FIFA suspends Congo coaches and opens into abuse probe
March 23 – FIFA and its Ethics Committee have suspended a number of coaches in DR Congo accused of having abused minor players, the world federation announced on Wednesday.
World Football
Euro 2024 qualifiers kick off with Italy vs England repeat of Euro 2020 final
March 23 – Three months after the end of the World Cup, qualifying for the next European Championship begins tonight with Italy vs England the heavyweight standout fixture.
Concacaf to start Gold Cup at SoFi Stadium with draw, and will finish there with final in July
March 23 – Concacaf will kick off the road to the Gold Cup final at the SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, at the SoFi Stadium with the draw the 2023 edition of the confederation’s blue riband men’s national team championship on April 14.
Belgium boot Bossaert over bonus brawl
March 23 – The Belgian FA (KBVB) have dismissed their CEO Peter Bossaert (pictured right) following a conflict over his bonus structure, which had been modified without the approval of the federation’s board.
El Tri to tour US fuelled by Anheuser-Busch’s continued support
March 23 – Drinks giant Anheuser-Busch has extended its agreement with the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) as the beer partner of EL Tri’s US tour.
Lazio bans three fans for antisemitic behaviour, Curva Nord could be closed for Juve game
March 23 – Lazio are issuing life bans at the Stadio Olimpico to three fans for antisemitic behaviour during the Rome derby on Sunday, including one who wore a Nazi message on his replica top.
TTFA closes in on bankruptcy exit but key creditors have another 26% trimmed off their deal
March 22 – The long running saga over the crippling debt built up by the Trinidad and Tobago FA could be resolved, at least in part, this week with creditors set to receive payments from bankruptcy proceedings. But not on the schedules they had agreed with TTFA trustee Maria Daniels a year ago.
Wolves and Fosun look at buying a stake in Oostende, reports
March 22 – Wolverhampton Wanderers owner Fosun reportedly wants to invest in KV Oostende, a Belgian top flight club currently struggling at the bottom of the table and owned by Pacific Media Group (PMG).
Sevilla replace Sampaoli with Mendilibar as club slip towards relegation zone
March 22 – Spanish club Sevilla have dismissed their coach Jorge Sampaoli (pictured) following their 2-0 defeat to Getafe at the weekend. He will be succeeded by Jose Mendilibar.
Mallorca ban fan for 3-years for monkey chants aimed at Vinícius and Chukwueze
March 22 – Spanish club Mallorca have handed the fan who racially insulted players Vinícius Júnior and Samu Chukwueze a three-year ban.
Lidl opens its doors to UEFA with Euro 2024 Qualifiers and Finals partnership
March 21 – Pan-European food retailer Lidl has signed on as an official partner of the Euro 2024 qualifiers and is UEFA’s fifth sponsorship for the finals that will be held in Germany, where Lidl is headquartered.
Mbappe and De Bruyne step up to lead countries into new championship cycle
March 21 – On the eve of a new international cycle, stars France’s Kylian Mbappe and Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne have been named as captains of their countries.
Wembley to host 1,000 Ukrainians and their sponsors for Euro 2024 qualifier
March 21 – With the debate over the handling of migrants attempting to enter the UK becoming increasingly heated – and with football presenter and former England footballer turned TV presenter Gary Lineker being dragged into the centre of it over a tweet – the English FA has come down solidly on the side of inclusion.
Las Vegas to host Nations League finals in June; US, Mexico, and Canada have work to do
March 21 – Las Vegas and the Allegiant Stadium will be the venue for the finals of the 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League in June this year.
Mitrovic’s red mist looks set to finish his Fulham season
March 21 – Fulham’s Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic faces being ruled out for the rest of the season following his sending off at Manchester United at the weekend when he pushed the referee.