Fulham and Alvaro Arbeloa
Tuesday

Fulham have appointed former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach on a three-year contract. The Spaniard replaces Marco Silva, who left Craven Cottage to take over Portuguese giants Benfica this summer.

Fulham moved quickly after considering several candidates, backing Arbeloa’s Madrid reputation and strong references from Florentino Perez and Jose Mourinho. He now starts pre-season next week and is already linked with moves for young Real Madrid talent.

U.S. Soccer, Sam Zapatka and Frank Pannell
Monday during USA’s World Cup exit

FIFA suspended two United States men’s team staff members from the Belgium match, with team manager Sam Zapatka and security vice-president Frank Pannell disciplined. FIFA did not publicly explain the punishment before the US were eliminated.

A source said the offence related to the Bosnia-Herzegovina match and involved mishandled FIFA protocols, including people entering restricted areas. U.S. Soccer said the matter was unrelated to the successful Balogun ban reversal effort.

FIFA, France and Morocco
Before Thursday’s World Cup quarter-final

FIFA has appointed an all-Argentine officiating crew for France’s quarter-final against Morocco, led by referee Facundo Tello. The decision drew attention because Argentina remain in the tournament and could become a direct rival to France later.

France publicly downplayed concern, with Dayot Upamecano and Robin Risser saying the team must focus on Morocco. FIFA says appointments are merit-based, but the single-nationality crew has added another refereeing debate to a tense tournament.

Portugal, Jorge Jesus and Roberto Martinez
Wednesday

Portugal hope to name Roberto Martinez’s successor by the end of the week, with Jorge Jesus emerging as the leading candidate. The 71-year-old is available after leaving Al Nassr and has coached Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix.

FPF president Pedro Proenca said the next coach must understand Portuguese football and the federation’s winning mindset. Jesus has never managed a national team, but his success with Benfica, Flamengo, Al Hilal and Al Nassr strengthens his case.

Wrexham and Firefox
Ahead of the new season

Wrexham have agreed a front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Firefox, replacing United Airlines across the men’s and women’s teams. The browser brand’s logo will appear on all three kits from the start of the coming campaign.

The partnership also makes Firefox the club’s official web browser partner, strengthening Wrexham’s commercial profile under Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds. Fans will first see the new away kit in this weekend’s friendly against Wisla Krakow in Poland.

Egyptian Football Association and FIFA
After Egypt’s defeat by Argentina

Egypt have filed a complaint to FIFA demanding the removal of the refereeing team from the World Cup after their 3-2 loss to Argentina. The EFA cited double standards, VAR errors and decisions it believes cost Egypt a quarter-final place.

The complaint focused on Mostafa Zico’s disallowed goal and a rejected penalty claim involving Mohamed Salah before Argentina’s winner. Egypt accused officials of discrimination, but FIFA protests over refereeing decisions rarely succeed and often end without detailed explanation.