FIFA president Gianni Infantino has indicated that he will support South American football leaders’ proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, amid growing calls for his resignation, according to The Times.

The proposal from CONMEBOL would increase the tournament from 48 teams and allow South America to stage more matches at the next tournament. Spain, Portugal and Morocco are the main 2030 hosts, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay are each due to stage one match marking the World Cup’s centenary.

Infantino discussed the proposal during a visit to Colombia with CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez. FIFA declined to comment to The Times but said any decision on expanding the tournament would be taken by its Council rather than Infantino.

Trump's and Mexico's support

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has publicly defended Infantino on Truth Social, saying FIFA would make a “terrible mistake” by replacing him. He added: “If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again.”

Mexican media have separately reported that Mexico’s support for Infantino is linked to expected backing for the country to leave CONCACAF and join CONMEBOL. Mexico is currently the only one of CONCACAF's 35 Fifa members to have publicly supported Infantino.
 

Players association launch legal action over League One financial regulations

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) have launched legal proceedings against the English Football League (EFL) over changes to financial regulations in League One, challenging the process used to introduce tighter spending limits from 2026/27.

Under the EFL's new Squad Cost Rules, League One clubs will be permitted to spend 50 per cent of turnover on player costs, down from 60 per cent. Clubs relegated from the Championship will have a 65 per cent limit in their first season, compared with 75 per cent previously.

The regulations also bring manager costs within the framework and restrict clubs to using no more than 50 per cent of owner cash injections on these costs.

The PFA argue the changes could not be introduced without full agreement through the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee, which includes representatives of both the PFA and the EFL. The union said the process used to approve measures restricting spending on player wages was not consistent with the committee's consultation and agreement requirements.

EFL rejects PFA position

The EFL said it was "concerned and disappointed" by the legal challenge and rejected the PFA's interpretation of the required process. It said the rules were intended to support cost control and improve financial sustainability across League One.

A previous attempt to introduce fixed salary caps in League One and League Two was withdrawn in 2021 after an independent arbitration panel upheld a PFA challenge.
 

Lazio terminate Polymarket deal as Stadium project receives conditional approval

S.S. Lazio have terminated their main sponsorship agreement with Polymarket by mutual consent, four months after the deal was signed in April. The club said the decision followed new measures introduced by the relevant authorities that affected the regulatory framework. Polymarket’s website has been blocked in Italy since 27 July following action by the country’s Customs and Monopolies Agency.

Under the termination agreement, Polymarket will pay Lazio the full amount due for the 2026/27 season. Calcio e Finanza reported that the sponsorship agreement was worth €19.1 million across two seasons, with an option for an additional year, meaning Lazio are expected to receive around €9.5 million for the current season despite the early termination.

The club and the prediction-market platform said they would maintain institutional dialogue and could consider a new partnership if the regulatory framework allows it in the future.

Redevelopment gets conditional backing

Meanwhile, Lazio have received a favourable opinion on their proposed redevelopment of Rome’s Stadio Flaminio following a preliminary Services Conference involving public authorities. The project can progress but requires amendments, including addressing concerns over a proposed new stand that would surround the existing protected structure.

Further discussions are also required over Lazio’s proposal to remove the stadium’s existing canopy, which technical experts have sought to preserve. Lazio said they would review the conditions raised by the State Superintendency and incorporate them into the project as the administrative approval process continues.
 

Marinakis files defamation claim against Crystal Palace over fan banner

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has launched legal action against Crystal Palace over a banner shown by Palace supporters at Selhurst Park last year, according to multiple English media. A defamation claim seeking damages was lodged at the High Court on Monday.

The display was unveiled when the clubs drew 1-1 in the Premier League in August 2025. It showed Marinakis pointing a gun at Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and carried a message referring to blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking and corruption.

For his case to succeed, Marinakis must demonstrate that the banner’s publication caused him serious harm and establish Palace’s liability for its publication.

Palace previously sanctioned

Palace have already faced disciplinary action over the incident. The Football Association imposed a £50,000 fine after concluding the club had failed to take sufficient steps to prevent improper, offensive, abusive or provocative conduct by supporters.

The incident came amid a dispute between the clubs following Palace’s removal from the Europa League for breaching UEFA multi-club ownership regulations. Forest subsequently took their Europa League place, while Palace competed in and later won the Conference League.

A consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos are closing in on acquiring a 30 per cent stake in Liverpool FC for £1.35 billion, according to multiple media reports.

The investor group is led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, and is in talks with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group. The transaction would value the Premier League club at £4.5 billion.

The deal could be agreed as soon as this week, although talks have not been finalised and the timing could change, according to people familiar with the discussions cited by the Financial Times. Fenway Sports Group and the consortium declined to comment.

Facebook co-founder part of consortium

Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin is also among the prospective investors. Saverin previously participated in a consortium that bid for Chelsea FC in 2022, when the club were ultimately acquired by a group led by Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly for £2.5 billion.

Fenway Sports Group, founded by American businessman John Henry, bought Liverpool for £300 million in 2010.
 

UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC unite against Infantino over FIFA crisis

UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, accusing him of deception and placing himself "above the collective that entrusted him with authority."

The three confederations set out their position in an open letter signed by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani.

They criticised Infantino's handling of the failed Football Forward Enterprise proposal and FIFA's subsequent response including the meeting involving senior FIFA staff in Rabat, Morocco, followed by an apology from Infantino.

“It [the apology] did not acknowledge that the proposal itself was inherently wrong. There remains no recognition that attempting to sell an interest in the FIFA World Cup was a profound failure of judgment,” the presidents said.

Efforts to identify a potential replacement for Infantino have reportedly intensified, with Montagliani among the possible candidates.

Alternative competitions

UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC are also said to have started preliminary discussions about organising new competitions, following UEFA's threat to boycott FIFA events.

It remains to be seen whether the upcoming under-20 women's World Cup which starts in September could take place without European teams.
 

Derby takeover collapses as investor points to regulator timeframe

Turki Alalshikh has withdrawn from a proposed takeover of Derby County, with the Saudi Arabian government official pointing to the time taken by the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) to assess the deal.

The proposed transaction through Alalshikh's Lion Sport had received approval from the English Football League, while the IFR had reached a "minded-to decision" to approve the bid last week. Derby said on Monday that Alalshikh had decided not to proceed with the purchase.

Derby subsequently said the club were no longer for sale and would remain under the ownership of Clowes Developments.

Alalshikh cites preparation

In a statement, Alalshikh said he respected the IFR's process but argued its timeframe had left insufficient opportunity to prepare Derby for the 2026/27 season. The takeover had been with the regulator since May, with the assessment completed in 55 days out of the 90 days allowed.

"After careful consideration, we don't feel it is right to proceed at this time without the necessary preparation in place, but we will remain in conversation with the club and see what is possible in the future," Alalshikh said. The proposed transaction would have given him a controlling stake in the Championship club.
 

Benfica submit parliament petition to suspend TV rights model

SL Benfica have submitted a petition to Portugal’s parliament seeking the suspension of the new model for centralising the sale of broadcasting rights, according to a statement from the club.

The Lisbon club said the petition, submitted on Friday, calls for implementation to be halted until an independent technical, economic and legal assessment has been carried out. Benfica are also seeking a review of the solutions currently proposed.

The club said a reform of this scale should be based on technical evidence, transparency and participation from clubs and other stakeholders.

The petition was accepted by the Assembly of the Republic on Monday, allowing further signatures from fans and other citizens. The club said additional support would strengthen the "petition's message and the possibility of promoting broad discussion among parties with parliamentary representation".

Benfica opposed proposal

Benfica voted against the distribution model approved by professional clubs on 8 June with around 80 per cent of the vote. The proposal allocates 57.5 per cent of top-flight revenues according to sporting criteria, including league positions, historical results and contribution to the UEFA ranking.

Benfica said changes to broadcasting rights must protect clubs’ revenues, investment capacity and financial sustainability, while arguing that ownership and control of the entity responsible for centralisation should remain with professional clubs.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino sought approval for a plan to sell a 20 per cent stake in FIFA through a five-person management body rather than the FIFA Council, according to The New York Times. The meeting took place in Manhattan the day before the World Cup final.

The five members summoned to consider the proposal were secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, legal head Emilio Garcia, chief of staff Dan O’Toole, chief operating officer Kevin Lamour and finance head Thomas Peyer.

Approval from the five-person assembly was intended as the first step towards completing the transaction. FIFA’s most important decisions typically pass through the FIFA Council, comprising football officials from member associations, but Infantino wanted to proceed without that requirement.

Grafstrom, Garcia and O’Toole approved the proposal before a midnight deadline, while Lamour and Peyer did not support the project.

Small number of insiders

With a majority of the assembly approving the scheme, Infantino pushed the plan forward. Reportedly, members of the assembly felt Infantino would be furious if they stalled. Only a small number of others knew about the plans, including those involved in developing them with investors led by Joshua Kushner, Thrive Eternal and JPMorgan Chase.

However, the proposal subsequently faced opposition from UEFA and other regional football bodies over the process and lack of consultation. Infantino abandoned the plan on 31 July, while FIFA later issued a joint communiqué apologising to its members and promising to learn from the episode.
 

Afcon format switch costs CAF prospective $1 billion rights deal

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) missed out on a prospective commercial rights deal worth at least $1 billion in secured income over eight years after deciding to move the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) from a two-year to a four-year cycle, according to The Guardian.

CAF had been close to completing a 2025 bidding process covering its entire competition portfolio. However, the governing body's executive committee unanimously approved the change to Afcon's schedule in December 2025, altering the commercial rights available to bidders.

CAF head of communications Luxolo September confirmed that the scheduling decision meant the previous tender could no longer proceed. "That executive committee decision materially changed the scope of the commercial rights available for tender, with the result that the 2025 ITT (Invitation To Tender) process could no longer proceed in its existing form."

New tender launched

CAF launched a new tender on 23 July covering the marketing and commercial rights for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 Afcon tournaments. Bidders have until 24 August to submit their proposals, in contrast to the broader competition portfolio offered in the previous process.

CAF have been without a long-term commercial agreement since terminating a 12-year contract with Lagardère in December 2019. That deal carried a $1 billion minimum revenue guarantee, but its termination resulted in a legal dispute and CAF later paying Lagardère a $50 million settlement.
 

FIFA defends Infantino over allegations linked to UEFA tenure

FIFA have defended president Gianni Infantino following questions raised about a departure payment made by UEFA to a female employee who worked with him during his time at European football’s governing body.

The intervention came after The Daily Telegraph reported on the payment, which was made while Infantino was UEFA general secretary. UEFA confirmed that a “departure payment” had been made to the employee and said it was “in line” with the regulations in place at the time.

Infantino spent 16 years at UEFA before being elected FIFA president. FIFA said the latest scrutiny formed part of what it described as attempts by critics to undermine his leadership and remove him from office without following the organisation’s established processes.

FIFA alleges effort to undermine president

In a statement issued on Saturday, FIFA said there was a “concerted and ongoing effort” by some parties to undermine both the organisation and Infantino, although it did not identify those it believed were responsible for the alleged campaign.

“Those who do not have the support of FIFA’s member associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes,” FIFA said.
 

Genoa ordered to pay former owner €5.8m in 777 dispute

Genoa CFC have been ordered to pay former owner Enrico Preziosi around €5.8 million plus interest after a Milan court ruled in his favour in a dispute linked to the club's former owners, 777 Partners, according to Il Secolo XIX.

The first-instance ruling concerns money Preziosi paid into Genoa in 2021, the year he sold the club to US investment firm 777 Partners. The decision is not final, and Genoa could appeal against the ruling.

The payment would fall on Genoa under their current ownership, led by Romanian businessman Dan Sucu, who took control of the club at the end of 2024.

Loan dispute

The dispute emerged after Preziosi's sale of Genoa, with the former president seeking repayment of funds he had provided to the club. Genoa maintained that the money had been allocated to equity and should therefore remain within the company. Preziosi's lawyers argued that the funds constituted financing that had to be repaid, a position accepted by the Milan court at first instance.

Other legal disputes between Preziosi and Genoa remain unresolved, with both sides making financial claims.

UEFA have insisted their boycott of FIFA competitions still stands, saying Gianni Infantino has failed to meet the conditions set after withdrawing plans to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private investors. The European governing body rejected suggestions that the FIFA president’s latest statement had changed its position.

UEFA said its 55 member associations had demanded both the withdrawal of the proposal and assurances that similar plans would not be pursued again. It added that those conditions had not been met and repeated that it had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

The governing body also dismissed a FIFA statement of support issued after Infantino gathered senior FIFA staff in Rabat, Morocco. “Yesterday’s announcement that some people employed by the FIFA president agree with him changes nothing,” UEFA said.

Infantino rules out resignation

Infantino has apologised for the handling of the planned FIFA Forward Enterprise, writing to FIFA Council members that “mistakes were made” and committing to prevent similar errors in future. However, he has ruled out resigning despite continued criticism from several national associations and political figures.

According to The Times, the English FA and several other member associations have also lost confidence in Infantino's presidency following the collapse of the investment proposal and has withdrawn previous backing for his re-election.
 

Jordan FA president stands by FIFA blackmail claim despite overdue payout

Jordan Football Association (JFA) president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has reiterated allegations that FIFA attempted to pressure him into backing Gianni Infantino's re-election campaign, despite the governing body paying outstanding Arab Cup prize money owed to Jordan's players and coaching staff.

Earlier this week, Prince Ali accused FIFA of refusing to assist the JFA on several issues unless he backed Infantino's bid for another term as president. Those issues included the delayed Arab Cup prize money, visa difficulties for Jordan supporters travelling to the United States and tax liabilities incurred by the national team during their stay.

Prince Ali described the alleged conduct as "blackmail". FIFA have not publicly responded to the allegations.

Payment follows allegations

In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, Prince Ali thanked FIFA for "suddenly this morning delivering what was owed to our players and coaching staff", but said the funds should have been received eight months earlier. He said the payment did not change his concerns over FIFA's leadership or his association's position on Infantino.

"While this is a good development for our players, it does not change the serious concerns we in the football world have regarding the FIFA leadership," Prince Ali wrote, adding that neither he nor the JFA would endorse or vote for Infantino.
 

Kretinsky moves to block Staveley’s £150 million West Ham investment

Daniel Kretinsky has moved to block Amanda Staveley’s proposed £150 million investment in West Ham United after taking steps that could allow him to acquire the Gold family’s 25.1 per cent shareholding instead, according to The Times. Existing shareholders have first refusal on the stake before Staveley’s consortium can complete its agreed deal.

The Czech billionaire has reduced his own holding from 27 per cent to 24.8 per cent by agreeing to sell more than 2 per cent to Czech entrepreneur Jakub Havrlant. The move would allow Kretinsky to buy the Gold family’s full stake without exceeding 50 per cent, a threshold that could trigger provisions in a 2021 shareholders’ agreement with David Sullivan, forcing Kretinsky to buy Sullivan's 38.8 per cent stake at an inflated valuation.

Should Kretinsky succeed, he would emerge with effective control of the club and prevent Staveley from acquiring shares. The Gold family’s stake is being represented by Vanessa Gold following the death of former co-owner David Gold.

Shareholder process under way

Shareholders have 30 days in an initial round to buy shares in proportion to their existing holdings, before any remaining shares are offered in a second round to those who participated. Kretinsky is seeking to acquire the full 25.1 per cent stake.

The report added that Kretinsky’s plans may depend on support from fellow shareholder Albert Tripp Smith, who owns 8 per cent.
 

Sevilla shareholders reject €420 million takeover bid

Sevilla FC’s principal shareholders have rejected a formal €420 million offer from US-listed Riverside Management Group (RMG) to acquire the club, according to El Confidencial. The proposal covered the club’s debt and valued the equity at €337 million, equating to €3.129 per share.

The families Carrión, Castro, Del Nido, Alés and Guijarro, who together control around 85 per cent of Sevilla, sought an “anti-Ramos” clause as part of any agreement. The clause was intended to avoid a repeat of the failed negotiations with Ramos’ investment group, during which the selling shareholders alleged that the structure of the proposed takeover changed after talks had begun.

The proposed price per share in RMG's offer was similar to that initially offered by the consortium fronted by Sergio Ramos in May. The latest sale process also stalled because of a €5 million penalty clause if the transaction failed to complete.

Loan offer included

RMG was also said to have offered Sevilla FC a loan to support player recruitment during the summer transfer window, but the proposal did not progress.

The bid follows recent reports that Goldman Sachs has been appointed to seek a buyer for the club’s 85 per cent controlling stake at a valuation of around €450 million, replacing JB Capital Markets as adviser.
 

MLS appoint Los Angeles FC co-owner as commissioner

Major League Soccer has appointed Larry Berg as its next commissioner, with the Los Angeles FC co-owner and chief executive set to succeed Don Garber on 1 January 2027. The appointment was announced by the league, ending Garber’s tenure after more than 27 years in the role.

Berg said the league had “an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the quality of our competition, develop more world-class players, deepen relationships with fans and continue elevating MLS’ place in global football”.

Garber said he had worked alongside Berg for the past decade and backed the appointment. “Having worked with Larry during the last decade, I have seen the qualities that make him an outstanding leader and have complete confidence he is the right person to serve as the next commissioner of Major League Soccer,” he said.

LAFC stake

To comply with league rules, Berg will step down from his ownership interest in LAFC before taking up the position.

Alongside his involvement with the MLS club, he has previously held minority stakes in AS Roma and Swansea City AFC. He was also a senior partner at Apollo Global Management from 1992 until 2022.

Gianni Infantino’s opponents are preparing a “governance boycott” of FIFA and weighing legal action in an effort to force the governing body’s president to resign following the collapse of his proposed FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE) venture. Leading figures are also prepared to consider forming rival international competitions if Infantino remains in office.

According to The Times, leaders from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have agreed a series of measures aimed at increasing pressure on Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election in March. These include “paralysing” FIFA by refusing to participate in Council and committee meetings or ratify decisions taken by the organisation.

Infantino has secured public backing from 15 of FIFA’s 211 member associations since details of the proposed sale of stakes in World Cup commercial rights emerged, while several member associations have withdrawn their support for his re-election. One source told The Times: “Everyone is very determined he needs to go and if not we will take all the necessary steps.”

UEFA warns of possible legal action

Meanwhile, UEFA has sent a legal notice to FIFA stating that it is considering legal action, arbitration and regulatory complaints linked to the FFE proposal. The letter also instructs FIFA and named executives, including Infantino, to preserve all relevant documents and electronically stored information.

FIFA announced on Saturday that it had abandoned its FFE venture after the plans were met with strong opposition and were publicly criticised and rejected by CONCACAF, the AFC and UEFA.
 

Staveley move for West Ham stake sparks Kretinsky ownership dispute

Amanda Staveley has agreed to buy Vanessa Gold’s 25 per cent stake in West Ham United for a reported £150 million, setting up a potential ownership dispute with Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. The agreement with Staveley and Chicago-based Ashland Forest Capital Partners remains subject to the club’s shareholder pre-emption process.

As reported by Bloomberg, under West Ham’s shareholder agreement, existing investors have first refusal on shares offered for sale at an agreed price. That gives Kretinsky the opportunity to match the proposed transaction before it is completed. Kretinsky became the club's largest shareholder in June when he increased his stake from 27 per cent to 43 per cent after acquiring part of the Gold family’s shareholding.

A spokesperson for Staveley said she had “huge respect” for Kretinsky and wanted to work with all shareholders. A spokesperson for Kretinsky, however, said the proposed sale risked undermining the club:

“The agreement we had reached with the Gold family in June provided stability for the club at a crucial time. Today’s announcement does the opposite.”

Kretinsky reviewing options

Bloomberg previously reported that Kretinsky had been negotiating to acquire part of Gold’s holding in a move that would have made him the club’s largest shareholder. Following confirmation of the Staveley agreement, Kretinsky was said to be reviewing all available options, including exercising his pre-emption rights in full.

West Ham said the process is expected to take around two months and that the club’s ownership structure and day-to-day operations will remain unchanged until it concludes. Gold said her earlier discussions with Kretinsky and other parties “could not be brought to fruition”.
 

Chelsea handed £10 million fine and suspended transfer ban by FA

Chelsea FC have been fined £10 million and handed a suspended two-window registration ban by the Football Association after admitting 74 breaches relating to payments to unregistered agents and intermediaries during Roman Abramovich’s ownership. The registration ban is suspended until 30 June 2027 and will only take effect if the club commits further relevant breaches before then.

The sanctions follow an FA investigation into undisclosed payments linked to player transfers between 2010 and 2016. Chelsea accepted the financial penalty, while successfully appealing against a suspended points deduction imposed by an independent regulatory commission.

The FA appeal board ruled there was insufficient evidence to support the original finding that Chelsea had gained an actual sporting advantage through the breaches, leading it to replace the suspended six-point deduction with the suspended registration ban. The FA said it is continuing to investigate individual misconduct arising from the case.

Self-reported breaches

The case was one of three regulatory investigations launched after Chelsea's owners, BlueCo, self-reported historical compliance issues during the club's 2022 takeover. Earlier settlements with UEFA and the Premier League covered related matters from the same period and resulted in fines of £8.6 million and £10.75 million respectively.

Chelsea said the conclusion of the FA process brings all regulatory proceedings linked to the self-reported matters to an end.
 

FIFA begins review of possible 64-team World Cup from 2030

FIFA has launched a consultation on a possible expansion of the men's World Cup from 48 to 64 teams from the 2030 edition, according to documents seen by ESPN. The governing body has invited proposals for independent research into the potential effects of a larger tournament, with a decision on whether to proceed with the study scheduled for 14 August.

The five-page research brief states that FIFA is assessing the strategic implications of expanding the competition beyond its current format.

It proposes appointing an external agency to evaluate how a 64-team tournament could affect the competition and the wider football ecosystem, with a full analysis due in September.

Research to assess impact

The consultation follows the introduction of the 48-team format at the 2026 World Cup. ESPN reported that a further expansion to 64 teams had previously been rejected privately by senior FIFA figures before the latest review was initiated.

Agency proposals are due by 7 August before FIFA decides on 14 August whether to proceed, ahead of a full report expected on 11 September.
 

Sevilla appoint Goldman Sachs to seek buyer after Ramos deal collapses

Sevilla FC have appointed Goldman Sachs to lead the search for a buyer for an 85 per cent stake in the club after negotiations over a proposed takeover involving former player Sergio Ramos broke down, according to El Confidencial. The sale process values the club at around €450 million.

The club’s five largest shareholder groups - the Carrión, Castro, Del Nido, Guijarro and Alés families - have jointly hired the US investment bank to coordinate the process. Prospective investors will be required to demonstrate their financial capacity before being allowed to proceed. JB Capital Markets had previously been advising on the transaction.

The ownership process comes as Sevilla continue to deal with financial challenges. The club reported a net loss of €54 million for the 2024/25 season, improving from a loss of €82 million a year earlier, while revenue fell to €115 million from €175 million.

Ramos deal collapse

The move to hire Goldman Sachs follows the collapse of talks with Ramos and investment fund Five Eleven Capital. According to El Confidencial, Ramos initially agreed to acquire 86,000 shares, but later reduced the offer to around 30,000 shares, valuing the club at around €100 million, prompting the shareholder groups to end negotiations.
 

The proposal also included a subsequent €120 million capital increase that would have strengthened the new ownership group's control by increasing the number of shares in issue. A club source told media outlet El País that they were staggered that Ramos and Five Eleven tried to complete a takeover for only €100 million.
 

Takeovers offer lifeline to under pressure clubs in Bordeaux and Brussels

An Anglo-American consortium has agreed to acquire Girondins de Bordeaux, but the deal will only proceed if the French club secure a return to National 1 after being excluded from the national league system, according to L'Equipe. The acquisition comes ahead of a key hearing before the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF).

British investment fund Sparta Capital has partnered with US venture capital firm Park Bench to acquire 100 per cent of the club for a symbolic €1, with Park Bench understood to be the principal investor.

The new owners have injected €10.5 million to fund the coming season, settle outstanding liabilities and meet obligations under Bordeaux's restructuring plan. However, the transaction remains conditional on the club being reinstated to National 1.

Bordeaux are currently in Regional 1 and will contest their exclusion from the national league system at Wednesday's CNOSF conciliation hearing. Failure to secure National 1 status could put the takeover at risk and ultimately lead to the club's liquidation.

Dailly acquire RWDM Brussels

Meanwhile, RWDM Brussels have completed a takeover by former majority shareholder Thierry Dailly, ending John Textor's ownership of the Belgian club through Eagle Football. The deal follows months of uncertainty during which RWDM faced bankruptcy proceedings, while a Brussels court granted the club additional time after being told negotiations with prospective investors were under way.

The bankruptcy petition had been filed by former chief executive Gauthier Ganaye over unpaid severance. Dailly, one of the founders of the reformed club in 2015, returns three years after his exit and takes control ahead of RWDM's start to the new season in Belgium's third tier.
 

Bologna unveil plans for new €300 million stadium project

Bologna 1909 have announced plans for a new stadium project after identifying a proposed site in partnership with the City of Bologna and BolognaFiere. In a joint statement, the parties confirmed they have signed a letter of intent to assess the feasibility of the development.

According to local media, the proposed venue would have a capacity of more than 30,000 and include a retractable roof. The project is expected to require an investment of around €300 million. The site is located on land owned by BolognaFiere, where planning approvals already exist for exhibition facilities, a factor that could speed up the approval process.

The project forms part of Bologna's bid to be among Italy's five selected venues for UEFA EURO 2032, which the country will co-host with Türkiye. BolognaFiere president Gianpiero Calzolari said: “The letter of intent represents a first concrete step to further explore the feasibility of a strategic, long-term project.”

Financial review to follow

Mayor Matteo Lepore said Bologna and BolognaFiere will review the project's financial sustainability in September before deciding whether to proceed. He added that only then would it be possible to confirm whether the proposal would move forward.

If approved, the stadium would replace plans to renovate the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara and form part of a wider redevelopment area alongside transport links, hotels and other infrastructure.

UEFA and its 55 member associations have unanimously agreed not to take part in FIFA competitions if the governing body proceeds with plans to sell ownership stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors. The decision was taken at a virtual meeting of UEFA’s members and announced in a statement on Thursday.

The move represents a direct challenge to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal (FFE). UEFA said national associations had been presented with an ultimatum to approve the plan or accept reduced funding, arguing that such a decision had been developed without meaningful consultation.

The statement said: “We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.” UEFA added that no European national teams would participate in FIFA competitions while the proposal remained under consideration unless it was withdrawn entirely.

Broad opposition

UEFA argued that private ownership would place commercial returns ahead of the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters. It said football’s international competitions should not become subject to shareholder expectations or financial pressures.

The governing body said Europe would continue to oppose the proposal until FIFA abandoned it and provided binding assurances that ownership interests in its competitions would not be opened to private investors. It added that “The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will.”

UEFA’s opposition was backed by the Asian Football Confederation, whose president, and FIFA's vice-president, Sheikh Salman criticised FIFA’s lack of consultation and warned the proposal would not succeed without the support of all continental confederations. Concacaf has also criticised FIFA's lack of consultation.
 

Premier League backs £1.5 billion proposal for EFL funding

Premier League clubs have unanimously approved a proposal that would distribute an additional £1.5 billion to English Football League (EFL) clubs over the next decade as part of a new strategic partnership between the competitions. The offer will now be presented to the EFL board for consideration following discussions between the two organisations.

The proposal would add to the existing financial support provided by the Premier League, with the extra funding sitting alongside the £1.6 billion already distributed to clubs and communities every three years.

As previously reported by Sky News, the package also includes dedicated funds for clubs facing financial difficulties and for infrastructure projects. The additional cost would reportedly be financed by increasing the Premier League transfer levy from 4 per cent to 6 per cent.

The Premier League said its clubs had “unanimously voted to approve a funded proposal for a new strategic partnership with the EFL” and that it remained committed to reaching a football-led agreement with the EFL.

EFL to review proposal

The EFL described recent discussions as constructive and said its board would review the package, including its potential benefits and implications for its 72 clubs, before continuing talks with the Premier League.

The proposal is the first formally approved by Premier League clubs since discussions over increased financial redistribution began five years ago.
 

Bundesliga discuss €1 billion funding proposal with Apollo

The Bundesliga have held discussions with U.S.-based investment firm Apollo Sports Capital over a proposed €1 billion loan, according to Bild. The talks took place at a meeting in New York in June and relate to a 20-year financing arrangement.

The proposal did not emerge from a formal tender process and any agreement would require approval from the 36 clubs across the Bundesliga’s top two divisions. Under the league’s rules, a two-thirds majority would be needed before any deal could proceed.

The discussions represent the latest attempt by the league to address its financial position following two previous investment initiatives. The framework under consideration is based on a 20-year loan secured against the Bundesliga's future domestic broadcasting revenue, rather than the sale of an equity stake.

Previous investment plans

The Bundesliga abandoned plans in February 2024 to sell an 8 per cent share of future domestic media rights after sustained protests from supporters. An earlier proposal in 2023 to sell a larger share for €2 billion also failed to secure sufficient backing from member clubs.

It is not yet known how any funding from a potential Apollo agreement would be allocated, and any deal would still require approval from member clubs before it could be finalised.
 

Real Madrid post record €1.22 billion revenue for 2025/26

Real Madrid have announced record revenue of more than €1.22 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, the highest amount reported by a football club, surpassing their own record of €1.18 billion from the previous year.

The biggest contributor to the total was commercial revenue of €540 million, alongside €363 million generated from stadium activities.

The figures were presented alongside a positive EBITDA of €287 million, although this includes profit on player sales. Following the record revenue, Real Madrid posted a profit after tax of €26.3 million, up €2 million on the previous season.

Increasing costs and lower cash reserves

Sports staff costs, including wages and amortisation, increased by 14 per cent, rising from €540 million to €618 million in 2025/26.

Meanwhile, equity reached €624 million, while cash reserves were halved to €83 million.
 

Staveley consortium eyes West Ham stake as Derby near Saudi investment

Amanda Staveley’s consortium is close to buying the late David Gold’s 25 per cent stake in West Ham United from his daughter, Vanessa Gold, according to The Times. The group is then expected to consider an offer for David Sullivan’s shares to take control of the Championship club.

The consortium is backed mainly by investors from the United States and the Far East. Any deal for Gold’s shares remains subject to a pre-emption process giving existing shareholders first refusal. Daniel Kretinsky is currently the biggest shareholder, holding roughly 43 per cent of the shares.

The Times also reported that Sullivan’s 38.8 per cent stake is being reviewed by the Independent Football Regulator following harassment allegations which he has denied.

Derby investment close

Meanwhile, fellow Championship side Derby County are close to finalising an investment deal with Saudi Arabian sports promoter Turki Al-Sheikh, according to The Telegraph. The club are hoping to receive Independent Football Regulator approval next week after the EFL completed its checks.

If approved, Al-Sheikh is expected to provide fresh funding to strengthen Derby’s squad and infrastructure. Owner David Clowes is set to remain chairman, while the club aim to boost their chances of returning to the Premier League.
 

Lyon report 11 per cent revenue decline after drop in Ligue 1 TV income

Olympique Lyon reported an 11.4 per cent year-on-year decline in revenue, with the club generating operating revenue of €144 million in 2025/26, according to a club statement.

The decline reflected lower broadcasting distributions, with domestic television revenue contributing €16.4 million after the club finished fourth in Ligue 1, compared with €22.8 million the previous year, when Lyon finished sixth, highlighting the continued challenges in the French domestic media rights market.

Matchday revenue increasied 5 per cent to €45 million while commercial revenue was broadly stable at €29.2 million, with Adidas and Emirates remaining the club’s principal sponsors.

Player trading remains key

Player sales contributed a further €79.2 million despite declining 29 per cent from the previous year. Transfer activity accounted for 35 per cent of Lyon’s total revenue in 2025/26, underlining its continued importance to the club’s business model.

The club has been owned by Michele Kang since she secured a controlling stake last month following a period in administration after the collapse of former majority shareholder Eagle Football Bidco.

Premier League clubs are preparing to vote on a proposed long-term financial redistribution agreement with the English Football League, according to Sky News. The proposed “New Deal” would establish a 10-year framework for funding the professional game, with payments understood to total about £1.5 billion over the course of the agreement.

The latest proposal includes increasing the Premier League’s transfer levy from 4 per cent to 6 per cent to help fund the arrangement, while clubs would contribute according to the league’s existing broadcast revenue distribution formula. A majority of 14 clubs would be required for the proposal to pass before it is presented formally to the EFL.

Sky News reported that further discussions are continuing and a vote has yet to be confirmed. One source close to the EFL described elements of the proposal as “insufficient”, while the overall value and final terms remain subject to negotiation.

Parachue payments and safety fund

The package is also understood to include a gradual reduction in parachute payments to relegated clubs and the creation of a £20 million fund to support EFL clubs entering administration. In addition, clubs receiving New Deal payments would be required to spend at least 20 per cent of the funds on infrastructure investment.

According to Sky News, the Premier League is seeking to reach an agreement by the end of August, ahead of the Independent Football Regulator’s first State of the Game report, with the watchdog retaining powers to impose a financial redistribution settlement if the leagues fail to reach their own agreement.
 

Inter to invest €100 million in training ground redevelopment plan

Inter Milan are set to invest €100 million in a two-year redevelopment of their training facilities, with plans to upgrade the club's Appiano Gentile base and expand infrastructure for the first team, Under-23 squad and women's team, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The project forms part of the club's long-term strategy to modernise its football operations and real estate assets.

The first phase includes the refurbishment of the first-team building at Appiano Gentile, with new changing rooms, recovery and rehabilitation facilities, and an innovation hub designed to integrate data, video and technology into player support. A separate building for the Under-23 side will also be constructed, alongside a fifth training pitch.

The redevelopment will also include the renovation of the site's media facilities. A new building for Inter's women's team at Interello has already been completed.

Two-year project

The refurbished first-team building is expected to be ready when Inter return from their pre-season tour in Asia, while the remaining work is scheduled to be completed over the following two years.

The project is being overseen by Inter's ownership and football operations director Marco Benetti as the club seeks to develop facilities that meet current sporting requirements while accommodating future operational needs.
 

Infantino defends 2026 FIFA World Cup in social media post

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has responded to criticism of the governing body's handling of the World Cup by publishing a 15-page post on Instagram accusing detractors of spreading "hate and false rumours". The message follows scrutiny of issues including ticket prices, visa access, disciplinary decisions and political interference allegations.

Infantino rejected claims that the tournament had been overshadowed by operational or security concerns, saying there had been no violence or incidents and that safety had been guaranteed throughout the competition. He also thanked the governments of the three host nations for their support and said stadiums and host cities had been filled with fans from around the world.

Addressing media and online critics, Infantino wrote: "To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours ... we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world."

"Meditate, pray or watch a football match"

Infantino also addressed FIFA's handling of the disciplinary case involving USA forward Folarin Balogun, arguing that decisions not to suspend players after disciplinary reviews are normal in several domestic leagues. FIFA has not published the disciplinary committee chairman's reasoning for deferring Balogun's automatic one-match ban.

The post concluded with an appeal for critics to "reflect, meditate, pray or watch a football match" rather than focus on criticism. Infantino said he was proud of FIFA's role in staging the tournament and expressed hope that football would "rise above all hate".
 

Mexican FA scraps promotion and relegation in top divisions

The Mexican Football Federation has removed promotion and relegation between Mexico's first and second tier Liga MX and Liga de Expansión MX from its competition regulations for the 2026/27 season, according to Mexican media.

The rules were published less than 24 hours before the start of the Apertura 2026 tournament. Article 35 in the newest regulations states that Liga MX clubs will not be relegated to the second tier and that Liga de Expansión MX clubs will not be promoted to the top flight.

All 18 Liga MX clubs will therefore retain their first-division status regardless of their results. The coefficient table will continue to be recorded under Article 34, but only for statistical purposes.

Previous suspension extended

Promotion and relegation were suspended in April 2020 for five years, with the FMF and Liga MX citing the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to protect clubs in both divisions. During that period, the lowest-ranked top-flight clubs paid financial penalties instead of being relegated.

Several Liga de Expansión clubs later challenged the system before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The process had raised expectations that promotion and relegation would return in 2026/27, but the latest regulations keep the two divisions closed.
 

Leiweke group acquires Bolton minority stake amid potential scrutiny over Trump pardon

U.S. sports executive Tim Leiweke has agreed to acquire a minority stake in Championship club Bolton Wanderers through Entrepreneur Equity Partners (EEP), with the investment subject to approval by the Independent Football Regulator (IFR).

The proposed deal comes after Leiweke received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in December following an antitrust indictment, a factor that could draw scrutiny during the owners' and directors' assessment, according to The Athletic.

If approved, Leiweke will join Bolton’s board, while former Oak View Group executive Keegan McDonald will become a board observer. They will join majority shareholder Nick Luckock and minority shareholders Sharon Brittan and Michael James, who have overseen the club since rescuing it from administration in 2019.

Leiweke stepped down as Oak View Group’s chief executive after being indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice over an alleged bid-rigging conspiracy linked to a sports arena project. Trump later granted Leiweke a pardon before the case came to trial.

EEP investments

Bolton announced the investment on Friday, with Brittan saying EEP shared the club’s long-term vision and experience of developing sports organisations. Leiweke said the consortium had been impressed by the club’s support after attending its promotion at Wembley.

Earlier this year, Leiweke and Entrepreneur Equity Partners secured a minority stake in Venezia FC through a €100 million investment, while a proposed investment in SL Benfica was blocked by the Portuguese club’s board over concerns that it would become part of a multi-club ownership structure.

A consortium led by Amit Bhatia and backed by the Mittal family is in talks to acquire a significant minority stake in Liverpool, according to the Financial Times. Any deal would value the Premier League club at more than $6 billion.

Bhatia’s investor group has appointed advisers to work on a potential offer and is in active discussions with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG). People familiar with the talks told there was no certainty the negotiations would result in a transaction.

FSG confirmed the approach in a statement to the Financial Times, saying: “An investment consortium led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”

High-profile transactions

The proposed valuation would rank among the highest seen in football. If completed, the investment would follow other high-profile transactions involving Premier League clubs, including the £2.5 billion takeover of Chelsea in 2022 and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a minority stake in Manchester United in 2023, a deal that valued the club at more than $6.3 billion.

Bhatia is the son-in-law of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, whose family is backing the consortium involved in the discussions.

Manchester United shareholder files 5.6 per cent stake disclosure

UK-based investment firm Boldhaven Management has disclosed a 5.6 per cent stake in Manchester United after filing a Schedule 13G with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, according to a report from Sportico.

The filing shows Boldhaven owns 3.1 million Class A shares in the club, triggering the disclosure requirement for investors whose holdings exceed 5 per cent.

The filing makes Boldhaven the second-largest institutional holder of Manchester United's Class A shares behind Ariel Investments, whose most recent filings showed ownership of 9.05 million shares as of 31 March.

Boldhaven, founded in 2017 by chief investment officer Ronald Sofer, describes itself as an alternative investment manager focused on fundamental research and long-term investing.

Ownership structure remains unchanged

Manchester United's controlling shareholders remain the Glazer family and Ineos founder Jim Ratcliffe, whose Class B shares carry 10 times the voting rights of the club's publicly traded Class A shares. Ratcliffe completed his investment in the club in 2024 after agreeing to acquire a combination of Class A and Class B shares.

Manchester United's share price has risen 84 per cent since its low in April 2025.

Tebas calls for Infantino to step down amid criticism of FIFA

La Liga president Javier Tebas has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down, accusing the governing body of “destroying the football industry” in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Tebas said Infantino’s time in charge should end, although he believes the FIFA president will retain the backing of national federations.

Speaking after Spain’s World Cup triumph in the United States, Tebas said: “In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up.” He added that many people privately opposed Infantino’s leadership but had failed to act.

Tebas criticised several aspects of FIFA’s management of the 2026 World Cup, including hydration breaks, the length of the half-time interval in the final and proposals that could expand future summer tournaments to 64 teams. He also argued that FIFA’s presidential election process prevents meaningful opposition from emerging.

Balogun case

The La Liga chief also referred to the handling of United States forward Folarin Balogun’s suspension, claiming the decision to postpone the ban was a serious matter. Tebas said FIFA avoided greater scrutiny after Belgium eliminated the United States from the tournament.

Tebas argued the Balogun case was only “the tip of the iceberg” and reiterated his view that FIFA’s current leadership and governance structure should change.

Leicester City owners explore sale after appointing Citigroup to seek buyers

Leicester City’s owners, King Power, have appointed Citigroup to explore a potential sale of the club, according to a report from the Financial Times. The group, which has owned Leicester since 2010, is sounding out prospective buyers after more than 15 years in control.

King Power acquired Leicester when the club were in the Championship before overseeing a period that included promotion to the Premier League and the club’s title-winning campaign in 2016. Founder Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died in a helicopter crash outside the club’s stadium in 2018, with his son Aiyawatt assuming control.

Leicester also won the FA Cup in 2021 but their fortunes have since declined. The club were relegated from the Premier League in 2023, returned after one season and then dropped out of the top flight again in 2025.

Financial position

The club have also faced scrutiny over their finances in recent seasons. In February, Leicester received a six-point deduction for breaching English football’s spending rules and ended the campaign with relegation to League One.

Accounts published this year showed Leicester recorded a loss of £71.1 million during the 2024/25 season despite competing in the Premier League.

Watford owners agree sale of women’s team

Watford’s owners, the Pozzo family, have agreed to sell the Championship club’s women’s team to investment platform Pitch15, with the transaction subject to regulatory approval. The Athletic reported that definitive agreements have been signed, with only approval from WSL Football remaining before the deal can be completed.

The agreement follows Watford FC Women’s promotion back to WSL2 after winning the National League South title last season. Under the league’s regulations, clubs must pay minimum player salaries, increasing the costs of operating at the second tier and prompting the club to consider offers for the team.

A source close to the deal told The Athletic: “Definitive agreements have been signed and transaction is now subject only to one final administrative step before completion.”

Pitch15 expands portfolio

Pitch15 was founded in 2025 by Norwegian businessman Tommy Nordam Jensen and describes itself as a platform focused on developing women’s sport. Earlier this year it announced a commercial partnership with Essex County Cricket Club, while later this month it will stage the inaugural Pitch15 Open alongside a women’s sports leadership summit at Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire.

The proposed acquisition follows a series of investment deals involving women’s teams in England. Chelsea, Aston Villa and Everton have all sold minority stakes in their women’s sides to external investors, while Mercury13 acquired Bristol City Women last year and Sunderland sold their women’s team to Bay Collective in April.

FIFA are set to announce record revenues of $15 billion from this summer’s World Cup, according to a report from The Guardian, exceeding the governing body’s original forecast of $11 billion. Member associations were informed of the expected financial result by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Saturday.

Higher-than-expected hospitality and ticketing income contributed to the increase, with sales on the secondary ticket market accounting for part of the rise. FIFA receives 15 per cent from both buyers and sellers on secondary market transactions.

Details of how the additional revenue will be distributed have yet to be confirmed, although national associations are expected to benefit.

Future hosting prospects

The prospect of increased funding could strengthen backing for Infantino as FIFA president among national federations.

The financial outcome may also improve the United States’ prospects of hosting another World Cup. The next available tournament for bidding is the 2038 edition, while the US has also held discussions with FIFA about staging the 2029 Club World Cup.

FC Barcelona raise €105 million through new ten-year bond issue

FC Barcelona have completed a €105 million senior secured bond issue with a fixed coupon of 5.14 per cent and a maturity date of October 2036, according to the club. The funds will be used to strengthen the club’s cash position and support the execution of its strategic plan as work continues on the Spotify Camp Nou redevelopment.

The club said the bond issue attracted demand worth more than twice the amount offered and was fully placed in under two hours with a selected group of US institutional investors, including insurance companies, investment funds and pension funds. Goldman Sachs acted as lead manager and placement agent for the transaction.

Barcelona said in the statement: “The success of the operation reinforces the confidence of international markets in the strength of the FC Barcelona project.” The club also said the market spread fell from 240 to 202 basis points compared with its previous bond issue.

Liquidity during stadium redevelopment

The latest financing comes as Barcelona continue work on the Espai Barça project. Reports have previously indicated the club could seek additional financing to cover construction cost overruns linked to the stadium development.

Barcelona reported net financial debt of €1.233 billion as of 30 June 2025, up 14 per cent year on year, while shareholders’ equity remained negative at €152.7 million.

Krause Group acquires majority stake in Casa Pia

Casa Pia AC have agreed a deal for US-based Krause Group to acquire a majority stake in the Portuguese club, with the transaction subject to the completion of formal and regulatory procedures. The club announced the agreement, describing it as a long-term investment that will preserve Casa Pia’s identity and values.

The acquisition adds Casa Pia to Krause Group’s multi-club ownership portfolio, which already includes Italian side Parma and US club Des Moines Menace. The group said the deal reflects its long-term commitment to football development in Europe.

Casa Pia said further details on the transaction and the club’s strategic direction will be announced once all formal and regulatory procedures have been completed.

Women's team part of investment

As part of the agreement, Krause Group will support the launch of Casa Pia’s senior women’s team. The investment is intended to expand opportunities in women’s football while continuing the club’s existing activities.

The club’s management will remain unchanged, with Tiago Lopes continuing as chief executive.

More than 200 FIFA members back Infantino for fourth presidential term

More than 200 of Fifa’s 211 member associations have formally endorsed Gianni Infantino for re-election as president, according to The Guardian, leaving him on course to secure a fourth term at the governing body’s congress in March. Only a small number of national associations have yet to submit letters of support, with Germany among the highest-profile exceptions.

Candidates must be nominated by 18 November, when letters of endorsement can still be withdrawn or reassigned. Infantino is currently the only declared candidate, although some member associations believe they have faced continued pressure from within FIFA to confirm their backing despite provisions in the organisation’s ethics code.

Dissatisfaction remains among some European football bodies following recent controversies, including FIFA’s handling of Folarin Balogun’s suspension. Discussions have taken place about the possibility of a Europe-backed challenger, but no alternative candidate has emerged.

European opposition

UEFA has disagreed with FIFA over several recent issues, including the Balogun case and the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Artan from the World Cup. However, it remains unclear whether Europe’s governing body would formally support a rival in the presidential election.

FIFA’s member associations are due to meet in New York on Saturday. Recent governance controversies are unlikely to feature prominently on the agenda, with the World Cup’s financial performance and potential distributions to member associations expected to receive greater attention.

Agreement reached for Royal Antwerp takeover by local consortium including Toby Alderweireld

Royal Antwerp have reached an agreement with the Gheysens family for the full takeover of the club by a consortium of Antwerp-based entrepreneurs that includes former Belgium international Toby Alderweireld and entrepreneur Wouter Vandenhaute. The club said the transaction marks the start of a new ownership chapter built around locally based shareholders with a long-term approach.

According to the club, the new owners intend to develop Royal Antwerp through financial discipline, sporting ambition and sustainable governance while maintaining the club's links with its supporters, the city of Antwerp and the wider community. The statement also confirmed that chief executive Sven Jaecques will remain in charge of the club's day-to-day operations.

Jacques Vandermeiren, who has been asked to assemble a new board of directors and is expected to become chairman, said: “This is the beginning of a new story... Royal Antwerp FC is much more than a football club. It connects people, businesses and generations of people from Antwerp.”

Club targets continuity

The club said it will continue to build on infrastructure investment and sporting progress made during the Gheysens family's ownership, while placing greater emphasis on talent development, sporting organisation and a healthy financial base.

Royal Antwerp also thanked the Gheysens family for their role in the club's recent development, saying their investment helped lay the foundations for a league title, domestic cup success, European football and the club's return as a leading force in Belgian football.

Boavista ordered to cease operations after missing creditor payment

Historic Portuguese club Boavista have been ordered to cease all activities and vacate their stadium Estádio do Bessa premises by 31 July after failing to make a required payment under the terms of the club’s insolvency process, according to Portuguese news agency Lusa.

The order follows the club’s failure to deposit funds intended to cover operating costs and obligations agreed with creditors.

The insolvency administrator said there was no expectation that the outstanding donation, or the payment required for the current month, would be transferred to the insolvency estate. The missed payment breached conditions approved at a creditors’ meeting in December 2025, under which the club’s continued operation depended on meeting monthly financial commitments.

The ruling requires all activities at the stadium and adjacent facilities to end, with the premises to be handed over “free from staff or property” on 31 July. Sporting activities may continue only until the end of the month before the club leaves the site.

Financial problems deepen

Boavista, Portuguese champions in 2000/01, have faced financial difficulties for several years. After returning to the Primeira Liga following relegation in the aftermath of the Apito Final match-fixing scandal, the Porto club were relegated again at the end of the 2024/25 season and were subsequently refused registration for Liga 2 and Liga 3.

The club instead entered the Porto district league but failed to complete the campaign while subject to a transfer ban. The Estádio do Bessa was previously put up for auction before an agreement with creditors delayed the insolvency process, although that arrangement has now collapsed after the latest missed payment.

Aleksander Čeferin skips World Cup final amid FIFA dispute

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin did not attend the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, in a move that reflects the worsening relationship between European football’s governing body and FIFA. The Times reported that the UEFA chief stayed away following the dispute over FIFA’s handling of Folarin Balogun’s suspension.

Čeferin, who is also a FIFA vice-president, would ordinarily be expected to attend the tournament’s showpiece event. His absence followed UEFA’s criticism of FIFA’s decision to defer Balogun’s suspension after a red card, allowing the United States striker to play against Belgium.

UEFA described the decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and said FIFA had “crossed a red line”. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has denied involvement after US president Donald Trump said he had discussed the case with him, while the decision was made by a single member of FIFA’s disciplinary committee.

Broader disagreements remain

The latest dispute adds to existing differences between UEFA and FIFA. UEFA opposes proposals to expand the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, while Čeferin has also criticised ticket prices for the tournament and voiced concerns over several refereeing and VAR changes introduced for the competition.

Most FIFA Council members, including the English Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, attended the final. The FA wrote privately to Infantino last month in support of his bid for re-election as FIFA president next year.

MLS commissioner leaves door open to future promotion and relegation but not for now

Major League Soccer (MLS) commissioner Don Garber says promotion and relegation could become part of the league in future, although he believes the model does not currently suit MLS. Garber said the competition would adopt the system if it eventually became the right fit, but argued the league’s current structure and investment profile make it impractical for now, according to AP.

Garber pointed to spending on stadiums, academies and player development as reasons why club owners are unlikely to support promotion and relegation at present. He highlighted New York City FC’s Etihad Park, due to open next July, as an example of the long-term infrastructure investment made across the league.

MLS launched in 1996 with 10 clubs and now has 30 operating in a closed system. San Diego became the latest expansion club after paying a reported US$500 million fee to enter the league in 2025. Garber said: “I will say this now that I wouldn’t have said five years ago, I never thought we’d change our calendar and we did. I never thought we’d have 30 teams and we do. I never thought we’d have 29 stadiums, and we will. I never thought we’d ever talk about promotion, relegation.”

Calendar changes and USL plans

MLS will switch to a summer-to-spring calendar from next year in a move designed to align more closely with leading European leagues. An abbreviated competition will be staged in early 2027 before the 2027/28 season begins in mid- to late July.

Meanwhile, the United Soccer League plans to launch the top-flight USL Premier in 2028, operating alongside the USL Championship and League One in a promotion and relegation system.

Leeds United have begun legal proceedings against Leicester City after serving a statement of claim linked to the club’s breach of profitability and sustainability rules (PSR), according to The Athletic. Leeds are seeking damages after missing out on automatic promotion from the Championship in the 2023/24 season.

Leeds decided to act following Burnley’s recent legal success against Everton. Burnley were awarded £35 million in compensation and interest after arguing Everton’s earlier PSR breach contributed to their relegation from the Premier League. Leeds’ claim includes specific losses as well as a request for an assessment of damages, with a hearing currently scheduled for next summer.

Leeds are expected to argue they would have secured automatic promotion had Leicester complied with PSR rules. Leicester finished top of the Championship in 2023/24, while Leeds ended the campaign in third place before losing the play-off final.

Burnley case provides legal framework

Last month, Burnley were awarded compensation after an independent commission concluded Everton’s PSR breach had, “On the balance of probabilities, … caused Burnley to be relegated.” Everton have said they will appeal that decision.

Although the Burnley ruling does not create a binding legal precedent, it has established a framework for similar claims. Leicester were deducted six points in the Championship last season after being found to have breached spending rules during their 2023/24 campaign.

UEFA federations discuss challenger to Gianni Infantino FIFA re-election bid

Several UEFA member associations are discussing backing a candidate to stand against Gianni Infantino in the next FIFA presidential election, according to a report from talkSPORT. Infantino confirmed at FIFA Congress in April that he intends to seek a third term and has been expecting to stand unopposed when the election takes place in November.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is not expected to challenge Infantino despite previous disagreements between UEFA and FIFA. Čeferin is instead willing to seek another term leading UEFA if no alternative candidate emerges.

Support has been discussed for other European figures, including Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Legia Warsaw owner Dariusz Mioduski. Al-Khelaifi is not seeking the role, while officials from several UEFA federations have also considered backing other candidates.

Nominations close in November

Outside Europe, CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and CAF president Patrice Motsepe have also been linked with future FIFA presidential ambitions, although neither is expected to stand against Infantino in this election. Support from African, Asian and CONCACAF members for FIFA competition expansion plans could strengthen Infantino’s position.

Nominations for the FIFA presidential election close on 18 November, with the vote scheduled to take place the same day in Rabat, Morocco.

Bundesliga announce $100 million US broadcast deal with Versant

The Bundesliga have announced new US media rights agreements with Versant’s USA Sports and NBCUniversal’s Telemundo, with the partnerships beginning from the 2026/27 season. Under the deals, USA Sports will become the league’s exclusive English-language broadcaster, while Telemundo will hold the exclusive Spanish-language rights in the United States.

The English-language agreement is worth $100 million over five seasons, according to The Athletic, citing sources briefed on the negotiations. The Bundesliga’s US English-language rights will move from ESPN to a combination of USA Network and Fandango, with all 300-plus matches shown across the two platforms.

USA Network will broadcast at least 30 matches each season, with the remaining fixtures available free on the advertising-supported Fandango streaming service.

Spanish-language rights split

The Bundesliga also confirmed a separate three-year agreement with Telemundo for Spanish-language coverage. More than 100 matches per season will be shown on Telemundo and Universo, with every match available to stream on Peacock. The agreements mark the first time the Bundesliga have sold their English and Spanish-language rights in North America as separate packages.

ESPN previously held both the English and Spanish-language rights in the United States. ESPN paid around $30 million per season under the previous agreement, with the new English and Spanish-language deals together carrying a similar combined annual value.

EU court raises concerns over FIFA agent regulations

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that parts of FIFA’s Football Agent Regulations (FFAR) may be incompatible with EU law, while referring the case back to the German court that requested its interpretation to determine whether the disputed provisions are unlawful or justified.

The judgment concerns rules governing football agents’ activities, including representation, licensing, commissions and data-sharing requirements.

The court found that several provisions raise concerns under EU competition law, the freedom to provide services and data protection rules. Among them is a restriction preventing agents from approaching clients already tied to an exclusive representation agreement until the final two months of that contract.

The judges said that rule appears to favour incumbent agents, who can renegotiate existing agreements outside that period, potentially giving them an unjustified competitive advantage. The court also ruled that certain FIFA requirements to publish information on agents and transactions are incompatible with EU data protection rules.

FIFA welcomes ruling

The court also found that FIFA could hold a dominant position in markets for intermediary services linked to international transfers and the recruitment of professional players and coaches because of its regulatory and disciplinary powers.

In a statement, FIFA welcomed the judgment, saying it confirmed that certain restrictions, such as service fee caps and limits on multiple representation, may be justified under EU law where they pursue legitimate objectives and are necessary and proportionate.

Real Zaragoza confirm new majority ownership following investment agreement

Real Zaragoza have confirmed that investment platform A.GAIN will become the club’s new majority shareholder after signing a preliminary investment agreement with current owners Jorge Mas and Juan Forcén, the club have announced.

A.GAIN will initially hold 75 per cent of the club’s share capital before a planned capital increase leaves the new investors with a 60 per cent stake. Mas and Forcén will remain as minority shareholders with the remaining 40 per cent.

“A.GAIN joins the project alongside Jorge Mas and Juan Forcén… to form a group with all the capabilities needed to achieve a common objective: returning Real Zaragoza to the stability and competitiveness that their history and supporters demand,” the club said in a statement.

General manager appointed

Alongside the ownership change, Real Zaragoza have appointed Guido Baroli as the club’s new general manager. The Argentine executive will oversee the club’s day-to-day operations as the new ownership structure is put in place.

The transaction remains subject to the completion of the remaining approval processes before it is formally completed. Real Zaragoza said further details of the new owners’ plans for the club will be shared with supporters in the coming days.

A-League players reject pay deal ahead of new season

A-League Men and A-League Women players have unanimously rejected the Australian Professional Leagues' latest collective bargaining agreement (CBA) proposal, leaving Australia's top domestic football competitions without a new agreement ahead of the 2026/27 season. The previous CBA expired on June 30, and the decision means players could exercise their right to industrial action.

Negotiations between the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) began late last year, with both parties previously expecting a deal to be reached in early July. However, the players voted against the latest proposal at a meeting last week, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

PFA chief executive Beau Busch said the proposal had been rejected because players believed it "did not advance the players' and the game's collective interests". Busch said the A-Leagues delegates had formally ratified the decision and informed the APL that the CBA negotiation process had been exhausted.

APL weighs next move

The rejected offer included increasing the A-League Men salary cap by A$100,000 to A$2.7 million, limiting clubs to one marquee player outside the cap, and lifting the A-League Women salary cap from A$640,000 to A$775,000. It also proposed a 27 per cent increase in the minimum wage for women's players to almost A$35,000 per season.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the league had negotiated "in good faith" over the past eight months and was seeking clarification of the PFA's position before further discussions.