The FA, Premier League, EFL, National League and WSL
Monday

English football will trial a new measure designed to stop goalkeepers creating tactical timeouts. When a physio enters to treat a goalkeeper, that team must remove an outfield player for one minute after play restarts.

Coaches will have 10 seconds to nominate the player, otherwise the captain must leave. The IFAB-approved trial begins with Tranmere against Rochdale and could lead to a permanent global law change from the 2027-28 season.

Slavko Vincic, Slovenia and the World Cup final
Monday

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has ended his professional refereeing career after taking charge of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The Slovenian FA confirmed the 46-year-old’s retirement from top-level officiating on Monday.

Vincic also handled the 2022 Europa League final and 2024 Champions League final, making the World Cup final a career peak. His final match still drew scrutiny over Enzo Fernandez’s red card and a disallowed Spain goal.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA and World Cup critics
Monday

FIFA president Gianni Infantino hit back at World Cup critics in a 15-slide Instagram statement, telling them to meditate, pray or watch football instead of spreading hate and false rumours about the tournament and FIFA leadership.

His post defended FIFA’s handling of visa disputes, safety concerns, ticketing scrutiny and the Balogun ban controversy. The defiant tone risks deepening claims that FIFA is unwilling to face serious questions after a controversial World Cup.

York City, Scott Lindsey and Stuart Maynard
Monday

York City have appointed former Crawley Town boss Scott Lindsey as manager after sacking Stuart Maynard. Maynard had led the club back into the English Football League as National League champions just three months earlier.

The appointment completes a rapid leadership change before York’s League Two return. Lindsey previously guided Crawley to promotion, but his first match at York will come against his former club in an EFL Cup preliminary tie.

Andrea Pirlo, Italy, FIGC and Paolo Maldini
Monday

Andrea Pirlo confirmed he is no longer a candidate to become Italy head coach after controversy over his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet. The collapse has thrown the Azzurri search back into uncertainty.

Pirlo had reportedly been close to a four-year deal after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola turned Italy down. Technical director Paolo Maldini is now said to be furious, with possible resignations raising the pressure on FIGC president Giovanni Malago.

York City and Stuart Maynard
Sunday

York City have announced the exit of manager Stuart Maynard just three months after he led the club back into the English Football League. The board cited a difference in direction and vision for the football club.

Maynard won the National League in dramatic fashion after replacing Adam Hinshelwood last August, but leaves before York’s League Two return begins. The decision looks unusual from outside and creates disruption before the new season.

Como, Raphael Varane and the club’s academy teams
Sunday

Como have introduced new academy rules limiting heading in youth training and matches to reduce avoidable head impacts. Under-10 players will not head the ball at all, while older age groups face strict exposure limits.

The club said the policy is designed to protect young players and improve long-term technical development. Raphael Varane, who sits on Como’s board of education, said welfare and safety must come first while brains are still growing.

Kazuyoshi Miura and Fukushima United
Saturday

Kazuyoshi Miura, the world’s oldest professional footballer, scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years at age 59. The Japanese forward netted for Fukushima United in a 7-0 Emperor’s Cup win over Iwaki Furukawa.

Miura’s goal came after extending his loan from Yokohama FC until June 2027, taking his career into a 42nd season. The former Japan striker remains a national icon and has previously spoken about playing into his 60s.

Dani Olmo, Roberto Ayala, Spain and Argentina
Sunday

Dani Olmo has rejected Roberto Ayala’s apology over their post-World Cup final altercation, accusing the Argentina assistant coach of lying. Television footage showed Ayala raising his hands toward Olmo’s neck during chaotic scenes after Spain’s win.

Ayala had apologised but said his reaction followed something Olmo said, a claim the Barcelona midfielder denies. FIFA has already opened a disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s conduct after the final, keeping the controversy alive around both teams.

Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, MLS and Inter Miami
Saturday

Lionel Messi will not attend the 2026 MLS All-Star Game but will avoid suspension this time. MLS replaced Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Hugo Cuypers and Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the squad for Wednesday’s Liga MX match.

MLS and the players’ association agreed World Cup return timelines before the season, allowing Messi and De Paul to rest after Argentina reached the final. Last year, Messi missed the event and was suspended for one match.