UEFA names new second-tier club competition Women’s Europa Cup
December 20 – UEFA has named its newly launched second-tier women’s club tournament the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.
Europe
UEFA releases Respect Report detailing sustainability and social impact initiatives
December 20 – UEFA’s 2023/24 Respect Report outlines €12.1 million spent on sustainability initiatives last season, tracking over 100 key performance indicators in a data-driven effort to address football’s environmental and social impact.
Belgian Pro League agrees reduced DAZN TV deal and ponders new format discussion
December 20 – In a significant drop from the previous rights agreement, the Belgian Pro League and DAZB have signed a new five-year deal, worth €84,2 million. The reduction in broadcast fees has prompted clubs to talk about a review of the currrent league format.
Romanian FA launches finance manual to guide players
December 20 – The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) and the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) launched a financial education manual dedicated to football players aged 10-16, to support them in managing their personal finances and making informed financial decisions both during and after their sports career.
A22’s ‘Unify’ league plan creates division with UEC slamming its ‘elitist vision’
December 19 – The Union of European Clubs (UEC) has criticised A22’s ‘Unify’ plans over of its elitist blueprint for its proposed European club competition.
Barca scramble for work-arounds as return to Nou Camp looks set for further delay
December 19 – The highly anticipated return of FC Barcelona to their spiritual home, the iconic Camp Nou, looks set to be delayed yet again.
Botev Plovdiv seek answers from government for banning of club’s Russian owner from Bulgaria
December 19 – Bulgaria’s Botev Plovdiv management has invited the deputies of six political parties to a meeting as the club seeks answers to questions on the travel restrictions imposed on the club’s Russian owner, Anton Zingarevich.
UCCSA set tender launch date for Women’s Champions League media rights for 2023-30 cycle
December 19 – UEFA Club Competitions SA (UCCSA), the joint venture between UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) that manages the commercial business of UEFA’s club competitions, will launch a tender process for Women’s Champions League media rights on January 3.
Are the lunatics taking over the asylum? A22 applies to UEFA and FIFA to sanction its look-a-like league
December 18 – The European Super League (ESL) is dead in name only. It’s backer, A22 Sports Management, has proposed an alternative league hierarchy compromising 95 clubs across four leagues.
UEFA launch tender for Euro 2028 hospitality partner
December 18 – UEFA has begun the first stage of a tender for exclusive hospitality sales, marketing and production rights for UEFA EURO 2028, publishing a Request for Information (RFI) to hospitality companies worldwide.
Sloboda Tuzla owner fires his whole playing department after just 2 points and 5 goals from 17 matches
December 18 – Sloboda Tuzla, a club from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Premier League, has fired all of its coaches and players following a string of poor results. The news was delivered by club president Azmir Husić (pictured) after the team’s final match of the year.
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.
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.
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.