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    Off-Pitch & Press

    Chelsea boss Rosenior backs Vinicius after Benfica racism allegation and warns of heavy ban

    Liam Rosenior
    February 2026

    Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior publicly supported Vinicius Jr following alleged racial abuse in Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off against Benfica, saying anyone found guilty of racism should not be in football as an investigation continues into what was said. The controversy has intensified amid public reactions from high-profile figures and Benfica’s defence of their player. Reports say Prestianni could face a minimum 10-game ban if found guilty, while he has denied the allegation in a social media statement.

    Carlo Ancelotti plans Brazil extension through 2030 after taking job in 2025

    Carlo Ancelotti
    February 2026

    Carlo Ancelotti says he intends to sign a new Brazil contract that would keep him in charge beyond the 2026 World Cup and potentially through to 2030, as he settles into international management after leaving Real Madrid in 2025. Ancelotti discussed his enjoyment of the Brazil role in quotes carried by AS ahead of a Universo Valdano episode, with reports suggesting a verbal agreement is already in place. Brazil head toward 2026 as contenders but not unanimous favourites, with expectations that Ancelotti’s tenure could target ending their wait for another World Cup.

    Bukayo Saka signs new Arsenal deal to 2031 and becomes club’s top earner

    Bukayo Saka
    February 2026

    Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term Arsenal contract through 2031, replacing his previous deal that ran to 2027. The extension reportedly makes him the club’s highest-paid player on more than £300,000 per week, ending lengthy negotiations. Saka had verbally agreed terms earlier in the year and has now signed formally. Arsenal have also secured other key renewals in the last 12 months, and Arteta can now focus on a run of fixtures across multiple competitions, with Saka recently trialed centrally as a No.10 in the FA Cup win over Wigan.

    Clattenburg apologises for “clumsy” Vinicius commentary after Benfica racism allegation

    Mark Clattenburg
    February 2026

    Mark Clattenburg apologised for “clumsy” analysis after suggesting Vinicius should have simply returned to position following his goal, during a match halted for 10 minutes under UEFA protocol after alleged racist abuse involving Prestianni. After Vinicius scored, an exchange with Prestianni at halfway led Vinicius to report the incident to referee Letexier and the match was paused. Clattenburg’s on-air remarks drew backlash, including criticism from Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend.

    Van Dijk flags Szoboszlai as future Liverpool captain option amid leadership questions

    Dominik Szoboszlai
    February 2026

    irgil van Dijk said Dominik Szoboszlai could develop into a leadership figure capable of captaining Liverpool, with the midfielder’s form and versatility standing out during an inconsistent season. Szoboszlai has reached 10 goals this season, scoring again in Liverpool’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton, and has filled multiple roles including a stint at right-back. With uncertainty around Robertson’s long-term future, Van Dijk said Szoboszlai is “leading by example” but still has steps to make as a leader.

    Marseille appoint Habib Beye on deal to 2027 after De Zerbi exit

    Habib Beye
    February 2026

    Marseille confirmed Habib Beye as head coach on a contract running until summer 2027, replacing Roberto De Zerbi. He returns to the club he represented as a player and is tasked with stabilising the season. The club statement positioned Beye as a demanding, identity-driven coach focused on discipline, intensity, and accountability, pointing to his coaching work after retirement and framing the appointment as a leadership reset after a turbulent period.

    Vinicius accuses Prestianni of racial slur as Benfica clash halted under FIFA protocol

    Vinicius Junior
    February 2026

    Vinicius Junior issued a statement alleging Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni directed a racial slur at him. The match was stopped for around 10 minutes after Vinicius reported the alleged abuse to referee Francois Letexier and FIFA’s racism protocol was activated. After scoring the winner and being booked for his celebration, Vinicius argued with Prestianni, then reported the alleged slur. Players briefly left the pitch during the protocol pause before play resumed. Vinicius later criticised the process as ineffective, while the CBF publicly backed him and reiterated that racism is a crime.

    Bastoni apologises for Kalulu red-card celebration as he says threats followed diving backlash

    Alessandro Bastoni
    February 2026

    Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni apologised for celebrating Pierre Kalulu’s red card and said he has received death threats after replays showed him going down deceptively in the incident that led to the second booking. Kalulu was dismissed for a second yellow after Bastoni fell in anticipation of contact. The controversy intensified because Bastoni celebrated the decision and the moment became a wider flashpoint about refereeing standards.

    Mourinho denies Benfica racism claim after Vinicius incident triggers FIFA protocol in Lisbon

    Jose Mourinho
    February 2026

    Jose Mourinho said Benfica “cannot be a racist club” after Vinicius Junior alleged abuse involving a Benfica player, prompting activation of FIFA’s racism protocol and a 10-minute stoppage. Mourinho also suggested Vinicius escalated the situation after scoring. Following Vinicius’ goal and celebration, an exchange with Prestianni led to protests and the protocol being initiated. Mourinho was later sent off for dissent, then defended Benfica post-match and argued incidents follow Vinicius across stadiums.

    Louis Saha warns Bruno Fernandes to weigh Old Trafford future as he names Cole Palmer replacement

    Bruno Fernandes
    February 2026

    Louis Saha says Bruno Fernandes should consider his future at Manchester United amid uncertainty under INEOS, and claims Cole Palmer would be a perfect successor if Fernandes leaves. Saha argues Fernandes’ prime years and trophy ambitions may not align with a club still in transition. He frames the issue as a strategic uncertainty rather than loyalty, suggesting United may need a high-end creative replacement if Fernandes departs.

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