English FA launches strategy to expand on growth of women’s to 2028
November 1 – The English FA has launched a new four-year strategy, Reaching Higher, aimed at building on the rapid growth of women’s and girls’ football.
World Football
FA Cup kicks off first round with Wimbledon and MK Dons grudge match
November 1 – Relocating a club from one city to another may not be that big a deal in the United States, where it is known as a franchise, but in the traditional world of English football it is considered anathema to fans.
Valencia mourn lost player and turn Mestalla into a food bank to support flood victims
November 1 – Valencia have paid tribute to one of their former players Jose Castillejo who was killed at the age of just 28 as a result of the city being hit by the current floods.
Floods wash out football in Valencia region as Spain begins process of mourning and repair
November 1 – The torrential rains in Spain that have resulted in tragic deaths, and indescribable destruction have put a halt to Spanish football in the Valencia region. In the space of eight hours, a year’s worth of rain fell creating unexpected flash flooding events.
Anderlecht cut Danish management ties, bringing in controversial Oliver Renard
November 1 – In the latest personnel shuffle at Anderlecht, Oliver Renard, a suspect in operation ‘Proper Hands’, has replaced Jesper Fredberg as sporting director, bringing to an end the strong Danish connection at the club.
UEFA launches ‘Unstoppable’ women’s strategy with €1bn budget
October 31 – UEFA has launched its latest women’s football strategy, ‘Unstoppable’, with a bold ambition and €1 billion budget to make football the most-played team sport among women and girls across Europe.
Copa Libertadores stays Brazilian with Botafogo beating Penarol to set up Atletico Mineiro final
October 31 – Once again, the Copa Libertadores final will be all-Brazilian after Botafogo survived a scare against Penarol to win 6-3 on aggregate in Montevideo and set up a showpiece match against Atletico Mineiro in the competition’s final in November.
Klopp rebuts criticism of Red Bull role saying he can’t keep everyone happy all the time
October 31 – Jurgen Klopp has defended his decision to head up Red Bull’s group of clubs, saying he “didn’t want to step on anybody’s toes” and that it was difficult to take a job where “everyone is happy”.
PSG told to close one stand as penalty for homophobic fans’ chanting
October 31 – Paris St Germain will have to partially close a stand at their Parc des Princes stadium when they host Toulouse on November 22 after being sanctioned over homophobic chanting during a match earlier this month.
2025 Gold Cup final to be played in Houston at NRG Stadium
October 31 – Houston’s NRG Stadium, one of the most regular stops on the Concacaf Gold Cup circuit, will host the 2025 Gold Cup final next July 7.
Big Red bangs the republican drum
October 31 – It has been said many times that sport and politics don’t mix, however, former USMNT star, and current Fox Sports pundit, Alexi Lalas is challenging that convention in a controversial way.
UEFA act swiftly to take note of player welfare concerns, handing Fifpro an exco slot
October 30 – In a landmark move, global players’ union Fifpro are to be handed a place on UEFA’s executive committee after agreeing a partnership which the union said will “increase the voice of players in European football governance.”
Copa Libertadores semi final switched to Uruguay’s Centenario Stadium for increased fan safety
October 30 – South American governing body Conmebol have moved the semi-final of the Copa Libertadores between Penarol and Botafogo to the Centenario Stadium to allow visiting supporters to attend the match.
Wrexham success keeps building, with plans now for stadium expansion
October 30 – Wrexham AFC have appointed world-leading stadium architects Populous to develop a masterplan for the club’s STōK Cae Ras Stadium (the racecourse Ground), starting with the redesign of the new 5,500-capacity Kop Stand.
Euro 25: 14 nations win through for final round of qualifiers for Swiss finals
By Samindra Kunti in Leuven
October 30 – Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Wales and Ireland were among the teams to progress to the final round of the Euro 2025 playoffs with the seven last tickets at stake for the tournament in Switzerland.