FC Barcelona have acknowledged deficiencies within the Camp Nou, ahead of their return to the iconic venue for their home clash against Valencia on 14th September, according to Catalan radio station RAC1.

There are concerns regarding the iconic stadiums main stand and south goal, which are set to hold 27,000 spectators when the venue reopens.

The LaLiga champions are renegotiating with the Barcelona City Council over a new date for a final completion certificate, which is not expected to be finalised this week.

The Camp Nou’s €1.5 billion redevelopment began in June 2023, with a phased return initially slated for November 2024, however this has since been subject to delays.

Considering Olympic Stadium

In case the necessary permits are not processed in time, Barcelona have been in talks with Barcelona Serveis Municipals over staging their 14th September fixture at the Olympic Stadium, where the team have played for the past two seasons during the Camp Nou’s renovation.

However, this could probe problematic, with the 55,926-seat stadium set to host a concert just two days prior on 12th September.

Valencia secure capital from Japanese bank in €322 million stadium financing deal

Valencia CF have secured funding from the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG) for the construction of the club’s new stadium, as reported by Spanish publication Expansion.

In June, the club announced that it had secured €322 million in financing for the Nou Mestalla, which is set to be complete in 2027.

That figure reportedly comprises 28-year bonds worth €237 million, as well as a five-year €85 million loan.

First private Japanese investment

In the documents submitted by Valencia to Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV), MUFG Bank was listed as a creditor alongside Goldman Sachs. This marks the first investment of private Japanese capital into a LaLiga club.

The debt structure has a fixed rate of 5.82 per cent, with a final maturity date of 28th May 2075.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS counter sues Spurs for £1 million

Sir Jim Ratcliffe-owned petrochemicals firm INEOS is counter suing Tottenham Hotspur for more than £1 million, The Telegraph has reported.

In 2022, INEOS signed a five-year, reported £17.5 million partnership that designated the INEOS Grenadier as the Premier League club’s official 4x4 vehicle partner.

That deal was terminated in March, after the company failed to pay a £5 million instalment due on 1st December 2024.

Three months later, Spurs initiated legal action against INEOS, seeking £11 million in damages.

INEOS’ case against Spurs

According to legal papers filed with the UK’s High Court last week, INEOS is claiming that Spurs started negotiating with a ‘major competitor’, Audi, around the time of Harry Kane’s transfer to Bayern Munich in August 2023.

Although no such partnership between Spurs and Audi came to fruition, INEOS are alleging that the club breached their contract, meaning the company had grounds to terminate the deal after three years.

LFP Media’s distribution agreement with Canal+ for the new Ligue 1+ channel has fallen through, as reported by L’Équipe.

Last week saw the launch of the new in-house over-the-top (OTT) platform Ligue 1+ for the start of the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season. Canal+ was set to become a new distributor of the channel as early as the next fixture round.

During negotiations, LFP Media asked Canal+ to drop their longstanding legal case against Ligue 1+. But the French broadcaster rejected and is still seeking €600 million in compensation due to a dispute dating back to the 2021-2024 media rights cycle.

Despite the deal falling through, LFP Media have resumed talks with stakeholders over potential distribution agreements.

New platform surpasses 600,000 subscribers

During the opening weekend, Ligue 1+ accumulated 600,000 subscribers, LFP Media CEO Nicolas de Tavernost told L’Équipe.

According to de Tavernost, the platform has already reached the same number of subscriptions as the previous DAZN platform throughout the 2024/25 campaign, before the termination of their broadcast rights partnership.

“We already have more than 600,000 subscribers and we think that we will do in a single day of the Championship, the first day, what was done over the whole of the previous season,” he said.
 

Crystal Palace to appoint Matt Hobbs as new sporting director

Crystal Palace are set to appoint Matt Hobbs as the club’s new sporting director, The Athletic has reported.

Hobbs previously served in the same role at fellow Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers, having spent more than a decade at Molineux before his departure in June.

The 45-year-old will replace Palace’s former sporting director, Dougie Freedman, who left the club in March following an eight-year tenure in South London.

Removing uncertainty over replacement

As reported by BBC Sport earlier this week, there had been some uncertainty over whether Palace would be directly replacing Freedman, with recruitment consultant Iain Moody and assistant sporting director Ben Stevens taking on his duties since he left to join Saudi club Al-Diriyah.

With Hobbs on board, his appointment will ease the workload on Stevens, as he looks to bolster the club’s player recruitment after a quiet summer transfer window.
 

Hull City Fee Restriction reduced to two windows

Hull City have had their Fee Restriction reduced from three windows to two, with one suspended, following an appeal to EFL's Club Financial Review Panel.

In July, the Championship club were handed a three-window Fee Restriction, preventing the Yorkshire side from signing new players on loan or on permanent deals that involved a fee. 

Earlier this year, the club pulled out of a proposed permanent transfer of Louie Barry from Aston Villa, after Hull were unable to cover the £1 million loan payments from last season.

If Hull default on any payments for more than seven days before 1st July 2026, the suspended window will be triggered by the EFL.

“Challenges will never break us”

In a statement responding to the EFL’s ruling, Hull City Said: “As we have demonstrated in recent weeks, we still remain able to sign players - either on loan or as free agents.

“We want to take this moment to sincerely thank all our fans for their unwavering support during these challenging times.

“Challenges will never break us; they only make us stronger.”
 

Saint-Étienne to allow fans to acquire €19.33 shares

AS Saint-Étienne fans will be able to acquire shares in the French club, following approval from its board of directors.

Until 12th September, adult supporters of the Ligue 2 side can purchase minority stakes in the club for €19.33, in tribute to the year of Saint-Étienne’s inception in 1933. Meanwhile, young fans aged under 18 will be able to buy shares from €6.

This move is intended to generate €150,000 for €120,000 worth of shares. Saint-Étienne have become the sixth French team to allow fan investment, following SC Bastia, Sochaux-Montbéliard, FC Rouen 1899, EA Guingamp, and Nîmes Olympique.

Last year, the club were subject to a reported €20 million takeover by Canadian investment group Kilmer Sports Ventures (KSV).

Fans to own a “piece” of the club

“It's symbolic, but this little piece of [Saint-Étienne] is worth a lot to the fans," said Jérémy Chatonnier, president of Saint-Étienne supporters group Socios Verts.

“Our message: let the Greens respond to the meeting, and we, the board, will respond.”

Former France midfielder Lassana Diarra is seeking €65 million from FIFA and the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), after initiating new legal action against football’s global governing body.

Diarra, who has a longstanding dispute with FIFA, won his legal battle against the organisation in October 2024, when the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that FIFA’s regulations on player transfers were in violation of EU legislation.

In 2014, the now 40-year-old had his contract with Lokomotiv Moscow terminated, with FIFA subsequently ordering him to pay €10.5 million in compensation to the Russian club for breaching his contract. In its verdict last year, the CJEU found that FIFA had prevented the “free movement of professional footballers” for not issuing Diarra with an international transfer certificate (ITC) for his proposed move to Belgian Pro League club Charleroi.

The Frenchman, who previously played for English clubs Chelsea, Arsenal, and Portsmouth, has the support of global players’ union FIFPRO, as well as France’s National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP).

"Culture of contempt”

In a statement announcing further legal proceedings, Diarra cited a “culture of contempt”, in FIFA’s failure to reach a settlement.
He said: “I have been forced to fight this legal battle since August 2014. That's more than 11 years.

“I am doing this for myself. But I have also done it for all the up and coming, lesser known players who do not have the financial and psychological means to challenge FIFA before real judges.”
 

FIFA ‘considering’ biennial Club World Cup

FIFA is considering moving the Club World Cup to a biennial format, according to The Guardian. Football’s global governing body is said to be ‘under pressure’ from some clubs over switching to a two-year Club World Cup cycle.

In June, Real Madrid made a proposal that the competition adopt a biennial format, which was backed by Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Napoli.

Earlier this summer, FIFA held its first edition of the tournament under an expanded, 32-team format, offering a prize purse of $1 billion, including $115 million for eventual winners Chelsea.

FIFA ‘not considering’ 2027 Club World Cup

Although there is ‘no serious consideration’ within FIFA over staging another Club World Cup in 2027, a potential switch to a two-year cycle would ‘likely’ take place from 2029. FIFA is currently engaged in a longstanding dispute with international players’ union FIFPRO, which recently voiced concerns over the expanded tournament, amid an increasingly congested playing calendar.

The Guardian previously reported that the organisation is also considering increasing the number of teams to 48 for the next instalment of the Club World Cup.
 

CF Intercity set for vote on €60 million investment

Fourth-tier Spanish club CF Intercity have called for vote on proposed investment of €60 million in an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting on 15th September.

If approved, this would see the issuing of €60 million in bonds, which would be convertible into club shares, alongside an additional €12 million in warrants, which could also be converted into company shares.

Both of these transactions would open the door for new investors in the club, allowing it to bolster its financial stability and invest in infrastructure.

Alicante Park development

€33 million of the new funding would be invested into the construction of Alicante Park, the club’s new 20,000-seat venue.

According to Intercity, the new stadium could generate an economic impact of more than €100 million annually.
 

AC Ajaccio file for bankruptcy

French club AC Ajaccio have filed for bankruptcy and have lost their professional status, as reported by local outlet Corse Matin.

Last week, the Corsica-based club were banned from all national competitions by the French Football Federation (FFF), after previously being relegated by France’s DNCG last month due to ongoing financial issues, with an estimated debt of more than €13 million.

Ajaccio’s proposed takeover by Spanish lawyer Arnau Baqué Roig collapsed in July, with the club since unable to find a new buyer. The club’s bankruptcy will result in the loss of 180 jobs, as well as the closure of their training ground, while their board are expected to resign.

Hopeful of returning to National 3

The club remain hopeful of returning to National 3, the fifth tier of French football, via an appeal against last week’s decision by the FFF, rather than competing in Regional 1.

However, this would require raising a budget of several hundred thousand euros. A fan collective, Culletivu Biancu è Rossu, is reported to have raised over €12,000 within 24 hours in an effort to keep the club within the league system.

The EFL rejected redistribution deal proposal from the Premier League before the UK’s Football Governance Bill passed, as reported by The Athletic.

In April, the Premier League reportedly submitted an offer to the EFL, which governs the second, third, and fourth tiers of English men’s football. This however fell short of the EFL’s proposals for its clubs to earn 25 per cent of the English top flight’s broadcast revenue.

On 8th July, the Football Governance Bill, which includes plans for a new independent regulator to govern England’s top five league’s, was approved by the UK Parliament’s House of Commons.

Days later, West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady said in a speech at the House of Lords that the Premier League had made a “credible and generous” offer to the EFL, which was rejected by its board.

Premier League still hopeful of EFL deal

According to a recent report from The Athletic, the new independent regulator is set to be effective by 1st November, with plans for its implementation being fast-tracked by the UK Government.

The Premier League is reportedly wary of ceding too much of its media rights revenue to lower leagues, amid fears that it could hinder its competitiveness. Despite this, the English top flight is reportedly remains hopeful of reaching an agreement with the EFL without the regulator’s involvement.

 

Borussia Dortmund generate record €526 million in revenue for 2024/25

Borussia Dortmund have reported record revenue of €526 million for the period ended 30th June 2025, marking an increase of €16.9 million on last year’s figure of €509 million.

Despite seeing an uptick in annual turnover, the German club’s profit after taxes fell from €44.3 million to €6.5 million, although this was largely driven by the €103 million transfer of Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid in 2023.

According to Dortmund’s managing director, Thomas Treß, the club’s increase in revenue was also helped by their successes in the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, with the team reaching the quarter finals of both competitions.

Dortmund have “incredible potential” for further growth

Reflecting on this year’s financial results, Borussia Dortmund managing director Carsten Cramer said: “We don't want to reinvent Borussia Dortmund, but rather develop it further.

"We still have incredible potential and are capable of inspiring even more people and partners. We are much, much more than just a football club.”

 

Premier League CEO seeks “seat at the table” for Club World Cup planning

Premier League CEO Richard Masters has called for domestic leagues to be involved in the planning process for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Earlier this summer, the first edition of FIFA’s expanded, 32-team World Cup was held in the US in June and July, sparking concerns over player welfare, amid increasingly congested playing calendars.

The final of this year’s revamped competition, which was won by Chelsea on 13th July, was played less than five weeks before the start of the new Premier League season.

Since last year, FIFA has been embroiled in an ongoing dispute with global players’ union Fifpro, and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) who filed a legal case against the governing body over fixture congestion.

Leagues were “not consulted”

Speaking ahead of the start of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Masters said: “The leagues and the players have not been consulted at all on the timing, the scheduling of the competition.

“Whatever iteration of it may come next, we do need to be consulted on that because obviously it does have an impact on the scheduling of the Premier League season - that much is clear.”

He added: “We’re asking for a seat at the table, for proper discussion for the leagues - not just for the Premier League but for all domestic competitions - when you’re scheduling new competitions.”

 

Inter Milan president invests in club

Inter Milan president Guiseppe Marotta has become a two per cent shareholder in the Serie A club.

The 68-year-old was appointed as the club’s president in June 2024, one month after Inter’s takeover by US investment fund Oaktree Capital Management.

Marotta has been at the club since joining from rivals Juventus as CEO of sport in 2018.

A successful period for Inter

During Marotta’s tenure at the San Siro, the club have won two Serie A titles, and have featured in two Champions League finals.

The investment signifies the strengthening of the relationship between Marotta and Oaktree, with the president now committed to the club for the long term.

Premier League CEO Richard Masters has ruled out plans to stage a Premier League match overseas, in an interview with BBC Sport.

This comes amid plans for Serie A and LaLiga to bring games to Australia and the US respectively, pending approval from FIFA and UEFA.

Earlier this week, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) approved proposals for next season’s LaLiga matchup between Villarreal and Barcelona to take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium in December. The Spanish FA has subsequently asked FIFA to initiate the process to facilitate LaLiga’s first game in the US.

Last month, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) revealed plans for AC Milan’s Serie A clash against Como to take place in Perth.

No Plans

Despite this, Masters has insisted the English top flight does not harbour any plans of its own for international fixtures. “I don't think it changes the Premier League's view on this at all, we don't have any plans to play matches abroad,” he said.

"It's not anywhere near my in-tray and it's not a debate around our table.

He continued: “The Premier League flirted with this over a decade ago and the reason was to grow the league internationally and we were able to do this through different means - digital means, broadcast partners, concepts like the summer series in the US.”

Chelsea sporting directors to remain at the club until 2031

Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, have both extended their contracts at the club until 2031, according to UK media.

The Club World Cup winners’ co-directors of recruitment have also signed extensions with Chelsea, keeping them at the club over the same duration.

The four executives each arrived at Stamford Bridge following the club’s takeover in 2022 by the consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Since their arrival, the club have spent around £2 billion on player transfers, while earning between £800 million and £900 million in transfer revenue.

Could reach net zero in transfer business

The four renewals are intended as a means of rewarding success for meeting targets.

All four figures, who were previously under contract at Chelsea until 2028, will remain at the club for the foreseeable future, amid reported ‘optimism’ that this summer’s transfer business will be almost net zero, despite spending £200 million.

Brazilian club Santos FC get approval for new €110 million stadium

Brazilian club Santos’ plans for a new stadium have been approved by the City of Santos, with the project set to be completed within the next three years.

The new venue will cost R$700 million (€110 million) as reported by Mundo Deportivo, and will have a capacity of 30,000.

Santos have played at the Estadio do Vila Belmiro since 1916, with the new stadium set to be built at the same site as the iconic ground.

The Sao Paulo club will retain full ownership of the new stadium, which will be developed by Brazilian construction company WTorre, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Santos in 2023.

Mayor on new stadium plans

Mayor of Santos, Rogério Santos, said: “We are inseparable. The club has taken the city’s name to every corner of the world.

“Today, by approving this project, we take an important step for the club and the city, which will now have a modern arena capable of hosting major games as well as major concerts and events, something we don’t yet have the infrastructure to do.”

Crux Football seeking to invest in five European women’s football teams

Crux Football, a company founded by former women’s footballer Bex Smith, is aiming to raise $50 million to buy five women’s teams across Europe, according to Bloomberg.

The report says that the firm is targeting teams based in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Sweden.

Crux would pay a nominal fee to acquire the teams, taking responsibility for their working capital.

In talks with potential investors

Bloomberg reports that talks are ongoing, with Crux currently pitching to prospective investors to raise funding.

The company’s founder and CEO, Bex Smith, previously played for Frauen Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, and captained the New Zealand women’s national team. Following her retirement in 2013, the 44-year-old went on to hold various executive positions within football, including a four-year stint as football manager of competitions and events at FIFA.

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has announced he will be running for the presidency of the Bundesliga club.

The 66-year-old joins Dortmund’s current president Reinhold Lunow in the presidency race, after Lunow, who has been president since 2022, surprisingly revealed his intention to run again.

Watzke, who will step down from his current position this Autumn, has informed Dortmund of his decision to stand in the election, which will take place at the club’s general meeting in November.

Would be an “honour”

“At our next general meeting, I will stand for election as President of Borussia Dortmund,” Watzke said.

“It would be an honour for me if, after 20 years of operational activity, I could continue to support our club in this important position. I have informed Reinhold Lunow of my decision in a personal meeting.”

FC Barcelona approve €7 million guarantee to help comply with LaLiga’s 1:1 rule

FC Barcelona’s board of directors unanimously approved a new €7 million guarantee to LaLiga on Wednesday, according to Mundo Deportivo.

This will help bolster the Spanish champions’ financial standing, and help the club comply with LaLiga’s 1:1 rule, which allows clubs can spend €1 for every €1 earned.

Five of Barcelona’s summer signings - Marcus Rashford, Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, Gerard Martin, and Roony Bardghji - have yet to be registered by the Catalan club.

Waiting on approval of €100 million VIP seats deal

Last year, Barcelona secured a €100 million agreement for VIP seating within the renovated Spotify Camp Nou, as part of their bid to fit within the 1:1 rule.

Once this deal is validated by the auditor and LaLiga, the club will be compliant with the Spanish top flight’s financial regulations.

Cadiz CF’s Nomadar nears US stock exchange listing after SEC approval

Nomadar, the technology arm of Spanish club Cadiz CF, has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ahead of the company’s listing on the US stock exchange, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

According to the Spanish sports publication, Nomadar has now met the minimum regulatory requirements ahead of the listing on Nasdaq, after filing an amended version of the S-1/A registration statement on 7th August.

Cadiz are aiming to raise €123 million in order to fund Sportech City, a new sports and technology complex which is set to open in 2030.

Funding Sportech City

In July, the second tier club struck an agreement with US-based fund Yorkville Advisors, which included a €28 million investment into the project.

Through this deal, Yorkville agreed to convertible bonds worth €3 billion for 4.99 per cent of Nomadar.

French club AC Ajaccio banned from all national competitions by FFF

The French Football Federation (FFF) has banned AC Ajaccio from all national competitions, the federation has announced in a statement.

This comes as the latest blow to the Corsican club, who were relegated from Ligue 2 by France’s DNCG in July, after the club could not provide a €15 million bank guarantee.

Ajaccio are now expected to play in Regional 1 next season, the six tier of French football.

Collapsed takeover

Last month, a proposed takeover of Ajaccio fell through, after Spanish lawyer Arnau Baqué Roig, withdrew his interest in purchasing the club.

Ajaccio retain the right to appeal the FFF’s decision.

Real Madrid have issued a statement, expressing the club’s opposition to proposals for Villarreal’s LaLiga matchup against FC Barcelona to take place in Miami.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) recently gave the green light for the fixture to be staged at Hard Rock Stadium, with its board of directors asking FIFA to initiate the process to allow this to go ahead.

In response, Madrid have moved to block the staging of the match outside of Spain, contacting FIFA, UEFA, and the Higher Sports Council, seeking the respective parties to not authorise the match.

Breaches ‘integrity’ of LaLiga

In the statement Real Madrid said: ‘The measure, implemented without prior information or consultation with the clubs participating in the competition, violates the essential principle of territorial reciprocity that governs double-round league competitions.

‘The integrity of the competition demands that all matches be played under the same conditions for all teams.

‘Any such modification must, in all cases, have the express and unanimous agreement of all clubs participating in the competition, in addition to strictly adhering to the national and international regulations governing the organisation of official competitions.’

Crystal Palace issue scathing response after losing CAS appeal

Crystal Palace have issued a scathing response after losing their appeal against UEFA in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), claiming ‘sporting merit is rendered meaningless’.

Earlier this week, the court in Lausanne upheld UEFA’s initial ruling to demote Palace from the Europa League to the Conference League, due to the involvement of the club’s former co-owner John Textor with Olympique Lyon.

In its verdict, the CAS found that Textor held ‘decisive influence’ over both clubs, despite selling his 43 per cent stake in the club to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson in June, which came after UEFA’s deadline of 1st March to notify the organisation of ownership changes.

Some clubs have a ‘unique privilege’

In a statement on Tuesday, Palace said: ‘The decision by UEFA and followed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport shows that sporting merit is rendered meaningless.

‘It appears that certain clubs, organisations and individuals have a unique privilege and power.

‘While we respect the CAS tribunal members, the process is designed to severely restrict and, in our case, make it almost impossible to receive a fair hearing.’

UK Government ‘pushing’ for independent football regulator to be implemented by November

The implementation of English football’s new independent football regulator is being fast-tracked by the UK Government, according to The Athletic.

The UK Government is pushing for the independent regulator to be effective by 1st November, amid ongoing financial turmoil at clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe.

In July, plans for the regulator were given the green light, after the Football Governance Bill was approved by the House of Commons, and received Royal Assent to pass into UK law later that month.

Once operational, the new body will have the authority to sanction takeovers and place greater scrutiny on owners across the top five tiers of English men’s football.

Needed “as quickly as possible”

A spokesperson for the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) told The Athletic: The ongoing challenges at Morecambe, Sheffield Wednesday and many other clubs before them show exactly why the Football Governance Act was needed and why we acted to push the legislation forward in the face of opposition.

“The launch of the [independent regulator] is a priority. We recognise the need to move forward as quickly as possible whether that be implementing the required secondary legislation or appointing the regulator’s board.”

Sunderland to oppose plans for new housing project near Stadium of Light

Premier League club Sunderland are set to formally object to council plans to build 600 new apartments and townhouses behind the South Stand of the Stadium of Light, according to a report from The Guardian.

According to the club, the proposed new housing would prevent the future expansion of the 49,000-seat venue.

Although Sunderland recently submitted a pre-planning application for the renovation of the South Stand, and believe the new plans would remove a buffer zone, the council is arguing that there is still enough space for an expansion.

The Chairman reflects

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, chairman at Sunderland, said: “Unfortunately, Sunderland City Council has recently taken steps relating to the Sheepfolds development that could have catastrophic operational consequences on our club and, by extension our community.

He continued: “Later this week we will be submitting a formal objection against the proposals relating to the Sheepfolds and I encourage all city stakeholders to come together and join us in protecting the future of our football club and the city of Sunderland.”
 

Crystal Palace have lost their appeal against UEFA’s decision to demote the club to the Conference League for the 2025/26 season.

Last month, the Premier League club submitted their appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which has now upheld its initial ruling.

Palace, who had qualified for the Europa League, were deemed to have breached UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations, which prohibit individuals from influencing multiple teams within the same competition. At the time, former Palace co-owner John Textor also had a stake in French club Olympique Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League.

Although the US businessman has since sold his 43 per cent stake in the South London club to fellow US investor Woody Johnson, this came well after UEFA’s deadline of 1st March to make changes to ownership structures.

During last week’s hearing in Lausanne, the club argued that they had been subject to unfair treatment by UEFA, and claimed that despite the presence of Textor within both teams through Eagle Football Holdings, they were to run as a multi-club organisation. This was however refuted by CAS’ ruling on Monday.

CAS’ verdict

In a statement, CAS said: ‘After considering the evidence, the Panel found that John Textor, founder of Eagle Football Holdings, had shares in [Crystal Palace] and [Lyon] and was a Board member with decisive influence over both clubs at the time of UEFA's assessment date.

‘The panel also dismissed the argument by [Palace] that they received unfair treatment in comparison to Nottingham Forest and [Lyon]. The Panel considered that the UEFA Regulations are clear and do not provide flexibility to clubs that are non-compliant on the assessment date, as [Palace] claimed.

‘This was an expedited procedure, with an operative decision rendered two and a half weeks after the appeal, filed on July 21 2025. Unless Parties request confidentiality, a full Award (with grounds) will be made available on the CAS website in due course.’

Villarreal vs FC Barcelona LaLiga match set to take place in Miami after RFEF approval

Next season’s LaLiga matchup between Villarreal and Barcelona is set to be staged in Miami, following approval from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

The RFEF’s board of directors gave the green light to proposals for the match to take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, and will contact FIFA to initiate the process for FIFA to allow the game to take place at the 65,326-seat venue.

According to Marca, both Villarreal and Barcelona are aware that the 21st December fixture is likely to be held in Miami, rather than at the La Ceramica Stadium in Villarreal.

FIFA and Relevent Sports settlement

In 2018, match promoter Relevent Sports filed a lawsuit against FIFA and US Soccer, after being prevented from bringing a LaLiga fixture between Barcelona and Girona to Miami.

Earlier this year, the longstanding legal dispute reached a settlement, opening up the possibility for domestic league matches to be held in the US.

John Textor partners with football financier Keith Harris in bid to take over Sheffield Wednesday

John Textor has partnered with football financier Keith Harris in his bid to takeover English club Sheffield Wednesday, according to The Guardian.

Harris has brokered takeovers of a number of English clubs in recent years, including West Ham United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa.

US businessman Textor recently confirmed his interest in investing in the Championship club, who have been embroiled in financial difficulties in recent months.

Wednesday’s financial woes

July marked the third successive month in which Wednesday failed to pay their players on time. Last month, several players subsequently handed in their notice in order to have their contracts terminated, with former manager Danny Rohl also leaving the club.

Despite the club’s ongoing financial struggles, the EFL confirmed last week that they would kick off the 2025/26 season with ‘no restrictions’, although they will remain under a transfer embargo until 2027.

UEFA has paid more than €10.8 million to Russian clubs since Ukraine invasion

UEFA has paid more than €10.8 million in solidarity payments to Russian clubs since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as reported by The Guardian.

European football’s governing body also did not provide solidarity payments for five Ukrainian clubs - Chornomorets, Real Pharma, IFC Metalurg, FSC Phoenix Mariupol, and FC Metalist - as they are allegedly located in a ‘zone of military operations’.

According to UEFA, solidarity funds are intended for teams that have not performed well enough domestically to qualify for UEFA competitions, as part of a plan to ‘maintain competitive balance’ in European football.

Although Russian clubs, as well as Russia’s national team, have been banned from international competitions since the invasion, UEFA reportedly provided €3.3 million to the Russian FA in 2022/23, followed by an additional €3.38 million in 2023/24, and €4.22 million the following season.

Ukrainian club directors on solidarity funds

In a joint statement shared by The Guardian, the directors of the aforementioned Ukrainian clubs said: ‘We have been informed that the obstacle to the above payments is some completely unclear requirements of a bank in Switzerland, which allegedly relate to the geographical location of the football clubs in the ‘war zone’.

‘We have not received any more detailed information or any legal justification for these restrictions on payments. The wording used in relation to the ‘zone of military operations’ is completely unclear to us and does not correspond to reality.

‘The zone of military operations, or rather the zone of military aggression of Russia, is not a specific region of our country, but the whole of Ukraine.’
 

Crystal Palace are confident in winning their appeal against UEFA, which would see the English club reinstated to next year’s Europa League competition, according to UK media.

In July, Palace were removed from the Europa League, due to the involvement of former co-owner John Textor with French club Olympique Lyon. The club were dropped to the UEFA Conference League, with fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest taking their place in the Europa League.

After filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Palace’s hearing took place in Lausanne on Friday, with the verdict expected to come today.

Palace’s case to the CAS

As reported by Sky Sports, Palace are alleging unfair treatment by UEFA in not allowing the club to participate in the Europa League. The club are reportedly arguing that they have been singled out, with UEFA treating other clubs involved in multi-club ownership structures differently.

Last season, Manchester City and Girona - who are both owned by City Football Group (CFG) - were allowed to compete in the Champions League, while Manchester United played in the Europa League alongside Nice, despite INEOS holding stakes in both clubs as a co-owner of United and full owner of the French side.

Palace are also reportedly claiming that although US businessman Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings held shares in both teams, they were not operating as a multi-club organisation, with fellow co-owner Steve Parish running the South London club.

According to Sky Sports, Palace are additionally arguing that Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis - who placed his shares in the team into a blind trust to comply with UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations due to his ties to Olympiakos - made this move on 30th April. This is nearly two months after UEFA’s 1st March deadline to make changes to ownership structures in order to comply with the rules.

Manchester United complete £50 million Carrington renovation

Manchester United have competed a £50 million redevelopment of the club’s Carrington training ground.

The year-long renovation of United’s training complex began last June, and was funded by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s $300 million (£223 million) investment when he first acquired a minority stake in the club last year.

The project was led by Mancunian architect, Lord Norman Foster, and was designed with input form players and staff.

A “world class” facility

“Following a review of the facility last year, we made a quick decision to invest significantly in the creation of a world-class performance environment for staff and players to reflect our ambition and vision for Manchester United,” Sir Jim Ratcliffe said.

“We are delighted with the outcome and are confident the new facility will play an important role in building a winning culture at the club.”

Australian club Western United stripped of license

Australian club Western United have had their license withdrawn by Football Australia’s regulatory processes. This prohibits the Melbourne-based club from competing in either the men’s or women’s A-League domestic competitions.

The first instance board (FIB), an independent body that oversees Footbal Australia’s licensing regulations, determined on Thursday that United had not met the necessary criteria, and would subsequently have their license withdrawn with immediate effect.

In May, the club announced a reported AUS$100 million takeover agreement, that would see the US-based Kaminski family acquire a controlling stake through KAM Sports’ KAM Melbourne subsidiary. However, this deal is yet to be finalised, leaving the club on the brink of collapse.

Club to launch appeal

In a statement, Western United said the club were “bitterly disappointed” by the ruling.

The statement continued: “The club will be exercising its right to appeal the decision immediately, with confidence of a positive outcome as the sale of the club and injection of capital from KAM Melbourne continues to progress.”

Bayern Munich scale back Visit Rwanda sponsorship amid fan backlash

Bayern Munich have revised their partnership with Visit Rwanda to focus on player development, following backlash amid allegations of sportswashing.

The Bundesliga champions have confirmed that they will no longer promote the African nation’s tourism board, but will continue to partner with the organisation on talent development as part of a ‘strategic evolution’ of the partnership.

The Bavarian club have been facing mounting pressure from fans over the deal, after the United Nations accused Rwanda of supporting rebels in Congo. The original five-year deal signed in 2023 included branding within Bayern’s Allianz Arena home, as well as events intended to promote tourism in the country.

Bayern “transforming” collaboration

Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO of Bayern Munich, said: “In constructive talks about our future direction, we agreed that a very special part of our relationship with [Rwanda Development Board] was the developmental nature of our work in Kigali through the FC Bayern Academy.

“We are therefore transforming our commercial partnership into a talent programme and expanding the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali together with the RDB as both a football and social initiative.

“This remains perfectly aligned to our strategic objective of developing playing talent in Africa.”

Newcastle United “controlled by PSR”, says manager

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has said the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) are dictating the club’s transfer activity.

This summer, Newcastle have missed out on a number of transfer targets, including Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, and Joao Pedro, who each joined Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea respectively. According to Howe, PSR is preventing the club from competing with their rivals during this year’s summer transfer window.

Speaking to the media after Newcastle’s preseason loss to Atletico Madrid, the 47-year-old said: “We’re controlled by PSR. That's still limiting what we can do and that's the reality.”

He continued: "I've said many times, we're not the highest payers in the league. We're far from it and that is sometimes reflected in the choices players make.”

Newcastle’s recent financial statements

Earlier this year, Newcastle reported a pre-tax loss of £11.1 million for the 2023/24 season, down from a loss of £71.8 million the previous year. This coms despite the club generating record revenue of £320.3 million following their first UEFA Champions League season in 2023/24, up from £250.3 million in 2022/23.

The Premier League’s ongoing case against Manchester City may have cost both parties more than £200 million in legal fees over the last five years, The Times has reported.

Premier League clubs are growing concerned over the legal expenses of the Premier League’s cases with City and Chelsea. As per the Premier League’s financial statements, the English top flight saw an £81 million increase in operating costs for the 2023/24 season, following a rise of £41 million in the 2022/23 campaign.

The Premier League had a budget of £48 million for legal costs last season, marking a six-fold increase on the original budget.

Legal battles with City and Chelsea

The league is currently embroiled in multiple cases with the six-time champions. Most notably, the league has charged City with 130 alleged breaches of financial regulations, with the verdict expected to come in October according to recent reports.

The Premier League is also involved in a legal case with the club regarding Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules.

Meanwhile, the league’s investigation into Chelsea’s alleged irregular payments under the tenure of former owner Roman Abramovich has been going on for three years.
 

beIN Sports withholds €4 million from LFP amid growing frustration over Ligue 1 deal

beIN Sports has withheld €4 million in its latest payment to LFP for the broadcaster’s Ligue 1 rights, according to L’Équipe.

The report states that the Qatari network only paid €14 million of the €18 million instalment due on 5th August, due to the company’s discontentment over its current contract with LFP, which includes rights to the Saturday evening fixture.

Under the current partnership, beIN Sports is paying a reported fee of €78.5 million. However the broadcaster’s CEO Yousef Al-Obaidly recently expressed his dismay at the current restrictions imposed by LFP Media, alleging that the network had been given “third-class citizen rights”.

Responding to BeIN Sports’ concerns LFP Media general director Nicolas de Tavernost offered the possibility of airing the same team in successive weeks, marking a change to the existing contract, on the basis that Visit Qatar pays an additional sponsorship fee of €20 million.

beIN rejects LFP Media offer

In response, al-Obaidly blasted the proposal as being “completely disconnected from reality” in a letter to LFP Media.

He added: “The €20 million sponsorship contract you refer to was never agreed upon, never signed, and never saw the light of day between LFP Media and Qatar Tourism.”
 

Botafogo seeking €65 million from Lyon over player sales

Brazilian club Botafogo are demanding R$410 (€64.49 million) from Olympique Lyon for player transfers under “unfavourable conditions”, as first reported by Globo.

In a document shared by the Brazilian publication, the Rio de Janeiro club claimed that three players - Luiz Henrique, Igor Jesus, and Jair - were all sold below their market value, in order to provide financial support to Lyon, with both club’s owned by Eagle Football Holdings.

The French side were facing relegation from Ligue 1 by the DNCG, due to the club’s ongoing financial issues.

According to Botafogo, the club decided to sell their players in order to help Lyon, under the vision of an “Eagle Family”, in which all clubs owned by Eagle Football operate as one company.

Botafogo “forced” to accept transfers

The club said: ’Botafogo was "forced" to accept high discounted sales rates to receive short-term sales funds to help Lyon with funds.

‘In the DNCG decision of 15th November 2024, which prohibited Lyon from registering players, Botafogo was forced to negotiate with third parties certain players who could transfer to Lyon, such as Luiz Henrique, Igor Jesus, and Jair, under unfavourable conditions, accepting transfer fees much lower than the market value of these players.’
 

Bayern Munich confirm CFO’s departure

Bayern Munich CFO Dr. Michael Diederich is set to leave the club one year early, the Bundesliga champions have confirmed.

Diederich, who first joined the club in 2023, will leave his role on 30th September, despite his contract running until 30th June 2026.

Earlier this week, German publication Kicker reported that the club would not be nominating Diederich for a place on the German Football League (DFL) Executive Committee for the upcoming election, fuelling speculation of a parting of ways.

Dreesen and Eberl to carry out board duties

With Bayern’s search for a successor now underway, Bayern’s CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen and sporting director Max Eberl will take over the 59-year-old’s board responsibilities.

Herbert Hainer, president and chairman of Bayern Munich’s supervisory board, said: “After open and constructive discussions, Michael Diederich has informed us that he will not extend his contract with FC Bayern.

“We wish Michael all the best for his future and thank him very much for his hard work and the very successful time we spent together at FC Bayern. He has initiated many topics and projects, provided many new impulses, and established important partnerships for a successful future for FC Bayern.”
 

Serie A players to receive 25 per cent wage cut if relegated

The Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) has struck a five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Serie A, which will take effect from 2nd September.

Under the new CBA, Serie A players will face an automatic 25 per cent salary reduction if their club is relegated from the top flight. The clause applies only to contracts signed after 2nd September and allows for exceptions if mutually agreed by club and player.

Previously, clubs had lobbied for more contractual flexibility, in order to help them manage financial losses after relegation, which results in reductions in broadcast and sponsorship revenue.

New CBA to support “fair and sustainable system”

Serie A president Ezio Simonelli said: “This result confirms how institutional dialogue and collaboration between [Serie A] and the AIC are fundamental tools for facing the challenges of modern football with balance and foresight.

“Our objective, as Lega Serie A, is to contribute to an increasingly solid, fair and sustainable system, in which the needs of clubs and players can be synthesised in the common interest of protecting and growing the movement.”
 

Sheffield Wednesday to kick off season with ‘no restrictions’, despite financial issues

Sheffield Wednesday will start their Championship campaign with ‘no restrictions’, the EFL has revealed, despite the club’s ongoing financial issues.

This comes after payments to Wednesday players were late for a third successive month in July, with the EFL allowing Sunday’s fixture against Leicester City to go ahead on the expectation that they will be paid ahead of this weekend.

Earlier this year, the Yorkshire club were placed under a three-window transfer embargo that will last until 2027.

In a statement regarding Wednesday’s status, the EFL said, ‘The league wants to see a strong, stable and competitive Sheffield Wednesday, and for that to happen we are clear that the current owner needs either to fund the club to meet its obligations or make good on his commitment to sell to a well-funded party, for fair market value - ending the current uncertainty and impasse.’

John Textor interest

According to recent UK media reports, former Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor is monitoring Wednesday’s situation, and is interested in buying the club.

The US businessman told Sky Sports’ Alan Myers: “I just have not spoken with anybody at Sheffield Wednesday yet and I am monitoring the situation, hoping to better understand it.

“I’m definitely interested, It’s a lot to solve in a short amount of time with regards to taking advantage of the transfer window but it’s definitely a club and community I would like to help.”