Irish mourn passing of former president and UEFA VP, Des Casey
August 24 – Des Casey, former president of the FAI and former UEFA vice-president, has passed away at the age of 91 following a long illness.
World Football
ECA to hold first powwow of the season in Istanbul with calendar and UEFA j/v on agenda
August 23 – The European Club Association (ECA) will hold its first board meeting of the season this Thursday (August 25) in Istanbul.
Arrigo Sacchi to receive 2022 UEFA President’s Award
August 23 – Italy’s Arrigo Sacchi (pictured) will be presented with the 2022 UEFA President’s Award at the Champions League group draw, on Thursday 25 August at the Haliç Congress Center in Istanbul.
Conmebol call for unchanged 2026 qualifying format threatens closer ties to UEFA Nations League
By Samindra Kunti
August 23 – In a letter to FIFA, Conmebol has demanded that the format of the South American World Cup qualifiers be maintained for the 48-team, 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Barca, PSG and Juve top list of clubs facing new FFP crackdown
August 23 – FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are among ten European elite clubs that may face sanctions for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
Russian oil firm Lukoil steps in to refuel Spartak Moscow’s finances
August 23 – Russian oil firm Lukoil has acquired Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow as well as the club’s home venue, the Spartak Stadium.
No change at the top: Man City, Bayern, PSG and Real Madrid to retain titles
August 23 – Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG and Real Madrid will all retain their domestic league titles this season, according to forecasts by the CIES Football Observatory.
Ukraine defiantly ready to kick off Premier League tonight despite Russian aggression
August 23 – Exiled Shakhtar Donetsk and Metalist 1925 from the embattled eastern city of Kharkiv will kick off the new season of the Ukrainian Premier League tonight (Tuesday) despite the ongoing invasion by Russia.
ECA’s Ukraine relief programme sends funds to 15 clubs across Europe
August 19 – Fifteen clubs have received assistance from the Ukraine Relief Programme, the European Clubs Association (ECA) has announced.
Argentinian prosecutors probe match-fixing accusations in Boca vs Agropecuario cup tie
August 19 – Argentina’s justice system has opened an investigation into whether sports betting played a role in an Agropecuario player being sent off against Boca Juniors in a cup game this month.
Blockchain-based Socios.com gets regulatory approval in Italy
August 19 – Fan token specialist Socios.com has secured regulatory approval as a service provider of virtual currencies and digital wallets for its fan engagement and rewards platform in Italy.
Willian quits Corinthians after social media death threats
August 19 – Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Willian has quit Corinthians following a deluge of threats on social media.
Benfica’s two goal lead dampens Dynamo Kiev’s Champions League dreams
August 18 – Benfica defeated Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 to take a major step towards Champions League qualification and dash the dreams of the Ukrainian club.
Euro football market hits €27.6bn in revenue. Big 5 leagues account for €15.6bn
August 18 – In the dark depths of the covid pandemic football clubs were forced to lock out their fans. But even without match day revenues, the European football market grew by 10% (€2.4billion) in 2020/21 to €27.6 billion.
Viborg’s African players fail to get UK visas in time for Conference League play off at West Ham
August 18 – Once again, the scourge of Brexit has had a negative effect on European club football.