Sheffield United, United World and COH Sports Bidco
Wednesday

Sheffield United’s former owners have filed a winding-up petition against current owner COH Sports Bidco, claiming they are owed more than £35m. United World also questioned the ownership structure and last month’s board update publicly.

United World said it was forced to act in the High Court after becoming alarmed over unpaid sums and club stability. The dispute raises pressure on Sheffield United’s ownership less than two years after COH Sports completed its takeover.

FIFA, France and Michael Olise
Wednesday before France face Morocco

FIFA has upheld Michael Olise’s yellow card from France’s World Cup win over Paraguay, rejecting the French federation’s appeal. Didier Deschamps confirmed the decision, leaving the Bayern Munich playmaker one booking from a semi-final suspension risk.

France argued Olise had only tugged Matias Galarza’s shirt before the Paraguayan went down holding his face. The appeal followed the Balogun controversy, but FIFA refused to rescind the caution before the Morocco quarter-final showdown.

Argentine Football Association, FBI and Claudio Tapia
During the World Cup

The U.S. Department of Justice and FBI have reportedly opened a preliminary investigation into the Argentine Football Association and president Claudio Tapia over suspected financial irregularities linked to American banks and international commercial agreements.

Investigators are examining whether more than $300m routed through TourProdEnter LLC and banking institutions could involve money laundering or wire fraud. The legal scrutiny runs alongside Argentina’s title defence and wider criticism around FIFA transparency.

Fulham and Alvaro Arbeloa
Tuesday

Fulham have appointed former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach on a three-year contract. The Spaniard replaces Marco Silva, who left Craven Cottage to take over Portuguese giants Benfica this summer.

Fulham moved quickly after considering several candidates, backing Arbeloa’s Madrid reputation and strong references from Florentino Perez and Jose Mourinho. He now starts pre-season next week and is already linked with moves for young Real Madrid talent.

U.S. Soccer, Sam Zapatka and Frank Pannell
Monday during USA’s World Cup exit

FIFA suspended two United States men’s team staff members from the Belgium match, with team manager Sam Zapatka and security vice-president Frank Pannell disciplined. FIFA did not publicly explain the punishment before the US were eliminated.

A source said the offence related to the Bosnia-Herzegovina match and involved mishandled FIFA protocols, including people entering restricted areas. U.S. Soccer said the matter was unrelated to the successful Balogun ban reversal effort.

FIFA, France and Morocco
Before Thursday’s World Cup quarter-final

FIFA has appointed an all-Argentine officiating crew for France’s quarter-final against Morocco, led by referee Facundo Tello. The decision drew attention because Argentina remain in the tournament and could become a direct rival to France later.

France publicly downplayed concern, with Dayot Upamecano and Robin Risser saying the team must focus on Morocco. FIFA says appointments are merit-based, but the single-nationality crew has added another refereeing debate to a tense tournament.

Portugal, Jorge Jesus and Roberto Martinez
Wednesday

Portugal hope to name Roberto Martinez’s successor by the end of the week, with Jorge Jesus emerging as the leading candidate. The 71-year-old is available after leaving Al Nassr and has coached Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix.

FPF president Pedro Proenca said the next coach must understand Portuguese football and the federation’s winning mindset. Jesus has never managed a national team, but his success with Benfica, Flamengo, Al Hilal and Al Nassr strengthens his case.

Wrexham and Firefox
Ahead of the new season

Wrexham have agreed a front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Firefox, replacing United Airlines across the men’s and women’s teams. The browser brand’s logo will appear on all three kits from the start of the coming campaign.

The partnership also makes Firefox the club’s official web browser partner, strengthening Wrexham’s commercial profile under Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds. Fans will first see the new away kit in this weekend’s friendly against Wisla Krakow in Poland.

Egyptian Football Association and FIFA
After Egypt’s defeat by Argentina

Egypt have filed a complaint to FIFA demanding the removal of the refereeing team from the World Cup after their 3-2 loss to Argentina. The EFA cited double standards, VAR errors and decisions it believes cost Egypt a quarter-final place.

The complaint focused on Mostafa Zico’s disallowed goal and a rejected penalty claim involving Mohamed Salah before Argentina’s winner. Egypt accused officials of discrimination, but FIFA protests over refereeing decisions rarely succeed and often end without detailed explanation.

USMNT, U.S. Soccer and USWNT
After the United States’ World Cup exit

The USMNT earned U.S. Soccer $16m in FIFA prize money for reaching the World Cup last 16. Under equal-pay agreements, the payout will be shared between the men’s squad and the next U.S. women’s World Cup roster.

U.S. Soccer keeps 20% of the prize money, while the remaining 80% is split equally between men’s and women’s players. Each roster’s share is $6.4m, with the women’s portion held pending 2027 World Cup qualification.