European Leagues boss Olsson says transfer window closing needs to be aligned
October 9 – The European summer transfer window should close at the same time everywhere as used to be the case, according to the head of the European Leagues.
Europe
Belgian FA question Anderlecht over Kompany’s ‘unqualified’ coaching role
By Samindra Kunti
October 9 – Anderlecht have defended Vincent Kompany’s role as player-coach at the Belgian FA, denying that Simon Davies was a ‘shadow’ coach in place only to give Kompany the qualifications back-up required in Belgium.
Another flare-up at Celtic. UEFA charge club for 17th time
October 9 – Celtic have been charged by UEFA for fans setting off fireworks just over two weeks after being fined for the use of flares and throwing objects.
Police fear England fans will spark a Friday night to forget in Prague
October 7 – Police chiefs reportedly pleaded with UEFA to switch England’s Friday night Euro 2020 kick-off in Prague this week amid fears of alcohol-fuelled crowd trouble.
Forty Years On, Barcelona revoke Franco’s medals
By David Owen
October 7 – More than four decades after the dictator’s death, the members of Barcelona – slogan ‘More than a Club’ – have voted to revoke medals given to General Francisco Franco.
All about the money: Arsenal’s Aubameyang returns Watzke’s comment with interest
October 4 – Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has slammed Borussia Dortmund’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke over the motives of his departure from the Ruhr club, calling the German executive a “clown” on social media.
Drone flying Armenian separatist flag halts Qarabag’s Europa League game in Luxembourg
October 4 – A Europa League game between Luxembourg’s F91 Dudelange and FK Qarabag of Azerbaijan was temporarily halted on Thursday when a drone was flown over the ground.
Spanish VAR gets nasty as Mediapro denies ‘manipulation’ and ‘criminal mindset’
By Paul Nicholson
October 2 – A row over the use of VAR in Spain has prompted LaLiga’s TV production partner Mediapro to issue a strongly worded rebuttal of accusations from the Spanish federation (RFEF) that Mediapro was manipulating public opinion with its broadcast coverage.
Former Valencia president Soler jailed for plot to kidnap and rob his former VP
October 2 – The former president of Valencia Juan Soler (pictured) has been jailed for two years for conspiring to kidnap his one-time vice-president and break into his home.
Nice call time on Diaby-Fadiga after dressing room watch theft
October 2 – French top-flight club Nice have sacked their teenage striker Lamine Diaby-Fadiga (pictured) after he admitted stealing a watch apparently worth €70,000 from team-mate Kasper Dolberg in the dressing room last month.
Leagues and players’ union plot path through foggy concussion protocols
October 1 – Europe’s football leagues have joined forces with the international players’ union body FIFPro to try and improve the way concussion cases are managed, potentially including independent doctors being on site.
Man City vs Atletico Madrid is pick of Women’s CL last 16 match-ups
October 1 – Manchester City were handed a difficult tie against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League’s round of 16, but English champions Arsenal were given a favorable draw against Slavia Prague.
Delaney quits FAI with pressure mounting on him to quit UEFA role
By Andrew Warshaw
September 30 – John Delaney is under growing pressure to resign from his reported €160,000-a-year UEFA executive committee post after stepping down as Executive Vice President of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) with immediate effect, finally severing links with his federation after a colourful and controversial career.
Lyon send a free speech message to China (and LFP) with Tibetan flag tifo
September 30 – Lyon fans expressed their dismay at a Saturday lunchtime kick-off aimed at the Chinese market by creating a giant tifo representing the Tibetan flag behind one of the goals.
Atletico’s €80m claim from Barca for Greizmann results in €300 fine
September 27 – Barcelona have been handed a fine of just €300 by the Spanish Football Federation, the RFEF, for “a minor infringement” in handling the transfer of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.