Spanish women want to return focus to football
October 25 – Spain’s women players want to start concentrating on matters on the field rather than the kissgate scandal that marred their World Cup-winning celebrations.
Europe
Fortuna Düsseldorf pilot first of its free ticket matches and deliver a 7–goal thriller
October 25 – Bundesliga club Fortuna Düsseldorf have trialled the first match of their ‘Fortuna for All’ campaign, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking new initiative where fans can attend matches free of charge.
Greek chaos as Olympiakos-Panathinaikos flares up forcing match to be abandoned
October 24 – Greek football has been plunged into yet more disgrace as officials decide if and when to replay the so-called ‘derby of the eternal enemies’ between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos which had to be abandoned at the weekend after a player was hit by a firework.
UEFA shifts Israel’s Euro qualifiers to outside November international window
October 24 – Israel’s men and women national teams have had their fixtures rearranged, with clubs expected to release players outside the international window.
Freefalling Ajax part company with Maurice Steijn
October 24 – Dutch record champions Ajax Amsterdam have parted ways with manager Maurice Steijn following a woeful start to the new season. Steijn acknowledged the decision was in everyone’s best interests.
CSKA Sofia stadium rebuild on hold after public complaint
October 24 – Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia has announced that the long-awaited reconstruction of the Bulgarian Army stadium has been postponed indefinitely.
England mourns death of Sir Bobby Charlton, aged 86
October 23 – Tributes are pouring in from all quarters following the death of Sir Bobby Charlton, arguably the greatest English footballer of all time.
Aussie-Croatian businessmen take over at HNK Zadar
October 23 – Croatian top-tier club HNK Zadar has been sold to Australian businessman Marko Ivančić. The deal was unanimously approved by the Zadar City Council, said the club in a statement.
Free travel for Euro 2024 ticket holders
October 20 – UEFA has announced that Euro 2024 ticket holders will enjoy free public transport in German host cities during a 36-hour time window around matches.
WCL draw groups Bayern, PSG, Roma and Ajax; Chelsea and Real Madrid paired
October 20 – Defending champion Barcelona will face Benfica, Rosengard and Eintracht Frankfurt in the group stage of the Women’s Champions League following the draw made today.
Belgium-Sweden points shared after terror attack; Israel told to find alternative venues
October 20 – Belgium and Sweden will not continue their Euro 2024 qualifier that was abandoned at half time following the terrorist attack that killed two Swedish supporters in the centre of Brussels on October 16.
Spain recall Hermoso for Nations League for first time since World Cup final ‘kiss’
October 19 – For the first time since the Women’s World Cup final and the infamous, unsolicited kiss by former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso has been called up for the Spain national team.
Euro 2024: England qualify, Italy left with work to do, Hungary stumble
October 18 – With two games to spare, England qualified for a major tournament for the eighth successive time as they reached Euro 24 after defeating Italy 3-1 at Wembley on Tuesday, avenging their heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat at the same venue in the delayed 2020 final.
Israel-Hamas social media battle: Mainz 05 suspend El Ghazi, Bayern call in Mazraoui
October 18 – Dutch winger Anwar El Ghazi (pictured) is the latest top-flight player to be sanctioned for comments on social media in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Gambling addicted Juve midfielder Nicolo Fagioli banned for seven months
October 18 – Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has been banned for seven months by the Italian football federation (FIGC) for breaching betting rules, the latest high-profile Italian player to hit the headlines in recent days for the wrong reasons.