The UEFA Champions League, which decides the best football club in Europe, is back for another season. The league phase of the Champions League 2026–27 is set to begin on Tuesday (Sep 8) with 36 teams participating in 18 matches throughout the week on matchday 1 of 8. The Champions League matches, however, will observe a minute of silence throughout the week as a mark of solidarity with deadly Nepal flood victims. The announcement, made Monday (Sep 7) by UEFA, also stated that a banner will be displayed at every match carrying the message "You are not alone Nepal."<h2>UEFA Champions League matches to observe silence in solidarity with Nepal flood victims</h2>"The entire European football family will stand together before this week’s matches to express our deepest condolences and our support to the people of Nepal. We wish them strength and resilience as they continue to recover from this tragedy and its aftermath," Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA’s president, said in a statement.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🤍 You are not alone, Nepal. This week, flood victims will be honoured with a moment of silence ahead of all UEFA Champions League matches. 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/fGLHBehd6R">https://t.co/fGLHBehd6R</a> <a href="https://t.co/VPH9DUJQlw">pic.twitter.com/VPH9DUJQlw</a>&mdash; UEFA (@UEFA) <a href="https://x.com/UEFA/status/2096876172495732802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Nepal floods, triggered by a glacier collapse following incessant rains, have claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people, according to PTI, as rescue operations are still underway to look for survivors. More than 13,000 people have been rescued, while the search for nearly 5,000 missing people remains ongoing.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-asia-cup-final-mohsin-naqvi-trophy-controversy-india-1788794153633">Mohsin Naqvi set to attend Women's Asia Cup Final as India favourites for title</a><h2>Champions League Matchday 1 Schedule</h2>Champions League matchday 1 will be played from Tuesday (Sep 8) to Thursday (Sep 10) among 36 teams in the expanded format. Below are the match-ups:Tuesday (Sep 8):<ul><li>Club Brugge vs Aston Villa</li><li>AEK Athens vs LASK</li><li>Porto vs Manchester City</li><li>Real Madrid vs Inter Milan</li><li>Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal</li><li>LOSC Lille vs Real Betis</li></ul>Wednesday (Sep 9):<ul><li>Barcelona vs Feyenoord</li><li>Stuttgart vs Viking</li><li>Napoli vs Arsenal</li><li>Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid</li><li>PSG vs Slovan Bratislava</li><li>Sporting CP vs Galatasaray</li></ul>Thursday (Sep 10):<ul><li>Fenerbahce vs Roma</li><li>PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk</li><li>Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt</li><li>Slavia Prague vs Lens</li><li>Como vs RB Leipzig</li><li>Manchester United vs Sabah</li></ul>

UEFA Champions League 2026–27 begins with 36 teams playing Matchday 1 across Sep 8–10. Matches will feature a minute of silence and support banners in solidarity with tragic Nepal flood victims.

The UEFA Champions League, which decides the best football club in Europe, is back for another season. The league phase of the Champions League 2026–27 is set to begin on Tuesday (Sep 8) with 36 teams participating in 18 matches throughout the week on matchday 1 of 8. The Champions League matches, however, will observe a minute of silence throughout the week as a mark of solidarity with deadly Nepal flood victims. The announcement, made Monday (Sep 7) by UEFA, also stated that a banner will be displayed at every match carrying the message "You are not alone Nepal." UEFA Champions League matches to observe silence in solidarity with Nepal flood victims "The entire European football family will stand together before this week’s matches to express our deepest condolences and our support to the people of Nepal. We wish them strength and resilience as they continue to recover from this tragedy and its aftermath," Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA’s president, said in a statement.

UEFA Champions League 2026–27 begins with 36 teams playing Matchday 1 across Sep 8–10. Matches will feature a minute of silence and support banners in solidarity with tragic Nepal flood victims.

Champions League matches to observe a minute of silence in solidarity with Nepal flood victims

The Champions League 2026/27 draw is set to be announced on Thursday (Aug 27). The tournament, which determines the best football team in all of Europe, will have 36 teams competing in the revamped format which became effective last season. The first round, or the league phase, will see each team playing against eight others in a four home and four away format. Below are all the details for the upcoming Champions League season:<h2>Which teams are playing in the Champions League 2026/27 season?</h2>A total of <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a8-2171a88881a0-c70193b972c6-1000--meet-the-2026-27-champions-league-league-phase-teams/">36 teams across all of Europe</a> are going to participate in the Champions League 2026/27. Below are all the teams in the competition by country:Premier League (England): Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester UnitedLa Liga (Spain): Barcelona, Real Betis, Real Madrid, Villarreal, and Atlético de MadridBundesliga (Germany): Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Leipzig, and StuttgartSerie A (Italy): Como, Inter Milan, Napoli, and RomaLigue 1 (France): Lens, Lille, and Paris Saint-GermainEredivisie (Netherlands): Feyenoord and PSVEliteserien (Norway): Bodo/Glimt and VikingPrimeira Liga (Portugal): Porto and Sporting CPSüper Lig (Turkey): Fenerbahçe and GalatasarayPro League (Belgium): Club BruggePremier League (Azerbaijan): SabahPremier League (Ukraine): Shakhtar DonetskFirst League (Czech Republic): Slavia PrahaSuper Liga (Slovakia): Slovan BratislavaFootball Bundesliga (Austria): LaskSuper League (Greece): AEK Athens<h2>What is the Champions League 2026/27 format?</h2>The Champions League 2026/27 is going to be played under the revamped format among 36 teams. In the first phase, which is called the league phase, all 36 teams will be placed in a single group from 1-36. Each team will play eight different opponents in the league phase in a four home and four away format. After the league phase, the top 24 teams will advance while 12 teams will crash out.The teams finishing in the top 8 of the league phase will get a bye to the round of 16, while the next 16 teams (ranked 9–24) will compete in the knockout phase play-offs. Teams finishing from 9–16 will be seeded against teams finishing 17–24 in the league phase.<h2>How are league phase fixtures determined?</h2>For the league phase fixtures, all 36 teams will be divided into four pots of nine teams each. Each team will face two opponents from each of the pots, making it eight fixtures per team.

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Pot 1</td><td>Pot 2</td><td>Pot 3</td><td>Pot 4</td></tr><tr><td>Arsenal</td><td>Aston Villa</td><td>Feyenoord</td><td>Stuttgart</td></tr><tr><td>Manchester City</td><td>Sporting CP</td><td>Napoli</td><td>Como</td></tr><tr><td>Bayern Munich</td><td>Porto</td><td>Leipzig</td><td>Lens</td></tr><tr><td>Paris Saint-Germain (defending champions)</td><td>Borussia Dortmund</td><td>Villarreal</td><td>Sabah</td></tr><tr><td>Liverpool</td><td>AS Roma</td><td>Bodo/Glimt</td><td>Lask</td></tr><tr><td>Inter Milan</td><td>Manchester United</td><td>Lille</td><td>Slavia Prague</td></tr><tr><td>Real Madrid</td><td>Club Brugge</td><td>Shakhtar Donetsk</td><td>AEK Athens</td></tr><tr><td>Barcelona</td><td>Real Betis</td><td>Galatasaray</td><td>Viking</td></tr><tr><td>Atletico Madrid</td><td>PSV</td><td>Fenerbahce</td><td>Slovan Bratislava</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<h2>When is the Champions League 2026/27 draw?</h2>The Champions League 2026/27 draw will take place on Thursday (Aug 27) at 5:00 PM BST (9:30 PM IST) at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.<h2>Where to watch the Champions League 2026/27 draw live in India and the world?</h2>The Champions League 2026/27 draw can be watched live in India and around the world on UEFA's official <a href="https://www.uefa.tv/live/310786">free live stream</a>.<h2>What is the Champions League 2026/27 schedule?</h2>The league phase of the Champions League 2026/27 starts September 8 and finishes on January 27, 2027. The knockout phase will start on February 16, culminating in the final on June 5 in Madrid, Spain.Matchday 1: Sept. 8–10Matchday 2: Oct. 13–14Matchday 3: Oct. 20–21Matchday 4: Nov. 3–4Matchday 5: Nov. 24–25Matchday 6: Dec. 8–9Matchday 7: Jan. 19–20Matchday 8: Jan. 27Knockout play-off round: Feb. 16–17 &amp; Feb. 23–24Round of 16: March 9–10 &amp; March 16–17Quarterfinals: April 6–7 &amp; April 13–14Semifinals: April 27–28 &amp; May 4–5Final: June 5 (Estadio Metropolitano, Madrid)

The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League draw takes place Aug 27 in Monaco. Featuring 36 teams in a single league phase, the tournament runs Sept 8 to Jan 27, ending with the June 5 final in Madrid.

The Champions League 2026/27 draw is set to be announced on Thursday (Aug 27). The tournament, which determines the best football team in all of Europe, will have 36 teams competing in the revamped format which became effective last season. The first round, or the league phase, will see each team playing against eight others in a four home and four away format. Below are all the details for the upcoming Champions League season: Which teams are playing in the Champions League 2026/27 season? A total of 36 teams across all of Europe are going to participate in the Champions League 2026/27. Below are all the teams in the competition by country: Premier League (England): Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United La Liga (Spain): Barcelona, Real Betis, Real Madrid, Villarreal, and Atlético de Madrid Bundesliga (Germany): Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Leipzig, and Stuttgart Serie A (Italy): Como, Inter Milan, Napoli, and Roma Ligue 1 (France): Lens, Lille, and Paris Saint-Germain Eredivisie (Netherlands): Feyenoord and PSV Eliteserien (Norway): Bodo/Glimt and Viking Primeira Liga (Portugal): Porto and Sporting CP Süper Lig (Turkey): Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray Pro League (Belgium): Club Brugge Premier League (Azerbaijan): Sabah Premier League (Ukraine): Shakhtar Donetsk First League (Czech Republic): Slavia Praha Super Liga (Slovakia): Slovan Bratislava Football Bundesliga (Austria): Lask Super League (Greece): AEK Athens What is the Champions League 2026/27 format? The Champions League 2026/27 is going to be played under the revamped format among 36 teams. In the first phase, which is called the league phase, all 36 teams will be placed in a single group from 1-36. Each team will play eight different opponents in the league phase in a four home and four away format. After the league phase, the top 24 teams will advance while 12 teams will crash out. The teams finishing in the top 8 of the league phase will get a bye to the round of 16, while the next 16 teams (ranked 9–24) will compete in the knockout phase play-offs. Teams finishing from 9–16 will be seeded against teams finishing 17–24 in the league phase. How are league phase fixtures determined? For the league phase fixtures, all 36 teams will be divided into four pots of nine teams each. Each team will face two opponents from each of the pots, making it eight fixtures per team.

The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League draw takes place Aug 27 in Monaco. Featuring 36 teams in a single league phase, the tournament runs Sept 8 to Jan 27, ending with the June 5 final in Madrid.

Champions League 2026/27 Draw: Full List of 36 qualified teams, format, dates & broadcast details

Thursday's draw for this season's Champions League has been somewhat overshadowed by the latest developments in the dispute between UEFA and FIFA over plans to bring private financing into the World Cup, with European football's governing body expected to drop a threatened boycott of global competitions. UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.The proposal would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company created under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2026-watch-roger-federer-makes-winning-return-to-arthur-ashe-stadium-1787737438311">US Open 2026: Roger Federer makes winning return to Arthur Ashe Stadium</a>UEFA, under president Aleksander Ceferin, had described the proposal in scathing terms, labelling it a "shady, opaque backroom deal"."No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive," said the European governing body in a strong statement widely credited as being pivotal in the controversial plan being quickly shelved.However, with UEFA executives and European member associations meeting in the glitzy surrounds of Monaco on Thursday just before the Champions League draw, sources told AFP the threat to boycott FIFA tournaments would "likely" be withdrawn.UEFA had demanded that the plan be ditched, but also sought assurances "that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again".One source on Wednesday told AFP that they were satisfied that second condition had now been met.The immediate result of that will be that UEFA does not risk undermining its united front in wanting Infantino to step down, which would be the case if not all of its members backed a boycott.The Under-20 Women's World Cup takes place in Poland next month and European qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil is still ongoing.<h2>PSG target three in a row</h2>Meanwhile, in the men's game, the focus reverts back to the cream of club football in the aftermath of the World Cup in North America.With the leading leagues in Europe getting going again, the continent's elite will discover later Thursday who they will face in the league phase of this season's Champions League.Paris Saint-Germain will begin their quest to win a third consecutive title after retaining the European Cup at the end of last season by beating Arsenal on penalties in the final in Budapest.The Real Madrid team of 2016 to 2018 are the only side in the last 50 years to have been European champions three years running."We have won the last two, which means we can win a third. It will be very hard, but that is our ambition," PSG coach Luis Enrique told reporters earlier this month.This is the third season since the introduction of a new format for the Champions League, with 36 teams now all pooled together in one giant league and each playing games against eight different opponents.Elite European club football is becoming increasingly polarised, and the continent's richest teams will again feature prominently and take away the majority of the riches on offer.Half the competing clubs will come from the leading domestic leagues in England, Spain, Italy and Germany. The Premier League has five representatives in Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa, while Spain also has five clubs including Real Betis who return to the Champions League after two decades away.Como, coached by former Arsenal, Barcelona and Spain star Cesc Fabregas, will feature for the first time after upsetting the traditional order in Italy.There will also be a Champions League debut for upstarts Sabah of Azerbaijan, who started out in the first qualifying round and have won four ties to reach this point.LASK of Austria also make their debut in the Champions League proper after a stunning comeback to beat Celtic in the play-offs.The first round of matches in this season's competition will take place between Tuesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 10.The league phase will conclude in late January, while this season's final will be played at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 5, 2027.

UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.

Thursday's draw for this season's Champions League has been somewhat overshadowed by the latest developments in the dispute between UEFA and FIFA over plans to bring private financing into the World Cup, with European football's governing body expected to drop a threatened boycott of global competitions. UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. The proposal would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company created under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. Also Read - US Open 2026: Roger Federer makes winning return to Arthur Ashe Stadium UEFA, under president Aleksander Ceferin, had described the proposal in scathing terms, labelling it a "shady, opaque backroom deal". "No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive," said the European governing body in a strong statement widely credited as being pivotal in the controversial plan being quickly shelved. However, with UEFA executives and European member associations meeting in the glitzy surrounds of Monaco on Thursday just before the Champions League draw, sources told AFP the threat to boycott FIFA tournaments would "likely" be withdrawn. UEFA had demanded that the plan be ditched, but also sought assurances "that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again". One source on Wednesday told AFP that they were satisfied that second condition had now been met. The immediate result of that will be that UEFA does not risk undermining its united front in wanting Infantino to step down, which would be the case if not all of its members backed a boycott. The Under-20 Women's World Cup takes place in Poland next month and European qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil is still ongoing. PSG target three in a row Meanwhile, in the men's game, the focus reverts back to the cream of club football in the aftermath of the World Cup in North America. With the leading leagues in Europe getting going again, the continent's elite will discover later Thursday who they will face in the league phase of this season's Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain will begin their quest to win a third consecutive title after retaining the European Cup at the end of last season by beating Arsenal on penalties in the final in Budapest. The Real Madrid team of 2016 to 2018 are the only side in the last 50 years to have been European champions three years running. "We have won the last two, which means we can win a third. It will be very hard, but that is our ambition," PSG coach Luis Enrique told reporters earlier this month. This is the third season since the introduction of a new format for the Champions League, with 36 teams now all pooled together in one giant league and each playing games against eight different opponents. Elite European club football is becoming increasingly polarised, and the continent's richest teams will again feature prominently and take away the majority of the riches on offer. Half the competing clubs will come from the leading domestic leagues in England, Spain, Italy and Germany. The Premier League has five representatives in Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa, while Spain also has five clubs including Real Betis who return to the Champions League after two decades away. Como, coached by former Arsenal, Barcelona and Spain star Cesc Fabregas, will feature for the first time after upsetting the traditional order in Italy. There will also be a Champions League debut for upstarts Sabah of Azerbaijan, who started out in the first qualifying round and have won four ties to reach this point. LASK of Austria also make their debut in the Champions League proper after a stunning comeback to beat Celtic in the play-offs. The first round of matches in this season's competition will take place between Tuesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 10. The league phase will conclude in late January, while this season's final will be played at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 5, 2027.

UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.

UEFA to withdraw boycott threat against FIFA ahead of Champions League draw

UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has said he is "not interested" in replacing Gianni Infantino, but has warned the under-fire FIFA president must either quit or face a leadership challenge in March. Infantino has come under increasing pressure to step down as the head of world football's global governing body over his now abandoned plan to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments, including the men's and women's World Cups.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/viva-la-france-alex-lanier-makes-history-with-maiden-title-at-bwf-world-championships-1787492134542">Viva la France! Alex Lanier makes history with maiden title at BWF World C'ships</a>Meanwhile UEFA, which oversees the running of European football, has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, with several continental and national federations also withdrawing their support for Infantino.But Ceferin ruled himself out of a bid to take Infantino's place as the chief of world football, the 58-year-old Slovenian on Monday telling The Rest is Politics podcast: "I'm not interested because of two reasons. One reason is that I love UEFA and I love working here, and I think that at a certain point... it's time to also enjoy life a bit."And the second point is, my credibility is much, much higher if I'm not interested in the position."Ceferin has been vocal in his criticism since Infantino revealed his controversial plans to seek private investment in a company to run FIFA tournaments.He now believes Infantino's previously impregnable position is under threat, with Ceferin forecasting he will have to stand down or face a leadership challenge if he seeks re-election at the next FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2027.Infantino, a former UEFA secretary general, had the broad backing of European nations when he succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016.But Ceferin, who revealed he has not spoken to Infantino since the start of the controversy, insisted the current situation was very different."There are two options," he said. "One option is that he (Infantino) realises that he doesn't have the support, and that's not only a political support of the ones who vote, but the political support of football community, the political support of fans, the political support of the players, former players, coaches."And the second option that he goes to the elections in March, but in that case, I think he will have a candidate against him. I don't know yet who."CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC boss Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa are considered two of the most likely challengers for Infantino's position.

UEFA, which oversees the running of European football, has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, with several continental and national federations also withdrawing their support for Infantino.

UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has said he is "not interested" in replacing Gianni Infantino, but has warned the under-fire FIFA president must either quit or face a leadership challenge in March. Infantino has come under increasing pressure to step down as the head of world football's global governing body over his now abandoned plan to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments, including the men's and women's World Cups. Also Read - Viva la France! Alex Lanier makes history with maiden title at BWF World C'ships Meanwhile UEFA, which oversees the running of European football, has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, with several continental and national federations also withdrawing their support for Infantino. But Ceferin ruled himself out of a bid to take Infantino's place as the chief of world football, the 58-year-old Slovenian on Monday telling The Rest is Politics podcast: "I'm not interested because of two reasons. One reason is that I love UEFA and I love working here, and I think that at a certain point... it's time to also enjoy life a bit. "And the second point is, my credibility is much, much higher if I'm not interested in the position." Ceferin has been vocal in his criticism since Infantino revealed his controversial plans to seek private investment in a company to run FIFA tournaments. He now believes Infantino's previously impregnable position is under threat, with Ceferin forecasting he will have to stand down or face a leadership challenge if he seeks re-election at the next FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2027. Infantino, a former UEFA secretary general, had the broad backing of European nations when he succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016. But Ceferin, who revealed he has not spoken to Infantino since the start of the controversy, insisted the current situation was very different. "There are two options," he said. "One option is that he (Infantino) realises that he doesn't have the support, and that's not only a political support of the ones who vote, but the political support of football community, the political support of fans, the political support of the players, former players, coaches. "And the second option that he goes to the elections in March, but in that case, I think he will have a candidate against him. I don't know yet who." CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC boss Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa are considered two of the most likely challengers for Infantino's position.

UEFA, which oversees the running of European football, has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, with several continental and national federations also withdrawing their support for Infantino.

UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin 'not interested' in replacing FIFA chief Gianni Infantino

Pressure built on FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday over his cancelled plan to bring private finance into football's World Cup, with European governing body UEFA reiterating a threat to boycott tournaments. The 56-year-old Swiss official has also been criticised by South American body CONMEBOL. But he did get backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Infantino received the "full support" of senior FIFA directors at an emergency meeting in Morocco on Wednesday but UEFA released a blunt statement in response.UEFA's initial threat issued last Thursday to boycott FIFA competitions is said to have been pivotal in forcing Infantino to shelve the private investment deal.Calls for him to step down had grown since he abandoned it last Saturday.FIFA said it could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for a new commercial subsidiary, called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which it proposed would run events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.Although the abandonment of the proposal was one of UEFA's conditions for it to withdraw its threat, it said that not all of its demands had been met."UEFA's associations were very clear about the conditions attached to their non participation in FIFA competitions," read its statement"First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again."These conditions have not been met."Whilst UEFA welcomed the withdrawal of the plan last Saturday, it had slammed Infantino and his "shabby, backroom, opaque deal".Its tone had not changed in Thursday's statement."UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino's presidency. That position holds," it said.Several UEFA member associations have withdrawn support for Infantino's bid to be re-elected to a fourth and final term in Rabat next March.A prominent critic, Norwegian football chief Lise Klaveness, is likely to pour more fuel on the fire when she holds a press conference on Friday.<h2>‘Abuse of power’</h2>Infantino was also criticised by usually supportive South American governing body CONMEBOL."The Council also unanimously expresses its concern regarding the repeated unilateral actions taken without resorting to dialogue or to the institutional mechanisms established to address situations of this nature," read its statement.CONMEBOL, though, said regarding Infantino's future it would not countenance anything other than a straight contest -- if a challenger comes forward by November 18 when nominations close -- in Rabat.There is a mechanism whereby an extraordinary FIFA congress can be called and a vote of no confidence in Infantino held.North and Central American football's governing body CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have both been critical of Infantino, but were yet to react to the latest developments.CONCACAF -- whose president Victor Montagliani is seen as a potential challenger -- had called for "a comprehensive reckoning with this presidency".FIFPRO, the players union, piled into Infantino over the plan calling it "a profound abuse of presidential power"."FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) is gone," it said in a statement."The abuse of power that produced it is not."Support did come Infantino's way on Thursday, however, as CAF "unanimously reconfirmed its support" for the FIFA president in a statement released following a meeting of its members.Several CAF members had already expressed their support for the Swiss official, who has been in power for 10 years. South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie had urged African football to resist what he called the "public lynching" of Infantino.CONMEBOL said it was a shame the hugely successful staging of the World Cup -- the first with 48 teams and spread over three countries -- had had its thunder stolen by the events over the past week."The CONMEBOL Council calls for preserving the unity of the football family," it said.

The 56-year-old Swiss official has also been criticised by South American body CONMEBOL. But he did get backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Infantino received the "full support" of senior FIFA directors at an emergency meeting in Morocco on Wednesday.

Pressure built on FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday over his cancelled plan to bring private finance into football's World Cup, with European governing body UEFA reiterating a threat to boycott tournaments. The 56-year-old Swiss official has also been criticised by South American body CONMEBOL. But he did get backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Infantino received the "full support" of senior FIFA directors at an emergency meeting in Morocco on Wednesday but UEFA released a blunt statement in response. UEFA's initial threat issued last Thursday to boycott FIFA competitions is said to have been pivotal in forcing Infantino to shelve the private investment deal. Calls for him to step down had grown since he abandoned it last Saturday. FIFA said it could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for a new commercial subsidiary, called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which it proposed would run events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. Although the abandonment of the proposal was one of UEFA's conditions for it to withdraw its threat, it said that not all of its demands had been met. "UEFA's associations were very clear about the conditions attached to their non participation in FIFA competitions," read its statement "First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again. "These conditions have not been met." Whilst UEFA welcomed the withdrawal of the plan last Saturday, it had slammed Infantino and his "shabby, backroom, opaque deal". Its tone had not changed in Thursday's statement. "UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino's presidency. That position holds," it said. Several UEFA member associations have withdrawn support for Infantino's bid to be re-elected to a fourth and final term in Rabat next March. A prominent critic, Norwegian football chief Lise Klaveness, is likely to pour more fuel on the fire when she holds a press conference on Friday. ‘Abuse of power’ Infantino was also criticised by usually supportive South American governing body CONMEBOL. "The Council also unanimously expresses its concern regarding the repeated unilateral actions taken without resorting to dialogue or to the institutional mechanisms established to address situations of this nature," read its statement. CONMEBOL, though, said regarding Infantino's future it would not countenance anything other than a straight contest -- if a challenger comes forward by November 18 when nominations close -- in Rabat. There is a mechanism whereby an extraordinary FIFA congress can be called and a vote of no confidence in Infantino held. North and Central American football's governing body CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have both been critical of Infantino, but were yet to react to the latest developments. CONCACAF -- whose president Victor Montagliani is seen as a potential challenger -- had called for "a comprehensive reckoning with this presidency". FIFPRO, the players union, piled into Infantino over the plan calling it "a profound abuse of presidential power". "FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) is gone," it said in a statement. "The abuse of power that produced it is not." Support did come Infantino's way on Thursday, however, as CAF "unanimously reconfirmed its support" for the FIFA president in a statement released following a meeting of its members. Several CAF members had already expressed their support for the Swiss official, who has been in power for 10 years. South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie had urged African football to resist what he called the "public lynching" of Infantino. CONMEBOL said it was a shame the hugely successful staging of the World Cup -- the first with 48 teams and spread over three countries -- had had its thunder stolen by the events over the past week. "The CONMEBOL Council calls for preserving the unity of the football family," it said.

The 56-year-old Swiss official has also been criticised by South American body CONMEBOL. But he did get backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Infantino received the "full support" of senior FIFA directors at an emergency meeting in Morocco on Wednesday.

Pressure continues to mount on FIFA chief Infantino as UEFA maintains boycott threat, CONMEBOL criticises

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has received the "full support" of senior directors on Wednesday but world football's governing body apologised for the controversy of the now-shelved plan to open the World Cup to private investment. Facing a barrage of criticism following the aborted plan, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "errors", while nonetheless backing under-fire Infantino following a crisis meeting in Morocco. Infantino has come under increasing pressure, even from within his organisation, over his handling of the proposal, and calls for him to step down had grown since he abandoned it last Saturday.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/police-scotland-probe-missing-pakistan-uganda-athletes-cwg-2026-1785944293902">Scottish police probes missing athletes from Pakistan and Uganda after CWG 2026</a>In a statement Wednesday, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media".FIFA floated the plan, saying it could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for a new commercial subsidiary, called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which it proposed would run events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.It said that, if approved, the project could provide each of FIFA's 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027, and increase their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million.Instead of acting as a sweetener it produced a furious backlash, with European football's governing body UEFA resorting on Thursday to the nuclear option of boycotting the sport's jewel in the crown, the World Cup.By Saturday, Infantino held his hands up and withdrew the plan."Our purpose has always been -- and will always be -- to unite and improve," said Infantino.After Wednesday's meeting in Rabat, the FIFA Secretary General and members of the FIFA Management Board in attendance said in a statement they "reaffirmed their full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as the only official elected by the 211 FIFA Member Associations"."The meeting also addressed the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, where mistakes made were acknowledged," the statement said."It was agreed that it was not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and that the process should have been handled differently."It was further acknowledged that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media."In a separate letter to the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations, an apology was made for these errors together with a commitment to ensure they do not happen again."<h2>‘Off the table’</h2>One of those believed to be at the meeting was FIFA's secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, whose internal email to staff criticising the plan was leaked on Tuesday."A review will now be conducted, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting," the FIFA statement said."As previously communicated, the FFE proposal, which would have been subject to the approval of the FIFA Member Associations and the FIFA Council, is now off the table."Later Wednesday, Infantino -- a 56-year-old Swiss lawyer who was in Morocco to celebrate last week's Feast of the Enthronement -- attended the Women's Africa Cup of Nations match between Zambia and Malawi in Rabat.The FIFA chief was spotted alongside the president of the Moroccan football federation at the entrance to Al Medina Stadium, an AFP photographer observed.Morocco is to co-host the 2030 World Cup and Moroccan Football chief Fouzi Lekjaa is one of the few to have publicly supported Infantino since the humiliating climbdown.Lekjaa last Saturday had praised his "wise" move to scrap the plan in the interests of "unity and cohesion".He reiterated his backing for Infantino for "all the initiatives aimed at the development of world football" during his 10 years in charge.Infantino had been basking in the warm afterglow of a highly successful World Cup -- the largest ever with 48 teams and co-hosted by three countries, Canada, Mexico and the US.His wish to serve a fourth and final term looked likely to be rubber-stamped in Rabat next March -- no other candidate had come forward to challenge him.However, Tuesday last week all that faded.UEFA termed the proposal to privatise the World Cup a "shabby, back room, opaque deal" hatched by Infantino."The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA's confidence but also that of many other members of the football family," UEFA said in a statement.North and Central American football's governing body CONCACAF went further still and called for "a comprehensive reckoning with this presidency" while slamming Infantino's "poor governance and leadership".On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose country co-hosted the 2026 World Cup, said he no longer had confidence in Infantino's ability to lead FIFA.

In a statement Wednesday, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media".

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has received the "full support" of senior directors on Wednesday but world football's governing body apologised for the controversy of the now-shelved plan to open the World Cup to private investment. Facing a barrage of criticism following the aborted plan, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "errors", while nonetheless backing under-fire Infantino following a crisis meeting in Morocco. Infantino has come under increasing pressure, even from within his organisation, over his handling of the proposal, and calls for him to step down had grown since he abandoned it last Saturday. Also Read - Scottish police probes missing athletes from Pakistan and Uganda after CWG 2026 In a statement Wednesday, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media". FIFA floated the plan, saying it could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for a new commercial subsidiary, called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which it proposed would run events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. It said that, if approved, the project could provide each of FIFA's 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027, and increase their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million. Instead of acting as a sweetener it produced a furious backlash, with European football's governing body UEFA resorting on Thursday to the nuclear option of boycotting the sport's jewel in the crown, the World Cup. By Saturday, Infantino held his hands up and withdrew the plan. "Our purpose has always been -- and will always be -- to unite and improve," said Infantino. After Wednesday's meeting in Rabat, the FIFA Secretary General and members of the FIFA Management Board in attendance said in a statement they "reaffirmed their full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as the only official elected by the 211 FIFA Member Associations". "The meeting also addressed the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, where mistakes made were acknowledged," the statement said. "It was agreed that it was not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and that the process should have been handled differently. "It was further acknowledged that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media. "In a separate letter to the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations, an apology was made for these errors together with a commitment to ensure they do not happen again." ‘Off the table’ One of those believed to be at the meeting was FIFA's secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, whose internal email to staff criticising the plan was leaked on Tuesday. "A review will now be conducted, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting," the FIFA statement said. "As previously communicated, the FFE proposal, which would have been subject to the approval of the FIFA Member Associations and the FIFA Council, is now off the table." Later Wednesday, Infantino -- a 56-year-old Swiss lawyer who was in Morocco to celebrate last week's Feast of the Enthronement -- attended the Women's Africa Cup of Nations match between Zambia and Malawi in Rabat. The FIFA chief was spotted alongside the president of the Moroccan football federation at the entrance to Al Medina Stadium, an AFP photographer observed. Morocco is to co-host the 2030 World Cup and Moroccan Football chief Fouzi Lekjaa is one of the few to have publicly supported Infantino since the humiliating climbdown. Lekjaa last Saturday had praised his "wise" move to scrap the plan in the interests of "unity and cohesion". He reiterated his backing for Infantino for "all the initiatives aimed at the development of world football" during his 10 years in charge. Infantino had been basking in the warm afterglow of a highly successful World Cup -- the largest ever with 48 teams and co-hosted by three countries, Canada, Mexico and the US. His wish to serve a fourth and final term looked likely to be rubber-stamped in Rabat next March -- no other candidate had come forward to challenge him. However, Tuesday last week all that faded. UEFA termed the proposal to privatise the World Cup a "shabby, back room, opaque deal" hatched by Infantino. "The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA's confidence but also that of many other members of the football family," UEFA said in a statement. North and Central American football's governing body CONCACAF went further still and called for "a comprehensive reckoning with this presidency" while slamming Infantino's "poor governance and leadership". On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose country co-hosted the 2026 World Cup, said he no longer had confidence in Infantino's ability to lead FIFA.

In a statement Wednesday, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media".

FIFA leadership apologise for privatisation plan, back Infantino post acknowledging error

FIFA is reportedly evaluating a major expansion of the Men's FIFA World Cup, increasing the tournament from 48 teams to 64 teams for the 2030 edition. The proposal has already sparked widespread debate across the global football community.

According to reports, FIFA has launched a fast-track consultation and commissioned an impact assessment covering tournament revenue, sponsorship, broadcasting rights, ticket sales, player welfare, scheduling, and the international football calendar.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be primarily hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with centenary opening matches scheduled in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Expanding to 64 teams could allow South American host nations to stage full group-stage matches instead of only ceremonial opening fixtures.

FIFA Plans 64-Team World Cup By 2030? |Expansion Proposal Sparks Global Backlash & Governance Debate

Amid criticism over its proposed private investment plan, FIFA said it will continue an "open and democratic" consultation process with football stakeholders, adding that recent discussions were disrupted by "incorrect media" reports. The statement came after UEFA said it could consider boycotting the World Cup in protest against FIFA’s proposal to create a commercial subsidiary that would manage its major tournaments and allow private investors to buy ownership stakes in the company.&nbsp;FIFA said all 211 member associations should be given the opportunity to study and evaluate the proposal before any decision is made.&nbsp;“Nobody is selling football,” FIFA said in the statement. “This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.”&nbsp;FIFA also acknowledged the concerns raised by football confederations, including UEFA and CONCACAF.&nbsp;“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation,” the statement said. “Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports. We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each (member association) has the ability to express its vote based on facts.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-seema-kaliramna-the-mother-and-phd-scholar-who-clinched-cwg-2026-bronze-1785476485848">Who is Seema Kaliramna? The mother and PhD scholar who clinched CWG 2026 bronze</a>&nbsp;According to FIFA, the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative could generate up to $4.2 billion, based on an estimated company valuation of $20 billion.&nbsp;“Everyone has the right to express their opposition and to seek further clarification but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 MAs around the world. Each MA should be allowed to review the proposal and have a say in shaping their own future. These are the democratic principles of FIFA,” the statement added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-2026-day-9-india-s-full-schedule-medal-events-and-match-timings-1785469600152">CWG 2026 Day 9: India's full schedule, medal events and match timings</a>&nbsp;If approved, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive a one-time payment of $20 million in early 2027. Their funding for the 2027-2030 cycle would also increase from $8 million to $20 million.&nbsp;“⁠Without the support of the majority of MAs, FIFA’s commercial activities would remain unchanged. FFE would not be established,” FIFA said.

UEFA has warned it could boycott the World Cup if FIFA goes ahead with its proposal to create a commercial subsidiary to manage its major tournaments.

Amid criticism over its proposed private investment plan, FIFA said it will continue an "open and democratic" consultation process with football stakeholders, adding that recent discussions were disrupted by "incorrect media" reports. The statement came after UEFA said it could consider boycotting the World Cup in protest against FIFA’s proposal to create a commercial subsidiary that would manage its major tournaments and allow private investors to buy ownership stakes in the company. FIFA said all 211 member associations should be given the opportunity to study and evaluate the proposal before any decision is made. “Nobody is selling football,” FIFA said in the statement. “This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.” FIFA also acknowledged the concerns raised by football confederations, including UEFA and CONCACAF. “We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation,” the statement said. “Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports. We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each (member association) has the ability to express its vote based on facts.” Also Read - Who is Seema Kaliramna? The mother and PhD scholar who clinched CWG 2026 bronze According to FIFA, the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative could generate up to $4.2 billion, based on an estimated company valuation of $20 billion. “Everyone has the right to express their opposition and to seek further clarification but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 MAs around the world. Each MA should be allowed to review the proposal and have a say in shaping their own future. These are the democratic principles of FIFA,” the statement added. Also Read - CWG 2026 Day 9: India's full schedule, medal events and match timings If approved, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive a one-time payment of $20 million in early 2027. Their funding for the 2027-2030 cycle would also increase from $8 million to $20 million. “⁠Without the support of the majority of MAs, FIFA’s commercial activities would remain unchanged. FFE would not be established,” FIFA said.

UEFA has warned it could boycott the World Cup if FIFA goes ahead with its proposal to create a commercial subsidiary to manage its major tournaments.

'Nobody is selling football': FIFA clarifies investment plan amid backlash

UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments if FIFA President Gianni Infantino proceeds with a proposal to sell a minority stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors. During an emergency meeting, UEFA's 55 member associations unanimously rejected the plan, warning that no UEFA national team would participate in FIFA competitions unless the proposal is completely withdrawn. FIFA argues the move would unlock billions of dollars in commercial value, while UEFA says it risks the integrity and governance of world football.

UEFA Threatens FIFA Boycott Over Infantino's World Cup Investment Plan | World Football News

The European Football governing body UEFA has called an emergency meeting to discuss the recent proposal by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to launch a new subsidiary that will have a stake in the World Cup. UEFA has strongly opposed the proposal and has put a possible world cup boycott on the cards.

UEFA Holds Emergency Meeting After Infantino Defends Privatisation Plan | Wion Sports 

The FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on June 11, has made the players leaving the pitch in protest and covering their mouths susceptible to a potential red card. The policy change was confirmed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Tuesday (Apr 28) ahead of FIFA meeting in Vancouver, Canada on Thursday (Apr 30). The red card will be at referee's discretion, confirmed IFAB in a statement. The changes come on the back of two incidents - Senegal players walking off the pitch vs Morocco in protest during AFCON final and Benfica's Gianluca <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-prestianni-speaks-on-racism-claims-against-vinicius-jr-as-benfica-releases-video-in-support-1771391849074">Prestianni racially abusing Real Madrid' Vinicus Jr.</a> with a covered mouth in a Champions League game in February earlier this year.<h2>Why players may get red card for leaving pitch or covering mouth in FIFA World Cup 2026?</h2>After the Presstiani incident in the ongoing Champions League where he racially abused Vini Jr. for which he was handed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-bans-benfica-s-gianluca-prestianni-for-six-games-for-discriminatory-conduct-during-real-madrid-clash-1777041674108">six-match ban by the UEFA</a>, FIFA president Gianni Infantino led the charge for stricter rules, including a read card.Presstiani initially had denined racially abusing Vini Jr. during the Champions League play-off match, but agreed to it in subsequent hearing heald the European body. Vini jr. immediately complained to the referee about the incident and had left the pitch in protest, resulting in a dealy in the game.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/fifa-chief-calls-for-automatic-forfeit-of-games-for-teams-whose-fans-get-involved-in-racism-during-games-682122">FIFA chief calls for automatic forfeit of games for teams whose fans get involved in racism during games</a>The second reason for which players may now get a red card in FIFA WC is walking off the pitch in protest. The incident which prompted it was Senegal players walking off against Morocco in AFCON final against a penalty decision. Senegal evenntually won the match but as Morocco missed the penalty post a lengthy delay. Later on, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-senegral-forfeited-final-morocco-new-winner-of-africa-cup-of-nations-decalred-confederation-of-african-football-1773805121074">took the title away from Senegal and gave it to Morocco</a>, prompting an appeal from Senegal against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).<h2>What happens if a player leaves in protest because of racial abuse?</h2>The two points for which a player can be given a red card by referee in FIFA World Cup 2026 are: 1) leaving pitch in protest, and 2) covering mouths during altercation - the two points are intertwined as a player may walk off in protest after suffering racial abuse - something with the European football body has raised as an objection against applying the rule in own league.Speaking on the rules, IFAB said in statement: "The referee may sanction with a red card any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision. This new rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play. A team that causes a match to be abandoned will, in principle, forfeit the match."

The changes come on the back of two incidents - Senegal players walking off the pitch vs Morocco in protest during AFCON final and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni racially abusing Real Madrid' Vinicus Jr. with a covered mouth in a Champions League game in February earlier this year.

The FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on June 11, has made the players leaving the pitch in protest and covering their mouths susceptible to a potential red card. The policy change was confirmed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Tuesday (Apr 28) ahead of FIFA meeting in Vancouver, Canada on Thursday (Apr 30). The red card will be at referee's discretion, confirmed IFAB in a statement. The changes come on the back of two incidents - Senegal players walking off the pitch vs Morocco in protest during AFCON final and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni racially abusing Real Madrid' Vinicus Jr. with a covered mouth in a Champions League game in February earlier this year. Why players may get red card for leaving pitch or covering mouth in FIFA World Cup 2026? After the Presstiani incident in the ongoing Champions League where he racially abused Vini Jr. for which he was handed a six-match ban by the UEFA, FIFA president Gianni Infantino led the charge for stricter rules, including a read card. Presstiani initially had denined racially abusing Vini Jr. during the Champions League play-off match, but agreed to it in subsequent hearing heald the European body. Vini jr. immediately complained to the referee about the incident and had left the pitch in protest, resulting in a dealy in the game. Also Read - FIFA chief calls for automatic forfeit of games for teams whose fans get involved in racism during games The second reason for which players may now get a red card in FIFA WC is walking off the pitch in protest. The incident which prompted it was Senegal players walking off against Morocco in AFCON final against a penalty decision. Senegal evenntually won the match but as Morocco missed the penalty post a lengthy delay. Later on, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) took the title away from Senegal and gave it to Morocco, prompting an appeal from Senegal against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). What happens if a player leaves in protest because of racial abuse? The two points for which a player can be given a red card by referee in FIFA World Cup 2026 are: 1) leaving pitch in protest, and 2) covering mouths during altercation - the two points are intertwined as a player may walk off in protest after suffering racial abuse - something with the European football body has raised as an objection against applying the rule in own league. Speaking on the rules, IFAB said in statement: "The referee may sanction with a red card any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision. This new rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play. A team that causes a match to be abandoned will, in principle, forfeit the match."

The changes come on the back of two incidents - Senegal players walking off the pitch vs Morocco in protest during AFCON final and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni racially abusing Real Madrid' Vinicus Jr. with a covered mouth in a Champions League game in February earlier this year.

FIFA World Cup 2026 | 'Referee’s decision': Players may get red card for leaving pitch in protest or covering mouths

Italian football has been in the news over the last 48 hours after the national team’s failure to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the nation could be set for another football setback after Thursday (April 2). While the latest setback is merely a warning, the Italian football administration will need a genuine overhaul after UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin warned that Italy risks not being able to co-host Euro 2032 with Turkey due to the condition of the country's stadiums, which he described as "some of the worst in Europe".<h2>Italian football set for another setback?</h2>Italy last hosted a major international football tournament in 1990 and many of its top stadiums were either built or refurbished for that World Cup. Most of those are now in a sorry state.&nbsp;"Euro 2032 is scheduled and will take place, of that there is no doubt. I just hope that the infrastructure (in Italy) will be ready. If that's not the case, the tournament will not be held in Italy," Ceferin said in an interview with the Gazzetta Dello Sport published on Thursday."Maybe Italy's politicians should ask themselves why the football infrastructure is among the worst in Europe."&nbsp;Ceferin added that Italian football's biggest problem was "the relationship between the football authorities and politics".&nbsp;In October, Italy has to name the five stadiums that will host matches at Euro 2032, with 11 cities currently candidates: Rome, Florence, Bologna, Verona, Milan, Genoa, Bari, Naples, Turin, Cagliari and Palermo. Italy can present new stadiums or ones that need to be redeveloped as long as work begins by March 2027.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;Only one, Juventus's Allianz Stadium in Turin, is completely ready to host matches at the summer international tournament. Inter Milan and AC Milan recently purchased the San Siro from the city of Milan and are hoping to complete a new 71,500-capacity arena on the same site as the current stadium by 2031.&nbsp;However, the public prosecutors' office in Italy's economic capital is probing the sale of the land for alleged bid-rigging. Roma were given the green light by the local authorities in Rome to build a new stadium in the east of the Eternal City, while Fiorentina's Stadio Artemio Franchi is being redeveloped.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;Last month, the city of Naples presented a renovation project for the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where Serie A champions Napoli play their matches. The Maradona project, which includes the elimination of the running track which borders the pitch, has a budget of 200 million euros ($230 million) and was presented by mayor Gaetano Manfredi as something that needs doing "regardless of 2032".

Italy last hosted a major international football tournament in 1990 and many of its top stadiums were either built or refurbished for that World Cup. Most of those are now in a sorry state.

Italian football has been in the news over the last 48 hours after the national team’s failure to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the nation could be set for another football setback after Thursday (April 2). While the latest setback is merely a warning, the Italian football administration will need a genuine overhaul after UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin warned that Italy risks not being able to co-host Euro 2032 with Turkey due to the condition of the country's stadiums, which he described as "some of the worst in Europe". Italian football set for another setback? Italy last hosted a major international football tournament in 1990 and many of its top stadiums were either built or refurbished for that World Cup. Most of those are now in a sorry state. "Euro 2032 is scheduled and will take place, of that there is no doubt. I just hope that the infrastructure (in Italy) will be ready. If that's not the case, the tournament will not be held in Italy," Ceferin said in an interview with the Gazzetta Dello Sport published on Thursday. "Maybe Italy's politicians should ask themselves why the football infrastructure is among the worst in Europe." Ceferin added that Italian football's biggest problem was "the relationship between the football authorities and politics". In October, Italy has to name the five stadiums that will host matches at Euro 2032, with 11 cities currently candidates: Rome, Florence, Bologna, Verona, Milan, Genoa, Bari, Naples, Turin, Cagliari and Palermo. Italy can present new stadiums or ones that need to be redeveloped as long as work begins by March 2027. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL Only one, Juventus's Allianz Stadium in Turin, is completely ready to host matches at the summer international tournament. Inter Milan and AC Milan recently purchased the San Siro from the city of Milan and are hoping to complete a new 71,500-capacity arena on the same site as the current stadium by 2031. However, the public prosecutors' office in Italy's economic capital is probing the sale of the land for alleged bid-rigging. Roma were given the green light by the local authorities in Rome to build a new stadium in the east of the Eternal City, while Fiorentina's Stadio Artemio Franchi is being redeveloped. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions Last month, the city of Naples presented a renovation project for the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where Serie A champions Napoli play their matches. The Maradona project, which includes the elimination of the running track which borders the pitch, has a budget of 200 million euros ($230 million) and was presented by mayor Gaetano Manfredi as something that needs doing "regardless of 2032".

Italy last hosted a major international football tournament in 1990 and many of its top stadiums were either built or refurbished for that World Cup. Most of those are now in a sorry state.

Another setback for Italian football? UEFA chief warns Euro 2032 co-hosts over stadium improvements

Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended from playing in Wednesday’s Champions League second-leg match against Real Madrid. The decision was made by UEFA following an alleged racism incident involving Vinicius Junior last week and its disciplinary panel is still investigating the events of the first leg. In a statement, the governing body said the suspension relates to a possible breach of Article 14 of its disciplinary rules, which deals discriminatory behavior and added that the temporary ban does not affect any final decision that may be issued later.&nbsp;“Upon request of the EDI with an interim report, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body today decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations related to a discriminatory behaviour," UEFA statement read.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kar-vs-j-k-ranji-trophy-final-when-and-where-to-watch-karnataka-vs-jammu-and-kashmir-match-live-streaming-1771855082404">KAR vs J&amp;K, Ranji Trophy Final: When and where to watch Karnataka vs Jammu &amp; Kashmir match live streaming</a>&nbsp;Prestianni, who argued with Vinicius while covering his mouth with his shirt, insists he did not racially abuse the Real Madrid forward. Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold said the incident was a "disgrace to football", while striker Kylian Mbappe said Prestianni "doesn't deserve to play in the Champions League any more".&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-vs-eng-t20-world-cup-2026-super-8-check-live-streaming-details-head-to-head-pitch-weather-report-1771847540083">PAK vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch &amp; weather report</a>&nbsp;Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who is also suspended for the second leg, controversially criticised Vinicius for his effusive goal celebration and said his club could not be racist because their greatest icon, Eusebio, was black. With inputs from agencies

If found guilty of racism under UEFA's disciplinary code, the 19-year-old Argentinian could face a ban of up to 10 matches.

Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended from playing in Wednesday’s Champions League second-leg match against Real Madrid. The decision was made by UEFA following an alleged racism incident involving Vinicius Junior last week and its disciplinary panel is still investigating the events of the first leg. In a statement, the governing body said the suspension relates to a possible breach of Article 14 of its disciplinary rules, which deals discriminatory behavior and added that the temporary ban does not affect any final decision that may be issued later. “Upon request of the EDI with an interim report, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body today decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations related to a discriminatory behaviour," UEFA statement read. Also Read - KAR vs J&K, Ranji Trophy Final: When and where to watch Karnataka vs Jammu & Kashmir match live streaming Prestianni, who argued with Vinicius while covering his mouth with his shirt, insists he did not racially abuse the Real Madrid forward. Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold said the incident was a "disgrace to football", while striker Kylian Mbappe said Prestianni "doesn't deserve to play in the Champions League any more". Also Read - PAK vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch & weather report Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who is also suspended for the second leg, controversially criticised Vinicius for his effusive goal celebration and said his club could not be racist because their greatest icon, Eusebio, was black. With inputs from agencies

If found guilty of racism under UEFA's disciplinary code, the 19-year-old Argentinian could face a ban of up to 10 matches.

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni handed provisional ban by UEFA over alleged racism incident towards Real Madrid's Vinicius

In the latest development in the racial abuse of Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid has submitted “all available evidence” to the UEFA (European football’s governing body) as of Thursday (Feb 19). Vinicius Jr, runners-up in the Ballon d’Or in 2024, was alleged to have been racially abused in their Champions League Playoff clash between Real Madrid and Benfica. In the wake of the incident, UEFA has launched an investigation into the matter as Real Madrid submitted their side of evidence.&nbsp;<h2>Real Madrid submit all evidence</h2>Tuesday's first leg of the knockout phase play-off tie in Lisbon was stopped for 10 minutes after Vinicius told the referee Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni had called him a "monkey" during a confrontation.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;The Argentine midfielder, who covered his mouth during the argument after Vinicius had celebrated a goal dancing in front of the home fans, denies the allegation.&nbsp;UEFA announced on Wednesday it would investigate "allegations of discriminatory behaviour" as a furore broke out, with teammates rushing to back Vinicius, who has repeatedly suffered racist abuse since joining Real in 2018.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;Real Madrid has submitted all available evidence to UEFA regarding the incidents during the Benfica game, which witnessed "unacceptable episodes of racism", the club said in a statement.&nbsp;"Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr. has received from all areas of the global football community."&nbsp;Benfica issued a statement on Wednesday backing Prestianni and speaking of a "defamation campaign" against him, while manager Jose Mourinho questioned Vinicius's celebration.&nbsp;It will now interesting to see what happens next with the second leg set to take place next week.&nbsp;

UEFA announced on Wednesday it would investigate "allegations of discriminatory behaviour" as a furore broke out, with teammates rushing to back Vinicius, who has repeatedly suffered racist abuse since joining Real in 2018.

In the latest development in the racial abuse of Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid has submitted “all available evidence” to the UEFA (European football’s governing body) as of Thursday (Feb 19). Vinicius Jr, runners-up in the Ballon d’Or in 2024, was alleged to have been racially abused in their Champions League Playoff clash between Real Madrid and Benfica. In the wake of the incident, UEFA has launched an investigation into the matter as Real Madrid submitted their side of evidence. Real Madrid submit all evidence Tuesday's first leg of the knockout phase play-off tie in Lisbon was stopped for 10 minutes after Vinicius told the referee Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni had called him a "monkey" during a confrontation. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli The Argentine midfielder, who covered his mouth during the argument after Vinicius had celebrated a goal dancing in front of the home fans, denies the allegation. UEFA announced on Wednesday it would investigate "allegations of discriminatory behaviour" as a furore broke out, with teammates rushing to back Vinicius, who has repeatedly suffered racist abuse since joining Real in 2018. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Real Madrid has submitted all available evidence to UEFA regarding the incidents during the Benfica game, which witnessed "unacceptable episodes of racism", the club said in a statement. "Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr. has received from all areas of the global football community." Benfica issued a statement on Wednesday backing Prestianni and speaking of a "defamation campaign" against him, while manager Jose Mourinho questioned Vinicius's celebration. It will now interesting to see what happens next with the second leg set to take place next week.

UEFA announced on Wednesday it would investigate "allegations of discriminatory behaviour" as a furore broke out, with teammates rushing to back Vinicius, who has repeatedly suffered racist abuse since joining Real in 2018.

Vinicius Jr racial abuse case: Real Madrid submit 'all available evidence' to UEFA

The controversial European Super League is all set for a permanent halt after Real Madrid, the last remaining club of the original roster, pulled out of the tournament on Wednesday (Feb 11). Real Madrid reached an agreement with UEFA (European football’s apex body) to end the dispute surrounding the league. With Real Madrid pulling out, the proposed league is now set to be dissolved, with top clubs opting for an expanded version of the Champions League.<h2>Real Madrid pull out of European Super League</h2>Spanish giants Madrid, whose president Florentino Perez has relentlessly championed the idea of a Super League, and promoters A22 Sports Management, were seeking $4 billion in damages from European football governing body UEFA after the project collapsed.&nbsp;"UEFA, the European Football Clubs (EFC, the sole, independent body representing football clubs within Europe) and Real Madrid CF reach an agreement for the good of European club football," read a statement published by Real Madrid and UEFA.&nbsp;"This agreement of principles will also serve to resolve their legal disputes related to the European Super League, once such principles are executed and implemented."&nbsp;In the statement Real Madrid and UEFA said their agreement was over "respecting the principle of sporting merit with emphasis on long-term club sustainability" and "the enhancement of fan experience through the use of technology".&nbsp;Last week, Spanish champions Barcelona confirmed their withdrawal from the Super League, which was launched by 12 clubs in 2021 but quickly folded under the weight of immense fan and institutional pressure.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;Shortly after the semi-closed Super League project was announced, the six English clubs involved -- Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea -- all withdrew.&nbsp;Four other clubs, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus, followed suit by 2024, leaving only Barca and Real Madrid still involved.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;After a Spanish court ruled that opposition to the Super League from world and European football governing bodies FIFA and UEFA "prevented free competition", Madrid and A22 plotted legal action against UEFA.&nbsp;A source close to the matter told AFP that Wednesday's announcement was "a historic agreement" and the beginning "of a period of peace" which would benefit all parties.&nbsp;In 2022, UEFA decided to expand the Champions League to 36 teams and introduce the league phase, grouping all sides in the same table and increasing the number of matches from six to eight, for the 2024/25 season onwards.

Real Madrid reached an agreement with UEFA (European football’s apex body) to end the dispute surrounding the league. With Real Madrid pulling out, the proposed league is now set to be dissolved, with top clubs opting for an expanded version of the Champions League.

The controversial European Super League is all set for a permanent halt after Real Madrid, the last remaining club of the original roster, pulled out of the tournament on Wednesday (Feb 11). Real Madrid reached an agreement with UEFA (European football’s apex body) to end the dispute surrounding the league. With Real Madrid pulling out, the proposed league is now set to be dissolved, with top clubs opting for an expanded version of the Champions League. Real Madrid pull out of European Super League Spanish giants Madrid, whose president Florentino Perez has relentlessly championed the idea of a Super League, and promoters A22 Sports Management, were seeking $4 billion in damages from European football governing body UEFA after the project collapsed. "UEFA, the European Football Clubs (EFC, the sole, independent body representing football clubs within Europe) and Real Madrid CF reach an agreement for the good of European club football," read a statement published by Real Madrid and UEFA. "This agreement of principles will also serve to resolve their legal disputes related to the European Super League, once such principles are executed and implemented." In the statement Real Madrid and UEFA said their agreement was over "respecting the principle of sporting merit with emphasis on long-term club sustainability" and "the enhancement of fan experience through the use of technology". Last week, Spanish champions Barcelona confirmed their withdrawal from the Super League, which was launched by 12 clubs in 2021 but quickly folded under the weight of immense fan and institutional pressure. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Shortly after the semi-closed Super League project was announced, the six English clubs involved -- Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea -- all withdrew. Four other clubs, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus, followed suit by 2024, leaving only Barca and Real Madrid still involved. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli After a Spanish court ruled that opposition to the Super League from world and European football governing bodies FIFA and UEFA "prevented free competition", Madrid and A22 plotted legal action against UEFA. A source close to the matter told AFP that Wednesday's announcement was "a historic agreement" and the beginning "of a period of peace" which would benefit all parties. In 2022, UEFA decided to expand the Champions League to 36 teams and introduce the league phase, grouping all sides in the same table and increasing the number of matches from six to eight, for the 2024/25 season onwards.

Real Madrid reached an agreement with UEFA (European football’s apex body) to end the dispute surrounding the league. With Real Madrid pulling out, the proposed league is now set to be dissolved, with top clubs opting for an expanded version of the Champions League.

Real Madrid pull out of controversial European Super League, reach agreement with UEFA

Bayern Munich have lodged a protest with UEFA about "unacceptable" and "surprising" security measures implemented by French police ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash at Paris Saint-Germain.&nbsp;Bayern issued a statement late on Monday saying an official protest had been lodged with governing body UEFA about measures adopted at "short notice" by the Paris police prefecture.&nbsp;The measures, issued on Monday, included requiring all Bayern fan buses to wait outside the city and be accompanied to and from the Parc des Princes by a police escort.&nbsp;The measure also requires all Bayern fans to "travel to the stadium exclusively via public transport".&nbsp;Bayern said fan buses would only be able to leave the Paris region after around 5am local time on Wednesday, despite the match finishing at around 11pm the night before.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-laura-wolvaardt-to-jemimah-rodrigues-5-highest-individual-scores-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-alyssa-healy-pratika-rawal-phoebe-litchfield-1762156095237">From Laura Wolvaardt to Jemimah Rodrigues, 5 highest individual scores in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025</a>&nbsp;Hosts PSG were supportive of Bayern's protest, the statement outlined.&nbsp;"For FC Bayern, the short notice of the decree is unacceptable, as all the relevant information has been available for weeks," the statement read.&nbsp;French police came under fire in the aftermath of the 2022 Champions League final, between Real Madrid and Liverpool, held at the Stade de France in the north of the city.&nbsp;The match was overshadowed by a 37-minute delay to kick-off as fans struggled to access the entrances after being funnelled into overcrowded bottlenecks as they approached the stadium.&nbsp;In May of this year, ex-French interior minister Gerald Darmanin apologised to supporters for the police operation around the stadium, saying "we got the measures wrong" and "it was a failure".&nbsp;Darmanin had initially blamed Liverpool fans for the disorder and claimed many had turned up without tickets.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-outstanding-laura-wolvaardt-continues-to-impress-takes-spot-in-icc-odi-women-s-batters-ranking-1762248693495">Outstanding Laura Wolvaardt continues to impress, takes top spot in ICC ODI women's batters ranking</a>&nbsp;Nervy police fired tear gas towards thousands of supporters locked behind metal fences on the perimeter of the stadium.&nbsp;Liverpool fans suffered a series of false claims in the aftermath of the chaos.&nbsp;An independent report found UEFA bore "primary responsibility" for the failures which almost led to the match becoming a "mass fatality catastrophe".&nbsp;The report added it was "remarkable" that no one was killed on the night of the final.Real Madrid won the final 1-0.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bayern issued a statement late on Monday saying an official protest had been lodged with governing body UEFA about measures adopted at "short notice" by the Paris police prefecture.

Bayern Munich have lodged a protest with UEFA about "unacceptable" and "surprising" security measures implemented by French police ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash at Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern issued a statement late on Monday saying an official protest had been lodged with governing body UEFA about measures adopted at "short notice" by the Paris police prefecture. The measures, issued on Monday, included requiring all Bayern fan buses to wait outside the city and be accompanied to and from the Parc des Princes by a police escort. The measure also requires all Bayern fans to "travel to the stadium exclusively via public transport". Bayern said fan buses would only be able to leave the Paris region after around 5am local time on Wednesday, despite the match finishing at around 11pm the night before. ALSO READ | From Laura Wolvaardt to Jemimah Rodrigues, 5 highest individual scores in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Hosts PSG were supportive of Bayern's protest, the statement outlined. "For FC Bayern, the short notice of the decree is unacceptable, as all the relevant information has been available for weeks," the statement read. French police came under fire in the aftermath of the 2022 Champions League final, between Real Madrid and Liverpool, held at the Stade de France in the north of the city. The match was overshadowed by a 37-minute delay to kick-off as fans struggled to access the entrances after being funnelled into overcrowded bottlenecks as they approached the stadium. In May of this year, ex-French interior minister Gerald Darmanin apologised to supporters for the police operation around the stadium, saying "we got the measures wrong" and "it was a failure". Darmanin had initially blamed Liverpool fans for the disorder and claimed many had turned up without tickets. ALSO READ | Outstanding Laura Wolvaardt continues to impress, takes top spot in ICC ODI women's batters ranking Nervy police fired tear gas towards thousands of supporters locked behind metal fences on the perimeter of the stadium. Liverpool fans suffered a series of false claims in the aftermath of the chaos. An independent report found UEFA bore "primary responsibility" for the failures which almost led to the match becoming a "mass fatality catastrophe". The report added it was "remarkable" that no one was killed on the night of the final. Real Madrid won the final 1-0. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bayern issued a statement late on Monday saying an official protest had been lodged with governing body UEFA about measures adopted at "short notice" by the Paris police prefecture.

Champions League: Bayern Munich lodge UEFA protest over 'unacceptable' police measures in Paris

Real Madrid will seek "substantial" compensation from UEFA after a Spanish court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal from European football's governing body relating to the breakaway Super League.&nbsp;Proposed in 2021 by 12 elite European clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, the Super League project quickly collapsed due to fierce opposition from English clubs' fans and threats from UEFA and FIFA.&nbsp;The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in December 2023 that the ban on the Super League was contrary to European law.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-women-s-team-schedule-squad-fixtures-and-more-1758556378933">Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more</a>&nbsp;Last year, a Spanish judge said FIFA and UEFA had "prevented free competition" by opposing the Super League, ruling they were practising anti-competitive behaviour and abusing their dominant position.&nbsp;The court in Madrid on Wednesday also rejected appeals filed by La Liga and the Spanish football federation.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-players-with-most-runs-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-history-debbie-hockley-mithali-raj-janette-brittin-charlotte-edwards-suzie-bates-1757606297874">From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history</a>&nbsp;The scope of the court's decision is uncertain, however, as it tackles regulations that have been completely rewritten in the interim period.&nbsp;Real Madrid said they were "delighted" by the ruling, "confirming that UEFA, in the matter of the Super League, seriously infringed the European Union's free competition rules... by abusing its dominant position".&nbsp;"The club announces that it will continue to work for the good of global football and fans, while claiming substantial damages from UEFA," Real Madrid said in a statement.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Proposed in 2021 by 12 elite European clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, the Super League project quickly collapsed due to fierce opposition from English clubs' fans and threats from UEFA and FIFA.

Real Madrid will seek "substantial" compensation from UEFA after a Spanish court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal from European football's governing body relating to the breakaway Super League. Proposed in 2021 by 12 elite European clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, the Super League project quickly collapsed due to fierce opposition from English clubs' fans and threats from UEFA and FIFA. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in December 2023 that the ban on the Super League was contrary to European law. ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more Last year, a Spanish judge said FIFA and UEFA had "prevented free competition" by opposing the Super League, ruling they were practising anti-competitive behaviour and abusing their dominant position. The court in Madrid on Wednesday also rejected appeals filed by La Liga and the Spanish football federation. ALSO READ | From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history The scope of the court's decision is uncertain, however, as it tackles regulations that have been completely rewritten in the interim period. Real Madrid said they were "delighted" by the ruling, "confirming that UEFA, in the matter of the Super League, seriously infringed the European Union's free competition rules... by abusing its dominant position". "The club announces that it will continue to work for the good of global football and fans, while claiming substantial damages from UEFA," Real Madrid said in a statement. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Proposed in 2021 by 12 elite European clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, the Super League project quickly collapsed due to fierce opposition from English clubs' fans and threats from UEFA and FIFA.

Real Madrid seek damages after court rejects UEFA's Super League appeal

UEFA on Monday said it had "reluctantly" approved the staging of a La Liga and a Serie A match in the United States and Australia respectively despite fan protests.&nbsp;"While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent," UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement.&nbsp;UEFA made its ruling after Spain's La Liga agreed to move a game scheduled for late December between champions Barcelona and Villarreal to Miami, Florida.&nbsp;Italy's Serie A also decided to stage the encounter between AC Milan and Como on February 8 in Perth, Australia, to avoid a clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at Milan's San Siro stadium.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-women-s-team-schedule-squad-fixtures-and-more-1758556378933">Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more</a>&nbsp;But that sparked protests from European supporters groups who branded the moves "absurd, unaffordable, and environmentally irresponsible".&nbsp;In its statement, UEFA said that it had "reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country".&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-players-with-most-runs-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-history-debbie-hockley-mithali-raj-janette-brittin-charlotte-edwards-suzie-bates-1757606297874">From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history</a>&nbsp;But despite "the widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions", UEFA said that it had found no clear regulatory framework in FIFA's statutes that would allow it to oppose the moves.&nbsp;"The UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it," European football's governing body said in its statement.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UEFA made its ruling after Spain's La Liga agreed to move a game scheduled for late December between champions Barcelona and Villarreal to Miami, Florida.

UEFA on Monday said it had "reluctantly" approved the staging of a La Liga and a Serie A match in the United States and Australia respectively despite fan protests. "While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent," UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement. UEFA made its ruling after Spain's La Liga agreed to move a game scheduled for late December between champions Barcelona and Villarreal to Miami, Florida. Italy's Serie A also decided to stage the encounter between AC Milan and Como on February 8 in Perth, Australia, to avoid a clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at Milan's San Siro stadium. ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more But that sparked protests from European supporters groups who branded the moves "absurd, unaffordable, and environmentally irresponsible". In its statement, UEFA said that it had "reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country". ALSO READ | From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history But despite "the widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players and European institutions", UEFA said that it had found no clear regulatory framework in FIFA's statutes that would allow it to oppose the moves. "The UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it," European football's governing body said in its statement. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UEFA made its ruling after Spain's La Liga agreed to move a game scheduled for late December between champions Barcelona and Villarreal to Miami, Florida.

UEFA 'reluctantly' approves European league games in US, Australia

Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano is all set to host the 2026 UEFA Champions League final as announced by UEFA (European football’s governing body) on Thursday (Sep 11). In a decision made by UEFA, the iconic stadium in Madrid will host its second Champions League final in eight years, having done so in 2019 when Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur in an all-English final.<h2>UCL final back in Madrid</h2>After last hosting the final in 2019, Madrid was once again in contention when UEFA executives met in Tirana to decide the venue for the 2026 Champions League final. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, was also considered, but Madrid ultimately secured the event.The most recent Champions League final took place in Munich, where PSG defeated Inter Milan 5-0. The upcoming campaign is scheduled to begin next week, with the final taking place in May in Budapest, Hungary.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;UEFA announced that Warsaw will host the 2027 Women's Champions League final and Salzburg will host the UEFA Super Cup next year. These announcements were made alongside the confirmation that Madrid will host the 2026 men's Champions League final.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a><h2>What happened last time in Wanda Metropolitano?</h2>In the last Champions League final hosted by Wanda Metropolitano, Tottenham Hotspur lost to Liverpool 2-0 in the final. While the final was a one-sided affair with Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi scoring, their run to the final was interesting. Liverpool beat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate, having lost the first leg 3-0, while Spurs beat Ajax in a monumental semifinal.&nbsp;The North London side lost 1-0 in the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and were down 2-0 (3-0 overall) heading into the final 30 minutes of the second leg. However, Lucas Moura structured Tottenham’s comeback and scored a hat-trick to book his side’s place in the final as Spurs won away goals.

In a decision made by UEFA, the iconic stadium in Madrid will host its second Champions League final in eight years, having done so in 2019 when Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur in an all-English final.

Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano is all set to host the 2026 UEFA Champions League final as announced by UEFA (European football’s governing body) on Thursday (Sep 11). In a decision made by UEFA, the iconic stadium in Madrid will host its second Champions League final in eight years, having done so in 2019 when Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur in an all-English final. UCL final back in Madrid After last hosting the final in 2019, Madrid was once again in contention when UEFA executives met in Tirana to decide the venue for the 2026 Champions League final. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, was also considered, but Madrid ultimately secured the event. The most recent Champions League final took place in Munich, where PSG defeated Inter Milan 5-0. The upcoming campaign is scheduled to begin next week, with the final taking place in May in Budapest, Hungary. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) UEFA announced that Warsaw will host the 2027 Women's Champions League final and Salzburg will host the UEFA Super Cup next year. These announcements were made alongside the confirmation that Madrid will host the 2026 men's Champions League final. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details What happened last time in Wanda Metropolitano? In the last Champions League final hosted by Wanda Metropolitano, Tottenham Hotspur lost to Liverpool 2-0 in the final. While the final was a one-sided affair with Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi scoring, their run to the final was interesting. Liverpool beat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate, having lost the first leg 3-0, while Spurs beat Ajax in a monumental semifinal. The North London side lost 1-0 in the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and were down 2-0 (3-0 overall) heading into the final 30 minutes of the second leg. However, Lucas Moura structured Tottenham’s comeback and scored a hat-trick to book his side’s place in the final as Spurs won away goals.

In a decision made by UEFA, the iconic stadium in Madrid will host its second Champions League final in eight years, having done so in 2019 when Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur in an all-English final.

Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano to host 2027 Champions League final: UEFA

Cristiano Ronaldo helped an emotional Portugal enjoy a perfect start to their World Cup qualifying campaign as Thomas Tuchel's uninspiring England remained unbeaten on Saturday. Portugal, playing for the first time since the death of their Liverpool forward Diogo Jota along with his brother Andre Silva in a car accident, took an impressive first step to the finals next year sweeping aside Armenia 5-0 in Yerevan.&nbsp;Both teams observed one minute's silence before kick-off at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in tribute to Jota and his brother who were killed in a crash in northern Spain on July 3, 11 days after Jota had married Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children.&nbsp;Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo was in sparkling form, Portugal's irrepressible 40-year-old talisman scoring in either half, the second a sizzling shot from distance, to take his record international tally to 140 goals, over two decades after his first.&nbsp;A brace from Joao Felix, Ronaldo's new teammate at Saudi side Al Nassr, and a contribution from another Saudi-based player Joao Cancelo lifted Roberto Martinez's Nations League winners top of Group F.<h2>Portugal's number 21</h2>Cancelo marked his goal by pointing to the skies with both hands in memory of Jota's goal celebration.&nbsp;Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares believed Ronaldo's 21st-minute goal held special significance as 21 was the shirt number worn by Jota when playing for his country.&nbsp;"We're all very happy because it shows he's (Jota) with us, that he was there, and that moment, Ronaldo's goal, was made possible. He'll always be with us, as was clear today," said the defender.&nbsp;Ronaldo said on social media it was the "first step taken" in his quest to appear at a sixth World Cup.&nbsp;Portugal's next opponents on Tuesday are Hungary, who despite playing the last 30 minutes a man down secured a 2-2 draw in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland.&nbsp;Hungary were on their way to take all three points until Adam Idah's equaliser in the third minute of added time for the hosts.&nbsp;England extended their unbeaten run in Group K to four matches but hardly set the world alight in defeating modest Andorra 2-0 at Villa Park in Birmingham.&nbsp;Christian Garcia's first-half own-goal was followed by Declan Rice's header to keep Tuchel's team firmly on course for the 2026 football fiesta in the United States, Mexico and Canada.&nbsp;But while the Three Lions will be more than satisfied with their 12 points this was in truth another underwhelming display that raised questions about Tuchel's ability to produce a trophy-winning team from a gifted generation.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;England were efficient but unspectacular, lacking guile and intelligence in the final third.No wonder Tuchel wore a frustrated expression on the touchline.&nbsp;Claiming the subdued crowd played a role in the display, the German said: "It's difficult because it's a very different crowd to a Premier League crowd.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a>&nbsp;"After the first goal we had 10 or 15 minutes with too many ball losses and lost our focus and concentration but in the second half, we found it again and should have scored more."The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss will want a more purposeful performance in the toughest test of his reign on Tuesday when England face their main Group K rivals Serbia.&nbsp;"We've learned a lot and I'm glad for the players. Now we will prove a point in Belgrade," said Tuchel.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;The Serbs sit second in the mini-league on seven points after edging Latvia 1-0 in Riga.Saturday's action concluded with Marcel Sabitzer's 54th-minute penalty earning Austria a 1-0 home win over Cyprus, and Bosnia-Hercegovina routing San Marino 6-0 in Group H.In total, 16 European nations will qualify for the World Cup.&nbsp;The 12 group winners qualify directly, the four remaining berths are determined by play-offs involving the 12 group runners-up for the expanded 48-team finals.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Portugal, playing for the first time since the death of their Liverpool forward Diogo Jota along with his brother Andre Silva in a car accident, took an impressive first step to the finals next year sweeping aside Armenia 5-0 in Yerevan.

Cristiano Ronaldo helped an emotional Portugal enjoy a perfect start to their World Cup qualifying campaign as Thomas Tuchel's uninspiring England remained unbeaten on Saturday. Portugal, playing for the first time since the death of their Liverpool forward Diogo Jota along with his brother Andre Silva in a car accident, took an impressive first step to the finals next year sweeping aside Armenia 5-0 in Yerevan. Both teams observed one minute's silence before kick-off at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in tribute to Jota and his brother who were killed in a crash in northern Spain on July 3, 11 days after Jota had married Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children. Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo was in sparkling form, Portugal's irrepressible 40-year-old talisman scoring in either half, the second a sizzling shot from distance, to take his record international tally to 140 goals, over two decades after his first. A brace from Joao Felix, Ronaldo's new teammate at Saudi side Al Nassr, and a contribution from another Saudi-based player Joao Cancelo lifted Roberto Martinez's Nations League winners top of Group F. Portugal's number 21 Cancelo marked his goal by pointing to the skies with both hands in memory of Jota's goal celebration. Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares believed Ronaldo's 21st-minute goal held special significance as 21 was the shirt number worn by Jota when playing for his country. "We're all very happy because it shows he's (Jota) with us, that he was there, and that moment, Ronaldo's goal, was made possible. He'll always be with us, as was clear today," said the defender. Ronaldo said on social media it was the "first step taken" in his quest to appear at a sixth World Cup. Portugal's next opponents on Tuesday are Hungary, who despite playing the last 30 minutes a man down secured a 2-2 draw in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland. Hungary were on their way to take all three points until Adam Idah's equaliser in the third minute of added time for the hosts. England extended their unbeaten run in Group K to four matches but hardly set the world alight in defeating modest Andorra 2-0 at Villa Park in Birmingham. Christian Garcia's first-half own-goal was followed by Declan Rice's header to keep Tuchel's team firmly on course for the 2026 football fiesta in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But while the Three Lions will be more than satisfied with their 12 points this was in truth another underwhelming display that raised questions about Tuchel's ability to produce a trophy-winning team from a gifted generation. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details England were efficient but unspectacular, lacking guile and intelligence in the final third. No wonder Tuchel wore a frustrated expression on the touchline. Claiming the subdued crowd played a role in the display, the German said: "It's difficult because it's a very different crowd to a Premier League crowd. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out "After the first goal we had 10 or 15 minutes with too many ball losses and lost our focus and concentration but in the second half, we found it again and should have scored more." The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss will want a more purposeful performance in the toughest test of his reign on Tuesday when England face their main Group K rivals Serbia. "We've learned a lot and I'm glad for the players. Now we will prove a point in Belgrade," said Tuchel. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) The Serbs sit second in the mini-league on seven points after edging Latvia 1-0 in Riga. Saturday's action concluded with Marcel Sabitzer's 54th-minute penalty earning Austria a 1-0 home win over Cyprus, and Bosnia-Hercegovina routing San Marino 6-0 in Group H. In total, 16 European nations will qualify for the World Cup. The 12 group winners qualify directly, the four remaining berths are determined by play-offs involving the 12 group runners-up for the expanded 48-team finals. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Portugal, playing for the first time since the death of their Liverpool forward Diogo Jota along with his brother Andre Silva in a car accident, took an impressive first step to the finals next year sweeping aside Armenia 5-0 in Yerevan.

UEFA 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers: Portugal cruise as teammates remember Diogo Costa, England unbeaten

Euro 2028 hosts England, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales will compete in qualifying for the tournament, UEFA said Wednesday.The European football governing body confirmed the qualification format for the 24-team tournament, reserving two places for host nations who do not qualify."(The) hosts... will also participate in qualifying, drawn into separate groups," said UEFA in a statement after an executive committee meeting in Bilbao ahead of the Europa League final.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-i-will-quit-make-a-shorter-squad-pep-guardiola-fires-warning-at-man-city-management-after-poor-season-1747822775866">'I will quit, make a shorter squad': Pep Guardiola fires warning at Man City management after poor season</a>"The 12 group winners and eight best runners-up (20 teams) will advance directly to the EURO 2028 final tournament."Two spots in the final tournament will be reserved for the two best-ranked host nations who are not qualified as group winners or best runners-up after the completion of the qualifying group stage."The remaining places at the tournament will be won via play-offs between the remaining qualifying group runners-up and the highest ranked 2026-27 Nations League non-qualified group winners.The number of spots available through play-offs will depend on whether host nations qualify directly through the groups or via the reserved qualifying slots.Euro 2024 hosts Germany qualified directly to the tournament, eventually won by Spain who beat England in the Berlin final.Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The European football governing body confirmed the qualification format for the 24-team tournament, reserving two places for host nations who do not qualify.

Euro 2028 hosts England, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales will compete in qualifying for the tournament, UEFA said Wednesday. The European football governing body confirmed the qualification format for the 24-team tournament, reserving two places for host nations who do not qualify. "(The) hosts... will also participate in qualifying, drawn into separate groups," said UEFA in a statement after an executive committee meeting in Bilbao ahead of the Europa League final. Also Read - 'I will quit, make a shorter squad': Pep Guardiola fires warning at Man City management after poor season "The 12 group winners and eight best runners-up (20 teams) will advance directly to the EURO 2028 final tournament. "Two spots in the final tournament will be reserved for the two best-ranked host nations who are not qualified as group winners or best runners-up after the completion of the qualifying group stage." The remaining places at the tournament will be won via play-offs between the remaining qualifying group runners-up and the highest ranked 2026-27 Nations League non-qualified group winners. The number of spots available through play-offs will depend on whether host nations qualify directly through the groups or via the reserved qualifying slots. Euro 2024 hosts Germany qualified directly to the tournament, eventually won by Spain who beat England in the Berlin final. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The European football governing body confirmed the qualification format for the 24-team tournament, reserving two places for host nations who do not qualify.

Two spots reserved for hosts unable to qualify for Euro 2028, confirms UEFA

UEFA opened an investigation into four Real Madrid stars including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior on Thursday for alleged "indecent conduct" during their Champions League last 16 win over Atletico Madrid.
Madrid's two superstar forwards, as well as defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Ceballos, face potential punishment ahead of their quarter-final first leg clash at Arsenal on April 8.
Also Read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/star-culture-returns-with-csk-rcb-southern-derby-why-is-it-ipl-2025-biggest-draw-8896859" aria-label="Star culture returns with CSK-RCB Southern Derby: Why is it IPL's biggest draw?">Star culture returns with CSK-RCB Southern Derby: Why is it IPL's biggest draw?</a>
"A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players," said the European football governing body in a statement.
Spanish media reports suggested Real Madrid players are being scrutinised by UEFA for the manner of their celebrations after the win.
UEFA and Real Madrid did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.
Record 15-time champions and current holders Madrid beat their rivals on penalties at Atletico's Metropolitano stadium on March 12 after a 2-2 aggregate draw.
The night ended in controversy after Atletico forward Julian Alvarez had a penalty controversially disallowed in the shoot-out for supposedly touching the ball twice.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.AFp

Spanish media reports suggested Real Madrid players are being scrutinised by UEFA for the manner of their celebrations after the win. Football Sports

UEFA opened an investigation into four Real Madrid stars including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior on Thursday for alleged "indecent conduct" during their Champions League last 16 win over Atletico Madrid. Madrid's two superstar forwards, as well as defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Ceballos, face potential punishment ahead of their quarter-final first leg clash at Arsenal on April 8. Also Read: Star culture returns with CSK-RCB Southern Derby: Why is it IPL's biggest draw? "A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players," said the European football governing body in a statement. Spanish media reports suggested Real Madrid players are being scrutinised by UEFA for the manner of their celebrations after the win. UEFA and Real Madrid did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. Record 15-time champions and current holders Madrid beat their rivals on penalties at Atletico's Metropolitano stadium on March 12 after a 2-2 aggregate draw. The night ended in controversy after Atletico forward Julian Alvarez had a penalty controversially disallowed in the shoot-out for supposedly touching the ball twice. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.AFp

Real Madrid players including Mbappe, Vinicius under UEFA probe for 'indecent conduct'

Paris, France
Super League promoters on Tuesday revealed they have asked FIFA and UEFA for "official recognition" of their proposed competition, renamed the "Unify League", leaning on a ruling from Europe's top court.
A22 Sports Management said it sent the proposal after discussions with various leagues, clubs and other stakeholders, revising its qualification system to base participation on annual domestic performances. It has submitted plans for competitions featuring 96 teams divided into four leagues, running from September to April, followed by a knockout phase starting with the quarter-finals. 
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fa-suspends-chelsea-forward-mykhailo-mudryk-over-failed-drug-test-784667">FA suspends Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk over failed drug test</a>
In a statement, A22 argued last year's European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling meant that "any competition where qualification is inclusive and meritocratic, and which complies with the overall match calendar can be officially established".
Promoters also said matches would be shown live for free via a streaming platform.
"Our extensive engagement with key stakeholders revealed a number of pressing challenges facing the sport including increasing subscription costs for fans, an overloaded player calendar, insufficient investment in women's football, and dissatisfaction with the format and governance of the current pan-European competitions," said A22 CEO Bernd Reichart said.
"Our proposal is designed to directly address these challenges."
<h2>Furious backlash</h2>
European football was hit with a bombshell in early 2021, when 12 of its biggest clubs announced they had signed up to the planned Super League, triggering a furious backlash from fans and a stark warning from UEFA that clubs and players who took parts would be barred from competitions like the World Cup.
Within 48 hours, nine of the 12 rebel clubs—including six from the English Premier League—backed down and the project collapsed, but Real Madrid and Barcelona remain strong supporters of it.
Last year, the ECJ ruled that UEFA had broken EU law by abusing its "dominant position" in European football to stifle an upstart breakaway league of elite clubs.
But when the firm promoting the Super League seized on the court victory to announce plans for a new 64-team tournament to compete with or replace UEFA's flagship Champions League, it was met with scorn and rejection.
In May, a Spanish court said FIFA and UEFA had "prevented free competition" by opposing the Super League, but UEFA insisted it did not explicitly support the creation of the Super League.
"The judgment does not give third parties the right to develop competitions without authorisation and does not concern any future project or indeed any modified version of an existing project," UEFA said at the time.
European football's governing body also pointed out that it had since brought in new rules to ensure it now complied with EU law.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A22 Sports Management said it sent the proposal after discussions with various leagues, clubs and other stakeholders, revising its qualification system to base participation on annual domestic performances.



Paris, France Super League promoters on Tuesday revealed they have asked FIFA and UEFA for "official recognition" of their proposed competition, renamed the "Unify League", leaning on a ruling from Europe's top court. A22 Sports Management said it sent the proposal after discussions with various leagues, clubs and other stakeholders, revising its qualification system to base participation on annual domestic performances. It has submitted plans for competitions featuring 96 teams divided into four leagues, running from September to April, followed by a knockout phase starting with the quarter-finals. ALSO READ: FA suspends Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk over failed drug test In a statement, A22 argued last year's European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling meant that "any competition where qualification is inclusive and meritocratic, and which complies with the overall match calendar can be officially established". Promoters also said matches would be shown live for free via a streaming platform. "Our extensive engagement with key stakeholders revealed a number of pressing challenges facing the sport including increasing subscription costs for fans, an overloaded player calendar, insufficient investment in women's football, and dissatisfaction with the format and governance of the current pan-European competitions," said A22 CEO Bernd Reichart said. "Our proposal is designed to directly address these challenges." Furious backlash European football was hit with a bombshell in early 2021, when 12 of its biggest clubs announced they had signed up to the planned Super League, triggering a furious backlash from fans and a stark warning from UEFA that clubs and players who took parts would be barred from competitions like the World Cup. Within 48 hours, nine of the 12 rebel clubs—including six from the English Premier League—backed down and the project collapsed, but Real Madrid and Barcelona remain strong supporters of it. Last year, the ECJ ruled that UEFA had broken EU law by abusing its "dominant position" in European football to stifle an upstart breakaway league of elite clubs. But when the firm promoting the Super League seized on the court victory to announce plans for a new 64-team tournament to compete with or replace UEFA's flagship Champions League, it was met with scorn and rejection. In May, a Spanish court said FIFA and UEFA had "prevented free competition" by opposing the Super League, but UEFA insisted it did not explicitly support the creation of the Super League. "The judgment does not give third parties the right to develop competitions without authorisation and does not concern any future project or indeed any modified version of an existing project," UEFA said at the time. European football's governing body also pointed out that it had since brought in new rules to ensure it now complied with EU law. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Super League promoters reveal approaching FIFA, UEFA for official recognition

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has apologized, stating that he did not intend to make light of self-harm after City's 3-3 draw with Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League.

Guardiola Apologises For Self-harm Comment After Feyenoord Draw

UEFA ruled Wednesday that Kosovo had forfeited their Nations League game in Romania by leaving the pitch in stoppage time and not returning, after hearing pro-Serbia chants.

The Kosovo players walked off in Bucharest last Friday after fans in the crowd shouted "Serbia", leading to the game to be abandoned just before the end with the score 0-0.

In its ruling, UEFA deemed the Kosovo football federation "responsible for the match not being played in full" and said the team would forfeit it 3-0.

The decision means Romania will be promoted to League B of the competition as winners of their group, while Kosovo go into a promotion play-off after finishing runners-up.

The Kosovar FA also incurred a 6,000-euro fine for "the improper conduct of its team" after five players received yellow cards in the game, the same number as Romania.

UEFA fined the Romanian football federation 128,000 euros for a series of disciplinary breaches.

It also ordered the team's next home game to be played behind closed doors for "racist" chants by Romanian supporters targeting neighbouring Hungary.

In addition, Romania were sanctioned for "provocative political messages not fit for a sports event" and disturbances during the Kosovar national anthem.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-davis-cup-finals-germany-beats-canada-to-set-up-semi-finals-against-netherlands-777815">Davis Cup Finals: Germany beats Canada to set up semi-finals against Netherlands</a>

UEFA also punished the Romanian FA for the throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks, use of laser pointer and the blocking of public passageways. &nbsp;

Animosity between Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s.

Kosovo and Serbia do not play each other in UEFA and FIFA tournaments.

Football's world governing body opened disciplinary proceedings against Serbia during the 2022 World Cup after the team hung a flag in their changing room depicting Kosovo as part of Serbia.

Kosovo joined FIFA and European confederation UEFA in 2016.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UEFA ruled Wednesday that Kosovo had forfeited their Nations League game in Romania by leaving the pitch in stoppage time and not returning, after hearing pro-Serbia chants.

UEFA ruled Wednesday that Kosovo had forfeited their Nations League game in Romania by leaving the pitch in stoppage time and not returning, after hearing pro-Serbia chants. The Kosovo players walked off in Bucharest last Friday after fans in the crowd shouted "Serbia", leading to the game to be abandoned just before the end with the score 0-0. In its ruling, UEFA deemed the Kosovo football federation "responsible for the match not being played in full" and said the team would forfeit it 3-0. The decision means Romania will be promoted to League B of the competition as winners of their group, while Kosovo go into a promotion play-off after finishing runners-up. The Kosovar FA also incurred a 6,000-euro fine for "the improper conduct of its team" after five players received yellow cards in the game, the same number as Romania. UEFA fined the Romanian football federation 128,000 euros for a series of disciplinary breaches. It also ordered the team's next home game to be played behind closed doors for "racist" chants by Romanian supporters targeting neighbouring Hungary. In addition, Romania were sanctioned for "provocative political messages not fit for a sports event" and disturbances during the Kosovar national anthem. ALSO READ | Davis Cup Finals: Germany beats Canada to set up semi-finals against Netherlands UEFA also punished the Romanian FA for the throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks, use of laser pointer and the blocking of public passageways. Animosity between Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s. Kosovo and Serbia do not play each other in UEFA and FIFA tournaments. Football's world governing body opened disciplinary proceedings against Serbia during the 2022 World Cup after the team hung a flag in their changing room depicting Kosovo as part of Serbia. Kosovo joined FIFA and European confederation UEFA in 2016. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UEFA orders Kosovo to forfeit abandoned Nations League match against Romania

Germany rounded off their Nations League group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw in Hungary after a Dominik Szoboszlai penalty in the 99th minute rescued a point for the hosts, while Netherlands were held to the same scoreline by Bosnia and Hercegovina.

There was little to play for in Group A3 going into the final day. The Germans had already wrapped up top spot. The Dutch were secure in second and Hungary sat four points ahead of the already-relegated Bosnia.

"With a win, we would've gone into the break with a nicer feeling but we can still be very satisfied about what we achieved in 2024 and can kick things off again in March," said German midfielder Robert Andrich.

In Group B4, a 4-1 victory for Wales against Iceland ensured automatic promotion to the top division at the expense of Turkey, who went down 3-1 in Montenegro.

Czech Republic booked top spot in Group B1 with a 2-1 win over Georgia. Ukraine leapfrogged the Georgians into second place by downing Albania.

In Budapest, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann rang the changes with his team having confirmed top spot last week with a 7-0 thumping of Bosnia.

Felix Nmecha broke a goalless stalemate when he prodded home from inside the six-yard box with 14 minutes remaining.

Germany seemed set to close out their fifth win in six outings until the seventh minute of injury time.

VAR decided that Robin Koch had committed a handball in the box and Hungarian captain Szoboszlai stepped up two minutes later to dink home from 12 yards.

"It's been a real rollercoaster of a year, but I believe that with this match we can go into 2025 in good spirits," said Szoboszlai.

Netherlands finished five points behind their historic rivals as they were held to a draw in Zenica.

Brian Brobbey headed in the opener for Ronald Koeman's side midway through the first period but despite dominating the rest of the half the Dutch&nbsp;were unable to double their lead.

The Oranje were made to pay in the 67th minute when Hamburg-born Bosnian attacker Ermedin Demirovic adjusted his body magnificently to nod a rebound over goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

"I'm not satisfied with a point. I think we had to win," said Koeman.

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<h2>Really happy</h2>

Wales bounced back from an early Andri Gudjohnsen goal in Cardiff to put four past Iceland and jump to first place in their group.

"It's something we set out to do," Wales' Liam Cullen told Sgorio.

"We knew we couldn't control what was going on in the Turkey game, but we really wanted to put our stamp on this game and win convincingly, so really happy that we've done that."

Cullen scored a double to put the hosts in front by half-time, before Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson put the seal on the match inside the final half-hour.

Wales needed victory to have any chance of obtaining automatic promotion to League A, but they needed Montenegro's upset of Turkey to claim that spot with a one-point buffer.&nbsp;

Nikola Krstovic's hat-trick in Niksic condemned Turkey to the play-off spot as Montenegro picked up their first points of the campaign after five consecutive defeats.

Two 2-1 wins flipped Group B1 on its head after three points had separated the four teams going into the final matchday.

Ukraine were fourth before their trip to Tirana but two goals in the first 10 minutes from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Roman Yaremchuk gave them the perfect start.

Zinchenko celebrated his opener by holding up a shirt printed "1000", marking one thousand days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

A Nedim Bajrami penalty gave Albania hope in the last quarter of an hour but the Ukrainians held on to claim second spot.

The Czechs had sat top of the group on eight points and consolidated top spot when first-half strikes by Pavel Sulc and Adam Hlozek were enough to give them a 2-1 home win over Georgia.

In League C, Sweden showcased their striking prowess with a 6-0 thumping of Azerbaijan as they emphatically topped their group.

Much-heralded 26-year-old striker Viktor Gyokeres netted four goals in the rout, with Dejan Kulusevski grabbing a brace.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Germany rounded off their Nations League group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw in Hungary after a Dominik Szoboszlai penalty in the 99th minute rescued a point for the hosts, while Netherlands were held to the same scoreline by Bosnia and Hercegovina.

Germany rounded off their Nations League group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw in Hungary after a Dominik Szoboszlai penalty in the 99th minute rescued a point for the hosts, while Netherlands were held to the same scoreline by Bosnia and Hercegovina. There was little to play for in Group A3 going into the final day. The Germans had already wrapped up top spot. The Dutch were secure in second and Hungary sat four points ahead of the already-relegated Bosnia. "With a win, we would've gone into the break with a nicer feeling but we can still be very satisfied about what we achieved in 2024 and can kick things off again in March," said German midfielder Robert Andrich. In Group B4, a 4-1 victory for Wales against Iceland ensured automatic promotion to the top division at the expense of Turkey, who went down 3-1 in Montenegro. Czech Republic booked top spot in Group B1 with a 2-1 win over Georgia. Ukraine leapfrogged the Georgians into second place by downing Albania. In Budapest, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann rang the changes with his team having confirmed top spot last week with a 7-0 thumping of Bosnia. Felix Nmecha broke a goalless stalemate when he prodded home from inside the six-yard box with 14 minutes remaining. Germany seemed set to close out their fifth win in six outings until the seventh minute of injury time. VAR decided that Robin Koch had committed a handball in the box and Hungarian captain Szoboszlai stepped up two minutes later to dink home from 12 yards. "It's been a real rollercoaster of a year, but I believe that with this match we can go into 2025 in good spirits," said Szoboszlai. Netherlands finished five points behind their historic rivals as they were held to a draw in Zenica. Brian Brobbey headed in the opener for Ronald Koeman's side midway through the first period but despite dominating the rest of the half the Dutch were unable to double their lead. The Oranje were made to pay in the 67th minute when Hamburg-born Bosnian attacker Ermedin Demirovic adjusted his body magnificently to nod a rebound over goalkeeper Mark Flekken. "I'm not satisfied with a point. I think we had to win," said Koeman. ALSO READ | Japan move closer to FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification with crushing win over China Really happy Wales bounced back from an early Andri Gudjohnsen goal in Cardiff to put four past Iceland and jump to first place in their group. "It's something we set out to do," Wales' Liam Cullen told Sgorio. "We knew we couldn't control what was going on in the Turkey game, but we really wanted to put our stamp on this game and win convincingly, so really happy that we've done that." Cullen scored a double to put the hosts in front by half-time, before Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson put the seal on the match inside the final half-hour. Wales needed victory to have any chance of obtaining automatic promotion to League A, but they needed Montenegro's upset of Turkey to claim that spot with a one-point buffer. Nikola Krstovic's hat-trick in Niksic condemned Turkey to the play-off spot as Montenegro picked up their first points of the campaign after five consecutive defeats. Two 2-1 wins flipped Group B1 on its head after three points had separated the four teams going into the final matchday. Ukraine were fourth before their trip to Tirana but two goals in the first 10 minutes from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Roman Yaremchuk gave them the perfect start. Zinchenko celebrated his opener by holding up a shirt printed "1000", marking one thousand days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A Nedim Bajrami penalty gave Albania hope in the last quarter of an hour but the Ukrainians held on to claim second spot. The Czechs had sat top of the group on eight points and consolidated top spot when first-half strikes by Pavel Sulc and Adam Hlozek were enough to give them a 2-1 home win over Georgia. In League C, Sweden showcased their striking prowess with a 6-0 thumping of Azerbaijan as they emphatically topped their group. Much-heralded 26-year-old striker Viktor Gyokeres netted four goals in the rout, with Dejan Kulusevski grabbing a brace. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Nations League: Germany, Netherlands conclude group stage with draws; Wales win group B4

Before the UEFA Nations League match in Paris, pro-Palestine protests took place outside the stadium, with demonstrators voicing their opposition to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The protests highlighted the political tensions surrounding the event, as activists called for greater attention to the humanitarian crisis. Despite the demonstration, the match went ahead as scheduled, with heightened security measures in place to ensure public safety.

Scuffle Breaks Out During France-Israel Match in Paris | GRAVITAS

UEFA National League: Pro-Palestine Protests Took Place Before The Match In Paris

UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate Premier League referee David Coote after a video emerged of him allegedly snorting a white powder during Euro 2024.

It comes after English referees body PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) said it was taking fresh allegations about Coote "very seriously".

The 42-year-old was suspended by the PGMOL on Monday after video footage appeared on social media in which he is seen making disparaging remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Coote's comments about the German are also being investigated by the Football Association.

On Wednesday, another video appeared on the Sun newspaper's website, which it said showed Coote snorting a white powder during Euro 2024 in Germany, where he was officiating.

European football's governing body, UEFA, which had already suspended Coote, has now opened an investigation into his conduct.

"A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by the referee Mr David Coote," it said in a statement.

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"Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course."

A PGMOL spokesman said on Wednesday that the organisation was aware of the second video.

"We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation," said a PGMOL spokesman.

"David's welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage."

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate Premier League referee David Coote after a video emerged of him allegedly snorting a white powder during Euro 2024.

UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate Premier League referee David Coote after a video emerged of him allegedly snorting a white powder during Euro 2024. It comes after English referees body PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) said it was taking fresh allegations about Coote "very seriously". The 42-year-old was suspended by the PGMOL on Monday after video footage appeared on social media in which he is seen making disparaging remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Coote's comments about the German are also being investigated by the Football Association. On Wednesday, another video appeared on the Sun newspaper's website, which it said showed Coote snorting a white powder during Euro 2024 in Germany, where he was officiating. European football's governing body, UEFA, which had already suspended Coote, has now opened an investigation into his conduct. "A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by the referee Mr David Coote," it said in a statement. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit and Dravid wasted 10 years of my son's career, claims Sanju Samson's father "Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course." A PGMOL spokesman said on Wednesday that the organisation was aware of the second video. "We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation," said a PGMOL spokesman. "David's welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UEFA launches investigation against Premier League referee David Coote

Lionel Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick as Argentina thrashed Bolivia 6-0 in the World Cup qualifiers, meanwhile Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were held to a goalless draw by Scotland in the UEFA Nations League.

Messi Scores Hat-trick, Ronaldo Throws A Tantrum

Israel played their first match outside the neutral venue of Hungary for the first-time amid the Israel-Palestine war. The match took place in Udine, Italy amid high security and had snipers on the roof of the stadium for protection. Italy won the match 4-1 and are on the cusp of booking a quarter-final berth in the UEFA Nations League. It was a memorable night for the Maldini family. Daniel Maldini became the third generation of his family to play for Italy after Paolo and Cesare.

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