Business

Two-time Europa League winner Parma Calcio 1913 sold to Jiang Lizhang on Wednesday, adding to the growing trend of Chinese businessmen buying European socer clubs.

The following first and second division teams in Europe are now all principally owned by Chinese investors.

With the FIFA Confederations Cup in full swing, the opening match of the 2018 World Cup in Russia is officially less than a year away. 

For fans who are planning on making the trip to cheer on their country, they can expect to spend about $2,500 on travel, lodging, tickets, food and other miscellaneous expenses for a week-long trip. Although only three teams have officially qualified for Russia 2018 (Brazil, Iran and Russia), it'd be a smart move to start saving up now for fans of nations positioned well in qualifying.

Taking such a strong team to the Under-21 European Championships was meant to be a key moment in the development of Italy’s next generation of talent. Players such as Bernardeschi and Chiesa would gain experience in a tournament environment, easing them into contention for next year’s World Cup. Among the exciting array of talent, however, there was one real jewel in the crown.

Pep Guardiola's net worth has been estimated at around $40 million. That is less than Manchester City pays in transfer fees for many of the players Guardiola wants, but it's still quite a lot of money. More than I have, anyway.

Adidas has done it again. After releasing the X and the Nemeziz, adidas fired more shots at Nike without even needing to reload. The latest cleats from adidas are true beauties and have newly developed technology that the older F50 Tunit boots first pioneered.

The race for the next round of MLS expansion spots is easily the most contested to date. Twelve cities placed bids back in January. As usual, stadium designs, funding, ownership, star players, supporters groups and local government support are all chased and announced in pursuit of staying ahead of the pack. On Tuesday FC Cincinnati took the spotlight,revealing a beautiful stadium design, but we will ever get to see it? 

In a joint announcement between the Australian government and the football association, the country formally declared their interest to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup. And their odds of landing it are high. The national side is currently ranked eighth in the world and has consistently performed on the global stage, making it to the quarterfinals in each of the last three World Cups. 

Lionel Messi has recently unveiled his plans to personally and painstakingly design, build and operate his own theme park in Nanjing, China. It will be called the Messi Experience Park (MEP), which is infinitely lamer than Messi World, Magic Messi Kingdom or Messi's Wonderous Adventureland. With over 20 attractions on a sprawling 42,000 square meter space, the biggest question remains whether or not Mateo Messi will be old enough or tall enough to have any fun.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won just about every individual honor you can win during his career, but the ultimate prize, the cover of the FIFA video game, has always eluded him. Until now.

A new trailer for FIFA 18 has been released, and it is extremely Ronaldo focused. Check it out:

Jose Mourinho's net worth has been reported at anywhere from $22 million to $50 million. That is enough to live very comfortably and still never have to work another day in your life, so good for Jose Mourinho for continuing to go about his business even though he doesn't have to. The Special One indeed!