Belgium’s Deinze folds after court declares club bankrupt
December 12 – Following the failed takeover of ADA Group, Belgian second-division club KMSK Deinze has been declared bankrupt by a local court in Ghent.
Europe
Women’s football attendances leap 38% overtaking 130-year old Rugby League
December 12 – Women’s football in the UK is booming, having shown year-on-year growth of nearly 38%, leading to larger, and more consistent, crowds than ever before, according to a report by ad agency Two Circles.
UEFA hits Serbia with fines and stadium restrictions after fans refuse to obey rules
December 12 – UEFA has fined the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) €173,000, partially closed the stands for the next two home matches, and banned the sale of tickets to fans for the next two away matches after a number of offenses during games against Switzerland and Denmark in the Nations League last month.
AC Milan turn to Tiffany for Hall of Fame trophy
December 12 – Italian giants, AC Milan, would like to see themselves as the ‘Tiffany’ club in Italian and world football, and they may well have succeeded in a new partnership with luxury jeweller Tiffany & Co.
UEFA to set up of human rights advisory board for Women’s Euro 2025
December 11 – UEFA is to set up a dedicated human rights advisory board for next year’s final tournament in Switzerland. The announcement was timed to mark international Human Rights Day, observed annually on 10 December.
Udinese to turn Stadio Friuli into sports, cultural and commercial hub
December 11 – The Udine city council has approved a comprehensive redevelopment plan for Stadio Friuli, home to Serie A club Udinese.
Manuel Neuer joins lengthening Bayern Munich injury list
December 11 – German goalkeeping legend Manuel Neuer has been ruled out for the rest of the year after suffering a broken rib.
Out of line: English referee David Coote fired for misconduct
December 10 – Premier League referee David Coote has been sacked after his position was deemed “untenable” by English football’s referees body following an investigation into his conduct which found his actions to be in serious breach of his contract.
UEFA’s Playmakers completes Montenegro mission
December 10 – UEFA’s Playmakers programme made its way to Montenegro for a unique football festival last week, as the institution looked to inspire the next generation of football lovers with a female-focussed event.
Bulgarian FA to build national academy, with UEFA and FIFA help
December 9 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) plans to build a football academy with the financial help of FIFA and UEFA.
The president of the BFU, Georgi Ivanov, said in an interview with the Bulgarian National Television that FIFA and UEFA will provide the funds for the large-scale project, since the BFU does not receive any financial assistance from the state.
Miele becomes national sponsor of Switzerland 2025 Women’s Euros
December 6 – UEFA has announced that Miele Switzerland, a leading home appliance manufacturer, has joined as a national partner for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
Romanian FA president Răzvan Burleanu sends political message urging country to stay ‘European’
December 6 – Amid the political upheaval in Romania, FA president Răzvan Burleanu (pictured) has come out in defense of a pro-European future.
Bulgarian FA joins Johan Cruyff Institute’s network to train next generation of leaders
December 6 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Johan Cruyff Institute, the educational institution founded by Dutch great Johan Cruyff, aimed at educating athletes, sport and business professionals in the field of sport management.
Masar Omeragic is sole candidate to replace Muamed Sejdini in FFM presidential election
December 5 – Masar Omeragic (pictured), a former player and member of the FFM Board of Directors, is the sole candidate for the Football Federation of Macedonia’s presidential elections, to be held on December 22.
Wales secure Women’s Euro 2025 slot with historic play-off win over Ireland
December 4 – Wales made footballing history on Tuesday by reaching a major women’s tournament for the first time after qualifying for next year’s Euros in Switzerland.