Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) CEO Maheta Molango has revealed that players are close to going on strike, due to their increasingly congested fixture schedules, reports The Athletic.

Molango, who has served in his role since 2021, said he believes tensions have “escalated” between PFA members and competition organisers during his tenure.

Speaking at the PFA’s pre-season camp for out-of-contract players, he said: “It’s almost as if the lines are blurred between seasons - this is our problem.

“We’re not trying to single out a specific competition. It’s this feeling of accumulation of competitions that just do not talk to each other and create a calendar that’s just nonsensical.”

“damaging the product”

The PFA CEO’s comments come in the midst of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which is taking place in the US until 13th July.

Last year, FIFpro member unions initiated legal action against FIFA for the revamped Club World Cup.

Molango added: “We’ve reached a stage where it’s no longer a question of what the players feel, it’s damaging the actual product.”

Sheffield Wednesday players hand in notice after club’s failure to pay salaries on time

Six Sheffield Wednesday players have handed in their notice, after not receiving their monthly salaries from the English club for a third time this year, The Telegraph has reported.

Last month, the EFL placed a transfer embargo on Wednesday until 2027, due to the Championship club’s repeated failure to pay salaries on time in March and May.

As per FIFA’s regulations, players can have their contracts terminated by handing their club a written notice, if they have not been paid on time for two successive months.

Club to pay salaries within next fortnight

Only Wednesday’s U21 team received their payments on time for this month.

Although the club have promised to make all outstanding payments, no timeframe has been given, with Sky Sports reporting that the club are aiming to pay all players within the next two weeks.

Toulouse secure investment from RedBird for €18m training complex

Toulouse FC have received investment from RedBird Capital Partners for the construction of the French club’s new training complex, the club have announced.

Work on the €18 million facility, which was initially set to open this month, was delayed due to financial factors, with the club's interim president Neil Chugani previously citing a drop in Ligue 1 media rights revenue.

With RedBird's funding, work is expected to resume by the end of summer, and expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

A “world class” facility

“The resumption of work on our performance centre marks a milestone for the club and underscores RedBird's ongoing commitment to TFC,” said Neil Chugani.

“This project will provide us with the stability we need to plan for future sporting success, equipping us with the infrastructure to achieve it. This world-class facility will benefit all our players, both women and men, and embody both our ambition and our commitment to the city.”

Girona re-appoint City Football Group executives after Champions League season

Girona FC have approved the appointments of Simon Cliff, John Macbeath, and Ingo Bank to the LaLiga club’s board of directors at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.

The three executives, who have ties to the club's largest shareholder City Football Group (CFG), will rejoin the club’s board, after stepping down last season to help the club comply with UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations.

Girona and Manchester City, who are both owned by CFG, qualified for last year’s Champions League, with UEFA’s rules prohibiting teams within the same competition from sharing owners.

Three executives to depart

The new appointments will replace Chris Cook, Edward Hall, and Paul Hunston, who joined Girona’s board of directors last year.

Meanwhile, Girona have appointed Ricardo Sosa to represent Claire Group on the Spanish club’s board.

The consortium led by Welsh football icon Gareth Bale has submitted an offer of £40 million to buy Cardiff City, The Times has reported.

The bid is set to be ‘instantly rejected’ by the Welsh club, who were recently relegated to League One at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Cardiff are currently owned by Malaysian businessman Vincent Tan, who took over the team in 2010. Tan has invested more than £200 million into Cardiff since his arrival.

Back to the Premier League

Real Madrid legend Bale recently confirmed his interest in purchasing the club in an interview with Sky Sports, describing a potential takeover as “a dream come true.”

He added: “It’s where I grew up and I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs.”
The consortium, which is being fronted by the 35-year-old Welshman, includes US investors.

LFP confirms launch of Ligue 1 OTT service

France’s Professional Football League (LFP) has confirmed the launch of its own in-house Ligue 1 direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform.

The new over-the-top (OTT) platform will air eight of nine fixtures from the French top flight each matchday, from the start of the 2025/26 season.

The new platform will be operated by LFP’s media team, and will be backed by US private equity firm CVC Capital Partners.

€14.99 per month

Subscriptions to the new service will be priced at €14.99 per month, in comparison to the previous monthly cost of €30 for last subscriptions to DAZN’s package last season.

LFP’s decision to take its production in-house follows the termination of the organisation’s domestic broadcast rights deal with DAZN at the end of the 2024/25 season. This came just one year after LFP signed a five-year contract with the UK broadcaster, which was worth a reported €400 million annually.

Columbus Crew sell 10 per cent stake, valuing MLS club at $900 million

MLS franchise the Columbus Crew have sold a 10 per cent stake to the Edwards family, as reported by Sportico.

According to the US sports business publication, the agreement values the club at $900 million.

The investment takes the Edwards family’s shareholding in the Crew to 30 per cent.

Haslam family to remain as majority shareholder

Haslam Sports Group (HSG), which also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, and the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, will meanwhile retain a 70 per cent majority stake in the club.

Earlier this year, the Ohio-based club were valued at $735 million in Forbes’ most recent list of most valuable MLS teams.

DFL invests in German streaming platform Dyn Media

The German Football League (DFL) has acquired a 6.5 per cent stake in German sports streaming platform Dyn Media, the league has announced.

Meanwhile, multinational retailer Schwarz Group has acquired a 42.5 per cent share in Dyn, which was co-founded by former DFL CEO Christian Seifert in 2022.

This makes the company the largest shareholder in Dyn, alongside Axel Springer, which co-founded the platform with Seifert. Redstreet Ventures GmbH, Seifert’s investment company will retain a stake worth just under nine per cent.

The DFL and Schwarz Group’s respective investments in Dyn are awaiting regulatory approval.

Bundesliga to gain access to new technologies

“Global media markets are changing, as are consumer behaviour. The increase in revenue from the national media rights tender secures a good economic outlook for the coming years,” said DFL managing director Steffel Merkel.

“Through our investment in Dyn Media, we now have direct access as shareholders to a company whose expertise and modern technical solutions we are confident in, particularly for the implementation and distribution of media products.”
 

Barcelona have secured €331.1 million in sponsorship revenue for the club’s Espai Barca project, which includes the renovation of their Spotify Camp Nou stadium, the club have stated.

This equates to €43.6 million in annual sponsorship revenue. Meanwhile, €44.6 million of the overall figure will come from specific partners of the project, which include Roca, Raventos-Codorniu, Ciments Molins, Carrier, Disano, Fever, EHEIM Möbel, Panasonic, and TK Elevator.

The LaLiga club's global partners with rights to Espai Barca assets, also contribute significantly towards the project. These include Spotify, which reportedly pays the club €5 million a year for naming rights to the Camp Nou, as well as the club’s kit supplier Nike, and Ambilight TV.

The project’s focal point is the redevelopment of the Camp Nou, which has been undergoing a reported €1.5 billion renovation since summer 2023, and is set to reopen in time for the 2025/26 season.

‘recurring and sustainable income’

In the statement Barcelona said: ‘The Espai Barça, with its comprehensive renovation and the creation of the new Spotify Camp Nou, is a strategic project whose main objective is to generate recurring and sustainable income in the long term.

‘This commitment involves a very different and much more powerful commercial offer than the traditional one, where the commercialisation of superior quality VIP boxes and seats, which will triple the current offer, is a key element.

Monza confirm takeover by US fund

AC Monza have been sold to US fund Beckett Layne Ventures, the Italian club have confirmed.

The American venture capital firm will initially acquire an 80 per cent stake in the Serie B club, prior to completing a full takeover.

Recently, Italian media reported that a takeover of Monza was close, with the deal valuing the team at approximately €30 million.

Beckett Layne Venture’s team of partners and advisors includes Mauro Baldissoni, a former executive at AS Roma.

20 per cent to be sold in the next year

Monza are currently owned by the family of former Italy prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, who purchased the club in 2018.

Under the takeover agreement, the Berlusconi family will retain a 20 per cent stake through their holding company Fininvest, which will be sold by June 2026.

RC Deportivo owner adds Portuguese club to growing portfolio

Juan Carlos Escotet, the owner of Spanish club RC Deportivo de la Coruña, has agreed to a takeover of Portuguese side, FC Penafiel, the club have announced.

The 90 per cent majority stake in the club, which was previously held by Gradual Score, has been acquired by the Escotet family’s Iberian Football Venture, SGPS, SA.

According to Spanish media, the agreement is worth €12 million, with the club confirming that this will be formalised in the coming days.

To “boost player development”

Representatives of Iberian Football Venture said in a statement: “This is an operation that aims to boost player development and be present in a market that is traditionally a training and talent-boosting market.

“We believe in projects with roots and projection. Our commitment is to take care of this bond with the city and its people, with the respect and responsibility that representing Penafiel implies.”

Borussia Dortmund and Puma ink ‘€400 million’ kit deal renewal

Borussia Dortmund have penned an early extension of the club’s longstanding kit supplier partnership with Puma, the club confirmed.

The latest renewal will run until at least 2034, and is worth between €350 million and €400 million over its duration, as per German sports publication Kicker.

The existing agreement, which was signed in 2019, was set to run until the end of the 2027/28 season. The German sportswear brand also holds a 5.32 per cent stake in the club.

Puma & Dortmund 'to write history together'

“With the early extension of our long-term partnership with BVB, we demonstrate how important the club and its values are to us, said Matthias Bäumer, chief commercial officer at PUMA.

“Every season, we are inspired by the club's incredible fan culture, the passion of the legendary Yellow Wall, and the team's attractive style of play. We look forward to continuing to write German football history together.”

Crystal Palace weighing up legal action over potential UEFA ruling

Crystal Palace are considering taking legal action over UEFA’s delayed decision regarding their eligibility for next year’s Europe League, according to BBC Sport.

The English club, which qualified for the competition following their FA Cup win, are still awaiting confirmation on whether they will be allowed to compete in the Europa League, due to the involvement of co-owner John Textor with Lyon.

Until the American recently agreed to sell his 43 per cent in the London club to US investor Woody Johnson last month, Textor had been an owner of both Palace and the French club. UEFA’s regulations prohibit individuals from having influence over multiple clubs simultaneously.

Last week, Lyon were provisionally relegated to Ligue 2, following a ruling from France’s DNCG.

UEFA’s delayed ruling

The decision on Palace from UEFA, which was originally set to be revealed on 27th June, has been postponed until after Lyon’s appeal against the DNCG has been resolved. If the team’s relegation is upheld, Lyon will lose their place in next year’s Europa League.

The club believe they have been unfairly penalised by UEFA, after missing the organisation’s 1st March deadline to make changes to their ownership structure.

Italian Government introduces new decree, allowing players to sign contracts of up to eight years

The Italian Government has introduced a new sports decree, allowing footballers to sign contracts for a duration of up to eight years.

This marks an increase on the previous five-year limit on contracts in Italian football, which had been in place since 1981.

The decree has taken provisional effect, having been published in the Official Journal, as reported by Calcio Finanza.

Decree to pass into law within 60 days

Although it is already in play, the decree must now be brought into legislation by the Government within 60 days.

The move comes as part of a plan to help clubs balance player costs over a longer period.

Aston Villa have agreed to sell their women’s team to the club’s ownership group, V Sports, according to UK media.

The agreement, which is worth £55 million, comes as part of a plan to help Villa comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

The holding company V Sports is joint owned by US investor Wes Edens and Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, who took over the club in 2018 through their consortium, NWSE.

Aston Villa are hoping to comply with the English top flight’s PSR regulations, after making significant losses of £85.4 million in 2023/24 and £119.6 million in 2022/23.

Following in Chelsea’s footsteps

Villa are the latest Premier League side to spin off their women’s team to their owners, after Chelsea sold their women’s team to BlueCo last summer, in a deal that resulted in a £198.7 million profit for the London club.

The sale of Chelsea’s women’s team helped Chelsea make a pre-tax profit of £128.4 million for the 2023/24 season.

Michele Kang replaces John Textor as Lyon president

US businesswoman Michele Kang has been appointed as new president of Olympique Lyon, and CEO of the French club’s majority owner, Eagle Football Group, the club have announced in a statement.

The 66-year-old replaces John Textor, who stepped down from his leadership positions at Lyon following the club’s relegation to Ligue 2, after a ruling by France’s DNCG.

Meanwhile, Michael Gerlinger has become Lyon’s new CEO.

A prominent figure in both men’s and women’s football, Kang is also the majority owner of the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, and London City Lionesses, who recently secured promotion to England’s WSL for the first time in the club’s history.

A “Critical period” for Lyon

In the club announcement, Kang said: “We are entering a critical period for OL and I would like to thank John for his commitment and vision in bringing the club into the Eagle Football family.

“I look forward to working closely with Michael [Gerlinger], the OL management team, and the board of directors to support the club throughout the DNCG proceedings and beyond.”

Espanyol approves €32 million capital increase

RCD Espanyol have approved a €32 million capital increase, following an extraordinary general meeting on Friday 27th June.

Proposals for the increase garnered a 99.98 per cent majority vote during the meeting.

The LaLiga club are forecasting a €2 million profit for the 2024/25 season, pending their final financial audit, enabling them to comply with LaLiga’s 1:1 rule. This allows clubs to spend as much on salaries as their revenue - €1 for every €1 earned.

Espanyol’s forecast additionally projects a debt of €7 million, which will be the club’s lowest within the last decade, according to financial director, Joan Fito.

Plans revealed for “new sporting project”

During the meeting, Espanyol president Chen Yansheng hailed “the effort and unity of the entire club to maintain our league status,” and announced plans for “a new sporting project that will further consolidate us in the top flight.”

Meanwhile, an amendment to the club’s bylaws has allowed RCDE Special to participate in sports competitions.

Chelsea hold talks with mayor of London over new stadium plans

Chelsea FC have held talks with the mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s office over the club’s potential plans to build a new stadium in Earls Court, West London, The Telegraph has reported.

The club have played at Stamford Bridge since their inception in 1905. However, their long-time home has a capacity of 41,000, ranking as the ninth largest ground in the division, behind rivals such as Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United.

After Khan publicly expressed his willingness to speak with Chelsea over their future stadium plans in April, the club have engaged in discussions with his office.

Could be Chelsea’s “best option”

A new site in Earl’s court has been earmarked as a suitable location for Chelsea, if the club opts to build a new venue.

Last month, Chelsea shareholder Hansjorg Wass told Chelsea Fan TV: “Earl’s Court would be the best option we can even think of. If it’s going to happen.”

Cadiz secure ‘up to €28 million’ in funding through agreement with US investment fund

Cadiz CF have secured an agreement with Yorkville Advisors, which will see the US-based fund invest into Nomadar, a subsidiary of the Spanish club, according to Spanish publication Expansion.

Yorkville will provide up to €28 million in funding over the next three years.

The Spanish side are aiming to raise a total of €123 million in order to build a new sports and technology complex.

Club set for Nasdaq

Nomadar is set to go public on the Nasdaq in New York, as the club seeks additional funding for the project.

Yorkville has agreed to convertible bonds worth $3 million, which will be exchanged for a 4.99 per cent stake in Nomad’s capital.

Olympique Lyon majority owner John Textor is facing legal action from three investors, according to the Financial Times.

This centres around a $75 million loan which the US businessman borrowed from US fund Iconic Sports Management in order to take over the Ligue 1 club in 2022. This is now valued at $93 million with interest.

The Financial Times reports that the three hedge funders - Jamie Dinan, Alexander Knaster, and Edward Eisler - penned a letter to Textor last week, stating that he was obligated to buy back $93 million in shares within one week, before 2nd July.

Lyon’s relegation from Ligue 1

Last week, Lyon were relegated to Ligue 2, after a ruling by France’s DNCG, who were unconvinced that the club had improved their financial situation.

Lyon had been previously relegated to France’s second tier, after Textor’s Eagle Football Group revealed a debt of €505.1 million last year.
The club have since confirmed that they will be challenging the decision, which was blasted as being “incomprehensible”.

FC Barcelona refinance €424 million of Espai Barca debt

FC Barcelona have refinanced €424 million in debt relating to the Espai Barca project, which was originally due in 2028, the Spanish champions announced.

This covers more than 40 per cent of the project, which includes the renovation of the club’s iconic Spotify Camp Nou home.

In a statement, Barcelona announced that the new refinancing structure would take effect from 2033, and will be paid off by 2050.

Generate €247 million annually

Through the restructuring with Goldman Sachs, the average cost of the refinanced amount stands at 5.19 per cent. This comes after delays to the redevelopment of the Camp Nou, which has been undergoing a reported €1.6 billion renovation since 2023. The venue is set to partially reopen in time for the 2025/26 season.

Once the project is complete, Barcelona project the revamped stadium to deliver an additional revenue of €247 million per year.

French club Le Havre set for takeover by US group

Ligue 1 club Le Havre have agreed a takeover by US-based Blue Crow Sports Group, current owner Vincent Volpe confirmed.

In an interview with Paris-Normandie, Volpe revealed the Le Havre are now awaiting approval from France’s DNCG.

Houston-based Blue Crow’s ownership portfolio also includes Mexican club Cancun, as well as Spanish side CD Leganes, Dubai elite Falcon, and Czech outfit MFK Vyskov.

Le Havre’s meeting with the DNCG

Last year, the DNCG placed a wage restriction on the club, due to their financial issues.

Blue Crow reportedly attended the Normandy-based club’s meeting last week with the DNCG alongside Volpe, who has been their majority owner since 2015.

US investor facing allegations of fraud relating to Belgium club's bankruptcy

American football executive Paul Conway is facing six allegations of fraud relating to Belgium club KV Oostende, which was declared bankrupt last year, The Athletic has reported.

Conway is the co-owner of Pacific Media Group (PMG), a Hong Kong-based multi-club organisation that had stakes in eight teams, but now PMG only holds tiny stakes in Barnsley and Nancy, and larger but not controlling stakes in Kaiserslautern and Thun.

Conway fighting extradition to Belgium

According to The Athletic, the 55-year-old has been in a Barcelona prison for the last five weeks, after being arrested on 20th May, and could be extradited to Belgium.

This followed an investigation by Belgium’s Sports Fraud Team, which was prompted by the collapse of Oostende. In March, the District Court of West Flanders issued a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) for Conway, before he was subsequently arrested two months later.

Liverpool have “strongest global reach” of any Premier League club, says chairman

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has said the club have “by far the strongest” global reach of any Premier League club in an interview with The Times.

The 75-year-old, who has served in his current role since 2010, told the British newspaper: “We are very aware of the global power of Liverpool.

“The club’s reach around the world is by far the strongest in the Premier League.” The English champions generated 1.7 billion fan engagements during the 2023/24 season, as revealed during the interview.

Liverpool could have ‘one billion’ fans

Earlier this year, Liverpool reached 11 million subscribers on YouTube, and have more than 200 million followers across the club’s men’s and women’s team social channels.

Reflecting on the club’s international growth, Werner added: “Many Americans still don’t appreciate the global power of football. But we think there could now be as many as a billion people around the world who follow Liverpool.”

Valencia CF have secured €322 million in new financing to complete the LaLiga club’s Nou Mestalla stadium.

That figure comprises a €237 million bond issue, which the club say will be repaid over the next 28 years, as well as a five-year, €85 million loan.

According to Valencia, the loan will be paid off through proceeds from the selling of the land where their old stadium stands.

The Spanish club expect the new venue, which will have a capacity of more than 70,000, to be complete in 2027.

A “historic milestone”

Kiat Lim, president of Valencia, said: “This transaction marks a historic milestone for Valencia CF.

“Securing this financing gives us the green light to make the Nou Mestalla a reality, a world-class stadium that will drive the club's growth for generations to come.

“It is the clearest expression of our long-term commitment to Valencia and a reflection of the trust the club inspires today in global financial markets. With this agreement, we are not just building a stadium, we are building the future of Valencia CF.”

Official: Inter finalise €350 million refinancing to repay €415 million bond

Inter Milan have confirmed the full repayment of the Italian club’s €400 million bond, which was due in 2027.

Inter said in a statement: ‘Inter Media and Communication S.p.A., a subsidiary of [Inter Milan] and the Inter’s ownership, funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, have agreed on long-term financing for the club.

‘The financing, totalling €350million, is from the US private placement of senior secured notes maturing in 2030 supported by seasoned institutional investors.’

Earlier this month, the Serie A side announced plans to pay off the bond, which had most recently been refinanced in 2022, under the club’s previous ownership, Chinese company Suning Holdings Group.

Inter's new bond

The club owed their bondholders €415 million with total interest on the bond.

Calcio Finanza projects the interest rate of the new bond to be at a fixed gross annual rate of 4.52 per cent, compared to the previous bond's rate of 6.75 per cent.

Serie A considers selling stake in international media rights business

Serie A is considering selling a share in its international media rights business, according to Bloomberg.

The Italian top flight has contacted private equity firms over potential investment into the company.

Although Serie A has held initial discussions with interested firms, these are at an ‘early stage’.

Sold international rights for €700 million

As reported by Reuters earlier the month, the Italian Government is looking to remove the ‘no single buyer rule’, which prevents Serie A from selling its domestic broadcast rights to one single buyer.

Serie A’s international rights were previously sold for round €700 million for the three-year period ending 2024.

Sparda-Bank acquires 7.5 per cent share in German club HSV

Klaus-Michael Kühne, the largest shareholder at German club Hamburger SV, has agreed to sell around 7.5 per cent of his shares in the club to Sparda-Bank, HSV have announced.

Following the sale of shares in the newly promoted Bundesliga club, Kühne Holding has acquired naming rights to HSV’s Volksparkstadion home, signing a three-year deal that will run until 2028.

According to German sports magazine Kicker, the new naming rights pact is worth €4 million annually.

Kühne remains HSV’s largest shareholder, with a 13.5 per cent stake in the club, followed by Sparda-Bank. Meanwhile Hamburg’s main shirt sponsor, Hanse Merkur, has the third largest share, with 6.8 per cent stake in the Hamburg club.

CFO reflects on latest investment

Last week, HSV’s CFO Eric Huwer declared the club debt free for the first time in their history at a general meeting on 21st June.

In light of the minority stake agreement, Huwer said: “This deal reflects the strong commitment from our shareholder group and highlights our path of organic growth.

“From my point of view, this is a true win-win-win situation that makes us stronger.”

Kylian Mbappe’s legal claim against PSG over ‘moral harassment’ prompts investigation

A judicial investigation has been opened following a complaint from Kylian Mbappe, who is accusing his former club PSG of moral harassment, according to French media.

The lawsuit, which was filed on 16th May, centres around summer 2023, when the France star was removed from PSG’s squad during a contractual dispute. Mbappe alleges that the club were attempting to coerce him into signing a new deal.

Mbappe is the latest player to resort to legal action against PSG, after the club’s women’s team’s former player Kheira Hamraoui made a similar complaint earlier this year.

Mbappe’s dispute with PSG

The 26-year-old has been embroiled in an ongoing legal battle with his former team in recent months, following his departure to Real Madrid last summer.

In May, the French champions demanded €98 million from their former talisman, alleging that he had agreed to give up money owed at the end of his contract in order to help support the club financially.

Previously, Mbappe had a €55 million seizure order placed on the club’s accounts due to alleged unpaid wages and bonuses.

Leicester City facing uncertainty amid King Power financial situation

Leicester City’s ownership is currently facing uncertainty, over the status of Thai travel retail company, King Power, The Telegraph reports.

Since 2010, the English club has been owned by the Srivaddhanaprabha family, which controls King Power.

However, the company is currently facing an uncertain future, after CEO Nitinai Sirismatthakarn revealed it had been seeking talks over the cancellation of three airport contracts with the Airports of Thailand (AOT).

King Power’s partnerships with the AOT is subsequently now under a 60-day review, ahead of a final decision.

Leicester’s financial difficulties

Following the Midlands club’s relegation to the Championship at the end of the 2024/25 season, Leicester are facing a points deduction after being charged by the Premier League for three alleged breaches of its profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

The English top flight recently updated its PSR regulations, granting the league jurisdiction over clubs that had been relegated. This previously prevented the Premier League from sanctioning Leicester for charges relating to the 2022/23 campaign.

Spurs sue Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS for £11.1 million

Tottenham Hotspur are suing Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS for £11.1 million for an alleged breach of contract, The Telegraph has reported.

The Premier League club initially signed a five-year deal in 2022 that designated the INEOS Grenadier as Spurs’ 4x4 partner. That agreement was worth £17.5 million over its duration.

However, the partnership was terminated in March, with Spurs claiming that the company did not pay their instalment due in December 2024, which was reportedly worth more than £5 million. The club are also arguing that an inflation figure of almost £500,000 due last August was also not paid.

INEOS’ legal troubles

Spurs are now seeking a minimum of £5.275 million in damages, in the latest legal blow to INEOS.

In recent months, the UK-based petrochemical company ended previous sponsorship deals with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Sir ben Ainslie’s Britannica sailing team. INEOS would later reach a settlement with NZR in April, after the termination of their contract, which was reportedly worth £8.7 million annually.

Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s acquisition of a £9.86 million, 29 per cent stake in Hearts is now complete, the Scottish club have confirmed.

The 55-year-old, who has been the chairman of the Premier League club since 2009, already received the green light from Hearts’ majority owner, the Foundation of Hearts (FoH), last month, which voted 98.5 per cent in favour of his investment.

Bloom will join the Edinburgh club’s board of directors, alongside James Franks, his legal and strategic business consultant, who will also join the Hearts as a non-executive director.

Aiming to “disrupt Scottish football”

“I am absolutely thrilled to be investing in Hearts,” said Tony Bloom.

“I firmly believe in the club’s ability to disrupt the pattern of domination of Scottish football which has been in place for far too long. This great club has a bright future and I look forward to seeing that unfold in the months and years ahead.”

Lyon blast “incomprehensible” DNCG ruling after relegation to Ligue 2

Olympique Lyon have hit back at the DNCG’s “incomprehensible” decision to relegate the club to Ligue 2.

After being provisionally relegated to French football’s second tier in November, pending an improvement to the club’s finances, Lyon’s demotion was confirmed on Tuesday, following meetings between the club’s ownership and DNCG.

The ruling came after the DNCG deemed that the club had failed to improve its financial situation, after Lyon’s 77 per cent majority owner, John Textor’s Eagle Football Group, reported a debt of €505.1 million last year.

Lyon to appeal ruling

Following the club’s relegation to Ligue 2, Lyon said the club will “immediately” appeal against the decision.
In a statement, the club said: “Olympique Lyonnais acknowledges the incomprehensible decision rendered by the DNCG tonight and confirms that it will immediately file an appeal.

“In recent months, we have worked closely with the DNCG, satisfying all of its requests with cash equity investments exceeding the amounts requested.

“With so much cash liquidity demonstrated, and sporting success which has earned European competition in two consecutive years, we sincerely do not understand how one administrative decision could relegate such a great French club.

Brentford hold ‘advanced talks’ over minority investment

Premier League club Brentford are in ‘advanced talks’ over minority stake investment deals with UK filmmaker Matthew Vaughn and South African businessman Gary Lubner, The Athletic has reported.

Matthew Benham, who has served as Brentford’s majority owner since 2012, is seeking fresh investment in the West London club.

In February 2024, Brentford appointed Rothschild in order to help secure additional funding, with Benham having invested more than £100 million into the club since 2005.

Brentford’s prospective new investors

Lubner, is the former CEO of Autoglass’ parent company Belron, and is also the founder of children’s charity, This Day.

Meanwhile, Vaughn has produced a number of famous films, including Lock, Snatch, and Layer Cake.

Aston Villa consider women’s team sale to comply with PSR

Aston Villa are the latest Premier League club to consider selling their women’s team in order to comply with the English top flight’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), according to The Athletic.

The club have revealed pre-tax losses of more than £200 million over the last two seasons, reporting losses of £85.4 million and £119.6 million in 2023/24 and 2022/23 respectively.

Under the Premier League’s PSR, clubs are prohibited from making cumulative losses of more than £105 million over three seasons.

Despite this, Villa have avoided sanctions in the past due to investments into the club’s infrastructure, as well as their youth and women’s teams.

Could follow Chelsea

Last year, Chelsea made a £198.7 million profit from selling their women’s team to BlueCo, the holding company comprising the club’s owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

This move helped steer the West London club to a pre-tax profit of £128.4 million for 2023/24, thus staying within the PSR limit and averting any potential sanctions for potential financial breaches.

Financial management is playing an increasingly central role in football, influencing how clubs compete both on and off the pitch. The rise of private equity and state-backed ownership has widened the financial divide and increased pressure on others to remain competitive without falling behind.

As a result, football’s regulatory bodies have intensified their scrutiny of club finances, prompting renewed debate around ownership structures, legal disputes, points deductions, and salary caps — all aimed at preserving a level playing field.

Striking the balance between financial sustainability and on-pitch success has never been more difficult — or more important. To identify the clubs managing this trade-off effectively, Off The Pitch is once again crowning Europe’s most financially sustainable clubs using a weighted model based on EBITDA margin, Return on Assets (excluding exceptional income), and equity ratio across 245 clubs.

The ranking draws on data from the past three fiscal years (2021/22 to 2023/24), with greater weight given to the most recent period to reflect current performance and reduce the impact of one-off anomalies.

Less transparent clubs are excluded to maintain accuracy, and those relegated in 2023/24 are penalised to reflect the link between sustainability and sporting results.

Who sits on top?

This year, newly crowned Serie A champions Napoli top the list of Europe’s most financially sustainable clubs, climbing eight spots from last year’s ranking to reach number one. It marks a key milestone in the club’s long-term transformation, blending smart financial control with continued success on the pitch.

Few clubs have reversed their financial fortunes as effectively. In 2022, Napoli finished third in Serie A and reached the Champions League knockout stage, but still recorded a substantial €65.5 million loss before tax.

Just a year later, they delivered a historic Scudetto win, a Champions League quarter-final, and posted a record net profit of around €80 million — the highest ever recorded in Serie A.

The upward trajectory has continued, with Napoli now leading Off The Pitch’s ranking with a weighted score of 26.2, ahead of major clubs such as Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Celtic. The ranking is driven by an EBITDA margin of 30.6 per cent, a return on assets of 17 per cent and an equity ratio of 29.1 per cent.

At a time when many clubs are still striving to achieve financial sustainability, Napoli stand out as a model for how disciplined management and on-pitch ambition can go hand in hand. Perhaps even more impressive is that Napoli reclaimed the Serie A title in the 2024/25 campaign, showing that strong on-pitch performance combined with financial stability can lay the foundation for a truly sustainable future.

In total, six of last year’s clubs remain on the list — Napoli, Silkeborg, Molde, Manchester City, Fiorentina, and AGF Aarhus — with Danish club Silkeborg IF taking second place and Molde FK third.

In fourth and sixth place, Manchester City and new entrants Bayern Munich show that even Europe’s financial heavyweights can maintain sustainable models, balancing competitive ambition with operational control. 

Their appearances indicate that scale does not have to come at the expense of structure.

First-timers Clermont Foot, Elche, and Celtic also enter the top 10, each following a different path to financial sustainability. 

French Ligue 2 club Clermont Foot stands out with a remarkable return on assets of 62.9 per cent. Elche and Celtic both distinguish themselves with solid equity ratios of 45.5 per cent and 47.4 per cent, respectively.

Olympique Lyon have been relegated to Ligue 2 following a meeting with the French football watchdog, the DNCG, the LFP confirmed in an official statement.

The club was provisionally relegated in November, pending an improvement in its financial situation. The DNCG made clear at the time that failure to stabilise the club’s finances would result in relegation.

Lyon still have the right to appeal the decision and submit new financial evidence that could influence the outcome.

Encouraged by the meeting

Club president John Textor and football director Michael Gerlinger appeared before the DNCG on Tuesday. After the hearing, Textor told the press that he was encouraged by the meeting and insisted the club’s financial position had improved.

“You can see from the contributions of our shareholders that we have injected fresh capital – not just to meet the DNCG’s requirements, but also for UEFA licensing purposes. And with the positive development of the Crystal Palace sale, our liquidity has improved considerably.”

Eagle Football Group, which owns Olympique Lyon, has taken several steps to strengthen the club’s finances – including the sale of Textor’s stake in Crystal Palace on Sunday. However, these efforts have not met the DNCG’s criteria, and the relegation has now been confirmed.

EFL to allow club owners to invest in Scottish and Irish teams

The EFL is set to alter its multi-club ownership rules to allow members to purchase clubs in the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and Irish Football League (IFL), The Guardian has reported.

Previously, owners had been prohibited from investing from clubs in Scotland and Ireland.

Recently, Leeds United owner 49ers Enterprises acquired a 51 per cent stake in Rangers for a reported fee of £75 million. The deal, which was completed in May, could have been delayed if Leeds had not been promoted to the Premier League for the 2025/26 campaign.

Last week, Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s reported £9.66 million investment in Scottish side Hearts was approved at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

New rules effective from 2025/26

Under the new regulations, which will take effect from next season, club owners and directors will not be able to have shares in more than one team within the EFL, Premier League, National League, Southern League, Isthmian League, and the Northern Premier League.

Crystal Palace could still be removed from Europa League

Crystal Palace could still be exempt from next season's Europa League, despite co-owner John Textor selling his stake in the club, as reported by The Times.

On Monday, the Premier League side confirmed that the American had agreed to sell his 43 per cent stake in the club to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.

The departure of Textor, who is also the majority owner of Lyon, was intended to help Palace comply with UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, which state that no individual can have control or influence over two clubs within the same competition.

Despite this, the sale of Textor’s stake took place after UEFA’s 1st March deadline for changes to a club’s ownership. Palace’s fate will be determined at a meeting of UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) on Friday.

Palace could challenge ruling

The CFCB could reportedly decide that the club will have to play in the Europa Conference League, which Palace could challenge at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

If UEFA allows Palace to participate in next season’s Europa League, fellow English club Nottingham Forest will ‘likely’ raise the issue with CAS to allege that UEFA’s regulations have not been adhered to. Forest would stand to take Palace’s place, if they were ejected from the competition.

Beckett Layne Ventures close to acquiring 80 per cent of AC Monza

AC Monza are close to a takeover led by US-based venture capital firm Beckett Layne Ventures, according to Italian media.

The Serie B side are set to sell an 80 per cent stake to the new investors, which values the club at around €30 million.

Monza are currently owned by the family of former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, who purchased the club in 2018.

Could acquire 100 per cent

Fininvest, the Berlusconi family's holding company, has held talks with multiple interested parties.

The US group, which is being represented by former AS Roma executive Mauro Baldissoni, will have the option to complete a full takeover of Monza in the next year. Initially, Fininvest will retain a 20 per cent stake in the team.

Gareth Bale confirms interest in Cardiff City takeover

Gareth Bale has confirmed his interest in taking over Cardiff City in an interview with Sky Sports.

“We are interested in getting Cardiff,” Bale told Sky Sports.

The former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur star was recently linked with a takeover of the League One club, with reports saying that the 35-year-old is leading a consortium of investors.

“a dream come true”

“To be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true. It’s a club close to my heart. It’s where I grew up and I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs.

“I know how amazing the Welsh fans and Cardiff fans are. It would be amazing to try and do something together.”

Ex-CD Leganes sporting director seeking reinstatement or €1 million compensation from club

Former CD Leganes sporting director Txema Indias has taken legal action against the Spanish club, according to a report from MARCA.

The current Real Zaragoza sporting director, who previously held the same position at Leganes from 2015 until earlier this year, is seeking reinstatement or compensation of around €1 million.

In March, the Madrid-based club informed the 53-year-old that they would not be renewing his contract beyond the 2024/25 season.

Could be reinstated before trial

MARCA has observed the lawsuit filed by Indias, of which LaLiga is also reportedly aware.

If Indias wins his case, this could cause complications for the contracts of both Leganes and Zaragoza’s sporting directors. He could even be reinstated before the case heads to trial.

Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has agreed to sell his 43 per cent stake in the club to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, the Premier League club have confirmed.

According to UK media, the 78-year-old will purchase Textor’s shares in Palace in a £160 million to £190 million deal.

The sale is now subject to approval from the Premier League and Women’s Super League (WSL).

Johnson, who first bought the NFL’s Jets in 2000 for $635 million, also tried to purchase Chelsea when the club was put up for sale in 2022. The American previously served as the United States ambassador to the UK between 2017 and 2021.

Hopeful of retaining Europa League football

Despite qualifying for next year’s Europa League after winning the FA Cup, the South London club’s status in the European competition has been shrouded in uncertainty in recent weeks, due to the involvement of Textor with both Palace and Lyon.

UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules state that no individual may exert influence over two clubs at once within the same competition. In attempt to bypass the regulations, Textor and fellow Palace co-owner David Blitzer requested to place their shares in the club into a blind trust, however this was vetoed by UEFA.

Palace are now hopeful that Textor’s departure will enable the club to participate in next year’s Europa League.

Le Havre set for takeover

The French Ligue 1 club Le Havre AC are set for a takeover, according to French football publication Foot Mercato.

Although the identity of Le Havre’s prospective new owners has not been revealed, Foot Mercato reports that the club’s ownership have held talks with US organisation Blue Crow Sports Group.

The Houston-based group’s multi-club portfolio also includes Mexican team Cancun FC, Spanish side CD Leganes, Dubai Elite Falcon FC, and Czech club MFK Vyskov.

Le Havre have reportedly received interest from multiple parties.

Financial issues

The takeover comes ahead of the club’s meeting with France’s National Direction for Management Control (DNCG), which is slated for today, amid the team’s debt of €15 million.

Le Havre have received interest from multiple parties.

HSV are debt free ahead of Bundesliga return

Newly promoted Bundesliga side Hamburger SV are debt free for the first time in the club’s history, according to CFO Eric Huwer.

Speaking at HSV’s general meeting on Saturday 21st June, Huwer declared: "Net financial liabilities amount to zero at the end of this fiscal year. For the first time in documented history known to me, HSV is thus debt-free and self-determined.”

HSV have reduced debt liabilities by around €75 million over the past seven to eight years. The repayment of HSV’s stadium loan in 2024, which was due in 2026, was a key factor in the club’s financial results, which have been positive for the last four successive years.

Must capitalise on “momentum”

“We face major challenges, both in terms of sport and infrastructure,” Huber said.

“But we now have the foundation to invest sustainably - in our stadium, in our structures, and in a team that represents HSV. Promotion gives us momentum, but we remain vigilant. Now the real work begins.”

Premier League seeking clarification on Todd Boehly’s ties to Vivid Seats

The Premier League has contacted Chelsea, seeking clarification on co-owner Todd Boehly’s involvement with Vivid Seats, according to UK media.

The US businessman, who led a £4.25 billion takeover of the club with Clearlake Capital in 2022, is also a director and investor in Vivid, which has been listed by the English top flight as an ‘unauthorised ticket website’.

The ticketing platform allows users based outside of the UK to by and sell tickets, often at inflated rates. During the 2024/25 season, Chelsea home tickets were being sold on Vivid for up to £20,000.

Fans concerned

In March, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust called on the Premier League to “act and investigate” Boehly over his connection to Vivid, in an open letter addressed to CEO Richard Masters.

The trust cited the 51-year-old’s involvement as a “breach of trust” and “a clear conflict of interest”.

Gareth Bale linked with Cardiff City takeover

Former Real Madrid and Wales player Gareth Bale is leading a consortium to buy Cardiff City, The Athletic has reported.

In May, the group sent a letter of intent to Cardiff’s current owner Vincent Tan, stating their interest in acquiring the League One side.

Although this initial approach was rejected, Cardiff-born Bale remains interested in investing in the club.

‘not involved’ in Plymouth takeover

Recently, the 35-year-old was linked with a US consortium looking to purchase Championship club Plymouth Argyle. However, Bale is not involved in the proposed takeover.

Towards the end of Bale’s playing career in 2022, Carfiff emerged as a potential destination for the winger after his departure from Real Madrid, before he opted to join MLS’ LAFC.