A Southampton FC intern told an independent commission that he felt pressured by senior club figures to attend opposition training sessions as part of a spying operation that led to the club’s exclusion from the Championship play-off final.

Written reasons published by the commission said the intern described “the pressure he was placed under” after being instructed to observe Middlesbrough FC and Oxford United training sessions. The panel said Southampton’s actions formed part of a “contrived and determined plan” directed by senior personnel to gain a competitive advantage.

The commission said the use of a junior staff member in the operation was “particularly deplorable” and noted that staff involved were in “a vulnerable position without job security and with limited ability to object”. Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert admitted authorising the Middlesbrough and Oxford missions, according to the ruling.

Sanctions and FA investigation

EFL sanctions included Southampton’s removal from Saturday’s Championship play-off final against Hull City and a four-point deduction for next season. The commission also said the club had initially provided inaccurate information to the EFL, falsely claiming no video footage had been captured or analysed.

Southampton failed in an appeal against their exclusion from the Wembley match, with Middlesbrough taking their place. The FA are now expected to consider charges against individuals involved in commissioning or carrying out the spying activities.
 

FIFA Weigh 64-Team Expansion for 2030 World Cup

FIFA is considering increasing the number of teams at the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64, according to AS, despite the expanded 48-team format not yet having debuted at a men’s tournament. The 2030 edition will be hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with opening matches also scheduled in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

The proposal was first raised months ago following discussions within CONMEBOL over widening access to the tournament for nations that rarely qualify for the World Cup. Several federations have revived support for the idea ahead of the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously promoted the World Cup as a global event aimed at increasing participation across different regions. Officials inside FIFA are said to now view a larger tournament as consistent with that objective.

Biennial Club World Cup plans dropped

The report added that proposals to stage the Club World Cup every two years now appear to have been set aside, with FIFA continuing to work towards the next edition of the competition in 2029.

FIFA is not expected to make formal decisions on the 2030 structure until after the 2026 World Cup final.
 

Everton and Crystal Palace secure new shirt sponsors before gambling ban

Everton FC are expected to finalise a deal with CMC Markets to become the club’s new front-of-shirt sponsor from next season, replacing gambling firm Stake ahead of new Premier League regulations.

The Athletic reported that the London-based financial services company has emerged as the leading candidate after months of discussions, with Stake’s agreement due to expire at the end of June. Reports cited by the outlet suggested the proposed agreement could be worth about £30 million over three years, broadly matching the value of Everton’s current partnership.

Premier League clubs agreed to remove gambling branding from the front of shirts from the 2026/27 season following consultations linked to the UK government’s review of gambling legislation.

Palace replace NET88

Crystal Palace have also confirmed a new front-of-shirt agreement, announcing Temporal as the club’s new partner in a multi-year deal beginning from the 2026/27 campaign. The arrangement replaces betting operator NET88 on the front of Palace shirts.

Everton and Palace are among 11 Premier League clubs now preparing to move away from gambling-related front-of-shirt sponsorships before the new rules come into force next season.
 

Real Madrid target Bernabéu concert return in 2027

Real Madrid are preparing to resume concerts at the Santiago Bernabéu from January 2027, according to Spanish media, more than two years after suspending live music events at the stadium. The club halted concerts in September 2024 following repeated breaches of permitted noise levels.

The club plans to restart concerts gradually under a more controlled operating model, limiting both the type of events hosted and the technical production conditions. Real Madrid are expected to make the stadium available for between 10 and 14 concerts per year as part of the relaunch strategy.

Club president Florentino Pérez recently said concerts would return “very soon”, while Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso has announced plans to amend regional legislation to provide greater legal certainty for promoters.

Cleared of responsibility

Last week, Real Madrid said the Provincial Court of Madrid had cleared both the club and Real Madrid Estadio SL of criminal responsibility linked to concerts held at the Bernabéu between April and September 2024.

According to the club, the court ruled that responsibility for complying with local noise regulations rests with concert promoters rather than the venue owner.
 

Japanese investors build momentum in Europe as Danish club talks advance

Japanese investors are increasing their presence in European football, with recent takeovers and investments in Belgium and the Netherlands now followed by progressing talks over a deal for Danish club Randers FC.

Randers confirmed at the beginning of April that they were in negotiations with investors regarding a possible sale of the club. Those talks are understood to involve Japanese investors and appear to be moving close to a transaction.

The Danish case follows a series of Japanese-backed deals in 2025, underlining how investors from the country are increasingly targeting European clubs.

Belgium and the Netherlands

Belgian top-flight club Sint-Truidense VV (STVV) have been under Japanese ownership since 2017, when internet company DMM.com acquired the club. In 2025, Japannet Holdings further strengthened the Japanese presence at STVV by acquiring a 19.9 per cent stake.

Elsewhere in Belgium, second-tier club K Beerschot VA were taken over by Japanese private holding company KINPOUDOU Holding in September 2025, while Dutch club Almere City were acquired by Japanese industrial machinery and engine manufacturer Yanmar in November 2025.

Randers could now become the latest example of Japanese capital moving into European club ownership.

The proposed takeover of Sevilla FC by the consortium fronted by Sergio Ramos and Five Eleven Capital is in serious doubt after concerns over funding emerged between sellers, according to a source close to the matter who expects the deal to collapse.

Last week, multiple media outlets reported that a €444 million deal had been agreed in principle ahead of the exclusivity period ending on 31 May, after a letter of intent was signed in January, with the bidder said to have provided proof of funding.

However, evidence that the consortium actually has the funds available has yet to be delivered, which is highly unusual for a deal of this profile at such an advanced stage. The source added that he would be “surprised” if the takeover were to proceed.

The proof of funding is said to have consisted only of a document stating the consortium’s intention to buy the Spanish club and declaring that the group has the necessary funds, without evidence of money held in escrow or bank statements showing the funds are available.

Former investments

Five Eleven Capital has previously been involved in football investment, albeit at a different level, having been announced as a minority investor in Hungarian club Debreceni VSC in April 2025 before selling its 10 per cent stake in December after Stott Capital, owner of Stockport County, completed a majority takeover.

The group has also been linked by Brazilian media with negotiations over an investment in Brazilian club CA Juventud for more than a year.

Off The Pitch has reached out to Five Eleven for comment.
 

UEFA approves new qualifying format aimed at reducing one-sided matches

UEFA has approved a new format for European Qualifiers from 2028 that will reduce the number of matches between leading national teams and lower-ranked countries.

Under the new system, the top 36 UEFA nations will compete in a higher-tier qualifying structure called League 1, while the remaining teams will play in League 2. Teams in League 1 will play six matches against six different opponents rather than the current home-and-away format.

The system is similar to UEFA’s club competitions, with teams facing opponents from different seeding pots.

Reducing number of "dead matches"

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said the new format would “improve competitive balance, reduce the number of dead matches, offer a more appealing and dynamic competition to fans” without adding more dates to the international calendar.

The revised system is expected to be used for qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. UEFA said lower-ranked nations in League 2 would still have access to qualification through a play-off route, while the final details of the format will be confirmed at an Executive Committee meeting in September.

Southampton appeal against Championship play-off expulsion rejected

Southampton’s appeal against their expulsion from the Championship play-offs has been dismissed, confirming Middlesbrough’s reinstatement in the final against Hull City on Saturday.

An independent disciplinary commission had removed Southampton from the play-offs on Tuesday after the club admitted spying on three rival teams’ training sessions, including Middlesbrough before the first leg of the semi-final. Middlesbrough had originally lost the tie 2-1 on aggregate.
Southampton challenged the decision, arguing the punishment was disproportionate compared with previous sanctions in English football.

However, the EFL said on Wednesday evening that an arbitration panel had upheld both the expulsion and a four-point deduction to be applied during the 2026-27 Championship season.

"Humility, accountability and determination"

The EFL said the ruling also confirmed a formal reprimand relating to all charges brought against the club. The league added that the decision was final and could not be appealed further to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In a statement, Southampton described the outcome as “an extremely disappointing outcome” and said the club believed the sporting sanction imposed was excessive. The club added that it would respond “with humility, accountability and determination to put things right”.
 

Arsenal set for Premier League revenue record after title-winning season

Arsenal FC are expected to post the highest annual revenue in Premier League history during the 2025/26 season following their domestic title win and run to the Champions League final, according to The Times.

The London club are forecast to generate at least £760 million in revenue, with the figure potentially rising to £770 million if they beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30. Arsenal would in any case surpass the previous Premier League record of £715 million set by Manchester City in 2023/24.

Reaching £760 million would represent a revenue increase of 63 per cent since 2022/23, equivalent to growth of roughly £300 million over the period.

Commercial and prize money boost

The increase is expected to come from higher Premier League distributions, Champions League prize money and commercial bonuses linked to success on the pitch. Arsenal are also expected to benefit from increased overseas television rights payments introduced for the 2025/26 campaign.

Despite the projected revenue growth, Arsenal could still report a financial loss because of increased spending on transfers and wages following investment in the playing squad.
 

UEFA vows strict approach on women’s multi-club ownership rules

UEFA’s head of women’s football Nadine Kessler has said the governing body will strictly enforce rules preventing clubs under common ownership from competing in the same European competition, according to The Guardian.

Speaking before Saturday’s Women’s Champions League final in Oslo, which features Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, part of Michele Kang’s multi-club ownership group, Kessler said UEFA would take the same approach in the women’s game as in men’s competitions despite the growing number of investors controlling multiple clubs.

Kessler said: “When it comes to playing in one football competition, there will be no different approach and no exceptions when it comes to the women’s game.”

Ensure integrity

Under Article 5 of UEFA’s Women’s Champions League regulations, individuals or groups cannot hold influence over the management or sporting performance of more than one participating club. Kessler said UEFA’s role was to ensure competitions remain “100% fair and there is not even a perceived breach of integrity”.

Multi-club ownership structures have become more common in women’s football, with multiple MCOs emerging this season, including Crux Football's ownership of both FC Rosengård and Montpellier HSC Féminines, and Mercury13’s control of Como Women, FC Badalona Women and Bristol City Women.

Southampton have been removed from the Championship play-offs final after admitting breaches of English Football League (EFL) regulations linked to the unauthorised filming of opposition training sessions, the league said on Tuesday.

Southampton will also begin the 2026/27 Championship season with a four-point deduction following the investigation. Middlesbrough, who lost to Southampton in the semi-finals, have been reinstated and will face Hull City in the play-off final at Wembley on Saturday.

EFL said Southampton had admitted to “multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training”. The other clubs concern Oxford United in December 2025 and Ipswich Town in April 2026.

The league also issued the club with a reprimand in relation to the charges.

Spying allegations

The case relates to an incident before the first leg of Southampton’s semi-final against Middlesbrough on 9 May.

Middlesbrough staff reported concerns after a Southampton analyst was allegedly seen filming a training session at the club’s Rockliffe Park base two days before the match.

PIF explores Newcastle investment talks linked to stadium project

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is in talks with potential investors over taking a minority stake in Newcastle United as part of plans to finance the club’s stadium project, according to a report from Reuters.

Newcastle are considering either expanding St James’ Park or building a new stadium, with chief executive David Hopkinson telling Reuters that a refurbishment would cost hundreds of millions of pounds. He added that a new stadium could exceed £1 billion.

PIF led Newcastle’s £305 million takeover from Mike Ashley in 2021.

Stadium site acquisition

Newcastle have completed the purchase of most of the Grade I-listed Leazes Terrace buildings adjacent to St James’ Park, according to a club announcement. The acquisition concerns the Georgian crescent opposite the East Stand, which has long restricted expansion of the current stadium footprint.

The purchase has fuelled speculation that Newcastle could prioritise redeveloping St James’ Park rather than constructing a new stadium nearby. However, club sources told The Athletic both options remain under consideration and that no final decision has been made.

Benfica consider bylaw to block Tim Leiweke stake purchase

Benfica are considering using a club bylaw to prevent US investor Tim Leiweke from acquiring a stake in the club because of his interests in other European teams, according to Bloomberg.

Representatives of Benfica have told members of Leiweke’s team that Article 13 of the club statutes allows the club to block acquisitions above 2 per cent by investors deemed to have competing interests. Benfica used the same rule in 2021 to stop US investor John Textor from buying a 25 per cent stake.

Leiweke had planned to acquire the 16.4 per cent holding owned by José António dos Santos, the largest private shareholder in Benfica SAD. The deal would have been carried out through Entrepreneur Equity Partners, the investment fund founded by Leiweke, which focuses on minority stakes in European football clubs.

Concerns over multi-club links

Recent developments involving Leiweke appear to have increased concerns within Benfica’s leadership. He recently invested in Italian side Venezia and became co-chair of the club’s operations committee, while his daughter Francesca Bodie was appointed club president.

Benfica officials are concerned that the US fund’s multi-club strategy could affect the club’s autonomy and independence.
 

Alejandro Domínguez, president of South American football body CONMEBOL, is facing an internal ethics complaint alleging that he received millions of dollars from funds recovered after the 2015 FIFA corruption investigation, according to The New York Times.

The complaint, filed by a whistleblower said to have direct knowledge of the matter, alleges that Domínguez and another senior CONMEBOL official received more than $5 million linked to money returned to the federation following corruption cases involving former football executives.

Three people familiar with the complaint told The New York Times that senior FIFA officials had known about the allegations for more than a year before the matter reached FIFA’s ethics committee.

World Cup scrutiny grows

The allegations emerge weeks before the men’s World Cup begins, placing renewed attention on governance within international football and on Domínguez, who also serves as one of FIFA’s vice presidents.

Domínguez became CONMEBOL president in 2016 after his predecessor was indicted following a United States Department of Justice investigation that uncovered more than $150 million in bribes and kickbacks tied to football marketing and media rights across South and North America.

Southampton face further spying allegations from Championship clubs

Southampton are alleged to have spied on other Championship clubs during the season, according to evidence submitted to the English Football League (EFL) ahead of next week’s play-off disciplinary hearing.

The club have pleaded guilty to spying on a Middlesbrough training session before last week’s Championship play-off semi-final, with Middlesbrough now seeking Southampton’s removal from the final against Hull City at Wembley on May 23.

Telegraph Sport reported the EFL has received written evidence alleging Southampton also observed at least one other rival team’s training sessions this season.

Widen pressure on Southampton

The EFL is expected to hold a hearing on Tuesday and is considering whether the Championship play-off final should be postponed while the case is reviewed. Middlesbrough are understood to be dissatisfied they will not attend the hearing directly.

Other Championship clubs are also believed to have privately questioned Southampton’s knowledge of opposition tactics and set-piece routines during matches this season. If an independent panel concludes the club repeatedly spied on rivals, Southampton could face expulsion from the play-off final.

FIFA media rights executives visit India amid World Cup broadcast deadlock

FIFA media rights executives are visiting India this week as negotiations over broadcasting rights for next month’s Club World Cup remain unresolved, according to a report from Reuters. No Indian broadcaster has yet secured the rights less than three weeks before the tournament begins on June 11.

FIFA said in a statement to Reuters that it had concluded media rights agreements in more than 180 territories, while discussions in India were continuing and “must remain confidential at this stage”.

Talks between FIFA and the Reliance-Disney joint venture, India’s biggest media company, have failed to produce an agreement. Sony has also not submitted a bid. India risks missing live television coverage of the tournament if no deal is reached before the competition starts.

Pricing gap remains obstacle

Reliance-Disney offered around $20 million for the rights, while FIFA initially sought $100 million and was later seeking at least $60 million. It remains unclear whether FIFA executives are meeting representatives from the venture during the visit.

The delay leaves limited time for broadcasters to establish distribution arrangements and sell advertising inventory before the opening match. Football has an estimated 85 million fans in India.

Championship clubs have voted to replace profitability and sustainability rules (P&S) with a squad cost ratio (SCR) system from next season, following approval at Friday’s EFL meeting.

Under the new framework, clubs will be restricted to spending a maximum of 85 per cent of their revenues on first-team squad costs, bringing the Championship’s financial controls closer to those used in the Premier League. The measure was approved with 20 clubs voting in favour and four against.

The EFL said the revised system would allow “real-time monitoring during the season” rather than reviewing club finances retrospectively. The league added that the changes were intended to create “a simpler and more responsive system of cost control within the Championship”.

Differs from the Premier League

Squad costs will include wages for first-team players and coaching staff, amortised transfer fees and agents’ fees. The SCR framework will replace P&S rules that have been in place in the Championship since 2017.

The Championship model differs from the Premier League’s version by allowing owners to inject up to £33 million across a three-year period into club revenues, although no more than £15 million can be added in a single season.

League One clubs also approved changes to the existing Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) rules, with the aim of reducing losses and the reliance on owner funding in the division.

As part of the amendments to SCMP, the percentage of turnover that clubs in League One will be able to spend on wages has been reduced from 60 per cent to 50 per cent, with manager costs to now also be included within the SCMP c alculation.

League One Clubs also approved a change to remove the staggered approach to equity injections in the division, meaning that all equity injections will be included within the calculation at 50 per cent.

 

China broadcaster secures FIFA World Cup rights deal

China Media Group has agreed a broadcasting deal with FIFA covering the 2026 and 2030 men’s World Cups, ending uncertainty over television rights in China less than a month before the next tournament begins.

FIFA confirmed the agreement on Friday, and said the agreement also includes the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups.

FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström said: “The Chinese market is of very big importance to the global football community … we’re very happy and proud of our partnership with CMG to bring the World Cup to all fans in China.”

2026 rights worth $60 million

Broadcast rights for the 2026 tournament alone were valued at US$60 million, according to Chinese outlet The Paper. The deal follows a prolonged stand-off between FIFA and Chinese broadcasters ahead of the competition.

China is regarded as one of football’s largest television markets, with state media estimating that around 200 million people in the country follow the sport.


 

Botafogo seek bankruptcy protection and criticise Textor management

Botafogo have filed for bankruptcy protection after warning that financial pressures had begun to affect the club’s daily operations. The Brazilian club’s SAF said the measure was needed to preserve activities, meet obligations and protect the continuity of the sporting project.

In a statement, Botafogo said the company had faced mounting financial problems linked to asset seizures, FIFA-imposed transfer restrictions, accelerated debt repayments and liquidity shortages. The club added that the situation had created uncertainty over its short-term future.

The SAF also directed criticism at John Textor, whose Eagle Football holding company continues to control Botafogo and Olympique Lyon. Botafogo said there had been “a strong process of decapitalisation within the Eagle Group structure” in recent months.

Missing funds

Financial pressure on Botafogo has increased since Textor’s departure from the leadership of Eagle Football earlier this year. The club claimed more than BRL900 million (€154 million) had failed to return to Botafogo while financial support and investment had also stopped.

Botafogo said the lack of funding had affected the club’s ability to maintain operations and sporting competitiveness.

The Championship play-off final between Hull City and Southampton could be postponed while disciplinary proceedings involving Southampton are ongoing, the EFL has said. The match is scheduled to take place at Wembley on May 23.

In a statement, the EFL warned supporters that the timetable for the proceedings may affect the fixture. Fans were advised to check ticket terms and conditions before purchasing, although tickets for the final have not yet gone on sale.

Southampton were charged last week with breaching EFL rule 127 following a complaint from Middlesbrough before the clubs’ play-off semi-final. The rule prohibits clubs from observing an opponent’s training session within 72 hours of a match. Southampton beat Middlesbrough 2-1 on aggregate to reach the final.

Disciplinary process ongoing

The EFL said the case is being handled by an independent disciplinary commission and that it does not control the proposed timetable for the proceedings. The process could also be extended if either club appeals against the outcome.

If Southampton were excluded from the final as part of any sanction imposed, Middlesbrough would take their place at Wembley. The EFL did not indicate when a decision in the case is expected.

Saudi Arabia's PIF named World Cup 2026 tournament supporter by FIFA

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been named an official tournament supporter for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and Asia, as the country expands its involvement in international football ahead of hosting the 2034 edition.

In a statement, FIFA said the agreement with PIF will cover programmes linked to grassroots football, youth and women’s participation, education projects and infrastructure development connected to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Financial terms of the agreement and details of specific commercial activations were not disclosed by FIFA or PIF.

Saudi football strategy

The partnership follows PIF’s involvement with FIFA’s Club World Cup 2025 and adds to Saudi Arabia’s growing commercial and organisational role in global football since securing hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.

“PIF continues to accelerate the growth of football globally by expanding access to the game and creating opportunities that benefit players, fans and the wider football ecosystem,” Mohamed AlSayyad, head of corporate brand at PIF, said in the statement.

US waives visa bond requirement for some World Cup fans

The United States will exempt football supporters from five World Cup-qualified countries from paying visa bonds of up to $15,000 if they have bought tickets for the 2026 tournament, the State Department said on Wednesday.

The Trump administration introduced the bond requirement last year for visitors from 50 countries that US authorities said had high visa overstay rates and other security concerns. Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia are among the affected countries and have all qualified for the World Cup.

Fans from those nations who purchased tickets through FIFA and enrolled in the FIFA Pass system for expedited visa appointments are now exempt from the requirement.

FIFA welcomes exemption

In a statement reported by AP News, FIFA said the decision reflected “our ongoing collaboration with the U.S. government and the White House task force for the FIFA World Cup” and thanked the administration for its support ahead of the competition.

Players, coaches and some team staff had already been excluded from the bond policy under measures designed to prioritise visa processing for the tournament, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

Olympique Lyon are facing possible expulsion from UEFA competitions next season amid concerns the French club may not have complied with conditions attached to a financial settlement agreed with European football’s governing body, according to The Telegraph.

The Ligue 1 club are fourth in the table with one game remaining and remain in contention for Champions League qualification. Lyon are guaranteed at least a Conference League place, while Europa League qualification is also possible depending on the final standings.

UEFA's Club Financial Control Body sanctioned Lyon last July for breaching financial sustainability regulations and set conditions the club were required to meet over a four-year period. Among them was a requirement for Lyon’s ownership to inject €60 million by 15 July and convert the funds into equity by 15 October. That obligation may not have been fulfilled.

Financial losses deepen pressure

Lyon disclosed losses of €186 million for the first half of 2025/26 earlier this week as the club continue to deal with financial difficulties. The club are now controlled by Michele Kang and Ares Management, a principal creditor to former owner John Textor.

The club said some liabilities stemmed from agreements involving Brazilian club Botafogo and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek that were “unknown and had not been reported” in previous financial statements.
 

Championship clubs to vote on SCR plan allowing equity-linked revenue boost

Championship clubs are expected to hold a close vote on Friday over plans to replace the division’s profitability and sustainability regulations with a squad cost ratio system from next season.

Under the proposal, clubs would be limited to spending 85 per cent of football revenue on player-related costs, aligning the Championship with new Premier League rules. The Guardian reported the change would also allow annual equity injections of about £10 million to count towards revenue calculations.

At least 16 of the Championship’s 24 clubs must support the proposal for it to pass. A source at one Championship club told The Guardian the outcome was expected to be “tight” because of differing views on financial controls across the division.

League One also set for vote

League One clubs are also due to vote on Friday on reducing permitted spending under the salary cost management protocol from 60 per cent to 50 per cent of turnover. The proposal follows growing concern among owners over rising operating losses in the division.

Average owner investment in League One clubs reached £9.6 million this season, compared with £2.6 million four years ago. Some owners had discussed introducing a salary cap and luxury tax system for clubs exceeding spending limits, although those measures will not be included in the vote.
 

Court clears Real Madrid over Bernabéu concert complaints

Real Madrid said a Madrid court has cleared the club and its stadium operating company of criminal responsibility linked to concerts held at the Santiago Bernabéu between April and September 2024.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the club said the Provincial Court of Madrid had upheld appeals filed by general director José Ángel Sánchez and Real Madrid Estadio SL against an earlier ruling that allowed criminal proceedings to continue. According to the club, the court ordered the dismissal of the case against both parties.

The club added that the court concluded responsibility for complying with local noise regulations rests with concert promoters using the stadium rather than with the venue owner.

Spanish media reports said the ruling does not automatically allow concerts to resume because noise and regulatory issues remain unresolved.

Concerts suspended

The case stemmed from a complaint filed in July 2024 by the Bernabéu Affected Residents’ Association and six local residents over alleged noise pollution caused by concerts at the stadium. Earlier this year, a judge approved the case to proceed to trial over alleged environmental offences linked to noise pollution.

Real Madrid renovated the Bernabéu between 2019 and 2024 in a project reportedly costing €1.3 billion, with the club aiming to increase revenue through concerts and other events. Last September, the club said it would provisionally reschedule concerts at the venue to comply with municipal regulations.

A consortium led by former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos have reached an agreement in principle worth around €444 million to acquire Sevilla, according to The Athletic. The group entered a three-month exclusivity period in January to negotiate a deal for the LaLiga club.

The agreement was reached on Tuesday following due diligence and shareholder discussions on Monday. The consortium is backed by investment fund Five Eleven, with Ramos acting as the public face of the bid.

The purchase must still be completed by late May or early June, with the consortium required to provide the capital needed to finalise the transaction. A financial guarantee has already been presented as part of the process.

Sevilla face relegation battle

Sevilla are 13th in LaLiga with three matches remaining in the 2025/26 season and sit three points above the relegation zone.

The club have endured a difficult domestic campaign after several years of financial and sporting instability.

Florentino Perez calls Real Madrid elections and plans new presidential bid

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has called fresh elections at the club and confirmed that he will stand again for the role during a hastily arranged press conference on Tuesday.

Speculation had emerged ahead of the appearance that Perez could resign from the position he has held since 2009, following his earlier spell as club president between 2000 and 2006. Instead, Perez opened the briefing by stating that he would remain in office and contest the next election.

The 79-year-old said he had asked the club’s electoral board to begin the process for new elections, adding: “Those who want to come out and stand against me, they can. I am also going to stand to defend the rights of our members.”

Dismisses rumours over his health

During the wide-ranging appearance, Perez also addressed rumours concerning his health after reports circulated claiming he was seriously ill. He denied the claims and said he remained in “perfect health” while continuing to lead both Real Madrid and his construction group ACS.

Perez has been elected unopposed in each of Real Madrid’s past four presidential elections, which were held in 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2025. The current board will stand again in the forthcoming vote.

Lyon post €187 million first-half loss for 2025/26 season

Olympique Lyon recorded a net loss of €187 million for the first half of the 2025/26 season, according to the club’s latest financial statement. The deficit widened by 59 per cent year on year, while negative equity doubled to €348 million between July and December.

Revenue declined 8 per cent to €76 million despite Lyon competing in the Europa League. Matchday income rose 25 per cent to €22 million, matching the club’s broadcast revenue as Ligue 1’s domestic media market continued to affect distributions to clubs.

Commercial income remained stable at around €15 million. Lyon also generated €45.3 million from player transfers, producing capital gains of €23.4 million, broadly in line with the same period in 2024/25.

Debt rises to €616 million

Lyon cut staff costs by 39 per cent to €60.4 million as the club continued cost-reduction measures linked to their financial difficulties. Other operating expenses fell 22 per cent to €38.5 million during the reporting period.

The club said amortisation and provisions reached €158.6 million, three times higher than a year earlier, contributing to the increase in losses. Net financial debt also rose 19 per cent to €616.3 million.

Eagle Football Group, which owns Lyon and is chaired by Michele Kang, said uncertainty remained following the appointment of a judicial administrator to holding company Eagle Football Holdings Bidco.

Southampton could face play-off sanction over spying charge

Southampton could be hit with a sporting sanction rather than a financial penalty if they are found guilty of breaching EFL rules over alleged spying before their Championship play-off against Middlesbrough, according to The Times.

Clubs now expect sporting sanctions to apply in spying cases after the EFL introduced a specific rule in June 2019 banning observation of an opponent’s training session within 72 hours of a match.

If Southampton are found guilty, possible punishments could include forfeiting a place in the play-off final or being deemed to have lost the first leg 3-0. Should Southampton fail to reach the final, another option could be a points deduction for next season.

Targets ruling before final

The EFL is aiming for the disciplinary process, including any appeal, to be completed before the Championship play-off final on 23 May. An independent panel will decide the timetable, although the league wants the case resolved before the final takes place.

Middlesbrough complained about alleged unauthorised filming on private property before Saturday’s first-leg semi-final at the Riverside Stadium, which finished 0-0. Southampton were charged by the EFL on Friday following the complaint.

Middlesbrough are seeking sanctions against Southampton that could include their removal from the Championship play-offs after the EFL charged the south coast club over alleged unauthorised filming at a training session.

The charge followed a complaint from Middlesbrough concerning an alleged incident before Saturday’s goalless first leg, when a member of Southampton staff was reportedly seen filming training from an area beside the club’s pitches.

Middlesbrough claim the individual was confronted by a member of the club’s media team and asked to delete footage recorded on a mobile phone.

According to The Times, Middlesbrough also hold CCTV footage and believe the individual has previously been seen alongside Southampton coach Tonda Eckert after Championship matches.

EFL disciplinary process under way

The matter has now been referred to an independent disciplinary commission, with the EFL aiming to conclude proceedings quickly while allowing Southampton time to respond to the allegations.

Southampton said on Friday they would be “fully co-operating with the league through this process”.

Several FAs stunned by soaring World Cup ticket prices for players’ families and guests

Several national football associations have been confronted with higher World Cup ticket costs after additional purchases for players’ families and guests became subject to FIFA’s dynamic pricing model.

The Guardian reported that associations were initially offered a six-week period after December’s World Cup draw to secure tickets at fixed prices. Any further requests made from the end of January were priced under what Fifa describes as “adaptive pricing”, with costs increasing for most matches.

One association executive said that recent requests for hundreds of extra tickets resulted in a substantially larger bill than expected. Another claimed the average cost of tickets for players’ relatives and guests had risen to about $3,000 per seat after further purchases.

Smaller nations fear budget impact

FIFA introduced four ticket sales phases for the tournament, beginning in October, before later adding an additional sales window.

Several associations have privately expressed concern about the increases, particularly among smaller nations with tighter budgets. FIFA sources said the ticket terms had been communicated clearly from the outset and maintained that associations meeting the original deadlines should not have faced higher prices.

FIFA officials travel to China to discuss cut-price World Cup broadcasting deal

FIFA officials are travelling to China this week to discuss a reduced broadcasting deal for the 2026 men’s World Cup with state broadcaster CCTV, according to a report from the South China Morning Post.

The governing body had initially sought $300 million for the rights but is now prepared to lower the fee to between $120 million and $150 million. CCTV had previously indicated it was willing to pay around $80 million.

Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA’s secretary general, and Jean-Christophe Petit, the organisation’s director of media rights, are expected to join meetings in Beijing.

Talks include 2030 package

Broadcast negotiations are reportedly focused on packaging rights for both the 2026 and 2030 World Cups.

The 2026 tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and is due to begin next month, and the 2030 edition is scheduled to be held across Morocco, Portugal and Spain.

Monchi appointed Espanyol sporting director after Aston Villa exit

Espanyol have appointed former Aston Villa president of football operations Monchi as the club’s new sporting director, following his departure from the Premier League side in September.

Monchi, 57, left Villa after criticism of the club’s transfer strategy and a poor start to the current season.

The appointment brings Monchi back to LaLiga, where he previously built his reputation across two periods at Sevilla, either side of a spell at Roma.

Reports to CEO and chairman

Espanyol said in a statement that the various sporting divisions “will maintain their current executive leaderships, which will now report to the new general sporting management”. Monchi will report directly to chief executive Mao Ye and club president Alan Pace.

Pace, who is also chairman of Espanyol majority shareholder ALK Capital, took control of the club earlier this year.

Sunderland’s owners have begun exploring a sale of the Premier League club after potential investors were approached in recent weeks, according to FootBiz. The report said investment bank Moelis has been retained to oversee a possible transaction.

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has held a 64 per cent stake in Sunderland since 2023, with Juan Sartori owning the remaining 36 per cent. Louis-Dreyfus first became involved at the club in 2021 when Sunderland were playing in League One.

Investors and funds previously interested in acquiring Premier League clubs had been offered the opportunity to review materials related to Sunderland.

Revenues to rise sharply

Sunderland revenues are expected to rise sharply following the club’s return to the Premier League and their mid-table finish this season.

The club generated one of the highest revenues in the Championship during the 2024/25 campaign, outside teams receiving parachute payments, with total operating revenue of €48 million.

 

Southampton charged by EFL over Middlesbrough training ground complaint

Southampton have been charged by the English Football League after Middlesbrough alleged a member of the club’s staff carried out unauthorised filming at their training ground before the Championship play-off semi-final between the sides.

The EFL said on Friday the case would be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission after Southampton were charged with allegedly breaching regulations concerning good faith between clubs and observing another club’s training session within 72 hours of a fixture.

The charges follow a complaint lodged by Middlesbrough after a man, believed to be part of Southampton’s backroom staff, was discovered at Rockliffe Park on Thursday morning. Southampton said they “acknowledge” the charges and would “be fully cooperating with the league throughout this process”.

Promotion play-off

The EFL said Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond, but added it would request an expedited process because of the circumstances surrounding the case.

Middlesbrough are understood to possess CCTV footage of the incident after the individual was confronted by club personnel before leaving the training ground area.

 

Aston Villa owners in talks to buy stake in FC Annecy

Aston Villa’s ownership group, V Sports, are in advanced discussions to acquire a controlling stake in French second-tier club FC Annecy, according to The Athletic.

The report said negotiations have progressed in recent months as V Sports seek to expand their multi-club model, which already includes Portuguese side Vitoria Guimares, and Spain’s Real Union. Villa established an informal partnership with Annecy last year, sharing information on players and operational methods.

V Sports director of global football development Matthew Kidson has been overseeing links between the clubs. The Athletic reported that a formal agreement would support plans to send more Villa players to Annecy, while also improving facilities and potentially redeveloping the club’s 15,600-capacity Parc des Sports stadium.

Push for promotion

Annecy are currently seventh in Ligue 2 and remain in contention for a promotion play-off place ahead of their final match against Rodez.

Villa academy players Triston Rowe and Travis Patterson have both joined Annecy during the current season, while Villa staff have continued to visit France to monitor player development and support collaboration between the clubs. The Athletic added that V Sports have also explored investment opportunities with other European clubs.

 

Trump questions $1,000 World Cup ticket prices for US opener

US president Donald Trump said he would not pay more than $1,000 to attend the United States’ opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding to scrutiny over ticket pricing for the tournament.

In an interview with the New York Post, Trump referred to prices for the US men’s national team match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and said: “I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest.”

At the time of writing on Friday, the cheapest available ticket on FIFA’s official ticketing platform for the match was priced at $1,220 for a category three accessible seat. The highest-priced ticket available was listed at $4,105 for a front-row category one seat, a new premium category introduced for the tournament.

Ticket prices

FIFA president Gianni Infantino earlier this week defended the pricing structure, arguing that the governing body had to reflect market conditions in the United States entertainment sector. He also pointed to the country’s secondary ticketing market as a factor affecting prices.

“We have to look at the market … in the US it is permitted to resell tickets as well,” Infantino said. “So if you were to sell tickets at the price which is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price.”