UEFA medical chief says there is ‘no way’ Euros won’t be played
February 25 – The delayed Euro 2020 will definitely go ahead in June and fans could yet be allowed to attend according to UEFA’s top medical official.
Author: Paul Nicholson
English FA calls end to non-league season as Covid-cancelled fixtures pile up
February 25 – After weeks of uncertainty, the non-league game in England below the top two levels has been curtailed for the second successive season.
AFC hands China’s final Champions League slot to Shanghai SIPG
February 25 – Shanghai SIPG have formally been awarded China’s fourth qualification slot for the 2021 Asian Champions League following the removal of Shandong Luneng from the competition.
Norway to open ‘home’ 2022 qualifying campaign in Spain, against Turkey
February 25 – Norway will play its first ‘home’ World Cup qualifier on neutral venue in Spain next month because of travel restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.
DFL readies tender for international rights sell off to private equity investors
February 25 – The German Football League (DFL) is to invite investment bids for a minority stake in its overseas media rights business, according Bloomberg.
Spurs partner with VivoPower in drive to become carbon neutral
February 25 – It isn’t quite the coffee-ground eco shirt of Forest Green Rovers, but Premier League Tottenham Hotspur have announced a new partnership with a London battery technology company as part of the club’s plans to become carbon neutral.
Clarke and Howe favourites for Celtic hot seat vacated by Lennon
February 25 – Scotland national manager Scotland manager Steve Clarke and former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe are reported to have emerged as early favourites to replace Neil Lennon, who resigned on Tuesday as Celtic manager after a disastrous season in charge.
Latin American clubs trending towards home grown players as covid-consequences bite
February 25 – A study of four top tier Latin American leagues shows the covid pandemic has led to an increase in clubs playing home grown players, a drop in the recruitment of players from overseas and a trend towards a decrease in the average age of players being fielded.
Anouma challenges Infantino’s conspicuous absence with invite to Ivory Coast
By Andrew Warshaw
February 24 – The role of Gianni Infantino in whoever gets over the line to land the top job in African football appears to be gaining more significance by the week.
Calendar clash forces Australia and Qatar out of guesting at Copa America
February 24 – Australia and Qatar, the two non-South American teams due to take part in this year’s Copa America, have pulled out of the competition – the oldest in international football – because of scheduling conflicts caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
India to launch grassroots plan as it builds credentials for 2027 Asian Cup hosting
February 24 – India has launched a grassroots participation initiative that will reach millions of children across the country as part of its bid to host the 2027 Asian Cup.
Everton get Liverpool’s approval to build £500m new stadium
February 24 – On Merseyside, Everton are flying high. Following their first derby win in 22 years at Anfield against arch rivals Liverpool, the club’s plans for a 52,000-seat stadium were unanimously approved by the local city council.
Coronavirus: Travel restrictions and safety issues force UEFA to cancel U19 championships
February 24 – UEFA has cancelled the 2021 Women’s and Men’s Under-19 Championships because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Lennon walks away from Celtic as Rangers run away with title
February 24 – Celtic manager Neil Lennon has resigned with the Glasgow giants 18 points behind arch-rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership table.
Forest Green Rovers owner tells football world to wake up and smell the coffee
February 24 – Forest Green Rovers, the English fourth-tier club that is powered by renewable energy, serves vegan food to players, staff and fans and prides itself on being the “greenest” club in the world, have launched a new team shirt partly made of coffee waste.