Cove Rangers and the SPFL
1 October 2026

Cove Rangers have been placed under a player-registration embargo until 31 May 2027 after admitting breaches involving an overdue contractual payment and incorrect information supplied to the Scottish Professional Football League about outstanding player liabilities.

An SPFL tribunal also fined the League One club £5,000, with £2,000 suspended. Cove have since paid the player involved but described the sanction as severe and are reviewing the ruling and their available options.

Ivan Toney
1 October 2026

England striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an alleged confrontation at a London nightclub last December. He is accused of headbutting and punching another man during the incident in Soho.

Toney chose to have the case heard before a judge and jury rather than remain in the magistrates court. He was released on unconditional bail and is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 29 October.

Newcastle United and their supporters
1 October 2026

Newcastle United have unveiled a redesigned club crest following a two-year consultation process involving supporters. More than 27,000 fans voted on the final design, which retains the castle, striped shield and hippocampi from the club’s existing identity.

The refreshed badge will begin appearing across Newcastle’s digital platforms before making its competitive shirt debut at the club’s final home game of this season. It will then become the permanent playing crest from the 2027-28 campaign.

Alvaro Arbeloa and Fulham
30 September 2026

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association after comments questioning officials following his side’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester United. The FA alleges his remarks implied bias and questioned a match official’s integrity.

Arbeloa claimed officials would not allow Manchester United to lose after Matheus Cunha’s late equaliser at Craven Cottage. The Fulham manager has been given until Thursday to respond to the charge before the disciplinary process moves forward.

Swiss Football Association and Gianni Infantino
30 September 2026

The Swiss Football Association has withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino after reassessing recent developments surrounding football’s world governing body. The association cited concerns over leadership, governance, transparency and FIFA’s decision-making processes.

The move adds to pressure on Infantino following controversy over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal and UEFA’s legal challenge. Infantino is due to seek another term as FIFA president in March 2027, with rival candidates facing a November nomination deadline.