In recent football news, several stories have captured the attention of fans worldwide. Former Port Vale captain Anthony Griffith has embarked on a new career path, starting a three-year course to become an official referee. He highlighted the need for ex-players to join the refereeing ranks, suggesting the game is "calling out" for their expertise and experience.

In the world of Premier League, Liverpool's manager Arne Slot addressed the issue of Saturday 12:30pm kick-offs following European games, a scheduling that predecessor Jurgen Klopp was notably critical of, with Slot appearing unfazed by the controversy. Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has tempered expectations around his team's performance, advising fans and pundits not to get overly excited about the club's positive start to the season, stating they still can't compete with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal.

On a disciplinary note, Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic faced a significant eight-game suspension and a £15,000 fine for biting Liverpool loanee Owen Beck during a match against Blackburn, highlighting the strict measures against misconduct on the field.

Additionally, international and club teams are making headlines for various reasons. Uruguay's football icon Luis Suarez spoke out about his issues with former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, hinting at personality clashes causing a "toxic atmosphere" within the national team. On a lighter note, Juventus forward Alisha Lehmann was honored with a custom EA Sports FC 25 cover, stepping in for Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham.

These stories collectively reflect the ongoing drama, developments, and debates shaping the current landscape of football across different leagues and countries.