Mauricio Pochettino and the United States Soccer Federation
Wednesday

Mauricio Pochettino and U.S. Soccer are close to agreeing a four-year contract extension through the 2030 World Cup. His original deal ended after the 2026 tournament, with both sides delaying final negotiations until the United States campaign finished.

The United States topped its World Cup group and won a knockout match before a heavy last-16 defeat by Belgium. A renewal would give Pochettino another full cycle to refresh the squad and prepare for the next tournament.

AC Milan and Franco Baresi
Wednesday

AC Milan have officially denied social-media claims that club legend Franco Baresi had died. The club said the 66-year-old honorary vice-president is facing a difficult and delicate period and requested privacy for him and his family.

Baresi underwent surgery for a pulmonary nodule in August 2025 and later began immunotherapy, which helped false rumours spread rapidly. Milan intervened to stop the misinformation and urged supporters not to circulate unsupported health claims.

Lawrence Shankland, Rangers and Derek McInnes
Wednesday

Rangers have named summer signing Lawrence Shankland as their new club captain. The Scotland striker replaces James Tavernier only two months after joining from Hearts, where he also wore the armband and scored 88 goals.

Manager Derek McInnes cited Shankland’s leadership experience, knowledge of Rangers and influence inside the dressing room. The appointment gives the club a boyhood supporter as captain before Friday’s Scottish Premiership opener away against Dundee United.

FIFA, IFAB, Breel Embolo and Switzerland
Wednesday

FIFA has defended the VAR intervention that sent Switzerland forward Breel Embolo off against Argentina, insisting its mistaken-identity interpretation was applied consistently and corrected an unjust booking originally shown to midfielder Leandro Paredes during the quarter-final.

FIFA said IFAB confirmed the interpretation was correct and well received, despite a recent circular limiting how mistaken identity may be used. The dispute leaves football authorities publicly explaining a World Cup decision that changed the quarter-final.

FIFA, Gianni Infantino and its 211 member associations
Tuesday

FIFA has proposed selling up to 21% of FIFA Forward Enterprises to private investors for $4.2bn. Member associations could receive an optional $20m for special projects plus $20m in regular grants during the next four-year funding cycle.

The plan requires approval from a majority of FIFA’s associations and its 37-member council by 19 September. Critics say the promised funding could influence votes while commercial rights for the World Cup and other tournaments move into a new company.

Rayo Vallecano and the Madrid regional government
Wednesday

Rayo Vallecano have been barred indefinitely from hosting matches at Estadio de Vallecas after an audit identified Legionnaires’ disease, fire and electrical risks. The La Liga club has not yet confirmed an alternative venue for home fixtures.

Authorities said Rayo failed to complete maintenance work or prove the stadium’s water quality, while rubbish and debris had accumulated inside. Urgent repairs could take two to six months, disrupting the club’s season-ticket holders and opening home match.

Victor Gabriel, Gabriel Pec, Internacional and Cruzeiro
Tuesday

Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice suspended Internacional defender Victor Gabriel until Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec returns to training. Pec suffered a fractured left tibia requiring surgery after Gabriel’s challenge during a Brazilian Serie A match.

The recovery-linked punishment is capped at 180 days and can be appealed. The court used a provision allowing longer sanctions when serious violent play leaves an opponent unable to compete, judging the usual one-to-six-match suspension insufficient.

UEFA, IFAB and Europe’s 55 national associations
Tuesday

European refereeing chiefs have agreed that VAR should intervene only when an on-field decision is blatantly incorrect or a clear incident has been missed. UEFA said lengthy, microscopic reviews show the technology has moved beyond its original purpose.

The guidance follows controversy over VAR decisions at the World Cup and IFAB’s clarification of mistaken identity. Officials want referees restored to the centre of decisions, with shorter reviews and less re-refereeing of subjective incidents across European competitions.

Roberto Mancini, Italy and the Italian Football Federation
Tuesday

Roberto Mancini has reportedly agreed to return as Italy head coach after negotiations with Andrea Pirlo and Pep Guardiola collapsed. The 61-year-old previously led the Azzurri for five years and delivered the Euro 2020 title.

Mancini became available after leaving Al-Sadd and now offers the federation an experienced emergency solution. His expected appointment follows Pirlo’s betting-company controversy and the resignations of technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo during a chaotic search.

Zinedine Zidane, France and the French Football Federation
Tuesday

Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed France head coach, replacing Didier Deschamps after his 14-year reign. The former Real Madrid manager has signed a four-year contract and returns to coaching for the first time since leaving Madrid in 2021.

Zidane said he rejected club offers while waiting for the France job and promised to build an attacking, winning team. He inherits a squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals but now begins a major transition under a national icon.