Newcastle United have agreed a three-year front-of-shirt sponsorship agreement with KNOX Hydration worth around £60 million, according to The Athletic. The South African sports drinks company will replace Sela as the club’s main kit partner under a deal running from the 2026/27 season.

The agreement expands KNOX’s existing relationship with Newcastle, having already secured naming rights for the club’s Darsley Park training ground in a separate three-year arrangement due to begin on 1 July. KNOX are paying £6 million per season under that agreement.

For the first year of the shirt sponsorship, KNOX will pay up to £10 million after Newcastle’s new home kit went on sale without a sponsor displayed on the front. Payments are then expected to rise to as much as £25 million annually over the following two seasons, subject to performance-related bonuses.

Additional revenue streams

KNOX are not affiliated with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which owns Newcastle, unlike outgoing sponsor Sela. The club will also work with KNOX on the launch of a club-linked drinks brand intended to generate additional commercial income.

Newcastle believe the combined sponsorship and training-ground agreements represent an increase on their previous arrangement with Sela, which was worth about £22.5 million per year. If all bonuses are achieved, the total value of the KNOX agreements would reach £78 million across the contract period.

13 World Cup nations criticise Ceferin over expansion comments

Thirteen nations competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have criticised UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin over comments they said dismissed the value of matches involving countries that have benefited from the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams.

In a joint statement, the football associations of Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan, DR Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast and South Africa said they were “profoundly disappointed” by remarks attributed to Ceferin about the enlarged competition.

The statement was issued after Ceferin said that the increase from 32 to 48 teams would result in more matches that were “completely uninteresting”. The associations responded: “For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match.”

World Cup expansion debate

The 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, following FIFA’s decision to expand the competition from the 32-team format used since 1998.

The associations said qualification represents a historic achievement for emerging football nations and argued that every team had earned its place on merit.

Lazio need €19.5 million to avoid transfer market restrictions

S.S. Lazio will need to inject €19.5 million in fresh capital or end the summer transfer window with a positive balance after breaching Serie A's extended labour cost ratio threshold, according to a report from by Calcio Finanza.

The club recorded an extended labour cost ratio of 0.822, above the Italian Football Federation's limit of 0.7, which measures the relationship between sporting labour costs and club revenues.

Under the regulations, the club can remove the restrictions through shareholder funding or by generating credits through player sales.

Lazio confirm registration rules

Despite the breach, Lazio said in a statement that they had received confirmation from the independent commission responsible for assessing the ratio and could continue registering players in accordance with Article 90, paragraph 4, letter A of the FIGC's internal regulations.

The club did not comment on the reported €19.5 million requirement or indicate whether owner Claudio Lotito intends to provide additional funding. Lazio can also renew contracts expiring in June 2027.

Juventus FC have appointed Giovanni Carnevali as chief executive and general manager after reaching a mutual agreement with Damien Comolli to end his tenure as CEO and board member, the club announced.

Carnevali was also appointed to the board and will formally take on the role of general manager from 15 June.

Carnevali joins Juventus after a lengthy career in Italian football, most notably with Sassuolo, where he oversaw the club’s development both on and off the pitch. He has also served as a board member of Lega Serie A.

“I'm proud and honoured to join a club with such history and identity,” Carnevali said. He thanked the club, its majority shareholder and John Elkann for their confidence, adding that he would work with the organisation to pursue sustained growth and strengthen Juventus’ position domestically and internationally.

Comolli exits

Meanwhile, Juventus thanked Damien Comolli for his work during his time at the club and wished him success in his future career. The club’s statement said the separation was agreed by both parties and did not provide further details. However, the move follows a disappointing season on the pitch, with Juventus failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

The change comes less than a year after Comolli joined the club. The French executive arrived as general manager in June 2025 and was promoted to chief executive in November.

Manchester United increase long-term debt by $125 million after refinancing

Manchester United have increased their long-term debt by $125 million after refinancing borrowings linked to the Glazer family’s 2005 takeover of the club.

A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission showed that United have refinanced $425 million of senior secured notes due to mature next year. The debt has been replaced with a new facility worth $550 million, extending the repayment date to 2031.

The new borrowing carries an interest rate of 5.36 per cent, compared with 3.79 per cent on the previous notes. According to The Athletic, the higher rate is expected to increase the club’s annual interest costs by about $13.4 million.

Debt burden remains high

The refinanced notes are one of two long-term debt facilities on United’s balance sheet, alongside a $225 million secured term loan. Both stem from Malcolm Glazer’s leveraged buyout of the club in 2005, which loaded substantial debt onto Manchester United.

The SEC filing said the proceeds would be used to repay the existing notes and for “general corporate purposes”. Following the refinancing, United’s total financial debt stands at $976 million, while outstanding transfer liabilities amount to $486 million, with $280 million due within the next 12 months.

Kretinsky to become West Ham’s largest shareholder

Daniel Kretinsky has agreed a deal to increase his stake in West Ham United from 27 per cent to 43 per cent after reaching an agreement with Vanessa Gold to acquire additional shares in the club.

Vanessa Gold inherited her father David Gold’s shareholding following his death in 2023. In a joint statement published by the club, Kretinsky said the move would allow him “to provide the additional financing the club needs” to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

The transaction will make the Czech billionaire the largest shareholder in West Ham, which were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2025/26 season and will compete in the Championship next term.

Regulator reviewing Sullivan situation

The agreement follows the resignation of former chairman David Sullivan, who stepped down while contesting allegations from several women that he abused his position of power in attempts to obtain sexual relationships, in claims dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.

Sullivan retains a 38.8 per cent stake in the club. The Independent Football Regulator is investigating the situation and has powers under its Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime to determine whether individuals remain suitable to hold positions at clubs across the Premier League and English Football League.

FC Barcelona threaten Florentino Perez with legal action

FC Barcelona have initiated legal proceedings against Real Madrid president Florentino Perez over comments he made regarding the Negreira case, according to a statement issued by the club. The club said they have filed a request for conciliation, a legal step that allows Perez to withdraw the remarks before further action is taken.

The club said the filing was made under Article 205 of Spain’s Penal Code and relates to statements Perez made during a press conference on May 12 and in a media interview the following day. Barcelona added that they would pursue a criminal complaint if Perez does not retract the comments.

In the statement, Barcelona said the objective of the action is for Perez to withdraw remarks made “knowing them to be false”, adding that the comments were “slanderous and offensive to the image and reputation of the club”.

Perez comments targeted

Legal action follows comments made by Perez about the investigation into payments totalling €8.4 million made by Barcelona to former Spanish referees committee vice-president Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. Speaking at a press conference in May, Perez described the matter as “the biggest scandal in history”.

Perez also said Real Madrid were preparing a dossier on the case for UEFA and questioned suggestions that the issue should be forgotten.

Barcelona did not specify which remarks form the basis of the filing but said the proceedings relate to statements made on May 12 and May 13.

INEOS sale of OGC Nice collapses ahead of mid-June deadline

INEOS’ proposed sale of OGC Nice to an American investor has fallen through, according to a report from Nice-Matin, despite negotiations advancing ahead of a deadline set by the club’s owners.

The Ligue 1 club has been up for sale for more than a year after INEOS mandated advisory firm Lazard to identify potential buyers. American interest in acquiring Nice had been reported for several months and a deal was understood to be close.

Prospective investors had visited the club’s training ground as discussions progressed. However, Jean-Claude Blanc confirmed on Friday that the transaction would not go ahead. Nice-Matin reported that “financial safety and sporting stability” were not sufficiently assured by the proposed buyers.

Prepare to remain in charge

The collapse of the deal comes after a period of uncertainty on and off the pitch for Nice. The club only secured their place in Ligue 1 for next season at the end of May with a 4-1 victory over AS Saint-Étienne in the promotion/relegation play-off.

INEOS are now preparing on the basis that they will remain Nice’s owners for the 2026/27 season. The group, which also holds a minority stake in Manchester United, remains open to a sale if a new buyer emerges.

Three US investment groups show interest in Torino takeover

Three US-based investment groups have expressed interest in acquiring Torino FC, according to Tuttosport, which reported that the approaches have been collected by Bank of America as part of its work exploring strategic options for the club.

The parties involved are understood to be investment funds and sports-focused holding companies rather than individual investors. They are said to be assessing a possible entry into Italian football through the acquisition of Torino.

Bank of America has gathered the initial expressions of interest, although discussions remain at an early stage.

Valuation gap

The key issue is said to be the difference between the valuation attached to the club by prospective buyers and that sought by president Urbano Cairo.

Potential investors value Torino at less than €200 million, or close to that level, while Cairo is said to value the club well above that mark. The gap is currently viewed as the main hurdle to any more detailed negotiations.

FIFA has agreed a new regulatory framework governing international player transfers and contract breaches after reaching a settlement that ended legal proceedings linked to former footballer Lassana Diarra’s challenge to the governing body’s rules.

The new regulations will come into force on 1 January 2027 and will replace the interim rules that have been in place since January 2025, following the European Court of Justice's ruling in favour of Diarra in late 2024.

The new framework follows discussions involving FIFA, FIFPro, European Football Clubs, the World Leagues Association and UEFA. Under the agreement, international employment relations between players and clubs will be determined through a social dialogue process involving the sport’s recognised stakeholders.

FIFA said the rules introduce a methodology for calculating compensation in cases of contract breaches by either players or clubs. Compensation will be based on objective criteria and the specific circumstances of each case. Parties will also be able to agree compensation clauses in advance, subject to defined safeguards.

New compensation rules

Under the regulations, players will be entitled to receive a share of transfer compensation paid in international moves. Footballers earning less than $150,000 in fixed annual remuneration will receive 5 per cent of the fixed transfer fee, although they may partially waive that entitlement under certain conditions.

The revised rules also strengthen enforcement mechanisms and introduce sanctions for abusive conduct.

FIFA said fines of up to six months’ salary may be imposed on players or clubs in such cases, while its Disciplinary Committee will be able to enforce decisions issued by recognised national dispute resolution chambers if national associations fail to do so within 60 days.
 

FIFA and FIFPro sign governance and player rights agreement

FIFA and global players’ union FIFPro have signed a memorandum of understanding that will give player representatives a formal role in decisions affecting professional football and bring an end to ongoing legal disputes between the organisations.

The agreement introduces a new framework for cooperation on matters including player welfare, employment conditions and the international transfer system. FIFA said the arrangement would strengthen dialogue between football’s governing bodies and player representatives.

As part of the deal, legal proceedings initiated by FIFPro against FIFA will be withdrawn. FIFPro president Sergio Marchi said the agreement was “an important step forward for football”, adding that players should have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their careers.

Player protections expanded

The memorandum includes measures aimed at strengthening protections for players facing contractual and workplace disputes. These include cases involving isolation from first-team training, the withholding of passports and alleged misuse of registration procedures.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the agreement reflected a commitment to dialogue, adding that "It's about unity, about bringing everyone together."
 

Kretinsky weighs move to become West Ham’s majority shareholder

Daniel Kretinsky is considering a transaction that could make him the largest shareholder in West Ham United, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg. The Czech billionaire has held initial discussions about acquiring shares from Vanessa Gold, who inherited her 25.1 per cent stake in the club following the death of her father, David Gold, in 2023.

The talks are one of several options being considered by Kretinsky and remain ongoing. No agreement has been reached and no decision has been made on any potential transaction.

Kretinsky, majority shareholder of Sparta Prague, already owns 27 per cent of West Ham after acquiring part of the stakes held by David Sullivan and David Gold for £150 million in 2021.

Ownership under scrutiny

West Ham’s ownership structure has come under scrutiny following allegations of historic sexual abuse against Sullivan, the club’s largest shareholder with 38.8 per cent. Sullivan denies the allegations and resigned as a director and co-chair of the club on Saturday ahead of the publication of a joint investigation by the BBC and The Times.

The new Independent Football Regulator has reportedly begun preliminary questioning related to the allegations before deciding whether to open a formal investigation. The regulator could ultimately require Sullivan to dispose of his remaining stake.
 

WNL clubs revolt against FA academy team plan

More than 50 clubs in the Women’s National League (WNL) are preparing to challenge plans to admit academy teams from Women’s Super League and Women’s Super League 2 clubs into the third tier, according to The Times. The group claims to have support from 52 clubs across the third and fourth tiers and could force a strategic general meeting before a final decision is made.

Under the plans, two academy sides would be added to each of the WNL’s two third-tier divisions. While some leading WSL clubs support the proposal, opponents argue it could affect competitive balance and player recruitment.

The Football Association is expected to decide in July whether four Professional Game Academy teams should enter the Northern and Southern Premier Divisions from the 2027/28 season. The WNL board approved the proposal last month, but clubs will not be given a formal vote on the measure.

Challenge governance process

In a letter seen by The Times, dissenting clubs questioned whether the process complies with league rules and raised concerns about governance. The clubs also rejected the use of “non-binding surveys, consultations, and/or other ad hoc informal engagement exercises” as a substitute for a formal vote.

The FA says the proposal is intended to increase senior playing opportunities for young English players. According to figures cited by the governing body, the proportion of WSL minutes played by English players has fallen from 51 per cent in 2018/19 to 25 per cent last season.

Everton FC have been ordered to pay Burnley FC £35.1 million after an independent Premier League commission ruled that the club’s breach of Profitability and Sustainability Rules contributed to Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League in 2022.

The commission awarded Burnley £26 million in adjusted losses, plus £9.1 million in interest calculated to July 31, 2025. Burnley argued they would have avoided relegation had Everton received a six-point deduction during the 2021/22 season rather than in the following campaign.

The claim was heard by the same independent commission that originally imposed a 10-point deduction on Everton for breaching PSR regulations, a sanction later reduced to six points. Burnley pursued compensation under Premier League rules that allow clubs to seek damages for losses caused by another club’s rule breaches.

"Dangerous and unworkable precedent"

Everton have appealed the decision, describing the ruling as flawed and warning that it could create wider consequences for English football. The club said: “This ruling sets a dangerous and unworkable precedent for English football.”

The outcome and subsequent appeal are expected to be monitored closely across the Premier League, with several clubs understood to be considering compensation claims of their own if Manchester City are found guilty in the league’s ongoing case, according to The Times.
 

Real Madrid extend €120 million-a-year adidas partnership

Real Madrid have extended their technical sponsorship agreement with adidas for a further eight years, strengthening a commercial relationship that has spanned more than three decades. The club announced the renewal a day after confirming a separate extension of their shirt sponsorship deal with Emirates.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed by either party. However, Spanish media reported that the new contract is worth around €120 million per year, making it the largest technical sponsorship agreement in football.

Adidas will continue as Real Madrid’s official kit supplier, overseeing the design, production and sale of match, training and travel apparel across the club. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez said the agreement was “the most important in the history of football”.

Shirt sponsorship income

The renewal forms part of Real Madrid’s wider commercial strategy to increase revenue from shirt-related partnerships. According to Diario AS, the club have targeted combined annual income of around €285 million from adidas, Emirates and technology partner HP.

The adidas announcement follows the extension of Real Madrid’s agreement with Emirates earlier this week, which will reportedly increase the club’s annual income from the airline to €100 million from next season. The deal announcements come after Pérez began a new presidential term following the club’s elections on Sunday.
 

West Ham owner Sullivan barred from youth and women’s teams since 2023

David Sullivan has been barred from contact with West Ham United’s youth and women’s teams since 2023 because of safeguarding concerns, according to The Times. The Football Association opened an investigation after being notified of historical allegations against the club owner, with restrictions understood to include preventing him from attending youth and women’s matches.

Sullivan said the measure was “a meaningless restriction”, arguing that he had no involvement with the club’s youth or women’s teams in any case, and added that he accepted it for “a quiet life” while the FA investigated a complaint that he denies.

The disclosure comes days after Sullivan resigned as West Ham’s joint-chair and director after becoming aware of the planned publication of what the club described as serious historic allegations against him. West Ham said it understood that none of the allegations related to the club or its operations.

Major partner concerned

Boyle Sports, West Ham's front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2025/26 season, has become the first commercial partner to comment publicly on the allegations facing Sullivan.

In a statement to The Athletic, the bookmaker said it was “extremely concerned” by the allegations and supported efforts by the Independent Football Regulator to review the matter. Sullivan has denied all allegations made against him, describing them as “factually incorrect and entirely false”.
 

Saudi Arabia launches sale process for several clubs amid privatisation drive

Saudi Arabia has opened the sale process for five clubs as part of its ongoing sports privatisation programme, according to local media.

The Ministry of Sport and the National Centre for Privatization & PPP have invited investors to express interest in acquiring Al Riyadh, Abha, Al Fateh, Al Tai and Al Shoulla. Interested parties have until 5 July to submit qualification documents.

The five clubs have completed the regulatory procedures required to enter the sale process, while additional clubs are being prepared for future offerings, with the timing of future sales expected to depend on the readiness of both clubs and prospective investors.

Separately, negotiations over the proposed sales of Al Najmah and Al Akhdoud are ongoing, with ownership transfers expected to follow the signing of final agreements.

PIF downscaling

The latest sales process follows the Public Investment Fund's disposal of a 70 per cent stake in Al-Hilal earlier this year.

The Saudi sovereign wealth fund has also reportedly explored bringing minority investors into Newcastle United as it seeks funding for the club's proposed stadium development.

Real Madrid have extended their sponsorship agreement with Emirates, ensuring the airline will remain the club’s main shirt sponsor until 2031. According to Spanish newspaper AS, the renewed deal is worth close to €100 million per season.

The reported figure would represent an increase from the previous agreement, which AS valued at between €70 million and €80 million annually. The new contract would make Real Madrid the highest-earning club in world football from a shirt sponsorship deal.

Emirates partnership eith Real Madrid began in 2011 and became the club's primary shirt sponsor in 2013.

Commercial relationship expands

Real Madrid said in a statement that Emirates branding will continue to feature across the men’s and women’s football teams, the basketball division and the club’s youth academy. The club also said the renewal makes “Fly Emirates” the longest-running shirt sponsor in LaLiga history.

Club president Florentino Pérez described the agreement as a reflection of the relationship between the two organisations.

“This agreement is a partnership that reflects the very special relationship we have built over the years. We have been and continue to be together during one of the most successful periods in our history.”

Lyon file criminal complaint against former management

Olympique Lyon have filed a criminal complaint against former management after an internal investigation allegedly identified unjustified financial flows worth several hundred million euros between May 2023 and June 2025, the club and parent company Eagle Football Group said on Monday.

The complaint, submitted to prosecutors in Lyon last week, relates to suspicions of embezzlement, the publication of false accounts and the dissemination of misleading information. Lyon said the allegations emerged from an internal review of transactions carried out during the period examined.

The move follows a dispute between the club’s current leadership and former president John Textor, who was replaced by Michele Kang last summer. Lyon and Eagle Football Group did not identify individuals targeted by the complaint.

Textor responds

Earlier this year, Textor filed a confidential criminal complaint against Kang, alleging corruption, abuse of corporate power, the presentation of inaccurate accounts and the dissemination of false or misleading information. He also reported the alleged violations to France’s markets regulator.

Responding in a separate statement, Textor said: “It is clear that the criminal complaint just filed by EFG is an attempt to shift the focus, away from Ms. Kang, as the investigations concerning our April complaint will soon reach critical milestones.” He added that he had publicly challenged Lyon’s accounting and described Eagle Football Group’s concerns about opaque transactions as “great irony”.

Iran say FIFA withdrew World Cup fan ticket allocation

Iran’s football federation (FFIRI) says FIFA has withdrawn the country’s allocation of supporter tickets for the 2026 World Cup, days before the tournament begins, leaving fans who had already made travel plans unable to access seats through official channels. The federation said it had started distributing tickets before being informed the allocation was no longer available.

Under FIFA regulations, each participating federation receives 8 per cent of tickets for its matches to distribute to supporters. Iran’s group-stage fixtures are scheduled against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle.

The FFIRI said the decision was “contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries”, and questioned whether political considerations had influenced the process.

Federation seeks FIFA response

The federation did not identify who made the decision but called on FIFA to uphold its principles of neutrality and fairness. FIFA had not publicly commented on the specific ticketing issue, although it has said it remains in dialogue with Iranian football officials.

The latest dispute follows months of uncertainty around Iran’s participation in the tournament. The team moved its training base from the US to Mexico amid visa and security concerns linked to regional conflict, while several members of the delegation were reportedly denied entry to the United States.

FIFA and former France midfielder Lassana Diarra have settled all legal proceedings between them in a long-running dispute over player transfer rules, according to a statement issued by FIFA, Reuters reports.

The settlement follows an October ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which found that parts of FIFA’s regulations governing player transfers and contractual disputes breached European Union law.

Diarra had sought €65 million in damages from FIFA and the Belgian Football Association after the ruling. In its statement, FIFA said it had reached a global agreement with the former player and added that it had made no admission of liability or compensation payment.

Transfer rules under scrutiny

The case stemmed from FIFA’s decision to fine Diarra €10 million after he left Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014 with one year of his four-year contract remaining. The dispute later became a test case for the compatibility of FIFA’s transfer system with EU law.

Following the CJEU judgment, FIFA introduced interim changes to its transfer regulations, including revisions to how compensation is calculated and how the burden of proof is assessed in breach-of-contract cases.

The ruling has also led around 20 European national player unions to back a proposed Europe-wide class action against FIFA.

Florentino Pérez re-elected as Real Madrid president with 65 per cent vote

Florentino Pérez has been re-elected as president of Real Madrid after securing 65 per cent of the vote in the club’s first contested presidential election in two decades. The result extends Pérez’s tenure at the Spanish club, where he has held the position continuously since 2009 following an earlier spell in charge between 2000 and 2006.

The election was contested by Enrique Riquelme, a renewable energy entrepreneur, with around 100,000 club members eligible to vote. Pérez had previously been elected unopposed in Real Madrid’s last five electoral cycles.

The 79-year-old called the election despite holding a mandate that was due to run until 2029. Speaking at a press conference in May, Pérez said there was a campaign to remove him from office and announced that members would be given the opportunity to vote.

Longest-serving president

Pérez is the longest-serving president in Real Madrid’s history and also serves as chairman and chief executive of ACS Group.

Following the result, Pérez said: “We have won across all the tables. We have achieved the second-best result in Real Madrid’s history.....we have shown that we are both a democracy and a great family. It has been a remarkable election day”.

Platini files fresh criminal complaint against Infantino

Michel Platini has filed a new criminal complaint in France against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, alleging actions that prevented him from becoming head of FIFA a decade ago. The filing revives allegations the former UEFA president had previously raised with Swiss authorities in 2022.

According to a report from AP, Platini is accusing Infantino and five other Swiss football and prosecution officials of offences including false accusation and influence peddling. Lawyers acting for Platini are also preparing a civil lawsuit seeking damages from FIFA.

The case relates to events surrounding the 2015 investigation into a payment of 2 million Swiss francs made to Platini by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Platini and Blatter were removed from office and later stood trial in Switzerland, where both men were acquitted twice. A spokesman for Platini said the complaint alleges a conspiracy aimed at preventing him from becoming FIFA president.

Long-running dispute

Platini had been widely regarded as a leading candidate to succeed Blatter before the Swiss investigation was opened in 2015. Infantino, who was serving as UEFA general secretary under Platini at the time, was elected FIFA president in 2016.

The complaint also names former Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber and former FIFA legal director Marco Villiger among the defendants.

The filing was announced three days before Infantino is due to open the FIFA World Cup in North America.

FC Barcelona seek up to €400 million more to complete Camp Nou redevelopment

FC Barcelona will ask members to approve additional financing for the redevelopment of Spotify Camp Nou after the club's original €1.45 billion funding package was fully allocated, according to Catalan newspaper ARA.

The financing, secured from a group of investors led by Goldman Sachs, was originally approved as part of the wider Espai Barça project. However, rising costs have left the club needing further capital to complete the works.

The additional financing requirement is reported to be between €300 million and €400 million and would be used to complete Spotify Camp Nou, the new Palau Blaugrana arena and the surrounding infrastructure.

Barcelona plan to open the stadium's third tier in phases, while installation of the roof is scheduled to begin in June 2027. During that period, the first team are expected to temporarily return to the olympic stadium in Montjuïc.

Further votes planned

The club's board will also ask members to ratify an agreement with Ohana Development to create a luxury residential project under the Barcelona brand. The deal is expected to generate €10 million for the club and would replace UNHCR on the back of Barcelona's shirts.

In addition, members will vote on a proposed extension of the club's sponsorship agreement with Spotify and the ratification of directors from the previous board who remain in office.

British fund in talks to acquire OGC Nice from INEOS

A British investment fund is in advanced discussions to acquire OGC Nice, according to L’Équipe, as the Ligue 1 club move closer to a change of ownership.

The club have been on the market for more than a year, with investment bank Lazard tasked with finding a buyer. Negotiations with an unnamed British fund have now progressed and a deal is approaching completion.

Nice have been owned by INEOS since 2019, when Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s group bought a majority stake in the French side. However, the club have been considered a potential sale asset since INEOS expanded their football interests through their investment in Manchester United.

Relegation fears put to rest

Interest from US investors had previously been linked with the club, but no transaction was completed during a period in which Nice were battling to retain their top-flight status.

Nice secured their place in Ligue 1 for next season with a 4-1 victory over AS Saint-Étienne in the promotion/relegation play-off at the end of May. The club had reportedly targeted 15 June as a deadline to move the sale process forward.

David Sullivan open to sale of West Ham shareholding

David Sullivan is willing to consider selling his stake in West Ham United, according to a report by The Athletic, raising the prospect of an end to his 16-year involvement with the Premier League club.

A senior source with knowledge of the situation said Sullivan would consider selling his 38.8 per cent shareholding. He remains the club’s largest shareholder after initially acquiring a 50 per cent stake alongside his late business partner David Gold in 2010.

The 77-year-old stepped down as West Ham vice-chair and as a director of WH Holding Limited, the club’s parent company, on Saturday. His resignation follows historic allegations against him.

Ownership structure

In April, Sullivan and Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky were reported to be in the process of acquiring part of Vanessa Gold’s 25.1 per cent holding, inherited following David Gold’s death in 2023. Completion of that transaction would have increased both men’s stakes to just over 40 per cent.

Kretinsky holds a 27 per cent stake in West Ham through 1890s Holdings, having invested £182.5 million in 2021.

A company led by American entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick has claimed it has agreed to acquire Daniel Levy’s 24.99 per cent stake in ENIC, the parent company of Tottenham Hotspur.

Eight Sports Capital said it had signed a sale and purchase agreement with Levy’s Family Trust for the minority holding. Levy stepped down as Tottenham chairman in September after more than 25 years in charge of the club.

ENIC said it was unaware of any such transaction. An ENIC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that neither ENIC nor THFC are aware of any sale by Daniel Levy’s Family Trust of its minority stake in ENIC, THFC’s parent company.”

No contact

The Lewis family remains ENIC’s majority shareholder with a 70.12 per cent stake. It is understood ENIC has had no contact with Eight Sports Capital regarding the proposed acquisition.

Earick, a former NASA engineer who previously expressed an interest in investing in Tottenham, leads Eight Sports Capital, a sports investment firm owned by Triller. The company said it looked forward to working with the club’s shareholders, management, staff, players and fans following the claimed agreement.

 

David Sullivan steps down as West Ham joint-chair over allegations

David Sullivan has resigned as joint-chair of West Ham United after becoming aware of the impending publication of what the club described as serious historic allegations against him.

The club confirmed on Saturday that Sullivan had stepped aside as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club.

In a statement on behalf of the 77-year-old Welsh businessman and his legal representative denied the allegations. West Ham said it was understood that none of the allegations related to the club or its operations.

"The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media," Sullivan’s statement read. "After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims."

Sullivan said his decision to resign was prompted by the planned broadcast and publication of allegations concerning his personal life.

Prepare proceedings

West Ham said Sullivan would step away from his positions while focusing on responding to the allegations. The businessman said he had instructed his legal team to prepare proceedings against what he described as false complaints and would seek legal and public redress.

The development comes weeks after West Ham were relegated from the Premier League, ending the club’s 14-year stay in the top flight. Following confirmation of relegation, supporters directed criticism towards the club’s board, including personal chants aimed at Sullivan.

 

Manchester United considering £314 million debt restructuring

Manchester United are exploring options to refinance £314 million of debt due to mature next year through the private placement market, according to Bloomberg.

The Premier League club have held preliminary discussions with banks about a potential transaction, although plans have not been finalised. Both banks and institutional investors have expressed interest in participating.

The refinancing relates to debt raised in 2015 at a fixed interest rate of 3.79 per cent. Strong demand could allow Manchester United to raise as much as £375 million, providing additional capital beyond the amount required to refinance the existing borrowing.

Ownership questions remain

The discussions come as some members of the Glazer family are considering the sale of their stakes in the club. Bloomberg reported last week that several stakeholders have examined options to divest part or all of their holdings in Manchester United.

The Glazer family acquired Manchester United in a leveraged buyout in 2005, when the club carried around £50 million of debt. Since then, the owners have injected hundreds of millions of pounds into the business while also increasing the club’s overall liabilities.

 

FIFA outlines distribution of $355 million Club Benefits Programme

FIFA has detailed how it will distribute the $355 million available under the Club Benefits Programme for the FIFA World Cup 2026, following an agreement reached with European Football Clubs (EFC).

The governing body said the fund, which is 70 per cent higher than the amount allocated for the 2022 tournament, will for the first time include payments to clubs that release players for FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. The revised model is intended to broaden the number of clubs receiving compensation.

A total of $100 million has been set aside for clubs that released players during World Cup qualifying, with payments calculated on a per-player, per-match basis. FIFA said the expected payment is about $2,360 per player per match across the 905 qualifiers played.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the programme would ensure “more clubs than ever before will receive a share of the financial benefits generated by the FIFA World Cup”.

Final tournament distribution

A further $250 million will be distributed to clubs whose players take part in the final tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with payments based on squad selection and the number of days players remain involved. FIFA said the minimum expected return is about $5,000 per player per day.

The remaining $5 million will be retained to cover administrative costs and other agreed initiatives supporting club football.

 

Manchester City chairman promises ‘wonderful sit-down’ after ruling and reaffirms no sale plans

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak says he will speak in detail about the club’s long-running Premier League financial case once a ruling has been issued, while also stating that owner Sheikh Mansour has no plans to sell the club.

Speaking in his annual end-of-season interview on Manchester City’s official website, Al Mubarak said he could not comment further on the proceedings until an independent commission reaches a decision on the case relating to alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.

Manchester City were charged by the Premier League in 2023 over alleged financial rule breaches covering the period from 2009 to 2018, as well as alleged failures to cooperate with investigations. The club have denied all charges. Al Mubarak said: “Once we have a ruling, believe me, we're going to have a wonderful sit-down together and I'll say everything I've wanted to say for the last three years.”

No plans to sell

Al Mubarak also used the interview to dismiss suggestions that Sheikh Mansour could sell Manchester City or the wider City Football Group, describing the organisation as a long-term investment.

Mubarak said: “There's no intention to sell. There's only intention to keep growing this because the view here is that this will only grow and this is a beautiful business to own.”

 

Fenerbahce chairman jailed for illegal betting promotion

Fenerbahce chairman Sadettin Saran has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after a Turkish court found him guilty of encouraging illegal betting, days before the club is due to elect a new chairman.

An Istanbul court ruled that Saran and his brother, Kenan Saran, had incited individuals to participate in illegal betting through advertising and other promotional activities, according to Reuters. Both received prison sentences of two years and six months.

Saran denied any wrongdoing during his defence, local media reported. The verdict comes as Turkish authorities continue investigations into alleged illegal betting and match-fixing in professional football.

Election ahead

The ruling was handed down shortly before Fenerbahce’s extraordinary congress on 6-7 June, where members will choose a successor to Saran. He announced plans to step down earlier this year and is not standing in the election.

Former chairman Aziz Yildirim and businessman Hakan Safi are contesting the presidency as Fenerbahce seek to end a 13-year wait for a league title.

Some members of the Glazer family are considering selling part or all of their holdings in Manchester United, according to Bloomberg, as internal discussions over the club’s ownership continue more than two decades after the family’s takeover.

Several family stakeholders have examined options for divesting their shares, with early discussions focused on sales by individual family members. Some are now seeking support from relatives to pursue a broader transaction.

No decision has been made on an exit and family members remain divided on the issue. Some relatives are believed to oppose a sale, which could complicate any deal process. Manchester United declined to comment, while the Glazer family did not respond to Bloomberg’s requests for comment.

Ownership questions resurface

The discussions come as Manchester United face the prospect of funding a redevelopment of Old Trafford that could require billions of pounds in investment. At the same time, the club’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League is expected to provide additional revenue opportunities.

The deliberations follow the 2024 agreement under which Jim Ratcliffe acquired a roughly 29 per cent stake in Manchester United and assumed control of football operations, after the Glazers opted against a full sale to Qatari-backed bidders.
 

Ares owed $547 million after Eagle Football collapse

Ares Management was owed more than $547 million following the collapse of John Textor’s Eagle Football Group, according to a filing from the company’s administrators cited by Bloomberg.

The debt comprises $400 million in principal and the remainder in accrued interest. Recovery prospects will depend largely on the sale of Eagle Football’s main assets, including Olympique Lyon and its stake in Botafogo.

Administrators from Cork Gully LLP said they had contacted more than 50 potential buyers as part of an ongoing sales process and reported “a significant amount of inbound interest” in the clubs. Ares declined to comment, while Textor did not respond to Bloomberg's requests for comment.

Sale process

Administrators said investigations into intercompany balances and related transactions remain ongoing and that the complexity of those arrangements means it is not yet possible to determine what recoveries may be realised.

They added that unsecured creditors are unlikely to receive a distribution and noted that Textor has not yet responded to their enquiries.
 

Pérez outlines Real Madrid prestige investment opportunity at €10 billion valuation

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has described a potential investment in the club as a prestige opportunity rather than a conventional financial asset, saying prospective investors would pay for an association with the Real Madrid brand rather than expect profits or influence.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Pérez said investors in a proposed sale of 5 per cent of the club through a newly created subsidiary would receive no role in the running of Real Madrid and should not view the opportunity as a traditional investment.

“It would be like a sponsorship, let’s put it that way,” Pérez told the Financial Times. “There are people who associate themselves with Real Madrid without expecting anything.”

The comments come as Pérez campaigns for re-election ahead of a June 7 vote among the club’s members. The proposal to bring in outside capital was first unveiled last November and is based on a valuation of more than €10 billion for Real Madrid.

Election battle

The ownership proposal has become a key issue in Pérez’s contest with challenger Enrique Riquelme, who has criticised the plan as a step towards privatisation. Pérez has repeatedly rejected that claim, insisting that Real Madrid would remain member-owned and that outside investors would have “no involvement whatsoever” in club governance.

According to Pérez, the purpose of the transaction is to establish a formal market valuation for Real Madrid and reinforce members’ economic ownership of the club.

Pérez cited estimates valuing Real Madrid at around €10 billion and said he believes the club’s worth could reach €20 billion in a few years.
 

Trevor Birch to leave EFL after 2026/27 season

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch has told the league’s board that he will step down at the end of the 2026/27 season, bringing to a close more than six years in the role. Birch, who joined the EFL in January 2021, will remain in post throughout next season while succession plans are developed.

The EFL said Birch would continue working with the board, clubs and executive team over the coming year to support the transition to new leadership. His departure was announced on the same day as the league’s Annual General Meeting.

Birch said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chief Executive of the EFL. With one more season ahead, my focus is on supporting the League, our Clubs and colleagues, and ensuring a smooth and orderly transition to new leadership.”

Parry and Artis re-elected

At the AGM, clubs re-elected chair Rick Parry for a further three-year term and also renewed Caroline Artis’ mandate as an independent non-executive director for a second three-year term. Artis joined the board in 2023 after a career with professional services firm EY.

Clubs also approved regulatory changes, including replacing the automatic three-window fee restriction for late payments with a business plan-based approach. Clubs may still face a fee restriction for one transfer window, while appeal rights and disciplinary measures remain in place.
 

Manchester City consider legal action as Real Madrid election pledges escalate

Manchester City are considering legal action after comments made by Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme.

Riquelme claimed on Spanish television that he would sign Erling Haaland if elected president, stating that the striker wants to join Real Madrid and has a contractual clause that would make a move possible. He also unveiled a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland’s name and number.

Haaland’s representatives dismissed the claims, saying they were “all very entertaining but not true”, before City issued a statement rejecting the suggestion that a transfer could happen. The club added that it was considering legal action over the use of the player’s image in the campaign.

Election pledges

The Haaland promise formed part of a broader set of election pledges from Riquelme, who also said Manchester City midfielder Rodri would move to the Santiago Bernabéu if he wins the vote. He further pledged to refund membership fees for Real Madrid’s 100,000 members if he failed to deliver the Haaland and Rodri transfers.

The claims come amid a campaign marked by competing promises from both candidates. Incumbent president Florentino Pérez has said that if re-elected, José Mourinho would become Real Madrid manager and claimed that Ibrahima Konaté would join the club following his departure from Liverpool.

Premier League clubs have been warned they could face legal action if they enter sponsorship agreements with cryptocurrency companies that are not authorised to operate in the UK, according to a letter sent to clubs by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

As reported by the Financial Times, the regulator wrote to clubs across English football after identifying what it described as an increase in partnerships involving unauthorised firms, some of which it believes may be operating unlawfully. The FCA said clubs are expected to carry out due diligence on financial services sponsors before signing agreements.

The watchdog has already contacted clubs where it identified concerns and said it would take action where necessary. Fiona Mackinnon-Miller, who oversees scams, promotions and consumer investments at the FCA, warned that such arrangements could expose clubs to legal liability, money laundering risks and reputational damage.

Accountable companies

Stephanie Peacock, the UK sports minister, said: “Sponsorship deals play a vital part in sustaining our football pyramid, but fans deserve to know that the companies associated with their clubs are responsible, accountable and safe to use.”

The intervention comes as several Premier League clubs seek replacement commercial partners ahead of the league’s ban on front-of-shirt betting sponsorships.
 

LFP calls for revision of proposed football governance legislation

The board of the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has unanimously voted to reject the current draft of proposed legislation that would reform the governance of professional sport in France, according to an LFP statement.

The proposal includes measures that would reshape the governance of professional football, including replacing the LFP with a club-owned company structure and granting increased powers to the French Football Federation. The legislation was approved by the Senate in June 2025 and is currently being examined by the National Assembly.

In a statement, the LFP said several recently adopted amendments represented “major points of concern” and argued that they did not meet the objectives of improving governance or addressing the economic challenges facing the sector. The LFP said it wants a thorough revision of the text and remains willing to contribute to the development of what it described as a more effective and workable framework.

Bill opposition

According to L’Equipe, a joint committee of senators and deputies is due to meet on 22 July to discuss the legislation, while one source familiar with the matter told the newspaper that efforts were under way to block the bill or reduce its scope.

No date has yet been confirmed for the bill’s return to the National Assembly after a previously scheduled debate was postponed.
 

FIFA accused of using unofficial sites to move World Cup tickets

FIFA has been accused of placing unsold World Cup tickets on unofficial resale platforms at reduced prices rather than lowering prices on its own sales channels, as reported by The Times.

The accusations stems from Florian Ederer, an economics professor at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, who alleges large blocks of seats for Saudi Arabia’s group-stage match against Cape Verde in Houston on June 27 had appeared on SeatGeek at prices substantially below those listed on FIFA’s official resale platform. He argued that the pattern of availability suggested inventory was being sold in bulk rather than through normal fan-to-fan resale activity.

In a post on X, Ederer wrote that the listings “look like inventory being dumped in bulk onto secondary markets, at prices below FIFA’s official site”. Speaking to The Times, Ederer said lowering prices through secondary platforms could help avoid complaints from supporters who had paid higher prices through official channels.

Growing ticketing questions

The allegations come days after the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey subpoenaed FIFA over ticket pricing and seating arrangements amid claims that supporters may have been misled about stadium layouts.

SeatGeek said it did not have a partnership or distribution agreement with football’s governing body, while FIFA did not respond to requests for comment from The Times.
 

Brighton sporting director leaves nine months after joining

Jason Ayto has left Brighton & Hove Albion after nine months as sporting director, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday. The 41-year-old became Brighton’s first sporting director in September 2025 as part of changes to the club’s senior football structure.

Ayto joined after more than a decade at Arsenal FC, where he held several recruitment and football operations roles, including assistant technical director and interim sporting director. He replaced David Weir, who subsequently took up the technical director position at RC Strasbourg.

Ayto had been due to oversee his first summer transfer window at Brighton, with the window opening on June 15. Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said in a club statement: “I’d like to thank Jason for everything he has done for us, and to wish him well for the future.”

Technical director takes over

Mike Cave will now oversee all sporting areas of the club, working with the existing senior leadership team and reporting to chief executive Paul Barber.

Cave was promoted from assistant technical director to technical director when Weir departed and Ayto arrived.

Southampton owner and chairman Dragan Solak has said the club have no plans to dismiss head coach Tonda Eckert following the Championship spying scandal that led to Southampton’s expulsion from the play-offs and a points deduction for next season.

In a video message published on the club’s official channels, Solak said Southampton wanted to move on from the episode and confirmed the board continued to support Eckert. The club will begin the new Championship campaign with a four-point deduction after admitting to spying on Middlesbrough, Oxford United and Ipswich Town.

The comments came days after an independent commission concluded that Eckert had authorised a “contrived and determined plan” to observe opponents’ training sessions before matches.

Eckert accepts responsibility

In a separate video released by Southampton, Eckert apologised to supporters, players and the clubs involved in the affair, while accepting responsibility for the actions that led to the sanctions.

“For everything that has happened, I do want to apologise and I hold my hand up because as head coach I am responsible,” he said. “I am a young coach, I have made a mistake and I take full responsibility,” he said.

The Football Association is continuing its investigation into the case and Eckert could still face disciplinary action.

Aston Villa owner V Sports acquires stake in French club FC Annecy

FC Annecy have announced that V Sports, the ownership group behind Aston Villa, has acquired a minority stake in the French second-tier club through a capital increase.

The Ligue 2 side said in a club statement that V Sports had joined the club's shareholder base, describing the move as part of Annecy's ongoing development while maintaining its local identity and roots.

The club did not disclose the size of the investment or the stake acquired. However, multiple French media reports says V Sports had taken around a 30 per cent holding and invested approximately €4.5 million in the club.

Multi-club network expands

The investment adds Annecy to V Sports' growing football portfolio. The holding company already owns Aston Villa and has interests in Vitória Guimarães in Portugal and Real Union in Spain.

V Sports also has partnerships with clubs including ZED FC in Egypt, Vissel Kobe in Japan and ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast.

885 Capital takes control of CD Leganés after Blue Crow exit

885 Capital has acquired Blue Crow Sports’ 84.2 per cent stake in spanish club CD Leganés, taking its holding in the Spanish club to 99.1 per cent and becoming its controlling shareholder. The transaction brings to an end Blue Crow’s four-year ownership of the club.

The investment firm already owned a 14.86 per cent stake in Leganés and said the move reflected its commitment to the club’s growth and long-term development.

In a statement, the new ownership group said it would focus on strengthening sporting performance, improving infrastructure and deepening engagement with supporters while preserving the club’s identity and values. It added that its approach would be based on “a long-term vision, with a modern and data-driven growth approach”.

New president appointed

Following the transaction, Eduardo Cosín has been appointed president of Leganés. The Madrid-based executive had served as executive vice-president and joined the club in October 2022 after Blue Crow acquired a controlling stake.

885 Capital, founded by Sudeep Ramnani and Jai Mahtani, has offices in Madrid and Dubai and invests across sport, technology and real estate.

Thibaut Courtois expands football investment portfolio with Genk stake

Real Madrid and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has added Belgian club KRC Genk to his growing football investment portfolio after acquiring a minority stake through his investment vehicle NXTPLAY.

Genk announced on Monday that Courtois will become a shareholder in the club, although financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
The investment follows the club's move to attract external capital after restructuring as a limited company earlier this year.

The Belgium international came through Genk's academy before joining Chelsea in 2011. “This investment truly feels like coming home,” Courtois said in a statement released by the club.

First external investor

Courtois and NXTPLAY becomes the first outside investor in Genk since the club changed its corporate structure. The club is seeking to attract €60 million in fresh capital over the coming years.

The investment further expands NXTPLAY's presence in football. The company has already invested in French club Le Mans and, two weeks ago, acquired a stake in Spanish side CD Extremadura.

NXTPLAY will also gain representation on Genk’s board of directors, with Courtois’ business partner Gonzalo Vila expected to take the seat, mirroring arrangements at Le Mans and Extremadura.

Norway backs ethics complaint against FIFA president Infantino

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has formally supported a complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, asking the governing body's ethics committee to examine whether he breached rules on political neutrality. NFF president Lise Klaveness confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that the federation had submitted a letter backing the case.

The complaint was filed by human rights organisation FairSquare and centres on Infantino’s decision to present a peace prize to US President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw in December. The NFF has asked FIFA’s ethics committee to assess whether the award and related actions were compatible with FIFA statutes.

Klaveness said the submission had already prompted reactions within football governance circles. “We have sent it, and it is causing some political reactions,” she told reporters, adding that the NFF would continue to pursue the issue after the World Cup.

Support submitted independently

According to Klaveness, FIFA representatives raised the matter during a meeting in Budapest over the weekend, where discussions took place around the Champions League final. She said the federation explained why it considered support for the complaint important.

The NFF decided to submit its letter independently rather than seek joint backing from other member associations. Klaveness said other federations had expressed support for the initiative, but Norway chose to proceed alone in formally endorsing FairSquare’s complaint.