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.
Europe
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.
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.
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.
Botev Plodiv’s Zingarevich still in dark over Bulgarian ban, but his club is thriving
February 2 – The Russian owner of Botev Plovdiv, Anton Zingarevich, said he has still not received any official explanation from the Bulgarian authorities about why he has been issued with a 10-year ban from residing in Bulgaria.
Champions League knockout play-offs pitch Real Madrid against Man city for place in last 16
January 31 – Manchester City will face defending champions Real Madrid. The top two UEFA-ranked teams will come head-to-head much earlier than most expected, after each club failed to make the top eight during Wednesday’s group stage climax.
Spanish star Aitana Bonmati ‘uncomfortable’ over Saudi gender inequalities
January 31 – Spanish star player Aitana Bonmati has said that playing in Saudi Arabia would make her “uncomfortable” because of gender inequality.
Serie A to partner with 7-a-side Kings League in pursuit of younger demographic
January 31 – Hot on the heels of the rapidly growing six-a-side Baller League, comes the announcement that the Kings League, the innovative 7-a-side football competition founded by Gerard Piqué, will form a partnership with the Serie A, Italy’s top football league.
Norwegian FA defies clubs and fans on VAR in call to develop it
January 30 – The Norwegian FA (NFF) has launched a defence of VAR in a bid to retain it, after NFF president Lise Klaveness (pictured) and her board met on Wednesday to consider the future of the technology following opposition from fans, who threw fish cakes on to a pitch last year in protest, and clubs, who have voted to get rid of it.
Europa League set to reach exciting conclusion with 18-game slate
Off the back of a thrilling UEFA Champions League night on Wednesday, it is now the turn of the inaugural Europa League group phase to reach its climax on Thursday evening, with all 18 matches kicking off simultaneously at 20:00 GMT.