Police discover major cache of pyrotechnics as fans clash with police at Sofia derby
April 8 – A huge cache of rockets and explosive devices was seized before the start of Bulgaria’s biggest derby between Levski and CSKA Sofia on Sunday.
Federations
Wisla Krakow threaten to boycott Polish Cup final unless FA overturn ban on travelling fans
April 5 – Wisla Krakow have threatened to boycott the Polish Cup final if a ban on their fans attending the game is upheld.
Spanish FA orders partial closure of Getafe stadium after racist insults
April 4 – Spanish top-flight club Getafe have been ordered to partially close their central stand for three matches by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following the racial and xenophobic abuse suffered by Sevilla manager Quique Sánchez Flores and player Marcus Acuna (pictured) in Saturday’s league game.
Turkish FA hits Trabzonspor with 6-match closed stadium sanction
April 4 – The Turkish Football Federation has ordered Trabzonspor to play their next six home matches in front of empty stands following the riots after the Super Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce last month.
Rayo Majadahonda forfeit abandoned match and keeper banned after racist incident
April 4 – The goalkeeper of a Spanish third division club has been banned for two games after confronting a supporter who he claimed racially abused him.
Fenerbahce fans vote to remain in Turkish Super Lig, despite Trabzonspor chaos
April 3 – Fenerbahce members have voted against a proposal to withdraw from the Turkish Super Lig.
Saarbrücken’s fairy tale cup run ends in semi-final loss to Kaiserslautern
April 3 – German third-tier club Saarbrücken’s astonishing journey in the DFB-Pokal, which included impressive victories over heavyweight clubs Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt, came crashing down on Tuesday night after losing 2-0 to Bundesliga 2 side Kaiserslautern.
Bosnia’s top ref refuses to take charge of Sarajevo derby after family threatened
April 2 – Bosnian referee Irfan Peljto, who is on his country’s international list, has refused to officiate matches in the Bosnia and Herzegovina league following threats against him and his family.
Steph Houghton to retire at end of season
March 28 – Manchester City legend and former England captain Steph Houghton has announced her retirement at the end of the current season.
Napoli pull out of ‘token’ anti-racism initiatives after InterMilan’s Acerbi cleared of racial abuse
March 27 – Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has been cleared of a charge of racially insulting Napoli’s Juan Jesus in a Serie A game because there wasn’t enough proof, an Italian football league judge has ruled.
Milan Mandaric returns to the boardroom with Serbia’s Vojvodina Novi Sad
March 27 – Serbian-American businessman Milan Mandaric has been appointed vice president of the Serbian Vojvodina Novi Sad. The 85-year-old billionaire was elected to the post unanimously by the Vojvodina General Assembly of Vojvodina on Tuesday.
Turkish FA signs 4-year retail deal with 11teamsports Group
March 26 – The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has signed an exclusive four-year retail partnership with 11teamsports Group.
Russia calls off Paraguay friendly after terrorist attack on concert hall
March 25 – Russia has called off its friendly against Paraguay scheduled for Moscow today due to the fatal terrorist attack outside the capital.
WSL drives attendances for Women’s Football Weekend with CGI takeover of English landmarks
March 21 – The Women’s Super League is promoting its Women’s Football Weekend (March 23-24) through a series of visual takeovers of famous English landmarks.
Botev request for foreign refs for Bulgarian Cup semi-final denied
March 21 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has rejected the request from Botev Plovdiv to appoint foreign referees for their upcoming Bulgarian Cup semi-final matches against CSKA Sofia, to be played over two legs.
CSKA and Botev Plovdiv met in a league game last weekend, which Sofia won 4:0. After the match, Botev Plovdiv were critical of the refereeing.
A Botev statement said: “PFK Botev acknowledges its own mistakes that led to the unpleasant 4:0 loss,