European Leagues
England face Euro 2028 Ban if… – Says UEFA
UEFA has cautioned the UK government that England could face exclusion from the Euro 2028 tournament, which they are co-hosting, if Prime Minister Keir Starmer proceeds with plans for a men’s football regulator, British media reported on Saturday.
In a letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, acquired by The Times and the BBC, UEFA’s General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis emphasised the need for “no government interference in the running of football.” Theodoridis expressed concerns about the plans detailed in the King’s Speech, which would grant the new regulator authority over clubs in England’s top five leagues, stating that the sport’s independence is a “fundamental requirement.”
“One particular area of concern stems from one of UEFA’s fundamental requirements, which is that there should be no government interference in the running of football,” Theodoridis wrote.
“We have specific rules that guard against this in order to guarantee the autonomy of sport and fairness of sporting competition; the ultimate sanction for which would be excluding the federation from UEFA and teams from competition.”
Last year, the previous government had announced intentions to appoint a regulator, citing the need to protect clubs from financial mismanagement and prevent wealthy teams from forming breakaway leagues. Starmer’s government included the commitment to a regulator in the Labour Party manifesto after taking office in July.
Theodoridis informed Nandy that UEFA is “concerned about the potential for scope creep within the IFR (Independent Football Regulator).”
A spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport stated, “The Football Governance Bill will establish a new Independent Football Regulator that will put fans back at the heart of the game and tackle fundamental governance problems to ensure that English football is sustainable for the benefit of the clubs’ communities going forward.”
-
World Cup 202624 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 20261 day agoJude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 20261 day agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202616 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
-
World Cup 20261 day agoTed Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 20261 day agoKylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
Sports Analysis17 hours agoAndoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Local News16 hours agoEnyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta