UEFA, Gianni Infantino and FIFA
27 August 2026

UEFA is preparing criminal legal proceedings against FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise investment plan. Court filings accuse him of criminal mismanagement and allege the proposed sale of FIFA commercial stakes was promoted at a fraudulently low valuation.

UEFA has sought documents from FIFA-linked businesses and outside investors in the United States for possible proceedings in Switzerland. The move escalates the dispute beyond political opposition and election planning into potential criminal action against Infantino and other FIFA officials.

Guillermo Hoyos, Inter Miami and Major League Soccer
27 August 2026

Major League Soccer has suspended Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos for one match and issued an undisclosed fine over repeated violations of the league’s late-kickoff policy. Hoyos will miss the 29 August match against CF Montreal.

MLS cited late starts against Nashville, Philadelphia Union and Toronto as the repeated violations that triggered the escalating punishment. The disciplinary action arrives while Inter Miami are winless in five matches across MLS and the Leagues Cup.

Manchester United and an alleged victim of former employee Billy Watts
27 August 2026

Manchester United settled a civil case brought by an alleged victim of former club employee Billy Watts, who was accused of sexual assault dating to 1986. The case was settled in March with an undisclosed payment and no admission of liability.

The claimant launched High Court proceedings last November over an alleged assault when he was 14. United had previously reported complaints concerning Watts to the official inquiry into football’s historical sexual abuse scandal and said it takes allegations seriously.

Jamie Carragher and HM Revenue and Customs
27 August 2026

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher faces a bankruptcy petition over an unpaid tax bill. Court filings show lawyers representing HM Revenue and Customs filed the case on Wednesday, with Carragher and his representatives approached for comment.

HMRC said it generally uses bankruptcy proceedings only as a last resort after trying to help taxpayers resolve debts through options such as instalment plans. The supplied reporting does not state the amount allegedly owed or an outcome.

Esther Gonzalez, Al Qadsiah and Gotham FC
27 August 2026

Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has signed for Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al Qadsiah, drawing criticism from Gotham FC supporters and parts of the LGBTQ+ community. Gotham had mutually terminated her contract in July for stated personal reasons.

The criticism centres on the messaging around Gonzalez’s Gotham departure, the lost transfer fee and Saudi Arabia’s laws against same-sex relationships. The 33-year-old joined Al Qadsiah after winning multiple trophies during three seasons with Gotham.

Sheffield United, the Independent Football Regulator and the EFL
27 August 2026

Sheffield United have become a major test of the Independent Football Regulator after their former parent company was wound up owing £35 million. The regulator can assess the honesty, integrity and financial soundness of the club’s current owners.

BBC reporting says neither the IFR nor EFL were informed of an ownership restructuring or a new director. The EFL is considering further action, while a linked insolvency finding could expose Sheffield United to a potential 12-point deduction.

Gianni Infantino, the FIFA Council and prospective investors
27 August 2026

Gianni Infantino did not tell FIFA Council members he was seeking external investment for a proposed global under-15 tournament, according to The Athletic. The plan had more than $250 million in investor commitments and discussed long-term FIFA licensing.

Council members reportedly learned about the commercialisation talks through media coverage and questioned governance and non-profit implications. FIFA said the Council knew officials were seeking financial support, but did not say external investment and investor returns had been disclosed.

Ebbsfleet United and the National League
26 August 2026

Ebbsfleet United say they have fully paid their outstanding HMRC tax debt, but the National League has extended the club’s suspension. Upcoming matches against Farnborough Town and Horsham will not take place while compliance issues remain under review.

The payment arrived after the league’s deadline and committee meeting, prompting officials to request additional information. Ebbsfleet have until 1 September to provide further details, while the National League has warned that possible sanctions include expulsion.

Barcelona and their Spain World Cup winners
26 August 2026

Barcelona have cancelled a planned Camp Nou tribute for their eight Spain World Cup winners following clashes involving supporters and national police before the club’s match at Elche. The ceremony had been scheduled before Thursday’s game against Athletic Club.

President Joan Laporta said the current atmosphere was inappropriate for the celebration and again condemned police treatment of supporters carrying Estelada flags. Barcelona called for punishment and sanctions after the reported confiscations and physical confrontations.

Matteo Guendouzi, Fenerbahce and Lyon
26 August 2026

Matteo Guendouzi was at the centre of disorder after Fenerbahce eliminated Lyon from Champions League qualifying. Footage showed him provoking home supporters before a brawl developed, while another clip showed a Lyon fan jumping down and attacking him near the tunnel.

Guendouzi, a former Marseille player, displayed a middle finger toward Lyon supporters and later made gestures referencing their rivals. Players and staff became involved in the confrontation, and the reporting says the midfielder could face disciplinary action.