Super League controversy:
The proposed European Super League, which would have seen 12 of Europe's biggest football clubs form a closed competition, caused a major controversy in the football world. The announcement of the league in April 2021 led to widespread protests from fans, players, and even politicians. The backlash was so severe that all six English clubs (Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur) withdrew from the league within 48 hours of the announcement, followed by all three Italian clubs (AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus) and three Spanish clubs (Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid).
UEFA Champions League:
The Champions League, the most prestigious club competition in European football, has undergone some changes in recent years. From the 2021-22 season, the number of participating teams has increased from 32 to 36, with the format being changed to a single-league stage with each team playing 10 group matches. Additionally, four spots will be reserved for teams based on historical performance, rather than on their domestic league positions.
Euro 2020:
The UEFA European Football Championship, commonly known as Euro 2020, was held in 2021, a year later than originally planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament was played across 11 cities in 11 different countries, with the final taking place at Wembley Stadium in London. Italy emerged as the winners, beating England 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final.
2022 FIFA World Cup:
The next edition of the FIFA World Cup is set to be held in Qatar in 2022. The tournament has been moved to November and December due to concerns over the extreme heat in the region during the traditional summer months. The competition will feature 32 teams, and the draw for the group stage was held in November 2021.
Transfer market:
The transfer market is always a hot topic in football, with clubs vying for the best players to strengthen their squads. Some notable transfers in recent times include Cristiano Ronaldo's move from Juventus to Manchester United, Lionel Messi's transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona, and Romelu Lukaku's return to Chelsea from Inter Milan. Additionally, Erling Haaland, one of the hottest young prospects in world football, has been linked with several top clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.
VAR controversy:
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has been implemented in many football leagues around the world to assist referees in making decisions. However, its use has been controversial, with some fans and pundits criticizing its impact on the flow of the game and the accuracy of its decisions. There have been several high-profile incidents where VAR has been used to overturn decisions, including in the Premier League and the Champions League.
In summary, the football world has been busy with controversies, changes, and events in recent times. From the Super League controversy to Euro 2020, the transfer market to the upcoming World Cup, and the use of VAR technology, football fans have plenty to talk about and follow.
