Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea, the FA and WADA
Friday

Mykhailo Mudryk can return to competition immediately after his appeal against a four-year doping ban was resolved. The Chelsea winger accepted the violation and a period of ineligibility equal to the time he had already served.

Revised WADA reporting standards mean the low meldonium concentration found in Mudryk’s sample would not produce a violation if tested today. Chelsea will now support his reintegration after he last played competitively in November 2024.

Roger Schmidt, Red Bull and Jurgen Klopp
Friday

Red Bull have appointed Roger Schmidt as head of global soccer, replacing Jurgen Klopp after his move into the Germany job. The former Benfica and Bayer Leverkusen coach will begin the long-term role on 1 October.

Schmidt returns to the organisation after winning an Austrian league and cup double with Salzburg. He will oversee sporting direction across Red Bull’s international football portfolio, with youth development and a shared playing philosophy among his main responsibilities.

FIFA, AFC, UEFA, Concacaf and Gianni Infantino
Friday

FIFA says it will continue consulting over its proposed commercial subsidiary despite the Asian Football Confederation joining UEFA and Concacaf in rejecting the plan. Together, the three confederations represent 137 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.

The governing body insists nobody is selling football and says investors would receive only a minority, non-controlling stake. FIFA has acknowledged public concern but has not withdrawn the proposal, leaving the global governance confrontation unresolved.

Newport County and Hayden Mullins
Friday

Newport County have appointed Fulham Under-21 coach Hayden Mullins as their new permanent manager. He replaces Christian Fuchs, whose unexpected June departure left Chris Todd overseeing the League Two club’s pre-season programme on an interim basis.

Mullins previously managed Colchester United, twice served as Watford’s caretaker boss and led Fulham’s under-21 side to the Premier League Cup. He becomes Newport’s fourth permanent manager since owner Huw Jenkins completed his takeover in January 2024.

Franco Baresi, AC Milan and Italy
Friday

AC Milan confirmed that legendary former captain Franco Baresi has died aged 66. The defender spent his entire 20-year career with the Rossoneri, making 719 appearances and winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups.

Baresi captained Milan for 15 seasons, won the 1982 World Cup with Italy and later became the club’s honorary vice-president. Milan retired his number six shirt, while former team-mates, rivals and Italian leaders paid tribute.

Raul Asencio and three former Real Madrid youth players
Thursday

A Spanish judge has rejected attempts to dismiss a case involving Raul Asencio and three former Real Madrid youth players, sending the matter to trial next September. The proceedings concern the alleged recording and distribution of sexual material without consent.

Three defendants face additional allegations involving a minor, child-abuse material and privacy violations, while Asencio faces a separate privacy charge. The judge upheld evidence recovered from phones and rejected defence arguments seeking to invalidate the investigation.

UEFA, Concacaf, FIFA and Gianni Infantino
Thursday

UEFA’s 55 member associations unanimously agreed to boycott every FIFA competition if plans to sell minority stakes in major tournaments proceed. Concacaf’s 41 associations separately rejected the proposal and raised concerns over governance, transparency and FIFA leadership.

The boycott covers men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup until FIFA abandons the plan and gives binding assurances. With both European and North American associations opposed, the proposal now faces a major political and voting obstacle.

Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Julian Alvarez and the Spanish Football Federation
Thursday

The Spanish Football Federation has opened disciplinary proceedings after Atletico Madrid accused Barcelona of repeatedly approaching Julian Alvarez without permission. Both clubs have been informed of the case and will now have opportunities to present their respective defences.

Federation rules allow fines, match bans or longer suspensions if violations are proven, although no punishment has been decided. The case turns months of transfer speculation into a formal dispute involving Barcelona, Atletico and the Argentina striker.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle United and Matthias Jaissle
Thursday

Eddie Howe is set to leave Newcastle United after five years in charge, only weeks before the Premier League season begins. Reports say the club have chosen Al-Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle and agreed personal terms through 2030.

Newcastle are expected to trigger Jaissle’s release clause after informing Al-Ahli of their decision. Howe would depart after ending the club’s 70-year major trophy drought, following several high-profile player exits during a difficult summer rebuild.

Amanda Staveley, West Ham United and Vanessa Gold
Thursday

A consortium led by former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley has held talks to purchase Vanessa Gold’s 25% stake in West Ham. The group has secured international investment and remains open to acquiring further shares that could create majority ownership.

Discussions began around the end of West Ham’s relegation season and have developed in recent weeks. Any deal would reshape the Championship club’s ownership structure alongside major shareholders David Sullivan and Daniel Kretinsky during a sensitive rebuilding period.