Bayern Munich and Vincent Kompany
Wednesday

Bayern Munich have installed a large privacy barrier around their Sabener Strasse training ground as Vincent Kompany increases tactical secrecy. The new system uses steel pillars nearly ten metres high and a heavy tarpaulin designed to block views into sessions.

The rope-driven structure can be raised when Bayern want closed training and replaces older screening methods that were vulnerable to weather and technical problems. Kompany has personally inspected the project as the club seeks to prevent tactical details from leaking.

Memphis Depay and Corinthians
Wednesday

Memphis Depay has accused Corinthians of breaching an agreement after the Brazilian club decided not to renew his contract. The Netherlands forward is now a free agent and says the proposed extension had previously been approved across the club’s leadership departments.

Corinthians said a new commitment of that size would threaten the financial balance it needs to protect. Depay, who scored 20 goals in 79 appearances, said he would respond publicly and would not leave the matter unchallenged.

Lisa Nandy, UEFA and FIFA
Tuesday

UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy has backed calls for Gianni Infantino to leave FIFA but opposed using the Under-20 Women’s World Cup as part of a European boycott. Poland says no participating European nation has formally withdrawn.

Nandy argued that players should not be punished for a governance dispute they did not create. Her intervention adds political pressure on Infantino while highlighting disagreement over whether UEFA’s threatened boycott should extend to a major women’s youth tournament.

Deportivo La Coruna supporters and Real Madrid
Tuesday

Deportivo La Coruna supporter groups have called for fans to boycott the Teresa Herrera Cup friendly against Real Madrid. The protest targets season-ticket conditions imposed on supporters in the Maraton Bajo stand, which groups describe as discriminatory and abusive.

Organisers are asking members not to surrender their seats and want an empty Riazor to pressure Deportivo’s board into changing the policy. They argue the dispute reflects a growing disconnect between club management and the supporters it represents.

Netherlands, Roberto Martinez and the KNVB
Tuesday

The Dutch football association has opened talks with Roberto Martinez over becoming Netherlands head coach. KNVB football director Nigel de Jong reportedly met the former Portugal and Belgium manager in Malaga as the search to replace Ronald Koeman continues.

Michael Reiziger had appeared to be the leading candidate after extensive discussions, but Martinez has now entered the process. No appointment has been agreed, leaving the KNVB to assess whether the experienced Spaniard should lead its next international cycle.

Liverpool and Ifeanyi Ndukwe
Tuesday

Liverpool teenager Ifeanyi Ndukwe cannot play competitive matches for the club in 2026 because he lacks enough points for a UK work permit. The 18-year-old impressed during preseason but is currently restricted to friendlies despite Liverpool’s defensive injuries.

Liverpool have already used their only available Elite Significant Contribution slot on Mor Talla Ndiaye, leaving Ndukwe needing a loan abroad to accumulate qualification points. A suitable move could make him eligible for recall and registration from January.

Sebahattin Sirin, Galatasaray supporters and Turkish authorities
Monday

Turkish authorities arrested Sebahattin Sirin, the longtime leader of Galatasaray supporters group UltrAslan, during an Istanbul investigation. The uploaded report lists allegations including organised ticket fraud, narcotics offences, misleading information and disturbances inside sports stadiums.

Police searched Sirin’s home for more than eight hours and reportedly seized large amounts of cash, gold, jewellery, a firearm, ammunition and bulletproof vests. The investigation turns a supporter-group controversy into a significant criminal case around Turkish football.

CONMEBOL, Dimayor and Colombian football clubs
Monday

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia forced CONMEBOL and the country’s professional league to postpone continental and domestic matches. Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana fixtures were suspended alongside three remaining Matchday 4 games and the entire Matchday 5.

CONMEBOL postponed Deportes Tolima against Independiente del Valle and Independiente Santa Fe against River Plate, with replacement dates still undecided. Colombian clubs also pledged facilities and resources to relief efforts as authorities responded to widespread casualties and damage.

Donald Trump, Gianni Infantino and FIFA
Monday

United States president Donald Trump publicly backed Gianni Infantino for the first time since FIFA’s investment-plan crisis began, calling any attempt to replace the FIFA president a serious mistake and praising the commercial success of the 2026 World Cup.

Trump’s intervention came after UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC jointly accused Infantino of breaking trust and increased pressure for leadership change. The endorsement gives Infantino a prominent political ally but does not directly determine votes inside FIFA.

Derby County, Turki Alalshikh and Clowes Developments
Monday

Saudi official Turki Alalshikh has abandoned plans to acquire a controlling stake in Derby County despite the proposed takeover progressing through regulatory assessment. Derby subsequently announced that the Championship club is no longer for sale.

Alalshikh said the approval process left insufficient time to prepare the club for the new season, although the regulator said its assessment finished within the statutory period. Existing owner Clowes Developments will therefore continue supporting Derby.