and Inter Miami. The request was made 10 minutes before the end of the game, but unfortunately, it did not work out. Messi's absence is seen as a setback for the government's efforts to boost tourism and spending in the city. The government is still gathering information and has not yet paid sponsorship money for the event. Tatler XFEST Hong Kong also expressed disappointment over Messi's non-participation. [Extracted from the article]

The New York area has been chosen to host the FIFA World Cup final in 2026, beating out Dallas and Los Angeles. The final will take place at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, which has a capacity of 82,500 and is reachable by train from Manhattan. The US is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico, with the tournament beginning in Mexico City and Toronto. While Dallas will host nine games, including a semifinal, New York will also set up FIFA Fan Fest sites for soccer enthusiasts. [Extracted from the article]

The New York area has been chosen to host the FIFA World Cup final in 2026, beating out Dallas and Los Angeles. The championship match will be held at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, which is accessible from Manhattan by train. This decision is seen as a victory for New York Mayor Eric Adams and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who emphasized the area's infrastructure and international appeal. The US will host all games starting from the quarterfinals, while Canada and Mexico are co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. In addition to the final, New York and New Jersey will also set up FIFA Fan Fest sites for soccer enthusiasts. [Extracted from the article]

Belgian football club KV Oostende's American owner, Paul Conway, was trapped in a restroom by disgruntled fans who blamed him for the team's decline. Since Conway took over in 2020, the club has fallen from the top tier of the Belgian Pro League and is currently struggling in the second division. Conway, an advocate of multiclub ownership, relies on data to buy players and has faced criticism from fans. This incident reflects a growing trend of multiclub ownership in football, which can lead to increased risk and fan dissatisfaction. [Extracted from the article]

China's government has released a documentary series that blames corruption for the poor performance of its football team. The final episode aired on state television just before the start of an Asian tournament. The documentary features confessions from officials, including the former chairman of the Chinese Football Association, who admitted to accepting bribes. The investigation into football corruption has led to the arrest of at least 14 officials and the stripping of party membership for some. President Xi Jinping has made fighting corruption a priority and sees the rejuvenation of Chinese football as part of his goal to make China a sports superpower. However, the sport has faced challenges, including financial crises and the renouncement of Chinese citizenship by foreign players. The men's team, currently ranked 79th in the world, has faced criticism from fans for its poor performance. The documentary also highlights other factors, such as the centralized management of football, as contributing to the sport's underdevelopment in China. [Extracted from the article]

China's government has released a documentary series that blames corruption for the poor performance of the country's football team. The final episode aired on state television just before an Asian tournament, which was seen as an opportunity for Chinese football to improve. The documentary features confessions from officials, including the former chairman of the Chinese Football Association, who admitted to taking bribes. The investigation into football corruption has led to the arrest of at least 14 officials and the stripping of party membership for some. The documentary also highlights other factors, such as the centralized management of football, as contributing to the sport's poor development in China. [Extracted from the article]

A soccer fan from New York has filed a lawsuit against StubHub, accusing the company of fraud and breach of contract for selling him fraudulent tickets to a Tottenham Hotspur FC game. The fan claims that StubHub contacted him multiple times to confirm that his ticket purchase was guaranteed. However, when he arrived at the stadium, the tickets did not scan and a stadium employee informed him that StubHub was not authorized to act as a broker. The fan is seeking class action status for his lawsuit and wants to represent other customers who have encountered similar problems. StubHub has not yet responded to the lawsuit. [Extracted from the article]

Bloomberg first reported in July that legislation to set up the football regulator would feature in the King's Speech. (Bloomberg) -- The UK will establish an independent football regulator for England's Premier League and lower divisions, to protect the financial health of smaller clubs and prevent the biggest teams from joining breakaway tournaments. [Extracted from the article]

Other highlights: "The economy has shown a significant degree of resilience and is now larger than it was before the pandemic" "Over the last two years, the number of people with jobs has increased by two million, bringing the level of employment close to its pre-pandemic level" "To continue with the restoration of our commuter rail corridors, 50 billion rand ($2.7 billion) will be spent over the next three years to modernize our passenger rail network" South Africa's port, rail and electricity infrastructure are "strategic national assets" and will remain state-owned Welfare grants and public employment programs have played a vital role in supporting the vulnerable --With assistance from S'thembile Cele and Monique Vanek. (Bloomberg) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a public holiday to celebrate the Springboks' victory in the Rugby World Cup. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Belgian prosecutors charged a Tunisian man with murder in relation to the Oct. 16 terrorist attack in Belgium that left two Swedish football fans dead and injured another. Belgian officials originally said they believed the shooter was motivated by revenge over events like recent Koran burnings in Stockholm and that he acted alone, but have been investigating possible associates. [Extracted from the article]

Van Quickenborne announced his resignation Friday evening after an investigation into the Oct. 16 attack revealed Tunisia had asked for the extradition of the attacker, who was illegally in Belgium, in August 2022. Read more: Suspect Killed After Shooting Swedish Football Fans in Brussels The attacker, whose request for asylum was rejected in 2020, was known to the police and had been imprisoned in Sweden. (Bloomberg) -- Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne resigned after a Tunisian shot and killed two football fans in Brussels, saying a judicial lapse that allowed the man to stay in the country was an "unforgivable" error. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Several regional airports in France and Belgium were evacuated after threats of attack, with the Palace of Versailles outside of Paris seeing its third evacuation in days. Shares in Air France-KLM fell as much as 6.2% on the news while Paris airport operator Aeroports de Paris SA fell as much as 4.4%. [Extracted from the article]

"For those whose asylum request is turned down, we absolutely need to be able to organize deportation", Nicole de Moor, Belgium's secretary of state for asylum and migration, told reporters in Brussels on Tuesday. (Bloomberg) -- Belgium said it will focus on tackling illegal migration and aims to rally other European Union members to join its efforts after a terrorist attack by a Tunisian man left two Swedish football fans dead. [Extracted from the article]

The 45-year-old Tunisian suspect was staying illegally in Belgium, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said in a news conference Tuesday morning. (Bloomberg) -- Belgian police shot and killed a man suspected of murdering two Swedish football fans as they investigate a possible terrorist-related motive. [Extracted from the article]