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.

David Owori, SC Villa and Uganda’s national team
Wednesday

SC Villa captain and Uganda international David Owori has died aged 27 after being attacked by suspected robbers near his Kampala home. Police said he was beaten while resisting the theft of his phone and belongings.

Witnesses reported that attackers struck Owori with paving stones before fleeing. He died after being transferred between medical facilities, while police preserved evidence and pursued leads as clubs, officials, supporters and national-team colleagues demanded justice.

Spain’s sports minister, FIFA, Portugal and Morocco
Thursday

Spanish sports minister Milagros Tolon said Spain deserves to stage the 2030 World Cup final rather than co-host Morocco. FIFA has not selected the venue and denied reports that Gianni Infantino had already offered the match to Morocco.

Tolon cited Spain’s tournament experience, transport network, security and status as reigning men’s and women’s world champions. Spain will continue discussions with FIFA in September, while Morocco is promoting a planned 115,000-seat stadium near Casablanca.

Arsenal and Emirates airline
Thursday

Arsenal have extended their strategic partnership with Emirates through 2033. The agreement keeps the airline’s branding on match shirts and training wear while preserving the Emirates Stadium naming rights under the Premier League’s longest-running shirt sponsorship.

The relationship began in 2006 and will pass its 20-year anniversary during the renewed term. Arsenal described the extension as supporting future sporting and commercial ambitions, while both parties plan supporter events and a commemorative promotional campaign.

Ebbsfleet United and the National League
Thursday

Ebbsfleet United’s opening three National League South fixtures have been suspended immediately because of continuing financial problems and an HMRC winding-up petition. Matches against Slough Town, Folkestone Invicta and Chelmsford City will now require rescheduling.

The club must provide satisfactory evidence that its obligations can be met while completing a proposed takeover. Ebbsfleet remain under a transfer embargo, and the National League has informed the Independent Football Regulator about the situation.

LaLiga, DAZN, Disney+ and beIN Sports
Thursday

LaLiga has awarded its French broadcast rights to DAZN and Disney+ for the next three seasons, ending beIN Sports’ coverage after 14 years. Both new platforms will carry every match from each round in France.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas said the dual-platform approach should expand audiences and give viewers more choice. BeIN criticised the economics of splitting identical rights packages and questioned the newcomers’ records and positions within the French market.

The Argentine Football Association and Argentina’s national teams
Wednesday

Argentina’s football association officially declared 15 July as National Football Teams Day, commemorating the men’s dramatic 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta. The decision followed a unanimous vote by the association’s executive council.

Argentina recovered through late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez before losing the final to Spain. The commemoration permanently elevates the England victory, despite controversy surrounding the team’s post-match Falklands banner and subsequent FIFA investigation.