Gunners fired up for Champions League return after 7-year wait
September 20 – Arsenal return to the Champions League for the first time in the post-Wenger era when the London club take on PSV Eindhoven in their Group B curtain raiser.
Europe
Spanish chaos as World Champion women still refuse to play until RFEF reforms
By Andrew Warshaw
September 19 – Spanish women’s football has been plunged into yet more controversy and confusion after a raft of players continued to refuse to play for the national team despite new interim head coach Montse Tomé naming 15 of the World Cup‑winning squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Ceferin says Rubiales had to go, but questions whether in law he committed a felony
September 19 – UEFA president Alexander Ceferin believes it would be harsh if Spanish justice prosecutes Luis Rubiales (pictured) over the ‘kissgate’ scandal but has re-iterated that what the former Spanish FA (RFEF) boss did was totally wrong.
Europe’s giants kick off UCL with Man City at home to Red Star and PSG facing Dortmund
September 19 – Manchester City begin their title defence of the Champions League at home to Red Star Belgrade to kick off the European club season in earnest tonight.
PSG face FFP questions over sale of players to Qatari clubs
September 19 – Just as they start their latest quest to land the elusive Champions League, Paris St. Germain are alleged to be under scrutiny yet again by UEFA – this time over their summer sales to Qatar.
Kosovo earmarks €250m for new national stadium
September 18 – Kosovo is to invest €250 million into the construction of a new national stadium. The news was announced by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, with the money to be released after Kosovo has been chosen to host the Mediterranean Games in 2030.
Kuntz loses Turkey job after loss to Japan and hammering his less-than-100% players
September 18 – Stefan Kuntz has been sacked as Turkey manager after criticising is players following the national team’s friendly 4-2 loss to Japan that followed an under-performing Euro qualifying draw with Armenia.
New UEFA report shows power of post-covid attendance bounceback and digs deep into club trends
By Paul Nicholson
September 15 – More than 209 million fans attended European club football last season, according to UEFA’s newly released European Club Talent and Competition Landscape report.
Wiesenhof signs on as national partner for Germany 2024 Euro
September 15 – UEFA has announced a new deal with Germany-based poultry producer Wiesenhof who become national partners for the Germany 2024 Euro.
Slovenian clubs surprised after Jarc cleared of abuse allegations from women’s players
September 15 – A report commissioned by the Slovenian FA (NZS) has largely absolved former women’s national team coach Borut Jarc (pictured) from a series of allegations after an open letter by his players detailing the unprofessional and sexist environment during team camps led to his departure.
Medal of Honour winner Putellas doubles down on call for gender equality and an end to abuse
September 14 – Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas has called on authorities to show “courage and leadership” to eliminate lack of respect in the women’s game.
Spanish women call off strike as FPF agrees minimum wage package
September 14 – Spain’s women’s players have called off a strike after reaching an agreement with Liga F and its clubs over minimum wages. The season will now start this weekend.
Croatian fans under UEFA investigation again for discrimination and racism
September 14 – UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Association (HNS) following racist and discriminatory incidents at the Euro 2024 qualification match between Croatia and Latvia, which was played at the HNK Rijeka stadium.
Toffolo given five-month ban for breaching betting rules
September 14 – Nottingham Forest defender Harry Toffolo has been handed a suspended five-month ban for breaching English football’s betting rules.
Poland fire Santos after six games as Euro 2024 qualifying hits the rocks
September 14 – Fernando Santos has been sacked as Poland manager after six games and less than nine months in charge.