Barcelona and La Liga
During the summer transfer window

Barcelona have reportedly returned to La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule, ending years of restrictive transfer controls. The change allows the Spanish champions to reinvest player-sale income normally as they plan new arrivals this summer.

The shift means funds from deals such as Ansu Fati and Inaki Pena can be fully used for recruitment. Barcelona’s board now gains far greater flexibility after years of financial limits shaped by aggressive accounting and squad-cost pressure.

UEFA, FIFA and IFAB
Thursday

UEFA has confirmed players will not be sent off in its competitions for covering their mouths during confrontations. The governing body will not adopt FIFA’s World Cup rule for the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.

Officials can still show yellow cards if mouth-covering is judged an attempt to conceal unsporting communication. UEFA will instead assess incidents individually, while keeping disciplinary investigations available for abusive conduct after matches or through formal proceedings.

Santi Cazorla
Thursday

Santi Cazorla has announced his retirement from professional football at 41. The former Spain and Arsenal midfielder ends a 25-year career after helping boyhood club Real Oviedo return to La Liga last season in Spain.

Cazorla confirmed the decision on social media, closing a career that included Arsenal, Villarreal, Malaga and two European Championship titles with Spain. His final spell at Oviedo completed a long comeback from serious injury problems.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes
Before his contract expires next June

Richard Hughes is not expected to sign a new Liverpool deal beyond 2027 and is likely to join Al Hilal. The sporting director is set to reunite with former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis in Saudi Arabia.

Hughes was hired by Fenway Sports Group in 2024 and helped shape Liverpool’s recruitment structure. His expected exit creates another senior off-field change at Anfield as Al Hilal target European executive experience for their project.

England supporters and FIFA resale buyers
After England reached the last 16

England fans hoping to attend the Mexico World Cup tie face resale prices starting at about £2,600 on FIFA’s platform. Supply remains tight for the Azteca match after England’s win over DR Congo in Atlanta.

FIFA’s resale site listed limited tickets at many times face value, with supporter-value seats carrying heavy markups once fees were added. Independent marketplace prices were also high, leaving travelling fans with few affordable options nearby.

Pape Gueye and Senegal
After Senegal’s World Cup exit

Pape Gueye says he will take a break from playing for Senegal while the current management remains in charge. The Villarreal midfielder made the call after Senegal lost a two-goal lead and were knocked out by Belgium.

Gueye’s announcement deepens Senegal’s latest crisis after another controversial tournament exit under Pape Thiaw. The decision follows frustration over substitutions, late Belgium goals and a 125th-minute penalty that ended their World Cup campaign in Seattle.