Pierre Sage, Crystal Palace, Lens, Oliver Glasner, Steve Parish
16 June 2026

Crystal Palace have confirmed Pierre Sage as their new first-team manager on a three-year contract after his impressive season with Lens. The appointment is pending final visa confirmation and follows Oliver Glasner’s successful spell at Selhurst Park.

Chairman Steve Parish praised Sage’s trophy-winning season and second-place Ligue 1 finish, while Sage said he wants to continue Palace’s positive dynamic. The move gives Palace a highly rated coach before another European campaign and deeper domestic expectations.

Alessio Dionisi, Watford, Ed Still, Gianluca Nani
16 June 2026

Watford have appointed Alessio Dionisi as head coach on a two-year contract, replacing Ed Still after another turbulent Championship season. Dionisi becomes the club’s 24th head coach since the Pozzo family took over in 2012.

Watford reached an agreement with Empoli, where Dionisi remained under contract after being sacked in March. Sporting director Gianluca Nani said the club wanted an experienced coach with promotion credentials, league-winning history and a stronger training structure.

FIFA, Shaun Evans, Germany, Curacao
16 June 2026

FIFA has cleared Australian VAR official Shaun Evans after investigating an upside-down OK-style hand gesture shown before Germany’s 7-1 World Cup win over Curacao. FIFA said there was no evidence of a disciplinary breach or intentional racist message.

Evans said the movement was an involuntary subconscious twitch and denied trying to signal any belief, affiliation or game. He remains available for selection, although FIFA changed VAR broadcast routines after the incident drew heavy online scrutiny.

Rafael Mir, Pablo Jara, Sevilla, Elche, Valencia
16 June 2026

Former Wolves and Nottingham Forest striker Rafael Mir has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault and assault causing bodily harm by a Valencia court.

Mir denied the allegations and said he will appeal, while Sevilla issued a statement condemning violence, abuse and sexual assault. His friend Pablo Jara also received prison terms linked to a second victim and moral integrity offence.

Russell Martin, Leicester City, Gary Rowett
16 June 2026

Leicester City have appointed Russell Martin as manager on a three-year contract after back-to-back relegations left the former Premier League champions in League One. Martin replaces Gary Rowett and becomes Leicester’s seventh permanent boss since Brendan Rodgers left.

Martin arrives after a short Rangers spell and previous promotion success with Southampton, giving Leicester a possession-based coach for a major rebuild. The club says he will be backed by a structure focused on alignment, accountability and standards.