UEFA and Premier League clubs
24 September 2026

UEFA says Premier League transfer spending is creating a widening financial divide in European football. Its latest report estimates English top-flight clubs spent €4.6bn, about £4bn, this summer, more than the next eight largest European countries combined.

English clubs were involved in more than 60% of deals and completed 29 of Europe’s 35 transfers above €50m. UEFA warned that rising valuations, concentrated talent and heavy spending could create financial pressure if transfer values or buyer demand fall.

Saied Abu Farchi and Israel
24 September 2026

Israel forward Saied Abu Farchi was sent off moments after scoring an equaliser against Austria in the Nations League. His corner-flag celebration brought a second yellow card in the 55th minute, reducing Israel to 10 men at 1-1.

Abu Farchi removed the corner flag and made a firing-style gesture during the celebration. Austria capitalised on the numerical advantage, with late goals from Phillipp Mwene and Sasa Kalajdzic completing a 3-1 victory after Romano Schmid had opened the scoring.

Krystian Bielik, Cardiff City and the Football Association
23 September 2026

The Football Association has charged Cardiff defender Krystian Bielik with misconduct over an altercation involving Portsmouth supporters during a Championship match on 5 September. Bielik has until 25 September to respond to the allegation that he acted improperly.

Hampshire Police separately closed their investigation after reviewing the evidence, resolving the matter through an out-of-court disposal agreed by those involved. Bielik provided an apology, while the FA disciplinary process remains active and is separate from the police decision.

Achraf Hakimi
23 September 2026

France’s highest court has rejected Achraf Hakimi’s appeal against a ruling sending him to criminal trial on a rape charge stemming from a 2023 complaint. The Paris Saint-Germain defender has exhausted the legal avenues described in the article to avoid trial.

The court upheld the Versailles Court of Appeal’s June decision, meaning Hakimi is expected to appear before a criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine, although no date has been set. Hakimi denies the allegation and maintains that only consensual kissing and embracing occurred.

Barcelona
23 September 2026

Barcelona reported record revenue of €1.06bn for the 2025-26 season, an increase of €66m from the previous financial year. Despite crossing the billion-euro mark, the Spanish champions recorded a net loss of €18m for the campaign.

Barcelona said the figures reflect continued economic recovery and expects revenue to rise again to €1.19bn in 2026-27. The club projects a €1m net profit for the current financial year, which would improve the bottom line by €19m.

Manchester United
23 September 2026

Manchester United reported record annual revenue of £677.6m and an operating profit of £22.6m, but still posted an overall £43m loss. Borrowing increased by £95m to £583m as the club stressed a disciplined approach to financial sustainability.

United spent £155m on summer midfield signings and paid £8.2m to Ruben Amorim and his staff after his January dismissal. The accounts also show £63.5m spent on land connected to the club’s proposed new 100,000-seat stadium.

Nigeria Football Federation and Nigerian football
23 September 2026

Nigeria’s football reform process has intensified after senior Nigeria Football Federation officials resigned and elections scheduled for 27 September were suspended. FIFA and CAF representatives are now involved in discussions with the National Sports Commission over a roadmap for wider structural changes.

The shake-up follows failures by Nigeria’s men’s and women’s senior teams to qualify for their World Cups, alongside weaker youth and club results. Interim officials have been appointed while stakeholders debate how governance, development and domestic football should be rebuilt.

Real Madrid and Javier Tebas
23 September 2026

Real Madrid have formally called for La Liga president Javier Tebas to resign, accusing him of lacking neutrality and repeatedly attacking the club. Tebas rejected the demand and said representing all clubs does not mean submitting to the competition’s most powerful member.

The confrontation grew from renewed arguments after the Madrid derby but has expanded into a direct challenge to Tebas’ leadership. Madrid questioned his governance, while Tebas defended his independence and accused the club of repeatedly portraying refereeing decisions as persecution.

Javier Aguirre and Valencia
23 September 2026

Valencia appointed former Mexico coach Javier Aguirre on a deal running to the end of the season, with an option for a second year. The 67-year-old replaces Carlos Corberan after Valencia’s winless start through their first five La Liga matches.

Aguirre returns to Spanish club management after two years with Mexico, whom he led at the 2026 World Cup before Rafa Marquez succeeded him. Valencia become the seventh Spanish club of his career and sit on four points after seven league games.

Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees, Lee Kang-In and Real Madrid
22 September 2026

Spain’s referees committee said Lee Kang-In should have been sent off for his challenge on Federico Valverde during Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 derby win. It called the failure to show red a clear and obvious error that VAR should have corrected.

In its weekly review, the committee also backed Cristian Romero receiving only a yellow card and said Dean Huijsen’s red card was correct. Lee’s challenge left Valverde with a grade three ankle sprain and forced him out of Uruguay’s squad.