David Sullivan, West Ham and London Stadium
Friday

West Ham expect major shareholder David Sullivan to attend their Carabao Cup match against Portsmouth despite London Stadium recommending that he stay away because of potential fan unrest. Sullivan resigned as co-chair in June but retains a 38.8% stake.

The recommendation follows allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour made by seven women, which Sullivan categorically denies. Stadium officials want advance notice of his visits so additional safety measures can be prepared for the first match since the allegations emerged.

Racing Louisville owner John Neace and the NWSL
Friday

Racing Louisville owner John Neace says the club is still seeking new investors to stabilise its finances and remain competitive in the rapidly growing NWSL. He stressed that staying in Louisville remains the goal but would not completely rule out relocation.

Neace said smaller-market economics, attendance and sponsorship make additional capital increasingly important as richer NWSL ownership groups raise spending standards. Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed the league is helping with the investment search and said relocation is possible in exceptional circumstances.

Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, Fatemeh Pasandideh and the Australian government
Wednesday

Iranian footballers Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh have received Australian citizenship five months after refusing to return to Iran. They were among seven travelling-party members who initially sought permanent asylum following a tournament in Australia.

Five members later returned home, while Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh remained and trained with Brisbane Roar. Their citizenship now provides legal safety and a new future after the Iranian team faced political scrutiny during the competition.

FIFPRO and the Sport and Rights Alliance
Thursday

FIFPRO and leading human-rights organisations have demanded structural FIFA reforms following the collapse of its World Cup investment proposal. They argued that withdrawing the plan and apologising did not address secrecy, weak consultation or excessive presidential power.

The groups called for binding stakeholder consultation, stronger human-rights protections and independent accountability within FIFA’s governance system. They warned that replacing individual leaders without changing institutional rules would allow similar abuses and controversies to recur.

Barcelona and IR Tangier
Thursday

Barcelona have cancelled their scheduled 15 August friendly against IR Tangier because of worsening security and humanitarian conditions around Ceuta. The club abandoned the Morocco trip as large migration movements and fatal sea crossings intensified regional tensions.

Officials judged that travelling and staging the high-profile fixture created unacceptable operational risks. The cancellation removes another important preseason match from Hansi Flick’s schedule and disrupts preparations before Barcelona begin their La Liga title defence.

UEFA, England’s Football Association and FIFA
Thursday

UEFA said European teams could still boycott FIFA competitions despite Gianni Infantino’s apology and the withdrawal of his private-investment plan. England’s Football Association also formally withdrew its support for Infantino following the continuing governance controversy.

UEFA said FIFA had not guaranteed that similar proposals would never return and maintained that it had lost confidence in Infantino. A boycott remains possible, with the Women’s Under-20 World Cup providing an early test of that position.

The Confederation of African Football and Gianni Infantino
Thursday

CAF’s executive committee unanimously accepted FIFA’s apology over the abandoned investment proposal and renewed its support for Gianni Infantino. The African confederation acknowledged that errors occurred but endorsed FIFA’s promised review and commitment to improved procedures.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe emphasised governance, transparency and legal compliance while maintaining cooperation with FIFA. The decision strengthens Infantino’s global position as UEFA continues opposing him and keeps a possible competition boycott on the table.

Zamalek and Juan Pezerra
Thursday

Zamalek have rejected all offers for Brazilian winger Juan Pezerra and warned that disciplinary sanctions will follow if he continues missing first-team training. Pezerra publicly requested a summer departure, claiming the club previously promised to release him.

The club denied making any such promise and said neither Pezerra nor another player could force a sale. Zamalek ordered him to resume training immediately and indicated that his continued absence would trigger formal internal action.

Diego Forlan and the Uruguayan Football Association
Thursday

Uruguay have appointed former striker Diego Forlan as head coach of both the senior national team and the Under-20 side. He replaces Marcelo Bielsa, who departed after Uruguay’s disappointing group-stage elimination at the 2026 World Cup.

The federation described Forlan’s arrival as the beginning of a new era built around identity and development. The 47-year-old brings legendary playing status but limited managerial experience from short domestic spells with Penarol and Atenas.

The Scottish Football Association and Premiership clubs
Thursday

The Scottish FA has abolished the independent key match incident panel that reviewed major Premiership refereeing decisions each week. The voluntary three-person group had operated since 2024 to provide greater public transparency around controversial calls.

Dundee United and other clubs withdrew amid concerns about the panel’s effectiveness and influence. Refereeing chief Willie Collum will continue publishing monthly video reviews and meeting captains and managers, replacing the weekly independent verdict system.