FIFA, Shaun Evans, Germany, Curacao
16 June 2026

FIFA has cleared Australian VAR official Shaun Evans after investigating an upside-down OK-style hand gesture shown before Germany’s 7-1 World Cup win over Curacao. FIFA said there was no evidence of a disciplinary breach or intentional racist message.

Evans said the movement was an involuntary subconscious twitch and denied trying to signal any belief, affiliation or game. He remains available for selection, although FIFA changed VAR broadcast routines after the incident drew heavy online scrutiny.

Rafael Mir, Pablo Jara, Sevilla, Elche, Valencia
16 June 2026

Former Wolves and Nottingham Forest striker Rafael Mir has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault and assault causing bodily harm by a Valencia court.

Mir denied the allegations and said he will appeal, while Sevilla issued a statement condemning violence, abuse and sexual assault. His friend Pablo Jara also received prison terms linked to a second victim and moral integrity offence.

Russell Martin, Leicester City, Gary Rowett
16 June 2026

Leicester City have appointed Russell Martin as manager on a three-year contract after back-to-back relegations left the former Premier League champions in League One. Martin replaces Gary Rowett and becomes Leicester’s seventh permanent boss since Brendan Rodgers left.

Martin arrives after a short Rangers spell and previous promotion success with Southampton, giving Leicester a possession-based coach for a major rebuild. The club says he will be backed by a structure focused on alignment, accountability and standards.

Sabri Lamouchi, Tunisia, Sweden, Tunisian FA
15 June 2026

Sabri Lamouchi expects to be sacked as Tunisia coach after their 5-1 World Cup defeat by Sweden, sources told ESPN. The Tunisian FA said only that it had a problem with the coach, with no official decision announced.

Lamouchi was already under pressure after a 5-0 friendly loss to Belgium and tension inside camp. The Sweden defeat, marked by errors and visible frustration from Yan Valery, may trigger a change after just one group match.

Manchester United, Amazon Prime, INEOS
15 June 2026

Manchester United will feature in Amazon Prime’s All or Nothing series for the 2026-27 campaign, with filming set to begin in pre-season. The club says it has agreed a record access fee for a comparable football documentary.

The series will cover United’s men’s, women’s and academy teams at Old Trafford, Carrington and beyond. It marks a major change after earlier internal hesitation, with the club now choosing to open behind-the-scenes access globally.

FIFA, Israel Football Association, Palestinian Football Association, Gianni Infantino
15 June 2026

FIFA is proposing an Israel against Palestine match to open a new under-15 youth football festival in the United States this September. The event is designed for all 211 FIFA member associations and may be hosted in Miami.

The plan follows Gianni Infantino’s failed attempt to bring officials from both associations together at FIFA’s congress in Vancouver. Israel’s federation says it is open to using football for peace, while the Palestinian side has not commented.

Shaun Evans, FIFA, Fare, Anti-Defamation League
15 June 2026

FIFA is aware of complaints after Australian official Shaun Evans appeared to make an OK-style hand gesture during a World Cup broadcast. Anti-discrimination group Fare said the gesture resembled a far-right symbol and called for him to have no further tournament role.

The Anti-Defamation League classifies the gesture as a hate symbol but warns context matters because it also has other meanings. FIFA declined further comment for now, leaving the incident under scrutiny as footage spread widely online.

Iran, New Zealand, Amir Ghalenoei, Mehdi Taremi
15 June 2026

Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand is being overshadowed by political tension, visa disruption and expected protests in Los Angeles. Coach Amir Ghalenoei and forward Mehdi Taremi said the team wants to represent all Iranians and avoid politics.

Iran moved their base from Arizona to Tijuana after visa and security concerns, while diaspora groups plan demonstrations over FIFA’s flag restrictions. Taremi said the tension has undermined the joy of the World Cup but insisted football can unite people.

Ronald Araujo, Barcelona, Uruguay, Hansi Flick
15 June 2026

Ronald Araujo has revealed he stepped away from Barcelona after anxiety, depression and threats to his family left him needing professional help. The Uruguay defender said his red card against Chelsea became the moment he realised he could not continue as normal.

Barcelona supported Araujo’s leave and gradual return, with Hansi Flick staying in contact during the break. The defender says he has returned more mature and focused, with Uruguay’s World Cup campaign now offering his next major test.

Sardar Azmoun, Iran, Amir Ghalenoei, Dennis Dargahi
15 June 2026

Sardar Azmoun is absent from Iran’s World Cup squad despite being one of the country’s most talented players and third on their all-time scoring list. The forward said he was sad and insisted he had always represented Iran with pride.

Local reports linked the omission to loyalty accusations after Azmoun posted a photo with Dubai’s ruler, while Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei offered no detailed explanation. The absence adds another political layer to Iran’s already tense tournament build-up.