Shorts: Liverpool, Matta, Lando Norris
Liverpool FC has appointed its ex-Sporting Director Michael Edwards as its new Chief Executive of Football.
Edwards, who joined Liverpool in 2011 and became Sporting Director in 2016 before leaving the club in summer 2022, had already rejected an offer from the club earlier this year.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has announced he would be stepping down at the end of the season and the Reds were looking for somebody to spearhead the new era.
The club is currently owned by US multinational sports holding conglomerate Fenway Sports Group (FSG).
FSG President Mike Gordon, said, “Michael is one of the most formidable executive talents in world football.”
“He returns to us in a role with greater seniority than he held previously and with a wider remit.
“It was clear when we initially reached out to him that a broader scope would be a key motivating factor for any potential return to the industry. In this regard – and many others – his ambitions matched ours.”
Prior to agreeing the latest role at Liverpool FC, Edwards had turned down roles to run the football operations at Chelsea and Manchester United.
London-based sports marketing agency MATTA has opened an office in Sydney, Australia.
MATTA veteran Dulcie Davies has been appointed Marketing Director, Australia and will lead the development of the business in the region.
MATTA has described the move as an opportunity to ‘service its growing global client roster,’ which includes tennis and cricket giants the ATP and the ICC amongst others such as Movember from the wellbeing sector.
Tom Allwood, MATTA Global Ltd, Managing Director, said, “Taking the business to Australia and the APAC market is a hugely exciting move for MATTA and I’m delighted that Dulcie will be carrying the torch. Since joining MATTA in 2017 she’s been an integral part of the business, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.”
Dulcie Davies, Marketing Director, MATTA Global Ltd. added, “Sport is woven into the fabric of Australian life. Being the global sporting hotspot that it is, we know there’s an opportunity for MATTA to bring its experience to the market, in particular its work within women’s sport; notably in football, cricket, rugby, netball, golf. My diary is already filling up, so we are off to a good start!”
MATTA was recently shortlisted for Agency of the Year at the FEVO Sport Industry Awards 2024. The winner will be announced at the biggest night of the sport industry calendar on Thursday 25th April.
Video gaming brand PlayStation has announced British Formula 1 driver Lando Norris and Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior as PlayStation Playmakers.
PlayStation Playmakers is a global network of creators, athletes, actors, artists, gamers and entertainers.
EFL League Two football club MK Dons has partnered with Ticketmaster in a multi-year deal.
From the beginning of the 2024/25 season, Ticketmaster will provide ticket services for MK Dons games and Stadium MK events via the club’s websites and box office.
MK Dons Chairman, Pete Winkelman, said, “Everyone in sport and entertainment is familiar with Ticketmaster and their world-leading system, and for
good reason.”
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with one of the biggest names in events to bring the best possible ticketing system to Stadium MK.”
“I’m incredibly excited for the future of this partnership including the advancements in digital ticketing it can bring for MK Dons supporters.”
Loughborough Sport has partnered with sports equipment provider Rhino.
The four-year strategic partnership will see UK-based Rhino supply the university’s recreational squads with netballs and rugby balls to be used in both training and competitive matches.
Rich Ellis, Head of Commercial Partnerships and Sports Facilities, said, “At Loughborough University we are determined to stay at the forefront of sport in the higher education sector.
“Partnerships such as this with Rhino allow us to continue to lead the way, providing the very best sport equipment for our talented student athletes. We’re all looking forward to a long and fruitful agreement with one of the world’s most premium sport suppliers.”
British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) has announced Will Roberts, current Chief Operating Officer for the Youth Sport Trust, as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Will, who will take up the new role in June, has vast experience in the sport sector. He joined the Youth Sport Trust senior team in 2015 and became Chief Operating Officer in the autumn of 2019, leading transformation in the charity’s technology and systems, and the development of the charity’s long term strategy to 2035.
Chair of the BUCS Board, Professor Amanda Broderick, University of East London (UEL) Vice-Chancellor and President, said, “It is my great pleasure to confirm that Will Roberts is to join BUCS as Chief Executive Officer.
“Will’s high performance track record together with the energy and enthusiasm for the bold new direction we are taking at BUCS, will ensure we remain at the forefront of university sporting excellence and advance a culture of innovation and inclusive practice, unlocking the transformative benefits of sport and physical activity across the many communities our members serve.”
