Rubin Kazan to sanction Daku on his return to Russia
June 24 – Russia’s Rubin Kazan FC said that Albanian national Mirlind Daku will be punished when he returns to the club after the Euros. Daku face a “disciplinary and financial” sanction.
Competitions
Croatia and Italy primed for life-or-death battle
June 24 – Azzurri centre-back Alessandro Bastoni (pictured right) has vowed that Italy will set aside their fears as they strive to avoid the embarrassment of an early exit from Euro 2024 as his team set their sights on a clash with Croatia in Leipzig on Monday night.
Belgium back Lukaku to come good against Ukraine
June 23 – Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco is not worried by his side’s profligacy in front of goal at Euro 2024, and is keeping faith in Romelu Lukaku to come good.
Austria’s Rangnick focussed on Dutch decider
June 22 – Poland were put to the sword against Austria as the bottom-placed sides clashed in Group D, giving Ralf Rangnick’s side a lifeline headed into the final game versus Netherlands on Tuesday.
Chechia’s Ivan Hašek says they are ready for Georgia’s Kvaratskhelia
June 21 – Czechia are eyeing their first points of their Euro 2024 campaign against Georgia on Saturday afternoon after their last-second loss to Portugal left a bitter taste in an otherwise encouraging opening performance.
Belgium’s Tedesco relying on proven returnees for crucial Romania clash
June 21 – Counting on reinforcing their defence, Belgium will need a result in their second Group E encounter against Romania after a shock 1-0 defeat to Slovakia.
UEFA opens multiple investigations as Balkan nationalist fervour boils over
June 21 – The complex and fever-pitch intensity and rivalry among the various Balkan neighbours at Euro 2024 continues to take centre stage with UEFA now opening an investigation into Serbian claims that fans of Albania and Croatia chanted ‘kill, kill, kill the Serb’ during their Group B game on Wednesday.
Spalletti licks his wounds after Spanish schooling, De La Fuente says they will get even better
June 21 – Italy manager Luciano Spalletti admitted that his side were outplayed by Spain in a 1-0 defeat, but said that the humbling reality check must prompt his side to improve.
Southgate says England have work to do and have to improve, really?… no-one noticed
June 21 – England manager Gareth Southgate says the country must improve after suffering a barrage of criticism for failing once again to get the best out of his talented side.
Macedonians and Serbs demand sanctions for Albania’s Daku offensive chanting
June 21 – The North Macedonia FA has demanded a public apology from Albanian international Mirlind Daku for his offensive chants after Wednesday’s Euro 2024 match between Croatia and Albania.
Austria’s Rangnick wary of Lewandowski’s return for Poland
June 21 – Austria manager Ralf Rangnick insists his team is ready to face Poland in today’s matchup in the German capital, as Polish star Robert Lewandowski eyes a return to the starting team after missing out last week due to injury.
UEFA focus on Serbian fans after observers report racist chanting
June 18 – It was only a matter of time before racism reared its ugly head at Euro 2024 and it’s no surprise Serbia are the alleged perpetrators given their recent history.
German nerves as Tartan Army arrive in Munich to kick off Euro 2024 party
June 14 – Amidst tight security, Euro 2024 kicks off tonight in Munich with the host nation desperate to rekindle past glories after three straight embarrassing exits.
Germany ramps up security measures as fans mass at borders for Euro 2024 kick off
June 13 – On the eve of Euro 2024, Germany is ramping up its security measures with some 22,000 federal police officers on duty every day of the tournament and extra vigilance at borders and train stations.
UEFA referees chief promises improved VAR and zero tolerance of dissent and dangerous tackles
June 13 – Improved clarity for fans over controversial VAR calls and zero tolerance for dangerous challenges by players, are just two of the areas that will be implemented by officials at Euro 2024 which gets under way in Germany on Friday.