Demiril facing match ban after Wolf’s Salute
July 3 – Turkey’s Euro 2024 last-16 hero Merih Demiral is under investigation by UEFA after appearing to make an ultra-nationalist salute during his country’s victory against Austria.
World Football
Inside editorial: 2026 is closing in, Mexico and US look further away
In 2026 the US and Mexico will take the lead with their Canadian neighbours in hosting the World Cup. While the football people in those countries will have only a limited role in the organising (FIFA want to do everything themselves, it’s their ball apparently), to most people worldwide the perception will be that the countries are hosting.
Brazil’s CBF launches match-fixing whistleblowers app
July 3 – In response to a parliamentary commission of enquiry (CPI), the Brazilian Confederation of Football (CBF) will set up a centralised reporting tool for match-fixing.
UEFA sets October 1 as launch date for Women’s EURO 2025 ticket sales
July 3 – With a sold out men’s Euro 2024 entering the quarter final stage this weekend, UEFA has announced tickets will go on sale for the Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland on October 1.
Fluminense opt for Mano Menezes as Diniz replacement
July 3 – Mano Menezes has been named the new coach of Brazilian club Fluminense in a one-year deal after the exit of Fernando Diniz.
Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen to host Shakhtar Donetsk’s UCL games
July 3 – Ukrainian champion Shakhtar Donetsk will play its ‘home’ Champions League games at German club Schalke next season.
Ronaldo confirms Germany 2024 will be his last Euros
July 3 – Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed what everyone assumed: that the European Championship in Germany will be “without a doubt” the last of his stellar career.
US and Mexico blow opportunities for 2026 preparation with early Copa America exits
July 2 – The USA were controversially dumped out of the Copa America last night after a 66-minute goal that could easily been called offside was awarded in a VAR review, handing a 1-0 victory to Uruguay.
Dutch looking to find more ‘energy’ to halt Romanian advance
July 2 – Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman (pictured) has told his players to use the criticism they have been receiving for their performances at Euro 2024 as fuel, with the Dutchmen looking to respond from a lacklustre group stage with a Round of 16 win over Romania tonight.
UEFA reports 3.3m+ through fan zones and on course for 5bn cumulative TV audience
July 2 – With stadiums having been at full capacity from the opening match of the Euro 2024 finals, UEFA has released a further set of numbers on the engagement of fans within Germany, and internationally, as the tournament closes out its round of 16 matches.
Will Belgium’s Euro exit also be De Bruyne’s?
July 2 – Kevin De Bruyne’s future with Belgium is up in the air after his national team departed Euro 2024 in ignominious fashion against France in the round of 16.
Serbian FA begins 8-stadium pitch replacement programme at pro clubs
July 2 – The Serbian FA (FFS) has started a major project to replace the pitches in eight stadiums in eight different Serbian cities, with renovation works on the facilities, used by Serbia’s professional clubs expected to be completed by the autumn.
UEFA set to give Bellingham a kick in the b***s for crotch gesture
July 1 – UEFA is investigating England saviour Jude Bellingham for a gesture he made following his late equaliser against Slovakia in Sunday’s Euro 2024 last-16 tie.
Southgate praises team spirit but says they ‘need’ and ‘want’ to be better
July 1 – Gareth Southgate and his players can talk all they like about togetherness and spirit. But there was only one way to sum up England’s last-gasp win over Slovakia that avoided the ultimate humiliation: The Great Escape.
Georgia set for counter-attack as Sagnol says they want more big tournaments
July 1 – Georgia manager Willy Sagnol vowed that the Eastern European country will return to major finals after their success on debut at Euro 2024, his side falling victim to a second-half Spanish comeback in the round of 16.