Israel to play crucial home Euro 2024 qualifiers in Hungary
November 1 – Israel will play their next two home Euro 2024 qualifiers in Hungary, UEFA has announced.
Europe
Belgium stun England as Dutch eye Nations League final four and 2024 Olympics
By Samindra Kunti in Leuven
November 1 – England’s chances of Olympic qualification were given a huge dent after a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, a result that leaves the Netherlands in control of Group 1 in the Women’s Nations League.
Botev Plovdiv joins with BTCPayServer to allow bitcoin payments in-stadia and club shop
November 1 – Bulgaria’s Botev Plovdiv have become the first Bulgarian club to accept Bitcoin payments, saying they are partnering with the world leader in accepting bitcoin payments, BTCPayServer.
Olympiakos to appeal points sanction over abandoned Panathinaikos derby
October 31 – Olympiakos have vowed to “exhaust all legal means” to overturn being sanctioned for fan violence that has cost the team its lead in the Greek league.
Anwar El Ghazi to return for Mainz after missing two matches for anti-semitic post
October 31 – German top-flight club Mainz have lifted their suspension of Anwar El Ghazi over a social media comment he posted about the Israel-Hamas conflict, instead giving the player an official warning.
Real Betis marks 3 years of environmental impact platform
October 31 – Real Betis’ environmental sustainability platform, Forever Green, has crossed its three-year anniversary after helping Los Verdiblancos become a leading club in environmental sustainability.
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.
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.
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.
Real Madrid go to banks for €370m loan; bring Saudi bank onboard as sponsor
October 30 – Real Madrid are looking to raise €370 million from banks to help finance refurbishment work at the their Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where costs have almost doubled to €1 billion form an initial €575 million budget.
Italy and Newcastle’s Tonali hit with 10-month ban for betting on matches
October 27 – Newcastle United’s Italian international midfielder Sandro Tonali, who cost £55 million just a few months ago, has been banned for 10 months over breaches of rules on betting on matches in Italy.