AFC looks to the future with second edition of leadership programme
June 12 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched the 2nd AFC Certificate in Football Leadership (ACFL) programme.
Valencia fans handed jail terms for racial abuse of Vinicius
June 11 – Three Valencia football fans who racially abused Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior have each been jailed for eight months. The individuals were also given a two-year stadium ban from any venue hosting LaLiga matches.
Real Madrid say they will be at Club World Cup, whether FIFA can pay for it or not
June 11 – Real Madrid have argued that their participation in the expanded 2025 Club World Cup was never in doubt, backtracking on a comment by manager Carlo Ancelotti that the Spanish giant would boycott the competition.
Saudi royal joins consortium for £400m Everton bid
June 11 – Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has reportedly received a £400 million cash offer for the club from a consortium of international investors which include an unamed member of the Saudi royal family and high net worth investors from the US.
Portugal’s Figo says the three-country bid for 2030 is ready and able to deliver at the highest level
June 11 – Portuguese star and ambassador for the Portugal, Spain and Morocco World Cup 2030 bid Luis Figo, has said that they already have the facilities and infrastructure “to host a truly exceptional event”.
With 2-year countdown to 2026 World Cup underway, Infantino anticipates another ‘greatest’
June 11 – The two year countdown to the 2026 World Cup kick-off at the Estadio Azteca Mexico City on June 11 has begun, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino continuing his ‘greatest’ theme saying the finals would be “the greatest event, the greatest show, the greatest tournament”.
Ankle injury rules Dutch star Frenkie de Jong out of Euro 2024
June 11 – The Netherlands have been given a major blow ahead of Euro 2024 after an ankle injury to midfielder Frenkie de Jong ruled him out of the tournament.
Aussies deny Palestine FA president Jibril Rajoub entry for final WC2026 group qualifier
June 11 – Palestine Football Association’s (PFA) president Jibril Rajoub has been denied entry to Australia ahead of the Palestinian team’s final group stage game against Australia.
UEFA strives to keep human rights focus at centre of Euro 2024 operations
June 11 – UEFA has re-emphasised its commitment to protecting human rights during the Euro 2024 finals outlining measures to ensure the welfare and safety of players and spectators.
Arsenal Women to face Chelsea and Washington Spirit in pre-season US tour
June 11 – Arsenal Women, along with their men’s team, will pre-season tour in the United States this summer, though in different locations.
Everton sale sees US investors massing at the gates looking for a deal
June 10 – With the drawn-out acquisition of Everton by 777 Partners now firmly dead in the water, new suitors are gathering at Goodison’s gates, most of them with US money.
Cameroon overcome off-field power struggle to beat Cape Verde in 2026 qualifying
June 10 – Amid an institutional crisis at Cameroon’s football federation over the government appointment of head coach Marc Brys, he led the Indomitable Lions to a comfortable 4-1 victory against Cape Verde in the World Cup qualifiers.
Palestine qualify for final stage of AFC World Cup qualifiers for first time
June 10 – A 0-0 draw with Lebanon in Qatar was enough to see Palestine through to the final stage of the AFC’s qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup for the first time.
Mexican fans again test the 3-step anti-discrimination protocol with ‘puto’ chant
June 9 – The friendly between Mexico and Brazil was paused after the Mexican fans chanted the gay slur ‘puto’ from the stands behind the goal.
Lukaku’s goals and De Bruyne’s majesty warm Belgium up for Euro 2024 campaign
By Samindra Kunti in Brussels
June 9 – Romelu Lukaku’s two goals and a Leandro Trossard strike led Belgium to a modest 3-0 victory against Luxembourg to wrap preparations for Euro 2024. Thomas Meunier limped off injured.