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.

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.

Sevilla FC's principal shareholders have accused Sergio Ramos of changing the terms of a proposed deal to buy the club and said they intend to seek contractual penalties following the breakdown of negotiations.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the shareholders alleged that Ramos had failed to honour the terms previously agreed and warned that legal action could follow.

In a letter sent to the Spanish media, the shareholder group said discussions with the former Spain international had reached an agreement before Ramos altered key conditions on 27 May. The shareholders suggested the move had been planned and led directly to the collapse of the transaction.

The shareholders also said they would seek to enforce a penalty clause included in the negotiations and cautioned Ramos against disclosing confidential information obtained during the takeover process.

Ramos says talks can continue

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ramos rejected suggestions that responsibility for the breakdown rested solely with his consortium and said negotiations had evolved on both sides throughout the process. He added that his group had respected confidentiality obligations and remained focused on the future of Sevilla.

Ramos said his investor group still wanted to continue discussions over a potential acquisition of the club. He argued that changes to the proposal were made following recommendations from advisers and LaLiga, including increasing a planned capital injection from €80 million to €120 million before 30 June, and maintained that the consortium’s objective was to help secure Sevilla’s long-term viability.

Brest owner open to sale amid French football financial pressures

Stade Brest president and owner Denis Le Saint has said he is open to selling the Ligue 1 club as French football continues to grapple with financial uncertainty and declining domestic broadcast revenues.

Speaking to L’Équipe, Le Saint said Brest were considering a range of options to secure the club’s future. He said any potential sale would depend on finding an owner capable of safeguarding the club’s interests rather than simply completing a transaction.

“But it isn’t a question of selling to someone who wouldn’t treat the club well,” Le Saint said.

The comments come at a time of change for Brest, who qualified for the UEFA Champions League in the 2024/25 season but have faced budget constraints despite the additional income generated by the competition.

Options under consideration

Le Saint said the club could not rely indefinitely on Champions League revenues and warned that lower television rights income was forcing Brest to explore alternative solutions to remain competitive.

He also raised the prospect of Brest joining a multi-club ownership structure, a model that has become increasingly common in French football. Referring hypothetically to interest from a leading English club, Le Saint said:

“Imagine if a big English club, who play in red, just like us, were interested in a club like Brest… there isn’t any contact, but we wouldn’t be able to say no,” said the Brest owner.

FIFA avoids India World Cup blackout with last-minute broadcast deal

FIFA has secured a broadcasting agreement for the 2026 World Cup in India, ending months of negotiations and ensuring the tournament will be available in one of the last major markets where media rights had remained unsold.

The deal was announced ten days before the World Cup begins across the United States, Canada and Mexico on 11 June. Financial terms were not disclosed, although it has previously been reported that FIFA had been seeking to finalise an agreement before the tournament starts.

India had become a notable gap in FIFA’s global distribution plans as talks with potential partners dragged on. FIFA had reportedly initially sought around $100 million for the rights package covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups before reducing its asking price to $60 million.

Shares jump 7 per cent

The agreement saw Zee Entertainment shares rise about 7 per cent following the announcement.

The deal resolves uncertainty over World Cup coverage in a market expected to be one of the tournament’s largest television audiences.

A Southampton FC intern told an independent commission that he felt pressured by senior club figures to attend opposition training sessions as part of a spying operation that led to the club’s exclusion from the Championship play-off final.

Written reasons published by the commission said the intern described “the pressure he was placed under” after being instructed to observe Middlesbrough FC and Oxford United training sessions. The panel said Southampton’s actions formed part of a “contrived and determined plan” directed by senior personnel to gain a competitive advantage.

The commission said the use of a junior staff member in the operation was “particularly deplorable” and noted that staff involved were in “a vulnerable position without job security and with limited ability to object”. Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert admitted authorising the Middlesbrough and Oxford missions, according to the ruling.

Sanctions and FA investigation

EFL sanctions included Southampton’s removal from Saturday’s Championship play-off final against Hull City and a four-point deduction for next season. The commission also said the club had initially provided inaccurate information to the EFL, falsely claiming no video footage had been captured or analysed.

Southampton failed in an appeal against their exclusion from the Wembley match, with Middlesbrough taking their place. The FA are now expected to consider charges against individuals involved in commissioning or carrying out the spying activities.
 

FIFA Weigh 64-Team Expansion for 2030 World Cup

FIFA is considering increasing the number of teams at the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64, according to AS, despite the expanded 48-team format not yet having debuted at a men’s tournament. The 2030 edition will be hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with opening matches also scheduled in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

The proposal was first raised months ago following discussions within CONMEBOL over widening access to the tournament for nations that rarely qualify for the World Cup. Several federations have revived support for the idea ahead of the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously promoted the World Cup as a global event aimed at increasing participation across different regions. Officials inside FIFA are said to now view a larger tournament as consistent with that objective.

Biennial Club World Cup plans dropped

The report added that proposals to stage the Club World Cup every two years now appear to have been set aside, with FIFA continuing to work towards the next edition of the competition in 2029.

FIFA is not expected to make formal decisions on the 2030 structure until after the 2026 World Cup final.
 

Everton and Crystal Palace secure new shirt sponsors before gambling ban

Everton FC are expected to finalise a deal with CMC Markets to become the club’s new front-of-shirt sponsor from next season, replacing gambling firm Stake ahead of new Premier League regulations.

The Athletic reported that the London-based financial services company has emerged as the leading candidate after months of discussions, with Stake’s agreement due to expire at the end of June. Reports cited by the outlet suggested the proposed agreement could be worth about £30 million over three years, broadly matching the value of Everton’s current partnership.

Premier League clubs agreed to remove gambling branding from the front of shirts from the 2026/27 season following consultations linked to the UK government’s review of gambling legislation.

Palace replace NET88

Crystal Palace have also confirmed a new front-of-shirt agreement, announcing Temporal as the club’s new partner in a multi-year deal beginning from the 2026/27 campaign. The arrangement replaces betting operator NET88 on the front of Palace shirts.

Everton and Palace are among 11 Premier League clubs now preparing to move away from gambling-related front-of-shirt sponsorships before the new rules come into force next season.
 

Real Madrid target Bernabéu concert return in 2027

Real Madrid are preparing to resume concerts at the Santiago Bernabéu from January 2027, according to Spanish media, more than two years after suspending live music events at the stadium. The club halted concerts in September 2024 following repeated breaches of permitted noise levels.

The club plans to restart concerts gradually under a more controlled operating model, limiting both the type of events hosted and the technical production conditions. Real Madrid are expected to make the stadium available for between 10 and 14 concerts per year as part of the relaunch strategy.

Club president Florentino Pérez recently said concerts would return “very soon”, while Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso has announced plans to amend regional legislation to provide greater legal certainty for promoters.

Cleared of responsibility

Last week, Real Madrid said the Provincial Court of Madrid had cleared both the club and Real Madrid Estadio SL of criminal responsibility linked to concerts held at the Bernabéu between April and September 2024.

According to the club, the court ruled that responsibility for complying with local noise regulations rests with concert promoters rather than the venue owner.
 

Japanese investors build momentum in Europe as Danish club talks advance

Japanese investors are increasing their presence in European football, with recent takeovers and investments in Belgium and the Netherlands now followed by progressing talks over a deal for Danish club Randers FC.

Randers confirmed at the beginning of April that they were in negotiations with investors regarding a possible sale of the club. Those talks are understood to involve Japanese investors and appear to be moving close to a transaction.

The Danish case follows a series of Japanese-backed deals in 2025, underlining how investors from the country are increasingly targeting European clubs.

Belgium and the Netherlands

Belgian top-flight club Sint-Truidense VV (STVV) have been under Japanese ownership since 2017, when internet company DMM.com acquired the club. In 2025, Japannet Holdings further strengthened the Japanese presence at STVV by acquiring a 19.9 per cent stake.

Elsewhere in Belgium, second-tier club K Beerschot VA were taken over by Japanese private holding company KINPOUDOU Holding in September 2025, while Dutch club Almere City were acquired by Japanese industrial machinery and engine manufacturer Yanmar in November 2025.

Randers could now become the latest example of Japanese capital moving into European club ownership.

The Premier League generated record revenue of £3.66 billion in 2024/25, although turnover increased by only 0.1 per cent year-on-year, according to the league’s latest financial report. Profit fell 25 per cent to £87 million.

International broadcasting remained the competition’s largest source of income, contributing £1.85 billion, equivalent to around half of total revenue. The overseas rights cycle is due to enter a new phase from 2026/27, when the Premier League plans to internalise international media production and distribution following the end of its partnership with IMG.

The figures also showed a decline in distributions to clubs. Payments fell 3.5 per cent year-on-year to £2.82 billion.

Costs Increase

Operating expenses rose 22 per cent to £556.3 million, largely due to an £80 million payment to community football linked to the Premier League’s 2021 agreement with the UK government over domestic TV rights.

The payment was triggered by lower-than-expected parachute payments, as more clubs moved between the Premier League and the Championship.

Legal costs fell slightly to just over £44 million in 2024/25, according to The Times, down from £48 million a year earlier.
 

De Tavernost warns on piracy as Ligue 1 broadcasting revenue remain under pressure

LFP Media director general Nicolas de Tavernost said piracy has cost Ligue 1+ around €100 million in lost revenue, during a hearing before the French Senate’s Culture, Education, Communication and Sport Committee on Wednesday. According to L’Equipe, de Tavernost said the platform could have attracted an additional 400,000 subscribers without illegal streaming.

The outgoing executive also referred to “potential conflicts of interest” when questioned about Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaïfi, who also heads beIN Media Group, following the collapse of Ligue 1+’s attempt to acquire rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

De Tavernost said neither the French Football Federation nor the LFP had pursued action with FIFA over the matter, which contributed to his decision to step down at the end of the season.

€11.7 million for winning Ligue 1

Separately, L’Equipe reported that Ligue 1 clubs have received preliminary estimates from the LFP projecting domestic and international TV rights revenues of €412.2 million for the 2026/27 season. After deductions including the share due to CVC Capital Partners, solidarity payments and Ligue 2 allocations, the net amount available for Ligue 1 clubs would fall to €184.1 million.

Under the current projections, the Ligue 1 champions would receive €11.7 million from domestic broadcasting revenues, while the bottom club would collect €3.6 million.
 

Real Madrid challenge RFEF and LaLiga Copa del Rey rights agreement

Real Madrid have filed a legal challenge against agreements between the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LaLiga covering the production and commercialisation of Copa del Rey audiovisual rights until 2031/32, according to El Confidencial.

The agreements reintroduce a centralised model for managing the competition’s broadcast rights, with the RFEF and LaLiga arguing that the structure improves production standards and strengthens the product’s position in the audiovisual market.

Real Madrid believe the arrangements exceed the organisations’ powers and restrict clubs’ ability to make independent decisions over audiovisual matters.

LaLiga defends agreements

LaLiga said it will defend the agreements, which it considers legally valid. The organisation also pointed to previous court rulings supporting centralised production, arguing the system helps protect the value and consistency of the competition’s broadcast product.

Servimedia reported that the agreement has generated €5 million more than initially forecast for the RFEF. Federation president Rafael Louzán announced the measure in September 2025 as part of renewed cooperation between the RFEF and LaLiga following his appointment.
 

Infantino defends FIFA World Cup ticket pricing policy

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the governing body’s World Cup ticket pricing strategy, arguing that demand in the resale market shows supporters are willing to pay significantly more than face value for seats at the tournament.

Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, Infantino said FIFA had to apply “market rates” in the United States, where ticket resale laws allow seats to be sold at prices far above their original value. He added that 25 per cent of group-stage tickets had been priced below $300.

Infantino also rejected criticism that FIFA's pricing was excessive, saying tickets were still appearing on resale platforms at more than double their original price. “Even though some people are saying that the ticket prices we have are high, they still end up on the resale market at an even higher price,” he said.

Jokes and inaccurate claim

FIFA's official resale platform has listed four tickets for the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at more than $2 million each. Infantino joked that he would personally buy a hot dog and a Coke for any supporter willing to pay that amount.

The comments come after Football Supporters Europe filed a complaint with the European Commission in March over what it described as excessive ticket pricing for the tournament. The Times reported that Infantino also claimed tickets for US college American Football events could not be bought for less than $300, despite lower-priced seats being available from about $30.

The referee designator for Serie A and Serie B, Gianluca Rocchi, is under investigation by prosecutors in Milan over alleged sporting fraud linked to VAR protocol and referee appointments. Authorities have requested that Rocchi attend questioning next week, with the case examining whether selections favoured Inter Milan in several matches.

Rocchi has suspended himself from his role as head of the National Referees’ Committee (CAN), while colleague Andrea Gervasoni has also stepped aside. Five fixtures from the past two seasons are under scrutiny, with three including Inter. No clubs or players are under investigation.

In a statement, Rocchi said: “I have decided to suspend myself… to allow the legal proceedings to run their course properly; I am certain I will emerge from this unscathed.” He added that the decision was taken with the referees’ association to ensure operations continue without disruption.

Investigation widens

According to Calcio e Finanza, Rocchi and Gervasoni are among a group of five individuals under investigation, which also include three VAR operators.

The case was opened more than a year ago and could prompt a review of a previously closed FIGC inquiry on the matter.
 

Norwegian FA president backs ethics complaint against Infantino

The president of the Norwegian Football Association, Lise Klaveness, has backed an ethics complaint against Gianni Infantino over his role in awarding FIFA’s Peace Prize to Donald Trump.

Klaveness said she supports a formal complaint submitted to FIFA’s ethics committee, which alleges breaches of the organisation’s rules on political neutrality. The complaint relates to Infantino’s relationship with Trump and the creation of the Peace Prize.

According to The Athletic, she criticised the process behind the award, stating: “We don’t think it’s part of FIFA’s mandate to give such a prize.” Klaveness also called for the abolition of the prize.

Complaint filed by campaign group

The complaint was submitted in December by FairSquare, which campaigns on labour and human rights issues, and has asked FIFA to investigate what it describes as repeated breaches of neutrality rules. FIFA has not disclosed how the Peace Prize winner was selected or who was involved in the decision.

Klaveness said the case should be assessed through FIFA’s internal processes and handled transparently, while Infantino has defended the decision to award Trump and said the US president “objectively…deserves it”.
 

Fiorentina offer €55 million for stadium redevelopment under conditions

ACF Fiorentina have submitted an expression of interest to the City of Florence to invest €55 million in the second phase of the Stadio Artemio Franchi renovation, according to a statement from the club. The stadium project has been under way since it was first announced in 2020.

The proposal, signed by owner Rocco Commisso, would cover the remaining funding required to complete the project, which has faced a financing gap following the withdrawal of previously allocated public funds.

The club said their investment would depend on meeting specific requirements, including cost oversight, defined construction timelines and the handover of the construction site after the first phase of works.

Euro 2032 bid

Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi visited the stadium site on Monday with mayor Sara Funaro and club officials, as authorities reviewed progress on the ongoing first phase of construction.

The first phase is scheduled for completion on 16 February 2027, with final testing concluding by 30 April, while the full redevelopment is planned to finish in 2029 ahead of use from the 2029/30 season, as Florence prepares to submit its Euro 2032 host city bid.
 

Levski Sofia agree takeover and unveil €120 million stadium project

Bulgarian side PFC Levski Sofia have signed an agreement for a change in ownership that will see Atanas Bostandzhiev become the club’s new majority shareholder, while also presenting plans for a new stadium, the club have revealed. The deal for the controlling stake remains subject to final completion.

Majority owner since 2020, Nasko Sirakov, will remain as president but will no longer hold shares. The club said the process included legal and financial due diligence by both parties, alongside work on a joint development strategy.

Sirakov said: “Today I step down as a shareholder with the understanding that Levski has stability, direction and a foundation on which to build.”

Stadium plans

Levski and architectural and engineering company IPA presented the stadium concept at a press conference, outlining design, financing and expected outcomes. The project envisages a full redevelopment into a multifunctional venue meeting UEFA Category IV requirements. The investment is estimated at €120 million, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027.

Levski Sofia are on track to win the Bulgarian first division this season with an 11-point lead and five games remaining, which would qualify them for the Champions League qualifying round next season.

A US representative of President Donald Trump has said he asked both the White House and FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup, according to the Financial Times.

Paolo Zampolli told the newspaper he had suggested to FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy should take Iran’s place despite failing to qualify for the tournament, which begins in June in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup… With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli said.

Italy and FIFA respond

Italy’s sports minister Andrea Abodi rejected the suggestion, saying it was “not possible” and “not appropriate”, and adding that qualification for the World Cup is decided on the pitch.

BBC Sport reported that the governing body has no plans to replace Iran with Italy.
 

Lyon ordered to pay €20.8 million to Botafogo in debt ruling

Olympique Lyonnais have been ordered by a Brazilian court to pay €20.8 million to Botafogo over unpaid debts linked to former owner John Textor, according to RMC Sport.

The ruling follows a complaint filed by the Rio de Janeiro club in early April seeking repayment of more than €125 million. A judge has issued an initial decision covering 122 million reais (€20.8 million), based on documents seen by AFP and cited by RMC Sport.

Botafogo claim the amount relates to loans granted to Lyon when both clubs were under Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings structure. Lyon can request to pay 30 per cent of the sum upfront and settle the remainder in six instalments, while the club has three days to appeal the decision.

New legal case

Separately, Botafogo have requested the opening of judicial reorganisation proceedings asking for a temporary suspension of Eagle’s voting rights as majority shareholder, accusing the group of blocking new investment.

The development follows the appointment of Cork Gully as administrators of Eagle Football Holdings Bidco, majority shareholder of Botafogo and Olympique Lyonnais, in March, removing John Textor from control and placing the holding company under restructuring oversight.
 

Tottenham hold talks with Sebastian Kehl over co-sporting role

Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with Sebastian Kehl about a potential appointment as co-sporting director, with the German identified as a leading candidate for the position.

The club are seeking a replacement following Fabio Paratici’s departure to Fiorentina in February, and are considering a structure in which a new hire would work alongside current sporting director Johan Lange.

According to The Athletic, no formal offer has yet been made to Kehl, who is currently without a role after leaving Borussia Dortmund in March. He is yet to decide on his next move, despite ongoing discussions.

Co-director structure

Tottenham are exploring a model that mirrors a previous arrangement between Lange and Paratici, who briefly shared responsibilities following the latter’s return to the club in October before his exit.

Kehl, a former Dortmund player who later moved into a series of off-field roles, has also been linked with a vacancy at Hamburg. However, he is understood to be weighing his options and has not committed to an immediate return to football.
 

HSV launch Supporters Trust targeting €16 million for stadium investment

Hamburger SV have launched a fan-backed “Supporters Trust” scheme aimed at raising €16 million in an initial funding phase for stadium-related investment, the club announced in a statement.

The Bundesliga club plan to offer shares priced at €887 each, with an initial tranche of 18,870 units reflecting the club’s founding year. A founding assembly is scheduled for 5 May, with sales to begin following regulatory approval.

Club president Henrik Köncke said members will have priority access during the first ten days, before the offer is extended to season ticket holders and other supporters. “In the first ten days after the launch, HSV members will initially have the opportunity to participate,” he said.

Structure and rollout

The funds raised are restricted to infrastructure spending, with the club stating they will be used to improve the stadium experience. Plans include increasing capacity at the Volksparkstadion from 57,000 to 60,000 seats.

Köncke said that, subject to approvals, expansion work could begin immediately, with capacity expected to exceed 58,000 during the next season. The club added that the initiative was backed by members in a previous vote and has support from figures including Horst Hrubesch and head coach Merlin Polzin.
 

AFE launches new international footballers’ union after FIFPRO split

The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) has launched a new international union, the International Association of Footballers (AIF), following their departure from global body FIFPRO.

The organisation was presented in Madrid by AFE president David Aganzo, who said the new body will represent more than 30,000 players and focus on their role in decision-making and the protection of their rights.

AFE left FIFPRO citing concerns over governance, with Aganzo stating during the launch that “footballers today are losing strength, losing rights and losing guarantees”, adding the union would seek to restore FIFA-backed financial protections.

FIFPRO questions legitimacy

Women’s football is set to be a central focus of AIF, including issues related to equality, working conditions and maternity protections, according to the organisation’s leadership.

FIFPRO responded in a statement, questioning the legitimacy of the new body and saying its own structure is supported by 70 national unions representing over 60,000 players, with formal recognition from the European Union and the International Labour Organization.

France’s National Assembly is set to examine a proposed law to reform the governance of professional football from 18 May.

The bill, which was adopted by the Senate in June last year, could come into force as early as next season if passed before the summer, introducing structural changes to how the professional game is run.

Under the proposal, the current role of the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) would be reshaped, with greater powers transferred to the French Football Federation (FFF). The reform would allow the federation to take back control from the league over organising competitions.

Reform plans and club pressure

The legislation, backed by senators Laurent Lafon and Michel Savin, includes plans to create a club-owned company to run competitions, similar to models used in other European leagues such as the Premier League.

It follows pressure from several Ligue 1 club presidents, who wrote earlier this year: “We call on the public authorities to accelerate the necessary and urgent reform of the governance of French professional football”, warning that the current system is no longer suited to managing broadcast rights and the league’s commercial strategy.
 

PIF sell 70 per cent stake in Al Hilal to Saudi prince

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have sold a 70 per cent stake in Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company, as the sovereign wealth fund continues to reshape its sports portfolio.

The deal values Al Hilal at €317 million and transfers majority ownership to the investment firm controlled by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal.

PIF acquired controlling stakes in four leading Saudi clubs, including Al Hilal, in 2023, and will retain a minority share in the club.

PIF strategy under focus

The sale comes amid scrutiny of PIF’s wider sports investments, including reports that it may scale back funding for LIV Golf, the breakaway circuit launched in 2022.

In a statement, PIF said the transaction aligns with its strategy to “maximize returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy”, while Bin Talal said the acquisition reflects a belief in sport as “a unifying force… and a catalyst for national development.”
 

Lionel Messi acquires UE Cornellà and expands club ownership portfolio

Lionel Messi has completed the purchase of UE Cornellà, a fifth-tier Spanish club. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The Barcelona-based side compete in Tercera Federación and are recognised for their youth development system.

Players including Jordi Alba and David Raya have previously come through the club’s academy. The acquisition marks Messi’s latest move into football ownership alongside his playing career at Inter Miami.

Messi has also established Leones de Rosario in Argentina and is a partner with Luis Suárez in Deportivo LSM. The expansion into club ownership has been complemented by the launch of the Messi Cup, a youth competition involving academy teams from multiple countries.

Players' investment trend

Current and former footballers have been increasingly active in investments. Only this year, Dani Alves, Carlos Vela and Cristiano Ronaldo have all been involved in majority or minority investments in clubs.

Earlier this week it was also reported that John Terry is fronting a consortium looking to buy Colchester United, and in January Sergio Ramos was said to be fronting a consortium looking to acquire Sevilla.

KAA Gent have initiated legal proceedings against the Belgian Pro League, seeking a renewed vote on the competition format and aiming to restore a 16-team top division with play-offs from the 2027/28 season.

The move follows a 31 March General Assembly where clubs voted to amend U23 quotas in the second tier, after pressure from the Belgian Competition Authority, but did not revisit the format decision approved in February 2025, which set an 18-team league without play-offs, according to Nieuwsblad.

KAA Gent argue the quotas were integral to securing the required majority for the wider reform package, including the removal of play-offs. The club said the decision was “single and indivisible”, adding that any change to the quotas should trigger a new vote on the full agreement.

Legal basis of format vote

The club has now opened cases at the enterprise court and the Belgian Arbitration Court for Sport, alongside ongoing proceedings at the competition authority, seeking to enforce what it views as the legal requirement for a fresh vote.

KAA Gent stated its objective is a “correct and constructive discussion” and a democratic vote on the format, while maintaining that altering quotas without revisiting the broader decision is not legally acceptable.
 

Real Sociedad report €41.6 million first half profit boosted by player sales

Real Sociedad have reported a profit of €41.6 million for the first half of the 2025/26 season, according to the club’s financial report.

The figure represents an increase of 8 per cent compared with €38.6 million recorded at the same stage of the previous campaign.

The result was driven primarily by profit on player sales, which rose to €74.8 million, largely reflecting the summer transfer of Martín Zubimendi to Arsenal for a reported fee of €70 million.

Revenue decreases

Total revenue declined by 16 per cent to €52.4 million, down from €62.7 million last year. Broadcasting revenue generated €36.2 million, while membership income exceeded €6 million. Commercial revenue reached €5.3 million.

Operating expenses remained broadly stable, with staff costs approaching €50 million and other operating expenses exceeding €20 million.
 

Nike set to secure UEFA ball rights in €40 million a year deal

Nike is in exclusive talks to become the official match ball supplier for UEFA's men’s club competitions from 2027, in a deal expected to exceed €40 million per season, effectively doubling the current agreement, according to the Financial Times.

The agreement would cover the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League for the 2027–2031 cycle, replacing Adidas after more than two decades as supplier.

Adidas confirmed it would not renew its contract, stating it was “proud to have created the most iconic ball range of all time” during its tenure with the competition.

Shift in commercial strategy

The process was managed by Relevent Football Partners on behalf of UC3, UEFA's joint venture with European Football Clubs (EFC) responsible for commercial revenues.

The proposed increase in value reflects broader changes in UEFA's commercial approach, with new sponsorship and media deals contributing to higher overall revenues across its competitions.

Everton and Fulham are in advanced talks to replace their current betting sponsors with front-of-shirt agreements involving CMC Markets, worth about £50 million over three years, according to Sky News.

The two Premier League clubs are seeking new commercial partners ahead of a voluntary league ban on gambling sponsorships, with CMC emerging as a leading candidate. CMC Markets is a London-listed financial services company led by Lord Cruddas, a former treasurer of the Conservative Party.

One industry source told Sky News that discussions were ongoing and other brands remained interested in both clubs.

11 clubs need replacements

The negotiations come as clubs prepare for the removal of betting companies from front-of-shirt positions, following growing regulatory and political scrutiny of gambling advertising in English football.

Everton and Fulham are currently sponsored by betting operators, placing them among 11 clubs needing replacements as the ban takes effect for the 2026/27 season.
 

Newly elected Paris mayor seeks summer agreement on Parc des Princes sale

Newly elected Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has said he will reopen talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential sale of the Parc des Princes, aiming to reach an agreement before the end of the summer.

As reported by French media, Grégoire said he plans to convene an exceptional Paris Council meeting in mid-April to secure a mandate to negotiate, stressing that any decision would ultimately rest with the council rather than the mayor alone.

He added: “I want to very quickly re-engage discussions… I will refer the matter to the Council of Paris,” while reiterating his personal support for a sale and stating that public funds should not be used to finance a professional football stadium.

Shift in stance

Negotiations had previously stalled under former mayor Anne Hidalgo, who opposed the sale of the stadium to the club. This had led Paris Saint-Germain to consider moving 15 kilometres away from Paris to build a new €1 billion 90,000-capacity stadium.

However, the new administration has indicated a change in approach, with Grégoire seeking to re-establish contact with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi as discussions resume over the future ownership of the venue.
 

Cardiff lose €120 million damages claim against Nantes in Sala case

Cardiff City have lost their €120 million damages claim against Nantes over the death of Emiliano Sala, following a ruling by the Nantes Commercial Court on Monday. The League One club had sought compensation linked to alleged financial losses after their relegation from the Premier League in 2019.

The Welsh club argued that Sala’s absence following his death in January 2019 contributed to their relegation, resulting in lost earnings and a reduced club valuation. The court dismissed the claim in full and instead ordered Cardiff to pay Nantes €300,000 in damages along with €180,000 in legal costs.

Legal arguments focused on the organisation of the flight that ended in the fatal crash over the English Channel. Cardiff alleged the journey had been arranged on behalf of Nantes by banned agent Willie McKay, a claim the French club denied, maintaining they dealt only with his son Mark McKay during the transfer.

Ongoing legal fallout

Sala, 28, died when the aircraft carrying him to Cardiff crashed on January 21, 2019. The incident occurred days after the striker had completed a €17 million transfer from Nantes.

In 2022, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Sala’s transfer had been finalised at the time of his death. The following year, FIFA ordered Cardiff to pay just over €11 million of the transfer fee to Nantes.
 

CAF general secretary steps down as AFCON final fallout continues

Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba has resigned amid ongoing fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Mosengo-Omba stepped down after five years in the role, with CAF confirming competitions director Samson Adamu will take over on an interim basis while a replacement is appointed.

The resignation follows a dispute over the AFCON final in which Senegal were stripped of their title after walking off during a stoppage-time penalty decision against hosts Morocco. Senegal have appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

AFCON changes

According to The Guardian, Mosengo-Omba’s tenure had also been marked by scrutiny over alleged financial irregularities, although Swiss prosecutors declined to pursue charges, and internal complaints regarding workplace culture, which he denied.

Separately, CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced that AFCON will expand from 24 to 28 teams, without detailing the format or timeline. CAF also plans to move the tournament to a four-year cycle after 2027 and introduce a Nations League-style competition from 2029.