Violence against referees – a far too common occurrence in Europe

The Netherlands has become the first European country to enact a strict lockdown over Christmas. Omicron infections are spreading rapidly across the country. All nonessential businesses have been closed until at least mid-January.

Asian football in particular has long had a problem with match fixing. While some progress had been made in fighting the crime in recent years, the arrival of COVID-19 has made it easier for match fixers to do business.

A new women's football league is all set to launch on Monday (November 22) across Saudi Arabia. Sixteen teams will take part in the league.

Boris Johnson announces in the House of Commons on Wednesday Jan 19, 2022 that all Covid measures introduced to combat the Omicron variant – compulsory mask-wearing on public transport and in shops, guidance to work from home and vaccine certificates – will end from 00:01 27 January.

People arriving in England from abroad will no longer have to take Covid-19 tests if they have been vaccinated, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday, ahead of an expected announcement.

Every two years, football comes home... to Africa.This year, Afcom is hosted by Cameroon and, no doubt, there's plenty to criticise: dodgy calls by the ref, questionable Covid protocols and a deadly stampede that left eight dead.And yet football fans the world over are enthralled. Every day brings new twists: minnows have upset powerhouses, and stars who normally spend winter in the European leagues have shown up for their national sides. Today we asked what exactly it is that's got us riveted?

Every two years, football comes home... to Africa. This year, the Africa Cup of Nations is hosted by Cameroon and, no doubt, there's plenty to criticise: dodgy calls by the ref, questionable Covid-19 protocols and a deadly stampede that left eight dead. And yet, football fans the world over are enthralled. Every day brings new twists: minnows have upset powerhouses, and stars who normally spend winter in the European leagues have shown up for their national sides. So what exactly is it about AFCON that's got us riveted?

Salima Mukansanga, 33, became the first female referee to officiate a game at the Africa Cup of Nations when she oversaw the Zimbabwe-Guinea tie in this year's group stage. She sat down with FRANCE 24's James Vasina to tell us more about her journey and what her experience means for women in the male-dominated world of football.

The purchases of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, even the sponsorship of Bayern Munich, are alleged versions of sportswashing - the practice of trying to boost a country's public image through sports. Sports Life reporter Hecko Flores explains how state-owned Gazprom, Etihad Airways and Emirates use football for their own, and their home country's, profit.

Patrice Evra, French football coach, and former professional player talk about his mission in Nigeria, Africa, and how he started playing left-back as a professional footballer. Evra who served as captain for both the English football club, Manchester United, and the France national team also talked about his early days at the Manchester United football club.

We look at British papers' reactions to a "bold" UK plan to process and resettle would-be migrants in Rwanda. Also, there's soul-searching in Senegal after the death of a pregnant woman who was refused a caesarean. Finland and Sweden accelerate their decision on joining NATO in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finally, cult British film "Bend it Like Beckham" turns 20!

25 years after reunification, all of Germany's top-class professional teams are from the old West Germany. The same goes for the 2nd division with the exception of Union Berlin. But there is hope, chiefly for RB Leipzig.