UEFA are preparing criminal proceedings in Switzerland against FIFA president Gianni Infantino over his proposed sale of a 20 per cent stake in the governing body’s tournaments, according to several media reports.

US court filings submitted by UEFA’s lawyers allege the planned €3.6 billion deal was priced at an “absurdly low” level and had not been determined through a competitive auction or assessed by an independent valuer.

The court documents also claim that Infantino himself stood to profit financially from the sale. They state: "In truth, it was a vehicle for Infantino and that small circle acquire a permanent stake in and otherwise profit from FIFA's most valuable assets to the detriment of FIFA, its members, and other parties within the football family".

The filings say UEFA and their lawyers are considering proceedings against Infantino and potentially other FIFA officials for criminal mismanagement under Swiss law. If proven, the alleged offence can carry a prison sentence of up to three years.

Seeks documents from Thrive Capital

Infantino had proposed selling the stake through a new company, Fifa Forward Enterprise, to private investors led by Joshua Kushner, whose Thrive Capital fund was involved in the plan.

UEFA’s filings are also seeking court orders requiring Thrive Capital to disclose documents and electronic data relating to the proposal and for Kushner and the fund to give evidence. The documents allege FIFA’s 211 member associations were offered $40 million over four years for supporting the plan, with the amount reduced by 75 per cent if they rejected it.

UEFA has confirmed in a statement that representatives of its national associations have unanimously mandated the UEFA president and administration to pursue institutional, political and legal avenues in response to the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. The statement also says FIFA has confirmed in writing to UEFA that FIFA Forward Enterprise has been “irrevocably and permanently withdrawn”, prompting UEFA to provisionally suspend plans for European teams to withdraw from FIFA competitions in the coming season.

David Beckham linked to one of three FC Nantes takeover bids

David Beckham is involved in one of at least three bids to acquire FC Nantes, with owner Waldemar Kita considering a sale of the French club, according to Ouest-France.

Two of the offers for Nantes are connected to British-based funds. Beckham's name has surfaced several times during high-level discussions, although the nature and extent of the former England international's involvement remain unclear.

Beckham, who owns Inter Miami CF, has previously been linked with efforts to acquire Nantes. His lawyer met two years ago with Le Collective Nantais, an initiative that sought to bring together local businesses and supporters to buy the club from its owners.

Kita considering Nantes exit

Kita, a 73-year-old Polish businessman, bought Nantes in 2007 and has overseen two relegations to the second tier, in 2009 and 2026.

He and his son Franck, the club's chief executive, have faced opposition from sections of the Nantes fanbase, while 24 head coaches have departed during Kita's 19-year ownership.

Nigeria federation president, executive committee and general secretary resign amid corruption allegations

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the federation’s Executive Committee and general secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi have resigned from their positions, the NFF announced on X.

Gusau, 62, had led the NFF since 2022 and confirmed his departure at a press conference at the federation’s headquarters in Abuja. The resignations come around a month before the organisation’s next general elections.

The departures also come as the NFF faces allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Local media have reported that Nigeria’s Department of State Services is investigating the alleged misuse of €10.9 million provided by the government in 2024 to settle outstanding payments owed to national-team players and officials.

Follow qualification failures

The changes also follow Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, meaning Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time.

Nigeria’s men previously failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. Gusau defended his record at Thursday’s press conference, citing Nigeria’s economic difficulties and fluctuations in the national currency when addressing the federation’s financial problems.

UEFA will lift its threatened boycott of FIFA tournaments after receiving assurances that plans to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions will not be revived, according to The Times.

The 55 European associations had agreed to boycott FIFA competitions following the disclosure of president Gianni Infantino’s proposal. FIFA withdrew the plan at the end of July, meeting the first of two conditions set by UEFA.

The second condition required assurances that similar proposals would not return. UEFA chiefs are expected to tell the confederation’s executive committee and representatives of its member associations in Monaco on Thursday that both conditions have now been met.

Maintains opposition to Infantino

UEFA’s decision comes before teams are due to travel to Poland on Monday for the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. UEFA officials considered it wrong for young players to miss tournaments once guarantees over the proposed sell-off had been secured.

UEFA nevertheless remain opposed to Infantino continuing as FIFA president and are expected to pursue further action over his position. The boycott threat, however, was tied specifically to the proposed sale of stakes in FIFA competitions rather than Infantino’s presidency.

Bayern extend CEO and sporting director contracts until 2029

Bayern Munich have extended the contracts of chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen and board member for sport Max Eberl until 30 June 2029, the club announced following a supervisory board meeting.

The Bundesliga club said the supervisory board had agreed new deals for both executives as Bayern opted to retain the leadership responsible for their sporting and commercial operations.

Bayern said: “Our board is ideally positioned to drive FC Bayern forward both in sporting and commercial terms and to maintain its leading position in Europe.”

From appointments to extensions

Eberl, 52, joined Bayern as board member for sport in March 2024. Eberl’s early months included the search for Thomas Tuchel’s successor, with Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick among those who did not take the position. Bayern eventually appointed Vincent Kompany, who has since led the club to consecutive Bundesliga titles and a league and cup double last season.

Dreesen, 58, became chief executive in May 2023 following Oliver Kahn’s departure. He had previously served as the club’s chief financial officer after joining Bayern from the banking sector in 2013, and later became deputy chairman of the executive board.

European Leagues president says Infantino has ‘no future at FIFA’

European Leagues president Claudius Schafer has said Gianni Infantino has “no future at FIFA”, questioning whether he is suitable to continue leading football’s global governing body.

Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Schafer criticised what he described as Infantino’s increasingly centralised and personalised leadership and a lack of consultation with stakeholders affected by FIFA decisions.

The organisation lodged a complaint with the European Commission almost two years ago over alleged breaches of European competition law relating to FIFA’s international match calendar. Schafer said he expects recent events to strengthen the case for an investigation into FIFA’s governance and decision-making.

European Leagues represents 53 men’s and women’s professional leagues across 34 countries.

Several controversies

Schafer also cited the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise, last year’s FIFA Peace Prize and an incident involving US striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup as examples of his concerns. He claimed the peace prize decision was taken without consulting the FIFA Council and could constitute a breach of Swiss association law.

“We are deeply concerned about his leadership,” Schafer said. “We question his suitability to continue as president.” He later added: “That’s why there is no future at FIFA for Infantino. There can’t be.”

LFP Media are preparing to launch a new tender for Ligue 1 broadcasting rights before the end of 2026, potentially ending the league’s reliance on its own Ligue 1+ platform, according to RMC Sport.

The tender could be launched as early as October, with LFP Media seeking interest from broadcasters and digital platforms. The process comes after Ligue 1+ attracted an average of 1.1 million subscribers during its first season.

A French sports television executive told RMC Sport that moving ahead with a tender at this stage would effectively mark the beginning of the end for Ligue 1+.

Options for new rights deal

One option could involve LFP Media offering Ligue 1+ itself, including its existing subscriber base, as part of a deal. The league are looking for a broadcaster able to provide guaranteed income to France’s 18 top-flight clubs after beIN Sports’ departure removed €78 million in rights revenue.

The timing of the tender is also believed to be affected by reforms to French football governance, with the existing LFP structure due to be replaced by a new clubs’ company at the end of the season.
 

Entire FK Partizan board to resign after poor start to season

FK Partizan’s entire board will resign following Thursday’s Europa Conference League play-off against Getafe, regardless of the result, after the club’s poor start to the season.

The resignations were announced in a club statement following an emergency meeting attended by president Rasim Ljajić, general director Danko Lazović and vice-president for business affairs Milka Forcan.

Partizan have collected one point from their opening five Serbian SuperLiga matches and sit 12th in the 14-team division with a negative goal difference. They also lost 3-1 to Getafe in the first leg of their Conference League play-off last week.

GA to elect new leadership

A General Assembly will be held during the first international break, between 21 and 25 September, to elect new club authorities and decide the future management structure. Partizan said the precise date would be announced later.

Head coach Saša Ilić had initially decided to resign following Partizan’s match in Lučani. However, the executive board asked him to remain in charge for Thursday’s return leg against Getafe, which he agreed to do.
 

FA approves WSL academy sides to enter women’s third tier

Women’s Super League academy sides will be allowed to compete in the third tier of English women’s football from the 2027/28 season after the Football Association approved changes to the Women’s National League.

Four professional game academy sides will be offered places in tier three, although they will not be eligible for promotion. The FA said criteria for selecting the academies will be developed over the coming months, with the model reviewed annually.

The decision follows opposition from WNL clubs to the proposal. In June, 52 of the league’s 72 clubs signed a letter opposing the introduction of academy teams, describing the plan as “morally wrong” and raising concerns about consultation.

Funding and academy reforms

The FA said the changes followed consultation with clubs and stakeholders and are intended to increase competitive senior minutes for young English players. Other measures include central funding for WNL clubs for the first time and the introduction of academies for clubs in the league.

Changes to the loan system will also seek to encourage professional clubs to send players to teams in tiers three and four.

The consortium that agreed to buy the majority of Daniel Levy’s stake in Tottenham Hotspur parent company Enic has yet to pay for the shares, almost three months after announcing the agreement, according to The Telegraph.

Eight Sports Capital announced that it had signed a sale and purchase agreement for 24.99 per cent of Levy’s Enic stake. However, no transaction has taken place and the deal has yet to close. Sources close to the process hope progress could be made next week.

Levy continues to own his entire holding, which was diluted from 29.88 per cent to 27.38 per cent following a £100 million capital injection by Tottenham’s owners, the Lewis family. No completion date has been set for the proposed transaction.

£750m financing proposal did not proceed

The Telegraph reported that it had seen documents outlining a proposed £750 million loan, known as “Project Atlas”, which could have funded the purchase of Levy’s entire stake. The proposal carried annual interest of 10 per cent and envisaged three £250 million payments on 21 August, 31 August and 11 September. The first payment was not made after no agreement was reached.

The proposed loan did not materialise, and the consortium have not taken on debt, according to sources cited by the newspaper. Billionaire businessman and consortium member Richard Tsai is now expected to need to provide his own capital for the transaction to proceed.

Portuguese top-flight club sold to German investors for €40 million

Estrela da Amadora have completed the sale of their football company to a German investment group in a transaction worth around €40 million, according to Portuguese news agency Lusa.

Footballers Thomas Müller and Yann Sommer are shareholders in the group alongside former Germany international Mats Hummels, who has retired from professional football. The investment group’s identity has not yet been made public.

The Portuguese club reached the agreement after several weeks of negotiations, with a formal announcement expected in the coming days. An official Estrela source confirmed to Lusa that the transaction has already been completed.

Mosmang to become president

As part of the ownership change, Johannes Mosmang is set to become president of Estrela da Amadora’s football company. The 35-year-old German businessman and former footballer will replace Paulo Lopo, who had served as president and was the club's main shareholder.

Lopo will leave his position at the head of the football company following the transaction.

UEFA president tells Infantino to step down or face election rival

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has said FIFA president Gianni Infantino should step down or expect to face a challenger if he contests the next presidential election in March.

Speaking on The Rest Is Politics podcast, Ceferin said Infantino no longer had the backing of the wider football community following his proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Infantino now faces opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf. “One option is that he realises that he doesn’t have the support,” Ceferin said, adding that if Infantino instead contests the election, “I think he will have a candidate against him.”

Rules himself out

Ceferin ruled himself out as a potential challenger, saying he was “not interested” in becoming FIFA president. He also said Paris Saint-Germain president and European Football Clubs (EFL) chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi had told him he was not interested.

The deadline for nominations is 18 November.

New San Siro will be worth over €2 billion after completion

Inter and AC Milan’s planned new San Siro stadium is expected to be valued at €2.149 billion when completed, according to figures reported by Calcio Finanza. The venue is scheduled to open in 2032.

The valuation is contained in an economic feasibility report submitted by the two clubs to the Municipality of Milan. The wider development, which includes offices, hotels and commercial space alongside the stadium, is expected to be worth €2.565 billion upon completion.

Around 162,000 square metres of new construction are planned, with 64,000 square metres allocated to the stadium and the remaining 98,000 square metres covering other uses. The plans do not include residential development.

Costs estimated at €2.3 billion

Total costs for the development are estimated at around €2.3 billion. Stadium construction and its base are projected to cost €708 million, while parking and underground structures are estimated at €121 million and commercial and hospitality areas at €172 million.

Demolition and disposal work is expected to cost around €115 million, while financing costs, including interest and guarantees, are estimated at close to €382 million.

UEFA and CONCACAF have begun talks over creating a joint Nations League involving their member associations, with the proposed competition potentially launching in 2028, according to The Guardian.

The biennial tournament would combine the two confederations’ existing Nations League structures and could feature leading European countries playing competitive matches against CONCACAF teams.

Discussions have started in recent weeks and remain at an early stage, with the number of teams in each division yet to be decided.

Under the draft plans, league matches would take place during the existing September, October and November international windows. Knockout fixtures would follow in March before a final-four tournament in June. The proposed format would replace existing international fixtures rather than add matches to the calendar.

Limiting travel and pooled revenue

All UEFA and CONCACAF members would be included, with games organised in geographical blocks to limit travel. Revenue would also be pooled, while the competition could bring European teams into regular competitive fixtures against countries including Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The Asian Football Confederation has also expressed interest in potentially joining a global Nations League at a later stage.
 

Dortmund report €21.7 million loss as broadcasting revenue decreases

Borussia Dortmund have reported a €21.7 million net loss for the 2025/26 financial year, reversing a €6.7 million profit recorded a year earlier.

Revenue fell by €65.5 million to €460.5 million, with Dortmund attributing much of the decline to their early Champions League exit. Broadcasting revenue dropped by €58.5 million year-on-year to €168.5 million, according to the club's financial report.

The club's total group performance, which combines revenue and transfer income, declined by €52.4 million to €537.2 million. Commercial revenue saw a slight increase increase to €157.9 million from €153.6 million, while matchday, merchandising and other revenue declined.

"Complex financial year"

Managing director Carsten Cramer described 2025/26 as a "complex financial year with some challenges", while Dortmund also said the timing of income from their participation in the Club World Cup reduced revenue recognised during the reporting period.

Finance managing director Thomas Treß said the loss was "anything but satisfactory" and acknowledged Dortmund's financial dependence on sporting results. However, he said the club remained financially healthy, pointing to equity of around €300 million.

 

Marseille CEO Antonello leaves after one year

Olympique de Marseille CEO Alessandro Antonello has left the Ligue 1 club after one year in the role, Marseille have announced. The club did not disclose the reason for his departure.

Antonello’s exit follows other changes in Marseille’s senior management during 2026. Pablo Longoria, who had served as president since 2021, left the club in March and later joined River Plate while sporting director Medhi Benatia departed two months later.

The latest departure comes as owner Frank McCourt continues to provide financial support to Marseille with the American businessman recently injecting €50 million into the club to cover part of its losses. Marseille have not announced who will replace Antonello as chief executive.

Antonello's background

Antonello joined Marseille in July 2025 following a decade at Inter Milan. He initially worked as the Italian club’s chief financial officer before holding several positions, including chief executive from September 2017 until his departure in February 2025.

Marseille thanked Antonello for his work and commitment during his time at the club. Before moving to France, he had also served on the boards of the European Football Clubs and Serie A.

FIFA planned to commercialise a new 211-team Under-15 World Cup tournament with private investors before its subsequent proposal to sell a minority stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise, according to The Athletic.

President Gianni Infantino held discussions with potential investors over the past year about developing the boys’ competition, which would feature every FIFA member association. A formal proposal backed by Eldridge Industries, founded and chaired by Chelsea FC co-owner Todd Boehly, was submitted to FIFA.

The proposal involved former Mexico Football Federation commissioner Juan Carlos Rodríguez and included discussions with ESPN about staging the competition at its Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. ESPN would have broadcast the tournament in the US under the plans.

Plans abandoned

FIFA had publicly announced plans for a global Under-15 competition in December 2025 but had not disclosed discussions about bringing in private investment. Eldridge was informed before the 2026 men’s World Cup that FIFA would not proceed with its proposal.

FIFA subsequently announced in June that the inaugural tournament would be staged in Azerbaijan, seemingly without external investment.
 

Bundesliga wins legal battle against Viagogo over ticket resale practices

The Bundesliga have won a long-running legal case against ticket exchange platform Viagogo, with Munich’s Higher Regional Court ruling that several of the company’s commercial practices breached German competition law.

According to a Bundesliga Group statement, the court found that Viagogo had used misleading practices in the unauthorised secondary ticket market. The case followed legal proceedings initiated after the league warned supporters in 2019 about tickets being advertised on Viagogo before official sales for that year’s Supercup had begun.

The judges ruled that buyers must be able to determine whether tickets are actually available, what services are covered by guarantees and who is selling them. Platforms must also not create artificial scarcity to pressure customers into purchasing tickets quickly.

Tighter resale rules

The Bundesliga said the ruling concluded proceedings that had progressed through several courts, including Germany’s Federal Court of Justice. Karlsruher SC, St. Pauli and Union Berlin have also secured rulings against Viagogo in recent months.

The league is also backing proposed regulation of secondary ticketing included in Germany’s federal coalition agreement. Measures supported by the Bundesliga include disclosure of original ticket prices, clearer information about sellers’ identities and safeguards against excessive price mark-ups.
 

MLS give incoming commissioner two years to sell LAFC stake

MLS have given incoming commissioner Larry Berg two years to sell his entire stake in LAFC as he prepares to take over from Don Garber, according to Sportico.

The divestment could be completed earlier and through multiple transactions, a person familiar with the matter told the outlet.

LAFC lead managing owner Bennett Rosenthal said existing shareholders could seek to acquire some of Berg’s holding. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you see investors that are already owners of the club be interested in buying a piece of Larry’s stake,” he said.

Berg's transition

LAFC have 28 shareholders excluding Berg, according to Sportico, while the exact ownership percentages are unclear. Rosenthal said the size of Berg’s stake could mean the ownership group also considers bringing in outside capital.

Berg joined LAFC as a founding partner in 2014 and served as lead managing owner before Rosenthal took over the role in 2023. His transition into the MLS commissioner position will run from September until January, after which Garber will become league chairman.
 

Newcastle agree site purchase for £190 million training ground

Newcastle United have agreed to buy 260 acres of the Woolsington Hall estate for a proposed £190 million training ground, the club have announced.

The land is owned by former Newcastle chairman Sir John Hall. The club plan to develop performance facilities for the men's first team and academy, while retaining the option to incorporate dedicated facilities for the women's team.

Newcastle expect to submit a formal planning application in early 2027. Subject to receiving permission, the club are targeting the 2029/30 season for the men's first team to move into the new complex.

"World's best performance environment"

Chief executive David Hopkinson said the proposed development would provide purpose-built facilities for players, coaches and staff. "Subject to planning permission, our proposed performance complex will create the world's best performance environment for our teams," he said.

The club said they intend to deliver the project sustainably and responsibly and will work with the local community and authorities as the plans are developed.
 

Sheffield United could face a 12-point deduction after their former parent company, COH Sports Bidco Limited (CSBL), was liquidated by a London business court on Wednesday, according to The Athletic.

CSBL was established by American investors Helmy Eltoukhy and Steven Rosen to acquire Sheffield United from Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz bin Al Saud's United World. The takeover, valuing the club at over £100 million, was completed in December 2024.

United World filed a winding-up petition in July after CSBL failed to make the final payment of around £35 million owed under the deal. The petition was granted on Wednesday, with the debt undisputed.

EFL and IFR investigating

The liquidation could constitute an insolvency event under English Football League rules, for which a 12-point deduction is the standard sanction. The EFL will now assess whether CSBL's liquidation falls within those regulations.

The assessment also comes after Sheffield United's shares were transferred from CSBL to Delaware-based 1919 Partners LLC in June, shortly before the winding-up petition was filed. Helmy Eltoukhy and Steven Rosen remained in control of the club after the transfer which the EFL and Independent Football Regulator are investigating.
 

Greek gambling executive in talks to buy Bristol City stake

Kaizen Gaming co-founder and chief executive George Daskalakis is in advanced talks to acquire a minority stake in Championship club Bristol City, according to Sky News.

Daskalakis and co-investor Sandford Loudon, a financier and banker whose advisory firm Oakvale Capital has worked on transactions in the sports and gaming sectors, are negotiating with Bristol City owner Steve Lansdown. The pair are understood to have been pursuing an investment in the club for some time.

The size and value of the proposed investment have not been disclosed. It also remains unclear whether the talks include an option allowing Daskalakis and his investment group to increase their holding to majority control at a later stage.

Daskalakis football conncections

Daskalakis co-founded Kaizen Gaming, which owns online betting brand Betano. Betano was Aston Villa's front-of-shirt sponsor until last season and has also held sponsorship agreements with Bayern Munich, SL Benfica, River Plate and Sparta Prague.

Lansdown has been involved with Bristol City for close to 30 years and is reported to have invested £280 million in the club during his ownership tenure.
 

Helene Schrub expected to become LFP CEO amid governance reform

Helene Schrub is expected to succeed Arnaud Rouger as chief executive of the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), according to L’Equipe, as the organisation prepares to implement changes to French professional football’s governance.

Rouger is due to leave the LFP in mid-September after announcing his departure following the approval of the governance reform in July. The LFP board is scheduled to discuss its new management structure at a meeting on 4 September.

Schrub, 43, left her position as FC Metz’s chief executive at the end of July after holding the role since 2016. She had spent more than two decades at the club, initially working in communications, and was the only female chief executive in Ligue 1 last season.

Reform to shape governance

The new governance reform include replacing the LFP with a company owned by clubs and strengthening the powers of the French Football Federation (FFF). The reform has faced opposition from some clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and LOSC Lille.

Schrub is currently a member of the FFF’s executive committee under president Philippe Diallo and also served on the body during Noël Le Graët’s presidency. L’Equipe reports that she has not yet given her response over the LFP position. If appointed, she is expected to leave the FFF executive committee.

FIFA have sacked chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, less than three weeks after he publicly criticised president Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell parts of the World Cup to private investors.

Lamour’s employment ended on 17 August. Secretary general Mattias Grafström informed staff of his departure by email, although the precise circumstances surrounding the decision have not been disclosed.

The former UEFA executive had opposed Infantino’s FFE scheme when details emerged in July, accusing FIFA’s administration of being “deceived”. The proposal was shelved hours after Lamour spoke publicly against it on 31 July.

Lamour, who joined FIFA less than two years ago after previously working at UEFA, had acknowledged that publicly opposing the proposal could cost him his position. “If that means I lose my job, then so be it,” he said at the time.

Norway FA attacks FIFA leadership

Norwegian FA president Lise Klaveness criticised FIFA’s handling of Lamour’s departure, telling the Associated Press that he was the best football administrator she had worked with. “Now he is thrown out and we are supposed to move on. It's unacceptable, it's management by fear,” Klaveness said.

Klaveness also called on FIFA’s leadership and administration not to follow orders they believed were against football’s interests, especially targeting FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters also criticised Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan, saying the organisation has "pressed the self-destruct button" by delivering "a self-inflicted wound".

Sheffield United owners face winding-up hearing over £35 million claim

Sheffield United’s owners face a High Court winding-up hearing today over more than £35 million allegedly still owed to the club’s former owners following the 2024 takeover, according to BBC.

COH Sports Bidco Limited (CSBL), the US-based consortium that agreed to buy Sheffield United in December 2024, is the subject of a winding-up petition filed by former owner United World on 8 July. The petition is against CSBL rather than the club.

United World claims more than £35 million remains outstanding from the takeover. If the debt is not paid or an agreement reached, CSBL could be wound up.

Ownership structure complicates EFL position

Sheffield United’s shares were transferred in June from CSBL to US-based 1919 Partners LLC, which became the club’s parent company. CSBL businessmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy remain Sheffield United co-chairmen through 1919 Partners.

United World claimed on Monday that the creation of 1919 Partners was “an attempt to avoid paying CSBL’s creditors”. Sources close to Sheffield United’s ownership rejected the criticism and said the club is financially healthy. The situation could raise questions under EFL regulations, including whether any sanction applies to Sheffield United.

AFC president pushes back against Qatar over Infantino criticism

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa has rejected the Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) claim that he exceeded his authority by joining UEFA and CONCACAF in criticising FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Sheikh Salman responded after QFA president Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani questioned why the AFC had signed a joint statement without consulting him or its 47 member associations. The statement criticised Infantino’s conduct and called for him to resign over his abandoned attempt to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

In a letter reviewed by Reuters, Sheikh Salman said he had the authority and responsibility to defend the AFC’s position when issues affecting Asian football arose. “In circumstances such as those giving rise to the joint statement, it would be inconsistent with that responsibility for the AFC to remain silent,” he said.

Questions QFA’s procedural objection

Al-Thani, who sits on both the AFC Executive Committee and FIFA Council, had asked the confederation to explain the basis on which it considered itself authorised to represent its member associations.

Sheikh Salman said previous AFC presidents had issued public statements on Asian football matters without similar objections, including support for Qatar during pressure surrounding the 2022 World Cup. He said he found it difficult to reconcile the QFA’s latest criticism with its previous acceptance of that practice.

Richard Masters: Man City verdict has taken longer than expected

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has said the verdict in Manchester City’s financial rules case has taken longer than expected, more than 20 months after the hearing before an independent commission concluded.

Speaking to Sky News at the Premier League’s launch event for the 2026/27 season, Masters said he could not provide an update on when a decision would be announced because the process remained confidential.

City were charged by the Premier League in February 2023 over alleged financial rule breaches relating primarily to the nine seasons from 2009/10 to 2017/18, as well as alleged failures to cooperate with the league's investigation. The club have denied all the charges and any wrongdoing.

Independent commission given time to reach decision

The allegations include claims that City failed to provide accurate financial information and did not cooperate with the Premier League’s investigations. A 12-week hearing before a three-person independent commission ran from September to December 2024.

Masters said the commission needed time and space to complete its work and rejected suggestions that he was angry about the delay.

“It has taken longer than expected, and I do understand the frustrations,” he said, adding that the Premier League’s role was to bring allegations before an independent commission where it considered the evidence strong enough.

Todd Boehly and Mark Walter are in talks to sell their stakes in Chelsea to majority owner Clearlake Capital, according to the Financial Times, potentially reshaping the club’s ownership structure.

Clearlake own more than 60 per cent of Chelsea but share joint control and equal governance with Todd Boehly, who chairs the club. The parties have held on-and-off negotiations for several years, and there is no certainty an agreement will be reached.

The ownership group acquired Chelsea for £2.5 billion in 2022 after Roman Abramovich was forced to sell following sanctions imposed on him after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Boehly and Walter’s side of the consortium have since clashed with Clearlake over strategy.

Follows other Walter asset sales

The renewed discussions come as Walter has sought to sell other assets while his business empire faces regulatory scrutiny. US prosecutors are probing insurance companies controlled by Walter following disclosures concerning loans to related parties.

Walter last week agreed to sell the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion to former Disney chief Bob Iger and venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, less than a year after acquiring the basketball team.

European clubs threatened Club World Cup boycott over FIFA plan

European Football Clubs (EFC) threatened to withdraw their members from future Club World Cups unless FIFA abandoned Gianni Infantino’s Football Forward Enterprise plan, according to The Guardian.

In a 31 July letter to FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström, EFC said their cooperation would also depend on establishing a planned FIFA-EFC joint venture before rights are sold for the 2028 Women’s Club World Cup. The group argued Infantino’s proposal could breach their existing memorandum of understanding.

The letter said EFC would not support or participate in the women’s and men’s Club World Cups in 2028 and 2029 without an operational joint venture covering commercial and operational matters. FIFA shelved the privately backed FFE plan hours later following criticism.

EFC seeks FIFA Council seat

EFC also called for chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi to be given a seat on the FIFA Council, citing previous commitments from FIFA, according to Inside World Football. The letter said Al-Khelaifi had still not been fully integrated into the council despite amendments to FIFA’s statutes in 2024.

However, a FIFA Council seat cannot be awarded by Infantino alone and would require approval from FIFA’s member associations through a statutory change.

New Liverpool investors hold option to acquire controlling stake

The consortium that have agreed to acquire a minority stake in Liverpool hold an option to purchase a controlling stake in the club within the next 12 months, according to The Athletic.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) confirmed on Friday that they had agreed to sell approximately 30 per cent to one-third of Liverpool to 1892 Holdings. US billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is investing in the consortium through the K5 Sports fund.

Sources on both sides of the transaction told The Athletic that the agreement contains a mechanism allowing the consortium to acquire control. However, they stressed that this represents an option rather than a commitment to make a further investment.

FSG retain operational control

1892 Holdings are headed and managed by former Queens Park Rangers co-owner Amit Bhatia. The consortium also includes the family office of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and his wife Elaine, alongside the Mittal Family Trusts.

Bhatia will become Liverpool vice-chairman, while Elaine Saverin and K5 Sports' Bryan Baum will join the board. Bezos will not take a board seat.

FSG remain Liverpool's majority shareholders and retain operational control following the minority investment.

Italian sports prosecutor orders investigation into Malagò’s FIGC presidential election

The Italian Olympic Committee’s General Prosecutor for Sport has instructed the Italian Football Federation's (FIGC) federal prosecutor to investigate whether president Giovanni Malagò met the registration requirements when he stood for election, according to La Stampa.

The case concerns whether Malagò was registered with the FIGC at the required time. Article 29, paragraph 1 of the FIGC statutes makes federation registration a requirement for presidential candidates.

The investigation follows a complaint by lawyer and former Lazio player Renato Miele, whose own FIGC presidential candidacy did not proceed because he lacked the backing of at least one federal component.

Seeks registration records

General Prosecutor for Sport Ugo Taucer has asked FIGC federal prosecutor Giuseppe Chiné to open proceedings and obtain Malagò’s registration records, including the dates on which they took effect.

Previous proceedings did not establish whether Malagò was registered when required. The FIGC have maintained that Malagò “was deemed eligible by the offices”.

No investigation or FIGC response to the General Prosecutor for Sport has yet been reported.

EFL chief executive says club losses are not sustainable

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch has warned that losses across its clubs are not sustainable and have created what he described as a systemic insolvency risk for the football pyramid.

Birch made the comments in an open letter after the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) began legal proceedings against the EFL over changes to financial rules in League One, according to BBC Sport. The dispute concerns new Squad Cost Rules taking effect from 2026/27.

Under the changes, League One clubs can spend 50 per cent of turnover on player wages, down from 60 per cent. The PFA argues the EFL cannot implement the changes without full agreement through the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee.

Player spending rises

Average player expenditure in League One has risen from £3.8 million to £8.0 million over the past five seasons, while average losses have increased from £2.3 million to £7.3 million. Championship clubs recorded average losses of £21.6 million last season.

Birch acknowledged the PFA's concerns that the rules could suppress wages and restrict squad spending but defended financial controls. "Financial sustainability and player protection are not opposing ideas," he wrote. Birch also said a fairer distribution model with the Premier League would be crucial, with the solidarity agreement unchanged since 2019.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have agreed to sell about 30 per cent of Liverpool FC to a consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia in a transaction worth around €1.93 billion, according to The Times.

The deal values Liverpool at approximately €6.4 billion and will see Bhatia become vice-chairman. Elaine Saverin, whose family office is investing alongside her husband, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, and Bryan Baum of K5 Sports will also join the club’s expanded board.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is the lead investor in the K5 Sports fund but will not join Liverpool’s board, The Times reported. FSG will retain majority ownership and operational control, with no change planned to the club’s day-to-day management.

Scope for future increase

The Times reported that the transaction documents contain options allowing flexibility over how the ownership relationship could develop, potentially enabling the consortium to increase its stake if FSG decide to sell further shares.

The transaction is not a direct capital raise for Liverpool and does not signal a change in transfer strategy. The deal remains subject to approval from the Independent Football Regulator and the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test, with the approval process potentially taking up to 90 days.
 

Bayern Munich close to €250 million stake sale

Bayern Munich are reportedly preparing to sell the remaining five per cent of shares they can dispose of in Bayern München AG, with the stake potentially valued at €250 million, according to German media.

German newspaper tz reported that Viessmann is the prospective buyer, while Bild and DPA identified the interested party as Viessmann Generations Group rather than Bayern sponsor Viessmann Climate Solutions. The holding company is led by Max Viessmann, who sits on Bayern's administrative advisory board.

Sporting director Max Eberl stopped short of confirming the report, saying the club continually considers how to remain financially stable and competitive.

Bayern ownership structure

Bayern's members' association currently owns 75 per cent of Bayern München AG. Adidas, Allianz and Audi each hold 8.33 per cent, leaving the club able to sell another five per cent under its existing limit of 30 per cent external ownership.

Viessmann has partnered Bayern since 2018, with its sponsorship agreement extended until 2029 in February. Max Viessmann joined Bayern's administrative advisory board last year.
 

Burnley terminate shirt sponsorship deal on eve of season opener

Burnley have terminated their sponsorship agreement with Finotive One and appointed Vertu Motors as their new front-of-shirt sponsor on the eve of their 2026/27 Championship season.

The club confirmed the termination in an official statement, less than two months after announcing Finotive One as their front-of-shirt and training wear partner. The one-year agreement with the retail trading provider was unveiled on 3 July.

Burnley said they had acted to protect the club and their supporters while continuing preparations for the season. The club did not provide further details about the reason for ending the agreement.

Sponsor steps up

Vertu Motors will replace Finotive One on Burnley’s shirts, extending a relationship with the club that began during their 2022/23 Championship promotion campaign.

Supporters who bought replica shirts carrying Finotive One branding can request a refund, exchange them for a Vertu-branded shirt or have the new branding added to their existing shirt.