Blast from the past. Millwall’s ‘tragedy chanting’ condemned by Leeds
February 10 – The FA Cup 4th round tie between Leeds United and Millwall has resulted in both clubs condemning ‘tragedy chanting’ by Lions supporters at Elland Road.
World Football
2025 Lamar Hunt kicks-off with giant killers lying in wait. Come on Laguna
February 10 – The oldest knockout competition in the USA kicks off with a 32-game First Round between March 18 and 20 made up exclusively of Professional versus Amateur contests.
Soccerex sets May date for European event at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff ArenA
February 10 – Soccerex has announced Soccerex Europe in 2025 will be held at the iconic Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, May 19-21.
UEFA to open Women’s Champions League final ticket sales Feb 20
February 10 – UEFA will open general public ticket sales on February 20 for the 2025 Women’s Champions League final, to be played at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon on Saturday 24 May.
Spain’s Supreme Court clears RFEF president Rafael Louzan to remain in post
February 7 – After years of turmoil within the Spanish FA (RFEF), at last some positive news.
New RFEF chief Rafael Louzan (pictured) will remain in his post after the country’s Supreme Court granted his appeal against a seven-year ban from holding public office.
Congo suspended from world football after elected officials lose control of FA
February 7 – FIFA has suspended the Congolese FA “with immediate effect” because of third-party interference.
UEFA paves route to Albania-Serbia 2027 U21 Euros with 51-nation group draw
February 7 – The journey to the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship has officially begun, with the qualifying group stage draw setting the path for 51 nations aiming to join co-hosts Albania and Serbia at the finals.
Santos give Neymar given a rapturous welcome home
February 7 – After nearly 12 years playing for two of the glitziest teams in Europe followed by a brief stop in Saudi Arabia, Neymar, once the world’s most expensive player, made his long-awaited return to his childhood club Santos this week and afterwards was lost for words.
Adidas release Lisbon-themed ball for Women’s Champions League
February 7 – As the 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League enters its decisive knockout phase, a new star is set to take centre stage. UEFA and adidas have unveiled the tournament’s latest official match ball, inspired by Lisbon, the host city for this season’s final.
Marcelo calls time on career that saw him star at Real Madrid and Brazil
February 7 – Brazil and Real Madrid legend Marcelo, one of the most decorated players in history, has announced his retirement from the game at the age of 36.
EFL gets rolling with Rainbow ball for second season
February 7 – Football is for everyone, everywhere. That’s the message the English Football League (EFL) and its official match ball partner, Puma, are sending loud and clear with the return of the Rainbow match ball. Introduced as part of Football v Homophobia’s Month of Action, the vibrant design looks to act a symbol of solidarity and a reminder that discrimination has no place in the game.
UEFA ponders scrapping extra time in Champions League knock-out rounds
February 7 – A mention of the phrase, extra-time, conjures up memories of classic matches as physically and emotionally shattered players drag their tired bodies and minds through another 30 minutes, however UEFA is in the early stages of reviewing whether to scrap extra-time in their European competitions.
Unilever becomes 14th Women’s EURO 2025 global partner
February 7 – Consumer goods giant Unilever has become an official global partner of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, the 14th sponsor to sign up for UEFA’s flagship and fast-growing women’s national team tournament that will be played this summer in Switzerland, July 2-27.
Player welfare and match calendar is focus of UEFA-Conmebol-Fifpro powwow
February 6 – UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin hosted a meeting with Conmebol and Fifpro representatives at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, yesterday (Wednesday) with player welfare being the focus of the discussion.
National League clubs to bid for extra promotion place to EFL
February 6 – English clubs just below the four main professional divisions have launched a 3UP campaign for an extra promotion place to the English Football League (EFL).