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Through this partnership, relevant staff at all clubs will receive a curated daily newsletter designed to deliver actionable insights while saving time and improving decision-making.

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Important step

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A group of former footballers, Justice For Players, has initiated a new legal action, that could see players claiming compensation from FIFA, according to UK media.

The multi-billion-pound action comes after last October’s ruling by the European Court of Justice (CJEU), which deemed FIFA's transfer rules unlawful.

This followed a case brought forward by French former midfielder Lassana Diarra, whom FIFA had fined €10.5 million for leaving Lokomotiv Moscow one year into a four-year contract.

Justice For Players’ legal action

The Netherlands-based group is launching the class action against FIFA, as well as the football associations of France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Justice For Players is calling on any male or female players that have played for a club based in the EU or UK since 2002 to join the claim.

According to the foundation, around 100,000 players will be involved in the legal case.
 

Eagle Football’s shares in Botafogo frozen by Brazilian court

The Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice has frozen Eagle Football’s shares in Botafogo, as reported by Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte.

This move maintains John Textor as the Rio de Janeiro club’s majority shareholder, and prevents changes to the club’s ownership structure.

Eagle Football has also been ordered by the court to pay around $R152 million (€23 million) to Botafogo, which accounts for half of the group’s debt to the club.

Textor’s next move

US businessman Textor, who recently expressed interest in a full takeover of Botafogo, is looking to buy the Brazilian side from Eagle football, as well as RWDM Brussels, which is also a part of the multi-club organisation’s portfolio.

Earlier this summer, Textor sold his 43 per cent stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, and stepped back from his leadership roles at Olympique Lyon.
 

Manchester United facing delay over new stadium plans

Manchester United have hit a snag over the club’s plans to build a new 100,000-seat stadium, according to The Guardian.

The Premier League club’s plans are currently being delayed, due to a disagreement on the price of the land surrounding the stadium.

Negotiations between the club and Freightliner, which owns the land used as a rail fright terminal, have reached a standoff. The transport company is seeking £400 million, whereas the club value it at between £40 million and £50 million.

Could result in delay

United’s Old Trafford regeneration project is expected to cost £2 billion, with the club stating that it will generate £7.3 billion annually for the UK economy.

The ongoing stalemate could postpone the completion of the redevelopment, which had initially been slated for 2030.
 

Daniel Levy calls for verdict on Manchester City’s 115 charges

Tottenham Hotspur's Chairman Daniel Levy has called for a verdict on Manchester City’s 115 alleged financial charges, during an interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap.

“The process has gone on for far too long and needs to brought, for the good of the game, to conclusion,” Levy said.

Last week, UK media reports suggested the verdict on City’s charges could come as late as October this year. The club were initially charged in February 2023, with last year’s hearing taking place between September and December.

Multi-club owners should “be careful”

During the interview, Levy also reflected on the potential “abuse” of multi-club ownership in football. Discussing organisations with involvement with multiple teams, he said: “I think they have to be very careful.

“The idea that one club is involved with lots of different clubs, with the money involved today, I think it has to be controlled carefully.”
 

Premier League CEO dismisses reduction to 18 teams

Premier League CEO Richard Masters has reaffirmed that the division will not be reduced from 20 to 18 clubs, during an interview with BBC Sport. This comes amid FIFA’s ongoing dispute with Fifpro over the increasingly congested football calendars.

Masters told BBC Sport: “I don't think we should be forced into that decision.

“I am all for the growth of the game and the exciting competitions our clubs can participate in - but not at the expense of domestic football.”

Premier League clubs to preserve information
 

Meanwhile, the Premier League has introduced new regulations, under which clubs will be required to preserve all information, including WhatsApp messages, if being investigated for potential rule breaches.

Under the new rules, which feature in the English top flight’s handbook for the 2025/26 season, teams will have to inform all officials and players with potential ties to an investigation, that no information should be deleted.
 

French club Le Mans secured investment from Brazilian group

Brazilian private equity firm OutField has acquired an ownership stake in Le Mans, the French club announced.

The group sees tennis legend Novak Djokovic become an investor in Le Mans, as well as racing drivers Kevin Magnussen and Felipe Massa.

OutField’s investment in the Ligue 2 club is being led by its co-founder, Pedro Olivera, with the consortium also including OakBerry CEO, Georgios Frangulis.

Consortium to provide financial resources

“In [Le Mans president Thierry Gomez] and his team, we have found high-level management, with a long-term vision and a strong focus on sporting competitiveness, while preserving financial viability.

“We want to continue this work by bringing more financial resources, greater technical capacity, and experience adapted to the growing challenges of French, European, and global football.”

The initial verdict from the investigation into Manchester City’s financial charges may not be revealed until October, according to The Independent.

The hearing regarding City’s 115 alleged breaches took place between September and December last year, with the outcome previously expected to come during the 2024/25 season.

The Independent is now reporting that the verdict may be delivered during the second international break of the upcoming campaign between 4th and 18th October. Multiple club executives expect the verdict to come in September or October.

City’s 115 charges

City were initially charged by the Premier League in February 2023 for alleged financial breaches between 2009 and 2018.

The club have continued to deny any wrongdoing throughout the investigation.
 

Olympique Lyon revenue drops 24 per cent for 2024/25

Olympique Lyon have reported a total revenue of €273.8 million for the 2024/25 season, marking a 24 per cent drop from last year’s figure of €361.3 million.

Excluding the €111.6 million from player transfers, the Ligue 1 side presented a revenue of €162.2 million, which is €101.9 million less than last season’s income.

Over the last year, Lyon saw a significant decline in domestic broadcast revenue, which plummeted from €94.6 million to €22.8 million, amid the fallout from LFP’s now-terminated partnership with DAZN. For the 2025/26 season a further "very significant decline" is expected by the club in Ligue 1 TV-rights revenue.

Overall, Lyon revealed a total income of €45.7 million from TV and marketing rights, comprising €22.9 million from UEFA due to the club’s run to last season’s Europa League semi-finals.

Lyon’s successful DNCG appeal

Earlier this month, Lyon managed to retain their Ligue 1 status for next season, after the DNCG’s initial decision to relegate the club was overruled. This came after a €87 million contribution was provided by the club’s majority owner, Eagle Football Holdings, as well as €30 million in loans.

Recently, US businesswoman Michele Kang replaced John Textor as Lyon’s president, after the US investor stepped down from his leadership position at the club.
 

Everton sell women’s team to ownership group

Everton have sold their women’s team to Roundhouse Capital, the holding company controlled by the club’s owners, The Friedkin Group.

The English club have now become the latest Premier League side to spin off their women’s team to their ownership group, following Chelsea and Aston Villa.

The sale of Everton’s women’s team will help the club comply with PSR going forward, in a similar fashion to Chelsea, who posted a pre-tax profit of £128.4 million last season after making a £198.7 million profit from the sale of the club’s women’s team to their ownership group, BlueCo.

For the 2023/24 season, the Merseyside club reported a loss of £53.2 million, after making a £89.1 million loss the previous year. Everton previously received point deductions during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons due to PSR breaches.

Sale to open up investment opportunities

As reported by BBC Sport, the change in ownership will pave the way for potential new investment in Everton’s women’s team, without affecting the ownership structure of the men’s.

The 39,572-seat venue, which had been home to the men’s team for 133 years, will become the new permanent home of Everton’s women’s team from the start of next season, with the men’s side set to move to the newly built Hill Dickinson Stadium.
 

FC Barcelona deal with DR Congo to include training kit visibility

FC Barcelona and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Sports and Leisure have inked a new partnership that will include branding on the back of the club’s training kits.

The four-year agreement, which is worth €44 million according to The Athletic, will also see the club’s Spotify Camp Nou home host an ‘immersive exhibition’ of the country’s ‘cultural diversity and sporting tradition’.

The deal adds to the DR Congo’s existing football partnerships with AC Milan and AS Monaco, which were both signed in June.

Backlash over new deal

The LaLiga champions have incurred criticism for their new partnership with DR Congo, amid a ‘deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation’ in the country, as per Human Rights Watch (HRW). Last month, DR Congo and Rwanda signed a peace deal to end the conflict between the two countries.

The deal has also been criticised due to a lack of investment into football infrastructure within DR Congo in recent years.
 

Sheffield Wednesday facing player strike

English club Sheffield Wednesday have failed to pay their players on time for a third successive month, as reported by BBC Radio Sheffield.

The Championship club had previously been given a three-window transfer embargo by the EFL in June over repeated failures to pay monthly salaries on time.

Wednesday players could be set to go on strike in light of this, with the upcoming season set to start in just nine days. According to Mail Sport, the club's players have already called off this weekend's pre-season match against Burnley.

Earlier this month six players handed in their notice at the Yorkshire club, with FIFA’s rules allowing players to have their contracts terminated by giving a written notice, if they had not received salaries on time for two consecutive months.

Further turmoil at Hillsborough

Meanwhile, the North Stand at the club’s Hillsborough Stadium, which holds 9,255 seats, will close due to safety concerns from the Sheffield City Council.

The club said in a statement: ‘Sheffield Wednesday can confirm that, following a recent meeting with the local Safety Advisory Group, Sheffield City Council has today issued a Prohibition Notice preventing the use of the North Stand at Hillsborough.

‘The club are continuing to work with the Safety Advisory Group to satisfy their concerns such that the North Stand remains open.’
 

SD Huesca to sell stadium for €24.4 million

Spanish club SD Huesca have agreed to sell their El Alcoraz home to the Government of Aragon, the LaLiga 2 side have confirmed.

The €24.4 million sale of the 9,100-capacity stadium will help bolster the club’s financial sustainability, with Huesca stating that proceeds from the deal will help offset their existing debts.

According to 2Playbook, the club’s cumulative debt has risen to €15.4 million since the pandemic, with the agreement set to help them comply with LaLiga’s 1:1 rule.

Stadium to become a ‘leading sports and social facility’

In a statement, the club said the purchase will see the transformation of the venue into a ‘sports and cultural venue for public use'.

The statement continued: ‘With this agreement, the regional government expresses its willingness to acquire the stadium, currently owned by SD Huesca, to consolidate it as a leading sports and social facility, capable of hosting both football competitions and other sporting, cultural, and recreational events of public interest.’
 

Football clubs at risk of criminal exploitation, says UK Government report

British football clubs could be susceptible to potential criminal exploitation, the UK Government’s National Risk Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing report has revealed.

The report cited potential risks of criminals engaging in money laundering, fraud, and bribery with football.

This comes as the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPRU) and the UK’s National Crime Agency are collaborating on Project Tachygenic, which was set up to assess the potential threat of international crimes within the game.

International ownership models cause for concern

In the report, the UK Government highlights the risks within ‘complex ownership structures’ in football.

The report states: ‘The diverse operating models of football clubs means there is no standard methodology should someone or a group of people wish to funnel criminal funds through the sector.

‘Many clubs have complex offshore corporate structures involving overseas-based enablers and financial products, often in jurisdictions with limited regulatory oversight.’

Global players’ union FIFPro has slammed FIFA’s ‘autocratic’ governance system, amid its ongoing dispute with the game’s global governing body regarding fixture congestion.

Recently, FIFPro was not invited to a FIFA meeting in New York, during which the organisation discussed the matter of rest periods between matches and seasons. In a statement, FIFPro expressed that the rights of both men’s and women’s footballers are being ‘seriously undermined’ by policies employed by FIFA.

FIFPro said: ‘The overloaded match calendar, the lack of adequate physical and mental recovery periods, extreme playing conditions, the absence of meaningful dialogue, and the ongoing disregard for players’ social rights have regrettably become pillars of FIFA’s business model; this is a model that puts the health of players at risk and sidelines those at the heart of the game.’

The union additionally accused FIFA of ‘systemically ignoring’ player issues, stating that the organisation ‘turns a blind eye’ to their basic needs.

FIFA hits back at FIFPro’s ‘divisive tone’

In response, FIFA released its own statement, which states:

‘FIFA is extremely disappointed by the increasingly divisive and contradictory tone adopted by FIFPro leadership as this approach clearly shows that rather than engaging in constructive dialogue, FIFPro has chosen to pursue a path of public confrontation driven by artificial PR battles - which have nothing to do with protecting the welfare of professional players but rather aim to preserve their own personal positions and interests.

‘The global football community deserves better.’
 

beIN Sports CEO expresses frustration to LFP Media over Ligue 1 rights deal

beIN Sports CEO Yousef Al-Obaidly has expressed frustration to LFP Media regarding alleged mistreatment of the Qatari broadcaster, in an email obtained by French media.

This comes amid rising tensions between the two parties over beIN Sports’ reported €78.5 million a year deal that includes rights to one weekly Ligue 1 match.

As reported by L’Équipe earlier this month, the network submitted a formal complaint to LFP Media due to broadcasting constraints, with beIN Sports seeking to amend the contract.

“While LFP Media lectures beIN Sports on contractual compliance, we find it curious that a multitude of other broadcasters, over the past few years, have been allowed to rewrite, tear up, and abandon their contractual commitments - which has seriously affected the value of French football,” said Al-Obaidly in an email addressed to LFP Media CEO Nicolas de Tavernost.

“Meanwhile, beIN Sports has been the only broadcaster to remain firmly on the side of the LFP – and yet, we are still treated like a bank at the behest of LFP Media and, moreover, with third-class citizen rights.”

Seeking “fair treatment”

Al-Obaidly also requested that LFP Media lift current restrictions imposed on the company, with beIN Sports unable to air the same club more than eight times, or show the same team in two successive weeks.

“All beIN Sports is fundamentally asking for is fair treatment- no major new rights, no contract renegotiations - simply fair treatment for the exceptional investment we are currently making,” said Al-Obaidly.

“We are simply asking for the restrictions on match selection and scheduling to be lifted.”
 

Ipswich minority owner raising £214 million to increase stake in club

US businessman Brett Johnson is looking to raise £214 million to purchase more shares in Ipswich Town, as reported by Bloomberg.

Johnson is targeting an enterprise valuation of £375 million, although that figure could drop to £325 million if Ipswich fail to secure promotion back to the Premier League next season.

The Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) is meanwhile in talks to sell its minority stake in the English club. Johnson's increased investment could therefore include some of the fund’s shareholding

Fund seeking significant profit

The pension fund is the main investor in US group Gamechanger 20 Limited, which completed a reported £40 million takeover of the Championship club in 2021. The PSPRS is seeking a significant profit on its initial investment in Ipswich.

The Suffolk-based club are set to generate around £100 million in transfer revenue for this summer, and will receive £56 million in parachute payments from the Premier League, following their relegation from the English top flight at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
 

UEFA and Super League close to “agreement in principle”, says Barcelona president

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that UEFA and the Super League are close to an “agreement in principle" in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.

The 63-year-old sees himself as an intermediary between the two parties, due to Barcelona’s continued involvement with the Super League as a founding member, as well as A22 Sports Management, the advisory company behind the competition.

“I have always tried to play a role in building bridges between the Super League and UEFA,” said Laporta.

“We are now in a situation where the Super League is engaging in dialogue with UEFA,” he continued, revealing that Super League CEO Bernd Reichart has held discussions with UEFA representatives over a potential deal.

Launch of new broadcasting service

Laporta added: “An agreement in principle is being reached, based on three blocks."

According to the Barcelona president, one of these blocks is the introduction of a new broadcasting platform that would provide free content globally.
 

John Textor looking to separate Botafogo from Eagle Football

John Textor is looking at separating Brazilian club Botafogo from the ownership portfolio of his company Eagle Football Holdings, the US businessman has revealed.

Speaking to Brazilian media, Textor said: “I want to buy Botafogo and take it away from Eagle.

“I will continue to own Eagle, but I think it would be better if Botafogo were separated. There are partnerships in Europe that are better for the club. I am talking to the management of Eagle, and I am the owner. The debate is whether we run our club jointly with Lyon or separately.”

Botafogo delivers “significant revenues”

According to Textor, the Brazilian Serie A club helps finance Eagle Football’s European clubs.

“Botafogo generates significant revenues and finances several loss-making operations of Lyon,” he said, adding: “Botafogo finances Europe, and not the other way around.”
 

Manchester City investigation is a distraction, Premier League CEO admits

Premier League CEO Richard Masters has admitted that Manchester City’s financial charges have been a distraction for the English top flight.

During an interview with Bloomberg TV, Masters said: “People want to watch football, and when you get dragged into financial affairs, I think people think there is maybe something going wrong here.

“I do accept all of that, but the competition remains strong.”

City still awaiting verdict

In February 2023, City were charged with 115 alleged breaches of financial rules, following a four-year investigation into the club. If the club are found guilty, they could reportedly receive fines, or even be stripped of Premier League titles.

City, who are still awaiting the verdict from an independent commission, have denied claims of any wrongdoing throughout the process.
 

Morecambe facing expulsion from National League amid financial issues

English club Morecambe have been removed from the National League for the 2025/26 season, after having their membership in the competition suspended with immediate effect.

The Lancashire club had already been placed under a transfer embargo due to ongoing financial issues.

Morecambe have been in talks over a takeover with Panjab Warriors for more than a year, however these have stalled, with owner Jason Whittingham stating that the club have not heard from the potential buyer over the last week, despite ‘numerous attempts’ to contact them.

Whittingham's claims comes despite Panjab Warriors was approved by the EFL in June and has supported the club through loans for most of the year, according to The Athletic.

National League to assess Morecambe’s situation on 20th August

In a statement, the National League confirmed that its Compliance and Licensing Committee would reconvene on 20th August to assess whether the club should retain its membership to the division.

In the meantime, Morecambe will remain under a transfer embargo, with their opening three fixtures of the new season postponed.

Crystal Palace have confirmed Woody Johnson as a new co-owner of the club, after completing his purchase of John Textor’s 43 per cent stake in the club.

The US businessman, who also owns the NFL’s New York Jets, joins the Premier League club’s ownership as a partner and director alongside chairman Steve Parish, and US investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer.

The minority stake sale comes as part of Palace’s plan to comply with UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, due to Textor’s majority share in French club Olympique Lyon.

Earlier this month, UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) ruled that the Premier League club had breached its regulations, and would subsequently be removed from the Europa League, with Nottingham Forest set to take their place.

Despite the agreement, this is beyond UEFA’s deadline of 1st March to make changes to club ownership.

Palace appeal UEFA decision

Meanwhile, the FA Cup winners have submitted an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), regarding UEFA’s decision to demote them to the Conference League for the 2025/26 season.

In a statement on Tuesday, CAS confirmed receipt of Palace’s appeal on UEFA’s ruling, stating that an ‘operative decision’ will be given by 11th August.
 

beIN Sports submit complaint to LFP Media over broadcasting constraints

beIN Sports has made a formal complaint to LFP Media, regarding broadcast constraints for Saturday afternoon Ligue 1 matches, according to L’Équipe.

As per the current agreement, the Qatari broadcaster is paying a reported €78.5 million per season for rights to one match per fixture round.

However, tensions are rising between LFP and beIN Sports, due to the fee, as well as broadcasting restrictions. For instance, the network is unable to air the same club more than eight times per season, and cannot show the same team in two successive matches.

Earlier this month, there was reportedly a delay in beIN Sports’ €18 million payment to LFP, which was due on 15th July. Although this was eventually settled, this is believed to have impacted Ligue 1 clubs over fears of non-payment.

LFP Media must find solutions, says FFF president

Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), told L’Équipe: “We must find the right solutions with beIN Sports.

“beIN Sports supports French football. It's up to the competent people at LFP Media to find solutions that allow for a peaceful relationship with beIN Sports, which is a long-standing partner."
 

Benfica unveil €220 million stadium renovation project

SL Benfica have announced plans for a €220 million Benfica District project, which will include the renovation of the Portuguese club’s Estadio da Luz and surrounding area.

The redevelopment project will increase the stadium’s capacity by nearly 15,000, bringing it to 80,000, and will include new commercial, hotel, and residential facilities, as well as a 10,000-capacity pavillion, and communal swimming pool.

This comes ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, during which the venue will host multiple matches, including a semi-final. The Lisbon club’s project has been designed by architecture giant Populous, as well as Portuguese firm Saraiva + Associados.

Project to deliver €37 million annually

Once complete, the revamped Estadio da Luz will generate revenue of €37 million per year, according to Benfica Group CFO, Nuno Catarino, which will equate to €24 million after operating costs.

Catarino added that the redevelopment is set to be completed within two to two and a half years.

Galatasaray announce €170 million capital increase

Turkish champions Galatasaray have announced a capital increase of €170 million, in order to help pay off existing debts, and bolster the club’s transfer spending.

80 per cent of this funding will help clear the club’s debt, while 10 per cent will go towards transfer spending. Meanwhile, the Istanbul club have revealed that the remaining 10 per cent will go towards taxes.

Earlier this year, Galatasaray reported a record revenue of €227.4 million for the 2023/24 season, up 47 per cent on last year, and made a profit of €79.4 million.

The uptick in revenue was primarily due to increased income from the Champions League, as well as player sales, and retail revenue.

Club to ‘freely shape its future’

In a statement, Galatasaray president, Dursun Aydin Özbek, said: ‘When we took office in 2022, we promised to achieve financial independence for Galatasaray. Today, my colleagues and I are proud to have fulfilled that promise.

‘As of July 22, 2025, Galatasaray has withdrawn from the Banks Union Restructuring Agreement by paying the loans and interest on these loans.

‘This is not just a financial decision; it is a symbol of our club's will to freely shape its future.’
 

AC Ajaccio takeover collapses

A proposed takeover of AC Ajaccio has collapsed, after Spanish lawyer Arnau Baqué Roig withdrew his interest in acquiring the French club.

Recently, the Corsica-based side were relegated by the DNCG to the National League, the third tier of French football, due to the club’s financial issues.

In May, Ajaccio’s current owner, Alain Orsoni, revealed that a takeover was close. At the time, Baqué Roig discussed his plans for the club during a press conference.

"Lack of transparency”

In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, Baqué Roig said: “Throughout the process, there has been a lack of transparency and clarity in undertaking the difficult task of redressing an extremely delicate financial situation.”

He added: “The constant worsening of the ACA's situation since the beginning of the negotiations, with a constantly increasing debt, has further complicated matters.”
 

Saudi Arabia announce privatisation of three SPL clubs

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry for Sport has announced the privatisation of three teams - Al-Kholood, Al-Zulfi, and Al-Ansar - which became the first Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs to be offered to the public via initial public offerings (IPOs).

Al-Kholood have been purchased by Harburg Group, while Al-Zulfi have been acquired by Riyadh-based investment and real estate company Nojoom Al-Salam, and Al-Ansar have been subject to a takeover by Oudah Al-Baladi and Sons Company.

Last August, six clubs were offered for privatisation including the aforementioned teams, as well as Al-Okhdood, Al-Orobah, and Al-Nahda.

The SPL's first foreign owners

The takeover of Al-Kholood sees the American Harburg Group become the first foreign owners of a Saudi club.

Under the agreement, Al-Kholood will join Harburg’s ownership portfolio, which also includes a 6.5 per cent stake in Spanish side Cadiz CF.

Real Madrid have delivered €1.185 billion in revenue for the year ended 30th June 2025, the club have revealed.

This marks a 10.4 per cent, €111 million increase on the 2023/24 season, when Madrid became the world’s first club to eclipse the €1 billion mark in overall annual turnover.

Meanwhile, the LaLiga club’s net profit saw a €9 million, 56 per cent increase over the last year, rising to €24.3 million.

Record EBITDA

Madrid have additionally reported their highest ever EBITDA of €242.9 million, up from €156.3 last year.

At present, the club’s net equity stands at €598.3 million, in comparison to €574.1 million in 2023/24. While their net debt has increased from €8.5 million to €11.7 million, the club's debt related to the Santiago Bernabéu project is down €22.9 million to €1,131.7 billion.
 

Chelsea and Aston Villa receive warning from UEFA over swap deals

UEFA has issued a warning to Chelsea and Aston Villa regarding ‘inflated’ swap deals, according to The Times.

In summer 2024, the London side signed Omari Kellyman from Villa for £19 million, despite him never making a senior appearance for the Birmingham club. Chelsea academy graduate Ian Maatsen meanwhile went in the other direction, signing for Aston Villa in a £37.5 million deal.

The two player transfers are believed to have helped both clubs comply with the English top flight’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

UEFA will now be closely monitoring both clubs going forward, as well as swap deals, placing a particular focus on the ‘required specific adjustments to the club’s financial result’.

Recently sanctioned by UEFA

Earlier this month, the two teams were among five clubs that received sanctions from European football’s governing body.

Chelsea were handed a fine of €80 million to be repaid over four years, with Villa set to pay €20 million over three years.

Nottingham Forest secure £80 million loan

Nottingham Forest have secured an £80 million loan from US private equity firm Apollo Global Management, the Financial Times has reported.

The Premier League club agreed to a three-year loan last December, which has an interest rate of 8.75 per cent.

£55 million of the loan has been used to refinance Forest’s debt, as per the club’s filings, which was owed to Rights and Media Funding Group, with the remaining £25 million set to be used as working capital.

First Premier League investment

The new funding marks Apollo’s first foray into English football, as the club target further growth after securing a place in next season’s Europa League campaign.

According to recent reports, Apollo is in talks over a potential minority stake acquisition in Atletico Madrid, which would value the LaLiga club at €2.5 billion.
 

England’s independent football regulator set to be introduced later this year

The new independent football regulator will be introduced later this year, after the Football Governance Bill received Royal Assent to pass into UK legislation.

The regulator will preside over the top five tiers of English men’s football, placing greater scrutiny on club ownership, fan representation, and financial sustainability.

Earlier this month, the Football Governance Bill was approved by the UK Government’s House of Commons, receiving 415 votes in favour, and 98 against.

EFL statement

Following the formal passage into UK legislation, Rick Parry, chair of the English Football League (EFL), issued a statement welcoming the new act.

"The Football Governance Act becoming law is a watershed moment in the history of English football and lays the foundations for a transformational change in the way the game is governed at all levels for many years to come."

Snoop Dogg becomes minority investor in Swansea City

US rapper Snoop Dogg has become a co-owner and investor in Swansea City, the Championship club revealed.

The 53-year old becomes the latest investor in the Welsh club, after AC Milan star Luka Modric joined Swansea’s ownership in April.

Last year, Swansea were subject to a takeover led by chairman Andy Coleman, as well as shareholders Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris, and businessman Jason Cohen.

Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, recently starred in the club’s kit launch video for the 2025/26 season.

An exciting welcome

“It is very exciting for us as a football club to formally welcome Snoop Dogg as a co-owner and investor into Swansea City,” said Tom Gorringe, CEO at Swansea City.

“His enjoyment and love of football is well documented, and he has often spoken of a desire to get more involved in the sport. We are delighted he believes that being part of Swansea City is the right way to realise that ambition."
 

Crystal Palace hopeful of Europa League reinstatement due to email

Crystal Palace are hopeful that the club will be reinstated as a Europa League club for next season, due to an email from the European Club Association (ECA) last year, according to the Telegraph.

The Premier League club were recently demoted from the competition to the Conference League, after UEFA deemed that Palace had breached the organisation’s multi-club ownership rules.

In June, John Textor, who also holds a minority share in French club Lyon, agreed to sell his 43 per cent stake to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, however this was after UEFA’s 1st March deadline for making changes to ownership structures.

However, clubs received an email from the ECA last October, which revealed that this deadline was flexible, and that teams would be permitted to resolve ownership issues by 31st May.

Palace’s appeal

Following the ruling, the English club submitted an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Palace are claiming that although Textor held a share in the club, he did not have a ‘decisive influence’.

Brentford have agreed to sell a minority stake to South African-born businessman Gary Lubner, and Hollywood film-maker Matthew Vaughn, the club have confirmed.

As reported by Sky News, the new investment values Brentford at around £400 million, and accounts for a stake of up to 25 per cent.

British businessman Matthew Benham, who first took over the West London side in 2012, will remain as the club’s majority shareholder. Last year, Brentford hired Rothschild in order to help them seek additional investment opportunities.

Targeting further growth

Brentford CEO, Jon Varney, said: “This is an exciting time for Brentford. The club has enjoyed significant success in recent years, and this investment will build on that progress to help us continue to challenge in both on-pitch performance and off-pitch commercial growth.

“It is vital to us that any new investors understand and reflect the values of our club. Since we first met Gary and Matthew, we have been aligned on how they can make a positive impact.

Atletico Madrid in talks over investment from Apollo, valuing club at up to €3 billion

US asset management company Apollo Global Management is in talks over a potential investment in Atletico Madrid, according to Financial Times.

The LaLiga club first entered discussions with Apollo, as Atletico seek funding for a €800 million redevelopment project for the area surrounding their Metropolitano Stadium home.

These talks have reportedly evolved to include the prospect of Apollo acquiring a stake in Atletico Holdco, the holding company that runs the club.

A potential investment would value Atletico between €2.5 billion and up to €3 billion.

Consider issuing new equity

According to Reuters, the club will provide around €200 million in funding for the Ciudad del Deporte project, with the remainder to be provided by private investors.

CEO Miguel Angel Gil Martin, who is currently the club’s majority shareholder with a 50.8 per cent stake, is uninterested in selling his share. However, the club are open to issuing new equity in order to facilitate new investment from Apollo.

Man City ink 10-year £1 billion extension of Puma kit deal

Manchester City have signed a 10-year extension of the club’s kit supplier partnership with Puma, which will run until the end of the 2034/35 season.

As reported by The Guardian, the renewal is worth £100 million annually, or £1 billion over its duration.

The German sportswear brand, which first partnered with the Premier League side in 2019, will continue to produce all kits for City’s men’s, women’s and academy teams.

Through their latest contract, City have now become the first English club to secure a £1 billion kit deal. This eclipses Manchester United’s decade-long, reported £900 million partnership extension with Adidas, which was signed in 2023.

Puma “seamlessly integrated” into the club

“We joined forces with Puma with the ambition to challenge ourselves and go beyond the expectations,” said Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group (CFG). “We have achieved this and more over the last six seasons.

“Puma have seamlessly integrated into our organisation, and we’ve enjoyed many historic moments together, engaging fans globally. Today’s renewal and extension solidifies our relationship and projects it to an even brighter future.”

Mexican club Atlas FC up for sale, with owners seeking $400 million valuation

Orlegi Sports, the owner of Atlas FC, has put the Mexican club up for sale, according to a report from Bloomberg.

The multi-club organisation, which also owns Spanish club Real Sporting de Dijon and fellow Mexican outfit Club Santos Laguna, is seeking a valuation of $400 million.

In order to assist in the sales process, Orlegi is believed to have appointed Moelis & Company, ADS, and Weil, Gotshal & Manages LLP.

In a statement, Orlegi said: “We have initiated a process to explore a planned and structured transition in the operation of Atlas FC, with the goal of ensuring continued growth under a group that understands the club's relevance, context, and potential, both in sporting and social terms.”

Multi-club ownership in Mexico

Earlier this year, Liga MX side Club Leon were removed from the FIFA Club World Cup, due to the team sharing ownership with fellow Mexican club CF Pachuca.

Recently, Grupo Caliente agreed to sell Queretaro to a US group led by Marc Spiegel in a reported $120 million takeover. This move sees the sports betting company, which also owns Mexican team Club Tijuana, relinquish simultaneous control of two Liga MX clubs.

Spurs partner with former Manchester United executives to drive commercial growth

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has hired Altius8, a new agency founded by former Manchester United executives, to help drive revenue for the North London club, as reported by The Telegraph.

The commercial advisory is being led by CEO Victoria Timpson, who left Old Trafford last summer after a 16-year tenure, most recently serving as CEO of alliances and partnerships.

Fellow founding partners Ali Edge, Florence Lafaye, and Tom Liston-Jones, also previously worked for United, and have assumed the roles of chief brand officer, managing director, and chief strategy officer respectively.

Plenty of industry experience

When at United, the aforementioned executives reportedly helped the club secure shirt sponsorship deals with TeamViewer and Snapdragon.

Altius8 has additionally recruited former Liverpool executive Andrew Markham, as well as Jon Naspe, former head of sales across EMEA at Manchester City.

Crystal Palace are considering a appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), following UEFA’s decision to demote the club from the Europa League to the Conference League, the club said in a statement.

Palace, which had initially qualified for next season’s Europa League after winning the FA Cup, were removed from the competition, after UEFA determined that Palace had breached the organisation’s multi-club ownership rules.

The ruling from UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) is due to the involvement of John Textor as a co-owner of both Palace and French club Lyon, with UEFA rules prohibiting any individual from being involved in the running of multiple clubs within the same competition.

Although the US businessman recently agreed to sell his 43 per cent stake in the Premier League side to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, this came after the deadline of 1st March to make structural changes to clubs’ ownership.

Last week, Lyon secured their place in the Europa League after the DNCG’s decision to demote the club from Ligue 1 was overturned. Given their sixth-placed finish in the French top flight, Lyon take precedence over Palace in terms of their Europa League involvement.

Palace ‘extremely dismayed’

Responding to UEFA’s decision on 11th July, Palace said in a statement: ‘Crystal Palace are extremely dismayed by UEFA’s decision to exclude the club from the Europa League.

‘It’s clear for everyone to see that we are not part of a multi-club operation and never have been. Further with the completion of the sale of Eagle Football’s shareholding to Woody Johnson there will be zero possibility of a conflict of interest once the competition begins.

‘We will continue to press our case and work with UEFA to achieve the fair and just outcome so that we may take our rightful place in the Europa League, as well as taking legal advice to consider our options, including an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).’

Burnley owner Alan Pace agrees to ‘€130 million’ Espanyol takeover

Burnley owner Alan Pace has agreed to a takeover of Spanish club RCD Espanyol through Velocity Sport Limited (VSL), the sports arm of ALK Capital, Espanyol have announced.

Under the agreement, VSL will become the club’s majority shareholders, in a move that will see the English-based group adopt a multi-club ownership model.

Although further terms were not disclosed, the takeover values the club at €130 million, according to 2Playbook.
ALK has been the owner of Burnley since completing a full takeover of the club in 2020 for £170 million.

JJ Watt to be involved

Rastar Group, who have owned the Barcelona-based club since 2015, will remain involved with the team going forward, with the Chinese company’s shares set to become part of a new investment vehicle that will hold stakes in both Espanyol and Burnley.

NFL star and Burnley minority owner JJ Watt will also be a part of the Espanyol takeover.

Tensions rise between FIFA and Fifpro over playing calendars

Global players’ union Fifpro has hit back at FIFA, after football’s global governing body claimed to have reached a consensus over rest periods between matches going forward.

This comes after FIFA revealed that following discussions with player unions, there must be a minimum period of 72 hours between matches, as well as a 21-day rest period at the end of seasons, as opposed to Fifpro’s calls for a 28-day period.

According to The Guardian, no representatives from Fifpro were present at the meeting in which FIFA allegedly reached the agreement, which took place in New York on 12th July.

Last year, Fifpro and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) filed a lawsuit against FIFA with the European Union (EU) over the increasingly congested fixture calendar.

Club World Cup “a fiction"

In a statement, Fifpro president Sergio Marchi said: “While the recent Club World Cup generated enthusiasm among numerous fans and allowed some of the world's leading figures to be seen in a single tournament, FifPro cannot fail to point out, with absolute clarity, that this competition hides a dangerous disconnect with the true reality experienced by most footballers around the world.”

He continued: “What was presented as a global celebration of football was nothing more than a fiction created by FIFA, promoted by its president, without dialogue, sensitivity, and respect for those who sustain the game with their daily efforts.”

Real Betis and Goldman Sachs partner to raise €250 million for stadium renovation

Real Betis have struck an agreement with Goldman Sachs, which is intended to raise up to €250 million to renovate the LaLiga club’s Benito Villamarin home, according to Bloomberg.

This marks the latest deal between the Sevilla-based club and US investment banking firm, after Betis agreed to a €125 million loan to help restructure their debt last year.

Last September, Goldman Sachs also reached an agreement with Valencia to help raise €120 million for the development of their new stadium, the Nou Mestalla.

Modernised home

The renovation of the Benito Villamarin stadium is expected to be completed ahead of the 2026/27 season, and will include the instalment of a new roof, as past of a modernisation of the venue.

In the meantime, Betis will play their home matches at estadio de La Cartuja for the next two seasons.

Queretaro becomes first American-owned Mexican club in ‘$120 million’ takeover

Mexican club Queretaro have been acquired by a group led by Marc Spiegel, founder of US investment firm Innovatio Capital.

The takeover is reportedly worth more than $120 million according to Forbes, and sees the club become the first Liga MX side to fall under US ownership.

Queretaro were previously owned by Jorgealberto Hank Inzunza, the owner of Mexico’s largest sports betting company, Grupo Caliente.

Growing interest in Liga MX

The arrival of Spiegel, who previously bid to buy English club Charlton Athletic in 2023, comes amid growing interest in investment within Mexican clubs, amid Apollo Global’s talks to invest more than $1 billion into Liga MX.

In a statement, Spiegel said: “We identified Liga MX as a competition we wanted to invest in a long time ago, and when the opportunity came up to visit Queretaro and see the city and the club, we knew that this was where we wanted to be.”

Spurs looking to secure naming rights partner for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to secure a naming rights agreement for the club’s home stadium, The Telegraph has reported.

Since opening in 2019, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been without a naming rights partner, despite the Premier League club’s chairman Danial Levy reportedly seeking a deal worth around £25 million annually at the time.

The 62,850-seat venue ranks as the Premier League’s fourth largest stadium, and cost more than £1 billion to build.

It is unclear as to how close Spurs might be to a potential naming rights pact.

Spurs invest £115 million into squad

This summer, the club have already committed to spending £115 million on new signings, including Mohammed Kudus and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Spurs have denied reports that they have been in talks with AI technology company Nvidia over a potential investment deal.

Olympique Lyon are set to remain in Ligue 1 for the 2025/26 season, after successfully winning their appeal against France’s DNCG.

On 24th June, the DNCG decided to relegate Lyon to Ligue 2, after determining that the club had not managed to enhance their financial situation.

In response, Lyon promptly launched an appeal against the ruling, which the club described as “incomprehensible”.

On Wednesday 9th July, Lyon’s recently appointed president Michele Kang and CEO Michael Gerlinger met with the DNCG’s Federal Appeals Committee in Paris.

The DNCG has handed the club a transfer budget as well as wage restrictions, going forward.

A “huge relief”

“The decision from the Federal Appeals Commission of the DNCG is a huge relief for everyone involved in the club but especially for the fans and players,” said Kang in a club statement.

“I am grateful to all those that supported us during these challenging times, the value of which enabled us to make a strong case, resulting with us being restored to Ligue 1.”

Plans for independent football regulator approved by UK Government

The UK Government’s Football Governance Bill will pass into legislation this summer, after being approved by the House of Commons by a vote of 415 to 98, UK media reports.

The new bill will see the instalment of a new independent football regulator, which will govern the top five tiers of English men’s professional football - the Premier League, Championship, League 1, League 2, and the National League.

Once operational, the independent regulator will aim to safeguard clubs, offering greater representation to fans, while placing greater scrutiny on club owners via owners’ and directors’ tests.

Bill to support “best fans in the world”

On Tuesday, the UK’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, told the House of Commons: “We are doing this for you, the best fans in the world.

“For too long you’ve been treated as an afterthought, at best, and a nuisance, at worst, in a game that’s only great because of you.”

She continued: “This is for Macclesfield [Town], for Wigan [Athletic], for Bury, for Bolton, for Derby [County], for Reading, for Sheffield Wednesday, for Morecambe and for many, many more who have had to endure the misery of being put last when they should have been put first.”

FIFA to open New York office in Trump Tower

FIFA has announced plans to open a New York office, which will be located within Trump Tower.

This will become FIFA’s second office in the US, after opening an office in Miami last year, which houses the majority of the organisation’s legal team.

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has made numerous appearances with US president Donald Trump at various public events, including visits to the White House, as well as Trump’s base in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

Plans for the new office were revealed during an event at Trump Tower on Monday, in which FIFA launched a five-day exhibition of the Club World Cup trophy.

FIFA ‘has to be in New York’

Speaking at the event, Infantino said: “FIFA (is) a global organisation (and) to be global, you have to be local, you have to be everywhere, so we have to be in New York - not just for the FIFA Club World Cup this year and the FIFA World Cup next year - we have to be in New York as well when it comes to where our offices are based.

“So today, we are opening an office of FIFA here in Trump Tower. Thank you, Eric [Trump], thank you to everyone. Thanks, of course, to President [Donald] Trump as well, who is a big fan of soccer, [together with] the whole family.”

LFP confirms DTC Ligue 1 platform launch

France’s Professional Football League (LFP) has confirmed the launch of its direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service, Ligue 1+, for the 2025/26 season.

The platform, which will launch on 15th August, will be priced at €14.99 per month through an annual subscription package.

DAZN, which previously held Ligue 1’s domestic rights until the five-year agreement was terminated after the 2024/25 season, has acquired non-exclusive distribution rights for the DTC service.

DAZN to broadcast eight matches per week

The UK broadcaster will continue to air eight of the nine weekly fixtures each matchday from the French top flight, with BeIN Sports retaining rights to the one weekly Saturday evening game.

Ligue 1+ will additionally be distributed by Orange, Bouygues Telecom, Free, and SFR.

Giorgio Chiellini joins LAFC ownership group

Former Italy and Juventus player Giorgio Chiellini has joined the ownership group of MLS franchise, Los Angeles FC.

The 40-year-old previously played for the club for the final two seasons of his playing career in 2022 and 2023.

With an estimated valuation of $1.25 billion, LAFC recently ranked as the most valuable MLS team in Forbes’ list for 2025.

Chiellini proud to rejoin

“When I arrived here three years ago as a player, I immediately felt that there was something special about this club,” said Chiellini.

“It is an ambitious organisation, built by extraordinary people and supported by a community that truly makes you feel at home. That is why, last year, I expressed my desire to become an owner, and now I’m proud to continue this journey and give my support to a project I deeply believe in.”

Everton ‘considering’ selling share in club’s women’s team

Everton are considering selling a stake in the club’s women’s team, according to a report from Bloomberg.

The English club have reportedly held initial discussions with potential investors, although these are believed to be at an ‘early stage’.

Investment in the women’s team would help Everton comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), after posting losses of £53 million and £89 million over the last two seasons. PSR regulations prohibit teams from making cumulative losses of more than £105 million over a three-year period.

Could follow Chelsea

In May, fellow Premier League side Chelsea sold a minority stake in their women’s team to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, which reportedly valued the London club at around £240 million.

Last month, Aston Villa agreed to sell their women’s team to the club’s ownership, V Sports, in a reported £55 million deal to help them avoid any PSR sanctions.

UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) has announced a series of sanctions for clubs relating to the 2024/25 season.

As part of these disciplinary measures, five clubs have been fined for breaching UEFA’s football earnings rule, including Chelsea, Barcelona, Lyon, Aston Villa, and HNK Hajduk Split.

Chelsea will pay a total fine of €80 million over four years, of which €20 million is unconditional, while LaLiga champions Barcelona will be fined €60 million over two years, with €15 million of that unconditional.

Meanwhile, Lyon, Villa, and Split have received fines of €50 million over four years, €20 million over three years, and €1.2 million over three years respectively.

Four teams breach UEFA’s squad cost rule

The CFCB also determined that the two Premier League clubs Chelsea and Villa - as well as Greek side Panathinaikos, and Turkish club Besiktas - had breached its squad cost rule. This prohibits teams from having a squad cost ratio greater than 80 per cent for 2024.

For breaching this rule, UEFA will fine Chelsea €11 million, Villa €6 million, Besiktas €900,000 and Panathinaikos €400,000.

UEFA has also revealed that Lyon has agreed to be excluded from all of its competitions for 2025/26, if the club’s relegation to Ligue 2 is upheld by France’s DNCG.

Lyon told to raise €200 million to overturn relegation

Olympique Lyon will be required to raise €200 million in order for the club to overturn their relegation to Ligue 2, according to L’Équipe.

Last month, France’s DNCG relegated Lyon to Ligue 2, due to their ongoing financial struggles, with the club launching an appeal against the ruling shortly thereafter.

The club will have to make up €100 million of that figure before the appeal, which is slated for 10th July.

Meeting with the DNCG

Lyon will need to prove that the remaining half will be entering the club’s accounts before the season is over.

The club’s newly appointed president, Michele Kang, and general manager Michael Gerlinger, will be in attendance at Lyon’s meeting with the DNCG later this week.

LFP selects media company for new Ligue 1 channel

LFP Media, the commercial subsidiary of France’s Professional Football League (LFP), has selected Mediawan as the production company for the new Ligue 1 channel, LFP has announced.

The OTT service is set to be operational before the start of the 2025/26 season, which kicks off on 15th August.

After the early termination of LFP’s reported €400 million a year domestic broadcast rights agreement with DAZN at the end of last season, the organisation opted to launch its own Ligue 1 channel.

LFP initiated its tender process in early June, seeking offers for production rights for the new service.

Partnership marks “great ambition”

Frédéric de Vincelles, Managing Director of Mediawan Sport, said: “We are proud to have been selected by LFP Media to contribute to the success of the new Ligue 1 platform.

“This partnership marks an important step for Mediawan Sport, and we will put all our editorial and creative expertise at the service of this great ambition.”

John Textor has filed a legal complaint against Iconic Sports Management

John Textor has formally contested reports claiming that he owes $93 million to Iconic Sports Management, due to a $75 million loan the American took out in 2022 to take over French club Olympique Lyon.

The former Crystal Palace co-owner has filed a legal complaint with the US District Court of the Southern District of Florida, alleging ‘securities fraud’ and ‘fraudulent misrepresentation’.

"This is an action for securities fraud and fraudulent misrepresentation in connection with the purchase of a put option by Defendants from Plaintiff," the complaint states.

Last month, the Financial Times reported that three hedge funders at Iconic Sports had contacted Textor, stating that he was obligated to buy back the shares in his company Eagle Football Holdings, which are valued at $93 million after interest, before a deadline of 2nd July.

An eventful summer for Textor

Recently, the 59-year-old agreed to sell his 43 per cent in Premier League side Crystal Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. This move was expected to help the club comply with UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, as the team awaits a final ruling on whether they will be allowed to compete in next year’s Europa League.

Last week, Textor resigned from his leadership roles at Lyon, following the club’s relegation to Ligue 2 by France’s DNCG, amid their ongoing financial issues.

The US businessman, who will remain as CEO and owner of Eagle Football Holdings, was replaced by Michele Kang, who became the club’s new president.

Nottingham Forest name former Arsenal executive Edu as global head of football

Nottingham Forest have hired former Arsenal executive Edu Gaspar as the Premier League club’s global head of football, the club have confirmed.

The Brazilian joined Arsenal as technical director in 2019, and was promoted to sporting director in 2022, before leaving the club in November last year. Edu previously held various roles at Sao Paolo club Corinthians, as well as the Brazil national team.

In his new role, the 47-year-old will oversee all on-field operations, including recruitment, performance, squad strategy, and player development.

Excited to build “global football model”

“I’m truly excited about this new chapter and honoured by the trust placed in me,” said Edu Gaspar. “This project connects deeply with my values around innovation and long-term planning.

“I look forward to building a global football model that is competitive, sustainable, and aligned with our president’s ambition.”

Arsenal set to promote James Ellis to role of technical director

Arsenal are set to appoint the club’s head of recruitment, James Ellis, as their new technical director, The Athletic has reported.

Ellis first arrived in Arsenal in 2021 as a first team scout, before being promoted to his current role in 2023.

This follows the appointment of former Atletico Madrid sporting director, Andrea Berta, who joined Arsenal as the club’s new sporting director in March.

Berta looking to strengthen his team

After Berta’s appointment, the Italian was looking to expand his team, with former assistant sporting director Jason Alto leaving the club in May.

Prior to the decision to promote Ellis, Arsenal reportedly held talks with former Juventus executive Matteo Tognozzi for the position.

Hull City handed transfer embargo until 2027

Championship club Hull City have received a three-window transfer embargo from the EFL, running until January 2027, the club have revealed in a statement.

This sanction relates to outstanding payments of £1 million to Premier League club Aston Villa for the loan move of 22-year-old winger Louie Barry, who joined in January.

After the 2024/25 season, Hull and Villa had reportedly agreed to a £3.5 million transfer for Barry, however this stalled due to Hull’s inability to cover the loan payments.

Under the EFL’s ban, the club will be prohibited from signing players permanently or on loan.

Hull to appeal decision

In the statement, Hull City said: ‘We have received notification from the EFL that the club is subject to a transfer embargo and a three-window fee restriction with immediate effect.

‘We will appeal the three-window fee restriction and are confident of resolving the matter as soon as possible.’