Scotland, Christy Grimshaw, Israel
2 June 2026

Scotland players have not discussed boycotting their Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Israel, according to Christy Grimshaw. Both matches will be played behind closed doors in Hungary because UEFA has barred fixtures in Israel for security reasons.

Grimshaw said players are aware of wider concerns but must follow governing-body decisions and focus on qualifying. Scotland lead Group B4 on goal difference from Belgium and need points to protect their play-off path.

Pele, Sotheby’s, Brazil
2 June 2026

Pele’s shirt from the 1958 World Cup final is going to auction with an estimated value above $6 million. The jersey was worn when the 17-year-old scored twice in Brazil’s famous 5-2 win over Sweden.

Pele gave the shirt to team-mate Dida after the final, and it later passed through a museum collection before being sold privately. Sotheby’s expects it to challenge football’s most expensive memorabilia records this summer.

Marco Silva, Fulham, Benfica
2 June 2026

Marco Silva is in advanced talks with Benfica while his Fulham contract nears expiry. Fulham have offered him a renewal, but discussions with the Portuguese club have progressed and an agreement is now within reach.

Silva has not officially left Craven Cottage, but Benfica’s push has created serious doubt over his future. Fulham must now wait for his decision or prepare quickly for a managerial search of their own this summer.

Stewart Milne, Aberdeen, Dave Cormack
2 June 2026

Stewart Milne is leaving Aberdeen’s board after 32 years, saying the club needs fresh blood for its next phase. The former chairman will remain a supporter and continue attending matches at Pittodrie after stepping down.

Milne served as Aberdeen chairman from 1998 to 2019 before staying on as a non-executive director. Dave Cormack praised his leadership, commercial impact and role in steering the club through difficult periods of change.

World Cup, FIFA, betting integrity experts
2 June 2026

Integrity concerns are growing before the World Cup as betting markets expand across global football. The Athletic reported that at least two tournament players have previously been flagged to national federations over suspected spot-fixing risks.

The concern centres on smaller in-game events, such as deliberate bookings, rather than match results. With prediction markets and global betting volumes rising, experts fear fixers may target players before and during the tournament itself.

Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool, Scotland
2 June 2026

Kenny Dalglish confirmed he is undergoing cancer treatment after accidentally making the news public through a social media post. The Liverpool and Scotland legend asked for privacy while saying his treatment is going well at the moment.

Dalglish had wanted the diagnosis to remain private, but said his technology mistake forced him to address it. Liverpool sent support to him and his family, while also backing his request for privacy during treatment.

Enrique Riquelme, Raul, Real Madrid, Florentino Perez
2 June 2026

Enrique Riquelme said Raul would become Real Madrid sporting director if he wins the club’s presidential election against Florentino Perez. The challenger said Madrid need a legend to lead their sporting project after two trophyless seasons.

Raul spent 16 seasons as a Madrid player and later coached Castilla, making him central to Riquelme’s pitch for change. Riquelme has not yet named his preferred head coach, despite Mourinho reports this week.

Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Real Madrid
2 June 2026

Aurelien Tchouameni dismissed reports about his training-ground clash with Federico Valverde, calling the coverage nonsense. Real Madrid had fined both players after a heated incident that led to Valverde suffering a forehead cut during an argument.

Tchouameni said the situation was exaggerated and insisted life goes on inside the squad. Valverde had also denied physical violence, explaining that frustration during training caused the argument to spiral beyond its real meaning publicly.

Toronto Police, FIFA, Ramy Jaber, Walid Sarhan
1 June 2026

Police in Canada made what they described as the largest known seizure of fake soccer jerseys in the country’s history before the World Cup. Officers recovered about $3.5 million worth of counterfeit shirts, flags and trophies.

The raid targeted a Mississauga warehouse after allegations that fake merchandise was being supplied to stores. Two Ontario residents were arrested and charged, while police warned fans that major tournaments often attract fraudulent goods.

Andres Iniesta, Gulf United, Barcelona
1 June 2026

Andres Iniesta has taken his first coaching role with Gulf United in the UAE’s second tier. The Barcelona legend has completed his A coaching licence and will gain practical experience while studying for his Pro licence.

Iniesta said Gulf United offers the right place to begin a new chapter focused on youth development. The move starts his coaching pathway after a trophy-filled playing career and could eventually lead toward a Barcelona return.