Thomas Tuchel, England and the Football Association
Thursday after England’s World Cup exit

Thomas Tuchel retains the Football Association’s backing despite England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina. The England head coach is expected to continue into Euro 2028, which will be hosted across the UK and Ireland.

Tuchel faced criticism for defensive substitutions after England lost a late lead, but FA chief executive Mark Bullingham publicly thanked the squad and staff. Tuchel said he intends to keep working under his contract through the home Euros.

Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez and England supporters
During England’s World Cup semi-final defeat

Chelsea deleted a social media post celebrating Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser for Argentina after backlash from supporters. The post was criticised as insensitive because Fernandez’s goal helped knock England out of the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.

Fans accused Chelsea of placing player promotion above the mood of the club’s domestic fanbase. The club later removed the post without explaining the decision, adding another off-field flashpoint around Fernandez’s Argentina career.

Jude Bellingham, Valentin Barco and FIFA
After England’s World Cup semi-final defeat

Jude Bellingham could face FIFA disciplinary action after slapping Argentina substitute Valentin Barco on the back of the head following England’s 2-1 semi-final defeat. The incident sparked a small melee as players from both sides moved in.

Footage showed Barco celebrating near England players after Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser, with Bellingham later reacting at full-time. FIFA could review the act, though reports suggest it may be treated as petulant rather than violent conduct.

FIFA, Post Malone, Tom Cruise and IShowSpeed
Ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final

FIFA says Post Malone will headline the World Cup closing ceremony before Sunday’s final between Argentina and Spain. The ceremony will begin 90 minutes before kick-off and also includes Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed and other major performers.

FIFA says the show will celebrate the 48 teams and 16 host cities from the expanded tournament. The announcement adds another entertainment layer to a final already set to feature the tournament’s first half-time show.

Argentina, Giovani Lo Celso, Nicolas Otamendi and FIFA
After Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final

Argentina could face FIFA punishment after Giovani Lo Celso and Nicolas Otamendi displayed a “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” banner during celebrations after beating England. The political Falkland Islands message was shown on the pitch after the semi-final comeback.

IFAB and FIFA rules ban political slogans, flags and symbols from equipment and stadium materials. The incident comes after Argentina’s Falklands chants already drew scrutiny, adding a disciplinary risk before Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.

German FA, Bernd Neuendorf and Gianni Infantino
Wednesday

The German Football Association has refused to sign a letter supporting Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf is distancing Germany from Infantino amid wider European frustration over FIFA governance and recent disciplinary controversy.

The refusal follows anger over FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban after Donald Trump contacted Infantino. Germany says the matter cannot be ignored, while FairSquare has also complained to the IOC about alleged political neutrality breaches.

Leeds United and Leicester City
Wednesday

Leeds United have started legal proceedings against Leicester City, seeking damages over their failed 2023-24 Premier League promotion bid. Leeds argue Leicester’s financial-rule breaches affected the Championship race, with the Foxes finishing above them before later punishment.

The claim follows Burnley’s successful compensation case against Everton, creating a possible new route for clubs harmed by rivals’ PSR breaches. Leicester were handed a six-point penalty last season, while Leeds lost the play-off final and stayed down.

Gianluca Rocchi, Andrea Gervasoni and Milan prosecutors
Wednesday

Milan prosecutors have dismissed the sports-fraud case against former Serie A referee designator Gianluca Rocchi and deputy Andrea Gervasoni. Rocchi had been investigated over alleged influence on VAR decisions and referee appointments during the 2024-25 season.

Prosecutors said they found no evidence of a structured system to interfere with appointments. Documents linked to a separate VAR-room incident have been passed to Monza authorities, but Rocchi’s lawyer said the main case was resolved quickly.

Como, Mirwan Suwarso, UEFA and Cesc Fabregas
Wednesday

Como president Mirwan Suwarso has outlined an ambitious plan to turn the club into the “LA Lakers of Italian football” and a global sports-tourism destination. He also said the club will not change spending plans simply to satisfy UEFA financial rules.

Suwarso said owners already enforce financial discipline and told UEFA to fine Como if necessary. The comments come as Como prepare for a historic Champions League campaign under Cesc Fabregas, while placing high valuations on key players.

Morecambe, the independent football regulator and club owners
Wednesday

The independent football regulator has issued a warning notice to Morecambe after the club’s owners failed to answer information requests. It is the first action taken by the IFR since the Football Governance Act became law last year.

The regulator says Morecambe’s owners may have breached information requirements without reasonable excuse and could face a censure statement. The case shows the new regulator’s powers, which can include fines, injunctions and even licence action.