England, France and Netherlands drawn together in Euro 2025 ‘group of death’
December 17 – Women’s Euro 2021 champions England will open their title defence against France at the 2025 European Championship in Switzerland next summer.
Women's Euro 2025
Lauren James leads England’s dismantling of the Dutch
England 4 Netherlands 0
July 9 – The European champions responded in style to the pressure that had been building after their opening 2-1 defeat against France. England comprehensively demolished the Netherlands 4-0 with Lauren James scoring a brace.
UEFA boosts Euro 2025 prize money to €41m with per diems set at €657 per player
December 17 – Prize money for next summer’s 2025 Women’s European Championship will increase by a whopping 156% compared to the previous edition, with the 16 teams sharing €41 million.
The MLS-Liga MX Summer face-off for the Leagues Cup to change format in 2025
December 17 – The Leagues Cup will undergo a dramatic change in 2025 according to Liga MX president Mikel Arriola, who spoke to reporters on Sunday having taken over the reins as acting commissioner of the league after the surprise ousting of Juan Carlos Rodriguez.
PSG-Lyon game interrupted as homophobic chanting continues to plague French league
December 17 – French authorities are considering what action to take after the high-profile clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon was briefly interrupted Sunday because of yet more homophobic chanting by PSG fans, a stain on the game that continues to blight top fixtures across the country.
Galician Rafeal Louzan wins Spanish FA presidency
December 17 – Rafael Louzan has been elected president of the Spanish FA (RFEF) after more than a year of turmoil at the scandal-ridden body following the downfall of former chief Luis Rubiales and his right-hand man Pedro Rocha.
Vancouver Whitecaps owners hang up For Sale sign on MLS club
December 17 – In the history of Major League Soccer (MLS) only three franchises have been sold after formation (Real Salt Lake, Houston Dynamo, Orlando City SC). We can now make that four as the Vancouver Whitecaps FC ownership group of Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and Steve Nash has put their team up for sale.
Diallo returned as French FA chief on platform of more cash for grassroots and women’s development
December 17 – With a programme focused on the development of amateur and women’s football, Philippe Diallo has been re-elected as chairman of the French Football Federation (FFF), defeating Pierre Samsonoff in the vote.
Chelsea’s Mudryk tests positive for doping
December 17 – Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football following a positive drugs test, according to the Football Association.
Udinese’s redeveloping Bluenergy Stadium awarded UEFA Super Cup 2025 final
December 17 – Udinese Calcio’s Bluenergy Stadium has been confirmed by UEFA as the venue for the Super Cup 2025, marking the competition’s first venture on to Italian soil.
BBC and ITV agree shared broadcast deals for 2026 and 2030 World Cups
December 17 – BBC Sport and ITV have renewed their deal to share live coverage of the men’s World Cup for both 2026 and 2030 editions, ensuring continued free-to-air access for football fans across the UK.
FC Urban and Equip Sport win Champions Innovate start-up finding
December 17 – The two start-ups selected for the second edition of Champions Innovate, UEFA’s pioneering programme promoting active and healthy lifestyles around the 2025 Champions League final, have been announced: Mastercard will collaborate with FC Urban, while adidas will partner with Equip Sport.
Sportdigital secures AFC championships in German-speaking markets for further 5 years
December 16 – The AFC has extended its media partnership with Sportdigital in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for the 2025-2028 cycle.
Croatian capital Zagreb commits €40m to rebuilding of Kranjčevićeva stadium
December 17 – Following a public consultation, the city of Zagreb has issued a tender for the reconstruction of the Kranjčevićeva stadium in Croatia’s capital.
Concacaf and MLS sign on for invitation-only business conference before Nations League finals
December 17 – Sports Business Journal and sister company Leaders in Sport will hold a soccer-focussed business of football conference next March 19-20, 2025 at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California.
Ukraine complain after graphic at FIFA 2026 draw omits Crimea
December 16 – FIFA has been criticised by Ukraine for an “unacceptable error” after it appeared to exclude Crimea as part of the country during last week’s European draw for the 2026 World Cup.