Football in 2025 delivered landmark victories and global moments, but it was also a year when off-field and on-field problems repeatedly dominated headlines. From violent celebrations to governance disputes and poorly managed public events, controversy became a constant with football.
Paris's celebrations went wrong
Paris Saint-Germain’s first UEFA Champions League title was a defining moment for them but the celebrations turned into chaos and it turned into clashes with police, widespread damage, and loss of life. The incident once again exposed serious gaps in crowd control during major footballå celebrations.
Liverpool's victory parade was dismantled by a crowd attack
A Premier League title parade for Liverpool FC turned into chaos when a vehicle drove into celebrating supporters. Dozens were injured, shocking the football community and prompting urgent reviews of safety measures.
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Expanded Club World Cup sparks global backlash
The expanded FIFA Club World Cup faced sustained criticism throughout the year. Players and clubs raised concerns over fixture congestion, player welfare, and commercial priorities outweighing sporting balance, turning the tournament into a flashpoint for governance debates
Messi event chaos exposes planning failures
The GOAT tour of India, which included Lionel Messi in Kolkata turned out into a mess due to poor crowd management, leading to pitch invasions and property damage. This was a shame for India and also for Kolkata as this bizarre event raised questions about the mecca of Indian football.
Pitch invasions and referee attacks halt domestic matches
Domestic leagues in parts of Africa and Eastern Europe saw matches abandoned after violent pitch invasions, with officials targeted and injured. These incidents highlighted glaring security gaps and the risks faced by referees and players alike.
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The scenes prompted governing bodies to issue warnings and sanctions, but also exposed deeper issues related to infrastructure, enforcement, and supporter culture.
In 2025, controversy was a main theme in football as fan violence, governance disputes and organisational failures repeatedly diverted attention from the pitch.
