FIFPro warns players away from Romania as pay situation worsens
April 24 – The international players’ union FIFpro has warned its members against signing for Romanian clubs because of the risk they will not get paid.
Europe
German police charge Dortmund bus bomber motivated by share scam
April 21- Police in Germany have charged a man suspected of being behind Tuesday’s bomb attack on the Borussia Dortmund team bus but have ruled out terrorism.
Gibraltar FA to buy ‘home’ stadium on the Rock for £16.6m
April 19 – One of UEFA’s newest members, the Gibraltar FA, is to buy a stadium within its borders which will enable it to develop a venue where it will be able to host national team fixtures and European club matches.
Bastia fans twice invade pitch forcing Lyons match to be abandoned
April 17 – A French Ligue 1 match between Bastia and Lyon was abandoned at the weekend after the Corsican home fans twice invaded the pitch to try and attack opposition players.
Violent clashes delay start of Lyon vs Besiktas Europa League quarter-final
April 14 – Clashes between French and Turkish fans delayed a Europa League quarter-final kick off by 45 minutes on Thursday before Lyon came from behind to beat Besiktas 2-1, throwing into question next week’s return leg in Istanbul.
Dortmund complain UEFA gave players no choice over rescheduled Monaco game
By Andrew Warshaw
April 13 – Handed a rare home defeat in their re-arranged Champions League quarterfinal first leg, Borussia Dortmund have thrown the book at UEFA claiming European football’s governing body “totally ignored” the players’ state of mind following the previous day’s explosions near the team bus that led to the fixture being postponed for a mere 24 hours.
EFL clubs confirm introduction of goalline technology for next season
April 13 – Goalline technology will be used in this season’s English Championship play-offs before being introduced in all second-tier matches in 2017-18.
Relaxed but eerie atmosphere in Dortmund as fans and clubs return to CL business
By Samindra Kunti in Dortmund
April 12 – It should have been a 90-minute football fest of supremely gifted talents, coached by Thomas Tuchel and Leonardo Jardim, two of the best in the business.
Fans, players and officials show solidarity in aftermath of Dortmund bus bomb
By Andrew Warshaw
April 12 – The football world has reacted with shock and dismay after Tuesday’s Champions League tie between Borussia Dortmund and Monaco had to be postponed because of three explosions close to the Dortmund team bus.
Euro leagues body defiant a deal with UEFA is possible despite major differences
By Andrew Warshaw
April 7 – The head of the umbrella organisation for Europe’s major leagues insists relations with UEFA have not broken down but warns fans are not fully aware of the extent of the damage which will be caused by upcoming changes to the Champions League.
Ceferin stamps mark on a reforming UEFA with a strategic plan and a €1m promise
By Andrew Warshaw
April 5 – In a speech delivered with a mixture of the icy calmness and refreshing straightforwardness that has come to typify his leadership, UEFA president Alexander Ceferin laid down his vision for overhauling European football today by re-re-iterating there would be “no empty promises, no empty words, no scandals.”
Germany back at the top table as UEFA votes its big guns on to exco
By Andrew Warshaw
April 5 – Sweden and the Republic of Ireland were the big winners when their respective federation bosses gained the most votes in being elected today to UEFA’s new-look executive committee.
‘Dirt on the FAI’s shoe’. Irish women threaten to strike
April 5 – The Republic of Ireland women’s team have threatened to go on strike in a row over treatment by their national association (FAI), throwing Monday’s game against Slovakia into doubt.
UEFA calendar: club finals to be played in same week, Futsal Euros every 4 years
April 4 – In a notable break with tradition, UEFA have decided to stage the final of both the Champions League and Europa League in the same week from next season.
Toulouse players bite the bullet over drive-by pellet gun attack
April 4 – French top-flight club Toulouse have sacked two players for their alleged role in a pellet gun attack.