Former Italian PM, media mogul and AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi passes, aged 86
June 12 – Former AC Milan owner, media mogul and strongman of far-right Italian politics Silvio Berlusconi has passed away, aged 86.
Europe
Croatian stadium build continues with €20m interim home for Dinamo Zagreb
June 12 – Zagreb mayor Tomislav Tomašević has announced the construction of what he said will be the most modern stadium in Croatia.
Rodri’s strike secures Man City’s treble against a stubborn Inter Milan
By Samindra Kunti in Istanbul
June 11 – Manchester City and their Abu Dhabi owners claimed their first European Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory against Inter Milan to complete a historic treble. Midfielder Rodri scored the winning goal in the 68th minute in a final shorn of quality and marred by operational issues with fans struggling to access and exit the venue.
Loadsamoney vs Haemorrhaging money. Can City deliver a money-can-buy experience?
By Samindra Kunti in Istanbul
June 9 – Chasing a treble, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will be favourites in the Champions League final against Inter Milan after a stellar season, a win representing the apotheosis of Abu Dhabi’s investment in the game and sports-washing project.
Hull’s Turkish owner Illicali buys Ireland’s Shelbourne FC
June 9 – Turkish media tycoon Acun Ilicali (pictured), owner of Hull City in the English Championship, bought a majority shareholding in Shelbourne FC, one of the oldest clubs in the Irish Premier League.
UEFA’s FootbALL launch to drive social change and sustainability across the game
June 9 – Highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in European football, UEFA has launched the FootbALL programme which is designed to help drive positive social change.
Netherlands
How they qualified
The Dutch topped Group 4 in the A-League with sixteen points, outplaying neighbours Belgium as well as World Cup finalists Wales and Poland. Oranje showcased their dominance with a commanding 4-1 victory over Belgium, revealing the vulnerabilities of the Red Devils, who subsequently struggled in the World Cup. However, they laboured to a 1-1 draw against Poland, but, ultimately, the Dutch secured their place in the Final Four with a 1-0 triumph over Belgium in Amsterdam.
Bellingham shuns Premier League to head for LaLiga’s Real Madrid in €100m+ deal
June 8 – Real Madrid have agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign England midfielder Jude Bellingham for €103 million.
Jubilant West Ham snatch Conference League title from Fiorentina with last minute winner
June 8 – Despite being outplayed for most of the game, West Ham United ended a 58-year wait for a European trophy after Jarrod Bowen scored in the 90th minute to secure a 2-1 win over Fiorentina on Wednesday in the Europa Conference League final.
Rebrov takes over as Ukraine coach in time for Euro 2024 qualifiers
June 8 – Serhiy Rebrov, the former Dynamo Kiev, Tottenham and West Ham striker, has been appointed as head coach of Ukraine on a two-year contract until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Swiss keep confidence in Blanc for third term as FA president
June 8 – Dominique Blanc (pictured) has been re-elected for a third and final term as president of Swiss Football.
West Ham and Fiorentina hunt returns to European glory in Conference League final
June 7 – It may not be the most glamorous or prestigious of competitions but for West Ham United and Fiorentina, tonight’s Europa Conference League final in Prague represents an eagerly anticipated chance to pick up their first European trophy in decades.
Juve seek European rehabilitation and open talks with Real and Barca to quit Super League project
June 7 – The much-maligned European Super League has suffered a further blow with the news that one of the three remaining rebel clubs, Juventus, have signalled their intention to quit the project.
Israeli FA bans Beitar from UEFA club competition after fans run riot at State Cup final
June 7 – Beitar Jerusalem, Israel’s most controversial team, have been banned from Europe by the country’s own FA as punishment for its fans storming the field following a domestic cup final win last month.
Croatia’s Hadjuk Split to get €30m+ rebuild of Poljud stadium
June 6 – The reconstruction of Croatian club Hajduk Split’s Stadion Poljud, will cost the local municipality between €30 – 40 million, according to the mayor of Split, Ivica Puljak.