Down and out Danes overturn Eriksen trauma with life-saving win against Russia
By Andrew Warshaw
June 22 – In the land of Hans Christian Andersen, a modern fairytale has been written to warm the hearts of football fans worldwide.
England’s Mount and Chilwell isolate after Scotland’s Gilmour tests positive for Covid
June 22 – Covid-19 has struck at the heart of the England and Scotland squads ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 Group D finale, ruling out three players including Scotland’s key midfielder Billy Gilmour who will miss his country’s must-win game against Croatia just when they need him most.
Nigerian Siasia has life ban for match-fixing cut to five years by CAS
June 22 – Former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia’s life ban for bribery related to match-fixing has been reduced to five years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) which argued he did not profit from his misdemeanor.
Business as usual Belgium stroll through final group match
By Samindra Kunti in Saint Petersburg
June 22 – Even at a walking pace, Belgium were a superior team. Roberto Martinez’s team won group B following a routine 2-0 victory over Finland to confirm their presence in the knockout phase of Euro 2020.
Liverpool turn new page with Kodansha publishing deal
June 22 – Premier League Liverpool FC have a new global partner with Kodansha, becoming the club’s official Publication Partner.
Motsepe chases the cash with African Super League proposal
June 21 – Spurred on by Gianni Infantino, Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe believes Africa can succeed where Europe failed and launch its own Continental Super League.
US drop Pulisic for Gold Cup. Mexico, Canada and Jamaica tool up with superstars
By Paul Nicholson
June 21 – With the provisional rosters for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup having been announced the biggest surprise comes from the US who have dropped their three biggest stars for the tournament – Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Weston McKennie (Juventus) and Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund).
Racism and discrimination ruin Hungary’s Euro 2020 hosting triumph
By Andrew Warshaw
June 21 – Budapest may have arguably the best Euro 2020 atmosphere as the only stadium full to capacity but the choice of the city as one of the hosts has been blighted by a UEFA investigation into “potential discriminatory incidents” that are understood to refer to racist chanting and homophobic propaganda.
Qatar to order 1m vaccines for fans at 2022 World Cup
June 21 – Qatar will only allow those fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to attend next year’s World Cup.
AFC keeps competition pace high as Champions League East groups ready for kick-off
June 21 – The AFC Champions League (East) swings into action tomorrow, hard on the heels of the just completed first stages of the Asian Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 and China 2023.
Barca gets greenlight for €500m+ Goldman Sachs loan
June 21 – Barcelona’s socios have given their approval for a €525 million loan as the club battles with the financial fallout from the pandemic, the failed European Super League attempt, a sky-high player wage bill and infrastructure projects it can’t afford.
Norwegians vote not to boycott Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers
June 21 – Norway will not boycott the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following a vote at an extraordinary meeting of Norway’s Football Federation (NFF) that dismissed the move with a strong majority, despite strong pressure from the grassroots levels over alleged human rights abuses of migrant workers in the Gulf state.
Turkish hopes in tatters as promising young team exits Euros without a point
June 21 – They arrived as genuine dark horses to go deep into the tournament yet depart after three humbling defeats, one goal scored and without a single point.
Thai club successes prompt True to move in on AFC media rights in one season deal
June 21 – With four Thai clubs entering Asian Champions League action for the first time this week, the AFC has moved fast to secure True as their new media partner in Thailand for all AFC club competitions in the 2021 season.
Mexico hit with fan ban for World Cup qualifiers as fears raised for impact on 2026 hosting
June 20 – World federation FIFA have sanctioned the Mexico football federation (FMF) for the ‘puta’ homophobic chants from supporters during Olympic qualifying matches for the men’s team. As a punishment, Mexicans fans will be banned from El Tri’s first two World Cup qualifiers.