Dutch amateur clubs and the KNVB
7 September 2026

More amateur football clubs across the Randstad are creating competitions outside the KNVB because of frustration over aggression and disorder around matches. NOS reported that teams excluded from these new leagues disproportionately often contain many players from migrant backgrounds.

Some competitions invite only clubs participants say they enjoy playing and enforce their own sanctions, without promotion or relegation. The KNVB says it does not welcome the trend, stresses inclusion and says it is working on measures to improve match safety.

Pio Esposito and Inter Milan
7 September 2026

Inter Milan have extended Pio Esposito’s contract until 2032 after the 21-year-old established himself in the first team. He recorded 10 goals and six assists in 48 appearances during his breakout season as Inter won Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

Esposito joined Inter’s academy in 2014 and returned after a two-year loan spell at Spezia. He credited Cristian Chivu for his development and has already scored this season, opening his account with a backheel goal against Monza.

Crystal Palace Women, Everton Women and WSL officials
7 September 2026

Match officials from Crystal Palace’s 1-0 Women’s Super League win over Everton, including referee Megan Wilson, have been stood down from the next round of fixtures while the league investigates Palace’s use of four separate substitution windows.

WSL regulations allow only three substitution opportunities per team. Palace made changes in the 62nd, 83rd, 90th and 97th minutes. There is no automatic punishment, but an independent tribunal could impose a warning, fine, points deduction or other sanction.

Crystal Palace and the Women’s Super League
6 September 2026

The Women’s Super League has opened an investigation after Crystal Palace used four substitution windows during their 1-0 victory over Everton. League rules permit only three substitution opportunities, and the WSL formally said Palace had breached the competition regulations.

Palace made separate changes in the 62nd, 83rd, 90th and 97th minutes. The investigation will involve both clubs and referee body Pro Ref, with any breach potentially referred to an independent tribunal able to impose warnings, fines or sporting sanctions.

Gianni Infantino and FIFA
6 September 2026

FIFA has confirmed Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election as president in 2027 despite mounting opposition following the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprises investment proposal. UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation have all publicly distanced themselves from his leadership.

Infantino originally announced his intention in April, but FIFA reiterated that his plans have not changed after recent legal and political pressure. Candidate nominations close on November 18, with Infantino needing a simple majority among FIFA’s 211 member associations.

Zamalek, Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Hossam El-Mandouh
6 September 2026

Zamalek treasurer Hossam El-Mandouh says he will raise the club’s dispute involving former player Ahmed Sayed Zizo in Egypt’s parliament. He questioned a large difference between the salary Zamalek says Zizo requested and the contract value registered with football authorities.

Zizo left Zamalek for rivals Al-Ahly after declining a new contract, and both sides have filed complaints with the Egyptian Football Association. El-Mandouh said parliament and state authorities should review player contracts amid wider questions about registered agreements.

The Scottish Football Association
5 September 2026

The Scottish FA has proposed new measures to increase opportunities for young Scottish players, including requiring two under-21 starters in cup competitions and under-21 players receiving at least six percent of available league minutes across a season.

Chief football officer Craig Mulholland warned Scotland could face a future talent crisis, citing declining youth minutes and weak player-trading revenue. The plans were presented to all 42 clubs, with financial incentives also proposed to encourage greater youth development.

Portsmouth and Cardiff City
5 September 2026

Portsmouth have apologised to Cardiff City after two home supporters were ejected following separate confrontations with visiting players during Portsmouth’s 2-0 Championship win. Cardiff said defender Krystian Bielik was struck while retrieving the ball from the stands.

Clips appeared to show Bielik grabbing a young fan during the altercation, while another supporter later threw a ball at Perry Ng’s head. The Football Association is aware of the incident and will review the referee’s report before deciding action.

Alexia Putellas, Team YouFirst and the WSL
5 September 2026

Alexia Putellas is helping expand the Women’s Super League’s reach in Spain through a new broadcasting arrangement. Her agency, Team YouFirst, has become an official Spanish broadcaster, showing one WSL match each week with Spanish commentary on her ElevenTV YouTube channel.

The agreement uses Putellas’ arrival at London City to build a wider Spanish audience around the league. Negotiations are also underway to expand Spanish-language WSL coverage into Latin American countries, adding a commercial and media dimension to her high-profile transfer.

Richard Hughes, Liverpool and Al-Hilal
5 September 2026

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down after just over two years at Anfield and is expected to take a similar role with Al-Hilal. Liverpool confirmed his departure after he remained through the summer transfer window to oversee recruitment.

Hughes helped appoint Arne Slot and later Andoni Iraola, while overseeing major spending that included Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola. Liverpool are now searching for their fifth sporting director since 2022, with FSG president Mike Gordon leading the process.