Etihad Airways and the Premier League
30 September 2026

Manchester City sponsor Etihad Airways is considering legal action following publication of the Premier League commission’s findings. The airline rejected any suggestion it participated in improper commercial arrangements and said the public handling of the case had damaged its interests.

Etihad said it was not given an opportunity to engage with the process and criticised what it described as unclear and selective disclosure. The airline will seek legal advice on possible recourse while Manchester City separately prepares its own appeal.

Iliyan Filipov and Botev Plovdiv
30 September 2026

Botev Plovdiv owner Iliyan Filipov was shot dead in the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv early Wednesday. Police later arrested a 51-year-old former employee of Filipov’s transport and construction company as the investigation into the killing continued.

Officers were called to the Hristo Smirnenski district at about 1am local time and secured the area before launching a wider search. Botev cancelled training, supporters gathered at Hristo Botev Stadium and the club began seeking a new date for its Slavia Sofia match.

Bordeaux and Park Bench
30 September 2026

Girondins de Bordeaux have agreed to change ownership for a symbolic €1, with buyer Park Bench taking on the historic French club’s debts. The agreement offers Bordeaux a route away from the financial crisis that threatened their continued existence.

Gerard Lopez’s company will relinquish control if the transaction clears its remaining regulatory steps. Park Bench must now appear before the Nouvelle-Aquitaine league’s financial control commission, with approval required to secure Bordeaux’s place in Regional 1.

Juventus and Exor
30 September 2026

Juventus have proposed a share capital increase of up to €250 million as part of a major financial restructuring. Majority shareholder Exor has already provided €60 million in advance and pledged support for its full proportional share.

The board will ask shareholders on 3 November for authority to complete the capital increase in one or more stages. Juventus intend to strengthen equity, support sporting competitiveness, fund strategic property projects and remain compliant with UEFA and FIGC financial requirements.