Chelsea and Joao Pedro
Thursday

Chelsea have reached an agreement to extend Joao Pedro’s contract through 2032 with a club option taking it to 2034. The Brazil striker is being rewarded after scoring 20 non-penalty goals last season and impressing throughout Chelsea’s summer preparations.

Joao Pedro has also been handed Chelsea’s number nine shirt and is expected to start the Premier League opener against Fulham. The long-term deal strengthens his status as Chelsea’s first-choice striker while Liam Delap is available for transfer.

Aune Heggebo, West Bromwich Albion and the Football Association
Thursday

West Brom striker Aune Heggebo has received a two-match suspension for scoring with his hand against Norwich. An independent commission ruled that the Norway forward successfully deceived the referee, upholding a misconduct charge despite West Brom’s appeal.

The case is believed to be the first English football ban of its kind since the relevant rule changed before the 2024-25 season. West Brom now plan to ask the FA for clarification on how players should react in similar situations.

FIFA, Eldridge Industries and proposed Under-15 tournament investors
Thursday

FIFA held undisclosed talks over commercialising a proposed global Under-15 tournament involving all 211 member nations, including discussions with outside investors and broadcasters. A formal proposal backed by Eldridge Industries explored staging the event at Disney’s sports complex in Florida.

The investment concept was shelved before the World Cup, and FIFA later selected Azerbaijan to host the competition without outside investment. The revelation adds another governance issue after the organisation abandoned a separate plan to sell part of its commercial operations.

Liverpool, Fenway Sports Group and 1892 Holdings
Thursday

New details show Fenway Sports Group sold about 38% of Liverpool to the Jeff Bezos-backed 1892 Holdings consortium, a larger stake than the roughly 30% to one-third initially reported. Three representatives of the investor group will join Liverpool’s board.

FSG remains in control, but the transaction reportedly values Liverpool between £5bn and £6bn and gives 1892 Holdings an option to pursue majority ownership within 12 months. The clarified stake strengthens the consortium’s influence despite remaining a minority investor.

West Ham United, Manor Solomon and West Ham supporters
Thursday

West Ham have urged supporters to stop an anti-Palestine chant relating to Israel winger Manor Solomon after it was heard during their Championship opener at Burnley. The club described the chant as offensive and divisive before Saturday’s home match.

West Ham reminded supporters that everyone should be able to attend matches without fear, discrimination or abuse. The intervention makes the issue a formal club conduct matter rather than simply social-media reaction following Solomon’s recent arrival from Tottenham.

Sheffield United, COH Sports Bidco, EFL and Independent Football Regulator
Wednesday

Sheffield United could face a 12-point deduction after COH Sports Bidco, the company used to purchase the club, was placed into liquidation by the High Court. Around £35m remains unpaid from the original takeover agreement.

The club itself has not entered insolvency, so punishment is not automatic. However, the EFL is assessing whether the ownership structure and movement of shares into another company create grounds for sanctions, while the regulator is examining the court decision.

Patrick Vieira and Senegal Football Federation
Wednesday

Patrick Vieira’s announced appointment as Senegal coach remains uncertain because he has not signed a contract and the federation is still negotiating administrative terms. A pending CAS ruling could also challenge the legitimacy of the current federation leadership.

Former coach Pape Thiaw’s exit is unresolved, including a reported claim for unpaid wages and bonuses. If CAS rules against the federation leadership, Vieira’s appointment could be questioned before Senegal begin Africa Cup of Nations qualifying in September.

Nuno Mendes and Paris Saint-Germain
Wednesday

The French league disciplinary committee has suspended PSG left-back Nuno Mendes for three matches following his red card against Lens in the Trophee des Champions. The Portugal international will miss league fixtures against Rennes, Lille and Monaco.

PSG disputed the referee’s description of the incident but the disciplinary committee upheld a three-match punishment. Lucas Digne is expected to cover the position, turning the suspension into an immediate selection issue at the start of the season.

Public Investment Fund, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal
Wednesday

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport has begun transferring 25% stakes held by non-profit institutions in four major club companies to the Public Investment Fund. Al-Ittihad also announced the immediate departure of president Fahd Sindi from his role.

The change moves the clubs toward a new ownership structure while existing boards at Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli continue temporarily for 90 days. Al-Ittihad instead removed its president as the wider statutory ownership transition proceeds.

Bay FC, San Jose Earthquakes and Gavin Wilkinson
Wednesday

Bay FC have publicly criticised San Jose Earthquakes for hiring Gavin Wilkinson as a roster-management consultant, saying his professional history conflicts with standards expected of football leaders. The two clubs share facilities at PayPal Park.

Wilkinson was dismissed from Portland in 2022 after the Yates Report into abuse in women’s soccer, though he was not personally sanctioned by its findings. San Jose say he completed a restorative accountability process before being deemed suitable for consulting work.