Barcelona, Hansi Flick and club executives
Friday

Barcelona have requested a €210m credit line to support summer recruitment and operational costs. The funding is expected to help the club pursue Julian Alvarez, Karim Adeyemi and Joao Cancelo while managing liquidity and registration demands.

The loan would be backed by expected income for next season as Barcelona try to reach La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule. Club officials want flexibility to move before player sales, especially with Adeyemi reportedly close.

Barcelona, Hansi Flick and Benjamin Kugel
Friday

Barcelona have brought in German fitness coach Benjamin Kugel to work with Hansi Flick’s first team, with Julio Tous moved away from senior duties. The change follows concerns over last season’s fitness programme and player tensions.

Flick raised the issue during contract talks, and Barcelona ultimately backed his view by reshaping the department. Kugel previously worked with Flick in Germany’s national setup and is expected to lead a reset of first-team conditioning.

Erik ten Hag, FC Twente and the Netherlands
Friday after Ronald Koeman’s exit

Erik ten Hag has ruled himself out of the Netherlands head coach vacancy, saying he is not available for at least two years. The former Manchester United manager will remain focused on his technical director role at FC Twente.

Ten Hag said he deliberately chose the Twente project and wants to help the club move forward. His decision removes a major candidate from the KNVB search after Ronald Koeman resigned following the Netherlands’ World Cup exit.

Jarell Quansah, England and FIFA
Thursday before England face Norway

England defender Jarell Quansah has been banned for two World Cup matches after his red card against Mexico. FIFA classified the high challenge on Jesus Gallardo as serious foul play, ruling him out against Norway and a possible semi-final.

The FA cannot appeal under tournament rules, though it strongly questioned the VAR process and slow-motion sequencing. The sanction adds pressure on Thomas Tuchel’s right-back options, especially with Reece James still returning from injury concerns.

FC Groningen and Mo Allach
Thursday

FC Groningen have filed police reports after scammers impersonated technical director Mo Allach in an elaborate transfer fraud scheme. The fake operation used forged documents, club branding and bogus email addresses to trick agents and players.

The deception allegedly left an unnamed English footballer stranded at Schiphol airport believing he had secured a move. Fraudsters then sought payment for supposed medical, travel and administrative costs, making the club suspect an organised criminal group.

Manchester United and Collette Roche
Thursday during the stadium masterplan update

Manchester United plan to explore naming rights for their proposed 100,000-seat stadium as part of a £2bn Old Trafford redevelopment. The club also outlined the new stadium’s planned location, 350 yards from their current home.

United said the project must be driven by sanity, not vanity, because the club carries heavy debt and wants to protect affordable ticketing. Naming rights, private investment and wider regeneration revenue are being considered before final designs are shared.

Steve Cherundolo and U.S. Soccer
Thursday

U.S. Soccer has appointed former LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo to manage the men’s Under-23 team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The former USMNT defender brings major club success and long international pedigree into the role.

Cherundolo won MLS Cup, the Supporters’ Shield and the U.S. Open Cup during four years with LAFC. U.S. Soccer said his leadership will help develop the next generation and build a team capable of chasing a home Olympic medal.

Sunderland Women, James Gray and Bay Collective
Thursday

Sunderland Women are set to appoint FA commercial director James Gray as chief executive following their recent Bay Collective takeover. Gray will start in September and lead the club’s commercial, strategic, financial and football operations.

The appointment reunites Gray with former FA colleagues Kay Cossington and Anja van Ginhoven, now key figures in Bay Collective. Sunderland are trying to build a stronger women’s football operation after also naming Rehanne Skinner as manager.

Mexico, Rafael Marquez and Javier Aguirre
After Mexico’s World Cup exit

Rafael Marquez has been appointed Mexico manager after Javier Aguirre’s planned departure following the World Cup. The former Barcelona defender takes over immediately after the co-hosts lost 3-2 to England in the last 16 now.

Aguirre had accepted the job knowing his spell would end after the home tournament, with Marquez positioned as successor. The rebuild now turns toward 2030, with tactical improvement and youth integration central to Mexico’s next cycle.

Justin Bieber, FIFA and Global Citizen
Wednesday

Justin Bieber has joined Madonna, Shakira and BTS for the 2026 World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium. FIFA said the 11-minute performance will support its Global Citizen Education Fund on 19 July showpiece.

Chris Martin curated the lineup, which also includes Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, PS22 Chorus, Sesame Street and The Muppets. FIFA says the fund aims to raise $100m for education and football opportunities for children worldwide.