Manuel Neuer joins lengthening Bayern Munich injury list
December 11 – German goalkeeping legend Manuel Neuer has been ruled out for the rest of the year after suffering a broken rib.
Europe
Out of line: English referee David Coote fired for misconduct
December 10 – Premier League referee David Coote has been sacked after his position was deemed “untenable” by English football’s referees body following an investigation into his conduct which found his actions to be in serious breach of his contract.
UEFA’s Playmakers completes Montenegro mission
December 10 – UEFA’s Playmakers programme made its way to Montenegro for a unique football festival last week, as the institution looked to inspire the next generation of football lovers with a female-focussed event.
Bulgarian FA to build national academy, with UEFA and FIFA help
December 9 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) plans to build a football academy with the financial help of FIFA and UEFA.
The president of the BFU, Georgi Ivanov, said in an interview with the Bulgarian National Television that FIFA and UEFA will provide the funds for the large-scale project, since the BFU does not receive any financial assistance from the state.
Miele becomes national sponsor of Switzerland 2025 Women’s Euros
December 6 – UEFA has announced that Miele Switzerland, a leading home appliance manufacturer, has joined as a national partner for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
Romanian FA president Răzvan Burleanu sends political message urging country to stay ‘European’
December 6 – Amid the political upheaval in Romania, FA president Răzvan Burleanu (pictured) has come out in defense of a pro-European future.
Bulgarian FA joins Johan Cruyff Institute’s network to train next generation of leaders
December 6 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Johan Cruyff Institute, the educational institution founded by Dutch great Johan Cruyff, aimed at educating athletes, sport and business professionals in the field of sport management.
Masar Omeragic is sole candidate to replace Muamed Sejdini in FFM presidential election
December 5 – Masar Omeragic (pictured), a former player and member of the FFM Board of Directors, is the sole candidate for the Football Federation of Macedonia’s presidential elections, to be held on December 22.
Wales secure Women’s Euro 2025 slot with historic play-off win over Ireland
December 4 – Wales made footballing history on Tuesday by reaching a major women’s tournament for the first time after qualifying for next year’s Euros in Switzerland.
Rouge Groupe sees red over Marseilles fans’ homophobic chanting
December 4 – A French campaign group has renewed calls for authorities to take action against homophobic chanting by fans, singling out Marseille supporters for belting out anti-gay slurs “with complete impunity” during a home game against Monaco on Sunday.
Romania to appeal UEFA fine over abandoned Kosovo game at CAS
December 4 – The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) has announced that it will appeal UEFA’s sanctions following incidents during the Nations League match between Romania and Kosovo in Bucharest on November 15.
UEFA draw groups of U21 finals. Holders England face Germany, Spain drawn with Italy
December 4 – The groups for the upcoming UEFA U21 European Championships, to be played in Slovakia 11-28 June 2025, have been decided following the draw ceremony in Bratislava on Tuesday.
Lamine Yamal’s Real Madrid abusers handed stadium bans and fines
December 3 – Four fans accused of racially insulting forward Lamine Yamal and other Barcelona players during last month’s league ‘clasico’ at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium are set to be banned from Spanish stadiums for a year.
Chris Coleman takes over at Belgium’s OH Leuven
December 3 – Chris Coleman has been named the new manager of OH Leuven following the departure of Oscar Garcia.
RBFA kicks off Project Fenix with Orion Innovation to digitally transform Belgian game
December 3 – The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has brought in digital tech specialists Orion Innovation to overhaul the FA’s digital infrastructure.