Rafa Benitez, Italy, Gennaro Gattuso
30 May 2026

Rafa Benitez has emerged as a surprise option for the Italy job after publicly showing interest in leading the Azzurri rebuild. Italy are searching for a new direction after missing another World Cup.

Gennaro Gattuso has already left, while Silvio Baldini is handling upcoming friendlies on an interim basis. Benitez’s Serie A experience with Inter Milan and Napoli gives him a familiar profile if Italy want an established foreign coach.

Budapest Police, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain
30 May 2026

Budapest police are studying camera footage after supporters fought before the Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. Authorities said the brawl happened early Saturday on Kiraly Street and proceedings have been opened for gang violence.

Footage online appeared to show rival supporters fighting and lighting flares, while police prepared Hungary’s largest single-day deployment for the final. Three people were also arrested after a separate fight at the fan festival site.

Glenn Whelan, Livingston, David Martindale
30 May 2026

Livingston appointed Glenn Whelan as head coach after relegation from the Scottish Premiership. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder will lead the club’s attempt to return to the top flight after a difficult one-year stay.

Whelan brings coaching experience from Bristol Rovers and Wigan Athletic, including interim spells at Wigan. Sporting director David Martindale said his elite playing background and winning mentality matched Livingston’s needs for a rebuild.

Arne Slot, Liverpool, Andoni Iraola
30 May 2026

Liverpool sacked Arne Slot after two seasons, one year after he delivered the club’s 20th league title. The Reds have approached Andoni Iraola after finishing fifth with their lowest Premier League points total since 2015-16.

Liverpool’s hierarchy decided the team needed a more aggressive and urgent style after a costly season of injuries, poor form and supporter frustration. Iraola is admired internally after guiding Bournemouth into Europe with high-intensity football.

Rudi Völler, DFB, FIFA
30 May 2026

Rudi Völler called for stricter FIFA rules on players switching national teams, saying current eligibility rules undermine international football. The DFB sporting director wants players to choose their country by age 18.

Völler criticised late switches after federations invest in youth development, citing cases where players come through one system before choosing another senior team. His comments follow renewed debate around dual-national players before the World Cup.

Brenden Aaronson, USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino
30 May 2026

Brenden Aaronson missed USMNT World Cup training because he was allowed to attend his own wedding. The Leeds United midfielder is expected to rejoin the squad on Saturday before their next preparation match.

Team-mates said the absence was planned well in advance and not viewed as a distraction. Aaronson is coming off a strong club season and has been named to Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup squad.

Raheem Sterling, Hampshire Police, Feyenoord
30 May 2026

Raheem Sterling was arrested on suspicion of drug driving after his Lamborghini crashed into motorway barriers on the M3. Hampshire Police said no other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.

The crash happened near the Minley Interchange on Thursday morning before Sterling was released on bail. Police are continuing enquiries, while the incident leaves the Feyenoord attacker facing a serious off-field investigation.

FIFA, SoFi Stadium, UNITE HERE Local 11
30 May 2026

Food and beverage workers at SoFi Stadium are set to vote on possible strike action before the World Cup opener between the United States and Paraguay. The dispute threatens eight matches scheduled at the Los Angeles venue.

The union says talks with Legends Global have stalled over pay, subcontracting, automation, accreditation and ICE-related concerns. FIFA said the labour dispute is between Legends and the union, while workers warned the tournament could face serious disruption.

Dino Toppmoller, Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner
29 May 2026

Crystal Palace have opened talks with Dino Toppmoller as they search for Oliver Glasner’s replacement. The former Eintracht Frankfurt boss has emerged as a serious option after Palace’s Conference League triumph.

Toppmoller has been without a job since leaving Frankfurt in January and is ready for a Premier League challenge. Palace are also assessing other candidates as they try to protect momentum after Glasner’s trophy-winning farewell.

Silvio Baldini, Italy, Gennaro Gattuso
29 May 2026

Interim Italy manager Silvio Baldini criticised the country’s football leadership after another failed World Cup qualification campaign. He warned against unrealistic manager searches and said the domestic game needs serious structural change.

Baldini said Italian football is being held back by leaders focused on short-term interests instead of youth development. Italy are preparing for friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece while still searching for a permanent successor to Gennaro Gattuso.