Latest European football news (Thursday, October 12)

The CAP News Round-up aims to keep you up to date about the latest football news from around Europe. From competitions and regulatory updates to governance and business matters. Stay informed at a glance with all major updates and developments in European football.

- Saudi Arabia formally informs FIFA of its wish to host the 2034 World Cup as the favorite to win: Saudi Arabia formally informed FIFA of its wish to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 in a bidding contest that increasingly looks designed for the kingdom to win – AP News

- Australia in talks with Indonesia about a possible challenge to Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup: Soccer officials in Australia and Indonesia have floated the idea of teaming up in a bid to rival Saudi Arabia for the hosting rights to the men’s World Cup in 2034 – AP News

- European Professional Football Forum by UEC sets out challenges and areas for improvement of the European football ecosystem: Yesterday in Brussels, the UEC organised European Professional Football Forum that took place in the presence of representatives of 104 clubs, 15 leagues and 42 football stakeholders - UEC

- ECA embarks on a series of club visits to promote unity and growth in European Club Football: ECA is embarking on a series of regional ECA Club Meet-ups in an initiative designed to foster connections and empower clubs across the European football landscape and worldwide – ECA

- UEFA backs out of decision to readmit Russia U17s: UEFA has abandoned plans to reinstate Russian U17 teams into next year's youth European Championships – BBC

- UEFA postpones matches in Israel: UEFA postpones all matches scheduled in Israel in the next couple of weeks in light of the current security situation – UEFA

- UEFA vice president Nilsson resigns as head of Swedish sports body in fallout from pro-Russia vote: UEFA’s decision to welcome Russian youth teams back into its competitions cost its Swedish vice president his other top-tier job as head of a national sports body – AP News

- Launch of the international media rights tender for Ligue 1, Ligue 2 and Trophée des Champions for the 2024/2025 to 2028/2029 cycle: LFP Media launches today the international media rights invitation to tender for Ligue 1, Ligue 2 and Trophée des Champions – LFP

- Lega Serie A and Columbia University announce strategic partnership in the USA: Columbia’s University Sports Management graduate program agrees to strategic partnership with Serie A USA to create and lead multiple academic projects – Serie A

- Dutch Eredivisie clubs in unanimous agreement over the outcome of negotiations: ESPN to show Eredivisie football until mid 2023 – Eredivisie

- Pro League approves RBFA's strategic plan to improve the quality of refereeing: The Pro League and the RBFA reached an agreement regarding the strategic plan developed by the RBFA's Professional Refereeing Department (PRD). The ambition is to continue to improve the quality of refereeing – Pro League (French | Dutch)

- New Agreement between Super League Greece and PANINI for the licensing of the Official collectables of the Stoiximan Super League Championship: Super League Greece and Panini are proud to announce a new exclusive multi-year agreement that appoints the publisher as the only company officially authorised to produce collectible products of the SLGR – SLGR

- European Commission ban on plastic infill playing surfaces looks set to hit grassroots costs and participation: The European Commission officially embraced the fresh regulations, which encompass the prohibition of microplastics in various applications, including artificial grass football pitches – Inside World Football

- 47th European Leagues General Assembly to take place in Riga, Latvia, on 26-27 October – European Leagues

- New players workload data released by FIFPRO and Football Benchmark – FIFPRO

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