Burnley and Nicky Hayen
Friday

Burnley have appointed Genk boss Nicky Hayen as their new head coach on a three-year deal. The Belgian replaces Scott Parker, who left after Burnley were relegated from the Premier League at the end of April.

Burnley moved to Hayen after approaches involving Craig Bellamy and Rob Edwards did not work out. Chairman Alan Pace said the appointment fits a sustainable football model, with Hayen joining the squad on their United States pre-season tour.

Portugal, Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo
Friday

Jorge Jesus has been appointed Portugal head coach on a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host. The 71-year-old replaces Roberto Martinez after Portugal’s last-16 defeat by Spain.

Jesus arrives after coaching Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr and said the captain remains selectable if fit and useful to the team. His first match will be Portugal’s Nations League opener against Wales on 24 September.

Argentine Football Association and Egypt-linked hackers
After Argentina’s World Cup win over Egypt

Argentina’s football association says it may have suffered unauthorised access after emails from official accounts reportedly criticised refereeing in the 3-2 win over Egypt. Messages described the result as corrupt and praised Egypt’s performance.

The AFA told recipients to ignore unusual messages, especially those containing links or attachments, while its IT team investigates. The cyber incident adds another layer to the officiating row after Egypt complained formally to FIFA.

Colombian FA and Jaminton Campaz
Friday after Colombia’s World Cup exit

Colombia’s football federation has demanded legal action after Jaminton Campaz received death threats following his miss against Switzerland. The federation urged the Attorney General’s Office to investigate and punish those responsible as quickly as possible.

Campaz missed a late chance in extra time before Colombia lost on penalties, despite him scoring his own spot-kick. The threats revived painful memories of Andres Escobar’s 1994 killing after Colombia’s previous World Cup in the United States.

Michael Edwards, Liverpool and Fenway Sports Group
Friday

Michael Edwards has left his role as Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, creating fresh behind-the-scenes uncertainty around Liverpool. Edwards returned in 2024 to lead FSG’s football operations and search for a second club.

FSG called the departure part of a planned transition, but the timing adds pressure at Anfield after coaching and executive changes. Mike Gordon is expected to take a more hands-on role in Liverpool’s day-to-day football operation.

Barcelona, Hansi Flick and club executives
Friday

Barcelona have requested a €210m credit line to support summer recruitment and operational costs. The funding is expected to help the club pursue Julian Alvarez, Karim Adeyemi and Joao Cancelo while managing liquidity and registration demands.

The loan would be backed by expected income for next season as Barcelona try to reach La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule. Club officials want flexibility to move before player sales, especially with Adeyemi reportedly close.

Barcelona, Hansi Flick and Benjamin Kugel
Friday

Barcelona have brought in German fitness coach Benjamin Kugel to work with Hansi Flick’s first team, with Julio Tous moved away from senior duties. The change follows concerns over last season’s fitness programme and player tensions.

Flick raised the issue during contract talks, and Barcelona ultimately backed his view by reshaping the department. Kugel previously worked with Flick in Germany’s national setup and is expected to lead a reset of first-team conditioning.

Erik ten Hag, FC Twente and the Netherlands
Friday after Ronald Koeman’s exit

Erik ten Hag has ruled himself out of the Netherlands head coach vacancy, saying he is not available for at least two years. The former Manchester United manager will remain focused on his technical director role at FC Twente.

Ten Hag said he deliberately chose the Twente project and wants to help the club move forward. His decision removes a major candidate from the KNVB search after Ronald Koeman resigned following the Netherlands’ World Cup exit.

Jarell Quansah, England and FIFA
Thursday before England face Norway

England defender Jarell Quansah has been banned for two World Cup matches after his red card against Mexico. FIFA classified the high challenge on Jesus Gallardo as serious foul play, ruling him out against Norway and a possible semi-final.

The FA cannot appeal under tournament rules, though it strongly questioned the VAR process and slow-motion sequencing. The sanction adds pressure on Thomas Tuchel’s right-back options, especially with Reece James still returning from injury concerns.

FC Groningen and Mo Allach
Thursday

FC Groningen have filed police reports after scammers impersonated technical director Mo Allach in an elaborate transfer fraud scheme. The fake operation used forged documents, club branding and bogus email addresses to trick agents and players.

The deception allegedly left an unnamed English footballer stranded at Schiphol airport believing he had secured a move. Fraudsters then sought payment for supposed medical, travel and administrative costs, making the club suspect an organised criminal group.