FOOTBALL

Chelsea boss Rosenior backs Vinicius after Benfica racism allegation and warns of heavy ban

Liam Rosenior
February 2026

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior publicly supported Vinicius Jr following alleged racial abuse in Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off against Benfica, saying anyone found guilty of racism should not be in football as an investigation continues into what was said. The controversy has intensified amid public reactions from high-profile figures and Benfica’s defence of their player. Reports say Prestianni could face a minimum 10-game ban if found guilty, while he has denied the allegation in a social media statement.

Carlo Ancelotti plans Brazil extension through 2030 after taking job in 2025

Carlo Ancelotti
February 2026

Carlo Ancelotti says he intends to sign a new Brazil contract that would keep him in charge beyond the 2026 World Cup and potentially through to 2030, as he settles into international management after leaving Real Madrid in 2025. Ancelotti discussed his enjoyment of the Brazil role in quotes carried by AS ahead of a Universo Valdano episode, with reports suggesting a verbal agreement is already in place. Brazil head toward 2026 as contenders but not unanimous favourites, with expectations that Ancelotti’s tenure could target ending their wait for another World Cup.

Bukayo Saka signs new Arsenal deal to 2031 and becomes club’s top earner

Bukayo Saka
February 2026

Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term Arsenal contract through 2031, replacing his previous deal that ran to 2027. The extension reportedly makes him the club’s highest-paid player on more than £300,000 per week, ending lengthy negotiations. Saka had verbally agreed terms earlier in the year and has now signed formally. Arsenal have also secured other key renewals in the last 12 months, and Arteta can now focus on a run of fixtures across multiple competitions, with Saka recently trialed centrally as a No.10 in the FA Cup win over Wigan.

Clattenburg apologises for “clumsy” Vinicius commentary after Benfica racism allegation

Mark Clattenburg
February 2026

Mark Clattenburg apologised for “clumsy” analysis after suggesting Vinicius should have simply returned to position following his goal, during a match halted for 10 minutes under UEFA protocol after alleged racist abuse involving Prestianni. After Vinicius scored, an exchange with Prestianni at halfway led Vinicius to report the incident to referee Letexier and the match was paused. Clattenburg’s on-air remarks drew backlash, including criticism from Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend.

Van Dijk flags Szoboszlai as future Liverpool captain option amid leadership questions

Dominik Szoboszlai
February 2026

irgil van Dijk said Dominik Szoboszlai could develop into a leadership figure capable of captaining Liverpool, with the midfielder’s form and versatility standing out during an inconsistent season. Szoboszlai has reached 10 goals this season, scoring again in Liverpool’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton, and has filled multiple roles including a stint at right-back. With uncertainty around Robertson’s long-term future, Van Dijk said Szoboszlai is “leading by example” but still has steps to make as a leader.

Hoddle questions Saka’s leadership after Arsenal’s late collapse at Wolves

Bukayo Saka
February 2026

Glenn Hoddle criticised Bukayo Saka’s leadership and “flat” demeanour after Arsenal surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with bottom-side Wolves, denting their title push. Saka admitted the dressing-room mood was “very flat” and called the second-half level below Arsenal’s standards. Arsenal controlled the first hour and held a two-goal cushion before conceding to Bueno and Edozie, dropping points from a winning position. The result boosts Manchester City’s chase, with City five points back and holding a game in hand.

Kyrie Irving ACL tear ends season as Mavericks pivot to Cooper Flagg era

Kyrie Irving
February 2026

Kyrie Irving tore his left ACL and will miss the season, the first full-season absence of his 15-year career. Dallas is set to build around No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg with Irving expected to stay engaged as a mentor during rehab. The injury landed amid major roster upheaval after the Doncic trade, a brief and disrupted Davis stint, and a further pivot away from that move. Dallas plans to re-center the project on Flagg, with team leadership highlighting Irving’s influence and ongoing involvement while he recovers.

Marseille appoint Habib Beye on deal to 2027 after De Zerbi exit

Habib Beye
February 2026

Marseille confirmed Habib Beye as head coach on a contract running until summer 2027, replacing Roberto De Zerbi. He returns to the club he represented as a player and is tasked with stabilising the season. The club statement positioned Beye as a demanding, identity-driven coach focused on discipline, intensity, and accountability, pointing to his coaching work after retirement and framing the appointment as a leadership reset after a turbulent period.

Ronaldo misses again as Al-Nassr edge Arkadag and reach AFC Champions League Two quarters

Cristiano Ronaldo
February 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo was left out again as Al-Nassr won 1-0 against Arkadag to advance to the quarter-finals, completing a 2-0 aggregate win. The story remains framed by his recent protest over transfer backing and league governance. Jorge Jesus rotated heavily and still got the result to progress. Ronaldo’s absence follows a spell of missed games tied to complaints about support and perceived preferential treatment for rivals, with the league issuing a public warning that recruitment decisions sit with clubs under a shared financial framework.

Arteta demands Arsenal “stand up” after Wolves collapse ruins two-goal lead

Mikel Arteta
February 2026

Arteta criticised the second-half performance and said the team must “stand up” during a difficult spell. Saka ended his goal drought with an early header from Rice’s cross after being used centrally, and Hincapie doubled the lead early in the second half. Wolves responded through a long-range Bueno strike and then a late equaliser, punishing Arsenal for a flat second half and poor game management.