Malta, 11 September 2025:— We are excited to announce that Socios Europe Services Limited (SES), part of The Chiliz Group, has been officially granted authorisation as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

This authorisation is a landmark achievement as we celebrate becoming the first MiCA-authorised entity within the blockchain and sports sector (SportFi) within the EU, and underscores our unwavering commitment to compliance, transparency, and consumer protection. 

With this milestone, over 400 million fans across Europe can now access regulated crypto-asset services through our compliant infrastructure, including a fully regulated gateway to purchase and trade official Fan Tokens on Socios.com, setting a new standard for consumer protection in the digital sports economy and strengthening our leadership in the emerging SportFi landscape.

Our MiCA licence covers the custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients; the exchange of crypto-assets for funds; the placing of crypto-assets; and transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients. These regulated services are distinguished from our non-MiCA offerings, such as fan engagement polls, loyalty programmes, and third-party dApp access, which fall outside the MiCA framework.

The operations of the Socios.com platform are being shifted on the 1st  October 2025 to Socios Europe Services Limited, which will provide all crypto asset services in accordance with its MiCA authorisation. Users will also be supported by a new complaints handling procedure, and all updated legal documents – including Platform Terms and Socios.com Wallet Terms – will be made available via a new Legal Hub on the Socios.com website.

In line with our commitment to regulatory compliance, we have also published a comprehensive MiCA-compliant white paper for the Chiliz (CHZ) token. This white paper provides detailed information about CHZ in accordance with Title II of the MiCA Regulation, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance for our European users and trading partners. Furthermore, the process to register white papers for each individual Fan Token with ESMA, through a notification process with the MFSA, has been started.

The Chiliz Group also has a longstanding track record of regulatory compliance, having secured authorisations and registrations across multiple jurisdictions. Most recently, Socios Europe Services Limited was authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) under the Virtual Financial Assets Act, building upon earlier registrations  in markets such as  Spain, Italy, and Lithuania held by other The Chiliz Group entities. This proactive approach demonstrates our commitment to working in accordance with regulatory frameworks.

“Securing full MiCA authorisation positions us at the forefront of regulated Web3 innovation in sports and entertainment,” said Alex Dreyfus, CEO and Founder of Chiliz. “This milestone validates our long-term vision of building compliant, sustainable blockchain infrastructure that empowers fans and organisations within Europe and beyond. Together with our MiCA-compliant CHZ whitepaper, it delivers greater transparency and confidence to all ecosystem participants. These regulatory milestones deliver the foundations for the next phase of SportFi growth, as further transparency and regulations help to create an ecosystem that can tokenise real-world assets (RWA) from the sports sector, and democratise access to those assets on-chain. It’s a pivotal moment for our community and partners as we continue to grow our ecosystem.”

The post The Chiliz Group celebrates dual MiCA milestone: European licence for Socios Europe Services and MiCA-compliant CHZ white paper appeared first on Socios.com.

Madrid,  November 14th 2024:— Chiliz Group, the creator of Fan Tokens and the Chiliz Chain, is taking a new step in its mission to enhance fan engagement in sports with the introduction of the new Web3-enabled Socios.com Wallet for 2.3 million Socios.com users,¹ the firm’s flagship D2C platform. The upgrade will empower users with direct ownership and control over their Fan Tokens while giving them a consolidated entry point to the Chiliz ecosystem.

The new Socios.com Wallet will grant fans greater control of their digital assets while unlocking new possibilities for developers within the Chiliz Chain ecosystem. Through a built-in “Browser” (available in an update after the initial release) users will be able to immediately access decentralized applications (dApps) built on the Chiliz chain such as fantasy sports games, sports prediction platform, cross-chain bridging tools and  DEXs, with new dApps being continually added to the growing library.

From white-labeled fan experiences to Web3 games and DeFi staking protocols, developers building on the Chiliz Chain will be able to host their dApp in an enclosed Web3 ecosystem purpose-built to reach an engaged audience of both sporting brands and fans through the new Socios.com Wallet.

“Integration of our new Socios.com Wallet into the ecosystem marks an important milestone in our mission to enhance fan experiences across the Chiliz Chain,” said Alexandre Dreyfus, CEO of Chiliz. “With this upgrade, we’re further unlocking the potential of Fan Tokens for both our users and developers. Users will have complete control over their assets and be able to natively interact with any application in the library. It’s the entire Chiliz ecosystem on their phone.”

• Self-Custody: Users retain complete control over their private keys and digital assets while improving the security of the ecosystem. 
• Seamless Integration: Effortlessly access and interact with the Chiliz Chain dApp library without the need to move Fan Tokens out of the wallet. 
• Advanced Security: Established security protocols to help protect users’ digital assets, alongside best practices on par with the industry’s most secure wallet providers. 
• Streamlined Transactions: Efficient buying, selling, and transferring of Fan Tokens, all actioned natively on the Chiliz Chain. 

The wallet will be rolled out gradually, with the dApp browser and advanced features like staking and expanded token support added in upcoming phases. All existing Socios.com users who have consented to the upgrade will automatically be migrated to the new wallet system. 

Launched in 2019, Socios.com is the world’s leading fan engagement and rewards platform, serving over two million global users. Socios.com is the official Fan Token partner of more than 70 of the world’s largest sports brands including FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City. Through the Socios.com app, sports fans can connect with their favorite teams in unprecedented ways, including the chance to vote in team decisions through Fan Polls and earn meaningful rewards for their loyalty, from signed merch and tickets to once-in-a-lifetime VIP experiences. Socios.com is powered by the Chiliz Group.

The post Chiliz unveils new Web3-enabled Socios.com Wallet: the next phase in Fan Token utility appeared first on Socios.com.

Let’s start by tackling the first, and probably most important thing about the new wallet – it’s non-custodial.

Your old wallet was custodial – which means a ‘custodian’ (us) held assets on your behalf.  On the flip side, the new non-custodial, or ‘self custodial’, Socios.com Wallet gives you true ownership of your assets.

VAR CHECK: Why is this a good thing?

Imagine you play for a football team, and want to have an impromptu game with your friends, but you can’t because the manager takes all the balls home with him – including yours.

You trust the manager, and you know he will take good care of your ball. But, you’d prefer it if you could access the ball whenever you want – and do what you want with it – it’s your ball after all.

The Socios.com Wallet takes the ball and puts it firmly in your hands.

VAR CHECK:  But, doesn’t this make it less secure?

It’s the opposite. The Socios.com Wallet includes a host of security features that make it more secure than the old wallet. 

First of all, it uses passkey technology, which means you can access the wallet by using your face or fingerprint – which is much better than relying on a password that can be stolen. 

Your passkey also protects your private key – which is unique to your wallet.

VAR CHECK: Wait, this sounds complicated – I need to manage a private key, too?

It doesn’t work like that. The private key associated with your wallet is never revealed. It’s protected by a cryptographic process known as ‘sharding’ – which basically means it’s divided into separate shares, with each individually encrypted and stored in a secure location.

The private key keeps your wallet secure, but access to your wallet is fully controlled by you via the passkey.

VAR CHECK: But, what if I lose my phone?

If you drop the ball then the Recovery Kit will ensure you don’t permanently lose access to your assets. The kit consists of a code and an ID, and you’ll set this up when you update to the new wallet.

The next bit is pretty crucial though: imagine you’re a top goalkeeper – and SAVE IT!

Saving and storing your Recovery Kit details securely is a must.

VAR CHECK:  Ok – sounds  good – anything else I should know?

Yes.

The Socios.com Wallet will also host a dApp (decentralized app) browser that will let you connect to lots of other platforms and services directly from Socios.com.

Imagine you’re a footballer, but you’ve only ever played in your home stadium.  Let’s call it the ‘Socios.com Arena’.

You’ve wowed the home fans with your performances, and now you want to test yourself away from home.

This is kind of what the dApp browser is like. 

Socios.com is still your home stadium, but the dApp browser will let you enjoy new Web3 sport experiences away from home.

More on this later.

VAR CHECK COMPLETE.

We hope you’re feeling more familiar and confident with the new Socios.com Wallet. It’s early days, but it’s a really positive step forward for Fan Token holders everywhere. 

We’re sure making the switch will be straightforward, but if you do have any more questions at all then check out the FAQs.

The post Why The New Socios.com Wallet Is Much Better Than The Old Wallet appeared first on Socios.com.

Match Details Date and Kick-off Time

The ElClasico takes place on Saturday, October 26 at 8pm UK time / 9pm Central European Time / 3pm Eastern Time US.

The match will be held at Real Madrid’s famous Bernabeu Stadium, where tens of thousands of fans from each side will be biting their nails in anticipation, with both teams hoping to walk away with three points, bragging rights over their opponents, and a leg up in the Liga title race. Barcelona currently lead Real Madrid by three points at the top of the table, and while they have a heavy goal difference advantage, if Real level they will feel delighted, while for Barcelona a six-point cushion at this stage of the season would be an imposing gap.

History of the Rivalry

The rivalry stretches back to 1902, when Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-1 in the Copa de la Coronacion, held in honour of the coronation of Alfonso XIII of Spain. The rivalry is so intense not because these are the two best, most prestigious and successful teams in Spain, but because of the political context of the match. The bitter edge comes from the rivalry between Madrid – Spain’s capital city and the home of its government – and Barcelona, which is the capital of Catalonia, a region that has consistently wanted to be independent from Spain. 

Real Madrid have the edge when it comes to the head-to-head record, as Real boast 105 wins, Barcelona 100, and there have also been 52 draws.

Team Form and Recent Performances

Real Madrid are undefeated in La Liga so far, with four wins in their last five games, but there are causes for concern. Against Alaves, they held on for a 3-2 victory, and they also were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Atletico at the end of last month. The biggest worry though is their European performances. Carlo Ancelotti was plainly disappointed by the 1-0 defeat in the Champions League in Lille. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr have started brightly, and Jude Bellingham remains a constant threat.

For Barcelona, they have been in brilliant, free-scoring form after the arrival of Hansi Flick.

The Polish veteran Robert Lewandowski has 12 goals in 10 Liga games, and 14 in 12 games overall. Behind him, Raphinina, Yamine Lamal and Ansu Fati, as well as Dani Olmo, are all huge threats, and the creativity of Pedri is vital to the side.

Their last Liga match was a 5-1 thrashing against Sevilla, and before that their last Champions League match was to crush Young Boys 5-0.

Tactical Analysis

Examine the tactical approaches of both teams, including their formations, playing styles, and strategies. Discuss how tactical decisions may influence the outcome of the match and impact the rivalry.

Carlo Ancelotti allows Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe to drift towards the left, and without Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez pushes high up the right wing to balance the attacking threat across the opposition to defence. Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao can be required to cover for the full-back’s high pressing game. In defence, they are content to press their opponents when the situation is most threatening.

Hansi Flick likes to play a direct approach, but gives his players freedom to operate in different positions. Yamine Lamal, Pedri, Raphinha and others behind Robert Lewandowski are given the freedom to roam behind him, while Jules Kounde and Lamal can swap to attack the opposing full-back and provide an overload. 

Key Players and Matchups

Attention is now naturally drawn to how Real Madrid can cope without the brilliant and experienced Dani Carvajal, who until recently was their first-choice right-sided defender. Eder Militao and Lucas Vazquez are both viewed by Carlo Ancelotti as potential right-backs, with the latter currently preferred in that role. 

Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy need to be alive to the threat posed by on the other flank, but Raphinha has been in dangerous form too. For Barca, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. can target gaps all across the defence. With Wojciech Szczęsny back from the briefest of retirements to replace the injured Marc-Andre Ter-Stegen, this is his first serious test.

Recent Encounters

The most recent match-up between the two sides was a friendly, edged 2-1 by Barcelona this summer in relatively bloodless and relaxed conditions.  The four matches before then all went Real’s way, and starkly so. They won 3-2 in April as they pushed towards a Liga trophy, they crushed 10-man Barca 4-1 to win the Spanish Super Cup in January, and won 2-1 before then in the Liga at the Camp Nou. In April 2023, they managed a 4-0 beating in a successful Copa del Rey semi-final.

While that should take any fear away from the Real players, they do have to consider that this is the first competitive match against a Barca side well-drilled by Hansi Flick.

Fan Culture and Atmosphere

While there are strong historical reasons for the rivalry to be so intense between the two sides, the last two decades have seen both clubs attract millions of fans from across the globe. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho on one side, and Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola on the other, the two were engaged in some of the most physically and mentally demanding matches in modern football, to watch, play in and to manage.

Those fanbases have only grown more fervent and increased in size since then, so every time they renew hostilities with glory at stake, the atmosphere and intensity ramps up further.

Predictions and Expectations

For now, the bookmakers give Real Madrid the edge. They are two brilliantly talented sides, but Barcelona are the away team, and recent history against them. There are, though, observers who think that Dani Carvajal’s injury and Barcelona’s slightly superior form gives the chance to come away with a vital win. Perhaps with everything at stake so early on in the season, neither team would be too disappointed to share the points.

F.C Barcelona & Socios.com

Barcelona Fan Tokens are digital assets that let you turn your support into rewards. As a Fan Token holder, you will get the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, unique rewards, and other kinds of prizes that reward your passionate lifelong support for your team. Fan Tokens will let you take part in official club polls, predict results, pick your favourite players and even more, all while earning reward points to help you win Fan Rewards.

The post ElClásico 2024: Real Madrid vs F.C. Barcelona appeared first on Socios.com.

Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona – A ElClásico Showdown

Real Madrid trail Barcelona by three points, and both sides put their unbeaten league records on the line. An injury to Dani Carvajal threatens to derail Real’s best plans, but they still boast the trio of talents of Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. For Barcelona, they will want to extend their lead at the top, with Robert Lewandowski on fire, and Yamine Lamal building on his superstar status. A win for either side is a potential morale booster.

Match Details – Date, Time, and Venue for ElClásico

The ElClasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona takes place this Saturday, October 26. The kick-off time is 8pm UK time / 9pm Central European Time / 3pm ET. Depending on where you are in the world, you need to know exactly when the match starts.

How to Watch – ElClásico Broadcast Information

Here’s how you can watch the ElClasico match-up between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Saturday October 25.

• Spain: Canal+ Yomvi, Canal+ 1 / HD / 30
• United States: Fubo TV, beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español, beIN SPORTS CONNECT
• Brazil: Sports +
• South America: DIRECTV Argentina, DIRECTV Chile, Blue To Go Video Everywhere, Sky Mexico
• United Kingdom: Sky Sports 5/HD, Sky Go Extra, Sky Sports 1/HD, Sky Go, NOW TV
• France: beIN Sports 1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Stay Tuned – Enjoy the Match

The first ElClasico match between Real Madrid and Barcelona is a huge match for any La Liga season. This year, the importance can’t be understated. For Hansi Flick and Barcelona, a win would give them the self-belief that they can recover from the disappointment of Xavi Hernandez’s last season and put themselves back on top of Spanish football. For Real Madrid, a win could help them get back their confidence after Dani Carvajal’s injury, a recent loss to Lille in the Champions League, and to go back level with Barca at the top of the table. Make sure not to miss it.

The post When and Where Can I Watch the ElClásico: Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona appeared first on Socios.com.

But it’s back with a twist. It is undergoing the most significant alteration since its reinvention out of the European Cup back in 1992, adopting a longer league structure instead of the group stages. It will mean extra games, but it will also ensure bigger UEFA teams will play a wider range of opponents and that there is more to play for in the group stages than previously, where teams would often qualify after just four games. 

We will break down everything you need to know about the Champions League changes, answer the key questions, and examine the intricacies of the new football tournament structure  that has turned the competition on its head. 

Overview of the New UEFA Champions League Format 

Instead of groups of four battling it out for two qualifying spots for the Round Of 16, it will be a 36 team league. Teams will now have eight different matches in the new league phase.

Teams will not play each other twice – instead, it will be a one-match shootout between two teams desperate for points to climb the ladder. It depends on the draw whether the game is played at home or away – but each team is guaranteed to play four games at home and four away throughout the league stage. 

How the New Format Works 

To determine these eight opponents, the participating teams will be ranked initially into four seeding pots. Each team will then be drawn to play against two opponents from each of these four pots. This means that each team will play one match at home and one away against a team from each pot.

There remains three points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. If two or more teams finish level on points, it will come down to goal difference. If that’s level, most goals scored is the next tiebreaker. 

The top eight teams qualify automatically for the Round Of 16, while the teams finishing between 9th and 24th will participate in a playoff. The winners will advance to the next round but – unlike in previous Champions League iterations – there is no Europa League qualification to soften the blow. 

If the team doesn’t make it through the first qualifying stage in the new look Champions League, their European dream is over. 

Key Dates

The new league format runs from 17th September 2024 to 29th January 2025. There will be a six week break between matchday six (December 10th/11th 2023) and matchday seven (21st/22nd January 2025) as teams navigate a busy period of domestic action.

The rest of the key dates are as follows: 

• Knockout round play-offs: 11th/12th & 18th/19th February 2025 
• Round of 16: 4th/5th & 11th/12th March 2025 
• Quarter-finals: 8th/9th & 15th/16th April 2025 
• Semi-finals: 29th/30th April & 6th/7th May 2025 
• Final: 31st May 2025

The Teams Involved

Lots of eyes will be on Real Madrid – they have won the European Cup/Champions League an incredible 15 times. No team comes close to them – AC Milan are next with seven titles to their name. Los Blancos have likely cemented their status as Europe’s most successful team for the next few decades.

Manchester City are one of the favourites. Last year’s quarter-finalists had won the treble the year before and remain nigh-on impregnable under the leadership of Pep Guardiola. 

The likes of Bayern Munich, Juventus, PSG, Liverpool, and Arsenal will also be aiming for a successful year, though it’s difficult to see how all the typical favourites deal with the new format. 

Aston Villa return to the big time for the first time since the 1982-83 campaign – can Unai Emery land yet another major European trophy?

Bayer Leverkusen, Inter Milan, and PSV Eindhoven are also aiming for a return to halcyon days in the continent’s elite competition, but which teams can navigate the new league stage safely?

All the Matches in the First Phase

Here’s the official UEFA match schedule ahead of the Champions League league phase:

Tuesday, Sept. 17

• Young Boys vs. Aston Villa: Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland
• Juventus vs. PSV Eindhoven: Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
• AC Milan vs. Liverpool: San Siro, Milan, Italy
• Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
• Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
• Sporting CP vs. Lille: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal

Wednesday, Sept. 18

• Sparta Prague vs. Salzburg: Generali Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
• Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna, Italy
• Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland
• Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund: Jan Breydel Stadium, Bruges, Belgium
• Manchester City vs. Internazionale: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
• Paris Saint-Germain vs. Girona: Parc des Princes, Paris, France

Thursday, Sept. 19

• Feyenoord vs. Bayer Leverkusen: De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Red Star Belgrade vs. Benfica: Stadion Rajko Mitić, Belgrade, Serbia
• Monaco vs. Barcelona: Stade Louis II, Monaco
• Atalanta vs. Arsenal: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy
• Atlético Madrid vs. RB Leipzig: Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain
• Brest vs. Sturm Graz: Stade Francis-Le Ble, Brest, France

Tuesday, Oct. 1

• Salzburg vs. Brest: Red Bull Arena, Salzburg, Austria
• Stuttgart vs. Sparta Prague: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Stuttgart, Germany
• Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Emirates Stadium, London, England
• Bayer Leverkusen vs. AC Milan: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Celtic: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany
• Barcelona vs. Young Boys: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
• Internazionale vs. Red Star Belgrade: San Siro, Milan, Italy
• PSV Eindhoven vs. Sporting CP: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands
• Slovan Bratislava vs. Manchester City: Tehelné pole, Bratislava, Slovakia

Wednesday, Oct. 2

• Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Atalanta: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kyiv, Ukraine
• Girona vs. Feyenoord: Estadi Montilivi, Girona, Spain
• Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
• Dinamo Zagreb vs. Monaco: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia
• Liverpool vs. Bologna: Anfield, Liverpool, England
• Lille vs. Real Madrid: Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille, France
• RB Leipzig vs. Juventus: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany
• Sturm Graz vs. Club Brugge: Merkur Arena, Graz, Austria
• Benfica vs. Atlético Madrid: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal

Tuesday, Oct. 22

• AC Milan vs. Club Brugge: San Siro, Milan, Italy
• Monaco vs. Red Star Belgrade: Stade Louis II, Monaco
• Arsenal vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: Emirates Stadium, London, England
• Aston Villa vs. Bologna: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
• Girona vs. Slovan Bratislava: Estadi Montilivi, Girona, Spain
• Juventus vs. Stuttgart: Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
• Paris Saint-Germain vs. PSV Eindhoven: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
• Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
• Sturm Graz vs. Sporting CP: Merkur Arena, Graz, Austria

Wednesday, Oct. 23

• Atalanta vs. Celtic: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy
• Brest vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Stade Francis-Le Ble, Brest, France
• Atlético Madrid vs. Lille: Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain
• Young Boys vs. Internazionale: Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland
• Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
• Salzburg vs. Dinamo Zagreb: Red Bull Arena, Salzburg, Austria
• Manchester City vs. Sparta Prague: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
• RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany
• Benfica vs. Feyenoord: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal

Tuesday, Nov. 5

• PSV Eindhoven vs. Girona: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands
• Slovan Bratislava vs. Dinamo Zagreb: Tehelné pole, Bratislava, Slovakia
• Bologna vs. Monaco: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna, Italy
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Sturm Graz: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany
• Celtic vs. RB Leipzig: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland
• Liverpool vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Anfield, Liverpool, England
• Lille vs. Juventus: Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille, France
• Real Madrid vs. AC Milan: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
• Sporting CP vs. Manchester City: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal

Wednesday, Nov. 6

• Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa: Jan Breydel Stadium, Bruges, Belgium
• Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Young Boys: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kyiv, Ukraine
• Sparta Prague vs. Brest: Generali Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
• Bayern Munich vs. Benfica: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
• Internazionale vs. Arsenal: San Siro, Milan, Italy
• Feyenoord vs. Salzburg: De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Red Star Belgrade vs. Barcelona: Stadion Rajko Mitić, Belgrade, Serbia
• Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético Madrid: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
• Stuttgart vs. Atalanta: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Stuttgart, Germany

Tuesday, Nov. 26

• Sparta Prague vs. Atlético Madrid: Generali Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
• Slovan Bratislava vs. AC Milan: Tehelné pole, Bratislava, Slovakia
• Bayer Leverkusen vs. Salzburg: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
• Young Boys vs. Atalanta: Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland
• Barcelona vs. Brest: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
• Bayern Munich vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
• Internazionale vs. RB Leipzig: San Siro, Milan, Italy
• Manchester City vs. Feyenoord: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
• Sporting CP vs. Arsenal: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal

Wednesday, Nov. 27

• Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart: Stadion Rajko Mitić, Belgrade, Serbia
• Sturm Graz vs. Girona: Merkur Arena, Graz, Austria
• Monaco vs. Benfica: Stade Louis II, Monaco
• Aston Villa vs. Juventus: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
• Bologna vs. Lille: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna, Italy
• Celtic vs. Club Brugge: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland
• Dinamo Zagreb vs. Borussia Dortmund: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia
• Liverpool vs. Real Madrid: Anfield, Liverpool, England
• PSV Eindhoven vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands

Tuesday, Dec. 10

• Girona vs. Liverpool: Estadi Montilivi, Girona, Spain
• Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia
• Atalanta vs. Real Madrid: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy
• Bayer Leverkusen vs. Internazionale: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
• Club Brugge vs. Sporting CP: Jan Breydel Stadium, Bruges, Belgium
• Salzburg vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Red Bull Arena, Salzburg, Austria
• Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Bayern Munich: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kyiv, Ukraine
• RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany
• Brest vs. PSV Eindhoven: Stade Francis-Le Ble, Brest, France

Wednesday, Dec. 11

• Atlético Madrid vs. Slovan Bratislava: Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain
• Lille vs. Sturm Graz: Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille, France
• AC Milan vs. Red Star Belgrade: San Siro, Milan, Italy
• Arsenal vs. Monaco: Emirates Stadium, London, England
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany
• Feyenoord vs. Sparta Prague: De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Juventus vs. Manchester City: Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
• Benfica vs. Bologna: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
• Stuttgart vs. Young Boys: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Stuttgart, Germany

Tuesday, Jan. 21

• Monaco vs. Aston Villa: Stade Louis II, Monaco
• Atalanta vs. Sturm Graz: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy
• Atlético Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain
• Bologna vs. Borussia Dortmund: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna, Italy
• Club Brugge vs. Juventus: Jan Breydel Stadium, Bruges, Belgium
• Red Star Belgrade vs. PSV Eindhoven: Stadion Rajko Mitić, Belgrade, Serbia
• Liverpool vs. Lille: Anfield, Liverpool, England
• Slovan Bratislava vs. Stuttgart: Tehelné pole, Bratislava, Slovakia
• Benfica vs. Barcelona: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal

Wednesday, Jan. 22

• Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Brest: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kyiv, Ukraine
• RB Leipzig vs. Sporting CP: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany
• AC Milan vs. Girona: San Siro, Milan, Italy
• Sparta Prague vs. Internazionale: Generali Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
• Arsenal vs. Dinamo Zagreb: Emirates Stadium, London, England
• Celtic vs. Young Boys: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland
• Feyenoord vs. Bayern Munich: De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Paris Saint-Germain vs. Manchester City: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
• Real Madrid vs. Salzburg: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain

Wednesday, Jan. 29

• Aston Villa vs. Celtic: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
• Bayer Leverkusen vs. Sparta Prague: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany
• Young Boys vs. Red Star Belgrade: Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland
• Barcelona vs. Atalanta: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
• Bayern Munich vs. Slovan Bratislava: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
• Internazionale vs. Monaco: San Siro, Milan, Italy
• Salzburg vs. Atlético Madrid: Red Bull Arena, Salzburg, Austria
• Girona vs. Arsenal: Estadi Montilivi, Girona, Spain
• Dinamo Zagreb vs. AC Milan: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia
• Juventus vs. Benfica: Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
• Lille vs. Feyenoord: Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille, France
• Manchester City vs. Club Brugge: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
• PSV Eindhoven vs. Liverpool: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands
• Sturm Graz vs. RB Leipzig: Merkur Arena, Graz, Austria
• Sporting CP vs. Bologna: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
• Brest vs. Real Madrid: Stade Francis-Le Ble, Brest, France
• Stuttgart vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Stuttgart, Germany

Impact on Participating Teams

It’s going to be fascinating to see how the league takes shape over a longer format and with more riding on every game. 

Every single point matters – the better the finishing position in the league, the likelier of advancement. Instead of just three teams to beat to the next round, there are now 35 to worry about. It’s going to introduce a whole new set of dynamics. 

Managers won’t like the additional workload on players. Bigger squads may opt to rotate their teams, even if qualification isn’t totally secured. 

What Fans Can Expect

The new UEFA Champions League format has divided fans. Some are resistant to the shift, weary of changing too much, too fast and saturating to level of competition. 

Others are much more receptive to the idea, acknowledging that all sport must continue to evolve if it is to survive and thrive. 

Whatever side of the fence they sit, fans can expect a longer and more competitive group stage than previously, with more action enabling a fairer reflection of the in-form teams throughout the competition. 

The post New Format of the UEFA Champions League appeared first on Socios.com.

Ahead of the new season, lock your Fan Tokens and win prizes. This way, your Fan Tokens will be working to reward you. 

The concept behind the Locker Room is simple. As your Fan Tokens rest in the Locker Room, you will still be able to use all their main features, but you will simply not be able to trade them. Once they are in the Locker Room, their value will continue to fluctuate due to market conditions, meaning their value can even increase.

As soon as you get them back, you’ll be able to trade them as usual. Now, here’s the rewarding part. You can choose between two types of lockers:

A Locked Locker: Placing your Fan Tokens in this type of locker will grant you your rewards immediately. For this season, you’ll score rare and exclusive Digital Collectibles, which are important tradeable assets for your wallet. A Locked Locker will open once the locking period is over, and you will not have access to your Fan Tokens before the opening date.

A Flexible Locker: When you use a flexible locker, you can withdraw your Fan Tokens at any time; however, doing so will forfeit your potential rewards.

Your Locking Dates

The participation period is between the 2nd August – 17th August. During that time you can lock as many Fan Tokens as you want, so top up your wallet to take advantage of the Locker Room. Use the Locked Locker room to bag your prizes immediately.

Once stashed, the Locker Room will re-open on the 15th of September 2024 – granting your reward if you picked the Flexible Locker.

Which teams are taking part?

*Please note that the opt-in date for Turkish teams ends on 11/08/2024, with the same re-opening or unlocking date applying for all teams: 15th September 2024.

Unlock 4 types of Digital Collectibles

Depending on how many Fan Tokens you lock, you’ll unlock different Digital Collectible which vary in rarity as explained below:

Which Locker Room will you pick? Are ready to score new rewards this season? Lock your Fan Tokens and boost your wallet now.

Tokens are a form of cryptoasset. To acquire Fan Tokens, you must download the Socios.com app and purchase $CHZ which can then be exchanged for Fan Tokens. Please note that (a) the value of cryptoassets is variable and can go down as well as up; (b) Locking Fan Tokens does not prevent their value from changing; (c) cryptoassets are unregulated in most markets; and (d) CGT (or similar taxes) may be payable on any profits made on the sale of cryptoassets. . For more information visit www.socios.com.

This financial promotion has been approved by Englebert Limited, FRN 1001386 on 01.08.24

The post The Locker Room is re-opening for the new season with new rewards appeared first on Socios.com.

The beautiful San Siro has long been one of the world’s best stadiums and the history at the venue has ensured that sport fans have travelled from far and wide to witness the action that takes place there.

Here, we take a look at one of football’s most historic venues.

San Siro AC Milan History – A Journey Through Time

Constructed in 1925, the San Siro was opened the following year and was introduced to the world with a Milan derby that saw Inter win 6-3.

Home of both Milan clubs, the stadium has numerous high-profile games, but it’s also played its part for the national team including being one of the main venues at Italia 90.

As well as football the stadium has also hosted other events such as boxing, rugby union, and many concerts.

Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, and Coldplay are just a number of performers who’ve played at the San Siro.

San Siro AC Milan Renovation – Shaping the Modern Jewel

After opening in 1926, we the first set of renovations occurred in the 1940s when there was plans to increase the capacity to 150,000.

Those ideas were eventually put on hold, and it was agreed that the new capacity would be 75,000.

Further work took place for the 1990 World Cup with the towers at the corner of the stadium being redeveloped for the tournament with work also done on the roof.

In 1996, a museum was opened at the stadium to highlight the incredible success of AC Milan and their biggest rivals, Inter.

San Siro AC Milan Capacity – A Sea of Black and White

The atmosphere at the San Siro for an AC Milan game is incredible and the venue is on the bucket list of many football supporters who wish to watch one of the giants of European football.

Milan’s fans have long been considered the working-class people of the city and they’ve always turned out in numbers to support their team.

Loud and passionate, Milan’s reputation and reach is global, and their supporters play a huge part in that as they’ve created such a passionate atmosphere to help their players on many occasions.

Just like other major European clubs like Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, Milan are famed for their fanatical support.

Where is San Siro AC Milan? – Navigating the Heart of Milan

The San Siro is located in the northwest of Milan and is very much a central part of the city and a huge tourist attraction in one of Europe’s major cities.

Iconic for sporting reasons, the stadium is in use every weekend during the Serie A season, and it has football fans coming from everywhere to watch games, and also just to catch a glimpse of the stadium.

Transport access to the stadium is fairly routine with buses and trains accessing the venue.

What are Fan Tokens

A Socios.com Fan Token is a digital asset that transforms your passion into rewards. As a Fan Token holder, you have the potential to access once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exclusive benefits, and other perks for being what you’ve always been – a passionate fan. Fan Tokens empower you to vote in official team polls, predict results, check-in for games, play games, choose your favourite players and more while generating reward points that lead to extraordinary Fan Rewards.

Fan Tokens Holder Benefits & Rewards

Fan Tokens empower you to reward your passion. Think of unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like meeting the players, re-creating classic goals or even being a part of matchday in novel and exciting ways.

You can win matchday tickets, VIP seats, behind-the-scenes access and more with your Fan Tokens.

The post San Siro AC Milan appeared first on Socios.com.

With the 2024 European Championships coming hot on the heels of the Champions League final, players will have to switch off from club football and quickly turn their attention to their international obligations. With the group stage draws already made, some managers must already have in mind their approaches to some crucial games.

As one of the best international football spectacles in the calendar, fans need to know the highlights and when they will take place.

Tournament Phases and Key Dates

Once the group stages are completed (starting on June 14), the round of 16 kicks off on June 29, the quarter-finals begin on July 5, the first semi-final is on July 9, and the final takes place on July 14.

Match Calendar by Phase

Here is the full list of fixtures, when they take place and at what time.

Group Stages Schedule

Friday June 14

• Germany vs. Scotland – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET

Germany vs. Scotland allows fans to settle in ahead of the full complement of games to come over the following month. With Toni Kroos coming out of retirement for the tournament, this could be the chance to watch footballing greatness one final time.

Saturday June 15

• Hungary vs. Switzerland – 14:00 UK time / 15:00 CET
• Spain vs. Croatia – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET
• Italy vs. Albania – 20:00 UK time / 21: 00 CET

For Spain, this tournament offers a chance to make a break with the past golden generations, and players such as Gavi, Ferran Torres and Rodri could be at the heart of a reborn country. For Croatia, Luka Modric could be at his last international tournament – and perhaps his last games ever.

Sunday June 16

• Slovenia vs. Denmark – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET
• Serbia vs. England – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET
• Winner play-off Path A vs. Netherlands  – 14:00 UK time / 15:00 CET

England will hope to get an early win under their belt. If they don’t, the pressure will mount on Gareth Southgate right away, given the exceptional players such as Jude Bellingham he has to call upon.

Monday June 17

• Austria vs. France – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET
• Romania vs. Winner play-off Path B – 14:00 UK time 15:00 CET
• Belgium vs. Slovakia – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET

Tuesday June 18 

• Turkey vs. Winner play-off Path C – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET
• Portugal vs. Czech Republic – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET

Could this be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last international tournament? It is hard to see him willingly stepping away from his country, but with Rafael Leao and Diogo Jota able to offer more pace up front, the choice may ultimately not be his.

Wednesday June 19

• Germany vs. Hungary – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET
• Scotland vs. Switzerland – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET
• Croatia vs. Albania – 14:00 UK time / 15:00 CET

Thursday June 20

• Spain vs. Italy – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET
• Slovenia vs. Serbia – 14:00 UK time / 15:00 CET
• Denmark vs. England – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET

The pick of the group stages, perhaps. Spain vs. Italy offers two sides in the middle of rebuilding the chance to prove themselves against a peer. With only a few games in each group stage both teams will want to inflict a defeat on a rival not just in the group stage, but for lifting the trophy in July.

Friday June 21

• Winner play-off Path A vs. Austria – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET
• Netherlands vs. France – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET
• Slovakia vs. Winner play-off Path B – 14:00 UK time / 15:00 CET

The Netherlands are another European great who are struggling to perform internationally. They face Kylian Mbappe’s France side who can call upon a host of  stars looking to put the disappointment of Qatar behind them.

Saturday June 22

• Belgium vs. Romania – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET
• Winner play-off Path C – 14:00 UK time / 15:00 CET
• Turkey vs. Portugal – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET

Sunday June 23

• Scotland vs. Hungary – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET
• Switzerland vs. Germany – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET

Monday June 24

• Albania vs. Spain – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET
• Croatia vs. Italy – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET

Tuesday June 25 

• Denmark vs. Serbia – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET
• England vs. Slovenia – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET
• France vs. Winner play-off Path A – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET
• Netherlands vs. Austria – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET

Wednesday June 26

• Slovakia vs. Romania – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET
• Winner play-off Path B vs. Belgium – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET
• Czech Republic vs. Turkey – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET
• Winner play-off Path C vs. Portugal – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET

Round of 16 Schedule

Saturday, June 29

• Group A Second Place vs. Group B Second Place – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET
• Group A Winner vs. Group C Second Place – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET

Sunday, June 30

• Group C Winner vs. Third Place Group D/E/F – 17:00 UK time / 18:00 CET
• Group B Winner vs. Third PLace Group A/D/E/F – 20:00 UK time / 21:00 CET

Monday, July 1 

• TBD vs. TBD 17:00 
• TBD vs. TBD 20:00 

Tuesday, July 2 

• TBD vs. TBD – 17:00 
• TBD vs. TBD – 20:00

Quarter final Schedule

Friday, July 5 

• TBD vs. TBD – 17:00 
• TBD vs. TBD – 20:00 

Saturday, July 6 

• TBD vs. TBD – 17:00
• TBD vs. TBD 20:00

Semi-final Schedule

Tuesday, July 9 

• TBD vs. TBD – 20:00 

Wednesday, July 10 

• TBD vs. TBD – 20:00 

Final

Sunday, July 14 

• TBD vs. TBD – 20:00

Socios.com and Fan Experiences

Fans can use Socios.com to follow the European Championships to keep up to date with all the action, while keeping track of all the fixtures and results. Socios.com will also be providing exclusive content to aid enjoyment of one of football’s biggest tournaments.

Impact of the Calendar on Fans

Fans will need to be keenly aware of what is going on over June and July. Play-off games means that some struggling sides might have reason to play until the very last group stage game, and with some of the biggest players now approaching their final games, nobody will want to miss out on Toni Kroos or Luka Modric, for example. With some huge names like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe looking to shine for their country, supporters need to know when and where all the games are taking place.

Final Reflection

Now you know the schedule ahead, you can keep track of when the best players are going to be taking to the world stage, when the most important games are on over the month, and also to keep track of which players and countries manage to get all the way to the final.

The post Eurocup 2024 Full Schedule appeared first on Socios.com.

Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, and Mallorca, and Real Sociedad are all fighting for glory, and we’ll know who will be in the final soon enough.

Fixture Details – Date, Kick-off Time, and Venue

• Tuesday February 27 – Real Sociedad vs. Mallorca – 21:30
• Thursday February 29 – Athletic Bilbao vs. Atletico Madrid – 21:30

First Leg Recap – Setting the Stage

Athletic Bilbao hold a slender advantage in their tie thanks to a goal from Alex Berenguer in the first leg.

The other leg between Sociedad and Mallorca is still goalless with everything still to play for in the return tie.

Team Form – Recent Performances

Sociedad enter the tie in poor form with only one win in their last five performances with their UEFA Champions League chances also hanging by a thread too after a first leg defeat to PSG.

As for Mallorca, they also go into the game looking for some good form as they have only managed one win in their last five and they’ve also been beaten in the league by Sociedad.

Bilbao have won three of their last five with two draws, so they’ll be confident heading into their second leg with Atletico Madrid.

Diego Simeone’s side have won two of their previous five games, but they did register an impressive 5-0 victory over Las Palmas on February 17.

Key Players – Impactful Figures on the Pitch

For Sociedad, the goal threats will come from Japan’s Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal. The pair have been scoring frequently this season and they’ll represent Sociedad’s best chance of progressing.

For Mallorca, the attacking options will be left to Kosovo’s Vedat Muriqi who can be a handful in front of goal.

Athletic Bilbao have a welath of options up front and they’ll be relying on Gorka Guruzeta and Inaki Williams who both know where the net is.

The veteran pair of Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann will the source of all Madrid’s attacking play.

Match Previews – Anticipating the Action

With both ties still fairly tight and everything seemingly to play for, all four teams will believe they can make it through.

Atletico are no starngers to cup success and they’ll fancy their chances of winning the competitions despite being a goal down.

For Mallorca and Sociedad, a final appearance will represent a good season for both sides but what two teams will make it through?

Road to the Final – Implications of the Results

Whoever make the final, they’ll be hoping that such a big fixture to contest at the end of the season will give them a confidence boost as final stages of the campaign gather pace.

The chance for silverware can make players hungry and the two teams that make the final will want to use the momentum to finish strong in their La Liga pursuit.

Fan Tokens for clubs still in the Spanish Cup are now available, and you can be a part of one of Europe’s most famous clubs

What are Fan Tokens

A Socios.com Fan Token is a digital asset that transforms your passion into rewards. As a Fan Token holder, you have the potential to access once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exclusive benefits, and other perks for being what you’ve always been – a passionate fan. Fan Tokens empower you to vote in official team polls, predict results, check-in for games, play games, choose your favourite players and more while generating reward points that lead to extraordinary Fan Rewards.

Fan Tokens Holder Benefits & Rewards

Fan Tokens empower you to reward your passion. Think of unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like meeting the players, re-creating classic goals or even being a part of matchday in novel and exciting ways. You can win matchday tickets, VIP seats, behind-the-scenes access and more with your Fan Tokens.

Score Incredible Fan Rewards

Fans earn Fan Rewards by engaging with the team on the Socios.com app. Each time you predict and check into matches, play in-app games or vote in polls, you’ll score points. These points tally and enable you to get Reward points. Reward points are your in-app loyalty tokens, and you’ll trade these in for Fan Rewards.

Fan Tokens have enabled fans to travel with the first team, win unique match used merchandize and even enjoy VIP matchday experiences with team legends. Are you ready to get rewarded for your loyalty?

Vote In Polls and Make Your Mark on the clubs in the Champions League

Perhaps one of the most commonly used features on the Socios.com app is the voting system. Your Fan Tokens give you a say in your club. You’ll be able to pick shirt designs, stadium murals, official team merch and more. Whenever you use Fan Tokens, you always get to keep them, so keep impacting your side with your Fan Tokens.

Engage with clubs for Experience and Leaderboard Points

Use your Fan Tokens to score Reward points. Here, you’ll compete with fellow fans to win huge prizes when you rank at the end of the season!

Score points each time you:

• Vote in polls
• Check in to matches – do this each matchday to bag easy points!
• Predict the score – get maximum points for the perfect score, and score when you guess the outcome too

How To Buy Fan Tokens

1. Download the Socios.com app and follow these three steps to get your first Juventus or Inter Milan Fan Tokens:
2. Open the Socios.com app and tap on Wallet.
3. Top up your Wallet with our in-app currency, Chiliz ($CHZ)T
4. Tap on Sports, tap on All Teams and then hit Football to filter out football teams. Then search for the club you want and get your Fan Tokens using the $CHZ you just bought

The post Spanish Cup Semifinals Second Leg appeared first on Socios.com.