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Every Rules & refereeing story we publish, newest first.
Rayo Vallecano's home opener against Athletic Club was abandoned on Saturday after fans threw paper planes and rubber balls onto the pitch at Estadio de Vallecas. The protest targeted club president Raúl Martín Presa and marked the team's first league game at the venue after its temporary closure.
Matt
·5 min read
UEFA has fined the Croatian Football Federation €20,000 for the racist and discriminatory behaviour of its fans during the Nations League match against Spain, played on 29 September at the Estadio Sánchez Pizjuán. Croatia will also be banned from selling tickets to its supporters for the next away fixture, although that sanction is suspended for a two-year probationary period.
Matt·4 min read
Enzo Maresca strongly defended Manchester City's titles after an independent commission found the club guilty of most of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League. The Italian manager trusts the owners completely, is convinced the club will win its appeal, and confirmed Erling Haaland is ready for the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.
Matt·5 min read
Portuguese hacker Rui Pinto, who released the documents that triggered the Premier League investigation into Manchester City, will remain under witness protection. Authorities in Portugal have suspended the decision to remove him from the programme, which was due to take effect on Saturday.
Natilla·5 min read
Michael Carrick says a retrospective winner's medal would not replace the emotional moments of glory Manchester City took away on the pitch. Andoni Iraola calls for a swift resolution while Mikel Arteta defends his time as assistant at the Etihad.
varela·7 min read
UEFA has ordered Serbia to play their next home match behind closed doors and fined the federation €50,000 after fans displayed racist and discriminatory behavior in two Nations League games. The Serbian FA also faces additional fines for inappropriate messages, pyrotechnics and a pitch invasion. The punishment will be served on 13 November against Germany.
varela·5 min read
Portugal's government has annulled the decision to strip Rui Pinto, the man behind Football Leaks, of his protected witness status. The move comes a week after he announced he was going into hiding because he feared for his life. The Ministry of Justice found flaws in the notification process and ruled that his police protection remains in force while a new decision is made.
Javi·4 min read
Gianni Infantino is heading into the final stretch of the FIFA presidential race with an increasingly clear path. With 40 days left before nominations close, senior football figures believe the Swiss-Italian could run unopposed. UEFA is still searching for a candidate to challenge a leader who has built a powerful base of support beyond Europe.
Javi·8 min read
Enzo Maresca spoke to the media for the first time since an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules. The Italian coach closed ranks around the club and insisted his full attention is on Sunday's trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. City have already lodged an appeal against a ruling that has shaken English football.
Natilla·5 min read
Flamengo players took the pitch against Santos on Thursday wearing shirts that read 'Prohibiting is not protecting' in place of the sponsor's logo. It was their response to the ban on online sports betting imposed by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva two weeks earlier. The same message appeared on pitch-side advertising boards.
varela·5 min read