Sylvinho agrees new deal with Albania
July 26 – Albania have retained Brazil’s Sylvinho as their national team manager, extending his contract until the end of 2025.
World Football
Elite players overworked but report predicts their workload likely to be unchanged over next four seasons
July 26 – The CIES Football Observatory has endorsed a recent European Club Association (ECA) study revealing that only a small percentage of footballers endure extensive minutes each season, throwing a more detailed light on the physical demands placed on top-tier players in the face of a growing international calendar.
ECA releases research report on transition of academy players to club first teams
July 25 – The European Club Association (ECA) has highlighted the significant challenges young players face in transitioning from academy to senior level, presenting recommendations and best practices for clubs to support their rising talents in a new report released today (Thursday).
UEFA issues €230K in fines over discriminatory abuse by fans at Euro 2024
July 25 – UEFA has ordered seven national federations – almost all them from the Balkan region – to pay fines totalling €230,000 for racist and discriminatory abuse by fans at Euro 2024.
Bulgarian efbet League kicks off but three clubs warned for ‘dangerous’ playing surfaces
July 25 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has threatened three of its top tier clubs with sanctions over the quality of their pitches following the first round of the efbet League which the BFU said were endangering the health of the players.
Roma unveils designs for €1bn new stadium
July 25 – Just days after pulling out of a deal that would see the Friedkin Group acquire Premier League side Everton, vice-president Ryan Friedkin has said they will spend €1 billion on a new stadium for their Serie A club Roma, as they attempt to progress their long-sought exit from the Stadio Olimpico.
Auction opened for Euro 2024 final ball
July 25 – The UEFA Euro 2024 match-winning ball is being auctioned by UEFA, with all proceeds going to the UEFA Foundation for Children.
UEFA formally charges Rodri and Morata for anti-British chanting and inciting crowd
July 24 – Having opened a preliminary investigation, UEFA has now charged Spain captain Álvaro Morata and midfielder Rodri with violating its “basic rules of decent conduct” over chants they made regarding the sovereignty of Gibraltar and which were a direct taunt at England.
Rangers to open new season at Hampden Park as Ibrox improvements delayed
July 24 – Scottish Premiership side Rangers will open the new season at Hampden Park rather than their Ibrox home as stadium renovation delays have left uncertainty over when they will be able to resume fixtures.
Davies and Shaw again head list of nominees for Concacaf awards
July 24 – Canada’s Alphonso Davies and Jamaica’s Khadija Shaw head the list of Concacaf nominees for its men’s and women’s player of the year awards.
Cypriot FA lifts ban on away fans against government wishes
July 24 – The Cypriot FA (CFA) has ignored the request of the country’s Minister of Justice and Public Order, Marios Hartsiotis, and is lifting a ban on away fans for the start of the 2024/25 season.
English FA looks for a winner to take Southgate role
July 24 – The English Football Association has started the process of replacing Gareth Southgate as manager by inviting applications.
UEFA opens 2029 Women’s Euro host bidding with call for candidates
July 23 – UEFA has announced the bidding process for the 2029 women’s Euros, with prospective candidates given until September 24 to declare their interest and the hosts to be chosen in December 2025.
Korean FA files racist complaint over Como abuse of Hwang Hee-chan
July 23 – The Korean FA has filed an official complaint with FIFA over an alleged racist remark directed at Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan during a recent preseason match against Italian club Como that took place in Spain.
Flamengo in talks with Portugal’s Leixões to increase European footprint
July 23 – Brazil’s Flamengo have revived plans to build their brand in Europe, entering talks with Portuguese club Leixões.