Croatian capital Zagreb commits €40m to rebuilding of Kranjčevićeva stadium
December 17 – Following a public consultation, the city of Zagreb has issued a tender for the reconstruction of the Kranjčevićeva stadium in Croatia’s capital.
Europe
Ukraine complain after graphic at FIFA 2026 draw omits Crimea
December 16 – FIFA has been criticised by Ukraine for an “unacceptable error” after it appeared to exclude Crimea as part of the country during last week’s European draw for the 2026 World Cup.
Wiesenhof build on Euro 2024 sponsorship with 2025 commitment
December 16 – UEFA has announced that German poultry producer Wiesenhof has become an Official National Partner for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, set to take place in Switzerland from 2 to 27 July. It is the company’s first sponsorship of the tournament.
German power brokers Neuendorf and Watzke endorsed again for FIFA and UEFA roles
December 16 – The German FA (DFB) have backed Bernd Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim Watzke for re-election to the FIFA Council and UEFA executive committee respectively.
Bochum and Union Berlin walk to draw after Drewes hit on head by missile
December 16 – Bochum will protest to the German football association after their goalkeeper Patrick Drewes was hit by a lighter in their Bundesliga draw at Union Berlin on Saturday, with the teams later returning to the pitch to finish the match but running down the clock without trying to score.
Swissquote champions financial equality with Euro 2025 national sponsorship
December 13 – UEFA has announced Swiss online banking provider Swissquote as an Official National Partner for Women’s Euro 2025 next summer. The partnership also includes Swissquote’s joint venture, Yuh, further strengthening the company’s commitment to fostering equality in sport.
Kosovo’s Erjon Morina dies after suffering training ground heart attack, aged 22
December 13 – Kosovan and Vushtrri FC player, Erjon Morina, died on Thursday after being in intensive care for more than a month. The 22-year-old forward suffered a heart attack during a training session with Vushtrri FC at the end of October.
English FA runs world’s first para football training course for medics
December 13 – The English Football Association (FA) has announced a first-of- its-kind, medical training course known as the para-Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football Reaccreditation (ParaATMMiF-R) course.
Belgium’s Cercle Brugge keep faith with Austrian recruitment policy
December 13 – Belgian club Cercle Brugge have named Ferdinand Feldhofer (pictured) as the successor to Miron Muslic. It’s the third time in a row that the club have put their fate in the hands of an Austrian manager.
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.
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.