Udinese bans four more monkey-chanting fans for life
January 25 – Four more Udinese fans who racially abused AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan have been identified and punished.
Europe
Udinese ordered to play next match behind closed doors after racist abuse of Maignan
January 22 – Udinese have been ordered by Serie A to play one game behind closed doors following the racist abuse aimed at AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan on Saturday.
UEFA and European Leagues strengthen ties as presidents powow in Nyon
January 23 – The European Leagues body, so often the poor relation in football’s stakeholders group, particularly when it comes to FIFA’s competition objectives, is lobbying its way towards the centre of decision making and a stronger relationship with UEFA.
Turkish SuperLig debuts SAOT as part of Türk Telekom renewal
January 23 – The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and state-owned telecommunications giant Türk Telekom have renewed their long-term cooperation, with Türk Telekom becoming the technological sponsor of the Trendyol Super Lig.
Italy mourns loss of goalscoring giant Luigi Riva, 79
January 23 – Luigi Riva, Italy’s all-time national team leading goalscorer, has died aged 79.
Goodbye Toulouse, Rouen stun French holders with marathon penalty shootout win
January 22 – French Cup holders Toulouse experienced an unexpected exit as third-tier Rouen triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout. All 11 players from each team successfully converted their spot-kicks, culminating in a thrilling 23 out of 24 kicks scored.
Cryprus bans all away fans in top two tiers for rest of season
January 22 – The Cyprus Football Federation (KOP) has banned all away fans from matches in the first and second tiers of Cypriot football, as well as matches in the Cyprus Cup.
Henderson quits Saudi for European return at Ajax
January 19 – The lucrative Saudi league has lost one of its high-profile players after England midfielder Jordan Henderson unexpectedly quit and returned to Europe to sign for Ajax.
UEFA opens tender process for UWCL media and women’s football sponsorship rights
January 19 – UEFA has begun the tender process for media rights to the Women’s Champions League and Women’s Football sponsorship rights for the 2025-30 commercial cycle.
Cypriot players’ union demands protection for players after flare causes injury
January 18 – The Cypriot players’ union (PASP) has threatened to boycott matches in the country’s elite leagues unless authorities can guarantee the safety of players during matches.
Italian Supercoppa set for Saudi kick-off with Puma on hand to get the ball rolling
January 17 – With Saudi Arabia set to host Italy’s Supercoppa for the fourth time, Puma have unveiled a dedicated match ball designed specifically for 2024 edition.
Kay Bernstein, Herta Berlin ultra who became president, dies, aged 43
January 17 – Hertha Berlin president Kay Bernstein, a former supporter who surprisingly took over the presidency of the club in 2022, has died suddenly at the age of 43, the club said in a statement.
Turks turn on Israeli players with Başakşehir’s Eden Kartsev now the target
January 15 – Following Turkey’s decision to deport Israeli player Sagiv Jehezkel over a gesture he made during an on-field celebration in sympathy with Hamas-held hostages in Gaza, attention has now turned to a second Israeli player who also expressed solidarity with the abductees.
Magic ends for Mourinho at Roma as Freidkins pass wand to de Rossi
January 16 – Sacked again with presumably another large pay out. Jose Mourinho, whose contract was due to end in June anyway, may not have been the Special One for some considerable time but his bank balance must be pretty healthy.
Reading-Port Vale abandoned after fans invade pitch protesting club’s ownership
January 15 – A third-tier English game between Reading and Port Vale was abandoned after just 16 minutes on Saturday after about 1,000 home fans invaded the pitch to protest against the Reading’s Chinese ownership.