Paolo Maldini, Leonardo and the Italian Football Federation
Monday

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have reportedly resigned from their Italian Football Federation roles only 16 days after joining. Their departures followed the collapse of Andrea Pirlo’s proposed appointment as national-team coach amid controversy over his betting-company relationship.

Maldini had been appointed technical director to rebuild Italy after another World Cup qualification failure, with Leonardo serving as adviser. Losing both men deepens the federation’s leadership crisis after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola had already rejected the coaching job.

Al Ahly, Vodafone Egypt and Al Qalaa Al Hamraa
Monday

Al Ahly have announced what they describe as the largest investment agreement in the club’s history through a strategic partnership with Vodafone. The package includes stadium naming rights and a four-year main shirt sponsorship for the first team.

The naming-rights contract was signed with Al Qalaa Al Hamraa, the company financing and developing Al Ahly’s planned stadium. Club president Mahmoud El Khatib said the partnership strengthens project funding and supports the Egyptian giant’s wider commercial expansion.

The DFL, Bundesliga clubs and Apollo Sports Capital
Monday

Germany’s DFL is reportedly discussing a potential €1bn financing agreement with U.S. investment firm Apollo Sports Capital. The proposed 20-year loan would be secured against future domestic broadcasting income and support international marketing and overseas club tours.

The preliminary approach requires approval from German clubs after previous private-equity proposals triggered fierce supporter opposition. League officials are seeking more commercial firepower without surrendering the member control protected by German football’s influential 50+1 ownership rule.

IFAB, FIFA, Breel Embolo and Miguel Almiron
Monday

IFAB clarified that VAR’s mistaken-identity power cannot be used to replace an original foul decision with a simulation booking. The interpretation means two controversial World Cup interventions involving Miguel Almiron and Breel Embolo went beyond the current protocol.

VAR may identify which player committed an offence, but cannot review and change the offence itself under mistaken identity. IFAB said the expanded approach was well received, yet it cannot be used again until a formal VAR review is completed.

Gianni Infantino, Jamie Raskin, FIFA and Donald Trump
Monday

U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin has requested that FIFA president Gianni Infantino appear for a transcribed interview about FIFA’s relationship with Donald Trump. He also demanded records covering contacts, gifts, awards, appearances and dealings with Trump-linked entities.

Raskin asked FIFA to provide the material by 9 August and preserve communications across messaging platforms. The request follows scrutiny of Trump’s World Cup involvement, FIFA’s Peace Prize and the president’s intervention in Folarin Balogun’s suspended ban.

The FA, Premier League, EFL, National League and WSL
Monday

English football will trial a new measure designed to stop goalkeepers creating tactical timeouts. When a physio enters to treat a goalkeeper, that team must remove an outfield player for one minute after play restarts.

Coaches will have 10 seconds to nominate the player, otherwise the captain must leave. The IFAB-approved trial begins with Tranmere against Rochdale and could lead to a permanent global law change from the 2027-28 season.