Udinese’s Mandragora given one match ban for blasphemy
August 30 – It isn’t every day that a top-flight player is banned for blasphemy but that’s what has happened in Italy where religion runs as deep as football.
Europe
Ceferin confirms no PSG sanctions imminent and any Neymar deal unaffected
November 29 – UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has swept aside rumours of an impending further sanction on Paris St Germain before the end of the European transfer window on Friday.
Genoa fans respect 43-minutes silence to honour bridge collapse victims
August 28 – In a remarkable display of respect, Genoa fans watched the first 43 minutes of their home match with Empoli in silence at the weekend in honour of the 43 victims of the motorway bridge collapse in the Italian city earlier this month.
Odd year out: UEFA warms up for debut of Nations League format
August 24 – European football’s new Nations League competition will give national teams a boost when it gets under way next month since it will do away with meaningless friendlies, says UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin.
Busquets backs player’s union strike call if LaLiga’s US game becomes a reality
August 24 – Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets says the Spanish footballers’ union (AFE) is united in opposition to La Liga’s controversial plans to play a regular season game in the United States.
LaLiga’s US league fixture proposal under threat as players’ union threatens strike
By Andrew Warshaw
August 23 – Plans to stage a landmark top-flight La Liga fixture in the United States have prompted fierce opposition by Spain’s footballers union which has not ruled out going on strike, blasting the idea as based only on “money and business”.
Welsh pick O’Connor to move up to president of FAW
August 23 – Kieran O’Connor has been elected President of the Football Association of Wales, succeeding David Griffiths, who will now become a Life Vice President of the Association.
Ceferin lined up for second term as UEFA president
August 22 – UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has been formally nominated for re-election by his home federation in Slovenia ahead of next year’s ballot.
VAR could debut in Champions League at quarterfinal stage
August 22 – UEFA, whose president Aleksander Ceferin has resisted video assistant referees in his club competitions, are considering a partial about-turn and could introduce VARs in the Champions League from the quarterfinal onwards, according to The Times newspaper.
Global good chap David Beckham to receive UEFA recognition
August 22 – David Beckham is to become the latest recipient of the UEFA President’s award for his contribution to football and promoting the sport in “every corner of the planet”.
Modrić, Ronaldo and Salah shortlisted for men’s award, Harder, Hegerberg and Henry for women’s
August 21 – UEFA have unveiled the top three shortlists for the men’s and women’s player of the year awards. The winners will be announced August 30 at the Champions League group draw in Monaco.
Inter outrage at Tebas’ claim that offer for Modric hid some ‘trickery’
August 20 – Inter Milan have announced their intention to sue La Liga president Javier Tebas (pictured) over his claims the club used underhand methods to try and sign Luka Modric from Real Madrid.
Grindel regrets handling of Ozil affair and says DFB never blamed him for Russia 2018 exit
August 20 – German Football Association (DFB) chief Reinhard Grindel (pictured) has again admitted that he could have dealt better with the Mezut Ozil affair after the midfielder quit the national team and announced his retirement from international football on racism grounds.
Germany say Lahm will lead 2024 organising if they beat Turkey to win hosting
August 17 – Bidding nations don’t normally formally announce who will organise the tournament they want to stage until after the vote takes place.
Italy mourns: Genoa and Sampadoria suspend season starts after bridge disaster
August 17 – Genoa and Sampdoria’s Serie A fixtures on Sunday have been postponed following Tuesday’s motorway bridge tragedy in the city in which 39 people died.