Terek Grozny renamed ‘Akhmat’ after Chechen chief’s father
June 8 – Russian Premier League side Terek Grozny is to change its name to ‘Akhmat’ in honour of the father of Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov.
Europe
English FA issues lifetime travel bans to fans for Nazi taunts at Germany friendly
June 8 – As part of a new get-tough policy, the English Football Association has for the first time handed lifetime bans from attending away games to two supporters following incidents during March’s friendly against Germany in Dortmund.
Ceferin pleased that EPFL have returned to the UEFA fold
June 7 – UEFA have welcomed the new mood of co-operation with Europe’s major leagues but have made it clear that giving them a greater say in the decision-making process affecting European football must be rubber-stamped by the entire UEFA membership.
Hostilities cease as EPFL and UEFA find common stakeholder ground to lay foundations
By Andrew Warshaw
June 6 – After months of thorny negotiations, Europe’s major leagues say they have ended their long-running dispute with UEFA after being promised a greater say in the decision-making process, not least when it comes to Champions League fixtures.
Terror stampede in Turin square leaves more than 1,500 injured
June 5 – The city of Turin is recovering not only from Juventus’ heartbreaking Champions League defeat on Saturday but also from a terrifying incident in the city centre where more than 1,500 people were injured after what appeared to be a firecracker – mistaken for an explosion – provoked a stampede.
Cardiff beefs up security for Juve vs Real Madrid Champions League final
By Samindra Kunti in Cardiff
June 2 – Amid heightened security, the Welsh capital hosts the 2017 final of the Champions League on Saturday as holders Real Madrid attempt to become the first club to retain the trophy under its current guise since the competition switched from the old European Cup format 24 years ago.
UEFA to trial fourth sub system in youth championships
June 2 – UEFA are extending trials of allowing a fourth substitute to be used in extra time to a number of tournaments taking place this summer.
EPFL and UEFA close in on peace deal over Euro club competitions
By Andrew Warshaw
May 31 – The head of the umbrella body for Europe’s top leagues has hinted that a long-running dispute with UEFA over controversial changes to the Champions League may be on the verge of being resolved.
Man Utd secure Champions League berth with Europa League win
By Samindra Kunti
May 25 – Manchester United delivered a José Mourinho masterclass to win a disappointing Europa League final 2-0 against Ajax, save their season and mitigate the ramifications of a difficult week for the club and the city somewhat. With the victory, Manchester United will return to the lucrative Champions League next season.
Manchester bomb blast casts shadow over Europa League showpiece
By Samindra Kunti in Stockholm
May 24 – Amid heightened security in the Swedish capital the Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax may have lost some of its lustre, but the stakes remain high for Jose Mourinho’s team with a season-defining Champions League ticket on offer.
Veteran politico Villar keeps control in Spain winning election for 8th term
By Andrew Warshaw
May 23 – The great survivor has done it again. Angel Maria Villar, one of the last remaining members of FIFA’s old guard, has been re-elected as head of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for the eighth consecutive time after standing unopposed.
Europa League’s Stockholm final to go ahead as Manchester reels from arena bomb shock
May 23 – UEFA have confirmed that the Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax in Stockholm on Wednesday will go ahead and that there is no intelligence to suggest that the showpiece fixture could be targeted following the bomb blast in Manchester that tragically killed at least 22 concert-goers.
Trepca ’89 get UEFA approval to make Kosovo’s Champions League debut
May 18 – Trepca ’89 will make history next month when they become the first Kosovan club side to compete in Europe after winning a spot in the Champions League qualifying draw.
Out: long walk to pick up the trophy. In: pitch party celebrations
May 18 – Winning team captains will no longer lead their players up to the VIP area of stadiums to receive European club trophies.
Terrorist motive ruled out of Dortmund bus bomb attack
May 17 – Federal investigators in Germany say they have not found any indications that there was a “terrorist background” to the attack on the Borussia Dortmund team bus on April 11.