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.
Europe
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
DFL extends long-standing partnership with Tipico until 2028
February 6 – Germany’s top two football divisions are sticking to a familiar playbook, with the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) announcing an extension of its long-standing partnership with sports betting giant Tipico.
Hellenic Federation agrees sponsorship deal with sports equipment supplier
February 6 – The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) has signed a sponsorship agreement with sports equipment supplier Liga Sport. The company exclusively distributes and sells Zeus Srl, Football Masters and Liga Accessories goods to stores, clubs and academies.
UEFA launches ‘Take Care’ healthy lifestyle initiative
February 5 – UEFA has unveiled ‘Take Care’, an ambitious new programme aimed at harnessing football’s social influence to promote healthier lifestyles, particularly among young people.
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.
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.