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.
Europe
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.
Varane says wider education needed on dangers of concussion injuries
April 3 – Manchester United’s French international defender Raphaël Varane has opened up alarmingly about how concussion has damaged his body as he stressed the importance of creating more awareness among players around the dangers of heading the ball.
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.
Adidas to redesign number 4 on Germany shirt and bans sales of 44 kit number
April 2 – The German FA and Adidas have withdrawn the sale of customised shirts incorporating the number 44 because of a resemblance to the logo of the Nazi Party’s notorious SS paramilitary units.
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.
E-commerce platform AliExpress joins Euro 2024 partner roster
March 28 – Online retail marketplace AliExpress, part of China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, has been unveiled as an official partner of Euro 2024.
Ukraine, Poland and Georgia grab final group slots for Euro 2024
March 27 – Ukraine came from behind to beat Iceland and in two nerve-shredding penalty shootouts Poland beat Wales away from home and Georgia edged Greece to qualify for a first ever major finals as an independent nation on a dramatic night of European action on Tuesday.
England flagging, Germany find form, Brazil put on the style as Argentina on cruise control
March 27 – As the international break draws to a close and players return to club football for the business end of the season, national sides tested the waters across a host of international friendlies that could send shockwaves across the next FIFA World Rankings update in April.
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.
Euro 2024 qualifiers reach final stage to decide last three teams for Germany
March 26 – The final Euro 2024 qualification matches are played this evening, as six teams vie for three spots at Europe’s premier competition in Germany this Summer.
Germany to increase border checks for Euro 2024 to keep ‘violent criminals’ out
March 26 – Germany will carry out border controls at all its frontiers during this summer’s European Championship in June and July.
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.