UEFA backs history-challenging Albania-Serbia co-hosting of U21 finals
February 5 – UEFA have formally appointed the Albanian and Serbian FAs as co-hosts of the European Under-21 Championship final tournament in 2027.
World Football
Norway’s FK Bodø/Glimt donate ticket revenue from Maccabi Tel Aviv tie to Red Cross in Gaza
February 4 – Norway’s FK Bodø/Glimt are donating all ticket revenue from their UEFA Europa League home match against Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Red Cross to support humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
Out with the old. Nou Camp auctions off its locker room
February 5 – With Barcelona’s home, the Camp Nou, going through a major renovation, parts of the stadium, and more specifically locker room items, are being auctioned off.
Atlanta smash MLS transfer fee record with $22m signing of Ivorian Emmanuel Latte Lath
February 5 – Fresh on the heels of Major League Soccer (MLS) allowing clubs to freely negotiate cash deals within the league structure, Atlanta United have gone and smashed the MLS transfer record, signing Emmanuel Latte Lath from English Championship club Middlesborough.
CSKA Sofia mandates players to work with club’s foundation charities
February 5 – Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia has added a special clause to player contacts, starting this month, that will oblige them to participate in charitable causes.
Manchester City spend more than EPL rivals combined in winter window
The January transfer window saw plenty of movement across the globe, headlined by Manchester City spending more than the rest of the English Premier League (EPL) combined as they attempted to patch holes in their increasingly leaky title defence.
Rubiales’ actions ruined ‘one of the happiest days of my life’ states Hermoso
February 4 – Disgraced former Spanish Football Association (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales ruined what should have been “one of the happiest days” of Jenny Hermoso’s life, she told the first day of the infamous “kissgate” scandal trial in Madrid.
Wrexham story turns another page with plans for new 5,500-capacity stand
February 4 – There aren’t many lower-league European clubs that constantly make international football news across the pond, but the Wrexham story continues to be a source of fascination to U.S. fans – courtesy of their celebrity ownership duo of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who bought the Welsh club in 2021.
Gravina earns third term as Italian Football Federation President
February 4 – Incumbent Gabriele Gravina has been re-elected as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for a third term following a resounding electoral victory.
Santos legend Antonio Lima passes away at the age of 83
February 4 – Brazil and Santos legend Antonio Lima passed away on Monday at the age of 83 after a month-long hospitalisation.
Documentary goes behind the scenes of Romanian national team at EURO 2024
February 4 – The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) has announced the launch of a new series dedicated to the participation of the Romanian national team at EURO 2024 in Germany. The three-part documentary, called “Generation of Soul”, will be available in March 2025 on a streaming platform.
Chelsea’s Sam Kerr called police officer “stupid and white”, trial is told
February 4 – Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, widely considered to be one of the top women players in the world, is currently on trial at Kingston Crown Court charged with causing racially aggravated harassment to PC Stephen Lovell in the early hours of 30 January 2023.
Fox’s Tubi streaming service secures live rights for Concacaf Champions Cup games
February 4 – Streaming service Tubi, owned by Fox Corporation, is to become the exclusive home for the Concacaf Champions Cup in Mexico.
Tebas launches blistering attacks against A22, Unify League, Perez and FIFA’s Club World Cup
February 3 – Outspoken Spanish league boss Javier Tebas (pictured) has launched another scathing attack on Real Madrid for backing a European Super League and warns against taking revised plans for the breakaway league lightly, saying it could do untold damage.
Stones rollover to open window for Barca to keep playing at Olympic Stadium as Nou Camp return delayed
February 3 – Having been close to being without a home stadium with their return to Camp Nou delayed and the Olympic Stadium booked for other events, Barcelona have been granted a lifeline and have formally requested an extension to their stay at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium until the end of the season.