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Tag: UEFA

  • Champions League round of 16 draw to be re-done

    Champions League round of 16 draw to be re-done

    The UEFA Champions League round of 16 draws will be re-done after a “technical problem” caused an error in the initial one.

    It will now take place at 2pm, after the Europa Conference League draw.

    That means the previous draw is null and void – and we may now, unfortunately, be denied a Messi – Ronaldo reunion.

    Uefa’s statement: “Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the Uefa Champions League Round of 16.

    “As a result of this, the draw has been declared void and will be entirely redone at 1500 CET (14:00 GMT).”

  • FIFA World Cup plan would have “destructive impact” – Clubs

    FIFA World Cup plan would have “destructive impact” – Clubs

    FIFA’s plans for a biennial World Cup would lead to a “direct and destructive impact on the club game”, Europe’s top clubs organisation said on Friday.

    The European Club Association (ECA) said FIFA’s approach to the reforms of the international match calendar were in “direct and unilateral breach of certain legal obligations.”

    The association joined European soccer’s governing body, UEFA in opposing the proposals.

    The ECA, which represents 234 European clubs, did not state what obligations it was referring to, but the organisation has made a series of agreements with UEFA and FIFA regarding the calendar.

    “Football clubs have always been a fundamental and respected voice in shaping the future of the IMC (international match calendar).

    “They are the cornerstone of football, being the drivers of competitions; the primary hub and home of player development and investment; and the fulcrum of fans and their local communities.

    “This is why the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which governs the relationship between ECA and FIFA, places the IMC at its core.

    “This MoU between the clubs and FIFA was agreed upon following detailed negotiations and joint approval on the IMC, as well as the processes that govern the IMC,” the ECA added.

    FIFA is conducting a feasibility study into holding the World Cup on a biennial basis, a change from the current four- yearly cycle.

    Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal manager, who is now FIFA’s head of Global Football Development, said this month he was “100 per cent convinced” about the benefits of the switch.

    The association said it has been ready to discuss a “modernised” calendar, but there has been a lack of consultation from FIFA.

    “ECA has, therefore, followed with grave concern and alarm FIFA’s launch of active PR campaigns and much pretence, apparently seeking to railroad through reforms to the IMC, particularly the introduction of a biennial World Cup,” it said.

    On Monday, FIFA said it had “reached out to its member associations and other stakeholders (representatives of the players, clubs, leagues, confederations) marking the beginning of a new phase of consultation.”

    UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin, warned this month of a potential European boycott of the World Cup if FIFA’s plans went ahead.

    While South American confederation CONMEBOL has also been strongly critical of FIFA’s approach, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said it “welcomes the extensive consultation process initiated by FIFA”.

    CONCACAF, which governs the game in North and Central America and the Caribbean, said it was looking at the proposals “with an open mind.”

    Any vote on changes would likely have to be passed by the full FIFA congress of 211 national associations.

  • UEFA urges FIFA to stop pushing World Cup plan

    UEFA urges FIFA to stop pushing World Cup plan

    European football’s governing body UEFA has urged FIFA to stop pushing its plan for a two-year World Cup and instead to engage in “genuine consultation” over reform of the international match calendar.

    FIFA is conducting a feasibility study into holding the World Cup on a biennial basis, a change from the current four-yearly cycle, but has made no secret of its desire to switch to such a format.

    Arsene Wenger, the former Arsenal manager who is now FIFA’s head of Global Football Development, said this month he was “100% convinced” of the switch.

    “UEFA is disappointed with the methodology adopted, which has so far led to radical reform projects being communicated and openly promoted before having been given, together with other stakeholders, the chance to participate in any consultation meeting,” UEFA said in a statement on Wednesday.

    UEFA said there were numerous concerns about the impact of such a switch including the “dilution” of the World Cup’s value, risks of players being over-worked and women’s football suffering from annual men’s tournaments.

    “These are just some of the serious concerns that the FIFA proposal provokes at first glance.

    “And they cannot be dispelled simply with unsubstantiated promotional slogans on the supposed benefits of a thicker calendar for final tournaments,” the statement added.

    UEFA said it had asked, on Sept. 14, for a meeting with FIFA and the 55 European member associations but has yet to get a reply.

    FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin warned this month of a potential European boycott of the World Cup if FIFA’s plans went ahead.

    “We can decide not to play in it,” Ceferin, head of European soccer’s governing body, told The Times newspaper.

    “As far as I know, the South Americans are on the same page. So good luck with a World Cup like that.

    “I think it will never happen as it is so much against the basic principles of football

  • Osimhen will learn from red card incident – UEFA Vice President

    Osimhen will learn from red card incident – UEFA Vice President

    UEFA Vice President Zbigniew Boniek says Victor Osimhen will learn from his sending off during Napoli’s first game in the new Serie A season at the weekend.

    Referee Gianluca Aureliano showed Osimhen a straight red card in the 23rd minute after he was adjudged to have shoved Venezia midfielder Daan Heymans before a corner kick was taken.

    As a result of the straight red card, Osimhen will be expected to miss Napoli’s next two Serie A matches against Genoa and Juventus, on August 29 and September 11.

    However, in a chat with Radio Kiss Kiss, Boniek urged the Nigerian international to always keep his cool and focus more on the game.

    “The expulsion of Osimhen? They are hundredths of a second reactions, scams that can happen,” the former Polish international forward told Radio Kiss Kiss.

    “But we must make the players understand that such behaviours must be avoided.

    “He (Osimhen) is always very heated; he is quick and fast. But he’ll benefit from this episode.”

  • Chelsea name UEFA Super Cup squad

    Chelsea name UEFA Super Cup squad

    Champions League winner Chelsea have announced their squad for Wednesday night’s UEFA Super Cup clash with Villarreal in Belfast.

    The Blues have left room for imminent new signing Romelu Lukaku but the Belgian must be registered by 11pm on Tuesday to be eligible to play.

    Chelsea have named 24 players in the party who have travelled to Northern Ireland.

    The West Londoners will take on the Europa League champions at Windsor Park on Wednesday night.

    And they could include the Belgian striker if the move from Inter Milan can be done by Tuesday at 11pm.

    FULL SQUAD:

    Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcus Bettinelli

    Defenders: Antonio Rudiger, Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta, Emerson

    Midfielders: Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Trevoh Chalobah, Mateo Kovacic, Hakim Ziyech, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount

    Attack: Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Tammy Abraham.

  • UEFA sacks data staff following police raid on its office

    UEFA sacks data staff following police raid on its office

    European football governing body — UEFA — has sacked members of staff in its information and communication technology (ICT) department following a police raid on its Swiss headquarters.

    The public prosecutor in the UEFA office in Nyon, initiated an investigation into members of staff at European football’s governing body and police officers visited the premises in April.

    UEFA said in a statement released to the PA news agency that the contracts of the members of staff had been terminated with immediate effect.

    “We can confirm that the public prosecutor of the canton of Vaud initiated an investigation against certain activities conducted by former staff members of the UEFA ICT department.

    “The investigation is in relation to arrangements with external ICT service providers to the detriment of UEFA, and does not concern the sales of rights or any commercial arrangements with official partners.

    “UEFA terminated the employment contracts with the staff concerned with immediate effect.

    “Our organisation co-operated immediately and fully with the Swiss authorities when contacted on the matter and will continue to provide every possible assistance to the authorities with their investigation.

    “As an injured party, UEFA has constituted itself as a private claimant in the preliminary proceedings.

    “We are very satisfied with the way the investigation is conducted by the prosecutor of the canton of Vaud.

    “Since the proceedings are still ongoing, we are not able to provide further information for the time being.”

  • UEFA Super Cup: Only 13,000 can attend Chelsea, Villarreal game

    UEFA Super Cup: Only 13,000 can attend Chelsea, Villarreal game

    Next month’s European Super Cup match between Chelsea and Villarreal in Belfast can be attended by up to 13,000 fans, the European continent’s football ruling body UEFA said on Friday.

    UEFA said ticket applications for the Aug. 11 game at Windsor Park have started.

    It added that all ticket-holders require a negative coronavirus test to enter the stadium and supporters from abroad are subject to local coronavirus regulations.

    The curtain-raising Super Cup brings together winners of the last Champions League (Chelsea) and Europa League

  • Judge orders all action against Super League clubs be dropped

    Judge orders all action against Super League clubs be dropped

    A Madrid judge has ordered all financial and legal sanctions brought against the 12 clubs involved in the attempted Super League breakaway to be cancelled with immediate effect.

    The Daily Mail reports Judge Manuel Ruiz de Lara, who presides over a commercial court in Madrid, has taken aim at UEFA, the Premier League and Italian Serie A, claiming they attempted to ‘annihilate’ his attempts to defend the European Super League clubs in April.

    The clubs involved were Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.

    In that first ruling on April 20, the judge declared UEFA must not threaten clubs wanting to participate in the Super League or do anything that might deter them from joining.

    However, that has not stopped UEFA and the Premier League reaching ‘agreements’ with nine of the errant clubs, which will result in them accepting financial sanctions and future penalties.

    And it has also done nothing to prevent UEFA from opening a disciplinary investigation into the three remaining rebel clubs, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus, which have refused to recant.

    Bu Judge Ruiz de Lara stated in his ruling: “These actions… constitute a flagrant violation of the order… of 20 April 2021.

    “These are not isolated acts (…) but a succession of acts and statements forming part of a strategy devised by the defendants with the aim of provoking the ineffectiveness of a court decision.

    “The opening of disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona constitutes a clear breach of the interim measures granted by the Order of 20 April 2021.”

    In his ruling, Judge Ruiz de Lara, has instructed UEFA that the three unrepentant clubs must be allowed to compete in the Champions League next season.

    He has also told UEFA to abandon all disciplinary action against the three rebels, or risk “serious financial and criminal sanctions”. Under Spanish law anyone ignoring a court order could face up to one year in prison.

    In addition, the nine clubs that abandoned the ill-fated project within two days of its launch, which includes the six English clubs and Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid, should be freed from the ‘agreement’ they made with UEFA in the aftermath of the scheme.

    This includes an obligation to pay £13 million to a solidarity fund, forgo five percent of income from European competition next year and pay a £86 million penalty if they ever try to join a Super League again,

    The judge then directed his fury at the Premier League, insisting that UEFA has to tell the English top flight that all actions against the Big Six – Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea – must be ‘annulled’.

  • UEFA scraps away goals rule after 56 years

    UEFA scraps away goals rule after 56 years

    The Union of the European Football Association (UEFA) has scrapped the away goals rule for their Champions League and Europa League competitions 56 years after it was first introduced.

    The European football organising body made the announcement on Thursday and it said the decision will apply to the men’s, women’s and youth tournaments.

    The away goal rule has been an integral part of European football and could swing a tie if a team managed to bag a goal at their opponent’s ground.

    Introduced in 1965, the rule was used to determine the winner of a two-legged knockout tie in cases where the two teams had scored the same number of goals on aggregate over the two matches.

    UEFA President, Mr Aleksander Ceferin, explained that after consultation with clubs, it had been decided the rule was unfair.

    “The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of UEFA competitions since it was introduced in 1965. However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various UEFA meetings over the last few years.

    “Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished.

    “The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage,” he added.

    “There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored.

    “It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was,” he continued.

    “Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the UEFA Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home.”

  • UEFA ban Austria player at Euro 2020

    UEFA ban Austria player at Euro 2020

    Austria forward Marko Arnautovic has been banned for one game by UEFA for insulting another player in Sunday’s Euro 2020 win over North Macedonia.

    Arnautovic, who has Serbian heritage, had to be restrained by captain David Alaba as he celebrated his late goal.

    Arnautovic appeared to direct comments at opponents Egzon Bejtulai and Gjanni Alioski, who have Albanian roots.

    Arnautovic responded after the match by saying he he is “not a racist”.

    The 32-year-old was found guilty of misconduct, with Uefa not considering his actions to be discriminatory.

    Arnautovic, who was born in Austria and has a Serbian father, apologised for his goal celebration in a post on Instagram.

    He wrote: “There were some heated words yesterday in the emotions of the game for which I would like to apologise, especially to my friends from North Macedonia and Albania.

    “I would like to say one thing very clearly: I am not a racist.

    “I have friends in almost every country and I stand for diversity. Everyone who knows me is aware of that.”

    Serbia does not recognise the independence of its former province Kosovo, while there is historic tension between Serbia and North Macedonia.

    Austria’s next game is against the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff arena on Thursday, while North Macedonia face Ukraine.