UEFA, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
After UEFA’s latest squad-cost rule assessment.

Aston Villa have been fined €22.5m by UEFA for a significant squad-cost breach in 2025, with Chelsea, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest also penalised. Newcastle received an additional settlement fine linked to football earnings rules.

UEFA’s sanctions reflect tighter cost controls and different rules across domestic and European competitions. Some fines are partly suspended, but affected clubs must keep reducing squad-cost ratios or risk heavier future restrictions and squad registration limits.

Frank Lampard and Coventry City.
Before Coventry’s Premier League return.

Frank Lampard has signed a new Coventry City contract until 2029 after leading the club to the Championship title. The extension ends summer speculation after interest from other clubs, including Fulham, before their Premier League return.

Lampard transformed Coventry after arriving in November 2024, first reaching the play-offs and then securing promotion the following season. The new deal gives him stability before the Sky Blues begin their top-flight return against Arsenal.

Ecuador, Mexico fans, FIFA and World Cup organisers.
Before Ecuador’s round-of-32 match against Mexico in Mexico City.

Ecuador have complained to World Cup organisers after local fans staged a noisy serenade outside their team hotel. Reports said around 1,000 Mexico supporters used music, pans and noisemakers before police moved them back.

Ecuador’s federation called the behaviour contrary to fair play, equality and World Cup unity, while saying the team would respond on the pitch. FIFA was contacted for comment before the knockout match at Mexico City Stadium.

England supporters, UK Football Policing Unit and U.S. police.
After England’s World Cup group-stage matches in the United States.

England fans in the United States have been praised for excellent behaviour, with no reported violence or disorder linked to supporters. However, football-related incidents in England and Wales have risen compared with Euro 2024 and the 2022 World Cup.

The UK Football Policing Unit said five England fans were arrested in America, with only two arrests at a World Cup match. Domestically, police recorded 463 football-related incidents and 88 arrests during the same stage.

Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands, Morocco and the KNVB.
After the Netherlands’ World Cup round-of-32 exit.

Ronald Koeman has resigned as Netherlands head coach after Morocco knocked his side out on penalties following a 1-1 draw. The exit was followed by racist abuse aimed at Dutch players who missed in the shootout.

The KNVB said it would seek criminal charges against anyone responsible for discriminatory posts, while Koeman said the disappointment and family health concerns shaped his decision. Morocco’s win leaves the Dutch facing another major rebuild.