Nigeria, Justine Madugu and the Nigeria Football Federation
Monday

The Nigeria Football Federation has dismissed Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu and his entire technical staff with immediate effect. The decision follows Nigeria failing to qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991.

Nigeria missed the WAFCON semi-finals and then lost the playoff for an intercontinental World Cup route. The federation has also created a fact-finding committee with a two-week deadline to investigate the national team’s failure and wider recent performance problems.

Scottish FA and Gianni Infantino
Monday

The Scottish Football Association has formally withdrawn support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino and says it will not vote for his re-election. Chief executive Ian Maxwell said the association has lost confidence in FIFA’s leadership and aligns with UEFA’s position.

Scotland joins England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland in opposing Infantino as football’s governance crisis deepens. The decision adds another confirmed vote against him before the 2027 election, while FIFA’s member associations remain sharply divided over his leadership.

Memphis Depay and Corinthians
Monday

Memphis Depay and Corinthians are reportedly moving back toward a contract extension after last week’s dispute appeared to end negotiations. The Netherlands forward is willing to make major financial concessions as both sides work toward a revised agreement in Brazil.

Memphis is reportedly prepared to waive interest on €7m owed to him, drop a €2.5m commercial clause and reduce his proposed annual salary from €9m to €7m. Those concessions have reopened a deal after reports of a €30m claim.

Gianni Infantino, FairSquare and FIFA
Monday

Advocacy group FairSquare has formally asked FIFA’s Review Committee to rule Gianni Infantino ineligible to stand for president again. It argues that another victory would constitute a fourth term and breach FIFA’s statutory three-term limit for presidents.

FIFA previously decided Infantino’s 2016 to 2019 period did not count because he completed Sepp Blatter’s interrupted mandate. FairSquare is challenging that interpretation, creating a formal governance dispute over whether Infantino can legally contest the 2027 election.

PAOK, Borussia Dortmund, Giannis Konstantelias and PAOK supporters
Monday

PAOK supporters have launched protests against Giannis Konstantelias’ proposed transfer to Borussia Dortmund, gathering outside the stadium and club president’s office. Some supporters also reportedly waited at the airport in Germany as the midfielder travelled for his medical.

Dortmund are reportedly offering €25m to €27m guaranteed, with bonuses potentially pushing the package beyond €30m. PAOK’s Gate 4 ultras previously helped stop Konstantelias joining Stuttgart, adding pressure on club ownership as Dortmund attempt to complete the transfer.

Sergio Busquets and Barcelona Atletic
Monday

Sergio Busquets has officially returned to Barcelona by joining the coaching staff of reserve side Barcelona Atletic. The 38-year-old former midfielder will work alongside head coach Juliano Belletti while completing the training requirements for his coaching licence.

Busquets begins his coaching career at the club where he spent 15 senior seasons before joining Inter Miami. Barcelona view his experience and understanding of the club’s playing identity as valuable for developing the next generation of academy and reserve players.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr
Sunday

Cristiano Ronaldo says the 2026-27 campaign will probably be his final season as a professional footballer. The 41-year-old Portugal captain is approaching 1,000 senior goals and has one year remaining on his contract with Saudi champions Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo said he wants to leave a spectacular legacy before spending more time with his family, travelling and pursuing other interests. His comments are his clearest retirement indication yet after previously confirming the 2026 World Cup would be his last.

Scotland and Sebastien Pocognoli
Sunday

The Scottish FA has officially appointed Sebastien Pocognoli as Scotland men’s head coach on a two-year contract. The 39-year-old Belgian replaces Steve Clarke after previously leading Union Saint-Gilloise to their first league title in 90 years.

Pocognoli becomes only the second foreign manager of Scotland’s men’s team and arrives with a reputation for aggressive, possession-based football. His first matches will come in September’s Nations League block as Scotland begin a new cycle after the World Cup.

Liverpool, Fenway Sports Group and 1892 Holdings
Saturday

The Jeff Bezos-backed 1892 Holdings consortium has an option that could allow it to purchase a controlling stake in Liverpool within the next 12 months. The clause sits inside the newly agreed deal for roughly 30% to one-third of the club.

Fenway Sports Group remains Liverpool’s majority owner with operational control, and the clause does not commit either side to another transaction. However, it gives the new investors a defined route to majority ownership if both parties choose to proceed.

Bordeaux and the French Football Federation
Saturday

The French Football Federation has upheld a recommendation excluding Girondins de Bordeaux from national competitions because of the club’s continuing financial crisis. Bordeaux reportedly failed to provide approximately €10m required to demonstrate sufficient funding for its football operations.

The ruling could push one of France’s historic clubs as low as the regional sixth tier unless an appeal succeeds. Bordeaux have 15 days to challenge the decision in administrative court after a recent takeover failed to resolve outstanding financial guarantees.