Michael Edwards has stepped down as chief executive of football at Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG), ending his second spell with the organisation after two years in the role. FSG said in a statement the departure formed part of a “planned transition following the completion of key strategic priorities”.

Edwards returned in March 2024 to oversee Liverpool’s football operations during the transition following Jürgen Klopp’s departure. His appointment also included responsibility for developing FSG’s wider football strategy, with an emphasis on expanding into a multi-club model.

FSG president Mike Gordon said the owners were “naturally disappointed” by Edwards’ decision to leave. In the statement, Edwards said: “Liverpool is in a strong position, with outstanding people, a clear direction and the foundations in place for continued success.”

Multi-club plans did not progress

Edwards first joined Liverpool in 2011 and became sporting director in 2016 before leaving in 2022. He returned after agreeing to lead FSG’s football operations, having identified the group’s multi-club ambitions as a key reason for accepting the newly created position.

During his second spell, FSG assessed potential investment opportunities across Europe but did not complete the purchase of another club. Edwards said the wider project “ultimately evolved differently to how we had originally envisaged”, adding that he was proud of the work undertaken to present ownership with options for the future.

Infantino says FIFA will consider 64-team World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said FIFA will examine a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams after this year's tournament, keeping alive the prospect of a further increase following the move to a 48-team competition for 2026.

Speaking to Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, Infantino said discussions on the format of the 2030 finals would take place once the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico had concluded.

An official plan to increase the tournament to 64 teams was submitted by South American confederation CONMEBOL in April 2025. Asked about the idea, Infantino said: “These are all issues that we will be examining after the World Cup.”

Proposal remains under review

FIFA approved the expansion from 32 to 48 teams in 2017, with the enlarged format to be used for the first time at the 2026 finals. Discussions over a further increase began after South American representatives formally raised the issue ahead of the 2030 tournament.

The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while the opening matches will be staged in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay as part of celebrations marking the competition's centenary. Uruguay hosted the inaugural World Cup in 1930.

PSG close to €100 million-a-year Nike contract extension

Paris Saint-Germain are set to extend their partnership with Nike until 2037 under a new agreement worth €100 million per year, according to L’Equipe. The club’s existing deal with Nike had been due to run until 2032, but revised terms have reportedly been agreed following PSG’s Champions League triumph in 2025.

The new agreement will add five years to the current contract while increasing its annual value from €60 million to €100 million. Negotiations are close to being concluded between the two parties.

The increase would place PSG among the clubs with the highest-value kit supply agreements in football. The financial terms are comparable to Barcelona’s arrangement with Nike.

Jordan partnership continues

The renewed agreement will also maintain PSG’s association with the Jordan brand, which is owned by Nike. The club have worked with Jordan on selected kits and apparel since the partnership began.

PSG will remain the only football club linked with the Jordan brand for the coming seasons.

Netflix, Disney and YouTube eye FIFA World Cup U.S. rights worth up to $2 billion

Netflix, Disney and YouTube are among the media companies interested in acquiring the U.S. rights to the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups, with the combined English- and Spanish-language package expected to attract bids of between $1.5 billion and $2 billion per tournament, CNBC has reported.

FIFA is expected to begin formal discussions with potential media partners within the next three months. The governing body has indicated during preliminary talks that it intends to sell the English- and Spanish-language U.S. rights together rather than as separate packages, marking a change from previous World Cup cycles.

The current agreements run through the 2026 tournament after FIFA extended its deals with Fox and Telemundo in 2015. Fox paid $485 million for the English-language rights, while Telemundo agreed a $600 million deal for the Spanish-language package.

Weigh marquee football investment

Amazon and Apple could also join the bidding process, potentially increasing competition for the rights. Amazon already holds UEFA Champions League rights in the UK, while Apple owns the global media rights to Major League Soccer (MLS).

Netflix, Disney and YouTube view the men’s World Cup as an opportunity to strengthen their streaming platforms. Disney could also broadcast matches on ESPN and ABC, while FIFA has already awarded Netflix the rights to the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups.

FIFA disciplinary chairman ruled alone on Balogun ban waiver

Mohammad al-Kamali, chairman of Fifa’s disciplinary committee, decided on his own to waive Folarin Balogun’s suspension without involving any of the committee’s 17 other members, according to a report from The Times. The decision allowed the USA striker to play in the host nation’s World Cup last-16 match against Belgium.

Al-Kamali imposed a one-match suspension but deferred it for a one-year probationary period. Balogun had been sent off for serious foul play, an offence that would normally result in a two-match suspension under previous World Cup disciplinary cases.

The ruling departed from earlier World Cup disciplinary precedents UEFA criticised the decision, describing it as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable”.

Questions remain over disciplinary process

The decision followed claims by US President Donald Trump that he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino about Balogun’s red card before the suspension was waived. Trump said he had contacted Infantino regarding the case.

Infantino has acknowledged receiving a call from Trump but said he told the US president that an “independent judicial body” was considering the matter and that it “would be decided in due course by the competent bodies”.

Empoli confirm exclusive talks with American fund over majority takeover

Empoli have confirmed they are in exclusive negotiations with an American investment fund over a potential majority takeover of the club, a move that could bring an end to 35 years of ownership by the Corsi family. In a statement, the Serie B club said an exclusivity agreement had been signed with the prospective investor.

The club did not identify the fund, but discussions are at an advanced stage. The parties are negotiating the size of the investment and the ownership structure, with a significant majority stake expected to form part of any agreement, subject to a final deal being reached.

Empoli did not say whether current owners Fabrizio and Rebecca Corsi would retain operational or representative roles if the transaction is completed.

Infrastructure plans

The potential investment comes as Empoli continue work on infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the club-owned Monteboro training centre and plans to renovate the Stadio Carlo Castellani, which is leased from the local municipality.

The stadium redevelopment is approaching the final approval stage.

More than 70 Members of the European Parliament have called on the 27 European Union football associations to seek an investigation into FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, over the governing body's handling of the suspension of Folarin Balogun's one-match ban and its commitment to political neutrality, The Athletic reports.

The move follows FIFA's decision to allow the United States forward to play against Belgium after an independent disciplinary committee suspended his automatic suspension, despite an appeal from Belgium being rejected.

The letter, signed by 72 MEPs, asks European football associations, as FIFA members, to press for scrutiny of the decision-making process in the Balogun case. It follows a separate letter sent by 50 MEPs to FIFA on 29 June raising an ethics complaint over Infantino's relationship with US President Donald Trump and alleging repeated breaches of FIFA's neutrality obligations.

Infantino has denied influencing the process, stating: “FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them.”

MEPs cite FIFA statutes and ethics code

According to the letter, the MEPs argue that FIFA's statutes and code of ethics require political neutrality and provide member associations with grounds to seek an investigation. They also urged national associations to support previous calls from the Norwegian Football Federation and other MEPs for further scrutiny of Infantino's links with President Trump.

The latest intervention comes after UEFA criticised the suspension of Balogun's ban on Monday, describing the decision as “incomprehensible” and saying it had “crossed a red line”, adding to pressure on FIFA over its handling of the case.

European football revenues surpass €40 billion for first time

European football clubs generated more than €40 billion in combined annual revenue for the first time in the 2024/25 season, according to Deloitte’s Annual Review of Football Finance. Aggregate revenue across European leagues rose 13 per cent year on year, with the Big Five leagues accounting for more than half of the total.

The Premier League remained the highest-earning domestic competition, generating €8.1 billion in revenue, up 8 per cent on the previous season. Combined revenue across the Big Five leagues increased 6 per cent to €21.6 billionn, representing 54 per cent of European football’s total income. The Bundesliga reported revenue of more than €4.3 billionn, ahead of LaLiga’s €4.1 billion.

Serie A clubs increased their combined revenue by 4 per cent to €3 billion, while Ligue 1 revenue fell 15 per cent year on year to €2.2 billion.

Premier League losses widen

Deloitte’s report also found Premier League clubs recorded pre-tax losses of €1.1 billion in 2024/25, compared with €157 million a year earlier.

The increase in Premier League losses was driven primarily by higher transfer spending and a lack of substantial profits from one-off player sales.

Juventus appoint Frederic Massara as chief football officer

Juventus have appointed Frederic Massara as chief football officer, with the former AC Milan and AS Roma executive joining the club's football leadership team. In a club statement, Juventus said Massara will report directly to chief executive Giovanni Carnevali and oversee the management and development of the men's football department.

The club said Massara will work alongside sporting director Marco Ottolini as part of the men's football structure. The appointment comes as Juventus continue to reshape their executive team under Carnevali, while Ottolini remains in his current position.

Carnevali said the appointment would strengthen the club's organisational structure. “We are very happy to welcome Frederic to the great Juventus family. His expertise and deep knowledge of football represent an added value and fit perfectly with the professionals already within the club's organisational structure,” he said.

Chiellini takes expanded role

Juventus also confirmed that Giorgio Chiellini has been appointed Chief Club Affairs Officer. The club said the role will focus on strengthening relationships with football authorities, strategic stakeholders and sporting organisations in Italy and internationally.

Massara's responsibilities include helping define and implement Juventus' sporting strategy, while Chiellini's new position is intended to support the club's engagement with governing bodies and institutional partners.

Nice to pursue legal action against Marseille sporting director Lorenzi

OGC Nice have confirmed that they will launch legal proceedings against Olympique Marseille sporting director Gregory Lorenzi after he withdrew from an agreement to join the club despite having signed a contract. The announcement was made during Nice’s introductory press conference ahead of the new season.

Lorenzi had been expected to replace Florian Maurice as the head of Nice’s sporting policy after leaving Stade Brest. However, he later reversed his decision, resigned from his previous role and instead joined Marseille as successor to Medhi Benatia.

The dispute follows comments made by then-Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivère after the club’s Ligue 1 play-off victory over Saint-Etienne, when he warned there would be “financial repercussions” over Lorenzi’s decision. Speaking at the press conference, Rivère’s successor Maurice Cohen said: “He had signed his contract and then changed his mind. The club wants to be respected. We don’t give any favors.”

First hearing in September

Cohen said the first hearing in the case between Nice and Lorenzi is scheduled to take place in September.

He did not provide further details of the legal proceedings during the press conference.

Former Sheffield United owners file £35 million winding-up petition over unpaid debt

The former owners of Sheffield United have filed a winding-up petition against the club’s owners, COH Sports Bidco Limited, claiming they are owed more than £35 million.

The Guardian reports that the dispute has also prompted the English Football League (EFL) to examine allegations linked to changes in the club’s ownership structure.

COH Sports, led by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, completed a deal to buy Sheffield United from Prince Abdullah for about €134 million in December 2024. The first instalment was paid shortly afterwards, but later payments were delayed or missed. The club’s former owner, through his investment vehicle United World, has also raised the matter with the Independent Football Regulator.

The club’s current owners are understood to accept that about £35 millions remains outstanding and have confirmed that a new parent company has been introduced. They deny the ownership restructuring is connected to the unpaid balance, while discussions over a settlement, including a proposal to convert the debt into equity, have yet to produce an agreement.

EFL seeks observations from relevant parties

According to correspondence seen by The Guardian, United World alleges that shares in COH Sports Bidco Limited were transferred to Delaware-based 1919 Partners LLC to avoid paying the outstanding amount. The letter questions whether the owners continue to satisfy the EFL’s owners’ and directors’ test following the restructuring.

An EFL spokesperson said: “The EFL notes recent developments involving Sheffield United and has requested observations from the relevant parties in the context of EFL regulations. As this process is ongoing, we are not in a position to make any further comment at this time.”

De Laurentiis pair investigated as Bari faces liquidation request

Aurelio and Luigi De Laurentiis are under investigation by the Bari Public Prosecutor's Office over alleged false corporate communications and fraudulent bankruptcy, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Searches have been carried out at the offices of SSC Bari, SSC Napoli and Filmauro, the De Laurentiis family’s film production company and Bari’s parent company, as part of an investigation linked to the club’s financial position. Prosecutors have also requested the judicial liquidation of Bari.

The investigation follows an examination of Bari’s financial statements and related documents covering the period from 2019 to 2025. Prosecutors allege the club accumulated losses of around €30 million, resulting in a significant equity deficit and debt exposure without a recovery plan. They argue the club’s financial condition deteriorated through a series of transactions that contributed to their insolvency.

One focus of the investigation is Bari’s 2023 sale of goalkeeper Elia Caprile to Napoli for €2.2 million. Prosecutors allege the deal failed to reflect the intra-group nature of the transaction and did not include a future sell-on clause, despite Caprile later joining Cagliari in a deal reportedly worth around €8 million.

Napoli rejects allegations

In a statement, SSC Napoli said the value assigned to Caprile before the transfer was supported by an independent sworn appraisal and described the request to place Bari into judicial liquidation as “baffling”.

The club said Bari’s operating losses had been covered by the owners and that all parties were confident the matter would be resolved by the competent judicial authorities.

UEFA prepared to oppose Russia’s return to international football

UEFA is prepared to block the return of Russian teams to international football despite the International Olympic Committee’s provisional decision to lift the country’s suspension from global competition, according to The Guardian. The stance could put European football’s governing body at odds with FIFA, which has said it will review its position before deciding its next steps.

FIFA suspended Russian teams following the country’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago. While it has yet to announce any change, several national associations believe there is no realistic prospect of Russian sides being readmitted to European competitions or World Cup qualifying, which is organised by UEFA.

Leading associations, including those in England, Germany and France, remain opposed to Russia’s return. UEFA is also said to be wary of revisiting the backlash it faced after plans to reinstate Russian youth teams were abandoned three years ago.

FIFA reviewing position

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously indicated he would support Russia’s reintegration into international football. In February he said: “This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.”

Any attempt by FIFA to restore Russia’s participation could still face resistance if European teams threatened to boycott the World Cup. The issue also risks deepening tensions between FIFA and UEFA.

UEFA has criticised FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-match ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, describing the move as having “crossed a red line”.

The decision means Balogun remains eligible to face Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 despite receiving a straight red card in the previous match.

In a statement, UEFA said the automatic one-match suspension following a red card was mandatory under FIFA’s own regulations and did not require interpretation or approval by a disciplinary body. It said suspending the sanction for a one-year probationary period undermined the rules governing the competition.

“Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition,” UEFA said, adding that the automatic suspension “is not a discretionary option”.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump confirmed he had called FIFA president Gianni Infantino last week to request a review of Balogun’s suspension.

Belgium appeal rejected

FIFA has also dismissed a challenge lodged by the Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB) over Balogun’s eligibility.

FIFA’s appeals committee ruled the request inadmissible, saying the RBFA was not a party to the proceedings and therefore had no standing to appeal the decision.

The RBFA said it had yet to receive the reasoning behind FIFA’s decision or the documents it had requested, including the referee’s report. The federation added that it had informed U.S. Soccer it contests Balogun’s eligibility should he be included on the match team sheet, leaving “all further actions open”.

US fund agrees Granada CF takeover from Wuhan DDMC

Big League Advantage (BLA), the US investment firm led by former Major League Baseball player Michael Schwimer, have reached an agreement in principle to acquire Granada CF from Wuhan DDMC, according to Spanish media Ideal.

The deal would end the Chinese group's 10-year ownership of the Spanish club.

BLA will acquire the 98.13 per cent stake held by Wuhan DDMC, although the financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Schwimer is also a minority shareholder in Leeds United, with the proposed acquisition marking another investment in European football.

Leadership changes expected

The ownership change is also expected to bring changes to Granada's senior management. Ignacio Beristain, whose previous roles include Rio Ave, Estoril, Fanatics and Adidas, is the leading candidate to become the club's chief executive.

Wuhan DDMC took control of Granada a decade ago, overseeing a period that included the club's first qualification for European competition. More recently, however, Granada have faced sporting and financial difficulties, with the team spending much of last season battling to avoid relegation to Primera RFEF.

Mexican Christian Septien acquires Cádiz CF from Manuel Vizcaíno

Mexican investor Christian Septien has acquired Cádiz CF from Manuel Vizcaíno, ending the latter’s 12-year spell as owner and president of the Spanish second-tier club, the club have announced.

The transaction also brings to an end the holding structure through Locos por el Balón, the company through which Vizcaíno controlled Cádiz. Vizcaíno leaves after overseeing a period that included four consecutive seasons in LaLiga.

In March, Septien acquired a 10 per cent stake in Nomadar, Cádiz’s listed subsidiary, for US$5.4 million (€4.7 million). That investment was announced as funding for the club’s wider infrastructure plans.

New ownership follows earlier investment

According to previous club announcements, the capital injected into Nomadar is intended to support the JP Financial Arena project, formerly known as Sportech City. The planned development combines sport, technology and entertainment facilities in the Bay of Cádiz.

The funding is expected to cover planning, design, permitting and infrastructure work for the project.

Volkswagen are considering selling their minority stakes in FC Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart as part of a review of football-related investments, according to local media organisation Correctiv. The carmaker are assessing holdings owned through subsidiaries Audi and Porsche while carrying out a wider restructuring programme.

Volkswagen are reviewing Audi’s 8.3 per cent stake in Bayern Munich and Porsche’s 10.4 per cent holding in Stuttgart, alongside other football sponsorship agreements. The review forms part of broader cost-cutting measures at the company, which could result in up to 100,000 job losses.

A person familiar with the matter told Correctiv that Volkswagen intend to retain ownership of VfL Wolfsburg and their 20 per cent stake in third-tier club FC Ingolstadt 04, despite the wider review of football investments.

Existing partnerships under review

Audi have sponsored Bayern Munich since 2002 through their minority shareholding, while Porsche’s investment in Stuttgart is accompanied by a stadium naming-rights agreement that runs until 2033.

Any sale of the stakes could attract interest from industrial groups, private investors, private equity firms and sports funds. However, Germany’s 50+1 ownership rule, which keeps voting control with club members, has limited overseas private investment in the country’s professional football clubs.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes expected to join Al Hilal

Liverpool FC sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to join Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal after the current transfer window, according to The Athletic. Hughes remains under contract at Liverpool until June 2027 and is continuing to oversee the club’s summer recruitment while supporting head coach Andoni Iraola during the market.

Hughes’s contractual position means this is expected to be his final transfer window at Liverpool before a transition period that would allow a successor to settle into the role at Liverpool. Al Hilal are said to be planning on Hughes arriving in due course.

Hughes joined Liverpool in March 2024 after being appointed by Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group. Alongside Michael Edwards, the group’s chief executive of football, he led the process that resulted in Arne Slot’s appointment and oversaw Liverpool’s reported £449 million spend in the 2025 summer transfer window.

Hughes to follow Francis

The expected move follows Simon Francis’s appointment at Al Hilal after leaving Bournemouth. Francis, who succeeded Hughes as Bournemouth’s technical director, previously played alongside him and later worked with him in the club’s technical department.

Last month, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund sold a 70 per cent stake in Al Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company, valuing the club at €322 million. Al Hilal are managed by Simone Inzaghi and their squad includes players like Karim Benzema, Darwin Nunez, Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Clara Vista Investment Partners, a shareholder in Ipswich Town, have completed the acquisition of an 80 per cent stake in Serie A club Frosinone Calcio. The transaction was confirmed at a Frosinone press conference, where president Maurizio Stirpe said the US investment group had injected liquidity into the club as part of the deal.

Stirpe said he would retain a 20 per cent shareholding and remain president for the next two years, while Rosario Zoino will continue as chief executive. He also confirmed that Clara Vista representatives Bob Gold, Charlie Lambropoulos and Wills Hapworth will join Frosinone’s board of directors.

Stirpe said Clara Vista would also acquire a 51 per cent stake in the company managing Frosinone’s infrastructure and that both parties would combine their respective expertise while avoiding operational overlaps.

Ipswich Town link

Earlier reports in the Italian media had suggested that Ipswich Town parent company Gamechanger 20 would become the new owner of Frosinone. However, it is Clara Vista Investment Partners that have secured the majority stake in the recently promoted Serie A club for a reported fee of €41.5 million.

Clara Vista is invested in Ipswich through Portman Holdings, the majority owner of Ipswich Town, as well as through a stake in Bright Path Sports Partners, a minority shareholder in the club.
 

Kretinsky considers £100 million loan to support West Ham rebuild

Daniel Kretinsky is considering providing West Ham United with a loan of about £100 million to help fund player recruitment following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, according to Bloomberg. The Czech billionaire recently agreed to increase his stake in the club to 43 per cent, making him West Ham’s largest shareholder once the deal is completed.

The proposed loan is intended to strengthen West Ham’s finances as they prepare for a season in the Championship. Bloomberg reported that the final size of any loan remains under discussion while representatives for both Kretinsky and West Ham declined to comment.

Kretinsky agreed in June to acquire shares from Vanessa Gold, daughter of the late David Gold. At the time, the club said the transaction would allow him to “provide the additional financing the club needs”.

Widening losses

The potential loan comes at a time where West Ham earlier this year reported pre-tax losses of £108.8 million for the year to 31 May 2025, up from £58.5 million a year earlier.

The club could receive a financial boost from a reported £85 million sale of Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur, while further departures are expected. West Ham have also announced that more than 42,000 season tickets have been sold for the 2026/27 campaign.
 

Antwerp takeover talks continue after loan repayment deadline extended

Royal Antwerp owner Paul Gheysens has been granted extra time to repay a €10 million loan instalment to investment fund Fasanara, while negotiations over the ownership of the Belgian club continue, according to HLN. The original repayment deadline expired on 30 June, with failure to repay potentially allowing Fasanara to take control of the club.

HLN reported on Tuesday that a Belgian consortium led by former R.S.C. Anderlecht chairman Wouter Vandenhaute, and including former Antwerp captain Toby Alderweireld among its investors, is one of the leading candidates to acquire the club. Gheysens is also in discussions with foreign investors over a possible deal involving part or all of his shareholding.

Granting the extension, Fasanara is said to believe Gheysens could still reach an agreement to settle the outstanding debt, reported to total €35 million due by autumn.

Uncertainty affects club operations

The ongoing negotiations are also affecting Antwerp’s day-to-day operations. Chief executive Sven Jaecques is no longer officially employed by the club after his contract expired on 30 June, although he is expected to remain in charge if the Vandenhaute-led consortium completes a takeover.

The uncertainty has also delayed sporting decisions. Antwerp have yet to appoint a new head coach, while several player and loan contracts also expired at the end of June, leaving the squad significantly reduced ahead of the new season.
 

German police raid DFB offices in Euro 2024 ticket investigation

German police have searched the German Football Association (DFB) headquarters and other locations across the country as part of an investigation into alleged corruption linked to Euro 2024. The inquiry centres on claims that officials connected with host cities received unauthorised benefits, including match attendance and preferential access to tournament tickets, according to German media.

Prosecutors in Bochum and police in North Rhine-Westphalia said the investigation concerns alleged unauthorised favours received by an individual employed by a host city at the time of the tournament. They also said host cities were allegedly offered exclusive pre-purchase rights for tickets by officials from the organising entity.

The DFB confirmed that its headquarters in Frankfurt had been searched but said it was not the target of the investigation. It added: “The investigation concerns neither the DFB as an organisation nor any individual employees or officials.”

Investigation extends beyond DFB

German media reported that searches also took place at several city administrations, including Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Munich, as well as at companies. More than 150 officers were said to have taken part in the operation, with investigators examining suspected bribery involving a German national and a French national.

Euro 2024 was staged across Germany in June and July 2024 by Euro 2024 GmbH, a joint venture between the DFB and UEFA. German media reported that investigators are examining whether thousands of tickets were improperly allocated and whether benefits including travel, accommodation and match tickets were provided to public officials.
 

Real Madrid distance themselves from new Liga F investment deal

Real Madrid have confirmed they will not participate in the investment agreement approved at Liga F’s general assembly on 29 June, becoming one of around a quarter of the competition’s members deciding not to join the deal.

According to Real Madrid, the agreement involving Pau Gasol's €55 million investment in the league, would provide funding in exchange for between 35 per cent and 49 per cent of Liga F’s future commercial revenues until June 2051. Clubs signing up to the deal will collectively receive €40 million in return for giving up a share of those revenues for the next 25 years.

The club said it believes the agreement does not fit its preferred model for developing women’s football. Real Madrid added that clubs choosing not to participate should not face different treatment or financial or institutional consequences.

Concerns over long-term impact

Real Madrid also questioned the long-term governance of the agreement, arguing that clubs joining Liga F in future would be bound by the model despite not taking part in the decision or benefiting from the initial funding distributed under the deal.

The club said Liga F will receive €12 million under the agreement, while a further €3 million will be allocated to acquire certain image rights from some players. Real Madrid added it would continue to support what it described as a fair, sustainable and transparent model for the growth of women’s football.

UEFA have sanctioned 14 clubs after concluding their financial sustainability assessments for the 2025/26 season, with Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Juventus among those fined for breaches of its regulations. UEFA assessed compliance with the football earnings rule and the squad cost rule.

Newcastle United, Juventus, OGC Nice, Santa Clara, FC Astana and FK Partizan were found to have breached the football earnings rule, assessed for the first time over a three-year period covering the financial years ending in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Juventus agreed a three-year settlement and face a total fine of €20 million, while Newcastle agreed a similar settlement with a €10 million fine.

UEFA said the settlement agreements require the clubs to meet annual targets and achieve full compliance by the end of the 2028/29 season. Failure to meet those targets could trigger additional financial or sporting sanctions, including restrictions on registering new players or exclusion from future UEFA competitions.

Squad cost breaches

Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, OGC Nice, RC Strasbourg, AEK Athens, Fiorentina and Fenerbahçe were also fined for exceeding the rule limiting squad costs to 70 per cent of revenue. Strasbourg with €25 million and Aston Villa with €22.5 million received the largest penalties and will face restrictions on List A player registrations for UEFA competitions in 2026/27.

FK Vardar Skopje were fined €250,000 after UEFA found the club had submitted incomplete financial information. UEFA said the North Macedonian club would face exclusion from the next UEFA competition for which they qualify if the same offence is repeated within the next three seasons.

LFP director general Arnaud Rouger resigns ahead of governance overhaul

Arnaud Rouger, director general of the French Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), has resigned and will leave his role in early September following the adoption of legislation that will transform the league into a club-owned company. According to L’Équipe, Rouger informed members of the LFP board of his decision on Tuesday.

In a message to board members, Rouger said the parliamentary approval of the sports governance bill made it clear that the LFP’s organisational structure would change in the coming months. He said the activities of both the LFP and its commercial subsidiary, LFP Media, would move into a new framework centred on the future club company.

Rouger said the reforms would “modify profoundly” the scope of his current responsibilities, adding that he believed “my mission was naturally coming to an end with the opening of this new stage”.

25 years at the LFP

Rouger has worked at the LFP for 25 years and has served as director general for the past six alongside president Vincent Labrune. In his message, he described the period as one marked by projects, crises and challenges, and thanked Labrune for his trust as well as board members for their support since September 2020.

He said he would continue overseeing the league’s work during the summer, including preparations for the 2026/27 season, before departing.

Prosecutors seek two-year prison terms for Udinese executives in Mandragora case

Prosecutors in Udine have requested two-year prison sentences for Udinese president Franco Soldati and vice-president Stefano Campoccia over the capital gains case linked to Rolando Mandragora’s transfer from Juventus, according to Calcio e Finanza.

The case relates to the 2018 transfer of Mandragora from Juventus to Udinese, which included a €20 million buy-back option. According to the prosecution, however, the clause was not a genuine option but concealed an irrevocable obligation for Juventus to re-sign the midfielder, who returned to the Turin club two years later.

Prosecutors argue that the structure of the deal enabled Udinese to record a capital gain of more than €3 million and resulted in Ires tax evasion exceeding €400,000. Soldati, Campoccia and Udinese face charges including false corporate communications, fraudulent tax declarations and Ires tax evasion, although the allegations differ between the defendants.

Defence seeks acquittal for Campoccia

Campoccia’s legal team requested an acquittal, arguing that no offence had been committed. Campoccia also serves on the FIGC Federal Council as Serie A’s representative alongside Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini and Inter’s Giuseppe Marotta, with the body recently reconfirmed.

The positions of Soldati and Udinese will be discussed on 15 September, when the judge overseeing the preliminary hearing is also expected to deliver a ruling

CAF rejects proposal to expand Africa Cup of Nations to 28 teams

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rejected a proposal to expand the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams, according to The Guardian. The proposal, put forward by CAF president Patrice Motsepe earlier this year, would have applied from the 2028 tournament if approved.

The decision was taken following a round-robin vote of CAF’s executive committee, with two committee members, speaking anonymously, saying the proposal was rejected. One of the members said the expansion plan had been “soundly rejected” and described it as unnecessary.

A second executive committee member told The Guardian that Motsepe had presented the proposal without consulting the committee. CAF communications director Luxolo September said discussions on the future of the competition remain broader than a single issue, adding: “The conversation on the Caf Africa Cup of Nations format is an ongoing discussion within Caf.”

Format remains under discussion

September said CAF’s leadership has spent the past two years discussing ways to make its competitions, particularly the Africa Cup of Nations, “world-class”, describing the format debate as part of a wider review rather than a standalone proposal.

The next Africa Cup of Nations will be staged in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in June and July 2027.

An arbitration tribunal has ruled that DAZN must pay 85 per cent of the contractually agreed fee for the Belgian professional football media rights during the coming season, according to Nieuwsblad. The decision is an interim measure while a final ruling in the dispute between DAZN and the Pro League is pending.

DAZN terminated its agreement with the Pro League in November, arguing that it had been unable to secure a viable commercial arrangement with Belgium’s telecom operators. The Pro League challenged the move before arbitration body CEPANI, which previously ordered DAZN to continue broadcasting and paying under the existing contract.

The latest ruling reduces DAZN’s payment obligation compared with last season but rejects the broadcaster’s request to lower its payments to 60 per cent of the agreed amount. That outcome avoids a reduction of around €20 million for the league and its clubs.

Final ruling next year

The current measures apply only for the forthcoming season, with a final decision in the arbitration proceedings expected next year. DAZN’s media rights agreement with the Pro League runs until 2030 and is worth around €84 million per season.

Nieuwsblad added that the ruling is separate from the agreement DAZN reached last month with telecom operators Telenet, Proximus and Orange regarding the distribution of its channels.
 

Krause Group look to expand MCO as Casa Pia deal nears

Krause Group, owners of Parma Calcio, are close to acquiring Portuguese top-flight club Casa Pia as part of plans to expand their multi-club ownership model, according to Tuttosport. While no final agreement has been reached, negotiations with Casa Pia owner Robert Platek are described as being at an advanced stage.

The proposed deal follows earlier attempts by the US-based group led by Kyle Krause to invest in Portuguese clubs Paços de Ferreira and UD Leiria. Talks over both clubs ultimately failed to result in an agreement, despite reports that discussions over UD Leiria had progressed significantly. Krause Group is also the majority shareholder of USL League Two side Des Moines Menace.

Platek, the former owner of Spezia, is currently in talks with Krause Group over the transaction. Neither party has announced an agreement, but Tuttosport reports that contacts are continuing as negotiations move forward.

Portuguese expansion plans

Casa Pia retained their place in the Primeira Liga following the 2025/26 season and have built a reputation for recruiting and developing young players before selling them for a profit.

Club officials have previously indicated that any new investment should support long-term projects, including the planned redevelopment of the Pina Manique stadium.
 

AFE decide to file legal action after LaLiga mediation fails

The Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) said it will file a collective dispute claim after failing to reach an agreement with LaLiga during mediation over the formation of the negotiating committee for a new collective agreement covering Spain's first and second divisions. The mediation took place on Monday at Spain's Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA).

The move follows AFE's request for mediation earlier this month, when it warned it would pursue legal action if no agreement could be reached.

The union said it had now decided to file the claim because LaLiga had refused to establish the negotiating committee in accordance with the 17th additional provision of Spain's Sports Law, which sets out which organisations are entitled to negotiate collective agreements for professional athletes.

AFE criticises LaLiga's position

AFE alleged that LaLiga was seeking to include a union that did not have the legal mandate to participate in negotiations because it had not received sufficient backing from players. The union said this was contrary to the requirements set out in the Sports Law.

According to AFE, the dispute is preventing negotiations on a new collective agreement that could include improvements to players' working conditions. The union said LaLiga's position was delaying the bargaining process and accused the league of disregarding the mandate given by players in the vote.
 

Swansea City announce Shamrock Capital investment partnership

Swansea City have announced a long-term strategic partnership with Los Angeles-based investment firm Shamrock Capital, securing fresh investment as the Championship club continues to expand its group of minority investors. The funding is intended to support the club's strategic priorities and future growth, with Shamrock participating in Swansea's future commercial projects.

The investment comes from Shamrock's Content Strategy, which focuses on cashflow-generating assets across the global media and entertainment sector. Swansea said the firm would also provide expertise and industry relationships across media, entertainment and sport as part of the partnership.

Nick Khoury, principal at Shamrock Capital, said about the investment: "We believe the club is exceptionally well-positioned to strengthen its commercial platform and expand its global fan base."

Series of investments

The deal follows a series of minority investments in Swansea involving high-profile figures including Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart and Luka Modric. Controlling owners Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen said Shamrock's experience across media, entertainment and sport would help the club achieve its strategic business objectives.

The club did not disclose the size of Shamrock Capital's investment or whether an equity stake was acquired.
 

Liga F approves commercial investment and launches new media rights tender

Liga F clubs have approved a commercial partnership with Gasol16 Ventures and Fortified Partners, while the competition is preparing to seek a new lead broadcast partner after agreeing to bring forward the end of its existing global rights deal with DAZN by one year. The developments were approved at the league's general assembly on Monday.

The assembly approved the entry of Gasol16 Ventures and Fortified Partners into the league's commercial business, with the group committing to invest €55 million over four seasons. Liga F described the arrangement as a commercial agreement aimed at supporting the competition's future growth.

Liga F has not disclosed whether the agreement will affect LaLiga's existing role as the commercial agency for the league's sponsorship rights. LaLiga committed €42 million over five years to support the launch of the professional competition in 2022, with one season remaining under that agreement.

Rights tender launching

The partnership runs until 2030 and is intended to support the professionalisation and international expansion of Liga F and its clubs. Further details are expected to be announced at a presentation on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Liga F will launch a tender for its audiovisual rights in the coming days. According to 2Playbook, this follows an agreement reached with DAZN last summer allowing the league to add new broadcasters, with the original contract, signed in 2022, now due to end in 2026 instead of 2027. Liga F said its cumulative audience reached 7.5 million viewers in 2025/2026, up 11.2 per cent year on year.

AC Milan have appointed Massimo Calvelli as chief executive officer, with the executive taking over the role previously held by Giorgio Furlani as RedBird Capital Partners strengthens its direct involvement in the club's management.

The appointment was announced by AC Milan, with Calvelli also retaining his positions as CEO International of RedBird Development Group and Operating Partner at RedBird Capital Partners. Calvelli joined AC Milan's board of directors last year.

Founder and managing partner of Redbird Capital, Gerry Cardinale, said the appointment reflected the ambitions of the ownership. “The mandate is clear: we want to play to win, not play not to lose, in everything involving AC Milan, but especially on the pitch,” he said.

Executive role expands

Calvelli said his priority would be to improve the club's organisation, internal processes and operational execution after working closely with senior executives over the past year. He added that he had developed “a first-hand understanding of what needs to be improved and innovated”.

Before joining RedBird, Calvelli served as ATP chief executive from 2020 to 2025. He previously held international roles at Nike, Wilson Sporting Goods and Amer Sports before moving into sports investment and executive leadership.

 

Lyon and Marseille sanctioned by DNCG over financial controls

Lyon and Marseille have been handed sanctions by the DNCG, French football's financial watchdog, following its assessment of the clubs' budgets for the 2026/27 season. The measures were announced after both clubs reported substantial losses in recent years amid financial pressures affecting Ligue 1.

The clubs had been expected to face restrictions after the decline in domestic broadcasting revenues and their recent financial results. Lyon's failure to secure direct qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage also affected the assumptions underpinning their budget submission.

The DNCG placed Lyon under supervision of their wage bill following the club's change of ownership. Marseille were also sanctioned, with the watchdog imposing oversight of both their wage bill and transfer activity.

Financial pressures remain

Both clubs are expected to generate player sales as they seek to improve their financial position ahead of the new season. Lyon have already agreed the sale of Afonso Moreira to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth €32m.

Marseille are also attempting to reduce costs through outgoing transfers, with Mason Greenwood among the players the club are seeking to sell. The DNCG announcement sets the financial framework under which both clubs will operate during the coming season.

 

Italian Senate receives football reform bill focused on youth development

A draft law aimed at reshaping Italian football has been submitted to the Italian Senate, proposing a series of financial and regulatory measures designed to encourage clubs to invest in youth development and improve long-term sustainability. The bill, first reported by Calcio e Finanza, was tabled by Senator Paolo Marcheschi of the Brothers of Italy party.

Among its proposals, the legislation would link part of Serie A's domestic broadcast revenue to clubs' investment in youth development, financial sustainability, infrastructure and the use of players developed in Italy.

At least 15 per cent of television rights income would be distributed according to those criteria, with an additional incentive for clubs that record balanced or profitable accounts over three consecutive financial years.

Incentives for domestic talent

The draft also proposes excluding 50 per cent of the costs associated with signing and employing Italian Under-23 players from financial sustainability calculations between the 2027/28 and 2031/32 seasons, provided those players meet minimum appearance requirements. The measure is intended to encourage clubs to recruit and develop young domestic talent.

Other measures focus on the transfer market. A guarantee fund administered through Italy's Institute for Sports Credit would cover unpaid transfer fees between Italian clubs, replacing the current requirement for bank or insurance guarantees in eligible domestic deals.

The bill also introduces a reverse-charge VAT system for transfers between Italian clubs, shifting responsibility for VAT payments to the buying club in an effort to simplify cash-flow management.

 

Newcastle face HMRC tax demand over historic player transfers

Newcastle United have been issued with a £3.2 million demand from His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) after being named on the tax authority’s latest list of deliberate tax defaulters, according to The Guardian.

The amount comprises £1.9 million in unpaid tax and a penalty of £1.25 million relating to the period between April 2010 and April 2016.

The liability is linked to an HMRC investigation into player transfers conducted during Mike Ashley’s ownership. HMRC officers raided St James’ Park in 2017 as part of the investigation, which examined payments involving transfers and agents’ fees.

Court documents said HMRC alleged Newcastle had used “sham” contracts that concealed the true recipients of payments. A criminal investigation was discontinued in 2021, although HMRC continued civil proceedings concerning what it described as serious tax non-compliance.

Spokesperson responds

A spokesperson for St James Holdings Ltd, speaking on behalf of Ashley, said: “HMRC discontinued their criminal investigation prior to any charges being made. The new owners reached a civil settlement with HMRC. There was no finding of deliberate conduct by a court or Tribunal and no admission of deliberate conduct was made to HMRC.”

The club have been owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund since 2021.

The family of billionaire Joe Lewis are preparing to inject at least £100 million into ENIC Sports, the holding company that owns a majority stake in Tottenham Hotspur, according to Bloomberg.

The Lewis family own just over 70 per cent of ENIC Sports, while former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and members of his family hold the remaining shares. The investment could also dilute Levy’s minority stake in the company.

Relations between Levy and the Lewis family have deteriorated in recent months. Bloomberg previously reported that Levy had considered legal action after being removed from his role at the club.

Club finances under pressure

The funding would follow a £100 million cash injection by the Lewis family in October last year, which was used to strengthen Tottenham’s finances and support player recruitment. The club finished 17th in the Premier League last season after avoiding relegation on the final day.

Tottenham reported a pre-tax loss of £120 million for the financial year ending June 2025 despite revenue increasing from £528 million to £565 million. In a statement issued in May, the Lewis family said the club’s redevelopment required investment and that they were "fully committed to this.”
 

Club World Cup expected to expand after FIFA and EFC talks

FIFA and European Football Clubs are considering a joint venture to run the Club World Cup, in a move expected to accelerate plans to expand the tournament to include 48 teams in 2029, according to The Guardian.

The next edition is scheduled for the summer of 2029, after the first 32-team tournament was held in the United States in 2025 and won by Chelsea FC who reportedly earned £84 million for the achievement.

The partnership could also lead to the removal of FIFA’s current limit of two clubs per country, which restricted qualification for the 2025 tournament.

More European places

The current format gave Europe 12 places, with qualification based on recent Champions League winners and UEFA coefficient rankings, subject to the country cap.

An expanded 48-team format would increase the number of places available across confederations, including UEFA.
 

City Football Group sell off Yokohama F. Marinos stake

City Football Group (CFG) have transferred their minority shareholding in Yokohama F. Marinos to Nissan Motor Co., leaving the Japanese club wholly owned by the carmaker. The J1 League side said the clubs will continue their relationship as partner clubs despite exiting CFG's multi-club ownership structure.

The transaction means Nissan, which founded Yokohama F. Marinos as a company team in the 1970s, has regained full ownership. CFG had held a minority stake in the club as part of its MCO, which now comprises 10 clubs headed by Manchester City.

In a club statement, Yokohama F. Marinos said: “CFG has provided wide-ranging support for our club’s management and operations as a shareholder to date. Moving forward, Yokohama F. Marinos and CFG will continue their relationship as partner clubs.”

Second exit in six months

The sale follows CFG’s disposal of its majority stake in Mumbai City in December, marking the second club to leave the group’s ownership structure within six months. It also comes after Nissan ended its 11-year global sponsorship agreement with CFG earlier this year.

Yokohama F. Marinos said they will continue working with CFG to strengthen the first team and develop commercial partnerships, while also seeking to broaden their shareholder base as part of plans to improve financial sustainability and reinforce the club’s long-term management structure.
 

FIFA opens door to Russia with youth tournament invitation

FIFA has taken a first step towards lifting its sanctions on Russia by allowing the country to participate in the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan in October.

According to the German Press Agency (DPA), the tournament, which will run from 22 to 31 October, will be open to all FIFA member associations, making it the first FIFA competition in which Russian teams can compete since the country's suspension following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The move follows comments by FIFA president Gianni Infantino in February, when he said he wanted Russian teams to be readmitted to FIFA competitions, arguing that the suspension "has not achieved anything".

Nepal suspended

Meanwhile, FIFA has decided to suspend the All Nepal Football Association with immediate effect and until further notice, removing its membership rights and barring it from FIFA competitions and the FIFA Congress.

The decision follows alleged interference by Nepal’s National Sports Council in the federation’s electoral process. The ANFA presidency has been unresolved since Pankaj Bikram Nembang’s four-year term ended on 19 June.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the mandatory hydration breaks introduced at the 2026 World Cup, saying the measure has benefited players and could be retained at future tournaments. He also rejected suggestions that football’s governing body is generating additional income from the stoppages.

According to FIFA, the three-minute breaks, held midway through each half, were introduced to help players cope with the high temperatures during the tournament.

However, the pauses have drawn criticism from some players, coaches and supporters, who argue they disrupt the flow of matches and alter the character of the game. Hydration breaks have been applied across all matches rather than only those played in hotter conditions.

Infantino said a selective approach could create an uneven playing field by giving some coaches additional opportunities to influence matches while denying the same opportunity to others. He also argued the breaks may have contributed to maintaining the intensity of matches throughout the full 90 minutes and said FIFA would assess whether to continue the practice in future competitions.

"No additional revenue"

Critics have also questioned whether the breaks were introduced to benefit broadcasters, some of whom use the stoppages to show additional advertising.

In a statement, Infantino said FIFA's commercial agreements had been agreed before the decision to introduce the breaks and that the measure was not linked to additional income. “There is no additional revenue for FIFA, as all commercial agreements were signed well in advance,” he said, adding that the decision was “purely a sporting matter”.
 

Bale-led investment vehicle targets football club acquisition

Former Wales and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is seeking to acquire a controlling stake in a football club through the $500 million sports investment vehicle established with US private equity firm Juggernaut Capital Partners. Bale told Reuters that he and Juggernaut founder and managing partner John Shulam are assessing potential opportunities.

The former player said club ownership had long interested him, but that a suitable opportunity had not emerged until his discussions with Shulam. The partnership combines Bale’s experience from professional sport with Juggernaut’s investment expertise.

Bale said several clubs were under consideration, including Cardiff City, but indicated no decision had been made. “Cardiff may be an option, it may not be, but it's just one of many,” he told Reuters.

Ownership strategy

Shulam said the group’s objective is to secure a controlling position rather than a minority holding in a larger club. He said the strategy was focused on acquiring an asset where the partnership could influence decision-making and operations directly.

Beyond football, Shulam said the investment vehicle plans to deploy capital across other areas of sport, including golf, youth sports and women’s sport. He added that the group expects to announce its first investment in a women’s professional team in the near future, arguing that women’s sport has received insufficient attention from investors.
 

Kang's Lyon acquisition see valuation plummit

Michele Kang's agreed takeover deal to acquire an 87.78 per cent stake in Olympique Lyonnais was completed for a €26.3 million fee, according to a statement from Eagle Football Group.

Eagle Football Group said Kang would purchase all shares held by Eagle Bidco, its holding company, for the figure which contrasts with the valuation attached to Lyon when John Textor took control in 2022, in a deal that valued the club at above €800 million.

The transaction also includes additional financial commitments as Kang will inject up to €71 million of new funding into Lyon and has agreed to repay debt owed to Eagle Bidco’s principal lenders.

Debt repayment

Eagle Football Group said the transaction is intended to provide “new funding and stability” for Lyon as Kang has "personally committed to repaying the debt owed to Eagle Bidco's main lenders". EFG referred to approximately €232.6 million of subordinated debt as part of the club’s financial position.

The proposed transaction would remove Lyon from Eagle Football Group and place the club within a new structure called OL Group. The deal remains subject to regulatory approval.
 

Genoa capital increase upheld by court in A-Cap challenge

A court in Genoa has rejected a legal challenge by ACM Delegate LLC, a company controlled by A-Cap Holding LLC, against the capital increase that enabled Romanian businessman Dan Sucu to take control of Genoa, according to Calcio e Finanza.

The ruling, published on Wednesday, confirms the validity of the capital increase approved on 14 December 2024. The transaction provided new funds to support the club’s financial position and resulted in Sucu becoming Genoa’s controlling shareholder.

A-Cap had argued that the resolution was invalid on several grounds, including its alleged exclusion from the shareholders’ meeting, the removal of subscription rights, a lack of notice regarding the meeting and what it described as a conflict of interest involving a vote cast by 777 Genoa Holdings. The court rejected those arguments and upheld Genoa’s position.

Genoa arguments accepted

The decision follows two earlier precautionary rulings that had also gone against A-Cap. The court’s judgment runs to more than 50 pages and accepted Genoa’s arguments in full.

The court also ordered ACM Delegate LLC to pay legal costs. The ruling is immediately enforceable and confirms the validity of the process that led to the change of control at Genoa, although A-Cap may still consider further legal action.
 

Tottenham put sporting director hunt on hold

Tottenham Hotspur have put their search for a new sporting director on hold until the end of the summer transfer window, according to minutes from a recent meeting between club executives and the Fan Advisory Board (FAB). The club had been expected to appoint another senior recruitment figure following Fabio Paratici’s departure in February.

Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham told supporters’ representatives on 16 June that appointing a sporting director was no longer an immediate priority. Johan Lange, head coach Roberto De Zerbi and newly appointed director of football operations Rafi Moersen are overseeing recruitment during the current transfer window.

Addressing speculation around the role, Venkatesham said the club would only make an appointment if it found someone capable of strengthening the existing structure. He added: “No-one has been in a process and turned us down. Many names in the media linked with us, we have never even spoken to.”

Lange defended

Venkatesham also defended Lange amid criticism from supporters, saying the Dane and De Zerbi work closely on football decisions and recruitment planning.

Club leadership also reflected on Tottenham’s 2025/26 campaign, which ended with the team narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day of the season. Non-executive chairman Peter Charrington and Venkatesham both described the campaign as “unacceptable” during the meeting.
 

Lazio ordered to pay compensation in pregnancy contract dispute

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ordered Lazio Women to pay more than €69,000 in compensation to former player Maja Gothberg after ruling that the club unlawfully ended its employment relationship with her following the disclosure of her pregnancy in 2024.

CAS partially upheld Gothberg’s appeal against a previous FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber decision that had dismissed her claim. The panel found that a binding agreement existed between the parties despite the absence of a signed and registered contract.

Gothberg played a regular role in Lazio’s promotion-winning campaign to Serie A during the 2023/24 season and had negotiated terms for a new contract. CAS found that agreed financial conditions, draft agreements and arrangements for her return to Rome supported the existence of a binding employment relationship.

"About being treated fairly"

Lazio argued that no contract had been formed and denied discrimination. However, CAS ruled that the club had not demonstrated that their decision was unrelated to Gothberg’s pregnancy and also found that an assistant coach disclosed her pregnancy to players without her consent. FIFPro said the decision confirmed that maternity protections in football provide enforceable rights for players.

The ruling awarded Gothberg €64,000, equivalent to the value of the proposed one-year deal, plus interest. CAS also awarded compensation for the disclosure of her pregnancy, which it considered sensitive medical information. Gothberg said: “This case was never only about football. It was about being treated fairly and with respect at an important moment in my life.”