Botafogo owner Textor says he has proof of Brazilian referees taking bribes to fix matches
March 8 – Without offering any proof, Botafogo owner John Textor has said referees in the Brazilian top flight have been corrupted.
World Football
Panama FA boss Manuel Arias attempts to ‘fat shame’ Marta Cox after post-W Gold Cup comments
March 7 – In the post-Rubiales federation world of football governance within the women’s game, Manuel Arias, president of the Panamanian Soccer Federation, has clearly not got with the programme, instead choosing to let loose on his country’s star striker attempting to humiliate and ‘fat-shame’ her into keeping her mouth shut.
UEFA opens ticket sales for Women’s Champions League
March 8 – Tickets for the May 25, UEFA Women’s Champions League Final have gone on sale for Bilbao’s 53,000-capacity San Mamés Stadium – a significant hike up from last season’s final host, the 36,500-seater Philips Stadion in Eindhoven.
Fenerbahce strike a blow in Brussels as Belgian clubs struggle in Europe
By Samindra Kunti in Brussels
March 8 – On a perfect night in the Belgian capital, Fenerbahce ran out 3-0 winners against Union with goals from Michy Batshuayi, Jayden Oosterwolde and Dusan Tadic to boost their Conference League’s hopes.
Brazil’s Serie A lifts foreign players quota to nine
March 7 – Teams will be allowed to field a maximum of nine foreign players in Brazil’s topflight following a unanimous vote by the Serie A clubs.
Gaza conflict leaves Iceland boss Hareide uncomfortable with Israeli play-off
March 7 – Norwegian Åge Hareide has said Iceland should not have to play against Israel because of the atrocities in the Gaza Strip in recent months.
Tebas promotes increased Saudi links saying Super Cup expansion has worked
March 7 – LaLiga President Javier Tebas says the decision to shift the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia has been beneficial for Spanish football and that there would be more cooperation between the two countries in future.
UEFA launches carbon footprint calculator for clubs
March 7 – UEFA has launched a carbon footprint calculator to help clubs lower their emissions.
Brighton fans stabbed and robbed ahead of tonight’s Europa League tie against Roma
March 7 – Two Brighton fans have been stabbed in Rome ahead of the Seagull’s Europa League fixture versus AS Roma this evening.
UEFA grants €2.3m to grassroots clubs for climate protection projects
March 7 – In the lead-up to Euro 2024 in Germany, UEFA has partnered up with the DFB to introduce a pioneering climate fund that will allow German amateur clubs to seek financial backing for climate protection projects.
Beauty and the beast. One will triumph in the W Gold Cup final on Sunday
March 8 – The inaugural W Gold Cup concludes Sunday with the USA facing Brazil in the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. World ranked two against number 11 in the first major women’s championship of 2024 with eyes also focussed on form going into the 2024 Olympics.
Ireland to host England and Sweden Euro2025 qualifiers at Aviva Stadium
March 7 – The Republic of Ireland will host champions England and Sweden at the 51,000-seater Aviva Stadium in their Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying group.
Ireland’s Bohemians to host Palestinian women’s team in May fundraiser
March 6 – Irish club Bohemians will host the Palestinian women’s national team in May to raise funds for humanitarian relief efforts in Palestine.
Naeher’s penalty heroics end Canada’s dreams and send US into W Gold Cup final
March 7 – It was a night of high drama in the second semi-final of the W Gold Cup at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
Brazil head into W Gold Cup Final with 3-0 win over 10-player Mexico
March 6 – Brazil beat Mexico 3-0 to head into the W Gold Cup final with goals from Antonia, Adriana and a precocious backheel from Yasmim on a wet early evening at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.