FOOTBALL

FIFA Accuses UEFA of Infantino Smear Campaign

FIFA, UEFA and Gianni Infantino
3 September 2026

FIFA has accused UEFA of conducting a smear campaign against president Gianni Infantino while challenging requests for evidence over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. UEFA is seeking documents before potentially pursuing criminal proceedings in Switzerland concerning the proposed commercial deal.

FIFA filed motions in United States courts asking for UEFA’s discovery requests to be delayed or rejected, arguing no foreign criminal proceeding currently exists. UEFA alleges the proposed $4.2 billion sale of a 20 percent commercial stake was improperly valued.

Mike Dean Admits Playing Mini-Games While Refereeing

Mike Dean and Premier League referees
3 September 2026

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean says he set himself mini-challenges during matches, including seeing how long he could avoid blowing his whistle or remain inside the centre circle. Refereeing figures told BBC Sport they consider the claims unfounded.

Dean said he once went 20 to 25 minutes without using his whistle and stayed inside the centre circle for about 15 minutes. His comments revive concerns around officiating professionalism after previous controversial remarks about protecting fellow referee Anthony Taylor.

Financial Controls Block Most Al-Nassr Transfer Activity

Al-Nassr and the Saudi league financial oversight committee
3 September 2026

Saudi league financial oversight restrictions have blocked Al-Nassr from making further signings, apart from Samu Costa, because of the club’s financial situation. Approval for Abdulrahman Ghareeb’s contract renewal is also conditional on midfielder Ali Al-Hassan leaving.

Al-Hassan’s proposed move to Al-Fateh depends on that club first selling Saeed Baatiyah, who is wanted by Al-Ahli. The chain means Al-Nassr must accept losing a former transfer target before Ghareeb’s already-signed renewal can receive final approval.

Hull Work With Police Over Robinio Vaz Racist Abuse

Robinio Vaz, Hull City and Humberside Police
3 September 2026

Hull City have condemned racist abuse directed at new signing Robinio Vaz after his season-long loan from Roma was announced on social media. The club deleted the post and said it is working with Humberside Police to identify responsible accounts.

Hull have also contacted the Premier League, Kick It Out and relevant social media companies while providing support to the 19-year-old striker. The club reiterated its zero-tolerance policy and urged supporters to report discriminatory abuse wherever it appears.

Piero Ausilio Leaves Inter Sporting Director Role

Piero Ausilio and Inter Milan
3 September 2026

Piero Ausilio has left his role as Inter Milan sporting director and visited the club’s training base to say goodbye to players, staff and manager Cristian Chivu. Baccin had already been appointed as the Nerazzurri’s new sporting director.

Ausilio’s departure surprised several senior Inter players, with Federico Dimarco saying he had not expected the executive to leave after their successful years together. The change places Baccin in charge of sporting operations as Inter begin a new phase.

Edin Dzeko Announces Bosnia International Retirement

Edin Dzeko and Bosnia and Herzegovina
3 September 2026

Edin Dzeko has announced that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Nations League match against Sweden on October 2 will be his final international appearance. The 40-year-old will retire as his country’s record scorer with 73 goals from 151 senior caps.

Dzeko debuted for Bosnia in 2007 and helped the nation reach its first World Cup in 2014 before featuring again at the 2026 tournament. He plans to make his farewell at home against Sweden before returning to club football with Schalke.

Al-Ittihad Complete Richard Rios Loan From Benfica

Richard Rios, Al-Ittihad and Benfica
3 September 2026

Al-Ittihad have officially signed Colombia midfielder Richard Rios from Benfica during the Saudi transfer window. The supplied reporting says the 26-year-old joins on a one-season loan without a purchase option, with a reported fee between €3 million and €4 million.

Al-Ittihad will also cover Rios’s full salary according to the supplied report. He becomes their fourth midfield addition of the window after Rakan Kaabi, Mokhtar Ali and Dion Lopy, with his availability for the Al-Nassr clash still to be determined.

Rangers Close In on Badredine Bouanani Loan

Badredine Bouanani, Rangers and Stuttgart
3 September 2026

Rangers are closing in on a loan move for Stuttgart winger Badredine Bouanani, with the 21-year-old undergoing a medical in Scotland. Reports describe an agreement containing a purchase option worth roughly €18 million to €19 million next summer.

Bouanani had been close to joining Bayer Leverkusen before that move collapsed when Leverkusen signed Guela Doue instead. Rangers then moved before Scotland’s deadline, with reports putting the loan fee near €500,000 and the permanent option considerably higher.

Inter Miami Sign Matias Galarza From River Plate

Matias Galarza, Inter Miami and River Plate
3 September 2026

Inter Miami have signed Paraguay midfielder Matias Galarza from River Plate on the final day of the MLS transfer window, according to ESPN’s source. Galarza previously spent time on loan with Atlanta United and featured prominently at the 2026 World Cup.

Galarza scored against Turkey and assisted in Paraguay’s round-of-32 win over Germany at the World Cup. He becomes Miami’s second deadline-day addition after Riquelme Fillipi as new head coach Cristian Gonzalez reshapes the squad for the MLS run-in.

Everton Reject Late £65m Chelsea Garner Bid

James Garner, Everton and Chelsea
1 September 2026

Everton rejected a late £65 million bid from Chelsea for midfielder James Garner because the proposal arrived too close to the transfer deadline, according to the supplied BBC gossip article. The 25-year-old therefore remained at Everton after the window closed.

Chelsea were searching for additional midfield options during a deadline period dominated by Enzo Fernandez’s departure and the failed Lamine Camara move. Everton had no practical time to replace Garner, making the timing of Chelsea’s approach a decisive factor.