FOOTBALL

Moyes Says He Has Never Spoken to Everton Owner

David Moyes, Dan Friedkin and Everton
5 September 2026

Everton manager David Moyes says he has never met or spoken directly with owner Dan Friedkin since returning to the club in January 2025. Moyes said his main contact is chief executive Angus Kinnear, followed by Rishi Majithia.

Moyes made the revelation after Everton’s chaotic transfer window left the club with only 18 senior players. Friedkin has not attended a home match since completing the takeover in December 2024, while supporters have questioned how key decisions are being made.

Al-Hilal Set 47-Match Saudi League Unbeaten Record

Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab
4 September 2026

Al-Hilal beat Al-Shabab 2-0 to extend their Saudi Pro League unbeaten run to a club-record 47 matches. The victory was also their fifth straight win to begin the season, moving Simone Inzaghi’s side to 15 points at the top.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring before Ruben Neves converted a late penalty, while Gabriel Martinelli made his debut from the bench. Al-Hilal have recorded 35 wins and 12 draws during the unbeaten sequence and sit four games from Al-Ahli’s league record.

Real Betis Hand Mourinho First Madrid Defeat

Real Betis, Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho
4 September 2026

Real Betis beat Real Madrid 1-0 to inflict Jose Mourinho’s first defeat since returning as coach. Substitute Troy Parrott scored in the 81st minute, while Madrid later had a Carlos Espi equaliser disallowed and Kylian Mbappe’s stoppage-time penalty saved.

Madrid produced eight shots on target and an expected-goals figure of 3.16 but failed to score. The defeat ended their three-match winning start and marked the first time since 2014-15 that Madrid lost one of their opening four league games.

UEFA Bans Guendouzi After Fenerbahce-Lyon Brawl

Matteo Guendouzi, Mason Greenwood, Fenerbahce and Lyon
4 September 2026

UEFA has given Matteo Guendouzi a four-match European ban, with two matches suspended, and fined him €50,000 after the brawl following Fenerbahce’s Champions League play-off win at Lyon. Mason Greenwood received a suspended one-match ban and €30,000 fine.

Lyon goalkeeping coach Antonio Ferreira received a five-match ban, with two suspended, for serious assault, while both clubs were fined €50,000. Fenerbahce said its legal department is reviewing the decisions and plans to pursue arbitration and an appeal.

FA Review Will Include England Player Feedback

The Football Association, Thomas Tuchel and England
4 September 2026

The Football Association’s review of England’s 2026 World Cup campaign will include feedback from players as well as Thomas Tuchel and his staff. The review follows England’s semifinal defeat to Argentina and eventual third-place finish after beating France.

At least three senior players had privately questioned Tuchel’s late substitutions and defensive approach against Argentina, according to the supplied reporting. The FA will also examine the impact of repeatedly returning to the team’s permanent Kansas City base during the tournament.

London City Beat Manchester United in WSL Opener

London City Lionesses and Manchester United
4 September 2026

London City Lionesses opened their Women’s Super League season with a 2-1 home victory over Manchester United. Alexia Putellas captained the side on her league debut, while London City controlled much of the first half in front of 5,402 supporters.

An Alanna Kennedy header deflected in off Julia Zigiotti before Danielle van de Donk added London’s second. United failed to register a shot on target until Simi Awujo scored in the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time.

Jordon Ibe Sentenced for Assaulting Former Partner

Jordon Ibe
4 September 2026

Former Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe has been sentenced after admitting assault causing actual bodily harm against his former partner. Croydon Magistrates’ Court imposed a 12-month community order, 80 hours of unpaid work, rehabilitation activities and a £764 fine.

The case concerned a December altercation in south London in which Ibe grabbed his former partner’s hair and pulled out a lock, leaving a bald patch. He was arrested in January, charged in February and changed his plea to guilty in July.

Liverpool Get First Win as Isak Scores Twice

Liverpool, Ipswich Town and Alexander Isak
4 September 2026

Liverpool secured their first Premier League victory of the season with a 2-0 win at Ipswich Town, as Alexander Isak scored twice inside the opening nine minutes. The result also delivered Andoni Iraola his first league win as Liverpool manager.

Cody Gakpo created both goals, while Isak finished in the sixth and ninth minutes before later having another effort ruled out for offside. Bradley Barcola also made his Liverpool debut from the bench after his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain.

Luis Enrique Extends PSG Contract Through 2030

Luis Enrique and Paris Saint-Germain
4 September 2026

Paris Saint-Germain have agreed a three-year contract extension with Luis Enrique that keeps the coach at the club through 2030. His previous deal was due to expire after this season following three Ligue 1 titles and back-to-back Champions League victories.

PSG announced the extension alongside new deals for Joao Neves, Willian Pacho, Lucas Beraldo and Senny Mayulu through 2031. Fabian Ruiz also extended through 2028, securing several key figures shortly before PSG’s home league match against Monaco.

Monaco Beat PSG to Deepen Winless Start

Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain
4 September 2026

Monaco came from behind to beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 at the Parc des Princes, leaving the defending champions without a victory after their opening three Ligue 1 matches. Monaco finished the night as the league’s only team with a perfect record.

Marquinhos put PSG ahead in the first half before Flavio Nazinho equalised and Stanis Idumbo scored Monaco’s winner in the 72nd minute. PSG’s two earlier 2-2 draws mean they are winless through three league games for the first time since 2012-13.