France
In-form and with a new generation in the ascent, can France at long last deliver on their enormous potential and conquer Europe?
Europe
England
As the reigning champions, England are among the tournament favourites but a tough draw, inconsistent form and the withdrawal of key players will complicate their quest to retain their title.
Belgium
With new manager Elisabet Gunnarsdottir still finding her feet and recent results underwhelming, Belgium will struggle to replicate their last-eight success of Euro 2022.
UEFA Football Board calls for consistent VAR and more recovery time between seasons
April 30 – UEFA’s Football Board has added its voice to the clamour for the need for consistency in VAR decision making.
The board also debated player workload and the cause of injuries, agreeing that players must be given time at the end of seasons to rest and recover ahead of preparing for the next campaign.
Rudiger on ice for six matches after throwing object at Copa del Rey final referee
April 30 – Real Madrid’s German centre-back Antonio Rudiger has been handed a six-match ban for throwing an object at an official in the Copa de Rey final against arch-rivals Barcelona at the weekend. Jules Kounde scored in the 116th minute for Barca to win 3-2.
PSG have the edge as they take 1-0 lead and Arsenal back to Paris for final showdown
April 30 – Paris Saint-Germain have taken the advantage in their quest to reach the final of the Champions League after defeating Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie.
In a tense and cagey match, Ousmane Dembele’s fourth-minute goal proved to be the difference between the two clubs with the Parisians confirming their fine form against English sides in the competition after eliminating both Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Construction begins on Kranjčevićeva Stadium in Croatian capital Zagreb
April 29 – The Mayor of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević, alongside Deputy Mayors Danijela Dolenec and Luka Korlaet, laid the foundation stone to mark the beginning of construction works on the Kranjčevićeva Stadium in the Croatian capital.
Soccerex partners with 433 for European event in May
April 28 – Soccerex, renowned for its tagline ‘We are football, connected,’, has announced a partnership with 433, one of the world’s most influential football media platforms, which becomes official media partner for the upcoming Soccerex Europe 2025 event.
US star power drives Birmingham and Wrexham into Championship
April 27 – League One football has been illuminated by celebrity ownership this season, with NFL legend Tom Brady’s Birmingham City breaking the league points record while Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham secured promotion to the Championship on the same day.
Red mist at Real Madrid as Rüdiger, Vázquez and Bellingham unravel in Copa del Rey final
April 28 – In a shocking display of indiscipline, Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger could face a lengthy suspension after being dismissed for throwing an object at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during the Copa Del Rey final.
UEFA Foundation for Children celebrates 10 years with launch of €1m solidarity fund
April 25 – The UEFA Foundation for Children is marking a decade of impact with a new pan-European initiative aimed at reinforcing its mission through grassroots investment. As the foundation celebrates ten years of operations, it has announced a €1 million solidarity fund to be distributed among UEFA’s 55 member associations for the development of local social projects focused on disadvantaged children.
CSKA Sofia fans plan mass protest after council refuses to name new metro station after club
April 25 – The ultras of Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia have threatened to hold a large-scale protest in the centre of Sofia after the Municipal Council refused to name one of the newly built metro stations in the capital after the name of the club, SC CSKA.
EPO announces collaboration with Socilinnov to Empower Women in Football
April 24 – The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO), in collaboration with the non-profit organisation Socialinnov, has announced the implementation of the Empower Women in Football educational program.
Reading takeover inches closes after terms agreed over club’s sale
April 24 – English League One side Reading have reached an agreement with a prospective buyer to complete a takeover of the financially-stricken club, with the English Football League (EFL) extending a deadline to finalise the deal to May 5.
UEFA pays record €233m to clubs for international player releases
April 22 – The reigning Premier League Champions, Manchester City, have been allocated €5.17 million ($5.94 million), as part of the European football governing body’s Club Benefits Programme to encourage national team participation by players.
This figure represents the largest allocation to any UEFA club.