FIFA, Pierluigi Collina, IFAB
31 May 2026

FIFA will stop players from leaving the pitch for team talks when goalkeepers receive treatment at the World Cup. Referees have been told to prevent both teams from using goalkeeper injuries as unofficial tactical timeouts.

Pierluigi Collina said goalkeepers can still receive treatment, but outfield players cannot gather at the benches. FIFA will also allow wider VAR checks for attacking fouls before set-pieces and tighten rules on time-wasting restarts.

Paris Saint-Germain, France police, Laurent Nunez
31 May 2026

French authorities made 416 arrests after Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win over Arsenal sparked disorder across the country. Interior minister Laurent Nunez said 283 arrests were made in the Paris area after celebrations turned unruly.

Thousands gathered after PSG defended their European title, with flares, fires and attempts to block the Périphérique reported. Police said the disorder matched expected risks, while the arrest total was more than double the number after PSG’s semi-final win.

Kevin De Bruyne, Antonio Conte, Napoli
30 May 2026

Kevin De Bruyne admitted he is glad Antonio Conte has left Napoli after a difficult debut season in Serie A. The midfielder said Conte’s football vision did not suit his creative style.

De Bruyne struggled with a rigid system and injuries after joining Napoli from Manchester City, managing limited appearances and modest attacking numbers. With Conte gone, he now has a clearer chance to rebuild his role next season.

Francesco Totti, Roma, Gian Piero Gasperini
30 May 2026

Francesco Totti is reportedly moving closer to a Roma return, with Gian Piero Gasperini pushing for the club legend to receive a meaningful sporting role rather than a ceremonial ambassador position.

Talks had stalled over salary and responsibilities, but Gasperini wants Totti involved directly in the football department. Roma’s owners had viewed him as part of the centenary project, while Totti wants real influence.

Rafa Benitez, Italy, Gennaro Gattuso
30 May 2026

Rafa Benitez has emerged as a surprise option for the Italy job after publicly showing interest in leading the Azzurri rebuild. Italy are searching for a new direction after missing another World Cup.

Gennaro Gattuso has already left, while Silvio Baldini is handling upcoming friendlies on an interim basis. Benitez’s Serie A experience with Inter Milan and Napoli gives him a familiar profile if Italy want an established foreign coach.

Budapest Police, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain
30 May 2026

Budapest police are studying camera footage after supporters fought before the Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. Authorities said the brawl happened early Saturday on Kiraly Street and proceedings have been opened for gang violence.

Footage online appeared to show rival supporters fighting and lighting flares, while police prepared Hungary’s largest single-day deployment for the final. Three people were also arrested after a separate fight at the fan festival site.

Glenn Whelan, Livingston, David Martindale
30 May 2026

Livingston appointed Glenn Whelan as head coach after relegation from the Scottish Premiership. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder will lead the club’s attempt to return to the top flight after a difficult one-year stay.

Whelan brings coaching experience from Bristol Rovers and Wigan Athletic, including interim spells at Wigan. Sporting director David Martindale said his elite playing background and winning mentality matched Livingston’s needs for a rebuild.

Arne Slot, Liverpool, Andoni Iraola
30 May 2026

Liverpool sacked Arne Slot after two seasons, one year after he delivered the club’s 20th league title. The Reds have approached Andoni Iraola after finishing fifth with their lowest Premier League points total since 2015-16.

Liverpool’s hierarchy decided the team needed a more aggressive and urgent style after a costly season of injuries, poor form and supporter frustration. Iraola is admired internally after guiding Bournemouth into Europe with high-intensity football.

Rudi Völler, DFB, FIFA
30 May 2026

Rudi Völler called for stricter FIFA rules on players switching national teams, saying current eligibility rules undermine international football. The DFB sporting director wants players to choose their country by age 18.

Völler criticised late switches after federations invest in youth development, citing cases where players come through one system before choosing another senior team. His comments follow renewed debate around dual-national players before the World Cup.

Brenden Aaronson, USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino
30 May 2026

Brenden Aaronson missed USMNT World Cup training because he was allowed to attend his own wedding. The Leeds United midfielder is expected to rejoin the squad on Saturday before their next preparation match.

Team-mates said the absence was planned well in advance and not viewed as a distraction. Aaronson is coming off a strong club season and has been named to Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup squad.