Inter Miami’s parade of Lionel Messi in China snagged
October 31 – Inter Miami and Lionel Messi’s planned two match tour of China looks to be crumbling after their second game was cancelled and the first moved to an alternative venue.
Romania to bid for Bucharest hosting of Europa League final in 2026 or 2027
October 31 – The Romanian government has confirmed it will support Bucharest’s bid to host the UEFA Europa League final in 2026 or 2027. The ‘normative support act’ was approved by the Romanian government at the end of last week.
Ajax recall John Van’t Schip in bid to rescue season
October 31 – Ajax have a new coach with John Van’t Schip returning to the Amsterdam club to try and rescue the season.
Colombian police step up hunt for kidnapped father of Liverpool’s Luis Díaz
October 30 – Colombian police are stepping up their search for the father of Liverpool striker Luis Díaz after both parents were kidnapped near the border with Venezuela.
FIFA issues Rubiales with 3-year ban from all football activity over Hermoso kiss
October 30 – FIFA has banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), from all football-related activities for three years following his ill-judged kiss of Spain’s Jenni Hermoso at the 2023 World Cup presentation ceremony on August.
More than 20m applications for Euro 2024 tickets in first sales window
October 30 – UEFA have announced that over 20 million fans applied for Euro 2024 match tickets during the first round of ticket sales, including 7.8 million applications in the opening 24 hours.
Barca fans keep up racist abuse of Vinicius at El Clasico
October 30 – Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday was marred by yet more racist chanting targeted at their Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr and La Liga are working with the police to identify the perpetrators.
Maccabi-Villareal Europa League tie moved to Cypriot venue
October 30 – In the wake of the turmoil in Israel and the subsequent decision by the UEFA Executive Committee to prohibit any UEFA competition matches in the country until further notice, UEFA has taken steps to relocate the upcoming UEFA Europa League group stage match between Israeli side Maccabi Haifa FC and Villarreal CF.
No bad blood as Notts County shake off Taylor Swift takeover rumour
October 30 – The rumoured sale of the world’s oldest professional football club, Notts County, to pop star Taylor Swift has been quickly played down by the club.
Tonali’s 10-month suspension for betting applied worldwide
October 30 – Italy international Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban for breaching betting rules will apply worldwide, FIFA have confirmed, meaning he will play no part in the rest of Newcastle United’s Premier League season.
Marseilles fans stone Lyon team bus leaving Fabio Grosso with serious facial injuries
By Samindra Kunti in Marseille
October 30 – Ligue 1 match between Olympique de Marseille and Olympique Lyon was called off after Lyon’s team bus was attacked on the way to the Stade Velodrome.
Morocco-Portugal-Spain make 2030 bid official with promise of a world changing finals
By Paul Nicholson
October 29 – Having conducted a series of meetings in Portugal and Spain, the three joint bidding nations for the 2030 World Cup officially officially signed their letter confirming their interest to bid in Rabat. Morocco.
JFF say Reggae Girlz are now paid, as makeshift team gives Jamaica a W Gold Cup lifeline
October 30 – The Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) says the Reggae Girlz have now been paid their World Cup bonuses after the players that qualified for the round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup boycotted en masse call-ups for the Concacaf W Gold Cup qualifiers.
Gatorade keeps Milan monopoly with AC Milan renewal
October 30 – Italian giants AC Milan have renewed their partnership with Gatorade which will see the PepsiCo group’s brand continue as the Official Sports Drink of the Rossoneri Men’s and Women’s Team, during Serie A and UEFA Champions League matches.
LDU Quito beat Fortaleza in penalty shoot-out to win Copa Sudamericana
October 30 – Ecuador’s LDU Quito triumphed on penalties 4-3 against Brazil’s Fortaleza to land the Copa Sudamericana for a second time after a 1-1 draw after extra time forced the shoot-out.