John Textor and Brazilian club Botafogo have announced plans to take legal action against Olympique Lyon to recover what they describe as unpaid sums.

In a statement, Botafogo said it would initiate proceedings against Lyon, as well as Eagle Football Holdings, the ownership group previously led by Textor. The club said the action relates to financial obligations it claims remain outstanding.

The dispute centres on alleged transfers involving Botafogo players in July 2024. Botafogo said it is seeking to “recuperate the amounts owed” through the courts.

Transfer dispute

The case refers to transactions involving players including Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus, who were initially expected to join Lyon. However, both players ultimately moved to other clubs, with the transfers not registered by the French Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP).

Textor, who oversaw Lyon between May 2023 and June 2025, has also argued that Botafogo contributed financially to cover losses at the French club. The legal proceedings are expected to focus on the financial flows between the clubs and the validity of the disputed transactions.

CAS confirm Senegal appeal against AFCON title decision

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) have confirmed they will hear an appeal from Senegal seeking to overturn the decision to strip them of their Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled on 17 March that Morocco were to be awarded the title, two months after the final, following Senegal’s withdrawal from the pitch during the match.

CAF declared Morocco 3-0 winners of the final played on 18 January, ending a 49-year wait for their second continental title. CAS director general Matthieu Reeb said: “CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute… we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible.”

Arbitration process under way

Senegal’s appeal aims to annul CAF’s ruling and reinstate their original victory, with the case now moving into formal arbitration procedures under CAS oversight.

Senegal have been given 20 days to submit their legal arguments, while CAF will have a further 20 days to file their defence before an arbitral panel reviews the case.

Rangers plan £16m share issue to fund squad investment

Rangers are planning to raise £16 million through a new share issue to fund investment in the men’s first team, according to a club statement.

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh said the offering will be backed by his consortium and existing shareholders, with proceeds allocated towards player acquisitions and wider club requirements.

In a letter to supporters, Cavenagh said the consortium’s total investment since taking control in summer 2025 has reached £36 million, outlining the club’s continued reliance on shareholder funding to support football operations.

The share issue will be made available to existing investors, with details of the offer and required approvals to be circulated, including a minimum subscription threshold for participation.

No plan to replace sporting director

Cavenagh also said Rangers will not replace former sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who left alongside former chief executive Patrick Stewart in November: “We do not plan to hire a sporting director. The executive team is committed to being smaller, nimbler, and more entrepreneurial.”

Season ticket prices for adults will increase by 6.5 per cent, with the club citing rising operating costs including wages, agent fees and matchday expenses, and stating that increased revenue is required to maintain spending on the squad.

FA resists Manchester United push for new Old Trafford as 2035 Women's World Cup final venue

The English Football Association is resisting efforts by Manchester United to have a rebuilt Old Trafford host the 2035 Women’s World Cup final, maintaining its preference for Wembley Stadium.

According to The Guardian, the FA named Wembley as the proposed final venue in its bid submission to FIFA last November and does not intend to revise that position, even if United complete a new 100,000-seat stadium in time.

The final decision rests with FIFA, but it would be unusual for the governing body to override the host association’s preference. The FA is leading a joint bid from the home nations to stage the tournament.

United targets 2035 final

Collette Roche, leading Manchester United’s stadium development, said: "if we could pull that off, that would be incredible,” referencing ambitions also backed by Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

“We’ve not named a date for opening, but we are on track within those timescales,” she said.

Real Madrid to convert Bernabéu pitch into tennis courts for Madrid Open

Real Madrid are preparing to transform the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium into tennis courts during the upcoming Madrid Open, according to Marca.

The stadium will be used as a training facility for players between 23 and 30 April, during the tournament, which begins on 20 April.

The initiative takes advantage of the stadium’s retractable pitch system, installed as part of the recent redevelopment completed in 2023. The surface can be removed and stored underground, allowing alternative sporting infrastructure to be built on top.

Madrid are scheduled to play away matches during this period, including league fixtures against Real Betis, Espanyol and Barcelona, enabling the venue to be repurposed without disrupting fixtures.

Multi-use strategy

The redevelopment of the Bernabéu was designed to expand non-football revenues by hosting external events. The venue has already staged concerts and an NFL game since reopening.

Club president Florentino Pérez has previously expressed interest in hosting tennis events at the stadium.

RC Lens have criticised Paris Saint-Germain’s proposal to postpone their Ligue 1 meeting on 11 April, saying the move would disadvantage them as both clubs contest the title.

The second-placed club said PSG’s request, made to allow more preparation time for their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, would disrupt their schedule and create an uneven competitive balance.

In a statement, Lens said a rearrangement would leave them facing a 15-day gap followed by a run of matches every three days, adding it would force “the team with the tenth highest budget to adapt to the demands of the most powerful”.

Scheduling dispute

PSG have asked the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) to reschedule the fixture, arguing that progress in European competitions benefits French football through improved Uefa coefficient rankings and potential additional European places.

Lens said the request reflected a wider concern that domestic competition risks being adjusted to suit clubs involved in Europe, describing such an approach as inconsistent with sporting fairness.

Manchester United stadium executive questions 2030/31 opening timeline

Manchester United’s stadium development chief has indicated the club are unlikely to open their proposed new ground before the start of the 2030/31 season.

Collette Roche, the club’s CEO of stadium development, said preparatory work has yet to be completed and could delay the start of construction. United had previously outlined a potential five-year build period when unveiling plans for the 100,000-capacity project in 2025.

Speaking on the club’s ‘Inside Carrington’ podcast, Roche said the timeline depends on when construction begins, adding: “It does take one or two years to get ready for construction … we’ve not named a date for opening.”

Land and financing remain unresolved

The project requires the acquisition of land to the west of Old Trafford, currently occupied by a rail freight terminal, with negotiations ongoing between the club and existing landowners.

United are also yet to finalise financing for the development, which is expected to cost around £2 billion. The club have said the stadium itself will not be publicly funded, while discussions with potential investors remain ongoing.

UEFA rejects English clubs’ request to expand Champions League squads

UEFA has rejected requests from English clubs to increase Champions League squad sizes from 25 players to 28, following opposition from Spanish counterparts.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting of UEFA’s club competitions committee but was not advanced to the executive committee, which is due to meet before the Europa League final in Istanbul on 20 May.

According to The Guardian, the committee failed to reach agreement, with representatives from Atlético Madrid, Sevilla and Real Sociedad opposing the change. Concerns were raised that larger squads would allow Premier League clubs to strengthen further due to greater financial resources.

Expanded format increases match load

Squad sizes have remained unchanged for nearly two decades, but some Premier League clubs argued for an increase to reflect the expanded competition format and to help manage player workload and injuries.

The Champions League now features a 36-team league phase, increasing the number of matches played, including additional fixtures for clubs that do not finish in the top eight and must compete in a January play-off round.

Czech FA probe leads to police investigation into 47 match-fixing cases

Czech Republic police have opened a criminal investigation after the national football association identified 47 suspected cases of bribery and match-fixing.

The Football Association of the Czech Republic (FACR) said disciplinary proceedings had been launched against clubs, officials, referees and players, with most individuals provisionally suspended from competitive activity.

Chief state prosecutor Radim Dragoun said authorities were conducting searches and questioning individuals across multiple locations, adding the case concerns alleged “corruption and fraudulent conduct in connection with betting on sports matches”.

Investigation expands across multiple jurisdictions

Dragoun said proceedings are taking place both within the country and abroad, with several suspects detained as part of the operation.

FACR Ethics Commission chairman Martin Holub said: “The initiation of these disciplinary proceedings … was only possible thanks to the excellent internal work of Integrity Officer Kamil Javurek and the above-standard cooperation with the Police of the Czech Republic,” while sports minister Boris Stastny said UEFA’s anti match-fixing unit is involved.

Around 2 million people in France are watching Ligue 1 matches through illegal streams, according to figures presented by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) on Monday.

The data, based on an Ipsos study commissioned by the LFP and LFP Media, indicate that 35 per cent of the country’s 9.9 million football fans regularly consume pirated football content. Among those, 59 per cent watch Ligue 1 matches illegally, making it the most pirated competition domestically, as reported by L’Equipe.

Douglas Lowenstein, legal director at LFP Media, said the issue represents “a lack of revenue amounting to hundreds of millions of euros for Ligue 1+”, adding that roughly one in five fans refuse to pay for football broadcasts.

Enforcement efforts

French authorities have recently taken action against piracy providers and users. The public prosecutor in French city Arras sanctioned several illegal service providers as well as around 20 individual users last week.

Those users received fines ranging from €300 to €400, targeting end consumers rather than distributors.
 

Cagliari owner links majority sale to stadium project

Cagliari could undergo a change in control before the end of May, with president Tommaso Giulini stating that new investors may take a majority stake if plans for a new stadium progress.

The club’s current structure sees Fluorsid, controlled by the Giulini family, holding around 55 per cent, while Cagliari 1920 LP, led by Maurizio Fiori and backed by international partners, owns approximately 45 per cent after initially acquiring a 20 per cent minority stake in November.

Speaking on Monday, Giulini said: “The ownership situation is very simple… if the stadium project moves forward, they could move into a majority”, confirming that the investors’ stake could increase depending on the development.

Phased deal

As reported by Calcio e Finanza, documents from a 10 February shareholders’ meeting outline a structure allowing Cagliari 1920 LP to rise to between 80 and 90 per cent by 31 May 2026.

The process includes an initial move to 50 per cent and governance changes, followed by a potential “Third Closing” in which shares are transferred from Fluorsid, enabling the investors to secure control if completed within the deadline.
 

Borussia Dortmund appoint Ole Book as new sporting director

Borussia Dortmund have appointed Ole Book as their new sporting director, with the 40-year-old set to begin his role on Wednesday. The Bundesliga club confirmed the appointment on Monday, with Book signing a contract until 2029.

He joins from 2. Bundesliga side SV Elversberg, where he had been serving as sporting director and later sporting board member.

Sport managing director Lars Ricken said Book had long been identified as the preferred candidate. “With Ole Book we have been able to bring our desired candidate for the position of sporting director to Borussia Dortmund,” he said, citing his work in squad building and recruitment.

Book will take over following the club’s decision to part ways with Sebastian Kehl, a move confirmed on Sunday after internal discussions.

Transition in Elversberg

At Elversberg, Book oversaw the club’s rise from the regional leagues to the 2. Bundesliga and played a central role in recruitment strategy.

David Blacha will assume responsibility for sporting matters at Elversberg on an interim basis. The 35-year-old has been working in the club’s scouting and squad planning structure and is expected to oversee ongoing preparations in the short term.
 

River Plate secure $100 million financing for stadium redevelopment project

River Plate have secured approval for up to $100 million in international financing to fund infrastructure projects and the expansion of the Estadio Mâs Monumental, the club have announced.

The financing will be structured with BID Invest and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), which will each contribute equal shares. The agreement has a 10-year term, including a three-year grace period before repayments begin.

River Plate said the funds will support expansion works at the stadium, as well as developments at the River Plate Institute and the Casa River youth residence.

Expansion plans

The club first outlined plans in January to expand the stadium to a capacity of 101,000, from around 85,000, with the project expected to take three years and cost more than $100 million.

River Plate said the redevelopment will be funded through a combination of long-term debt and increased revenues generated by the upgraded venue, including ticketing, concerts and a proposed naming rights agreement beyond its current deal, which runs until 2029.

The Premier League are set to amend their new squad cost ratio rules before their introduction next season, allowing clubs greater flexibility in transfer spending.

Under the rules approved in November, clubs will be limited to spending 85 per cent of their revenue on player wages, transfers and agent fees. Breaches would trigger a financial levy redistributed to other clubs, while spending at 115 per cent of revenue would result in a six-point deduction.

According to The Guardian, clubs have now backed an amendment enabling unused spending capacity to be carried forward. Teams that remain below the 85 per cent threshold for two consecutive seasons would be permitted to roll over up to 10 per cent into a third year without incurring a penalty.

Clubs support rollover mechanism

The proposal was put forward by Brighton at a shareholders’ meeting before Christmas, with a working group subsequently formed to review the rules. The Premier League briefed clubs on its findings this week, and no opposition to the amendment was raised.

The revised mechanism, described by the league as a levy offset, is expected to be approved by a formal vote before the end of the season. The 10 per cent cap is intended to limit any competitive advantage for clubs also subject to UEFA’s 70 per cent squad cost ratio threshold.

 

Liverpool owner FSG abandon plans to acquire second football club

Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group have shelved plans to acquire a second football club, abandoning efforts to establish a multi-club ownership model.

The US-based group had been exploring opportunities since 2024, when Michael Edwards returned as chief executive of football. Analysis was carried out on around 25 clubs, with a focus on markets in Spain, Portugal and France.

According to The Athletic, FSG examined potential deals involving Bordeaux, Malaga and Getafe, and also considered taking a minority stake of less than 30 per cent in Monaco in early 2025 alongside another investor group, but opted not to proceed with any transaction.

Multi-club strategy dropped

Senior sources cited said the plans have now been dropped, with no immediate intention to revisit the strategy despite earlier internal backing for expansion.

When Edwards rejoined the organisation, FSG president Mike Gordon told staff that acquiring another club had been identified as a route to strengthen operations.

 

FIFA projects over $14 billion revenue for 2027–2030 cycle

FIFA has projected revenues of more than $14 billion for the 2027–2030 financial cycle, following updated financial results for 2025.

The governing body reported revenue of $2.66 billion for 2025, exceeding its internal target by $225 million, equivalent to nine per cent. FIFA attributed the increase largely to the first expanded edition of its Club World Cup.

Revenue from that tournament reached $2.13 billion, six per cent above projections, supported primarily by a $1 billion global broadcast rights agreement with streaming platform DAZN.

Club World Cup drives revenue growth

Sponsorship revenue from the tournament totalled $669m, while hospitality and ticketing contributed $411 million.

Looking ahead, FIFA expects the men’s 2026 World Cup to further increase revenue. 93 per cent of FIFA's $13 billion target for the 2023–2026 cycle has already been secured, underpinning its forecast of record income in the following cycle.

 

Borussia Dortmund and sporting director Sebastian Kehl part ways

Borussia Dortmund have announced the immediate departure of sporting director Sebastian Kehl, ending his tenure in the role after nearly four years. The club confirmed the decision on Sunday, one day after their 3–2 home win against Hamburger SV.

Kehl, 46, had served as head of the licensed player department since 2018 before being promoted to sporting director in 2022. The club said the decision followed internal discussions about planned changes ahead of the summer.

Sport managing director Lars Ricken said in a club statement: “In a very open discussion … we came to the shared conclusion that summer would be the right time for changes.” He added that both parties agreed to bring the arrangement to an immediate end to allow for preparation.

Ahead of summer window

The announcement comes despite Kehl having remained in post after Ricken was appointed as Watzke’s successor in 2024. Kehl had been considered for that position but was ultimately overlooked.

Kehl, a former Dortmund captain, said the decision was mutual and described his long association with the club as a defining part of his career. He added that the groundwork for the club’s future had been laid and wished Dortmund success in their next phase.

Olympique Lyon are being sued for $63 million in a London claim connected to the financing of a transfer involving Igor Jesus, Bloomberg reports. The action has been brought by PRPF LLC, linked to lender MC Credit Partners.

The dispute stems from a revised agreement tied to a proposed transfer from Brazilian side Botafogo, another club within Eagle Football Holdings. Lyon are alleged to have missed a scheduled payment due in November, leading to the claim.

According to court filings, the total includes $43.1 million in principal, alongside fees and interest charges.

Multi-club model under focus

Lyon and Botafogo are both controlled by Eagle Football Holdings, founded by John Textor, with the group facing financial pressure across its operations. Lyon have also been dealing with regulatory scrutiny over their financial position.

The case highlights the growing use of transfer-related receivables as financing tools within football, with lenders and regulators assessing risks linked to multi-club ownership structures.

UK government offers Abramovich meeting over £2.35 billion Chelsea funds

The UK government has offered to meet Roman Abramovich to seek agreement on releasing £2.35 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC to charity, despite having set a deadline this week for compliance or potential legal action.

According to The Times, Treasury officials have contacted Abramovich’s representatives through lawyers, but no agreement has been reached.

The government maintains the funds must be spent entirely within Ukraine, while Abramovich wants the money to support all victims of the war.

Stalemate continues

The proceeds remain frozen in an account linked to Abramovich’s company Fordstam Ltd, nearly four years after the club was sold. Abramovich’s representatives argue that legal action would not succeed and that his proposed terms should be accepted.

Fordstam’s latest accounts state that Abramovich is obliged to donate £987 million in net proceeds rather than the full £2.35 billion.

European clubs call for Champions League draw rule change

A number of European clubs have called for a change to Champions League regulations to allow teams from the same country to face each other in the league phase, according to the BBC.

The proposal relates to the current format introduced for the 2024/25 season, which prevents clubs from the same domestic league meeting during the opening eight-match phase before restrictions are lifted for the knockout rounds.

Concerns have been raised that the rule increases the likelihood of more difficult fixtures for non-English sides, with several clubs required to face Premier League opponents.

Clubs divided

The issue has been linked to the growing number of English teams in the competition, with three placed in Pot 1 this season, leading to additional draw constraints for other clubs.

Some clubs support removing country protection earlier in the tournament, while others favour extending it into the knockout rounds after recent domestic match-ups, including Paris St-Germain facing Monaco and Brest.

DNCG approved Red Star FC sale after limited checks on 777 Partners

France’s football financial regulator, the DNCG, carried out only limited due diligence before approving the sale of Red Star FC to US investment firm 777 Partners in 2022, according to newly released documents.

The material was obtained by supporters group Red Star Bauer Collective after a legal process lasting nearly four years, following an initial request to the French Football Federation in May 2022. The documents were only disclosed in February 2026 despite earlier court rulings in favour of release.

They indicate that the DNCG performed what the group describes as a superficial review of 777 Partners’ financial position and legal standing before authorising the takeover from then owner Patrice Haddad. “The documents show French clubs remain vulnerable to toxic buyers,” the collective said.

777 Partners fallout

777 Partners has since entered bankruptcy proceedings, with several executives facing legal action in the United States after the Red Star transaction had been completed.

Co-founder Josh Wander has been indicted in a case involving alleged fraud of $500m, including charges of wire fraud, securities fraud and conspiracy, each carrying potential prison sentences of up to 20 years.

UEFA consider direct-to-consumer Champions League streaming service

UEFA are exploring plans to launch a direct-to-consumer streaming service for Champions League matches in the next broadcast cycle, according to The Guardian.

Discussions remain at an early stage, with no decision taken on pricing or structure, and the governing body is assessing whether a dedicated platform could be introduced from the 2027–2031 rights period.

A trial is being considered in selected markets, potentially in Asia, through UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC), which manages commercial rights. One person familiar with the discussions said the aim is to test whether the model can operate alongside existing broadcast agreements.

Streaming plans tied to broader strategy

The proposal follows moves by domestic leagues to expand direct distribution, with the Premier League preparing to introduce its own app-based service in Singapore ahead of next season.

UEFA’s approach to digital distribution has also been part of wider discussions with clubs, including Real Madrid, as part of an agreement last month to settle disputes linked to the European Super League project and to explore the use of technology to deliver competitions.

LaLiga clubs increased total revenue by 8.1 per cent to €5.5 billion in 2024/25, with executives projecting continued growth towards €6 billion within the next three seasons, according to the league’s latest financial report.

The competition expects revenue to exceed €5.7 billion in 2025/26, with the €6 billion mark forecast for 2027/28. Aggregate pre-tax losses across the top two divisions narrowed from €356 million to €70 million. Javier Gómez, LaLiga’s corporate general director, said the figures point to a more stable system reflecting improved cost control.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas warned that financial regulations in the Premier League could increase salary pressure across European football and weaken cost discipline in other leagues. “It will create a bubble that will drag the rest of competitions,” Tebas said.

Commercial and matchday revenue

Commercial income rose 22.5 per cent to €1.6 billion, while matchday revenue increased 26 per cent to €902 million, supported by higher attendances and expanded hospitality offerings. Total attendance surpassed 17 million across the top two tiers.

Player wage and amortisation costs remained broadly stable at €2.9 billion, equivalent to around 60 per cent of revenue.
 

Manchester United target 2027 planning submission for new stadium

Manchester United are aiming to submit a planning application for their new 100,000-seat stadium within the next 12 to 18 months, as part of plans to redevelop the area around Old Trafford.

The club are in discussions to secure land adjacent to the current stadium, where a rail freight terminal is located, after a valuation gap emerged between the parties. United have offered about £50 million, while the site’s owner, Brookfield, has valued it closer to £400 million due to relocation costs, according to The Times.

Collette Roche, chief executive of the stadium development project, said progress was being made towards a potential agreement, stating: “Within the next couple of months we should be there or thereabouts on the land assembly.”

Development timeline

Roche said the project would move into a detailed design phase lasting around seven months before a planning strategy is finalised, with the application expected to follow within 12 to 18 months.

She added that discussions are ongoing with local authorities regarding housing and wider regeneration, while the club has begun engaging potential construction partners as it works towards a target completion date of 2030.
 

Senegal to appeal CAF decision after Morocco awarded AFCON title

Senegal are set to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned their Africa Cup of Nations final win and awarded the title to Morocco.

CAF’s appeal board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match after players left the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision, despite the game later being completed and won 1-0 by Senegal.

The Senegalese federation said it would challenge the decision in Lausanne, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented, unacceptable”, and adding that it damages the reputation of African football.

Match forfeiture ruling

CAF cited tournament regulations stating that a team which leaves the field without the referee’s authorisation must forfeit the match, awarding a 3-0 result to Morocco.

Senegal maintain that the referee allowed play to resume and argue that the application of the rules is incorrect.
 

Senior executives at a few Premier League clubs have contacted competition officials to question why Chelsea were not given a points deduction after admitting to making £47 million in undisclosed payments.

According to Daily Mail Sport, club figures have sought clarity from chair Alison Brittain on the decision, which resulted in a £10.75 million fine and a suspended transfer ban.

Emotions among clubs ranged “from exasperation to disbelief” following confirmation of the sanctions, with concerns also raised by supporters of Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City, all of whom have faced points deductions for financial breaches.

Chelsea's breaches

Chelsea’s current owners reported the breaches after their takeover, relating to at least 36 payments made between 2011 and 2018 via offshore entities linked to former owner Roman Abramovich, involving transfers and agreements with players, agents and staff.

Chelsea have been banned from signing academy players from Premier League or EFL clubs for nine months following self-reported breaches of youth development rules between 2019 and 2022. Premier League clubs will meet on Thursday for a regular shareholders’ meeting; however, the issue is not expected to be discussed publicly.
 

Premier League clubs push for UEFA revenue share in EFL funding talks

Mid-ranking Premier League clubs are lobbying for a share of UEFA competition income to help fund a new financial settlement with the English Football League, as negotiations over the “New Deal for Football” remain unresolved.

Talks have been paused since midway through last season after clubs failed to back a proposed £880 million agreement covering six years. The Independent Football Regulator has since been tasked with reviving discussions and holds powers to impose a settlement if no agreement is reached.

According to The Guardian, divisions persist over how any deal should be financed, with some clubs warning against relying solely on the Premier League’s broadcasting revenue: “If that’s the case then a disproportionate burden will fall on the smaller clubs, who in effect will be funding their direct rivals in the EFL,” one senior club source said.

Champions League revenue

Clubs involved in the Champions League are set to receive more than £600 million combined this season, with several earning over £80 million for reaching the last 16.

Similar systems, including the redistribution of broadcasting revenue from UEFA competitions, already operate in a number of European leagues.
 

Sunderland report £4 million loss despite revenue growth and record sale

Sunderland have reported a loss of £4 million for the 2024/25 financial year ending 31 July, during which they were promoted to the Premier League after a play-off final win against Sheffield United.

Across the year, Sunderland increased revenue by five per cent to £40.3 million, driven mainly by higher matchday and broadcasting income, which reached £13.3 million and £12 million respectively.

The rise in revenue was outpaced by an increase in wages, which grew by 71 per cent from £31.4 million to £53.8 million. According to the financial report, this increase was partly due to promotion bonuses across the club.

Sunderland also spent £148.3 million on player additions, largely due to completing six permanent transfers in July 2025 following promotion. As a result, player amortisation rose from £4 million to £10.4 million.

Operating loss and record sale

Due to higher wage and amortisation costs, Sunderland recorded an operating loss of £47 million. Wages and amortisation totalled 159 per cent of revenue.

However, a club-record sale of Jobe Bellingham for a reported initial fee of £27.8 million, along with the sales of Jack Clarke to Ipswich and Tom Watson to Brighton during the financial year, offset most of the operating loss.
 

Football regulator to promote investment and introduce club stress tests

The chief executive of English football’s independent regulator has said the new regime will attract investors while introducing financial stress testing for clubs, as reported by The Athletic.

Richard Monks said the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) would improve transparency around club finances and governance, arguing this would make investments easier to assess rather than deter potential owners. He added that clubs would still be free to spend, provided safeguards are in place to protect them if funding is withdrawn.

“It’s a positive for investment… I think it will attract the right sort of investment, as opposed to turning off investment," Monks said and added that compliance costs would be limited and described the approach as “common sense", as the regulator prepares to implement its core framework.

Licensing system

The IFR has launched a second consultation on its proposed licensing regime, which will apply to clubs across the top five tiers of English men’s football from the 2027/28 season.

Clubs will need to secure a provisional licence before being granted a full three-year licence, based on requirements including financial planning, governance standards and fan engagement, with additional measures such as cash reserves and stress testing aimed at improving financial resilience.
 

Ariel Investments seeks $1 billion for women’s sports fund

Ariel Investments are seeking to raise $1 billion through a dedicated vehicle targeting women’s sport, as the US-based asset manager expands its presence in the sector. The initiative, known as Project Level, will focus on investments across teams, leagues, youth sports and related businesses.

The fund manager, which oversees $14.3 billion in assets, has already secured an initial $250 million and is targeting a second close in the second quarter of 2026, according to Sportico. The vehicle is positioned to deploy capital across multiple segments within the women’s sports ecosystem.

Project Level already holds stakes in NWSL side Denver Summit. Jason Wright, a former National Football League player and ex-president of the Washington Commanders, leads the initiative’s investment strategy.

Growth in franchise valuations

Valuations in the National Women’s Soccer League have increased by 77 per cent since 2024, with the combined value of its 16 teams reaching $2.6 billion.

Ariel Investments are positioning Project Level to become one of the largest dedicated funds in the segment, led by co-chief executive Mellody Hobson, who oversees the firm’s involvement in the strategy.

Chelsea have been given a suspended one-year ban from signing first-team players and fined £10 million by the Premier League after the club admitted breaches of financial rules during Roman Abramovich’s ownership. The sanction relates to payments connected to transfers between 2011 and 2018 that were not fully disclosed in financial reporting.

The transfer ban will be suspended for two years, meaning Chelsea can continue registering senior players provided there are no further rule breaches during that period. The Premier League did not impose a sporting sanction, such as a points deduction, as part of the settlement.

The settlement agreement published by the Premier League states that the breaches involved payments exceeding £23 million to seven unregistered agents or associated entities in relation to the transfers of Eden Hazard, Ramires, David Luiz, Andre Schurrle, Nemanja Matic, Willian and Samuel Eto’o. In total, £47.5 million was paid to 12 individuals or companies connected to those deals.

Academy and FA sanctions

Chelsea have also been banned from registering academy players for nine months if those players were previously registered with another Premier League or English Football League academy. The restriction does not apply to current academy players, international youth players or those registering for the first time at Under-9 level.

The Premier League said Chelsea’s decision to self-report the historical breaches and cooperate with the investigation was taken into account in the sanction. The fine could have been £20 million and the transfer ban two windows if the club had not voluntarily disclosed the information.

According to The Times, the English Football Association (FA), which last year raised 74 alleged rule breaches, are expected to follow the Premier League’s verdict and also impose a heavy fine, expected to be within the same range as the Premier League’s. A sporting sanction is not anticipated.
 

Laporta re-elected as FC Barcelona president with 68 per cent of votes

Joan Laporta has been re-elected as president of FC Barcelona after receiving 68.2 per cent of the votes in the club’s latest presidential election.

A total of 32,934 members backed Laporta, while Víctor Font received 14,385 votes, representing 29.8 per cent.

The result means Laporta will remain president until 2031. He previously led the club between 2003 and 2010 and has held the position again since 2021. In a statement released by FC Barcelona, Laporta said: “This result is resounding and gives us a lot of strength; it makes us unstoppable. Nobody will stop us.”

Low participation

Turnout in the election reached 42.3 per cent of eligible members, with 48,480 people casting a ballot. According to 2Playbook, this represents the second-lowest participation level in the club’s electoral history.

Víctor Font acknowledged the result and said he would continue advocating for his vision for the club.
 

Boca Juniors unveil plan to expand home ground capacity to 80,000

Boca Juniors have unveiled plans to redevelop their La Bombonera stadium, increasing capacity from about 57,000 to 80,000 seats as part of a project preserving the ground’s existing location and structure. The club outlined the proposal in an executive summary released last week.

The redevelopment has a reported cost between $50 million and $60 million and represent the largest modification to the stadium since it opened in 1940. The project would add new seating tiers and hospitality areas.

Boca president Juan Román Riquelme said the club had sought a solution that would expand capacity without relocating the ground or acquiring nearby housing.

Capacity pressures

Fewer than half of Boca Juniors' roughly 126,000 active members can currently attend matches at La Bombonera because of the stadium’s limited capacity. Demand for tickets has long exceeded supply, prompting repeated debate about expansion.

The redevelopment would require the pitch to be moved about four metres within the existing structure and could force the club to stage home matches elsewhere during construction. The club expect work to begin during the upcoming World Cup and last around two years.
 

Several Liga F clubs negotiating investment from external funds

Several clubs in Liga F are in talks with investment funds over potential capital injections, as external investors increase their interest in Spain’s top women’s football competition.

The development follows the recent entry of Mercury13 into Spanish women’s football through the acquisition of a majority stake in FC Badalona Women.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Liga F chief executive Pablo Vilches said discussions between investors and clubs are ongoing. “There is interest from more funds with different clubs,” he said, adding that further capital injections into teams in the competition “cannot be ruled out”.

Supporting development and stability

Vilches had previously suggested that clubs in the competition would open their capital to external investors as the league develops commercially.

Vilches said the entry of investors such as Mercury13 could support club development and provide greater financial stability.

European Leagues have called for a new revenue redistribution model in European club football, warning that growing international competition income is widening financial gaps and weakening domestic leagues.

Speaking at the organisation’s general assembly in Sofia, chair Claudius Schäfer said international football revenues are growing significantly faster than domestic league revenues, creating what he described as an “ongoing process of cannibalisation of domestic league value”.

With a new rights cycle approaching and the prospect of an expanded Club World Cup, Schäfer said addressing financial polarisation has become the leagues’ main strategic priority.

Redistribution debate

Schäfer said financial polarisation is increasingly translating into sporting imbalance across European football.

“We have financial polarisation that leads the sporting polarisation. In the end, it is a problem for competitive balance,” he said.

European Leagues plan to develop their own redistribution proposal ahead of discussions with UEFA and the European Club Football (EFC) body, where Europe’s largest clubs are likely to resist any reduction in their share of international competition revenues.

 

Tebas calls for governance reforms in French football

La Liga president Javier Tebas has criticised the governance of French professional football, arguing that the country’s league authorities must “start by cleaning house” amid the ongoing crisis surrounding Ligue 1’s broadcast rights.

Speaking to Le Figaro, Tebas said the French Professional Football League (LFP) had “no other solution” than launching its Ligue 1+ platform following failed negotiations with broadcasters. However, he warned the project had been launched too quickly and now faces two possible outcomes: either achieving financial viability that meets clubs’ expectations or eventually being acquired by a broadcaster.

The Spanish executive also argued that deeper structural problems lie behind the crisis, calling for governance reforms at the top of French football. Tebas said changes were needed to improve governance rules, avoid conflicts of interest and revisit several strategic decisions taken in recent years.

Governance criticisms

Among the measures he criticised were the reduction of Ligue 1 to 18 clubs and the distribution model for international media rights, which currently allocates revenue only to clubs competing in European competitions.

LFP president Vincent Labrune rejected the intervention, telling Le Figaro that the governance of French football “does not concern Mr Tebas”, while adding that the Spanish executive should instead focus on addressing recurring racist incidents in Spanish stadiums.

 

Rome assembly approval moves Roma closer to new Pietralata stadium

Rome’s city assembly have approved the technical and economic feasibility plan for AS Roma’s proposed new stadium in Pietralata, marking another step towards realising the club’s long-running plans for a new ground. The resolution passed with 39 votes in favour, five abstentions and none against.

Urban planning councillor Maurizio Veloccia said the vote concludes the political authorisation process, leaving a technical phase including a services conference and environmental impact assessment before construction can begin.

Veloccia said he hopes the foundation stone could be laid in early 2027. The project is also included in Italy’s dossier for UEFA Euro 2032, although a completion date has not been confirmed.

€1.5 billion project

Rome’s city government had earlier approved a resolution confirming that the project’s technical and economic feasibility plan complies with conditions set out in the public interest declaration issued in May 2023.

The €1.5 billion project covers 27 hectares in Pietralata and includes a 60,605-seat stadium alongside public spaces, retail and hospitality facilities.

Tottenham Hotspur chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has criticised the club’s previous wage structure and player investment strategy under former chairman Daniel Levy, saying the approach weakened Spurs’ competitiveness in the transfer market, as reported by The Telegraph.

In a summary of discussions from a recent meeting with the club’s Fan Advisory Board, Venkatesham said an internal review had identified the wage framework and player transaction model implemented during Levy’s tenure as factors that had limited the club’s ability to strengthen the men’s squad.

He also warned that the club have been loss-making for several years, meaning future squad investment will depend partly on increasing player sales alongside revenue growth in order to remain within financial regulations.

Wage model removed

Venkatesham told supporters that Tottenham have now removed the wage structure introduced during Levy’s time in charge as part of wider changes to the club’s governance and football operations.

When approached by The Telegraph, Daniel Levy declined to respond to the criticism raised by Vinai Venkatesham. People close to the former chairman, however, disputed the claims and highlighted that Tottenham qualified for a European competition in 18 of his 20 seasons in charge of the club.
 

Apollo inject €100 million into Atletico Madrid and appoint David Villa to board

Apollo Global Management have invested €100 million into Atletico Madrid after formally completing the acquisition of a 55 per cent stake in the LaLiga club, according to a club statement.

The transaction also triggers changes to Atletico’s board, which will expand to 11 members. Former Spain international David Villa joins as one of five directors representing Apollo, alongside Robert Givone, Tristram Leach, Sam Porter, Javier Valle and Antonio Vázquez-Guillen.

Chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and president Enrique Cerezo remain on the board but now hold minority stakes of 10 per cent and 3 per cent respectively, as reported by 2Playbook. Quantum Pacific Group become the second-largest shareholder with 25 per cent, while Ares Management retain a five per cent stake.

Sport city funding

Apollo’s investment comes as Atletico progress plans for the Ciudad del Deporte complex, a mixed-use leisure and entertainment development surrounding the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium.

The club said the funding will support the project while maintaining investment in the first team.
 

Report claims Marseille executive filed police incident report after Benatia dispute

A senior Olympique de Marseille executive filed a police incident report following an internal dispute with sporting director Medhi Benatia during the 2024 summer transfer window, according to La Provence.

The outlet reports tensions developed between Benatia and Cécilia Barontini, who had been appointed to help oversee the club’s administration alongside Alban Juster under president Pablo Longoria. Barontini is said to have opposed several sporting decisions, including the signing of Mason Greenwood.

La Provence adds that the disagreement escalated over several weeks and culminated in a confrontation in Longoria’s office at the club’s La Commanderie training centre, after which Barontini recorded an incident report with police.

Marseille reject

Marseille rejected the allegations during a press conference ahead of their Ligue 1 match against Auxerre. Director of communications Bel-Abbès Bouaissi said the club were “extremely shocked” by the report, describing the articles as containing “accusatory” claims and “unfounded insinuations”.

The investigation, based on around 20 anonymous sources, also alleged tensions between Benatia and Greenwood during the season, with the sporting director questioning the forward’s commitment and considering making him available for transfer.