UEFA
UEFA selects Champions League team of the week for round of 16 first legs
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The UEFA Technical Observer Group has named its Team of the Week from the Champions League round of 16 first legs, with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray each featuring two players. Federico Valverde of Real Madrid earned Player of the Week honors for his hat-trick against Manchester City. No Premier League players made the selection despite six English teams advancing to this stage.
The Finalissima match between Copa América champions Argentina and European Championship winners Spain, originally scheduled for late March 2026 at Qatar's Lusail Stadium, has been cancelled amid escalating Middle East tensions. UEFA's alternative venue and format proposals were all rejected by the Argentinian Football Association, ending plans for the prestige fixture.
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Uefa has banned Galatasaray from selling tickets to supporters for their Champions League last-16 second leg at Liverpool's Anfield, following crowd disturbances in a previous match. The Turkish club has been fined €40,000 and plans to appeal the decision. The sanction stems from incidents during their playoff game against Juventus on 25 February 2026.
FIFA intends to increase the Club World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for its 2029 edition, following the perceived success of the 2025 tournament in the United States. The governing body is also considering making the event biennial and exploring various hosting options, amid opposition from UEFA over fixture congestion. Prize money distribution from the previous edition remains unresolved, with €212 million in solidarity payments still pending.
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FIFA is reportedly planning to expand the Club World Cup to 48 teams starting in 2029, following the success of the 2025 edition. UEFA has indicated support for the change, marking improved relations between the governing bodies. The move aims to include more European clubs that missed the previous tournament.
The Football Association of Ireland has submitted a preliminary bid to host the 2029 UEFA Women's Champions League final at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. This follows an expression of interest lodged with UEFA in October, with the association highlighting the growing popularity of women's football in the country. Final bids are due in June, with UEFA expected to announce the host in September.
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Arsenal advanced to the Champions League last 16 with a perfect record of eight wins, yet they have earned slightly less prize money than rivals Liverpool and Manchester City so far this season. The difference stems from UEFA's distribution formula, which rewards long-term European performance. Both Liverpool and City have banked £84 million, compared to Arsenal's £83.1 million.
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