Women’s football attendances are up, but barriers to growth still need overcoming
May 2 – Attendance at European women’s football has been rising steadily but is the women’s game reaching another glass ceiling?
World Football
Man Utd and Spurs are salvaging their seasons in the Europa League
May 2 – An all-English UEFA Europa League final looks increasingly likely after dominant first-leg displays by Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in their respective semifinals against Athletic Club and Bodø/Glimt.
English and Scottish FAs ban transgender players from women’s game
May 2 – Culture wars have no boundaries and taking their cue from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States, the English Football Association (FA) has said it will ban transgender players from women’s football next season. The Scottish FA have also followed suit.
Concacaf sets dates and draw schedule for 2026 group qualifiers
May 2 – Concacaf has laid out the pathway for nations to qualify for the 2026 World Cup to be hosted in their region. With US, Mexico and Canada qualified as hosts, Concacaf has three more qualification slots and two inter-continental play-off slots to fill.
UEFA rolls out Maddli’s School of Football learning programme
May 2 – UEFA has launched Maddli’s School of Football, a new free-to-access educational programme aimed at school-age children, combining learning with movement and themed around the upcoming UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
Albanian FA and Kavaja city join forces to rebuild stadium destroyed in 2019 earthquake
May 2 – The Football Federation of Albania (FSHF) and the Municipality of Kavaja have combined to rebuild the Besa Stadium in Kavaja that was destroyed by an earthquake in November 2019. The FSHF and the municipality will jointly provide the funding, with the stadium to be completed within two years.
The day the Samba died. Brazilians turn blue over red shirt proposal
May 2 – One of football’s most iconic shirts is at the center of a national identity crisis, as Brazil spirals into a political tizzy over rumors that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) might swap the Seleção’s classic blue away kit for a crimson jersey at the 2026 World Cup. Yes, red. In Brazil. In football. Cue the dramatic samba drums.
FIFA, Global Citizen launch Education Fund
May 1 – FIFA and Global Citizen have launched the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a four-year initiative blending philanthropy and fan engagement that aims to raise $100 million to support children’s education through football.
Former China coach Li Tie loses appeal over bribery
May 1 – The severe consequences of corruption in Chinese football have been underscored as former national team head coach Li Tie has lost his appeal against a 20-year prison sentence for bribery offenses, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday.
Marinakis relinquishes Nottingham Forest control
May 1 – As Nottingham Forest edge closer to a remarkable return to European competition, owner Evangelos Marinakis is relinquishing day-to-day control of the club due to UEFA regulations prohibiting the same ownership group from controlling multiple clubs in the same European tournament.
Levski Sofia record 2024 profit
May 1 – Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia continue to improve their financial results, with the club’s annual financial report for 2024 showing they made a profit of nearly BGN 15 million (€7.5m).
UEFA Football Board calls for consistent VAR and more recovery time between seasons
April 30 – UEFA’s Football Board has added its voice to the clamour for the need for consistency in VAR decision making.
The board also debated player workload and the cause of injuries, agreeing that players must be given time at the end of seasons to rest and recover ahead of preparing for the next campaign.
Rudiger on ice for six matches after throwing object at Copa del Rey final referee
April 30 – Real Madrid’s German centre-back Antonio Rudiger has been handed a six-match ban for throwing an object at an official in the Copa de Rey final against arch-rivals Barcelona at the weekend. Jules Kounde scored in the 116th minute for Barca to win 3-2.
PSG have the edge as they take 1-0 lead and Arsenal back to Paris for final showdown
April 30 – Paris Saint-Germain have taken the advantage in their quest to reach the final of the Champions League after defeating Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie.
In a tense and cagey match, Ousmane Dembele’s fourth-minute goal proved to be the difference between the two clubs with the Parisians confirming their fine form against English sides in the competition after eliminating both Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Cleber Xavier reunites with Neymar to put Santos season back on track
April 30 – Cleber Xavier has been named the new manager of Santos, the Brazilian club confirmed on Tuesday, marking his first role as head coach. He will be reunited with Neymar.