Despite what some of the most passionate football fans tell you, some things in life are bigger than the beautiful game. The sport is designed to be no more than a friendly but competitive competition which can lend itself to sporting rivalries and narratives that enhance the viewing when two teams meet.
However, when outside interference or a shift in the political landscape threatens to completely cloud a footballing spectacle, it is sometimes sensible and safer to cancel a fixture altogether. That very reason is why these six fixtures have been banned from taking place by both UEFA and FIFA.
The punishments range from ticket sale bans to fines.
Spain vs Gibraltar
Disputes over who owns Gibraltar
European Champions Spain found themselves in hot water following their first major tournament victory in over a decade this past summer for a variety of different reasons. La Roja were at risk of being punished for breaking a German law that impacted young star Lamine Yamal (due to his age), but more importantly, they were the recipients of a complaint by the Gibraltar FA to FIFA.
The history between these two nations goes back to the 18th century. Despite the island of Gibraltar sharing a border with its Spanish neighbours and once being owned by them two, England were handed control as part of the Treaty of Utrecht which brought an end to the 13-year War of the Spanish Succession. In the years since, the bordering country has attempted to seize back their power, despite two votes to reject Spanish sovereignty.
So, when midfielder Rodri took to the mic to declare that Gibraltar belonged to Spain, it understandably upset many of ‘the rock’s’ inhabitants. It is for this political reason that the pair are not allowed to square off against one another on a football pitch.
Armenia vs Azerbaijan
Ethical and territorial conflict
A lesser known rivalry in a footballing context, but the tension between these two countries cannot be understated. The political and ethical tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan revolve around the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. The conflict began in the late 1980s when the Armenian-majority region sought independence from Azerbaijan, triggering violent clashes.
After the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, full-scale war erupted, resulting in Armenian control of the area. A fragile ceasefire was brokered in 1994, but hostilities resumed in 2020, with Azerbaijan reclaiming much of the territory. Not only have the two countries been prohibited from playing one another, club teams from the regions have also been prevented from being drawn against each other in other UEFA competitions. What’s more, Armenia midfielderHenrikh Mkhitaryan was unable to play for Arsenal vs Chelsea in the 2019 Europa League final in 2019, due to safety fears with the game located in Azerbaijan’s Baku.
Kosovo vs Serbia
Historical and ethical conflict – Kosovo independence
This entrant is the first of three that all stem from the same political issue, that being Kosovo’s independence. The region sought independence from Serbia in the 1990s, leading to the Kosovo War (1998-1999) and NATO intervention. In 2008, Kosovo declared independence, but Serbia, along with some international allies, refuses to recognise it.
Despite international mediation efforts, tensions remain unresolved, with ongoing disputes over Kosovo’s borders, governance, and its recognition on the global stage.
England could be banned from Euro 2028 – a tournament they’re hosting – after receiving a firm warning from UEFA.
Kosovo vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia support of Serbia against Kosovo
Of the countries who are supportive in their battle with Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina are one of the most recognisable to football fans, with names like Edin Dzeko and Asmir Begovic coming out of the region. Bosnia’s ties to Serbia date back to the Bosnian War (1992-1995), with Serbian forces helping their allies in their battle.
Similarly to Bosnia, Russia also fail to recognise Kosovo as its own country. In fact, Russian leaders have consistently maintained that they will not recognize Kosovo’s independence, citing concerns over international law and territorial integrity. Moscow views Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence as a violation of Serbia’s sovereignty and a dangerous precedent for separatist movements globally.
Messi claimed the 2019 Copa America was fixed to favour Brazil.
Russia vs Ukraine
Ongoing conflict
While it is perhaps the most notable European conflict in recent times, the tensions between Ukraine and Russia are not newly founded. Russia has firmly opposed recognising Ukraine’s sovereignty over Crimea and eastern regions for several years.
After Russia annexed Crimea, it justified the move by citing a controversial referendum and historical ties, claiming to protect ethnic Russians. Russia also supported separatist movements in eastern Ukraine, further destabilizing the region. Moscow has argued that recognizing Ukraine’s control over these areas would undermine Russia’s strategic interests and national security. This stance intensified with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, deepening the conflict over territorial integrity and sparking widespread international condemnation of Russia’s actions.
While this impacted the entire landscape of Eastern Europe, it also had a major impact on football too. For instance, many Ukrainian players have had to leave their teams and relocate. Clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv have had to play their home games in other countries for safety. Internationally, Russian clubs and national teams from competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and World Cup qualifiers and several support initiatives have also been put in place. Donbas Arena, which used to seat more than 52,000 fans when it was the home stadium of Shakhtar Donetsk, has also now been left in an unrecognisable state after it was abandoned due to the War in Donbas which is part of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
Rangers look set to complete a hijack after agreeing a deal to beat Southampton to a new signing, according to reports.
The Glasgow club are preparing to enter a new era after appointing former Hearts manager Derek McInnes as their new boss. He replaces Danny Rohl, who made the move to RB Salzburg.
It was a dismal end to the 25-26 season for Rangers, comfortably missing out on the Scottish Premiership title to rivals Celtic.
As a result, they will be looking to bring in reinforcements during the summer transfer window, likely aiming to strengthen in various areas of the pitch.
It could be a busy few weeks and months for Rangers as they look to back new manager McInnes in the transfer market.
According to both Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie and GIVEMESPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs, Rangers have agreed a deal to sign former Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil.
Jacobs confirms that Neil is expected to join Rangers as a free agent with an agreement in place and close to being formalised.
Downie confirms that Neil was in talks with Southampton and looked to have opted to join the Championship club, but things have changed significantly over the last 48 hours as Rangers swooped in.
Neil has been having a medical over the last 24 hours at Ibrox, and a deal is expected to be confirmed soon.
Rangers completed the signing of Ivor Pandur from Hull earlier this week in a deal worth £6m, so they are clearly making moves in the transfer market.
Arsenal are showing interest in signing another French star alongside Bradley Barcola of PSG, according to BBC reporter Sami Mokbel.
The Gunners haven’t rushed into any big signings so far in the summer transfer window, which is no surprise after they lifted the Premier League title last season.
The likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool are all working on multiple deals at a time, but Arsenal can afford to sit back and wait.
The Gunners won’t want to rest on what they built last year, especially considering they lost in the Champions League final against PSG.
There’s no doubt Mikel Arteta will be looking to improve his squad in the summer transfer window, but there’s no need for them to panic after their 25-26 campaign success.
Arsenal are potentially in the market for a second-choice goalkeeper with Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future uncertain.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper might be considering heading through the exit door in the coming months in order to go and play more regular first-team football.
Serena Williams made her long-awaited return to the courts of Wimbledon on Tuesday in a losing effort to Australian Maya Joint, but it is what happened afterwards that has seemed to cause some controversy.
Centre Court was at a fever pitch as the legendary Williams walked out in front of the crowd, ready to play in her first competitive singles match since her 2022 retirement. She was up against Maya Joint, a 20-year-old Australian who currently sits 87th in the WTA rankings, which would prove to be a stern test for the American legend.
In the first set, it was Joint who came out on top, winning 6-3. She outpaced the returnee, Williams, and took advantage of the early rustiness on show from the seven-time Wimbledon winner.
In set two, however, Williams rolled back the years, really dialling in her serving prowess to save a match point before sending the second set into a tense tiebreak. She came out on top this time, winning 8-6 to send Centre Court into a frenzy.
The final set started well for Williams as well, who initially went a break up for a 3-1 lead. However, physical fatigue set in for the 44-year-old, and Joint took advantage by winning five consecutive games and, after nearly two-and-a-half hours played, saw out the greatest win of her young career.
Serena Williams’ Post-Match Antics Cause Controversy
Andrew Couldridge via Reuters
It was what happened next which caught the attention of fans online, however, as many feel, Williams’ post-match handshake was tame, to say the least.
Todd Scoullar on X wrote: “…(Serena) gets a wildcard into the biggest tournament on the calendar…gives a rubbish handshake…didn’t need her at Wimbledon.”
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Many fans agreed with this sentiment, with users saying that “She shouldn’t have been there full stop. Just one big ego trip. I’m so pleased to see the back of her,” and “Serena’s oversized ego got the better of her. She thinks she’s still the star. Go home before you embarrass yourself any further.”
Williams also refused the traditional press conference, which brought extra scrutiny towards the 23-time Grand Slam champion, with one user on X saying: “Typical Serena. Thinks she’s bigger than the game…”
She instead released a statement through the tournament organisers and said that it was ‘truly incredible to be back at Wimbledon,’ before praising the ‘incredible’ atmosphere and making it clear that she ‘enjoyed every moment more than anything.’
This isn’t the end for Serena at this year’s event, however, as she will team with her sister Venus in their doubles comeback this week. They will go up against Colombian Camila Osorio and her Argentinian partner Solana Sierra in a match the legendary duo will be hoping to win en route to a potential seventh doubles title.
