Top Belgian official De Bleeckere to head Azeri FA’s referees department
August 6 – Former Belgian referee Frank De Bleeckere has been appointed to lead the referees department in Azerbaijan, the Azeri FA (AFFA) confirmed.
News
Club Brugge fans respond to Standard Liege anti-racism campaign with Nazi salute
August 5 – Responding to an anti-racism campaign by Standard Liege, some Club Brugge fans offered a Nazi salute at the Belgian league match on Sunday.
Bordeaux now booted into fourth tier of French leagues
August 5 – Former French champions Bordeaux, who recently went into receivership, have been dealt an even more bitter blow than anticipated after being demoted to the fourth-tier National 2 – one division lower than expected.
AC Milan boosts maternity policy for women’s team pro players and staff
August 5 – AC Milan is to guarantee automatic contract renewals for female players in the event of pregnancy during the final season of their contracts, the first club in Europe to do so.
Roma unveils designs for €1bn new stadium
July 25 – Just days after pulling out of a deal that would see the Friedkin Group acquire Premier League side Everton, vice-president Ryan Friedkin has said they will spend €1 billion on a new stadium for their Serie A club Roma, as they attempt to progress their long-sought exit from the Stadio Olimpico.
Rangers to open new season at Hampden Park as Ibrox improvements delayed
July 24 – Scottish Premiership side Rangers will open the new season at Hampden Park rather than their Ibrox home as stadium renovation delays have left uncertainty over when they will be able to resume fixtures.
Liverpool’s U18 team walk off twice in Germany over racial slur incidents
July 22 – Liverpool have demanded an urgent investigation after reporting that a member of their under-18 team faced racial abuse in two consecutive matches during a youth tournament in Germany.
Belgian referees to operate UEFA’s captain-only protocol
July 19 – Following the new refereeing protocol introduced for the first time by UEFA at Euro 2024, club captains in the Belgian league will be the only players allowed to communicate with the referee on key decisions in domestic league matches.
Two Circles renews UEFA Women’s sponsorship sales agency and picks up WCL media rights
July 19 – UEFA has renewed sports marketing agency Two Circles as its exclusive sponsorship agency for UEFA Women’s Football. The agency will also handle media sales for the Women’s Champions League for the 2025-2030 commercial cycle.
German striking legend call end to international career on 131 caps and 45 goals
July 16 – Thomas Mueller has retired from the German national team after the side exited Euro 2024 on home soil in the last eight bringing to a close his 14-year international career.
Problems with the right wing. Mbappé calls on compatriots to take to the polls
July 5 – France captain Kylian Mbappé got stuck into politics on Thursday by warning his country is in a “catastrophic” situation as it lurches closer to a first far-right government since World War II.
Blessin quits Belgium’s Union for St Pauli’s return to Bundesliga
June 28 – Manager Alexander Blessin has departed Belgian club Union Saint Gilloise for St Pauli in Germany.
AC Milan greenlighted to enter Milan Futuro into Serie C
June 28 – AC Milan has officially unveiled its Milan Futuro project: a newly formed team of young players that will compete in the Serie C Championship starting from the upcoming season.
After 26 trophies, Real Madrid captain Nacho says it is time to move on
June 26 – Real Madrid skipper Nacho has left the club after winning 26 trophies including six European Cups, his final appearance being the Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund.
EFL nixes Birmingham City request to play Wrexham in US
June 25 – American-owned Birmingham City have had a request to play their home fixture against Hollywood-owned Wrexham in the US turned down by the English Football League (EFL).