Chaotic scenes mar Hamburg’s return to the German Bundesliga
May 13 – Hamburger SV ‘s long-awaited return to the German Bundesliga was marred by tragic incidents following the club’s 6-1 win over Ulm that secured them automatic promotion.
World Football
Concacaf sets 2025/26 W Champions Cup dates with FIFA Women’s CWC slots on the line
May 13 – As the Concacaf 2024/25 W Champions Cup prepares for its final four stage in Monterrey, Mexico May 21-24 – América Femenil face Gotham FC and Tigres Femenil meet Thorns FC in the double header semi-finals – the confederation has released dates for its 2025/26 edition.
UEC proposes 5% ‘Player Development Reward’ fund to distribute cash from UEFA’s club comps
May 12 – The Union of European Clubs (UEC) has proposed an overhaul of how UEFA distributes funds from its club competitions to better recognise player development. It’s chances of any immediate implementation or discussion are slim with UEFA having already agreed a new distribution cycle that is currently in its first year of operation.
UEFA hosts Fan Forum ahead of summer Euro finals
May 12 – UEFA has placed fan experience and engagement at the heart of its preparations for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, hosting a dedicated Fan Forum in Switzerland this week for supporter representatives from all 16 participating nations.
Spartak Varna, in battle for UEFA Conference League spot, refused club license by BFU
May 12 – Bulgaria’s Spartak Varna has lost its license to participate Bulgaria’s top tier next season. The decision was taken by the Bulgarian Football Union’s Licensing Commission following Spartak’s failure to meet financial rules over payment of government taxes.
Keith Mweemba ends Kamanga’s 9 years as Zambian FA president
May 12 – Keith Mweemba will serve as the new president of the Zambian FA for a five-year term after he defeated incumbent Andrew Kamanga in a vote.
Man Utd and Spurs set up an all-English Europa League final
May 9 -Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will face off in an all-English UEFA Europa League final on May 21 in Bilbao, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash between two domestic underachievers with contrasting European histories.
Xabi Alonso to exit Leverkusen. Real Madrid next stop?
May 9 – Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will step down as Bayer Leverkusen head coach at the end of the season, following a spell at the club that saw him guide them to their first-ever Bundesliga title and a domestic double.
Police seize Maradona’s medical records as trial of his healthcare team continues
May 9 – More than four years after Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, the investigation into his death continues with dramatic new developments. Police recently conducted an overnight raid at a Buenos Aires clinic, seizing Maradona’s complete medical records following a court order as the trial of seven healthcare professionals moves forward.
Egypt’s Al Ahly is first African club to trade on FIFA’s digital collectibles platform
May 9 – Egypt’s Al Ahly SC, Africa’s most decorated football club, has become the first team from the continent to feature on FIFA Collect – FIFA’s official digital collectibles platform, developed in partnership with blockchain technology provider Modex.
UEFA shines light on equality and respect in FootbALL Awards
May 9 – UEFA announced the winners of the 2025 FootbALL Awards at the RESPECT Forum in Zurich, recognising “outstanding contributions to inclusion, diversity, and accessibility” in European football.
Mexico City readies Azteca for 2026 kick-off with a refurb and a new name
May 9 – One of the true cathedrals of world football, and the only stadium to host two World Cup Finals, the famed Azteca Stadium in Mexico City ,will reopen next March, just in time for the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the U.S.
Dates set for 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup
May 9 – The 10-team Concacaf Caribbean Cup will play its 2025 edition August to December with three clubs qualifying for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Montenegrans break ground on construction of Bijelo Polje training complex
May 9 – The President of the Football Federation of Montenegro (FSCG), Dejan Savićević, broke ground officially on the construction of a new training complex in Bijelo Polje.