Somali women mark International Women’s Day with first ever official football match
March 12 – International women’s day on March 8 was a landmark occasion in Somalia which saw the first official match ever played by Somali women.
World Football
Chelsea owners BlueCo under fire from fans of under performing RC Strasbourg
March 11 – The American owners of Chelsea are under increasing pressure from fans of another club they own, RC Strasbourg in France, who have written a strongly worded letter demanding an urgent meeting.
Al Ahly beat Zamalek to win Egyptian Cup final in Riyadh
March 11 – With late goals from Eman Ashour and Mohamed Afsha, Ah Ahly defeated Zamalek 2-0 to clinch the Egyptian Cup final, staged in Saudi Arabia.
Enrique benches Mbappe for PSG’s draw with Reims
March 11 – Kylian Mbappe was dropped again for PSG’s clash with Reims on Sunday afternoon, as manager Luis Enrique continues to try and find a solution to the Frenchman’s absence next season.
Cox will quit Panama if abusive comments persist, but doesn’t call for Arais’ resignation
March 11 – Marta Cox, the Panamanian striker fat-shamed by her federation president Manuel Arias, said that she will refuse to play for Panama if she hears further comments similar to his again.
USA beat Brazil to win inaugural W Gold Cup in San Diego
March 11- The USA beat Brazil 1-0 in front of 31,528 screaming fans in the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego to win the inaugural W Gold Cup. It was an exciting climax to three weeks of international football that saw the women’s game take another major step forward on and off the pitch.
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.
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.