OM become first Ligue1 club to launch amputee team
February 10 – Olympique de Marseille became the first Ligue 1 club to launch an amputee football team at their league ties against RC Strasbourg in January.
Europe
Turkish trauma as Adana walk off on 30 minutes after controversial penalty puts Galatasaray ahead
February 10 – Yet another scandal has rocked Turkish football with the match between Galatasaray and Adana Demirspor abandoned in the first half after the away team’s players were ordered to leave the pitch after a penalty decision was given against them.
German consumer body opens class action against Bundesliga TV partner DAZN for price gouging
February 10 – The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband) is pursuing a class action lawsuit against DAZN, alleging unjustified price increases.
Media giant Bertlesmann buys position in Kings League’s German plan
February 10 – German media powerhouse Bertelsmann, the majority owner of RTL Group, has quietly positioned itself as a key player in the latest expansion of Kings League, the seven-a-side football competition first launched by former Spain and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique.
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.
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.