Celtic
22 September 2026

Celtic reported a £4.8m loss after tax for the year ending 30 June, reversing a £33.9m profit a year earlier. Revenue fell 22.7% to £111m, with the club linking the downturn largely to missing Champions League participation.

The club also reported £66.4m in cash and said it spent £31.6m on summer recruitment. Celtic again missed the Champions League this season after losing their play-off, while interim chairman Brian Wilson said supporter communication and engagement must improve.

NWSL clubs and youth players
22 September 2026

The NWSL has introduced a player development rule allowing clubs to register youth players as young as under-15, fund and oversee their development, and potentially receive salary-cap relief if those players later sign professional contracts in the league.

Teams must create individual development plans and provide qualifying oversight for at least two years. Players keep amateur and NCAA eligibility, while clubs can gain cap relief whether they sign the player themselves or another NWSL team eventually does.

Federico Higuain and Columbus Crew 2
22 September 2026

Columbus Crew have fired Crew 2 manager Federico Higuain for cause following misconduct toward a female referee. The dismissal follows his MLS NEXT Pro suspension for refusing to release the official’s hand after a match and directing a sexist remark at her.

Higuain had received a two-game suspension and restorative-practice requirements, but Columbus said its leadership standards had not been met. Sources said the club was dissatisfied with his response, including a lack of contrition and refusal to issue a public apology.

Giorgio Furlani and AC Milan
22 September 2026

Former AC Milan chief executive Giorgio Furlani is no longer listed on the club’s board of directors. His formal exit follows RedBird’s May overhaul of Milan’s sporting and executive structure, with the company register now showing the club’s updated leadership team.

Furlani had remained formally in office after the wider executive dismissals in May. The latest company register extract removes his name and lists Massimo Calvelli as chief executive, with the board now standing at the minimum nine members required under the club’s bylaws.

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal
22 September 2026

Arsenal have reached a final agreement with Mikel Arteta on an improved contract, extending the manager’s stay beyond his current deal, which expires at the end of the season. The new terms are also set to include a significant pay rise.

Talks had been running for months after an earlier report said an agreement was close. The exact contract length has not been confirmed, but the deal is expected to keep Arteta at Arsenal into at least his 10th year with the club.

Granit Xhaka and Switzerland
21 September 2026

Granit Xhaka admitted obtaining a false Covid-19 vaccination certificate and withdrew from Switzerland’s Nations League squad while Swiss prosecutors investigate the case. The Sunderland midfielder said the decision was wrong, apologised and pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities.

Swiss FA president Peter Knabel said Xhaka and the team mutually agreed he should miss the camp, with his national-team future to be discussed afterward. The 33-year-old is Switzerland’s record appearance holder with 152 caps and captained them at the 2026 World Cup.

Vinicius Junior and a Sevilla supporter
21 September 2026

A Sevilla supporter is due to stand trial over alleged racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior during a 2023 match against Real Madrid. Spanish prosecutors are seeking one year and nine months in prison on a charge of violating moral integrity.

The indictment alleges the supporter repeatedly directed racist insults and gestures at Vinicius from the stands. Sevilla identified and expelled the fan during the match, while La Liga filed complaints with football and anti-violence authorities.

Gianni Infantino and FIFA
21 September 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed an external review of the governing body’s operations and a consultation on strengthening decision-making. His letter to the FIFA Council and all national associations says the process could recommend reforms covering transparency, participation and accountability.

The move follows backlash over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which would have sold a minority stake in commercial and ticketing activities to private investors. Infantino wants the Council to consider the review at its October 15 meeting.

Wrexham, Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac
21 September 2026

Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac bought The Turf pub beside the Racecourse Ground, bringing the historic venue under the same ownership as the club and stadium. Wrexham said the acquisition is intended to protect the pub’s long-term future.

The club was founded at the then-named Turf Hotel in 1864 and plans to invest further in the surrounding matchday fan experience. Existing landlord Wayne Jones will continue running the pub after the purchase from Admiral Taverns.

RedBird Capital Partners, Saudi investors and Al-Nassr
21 September 2026

A consortium led by RedBird Capital Partners and Saudi investors has tabled an offer to buy a stake in Al-Nassr from the Public Investment Fund. Talks remain ongoing and have not yet produced a binding agreement.

The group includes Al-Wasail Company and former Al-Nassr president Ibrahim Al-Muhaidib. A source close to the consortium said investors also want Cristiano Ronaldo involved, while his contract reportedly gives him priority to acquire 20 percent if private investment proceeds.