Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mac and Wrexham
21 September 2026

Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac bought The Turf pub beside the Racecourse Ground, bringing the historic venue under the club’s ownership group. Wrexham was founded at the then-named Turf Hotel in October 1864.

The club said the purchase protects the pub’s long-term future and enables further investment in the fan experience around matchdays. Existing landlord Wayne Jones will continue operating The Turf, while the surrounding area can support expanded fan-zone activities.

Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad
21 September 2026

Al-Ettifaq filed an official complaint with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property over Al-Ittihad’s registration of the ITTI trademark. Al-Ettifaq argues the name has long been tied to its supporters, merchandise, media identity and commercial activity.

The club submitted chants, products and historical media material as evidence that it used ITTI first. Al-Ittihad registered the trademark in July as part of a commercial strategy, leaving the authority to decide which rights can continue.

Daniel Maldini and Milan authorities
21 September 2026

Daniel Maldini’s hospital toxicology test returned below the cut-off limit for narcotic substances following his recent Milan car crash. A preliminary screening had been positive, prompting further testing after police also found him over the legal alcohol limit.

ANSA reported the Niguarda Hospital results did not support narcotic impairment. Police had already withdrawn Maldini’s driving licence after the alcohol reading, while the Cagliari forward has since been included in Italy’s national-team squad for the international window.

Federico Higuain, MLS NEXT Pro and the Professional Soccer Referees Association
20 September 2026

The Professional Soccer Referees Association criticised MLS NEXT Pro’s punishment after an incident involving Columbus Crew 2 coach Federico Higuain and a female referee. Sources identified Higuain after the union alleged physical intimidation and a sexist remark following an August match.

Higuain received a red card, a two-game suspension and restorative-practice training after the league investigated. The referees union argues U.S. Soccer policy requires longer minimum sanctions for referee assault or abuse, while MLS NEXT Pro says its disciplinary process was appropriate.

Spain’s referees’ technical committee, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid
20 September 2026

Spain’s referees’ technical committee concluded that Atletico Madrid players Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in should have been sent off in the derby against Real Madrid. It also backed the red card shown to Real defender Dean Huijsen after VAR intervention.

The referee initially booked Jude Bellingham instead of Romero before VAR corrected the identity, but Romero still received only yellow. Lee escaped punishment for his challenge on Federico Valverde, while the committee ruled Huijsen’s dismissal was correct.

Dougie Samuel and Spartans
20 September 2026

Spartans manager Dougie Samuel left the Scottish League 2 club after 14 years following an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct. Samuel had been on extended leave earlier in September, ending the longest current managerial tenure in Scottish senior football.

The club said it would not disclose details of the investigation or findings because of confidentiality. Samuel had led Spartans from the Lowland League into the SPFL, while Paul Thomson will continue as interim head coach after his departure.

Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid
20 September 2026

Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias will become the first Madrid-born referee to officiate an Atletico Madrid versus Real Madrid derby, marking another break with Spain’s traditional geographical restrictions on appointments. The Madrid official was selected by the technical refereeing committee.

Ortiz Arias previously became the first Madrid referee allowed to handle Rayo Vallecano against Getafe, helping open the door for similar regional derby appointments elsewhere. His selection continues the move away from automatically excluding officials because of regional affiliation.

Lyon, Rennes and Corentin Tolisso
19 September 2026

Lyon’s Ligue 1 match against Rennes was stopped for about 15 minutes after repeated warnings over an offensive banner and chants from home supporters. Referee Mathieu Vernice sent the players away in the 36th minute before play later resumed.

The stadium announcer issued two warnings before the match delegate ordered the interruption. Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso, coach Paulo Fonseca and club officials approached the supporters, the banner was removed and both teams returned after a short warm-up.

Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club, the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe
19 September 2026

Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club called for the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to leave the club, saying it had lost confidence in the ownership structure. The statement followed fresh comments from Ratcliffe about immigration and benefits in Britain.

The group said Manchester United’s identity depends on supporters, staff and players from diverse backgrounds and criticised Ratcliffe for revisiting immigration after an earlier apology. Its statement followed another ownership protest before United’s recent Manchester derby defeat.

Granit Xhaka and Lucerne prosecutors
19 September 2026

Lucerne prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka over suspicions he obtained an incorrect coronavirus vaccination certificate during the pandemic. A doctor is also under investigation for allegedly issuing certificates without administering vaccinations.

The inquiry will examine whether incorrect official proof or forged documents were involved. Xhaka is expected to give a statement in early October, while his spokesperson says he was vaccinated and the doctor’s lawyer also denies wrongdoing. The case remains unresolved.