Jean-Philippe Mateta and Crystal Palace
24 August 2026

Jean-Philippe Mateta has challenged the validity of the final year of his Crystal Palace contract, taking the dispute to a Premier League independent tribunal and a FIFA hearing. FIFA ruled that the matter did not fall within its jurisdiction.

Palace activated an extension option in Mateta’s original contract and continue to regard him as contracted for another 10 months. With renewal talks unsuccessful and rival interest reported, Palace are likely to listen to offers before the transfer window closes.

Aune Heggebo, West Bromwich Albion and the Football Association
August 2026

West Bromwich Albion forward Aune Heggebo received a two-match ban for deception after a cross struck his hand before going into Norwich City’s net. He became the first player charged under the deception rule introduced in the 2017-18 season.

The FA judged the incident as deception of a match official, while West Brom manager James Morrison argued the contact was accidental. Heggebo missed the win over Burnley and will also sit out the Carabao Cup tie at Newcastle.

SC Cambuur, Feyenoord supporters and the KNVB
23 August 2026

Five SC Cambuur supporters suffered burns, hearing damage and eye injuries after Feyenoord fans threw fireworks during Sunday’s Eredivisie match. Play was suspended for about 10 minutes as flares and explosives were launched from the visiting section.

Feyenoord condemned the behaviour and said it would seek camera footage to identify those responsible. Cambuur, local authorities and the KNVB are investigating, while the Dutch federation said it will review whether its disorder protocols adequately protect supporters.

Besiktas, Leandro Trossard, Adnan Deniz Kayatepe and Bulent Birincioglu
24 August 2026

Besiktas issued a scathing statement against the referee and VAR after Leandro Trossard was slapped in the face during a 1-0 defeat to Alanyaspor without punishment. The club called the officiating a document of shame.

Replays showed Fidan Aliti striking Trossard off the ball, but referee Adnan Deniz Kayatepe and VAR Bulent Birincioglu took no action. Besiktas said it does not want either official assigned to its matches and demanded fair, equal officiating.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and FIFA president Gianni Infantino
24 August 2026

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin ruled out standing to replace FIFA president Gianni Infantino, while warning that Infantino could either step down or face a challenger at the next FIFA election amid growing opposition to his leadership.

The dispute follows Infantino’s collapsed plan to seek private investment in a company running FIFA tournaments. UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC are reported to be considering a no-confidence move, while Ceferin said football support for Infantino is weakening.

Barcelona supporters, Barcelona and Spanish police
24 August 2026

Barcelona condemned what it called disproportionate police force against supporters before Sunday’s La Liga opener at Elche. Video showed officers using batons outside the stadium after Estelada flags were confiscated, with one Barcelona supporter detained.

The club said the force used in the detention lacked justification and argued the Estelada is a legally protected expression. Barcelona requested explanations and said it reserves the right to take further action to defend supporters’ rights and safety.

Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and Vincent Kompany
Sunday

Harry Kane has been voted Germany’s 2026 player of the year after scoring 61 goals across all competitions for Bayern Munich. The England striker finished ahead of teammate Michael Olise in the annual poll conducted by German sports journalists.

Kane helped Bayern defend the Bundesliga title, win the German Cup and secure the Supercup, including a hat-trick in the cup final. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany also won Germany’s coach of the year award after receiving nearly half the available votes.

Diego Maradona memorabilia and Heritage Auctions
Saturday

The ball Diego Maradona used for both his Hand of God goal and Goal of the Century against England at the 1986 World Cup has sold for $3.35m at Heritage Auctions, well below the auction house’s $10m estimate.

The same Adidas Azteca ball previously sold for $2.37m in 2022 and failed to meet its reserve in another auction a year later. Its latest sale reflects renewed World Cup-era collector interest while remaining below football memorabilia’s biggest record prices.

Feyenoord, Cambuur and travelling supporters
Sunday

Five supporters were injured after fireworks were fired from Feyenoord’s away section during their 5-2 win over Cambuur. Cambuur reported burns, hearing damage and eye injuries, describing the incident as unacceptable after pyrotechnics reached the pitch and surrounding stands.

Controversy continued after the final whistle when Feyenoord players walked over to acknowledge the away end despite the injuries. The gesture triggered criticism from supporters who argued the team should have visibly distanced itself from the dangerous behaviour in the stand.

Greenock Morton, Dalrada and Estrella
Sunday

Greenock Morton are facing a worsening cash-flow crisis after major sponsor Dalrada reduced payments and investment group Estrella withdrew a proposed £750,000 purchase of a 35% stake. Club officials say finances could become particularly tight by November despite emergency supporter fundraising.

Dalrada had committed £780,000 across its sponsorship, but its own financial problems disrupted payments. A supporter fighting fund raised more than £27,000 in 48 hours, while Morton seek replacement investment and try to stabilise a community-owned club already under sporting pressure.