Belarus told to play 2022 qualifiers in Russia
August 1 – Belarus have been ordered to play their home World Cup qualifying matches against both Belgium and Wales on neutral territory in Russia because of travel sanctions against the country.
Europe
Davor Suker loses election as Kustic takes over as Croatia FA boss
July 30 – After nine years, Davor Sukor (pictured) has been removed as president of the Croatian FA, throwing into doubt his membership of UEFA’s executive committee.
England issues new guideline to limit ‘high force’ headers in training
July 29 – In a radical move, English football authorities are to limit the number of “high-force headers” among professional and amateur players to 10 per week in training as part of new guidelines.
Hillsborough disaster claims 97th victim
July 29 – Thirty-two years on, the Hillsborough disaster has claimed its 97th victim after a man left with life-changing injuries died at the age of 55.
Chievo Verona out of Serie B as Italians crack down on financial rules
July 28 – Italy’s Chievo Verona have been kicked out of Serie B for the 2021-22 season, effectively declaring them bankrupt, and their place will be taken by Cosenza, according to Italian news media.
Police drop Rooney blackmail complaint over hotel pictures
July 28 – A complaint of blackmail in relation to photographs of former England captain Wayne Rooney has been dropped by police.
Barca and Neymar settle contract disputes out of court
July 27 – Barcelona have finally reached an out-of-court agreement with their former player Neymar to end a long-running legal dispute in “amicable fashion”.
Lopez concludes acquisition of Girondins de Bordeaux
July 26 – Gerard Lopez has been confirmed as the new owner of Girondins de Bordeaux, saving the Ligue 1 club from bankruptcy.
Crouch report call for independent regulator of English game and a fan ‘golden share’
July 23 – English football needs an independent regulator and a “golden share” for fans to protect the game, former sports minister Tracey Crouch has recommended, following a fan-led review into governance issues in the sport.
Italy rules out return of Eriksen as long as he has a defibrillator implant
July 23 – Christian Eriksen will not be allowed to play in Italian football with a defibrillator, a leading scientific expert for the Italian FA has said.
Belgians hope Covid Safe Ticket will return Pro League stadia to full capacity
July 21 – Belgium’s top flight league wants to welcome capacity crowds once again in August.
St Petersburg to host 2022 Champions League final, Istanbul to try again with 2023
July 20 – Third time lucky? Istanbul will host the 2023 Champions League final, UEFA confirmed, with Dublin and Bilbao awarded major clubs finals as well after they dropped out of staging Euro 2020 matches.
Mooney quits UEFA to take Welsh chief exec role
July 20 – The Welsh FA have landed Noel Mooney, UEFA’s head of national associations business development as its new chief executive
Spezia Calcio to appeal FIFA ban for trafficking Nigerian minors
July 19 – American-owned Serie A club Spezia Calcio say they will appeal against a two-year transfer ban imposed by FIFA based on the previous owners breaking transfer rules by recruiting young players from Africa.
Police arrest 5 for social media abuse of Rashford, Saka and Sancho
July 16 – Five people have been arrested in the wake of the racist abuse meted out to the three black players who missed penalties in England’s shootout defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.