FIFA, Gianni Infantino and global football confederations
Friday

FIFA has abandoned its proposal to sell a 21% stake in a new company controlling major competitions. Gianni Infantino said the project would not proceed after UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian confederation united against it.

The plan aimed to raise $4.2bn and distribute expanded funding to FIFA’s 211 associations. Opposition escalated into boycott threats, adviser Carlos Cordeiro’s resignation and internal criticism, leaving Infantino facing serious questions before the 2027 presidential election.

Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea, the FA and WADA
Friday

Mykhailo Mudryk can return to competition immediately after his appeal against a four-year doping ban was resolved. The Chelsea winger accepted the violation and a period of ineligibility equal to the time he had already served.

Revised WADA reporting standards mean the low meldonium concentration found in Mudryk’s sample would not produce a violation if tested today. Chelsea will now support his reintegration after he last played competitively in November 2024.

Roger Schmidt, Red Bull and Jurgen Klopp
Friday

Red Bull have appointed Roger Schmidt as head of global soccer, replacing Jurgen Klopp after his move into the Germany job. The former Benfica and Bayer Leverkusen coach will begin the long-term role on 1 October.

Schmidt returns to the organisation after winning an Austrian league and cup double with Salzburg. He will oversee sporting direction across Red Bull’s international football portfolio, with youth development and a shared playing philosophy among his main responsibilities.

FIFA, AFC, UEFA, Concacaf and Gianni Infantino
Friday

FIFA says it will continue consulting over its proposed commercial subsidiary despite the Asian Football Confederation joining UEFA and Concacaf in rejecting the plan. Together, the three confederations represent 137 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.

The governing body insists nobody is selling football and says investors would receive only a minority, non-controlling stake. FIFA has acknowledged public concern but has not withdrawn the proposal, leaving the global governance confrontation unresolved.

Newport County and Hayden Mullins
Friday

Newport County have appointed Fulham Under-21 coach Hayden Mullins as their new permanent manager. He replaces Christian Fuchs, whose unexpected June departure left Chris Todd overseeing the League Two club’s pre-season programme on an interim basis.

Mullins previously managed Colchester United, twice served as Watford’s caretaker boss and led Fulham’s under-21 side to the Premier League Cup. He becomes Newport’s fourth permanent manager since owner Huw Jenkins completed his takeover in January 2024.