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Every Rules & refereeing story we publish, newest first.
FIFA's new Disciplinary Code comes into force on January 1, 2027 with a key change: if a national federation fails to execute a sanction within 60 days, the matter automatically passes to FIFA's Disciplinary Committee. The measure affects both clubs and individuals and aims to end deliberate delays by national federations.
Matt
·5 min read
South Korean manufacturer Hyundai has reached an agreement with UEFA to become an Official Automotive Partner of the Champions League. The deal starts in the 2026/27 season and runs for five campaigns, through to the end of 2030/31. The partnership strengthens the brand's long-standing presence in elite European football.
Natilla·5 min read
FC Barcelona has sent its members the financial figures that will be voted on at the Ordinary General Assembly on the 19th. The club expects to reach €1.195 billion in revenue in the 2026-27 season, while net debt under LaLiga criteria climbs to €607 million. The board will also ask to extend the Spotify Camp Nou credit line by €300 million.
Matt·5 min read
Red Star Belgrade supporters unveiled a large tifo of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic before their 2-1 derby win over Partizan on Sunday. The club had already been fined by UEFA this season for a similar tribute. Mladic died in August and was buried in Belgrade on Monday.
InfoBlaugrana·6 min read
Toluca won the Leagues Cup after beating Monterrey 2-0 in the final played at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Alexis Vega scored after four minutes and Brazilian forward Helinho added the second in the 70th to crown a side managed by Antonio Mohamed. León, meanwhile, took third place with a 1-0 victory over América.
Javi·5 min read
Kim Milton Nielsen looks back on the night he showed David Beckham a red card in Argentina's World Cup clash with England in 1998. The Dane reveals the doubts that crossed his mind on the pitch and the lesson he learned while refereeing Barcelona at the Camp Nou. A decision that defined his career and still follows him today.
InfoBlaugrana·5 min read
Sevilla felt hard done by once again during their trip to RCDE Stadium. Referee Sesma Espinosa showed a straight red card to Arouna Sangante for a challenge on Roberto Fernández, even though replays showed the defender clearly touched the ball first. The VAR did not intervene, and coach Luis García Plaza was booked for his protests.
Natilla·6 min read
UEFA has fined Red Star Belgrade €90,000 after supporters chanted the name of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic, saluted him and unfurled a banner in his honour during the European match against Viktoria Plzeň. The Serbian champions are also banned from selling tickets to fans for their next away fixture in Lugano.
Matt·5 min read
Real Betis edged Real Madrid 1-0 at La Cartuja in a frantic finish packed with controversy. Carlos Espí scored a spectacular bicycle kick in the 87th minute to make it 1-1, but the goal was disallowed for an offside measured in millimeters. The chip-equipped ball, one of LaLiga's big introductions this season, proved decisive.
Matt·4 min read
Fan groups placed a giant digital screen in New York's Times Square on Friday calling for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down. The action comes as the dispute over plans to sell part of the World Cup rights to outside investors intensifies and FIFA pushes back in court against UEFA's legal request in the United States.
InfoBlaugrana·5 min read