The Football Association (FA) has charged Chelsea with 74 breaches of its football agents regulations during former owner Roman Abramovich’s tenure at the club.

These alleged breaches took place between 2009 and 2022, and relate to secret payments made to agents. This includes the transfers of Eden Hazard, Willian, and Samuel Eto’o, according to The Times.

Following the club’s takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022, Chelsea’s new ownership self reported the payments that they had discovered to the FA, which subsequently launched an investigation.

Potential penalties could include transfer embargoes or point deductions, however the Premier League side are believed to be confident that they will avoid any sporting sanctions, as the club flagged the payments to the FA themselves.

'Unprecedented transparency'

In a statement, the club said: ‘During a thorough due diligence process prior to completion of the purchase [of the club], the ownership group became aware of potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions and other potential breaches of FA rules.

‘Immediately upon the completion of the purchase, the Club self-reported these matters to all relevant regulators, including The FA.

‘The club has demonstrated unprecedented transparency during this process, including by giving comprehensive access to the Club’s files and historical data. We will continue working collaboratively with The FA to conclude this matter as swiftly as possible.’
 

UEFA to conduct consultation on proposals for international league matches

UEFA says it will conduct a “round of consultation” to discuss proposals for LaLiga and Serie A to stage domestic league matches internationally.

This follows the request of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to hold fixtures in the US and Australia respectively.

In a statement following UEFA’s Executive Committee meeting in Tirana, Albania on Thursday, the organisation said: “There are many issues to resolve and as the European governing body, UEFA has a responsibility to take all such factors into account.

“As a result, no decision was taken today but UEFA will undertake a round of consultation with all stakeholders in European football - including fans.”

Supporter groups “welcome” consultation

In response to UEFA’s delayed decision, fan network Football Supporters Europe (FSE) said they “welcome” UEFA’s commitment to a consultation.

“Today’s announcement reflects their dedication to preserving the integrity of European football,” said FSE.

“The specific mention for fans to be involved in this engagement demonstrates that UEFA has recognised the strong opposition expressed by millions of supporters across the continent, as well as those of the many other stakeholders who have spoken out against these plans."
 

EFL consider adding eliminator round to Championship playoffs

The English Football League (EFL) is considering introducing an eliminator round to the Championship playoffs, according to The Athletic.

The proposal, which was put forward by Preston North End CEO Peter Ridsdale, would see the league adopt a similar format to that of England’s fifth tier, the National League.

The National League’s format pits teams that finish fifth and eighth against each other, as well as the clubs that finish sixth and seventh in a single matchup.

Unlike the National League however, the winners from both fixtures would subsequently progress to two-legged ties against teams that had finished third and fourth, with the eventual winners meeting each other at Wembley.

Prospects for League One & League Two

Ridsdale’s plans received approval from numerous Championship clubs, however discussions remain at an early stage.

The EFL is also weighing up the prospect of eliminator rounds in League One and League Two, however this would not happen until the organisation agrees to a distribution deal with the Premier League.
 

15 MPs support new bill to prohibit multi-club ownership involving French clubs

A new bill is set to be presented to the French National Assembly next week, which would prohibit multi-club ownership involving any French teams, according to L’Équipe.

The new bill, which is being put forward by MP Eric Coquerel, already has 15 signatories across multiple parties, and is intended to fight the excesses of multi-club ownership in the professional football sector.

The proposal would aim to safeguard “equal opportunity” and “sporting uncertainty." This would build on the existing ban on shareholders holding stakes within two separate French teams.

Further powers to DNCG

If shareholders failed to comply with the proposed bill, they would be fined the equivalent of two per cent of their turnover, and would face a ban from all FFF competitions.

If approved, the bill would also grant further powers to the DNCG, which would have the right to veto potential takeovers or investments.

SL Benfica have reported a profit of €34.4 million in the club’s annual accounts for the 2024/25 financial year.

This marks a €65.8 million increase on last year’s results, when the Portuguese club made a loss of €31.4 million.

Benfica cited the team’s successful Champions League campaign, in which they reached the round of 16, as well as their participation in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, as key factors for the uptick in revenue. These accounted for a positive net impact of €23.8 million and €17.1 million respectively.

Record operating revenue

The Lisbon club additionally revealed record operating revenue excluding player rights of €230.6 million, which is up 30.6 per cent on last year’s figure of €176.6 million.

Broadcast revenue saw an increase of €46.8 million, making up 64 per cent of Benfica’s overall operating income.
Meanwhile, the club delivered €40.9 million in commercial revenue, while matchday income rose from €35.5 million to €41.7 million.
 

Only four English clubs are ready for new independent regulator

Only four English clubs are currently ready for the new Independent Football Regulator (IFR) governing its top four tiers, according to a study by Fair Game.

The 2025 edition of the Fair Game Index has assessed 164 clubs across the top six divisions of English men’s football, investigating areas such as financial sustainability, governance, ethics, and community engagement.

Fair Game, a non-profit organisation comprising 33 English and Welsh teams, advocates financial sustainability, fairness and transparency within clubs.

The report says that Brighton, Cambridge United, Carlisle United, and Wimbledon are the only teams that would fit all IFR criteria.

New IFR

The Fair Game Index also found that 43 out of 92 clubs across the top four tiers had less than one month’s cash reserve to cover operating costs.

As reported by The Athletic last month, the UK Government is aiming to fast-track the implementation of the IFR, which it hopes will be introduced by November. This came one month after the Football Governance Bill was approved by the House of Commons, and later received Royal Assent to pass into UK legislation.
 

LFP elects three new members to its board of directors

France’s Professional Football League (LFP) has elected three new members to its board of directors during a virtual general meeting on Wednesday.

The election of Fabrice Bocquet (Nice), Waldemar Kita (Nantes), and Loic Fery (Lorient) comes amid growing tensions within the LFP.

In a recent interview with Le Figaro, Olympique Marseille owner Frank McCourt and RC Lens owner Joseph Oughourlian criticised the LFP as a “failure”, as well as questioning LFP president Vincent Labrune.

LFP set for directors meeting next week

The two owners expressed their concerns over how much revenue Ligue 1 clubs would receive from the LFP’s newly launched Ligue 1+ platform, and frustration over the now-terminated broadcast rights deal with DAZN.

As reported by RMC Sport, the matter of media rights distribution could be discussed at the LFP’s upcoming directors meeting on 15th September.
 

UK Government “extremely concerned” about Sheffield Wednesday ownership

The UK’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, has said the UK Government is “extremely concerned” about Sheffield Wednesday’s ownership.

Speaking at the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Wednesday, Nandy said: “The Government’s view is very strongly that football club owners are custodians of those clubs.

“In Sheffield Wednesday’s case, I am really extremely concerned about the current ownership, and the lack of willingness to sell the club, and invest in the club.”

She added that the UK Government is “keeping a very close eye” on the situation. Nandy’s comments come amid ongoing financial turmoil at the Championship club, who recently failed to pay their players on time for three successive months between May and July, resulting in several departures this summer.

£7.3 million loan repayment due later this month

As reported by The Star, Wednesday have a loan repayment of more than £7.3 million, which is due on 30th September, for the leasehold and freehold of Hillsborough Stadium.

The charge has been rolled up with interest and re-issued each year, having risen from an initial sum of £6.4 million in 2020.

Premier League clubs are seeking further clarification on the English top flight settlement with Manchester City over its Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, according to BBC Sport.

Earlier this week, the two parties revealed that they had settled their legal dispute in a joint statement. As part of this, City acknowledged that the current APT regulations are ‘valid and banding’.

However, several teams have not been informed of any of the details regarding the settlement, not its broader implications.

Some clubs have also suggested that the Premier League clarify whether City have been given any assurances of concessions during its next shareholders meeting, which is set to take place this month.

Man City’s APT dispute

City had initially filed a second legal dispute against the league in February, which claimed that some clubs had received an unfair competitive advantage due to shareholder loans from their owners.

This came shortly after the club won their initial case against the league, in which the APT rules were deemed ‘void and unenforceable’.

FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou return faces further delay

FC Barcelona’s return to the Camp Nou has once again been delayed, after the LaLiga champions did not receive the necessary permits from the city council.

The club, which had intended to make their return to their iconic stadium for their match against Valencia on 12th September, will alternatively play their fixture at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

In June 2023, Barcelona started their €1.5 billion renovation of the Camp Nou, with a phased return to the venue initially set for last November. The club have been playing home fixtures at the Olympic Stadium for the last two seasons, in the meantime.

The Estadi Johan Cruyff only has a capacity of 6,000, in comparison to the Camp Nou, which is set to initially accommodate 27,000 spectators once it reopens.

'Working intensely’

In a statement, Barcelona said: ‘The club is working intensively to obtain the necessary administrative permits for the opening of the Spotify Camp Nou in the coming weeks. For this reason, the match will instead be played at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

‘Barcelona would like to thank its members and fans for their understanding and support during such a complex yet exciting process as the return to the new Spotify Camp Nou.’

FFF president writes to PSG president to help deescalate tensions

French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo has written a letter to PSG president Nasser Al-Khalaifi, following the club’s criticism of the management of France’s men’s national team, L’Équipe has reported.

Earlier this week, PSG penned letters to both the FFF and FIFA, after both Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue picked up injuries during France’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on 5th September, citing “regrettable events.”

The club, who say they had previously raised concerns over management of their players, said in a statement on 7th September: “The club deplores the fact that these medical recommendations were not taken into account by the French national team’s medical staff, as well as the total lack of consultation and consultation with its medical teams.

“The recent serious and avoidable incidents must result in swift and immediate corrective action.”

FFF’s response

In his letter to PSG, Diallo aimed to deescalate the situation, while encouraging expressing his support for the FFF’s coaching and medical staff.

The FFF president additionally incited collaboration between the club and federation going forward.
 

Manchester City and the Premier League have reached a settlement over their latest lawsuit regarding the English top flight’s Associated Party Transactions (APT) rules.

In February, the club won their first case against the league at an arbitration tribunal which ruled that its APT regulations were ‘void and unenforceable’.

City subsequently filed a second case weeks later, claiming that other clubs have benefited from an unfair competitive advantage due to shareholder loans from their ownership. Under the Premier League’s APT rules, any partnerships with companies linked to clubs’ owners must be at fair market value.

Prior to the settlement, a two-week hearing was set to take place in October.

Current rules are valid

In a joint statement City and the Premier League said: ‘This settlement brings an end to the dispute between the parties regarding the APT Rules. As part of the settlement, Manchester City accepts that the current APT Rules are valid and binding.

‘It has been agreed that neither the Premier League nor the club will be making any further comment about the matter.’

Spurs declare club is ‘not for sale’ amid takeover interest

In a statement, Tottenham Hotspur have insisted that the club is ‘not for sale’, after confirming that it had 'received, and unequivocally rejected’ approaches from parties interested in a takeover.

As reported by The Times, former Newcastle United director Amanda Staveley is leading one of the consortiums that had expressed initial interest in Spurs, through her company PCP International Finance Limited.

The 52-year-old joined Newcastle United in 2021, after the club’s Saudi-led takeover, and held a 10 per cent stake in the team alongside her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, before they both departed in July 2024.
PCP is reportedly representing a group comprising ten investors from Asia, Europe, and North America.

Another consortium led by Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng, which includes Chinese and American investment, also expressed interest in buying the Premier League club, following last week’s announcement that chairman Daniel Levy would be stepping down after a 24-year tenure.

No intention to sell

PCP will continue to monitor Spurs’ situation, before making any decision on potential further approaches next year.

The club’s board said: ‘The board of the club and ENIC confirm that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and ENIC has no intention to accept any such offer to acquire its interest in the club.’

Marseille and RC Lens owners blast LFP as a failure

Olympique Marseille owner Frank McCourt and RC Lens owner Joseph Oughourlian have criticised France’s LFP in an interview with Le Figaro.

Ahead of the Ligue 1 general meeting, US businessman McCourt told the French newspaper: “The LFP no longer represents the clubs, and the results generally attest to this: it's a failure.”

Ourghourlian shared McCourt’s sentiment that the LFP has “failed”, adding: "We were promised nearly a billion euros in September 2023 for all TV rights, and we got around 700 million, including international rights.”

The Lens owner also described the now-terminated DAZN broadcast rights partnership as a “fiasco”, and expressed uncertainty over how much revenue clubs will receive from the LFP’s newly launched in-house OTT platform Ligue 1+.

Questions LFP president

Both owners also criticised LFP president Vincent Labrune.

“What company would accept such results while maintaining the same management? How can we hope to attract the best talent and retain our best players if we don't have the resources available to other leagues,” said McCourt.

Tottenham Hotspur are poised for a financial boost, Telegraph Sport has reported. Over £100 million is expected to be invested into the club. This fresh injection of funds, part of a 'new era' at Tottenham, comes as Daniel Levy's departure as chairman approaches.

According to a source close to the Lewis family trust and Enic, the entities behind the investment, this move is not indicative of plans to sell the club. Instead, it's aimed at ensuring Tottenham can compete with top Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal.

Levy had previously hinted at the need for new investment last year.

Possible naming rights agreement

While Levy's departure has been officially recorded on Companies House, it may also pave the way for a lucrative naming rights agreement for Tottenham's £1 billion stadium - a deal Levy had sought but failed to secure at his desired valuation.

The possibility of the Lewis family trust acquiring some or all of Levy's 29.88 per cent stake in Tottenham remains open, though such discussions are considered premature at this stage.

Sharon Lacey appointed as new CEO of Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace Football Club have announced the appointment of Sharon Lacey as their new Chief Executive Officer. Lacey is no stranger to the club, having previously held various positions over a 15-year period, including Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer.

Lacey's return follows a six-month tenure as CEO at USL Super League side Fort Lauderdale United.

"Her return to Crystal Palace is timed with the next phase of the Main Stand redevelopment project, which she had worked closely on before. Following the completion of essential enabling works during the summer, Lacey's role will be crucial in driving this significant project forward," the club's statement says.

"Ideal candidate"

Chairman Steve Parish expressed his confidence in Lacey's appointment, highlighting her extensive experience and past contributions to the club. "Sharon has already been an integral part of our operations for many a year...we believe she is the ideal candidate to help us build on our recent historic on-the-pitch achievements," said Parish.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Sharon Lacey stated, "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Crystal Palace and lead the club's business operations at such an exciting moment in its story. I look forward to seeing everyone at Selhurst Park again soon".

Swansea City seeks £50 million investment for growth

Swansea City AFC is actively seeking an investment of £50 million, aiming to bolster the club's growth and enhance their competitive edge.

According to Bloomberg, this fundraising could potentially elevate the club's valuation to £160 million. The influx of capital is intended for player acquisitions, wage increases, and the development of real estate and hospitality amenities, including the fan zone.

American entrepreneurs Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen, who are also founding partners of Magellan Equities, hold the majority ownership of Swansea City. The club has seen consistent success in player trading and aims to boost matchday revenue and domestic sponsorship.

The Luka effect

Investor documents also highlight the "Luka Effect" – referring to Luka Modrić's influence in recruiting top players by explaining the benefits of joining Swansea City and how it can aid their development as players, as he became investor and co-owner of the club back in April.

According to the financial figures for the fiscal year ending in June 2024, Swansea City reported total revenues of £32 million, with a notable £10.5 million profit from player trading. However, when excluding player trading activities, the club faced a loss of £20.2 million in EBITDA.

JP Morgan appointed to boost Serie A's global strategy

Serie A has appointed JP Morgan as an advisor to help define a global industrial plan for the Italian football league, according to Milano Finanza.

This move marks a strategic effort by Serie A to enhance its international development and comes at a time when foreign TV rights are contracting worldwide.

JP Morgan will now support Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo in crafting an industrial plan. The aim is to get ahead in negotiations for international audiovisual rights, most of which are set to expire in 2027.

Far from Premier League and LaLiga

Serie A's goal is to maintain its current revenue from these rights, estimated at €240-250 million per year, and to strengthen its international presence.

When compared to other top leagues, Serie A's earnings from foreign rights pale; the Premier League garners over €2 billion annually, La Liga around €900 million. The engagement of JP Morgan is thus aimed at bolstering Serie A's global strategy and laying the groundwork for the next cycle of TV rights.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the departure of executive chairman Daniel Levy with mediate effect.

The 63-year-old leaves Spurs after almost 25 years, having first joined the Premier League club in 2001.

In Levy’s stead, Peter Charrington will become Spurs’ non-executive chairman, in a newly created role. This follows the appointment of Vinai Venkatesham as the team’s CEO earlier this year.

In a statement, Spurs said that this move comes as part of the club’s ambition to deliver ‘long-term sporting success’.

“incredibly proud”

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees,” Levy said.

“We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community.

“I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

Newcastle appoint David Hopkinson as new CEO

Newcastle United have hired David Hopkinson as the club’s new CEO, replacing Darren Eales, the club have announced.

Hopkinson, who joins the club today, will undertake a handover process with Newcastle’s outgoing CEO Darren Eales, who is stepping down from his position due to health reasons.

Last September, Eales revealed that he had been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer, which would require treatment, followed by a period of rest.

The newly appointed CEO has 25 years of industry experience, most recently serving as president and chief operating officer at Madison Square Garden Sports, the owner of the NBA’s New York Knicks, and the NHL’s New York Rangers.

Among “world’s elite clubs”

“I am incredibly honoured to join Newcastle United at such an exciting time in the club's history,” Hopkinson said.

“I greatly admire what has been achieved by the club so far, and I am excited and motivated by what is ahead as we strive to position Newcastle United among the world's elite clubs.”
 

New owners' test announced by Independent Football Regulator

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR), has announced a new owners' test aimed at preventing "rogue" individuals from acquiring and managing football clubs in England. This follows the Members of Parliament's decision to support a Football Governance Bill earlier this year, which called for an independent regulator for the top five divisions of men's football in England.

The new test will assess prospective buyers' "honesty, integrity and financial soundness" and require proof of the "necessary skills and experience" to run a club. Notably, the IFR's test will also apply to current club owners, not just new buyers, allowing the regulator to hold clubs and individuals to account with measures such as financial penalties, public censure, or mandating an owner to sell their stake.

The existing owners' and directors' test, operates separately from the IFR's proposed test. The IFR stated that effective club owners would face minimal impact from the new regulations but emphasised its capacity to act against unsuitable incumbents.

Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe

Public consultations on these proposals are open until October 6th, with the IFR set to publish responses later in the year and aims to become operational shortly thereafter.

The announcement comes amidst financial crises at clubs like Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe, where ownership issues have led to severe financial distress and operational challenges. Despite offers for Sheffield Wednesday, owner Dejphon Chansiri has refused to sell, while Morecambe faced near closure in July before a takeover by Panjab Warriors after being suspended by the National League.

beIN Sports demands €29 million from LFP Media over Ligue 1 deal

beIN Sports is demanding €29 million from LFP Media, in the latest development of the Qatari broadcaster’s ongoing dispute over its Ligue 1 media rights partnership.

As reported by L’Équipe earlier this week, the two parties remain at odds over the reported €78.5 million a year agreement for rights to the French top flight's Saturday evening fixture.

In July, the network submitted a formal complaint to LFP Media, citing carious restrictions within the contract, with beIN prohibited from showing the same team in successive weeks, or more than eight times per season.

Last month, beIN Sports withheld €4 million from its €18 million payment due to LFP Media, and initiated legal proceedings against the organisation.

LFP files countersuit

Meanwhile, LFP Media has filed a countersuit against beIN Sports due to the underpayment.

A hearing on the matter is set to be held at the Paris Economic Court on 25th November.

Mexican club's promotion and relegation appeal dismissed by CAS

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), has dismissed an appeal by six second division Mexican clubs seeking the immediate reinstatement of promotion and relegation (pro/rel), which had been paused by the Mexican Football Federation (FMF).

According to the CAS statement, the FMF had made it clear when the decision was taken that the suspension would last until the end of the 2025-2026 season. The initial lawsuit, filed in May by 10 Liga Expansión clubs, was in response to concerns that FMF and Liga MX officials had not formally committed to reinstating pro/rel after a six-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Specifically, the Panel found that the sporting seasons impacted by the agreement at the FMF General Assembly on 24 April 2020 to suspend promotion and relegation correspond to those in the FMF decision on 29 April 2025, the last one being the 2025-2026 season. Consequently, the appeal is dismissed," read part of Thursday's CAS statement.

Not considered until 2026/27

This ruling means that pro/rel will not be considered again until at least the 2026/27 season. Meanwhile, FMF and Liga MX are working on establishing new guidelines for Liga Expansión clubs to qualify for first division football, emphasizing financial stability and infrastructure improvements.

The case underscores ongoing efforts by lower division clubs to remain integrated within Mexico's football structure amidst financial challenges that pro/rel poses for leagues and clubs globally.

Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal is in talks over a takeover of Saudi Pro League (SPL) club Al Hilal, according to Bloomberg.

The billionaire is aiming to acquire the 75 per cent majority stake in the team, which is currently owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The remaining 25 per cent of the club is owned by a Saudi non-profit, which is majority funded by Alwaleed.

Private investment

Although talks are at an early stage, a potential deal would come as the latest private investment within the SPL.

In July, Al-Kholood was subject to a full takeover by US investor Ben Harburg, becoming the league’s first club to fall under foreign ownership.

Uli Hoeness blasts recent transfer spending

Member of the Supervisory Board and Honorary President of Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has said he is “dumbfounded” by recent transfer fees, during a speech at the DFL general assembly in Berlin.

The 73-year-old, who was presented with the DFL Honorary Award at the event on Tuesday evening, expressed his astonishment at recent transfer activity.

“I can only say I was stunned by what's happened in international football over the last six to eight weeks,” he said.

Current spending is “completely insane”

“I think what's going on is completely insane. If we're not careful, people will eventually ask: ‘Are they still sane?'

“I work for €2,000 to €3,000 net a month, and at the same time, €30, €40, €50 million are being spent on mid-level players.”

UEFA president Ceferin opposes plans for biennial FIFA Club World Cup

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has expressed his opposition to FIFA’s potential plans for a biennial Club World Cup.

During an interview with Politico, the 57-year-old said: “If FIFA organise a Club World Cup every four years, for our organisation and for me personally, it’s perfectly fine. But that’s it.”

Football’s global governing body is considering staging the tournament every two years from 2029. FIFA has also reportedly been contemplating increasing the competition’s number of teams to 48, after expanding it to 32 for this year’s edition.

Players are “dead”

Reflecting on the notion of a biennial Club World Cup, Ceferin told Politico: “The most problematic thing about that is that the players are dead after the season and then have to go and play in this five-week tournament, which is too much.”

In recent months, FIFA has faced backlash over the expanded Club World Cup, due to its impact on player welfare, amid increasingly contested playing calendars. The organisation is embroiled in s longstanding dispute with global players’ union FIFPRO, which filed a lawsuit against FIFA last year.

West Ham fan advisory board issues letter of no confidence over club’s ownership

West Ham United’s fan advisory board has issued a letter of no confidence in the Premier League club’s board.

The letter - addressed to West Ham shareholders David Sullivan, Vanessa Gold, Daniel Kretinsky, and Tripp Smith - was initially sent last Friday, and has since been made public.

The fan advisory board, which comprises 25,000 fans, said in a letter that was signed by 11 supporter groups: “We now have no choice but to issue a 'vote of no confidence' in relation to the board's management of the club.

“Just two years after winning a European trophy and selling our best player [Declan Rice], who had been with us since he was 14, for £105 million, to hear claims of financial distress (a year after the last accounts said there were no PSR issues on the horizon), see an ageing uncompetitive squad, inadequate scouting infrastructure and a derided training facility, is simply unacceptable and in the supporters' eyes incontrovertible evidence of sustained failure on behalf of the executive management.”

Calls for boycott

Meanwhile, West Ham fan group, Hammers United, has called on supporters to boycott the club’s home Premier League fixture against Brentford on 20th October, in protest against its ownership.

The group has also called for the departures of majority owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.
Hammers United chairman Paul Colborne said in a statement: “With Brady and Sullivan at the helm our club is going to die.

“It is in serious decline and dying a slow death as we speak, with thousands of long term, time served fans walking away, another relegation fight beckoning, and another early cup exit. We cannot allow this to happen on our watch.”

DFL re-elects Hans-Joachim Watzke as praesidium spokesman

The DFL has re-elected Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke as praesidium spokesman at its general assembly in Berlin on Wednesday.

Watzke, who stood unopposed in the election, received unanimous approval from all 32 member clubs across the Bundesliga and 2 Bundesliga. He will subsequently remain as the spokesperson for the DFL executive committee and chairman of the DFL’s supervisory board.

Also during the general assembly, Freiburg’s Oliver Leki was elected as Watzke’s first deputy, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Axel Hellmann and Bayern Munich’s Jan-Christian Dreesen both elected for the two executive committee positions. Dreesen was also re-elefted as chairman of the DFL’s licensing committee.

DFL rules out overseas matches

As reported by Reuters, Watzke has ruled out the prospect of staging Bundesliga fixtures overseas, despite the recent efforts of LaLiga and Serie A in bringing games to the US and Australia, respectively.

“As long as I am here in the league responsible, there will be no match abroad, when it comes to competitive matches. Full stop,” Watzke said.

Minimum salaries set to be introduced in WSL & WSL 2

Minimum salaries are set to be introduced in England’s WSL and WSL 2 (formerly the Women’s Championship) for the 2025/26 season.

Holly Murdoch, chief operating officer of WSL Football (previously known as the WPLL), which governs the top two tiers of English Women’s, told BBC Sport: “We feel that's a really positive move.

“We have so many players who have had to juggle part-time roles while playing football,” she continued, adding that WSL Football had closely collaborated with the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).

Although the minimum salary has not yet been disclosed, BBC Sport forecasts this to be revealed when the WSL and WSL 2’s updater regulations are published later in the season.

An important step

“Being able to ensure all our players can earn a full-time wage from football is very, very important,” added Murdoch. “I would say it's the start as it's a framework we can develop on.”

This comes ahead of the new WSL season, which kicks off on Friday 5th September.

Vitesse win appeal against KNVB after license revoked

Vitesse Arnhem have won their appeal against the Royal Dutch Football association (KNVB), after their license was revoked in May.

This will allow the club to compete in the Netherlands’ third tier - the Keuken Kampioen Divisie - for the 2025/26 season.

In August, a Utrecht court rejected the club’s appeal against the KNVB’s decision. However on Monday, the Arnhem-Leeuwarden court of appeal decided to suspend the KNVB’s ruling, ordering the organisation to “immediately re-admit Vitesse to professional competitions”.

Earlier this year, the club was taken over by a local consortium, the Sterkhouders. In June, the club revealed a step-by-step plan in hope of retaining their license, which was deemed insufficient by the KNVB.

“Relief” for Vitesse

Michel Schaay, chair of the Sterkhouders, said: “This ruling gives us relief and perspective. We are thrilled that the Court recognizes the seriousness of the situation and has suspended the decisions.

“We remain fully committed to Vitesse's future. Now, we must first engage in discussions with the KNVB to ensure that the right decisions are made by Vitesse and its stakeholders.”

US private equity firm Apollo Global Management is set to launch a €4.3 billion sports investment fund, the Financial Times has reported.

The New York-based company, which currently has more than €683 billion in assets under its management, is looking to expand its involvement in sport.

Apollo is looking to make new appointments to lead the company’s strategy, as it prepares to both lend to football clubs and take ownership stakes in them.

Growing activity in football

In July, Apollo held talks with Atletico Madrid over a potential investment that would value the Spanish club at between €2.5 billion and €3 billion.

Last year, the firm also provided a €92.4 million loan for Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
 

Nottingham Forest win legal battle against FA

Nottingham Forest have won their legal battle against the English Football Association (FA), forcing the chair of an appeal panel to step down due to “apparent bias” against the club, as reported by The Times.

Following a 2-0 defeat to Everton in April 2024, Forest faced disciplinary proceedings after posting a statement on X which claimed they had warned referee chiefs prior to the match about the match’s VAR, Stuart Attwell, as he was a supporter of Luton Town, who were also involved in a relegation battle at the time.

Graeme McPherson KC, who was appointed as the chair of the disciplinary panel, rejected the club’s arguments against the fine from the FA, which he labeled as a “somewhat hysterical submission”.

Forest were subsequently handed a £750,000 fine for the post on X. However, lawyers have now found that McPherson’s comment could be received as “unjustified, inappropriate, and personal attack on the club."

Last October, after Forest received a £125,000 fine from the FA for their role in a confrontation with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, McPherson was appointed as the chair of the disciplinary panel, with the club challenging this due to his previous remarks.

FA lose tribunal on McPherson appointment

On 31st July, a Rule K hearing was held at London’s International Dispute Resolution Centre, after Forest sought an arbitration hearing.

It was determined that McPherson’s comments were “inappropriate”, with the panel ruling that there had been “apparent bias”. The FA will now have to front the legal costs of the tribunal, which total £105,750 plus VAT
 

FC Barcelona sign €12 million a year sleeve deal with Midea

FC Barcelona have inked a five-year partnership that will designate Midea as the club’s sleeve sponsor from the start of the 2026/27 season, the club have announced.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Chinese electrical appliance manufacturer will pay the LaLiga champions €12 million annually, or €60 million over the duration of the agreement.

Midea will replace Ambilight on FC Barcelona kits from the next campaign, adding to its existing deals with Manchester City and New York City FC. The company also has an ambassador partnership with Manchester City and Norway star Erling Haaland.

"The power of the Barça brand"

Rafael Yuste, vice president at FC Barcelona, said: “It will be an honour for FC Barcelona to incorporate Midea into the great Barça family starting in the 2026/27 season. Their leadership in smart home solutions and their commitment to research and innovation align perfectly with the spirit of a FC Barcelona that's looking to the future.

“This partnership demonstrates, once again, the power of the Barça brand as a magnet for companies from around the world who see FC Barcelona as the best platform for their projects.”
 

The summer transfer window for Europe’s top five leagues closed yesterday and the Premier League has once again finished far ahead of the rest. This year however the gap has widened dramatically with England’s topflight spending roughly the same as Serie A, the Bundesliga, LaLiga and Ligue 1 combined.

Premier League clubs have set a new all-time record committing a total of around €3.35 billion. This figure surpasses last summer’s outlay of €2.33 billion by a wide margin and cements the league’s position as the dominant financial power in European football. Serie A ranks second with €1.2 billion followed by the Bundesliga at €812 million, LaLiga at €664 million and Ligue 1 with €611 million.

Serie A and the Bundesliga both increased their spending compared to last summer and LaLiga also saw a modest rise. Ligue 1 was the only one of the five to record a slight decline reflecting the ongoing financial challenges facing French clubs.

Liverpool lead the charge

Much of the Premier League’s record-breaking summer has been driven by Liverpool. The club spent €485 million including the most expensive transfer in Premier League history Alexander Isak’s €145 million move from Newcastle United on deadline day. Earlier in the window they also signed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for €125 million underlining their ambition to rebuild.

Out of the ten clubs with the highest spending across the Big 5 this summer only two are based outside the Premier League. Bayer Leverkusen are seventh and Atletico Madrid are tenth.
 

RSC Anderlecht chairman offers to resign amid pressure from fans

RSC Anderlecht chairman Wouter Vandenhaute has offered to step down from his position at the Belgian club, according to Belgian media.

This follows fan protests during Anderlecht’s defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise on Sunday in the Pro League. Recently, the club were eliminated from European football contention, after losing their UEFA Conference League qualifier to AEK Athens.

There have also been reports of an internal conflict within the team’s ownership group, with Vandenhaute and the club’s main shareholder Marc Coucke.

With the 63-year-old offering his resignation, Anderlecht’s board of directors will consequently discuss his role as chairman during a meeting on Friday.

Chairman’s statement

In an email, Vandenhaute said: ‘Anderlecht has moved far beyond the current perception surrounding the club. Anderlecht is once again respected in the highest echelons of Belgian football, has strong management, and has all the assets to surprise on the pitch this season.

‘But that will only succeed if the ranks are closed internally first, and the club has never succeeded in doing that since the departure of the Vanden Stock family.

‘If the only way to achieve that is to resign the chairman, I'm happy to oblige. Because no one is above this wonderful club, and certainly not me.’
 

LFP Media and beIN Sports still at odds over ‘€78.5 million a year’ Ligue 1 deal

LFP Media and beIN Sports remain at odds, amid their ongoing dispute regarding their broadcast rights deal, according to L’Équipe.

In July, the Qatari network made a formal complaint over the €78.5 million agreement, citing various broadcasting restrictions. These included not allowing the broadcaster air games featuring the same club in successive weeks, and not showing the same club more than eight times throughout the season.

Last month, beIN Sports withheld €4 million from its €18 million payment due to LFP Media on account of these concerns, and initiated legal action against the organisation.

No agreement reached

During new negotiations last week between the two parties, LFP Media has offered to allow beIN Sports to broadcast the same team in successive weeks, and up to ten times per season.

The network, however, rejected the proposal, deeming the terms insufficient and leading to a breakdown in discussions for the time being.
 

Manchester United women’s players ‘paid for their own flights home’ after Hammarby match

Some Manchester United women’s players paid for their own flights home after their Women’s Champions League qualifier against Hammarby last Saturday, according to reports from UK media.

The club opted against booking a direct flight back from Stockholm after the match. Alternatively, United booked a flight that included a stopover, which would not have arrived in Manchester until 10pm, as reported by The Telegraph. As a result, several players paid for their return flights themselves, in order to return home earlier.

This has provoked further concerns over the club’s commitment to its women’s team since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a part owner. Earlier this year, he told the BBC that the men’s team was his “main focus”, adding that they are what “moves the needle” at the club.

“No strong need” for chartered flight, says club

A spokesperson from United said there was “no strong need” to charter a return flight.

The statement continued: “The club paid for a commercial flight back to Manchester for all players and staff, involving a short connection in Copenhagen because there were no direct flights with sufficient seats available. Several of the squad chose not to take this flight, preferring to make their own private travel arrangements to other destinations to maximise time off with friends and family."

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has expressed concern over Ligue 1 clubs’ broadcast revenue, during an interview with L’Équipe.

The 51-year-old, who has served as PSG’s president since 2011 following the club’s takeover by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), said he was “very worried” for French teams.

“There are projects that depend heavily on TV rights. I don't know how they're going to manage,” Al-Khelaifi told L’Équipe: “I’m obviously more worried about clubs that don't have much other income than TV rights. It's going to be very hard, very difficult.”

Earlier this month, the LFP launched its own Ligue 1 OTT platform for the 2025/26 season, following the collapse of the previous domestic rights deal with DAZN, which was terminated earlier this year.

PSG president on Ligue 1+ launch

While stating that he hopes the Ligue 1+ channel “will work”, Al-Khelaifi cited uncertainty on how much revenue clubs will receive.

“The most important thing for me, whether it's a channel or any other system, is how much French clubs will receive,” he said.

“I want this channel to succeed, but there is a lot of uncertainty.”

 

European clubs asked UEFA is they could avoid being drawn against Israeli clubs

Several European football clubs asked UEFA if there would be a process by which they would not be drawn against Israeli teams, The Times has reported.

This comes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with UEFA facing calls to ban Israeli teams from its club competitions.

Despite this, no official requests were made according to the UK publication, as this would be in breach of UEFA’s policies.

Potential demonstrations

Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, who will feature in this season’s Europe League, could reportedly pose significant challenges regarding security and potential demonstrations.

Last November’s Europa League matchup between Tel Aviv and Ajax resulted in fan violence and riots in Amsterdam, with supporters of the Israeli side reportedly clashing with Pro-Palestinian protestors.

 

Brighton CEO Paul Barber acquires stake in club

Brighton CEO Paul Barber has acquired a 1.5 per cent stake in the Premier League club.

Barber, who first joined Brighton in 2012 when they competed in the Championship, has now become the club’s second largest shareholder after chairman Tony Bloom.

Earlier this year, Brighton reported a profit of £73.3 million for the 2023/24 season, after delivering a Premier League record profit of £122.8 million for the previous season.

A “major driving force” in the club’s success

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said: “Paul is a major driving force at the club, he has been integral to our incredible progress since his arrival in the summer of 2012 and we would like him to remain with us for many seasons to come.

“He has already committed to the club until at least 2030, and we wanted to offer him this opportunity to further commit, and also to recognise his level of service and loyalty to the club.”

 

MLS shatters transfer record with $366 million spent in 2025

MLS teams spent $336 million on transfers during the 2025 calendar year, shattering the US elite league’s previous record.

This eclipses the previous record of $188 million, which was set during 2024, marking a 75 per cent annual increase.

Clubs broke the MLS transfer record on three occasions this year, most recently when Son Heung-Min’s signed for LAFC in a reported $26.5 million deal from Tottenham Hotspur.

Cash for player trades

The significant rise in transfer spending comes after the implementation of cash for player trades for 2025.

Through this, MLS clubs are able to sign players from other teams within the league for cash only, as opposed to non-cash assets such as players or draft picks in previous years.