FIFA, Mohammad al Kamali and Folarin Balogun
Saturday before England faced Norway

FIFA disciplinary chair Mohammad al Kamali refused to answer BBC questions about the decision that allowed Folarin Balogun to avoid suspension after his red card. The silence came after England’s Jarell Quansah received a two-match ban for a similar offence.

BBC sports editor Dan Roan asked whether FIFA president Gianni Infantino influenced the decision and why Balogun and Quansah were treated differently. Al Kamali gave no response, keeping pressure on FIFA’s disciplinary transparency.

Ken Bates, Chelsea and Leeds United
Saturday

Former Chelsea and Leeds United owner Ken Bates has died aged 94. Bates bought Chelsea for £1 in 1982, later selling to Roman Abramovich in 2003, before taking control of Leeds during another turbulent period.

Bates was one of English football’s most confrontational and influential modern figures, helping save Stamford Bridge while attracting controversy throughout his ownerships. His Chelsea era included major trophies, European stars and the transformation of the club’s stadium future.

Antonio Rattin, Boca Juniors and Argentina
Saturday

Argentina great Antonio Rattin has died aged 89, with Boca Juniors confirming the passing of one of their historic midfield icons. Rattin played at the 1962 and 1966 World Cups and spent his entire club career with Boca.

Rattin became globally known for his controversial 1966 World Cup dismissal against England, when language confusion helped inspire FIFA to introduce yellow and red cards in 1970. He later coached Boca briefly and entered politics.

Sadio Mane and Senegal
After Senegal’s World Cup exit

Sadio Mane has announced his retirement from international football after Senegal’s World Cup exit. The 34-year-old ends a 14-year Lions of Teranga career with 130 caps and a legacy as one of African football’s defining modern stars.

Mane apologised to Senegal supporters for any disappointments and said he sacrificed everything for the national shirt. His farewell follows a limited World Cup impact after injury, but he plans to remain involved through coaching or technical roles.

England, Norway and FIFA
Saturday in Miami

England and Norway face a World Cup quarter-final in Miami under intense heat and humidity, with temperatures expected near 33C and feeling closer to 41C. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the area on Saturday.

Conditions could push player welfare close to Fifpro’s danger threshold, with WBGT readings around 27C and thunderstorms also possible. FIFA has prepared cooling measures, while fans are being urged to hydrate and avoid heat exhaustion around Hard Rock Stadium.

Burnley and Nicky Hayen
Friday

Burnley have appointed Genk boss Nicky Hayen as their new head coach on a three-year deal. The Belgian replaces Scott Parker, who left after Burnley were relegated from the Premier League at the end of April.

Burnley moved to Hayen after approaches involving Craig Bellamy and Rob Edwards did not work out. Chairman Alan Pace said the appointment fits a sustainable football model, with Hayen joining the squad on their United States pre-season tour.

Portugal, Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo
Friday

Jorge Jesus has been appointed Portugal head coach on a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host. The 71-year-old replaces Roberto Martinez after Portugal’s last-16 defeat by Spain.

Jesus arrives after coaching Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr and said the captain remains selectable if fit and useful to the team. His first match will be Portugal’s Nations League opener against Wales on 24 September.

Argentine Football Association and Egypt-linked hackers
After Argentina’s World Cup win over Egypt

Argentina’s football association says it may have suffered unauthorised access after emails from official accounts reportedly criticised refereeing in the 3-2 win over Egypt. Messages described the result as corrupt and praised Egypt’s performance.

The AFA told recipients to ignore unusual messages, especially those containing links or attachments, while its IT team investigates. The cyber incident adds another layer to the officiating row after Egypt complained formally to FIFA.

Colombian FA and Jaminton Campaz
Friday after Colombia’s World Cup exit

Colombia’s football federation has demanded legal action after Jaminton Campaz received death threats following his miss against Switzerland. The federation urged the Attorney General’s Office to investigate and punish those responsible as quickly as possible.

Campaz missed a late chance in extra time before Colombia lost on penalties, despite him scoring his own spot-kick. The threats revived painful memories of Andres Escobar’s 1994 killing after Colombia’s previous World Cup in the United States.

Michael Edwards, Liverpool and Fenway Sports Group
Friday

Michael Edwards has left his role as Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, creating fresh behind-the-scenes uncertainty around Liverpool. Edwards returned in 2024 to lead FSG’s football operations and search for a second club.

FSG called the departure part of a planned transition, but the timing adds pressure at Anfield after coaching and executive changes. Mike Gordon is expected to take a more hands-on role in Liverpool’s day-to-day football operation.