FOOTBALL

Malaysia Appeals FIFA Ban on Seven Naturalised Players

Football Association of Malaysia
October 2025

Malaysia will appeal FIFA’s ruling that banned seven players for falsifying documents to gain eligibility for the national team. FIFA’s disciplinary report revealed the players’ claimed Malaysian ancestry was fabricated, with roots actually in Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and the Netherlands.
The players received 12-month bans and fines, while FAM was hit with a 350,000 Swiss franc penalty. FAM said it already prepared documents to support its appeal and will file promptly. The controversy threatens to destabilize Malaysian football, as the national team risks losing key squad members for an extended period.

Sweden Coach Defends Gyökeres Amid Arsenal Goal Drought

Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)
October 2025

Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson defended Viktor Gyökeres after criticism over his six-game goal drought at Arsenal. Despite struggles in front of goal, Tomasson insists Gyökeres’ work rate, space creation, and movement remain vital.
Gyökeres scored three times in his first four Arsenal matches, including a debut brace against Leeds, but has since gone quiet. Tomasson compared him to Erling Haaland — dangerous with few touches. Gyökeres dismissed criticism, stressing adaptation takes time and focus should remain on consistency. He’ll lead Sweden in qualifiers against Switzerland and Kosovo.

Frankfurt Set to Revive Move for Newcastle’s Osula

William Osula (Newcastle)
October 2025

Frankfurt plan to relaunch their pursuit of Newcastle striker William Osula in January after failing to land him on deadline day. Personal terms are already agreed with the Danish forward.
Frankfurt’s initial offer of a €5m loan with a €25m buy option was rejected. Newcastle paid €11m to sign Osula in 2024, but he’s had limited starts despite scoring in the Carabao Cup and Premier League. With Hugo Ekitike sold to Liverpool, Frankfurt want Osula to partner Jonathan Burkardt as they target Champions League qualification.

PSG and FFF Clash Over Barcola Injury Row

Bradley Barcola (PSG)
October 2025

PSG and the French Football Federation are in open conflict after Bradley Barcola withdrew from France duty with a hamstring injury. The FFF claimed it stemmed from a Champions League game, angering PSG who dispute that version and accuse the federation of breaching medical confidentiality.
PSG insists the injury was recent and not chronic, rejecting the FFF’s statement. This follows disputes in September over injuries to Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué. PSG see the latest communication as shifting blame, while the FFF argues it followed standard practice in explaining player withdrawals. The row highlights growing distrust, with PSG noting only two of their players were called up this break, down from five in September.

Bayern Firm on Olise Amid Premier League & PSG Interest

Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
October 2025

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has dismissed speculation over Michael Olise’s future after reports of €100m Premier League and PSG interest. Bayern are preparing to offer the winger a new contract despite his current deal running until 2029.
Freund insisted Bayern are “under no pressure” and see Olise as a long-term cornerstone, potentially for the next decade. The French international has 54 goal contributions since last season and 11 in 10 matches this campaign. Bayern plan to raise his €12m salary, still far below Harry Kane’s, to reflect his status and stave off interest from abroad.

Bayern Join Race for Palace Captain Guehi

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
October 2025

Bayern Munich have made Marc Guehi a serious target, holding early talks with his representatives. The defender, whose move to Liverpool collapsed last summer, could now choose between multiple European giants if he leaves Palace.
Bayern’s Max Eberl is a strong admirer, with the club weighing moves depending on Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae’s futures. Guehi would reunite with ex-Palace teammate Michael Olise and England colleague Harry Kane in Bavaria. With Liverpool short on fit centre-backs and Real Madrid plus Barcelona monitoring him, Guehi could be at the center of a major 2026 transfer battle.

Owen Warns England May Struggle at 2026 World Cup Under Tuchel

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Kyle Walker (Burnley), John Stones, Phil Foden (Manchester City)
October 2025

Ex-England striker Michael Owen has warned that the Three Lions could struggle at the 2026 World Cup due to ageing stars, dips in form, and harsh conditions in North America. He doubts Tuchel’s squad is improving compared to recent years.
Owen noted Kane and Stones are past their peak, Walker will be absent, and players like Foden haven’t maintained prior levels. He also flagged squad depth issues in defence and concerns over fitness in hot U.S./Mexico conditions. Tuchel’s challenge will be building chemistry around younger talents like Bellingham and Saka while phasing out fading veterans.

Rooney Defends Postecoglou Amid Forest Sack Rumors

Ange Postecoglou (Nottingham Forest)
October 2025

Wayne Rooney branded calls for Ange Postecoglou’s sacking at Nottingham Forest “absolutely crazy,” urging fans and ownership to give him time. Forest remain winless in seven matches under Postecoglou, sparking chants for Nuno Espirito Santo’s return and speculation that the international break could trigger a review of his future.
Rooney argued that Forest’s struggles stem from a drastic tactical shift and poor board-level decisions rather than Postecoglou’s ability. He highlighted positive moments against Burnley and Real Betis, saying fans need patience with a coach who “has won trophies everywhere he’s been.” Owner Evangelos Marinakis will reportedly review the situation ahead of Forest’s October 18 clash with Chelsea, a fixture that could determine Postecoglou’s fate.

Arsenal Still Eyeing Juventus Forward Yildiz Despite Contract Talks

Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)
October 2025

Arsenal remain hopeful of signing Turkish forward Kenan Yildiz despite Juventus moving to extend his contract until 2030. Yildiz, 20, has started the season strongly with five goals in 12 games, attracting attention from multiple European clubs.
Juventus are pushing to tie Yildiz down with a long-term extension, while Arsenal monitor the situation from afar. The Gunners see him as a future attacking option but face the challenge of competing with Juve’s determination to keep one of their brightest young stars.

Del Piero Slams Juventus Attack After Milan Stalemate

Juventus
October 2025

Juventus’ goalless draw against AC Milan reignited criticism of their faltering attack, with club legend Alessandro Del Piero blasting the lack of a reliable forward. He argued Juve’s defensive stability is undermined by offensive incoherence.
Del Piero said current attackers, including Dusan Vlahovic, have failed to deliver consistently as starters and called out coach Igor Tudor’s unclear tactical setup. He emphasized the need for sharper transitions and higher intensity to unlock players like Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao. The stalemate highlighted Juve’s ongoing identity crisis up front despite defensive resilience.