FIFA, Gianni Infantino and 211 national football associations
14 October 2026

FIFA is proposing a $6.35 billion football development funding programme for 2027 to 2030, including $25 million for each of its 211 member associations. The proposal would substantially increase the funding previously planned for national associations and continental governing bodies.

According to a FIFA document reviewed by the Associated Press, the plan would draw more than $3.5 billion from financial reserves and provide $99 million to each continental confederation. FIFA says the additional money would support football development, particularly women’s and youth programmes. Final approval remains pending.

Álvaro Arbeloa, Fulham and the Football Association
14 October 2026

Fulham head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has received a £25,000 fine and a formal warning from the Football Association following comments questioning match officials after a Premier League draw against Manchester United. The sanction concerns remarks deemed to imply bias and undermine refereeing integrity.

The FA’s disciplinary process examined Arbeloa’s comments following the 20 September match at Craven Cottage. An independent commission concluded that his statements suggested repeated bias and possible premeditated conduct by officials. The governing body imposed the financial penalty and warned him about future conduct.

Brighton, Pascal Struijk and the Premier League
14 October 2026

Brighton defender Pascal Struijk has had his controversial red card against Sunderland overturned following a successful wrongful-dismissal appeal. The decision means the 27-year-old will avoid a one-match suspension and remain available for Brighton’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace.

Struijk was dismissed after VAR advised referee Thomas Bramall to review a challenge on Wilson Isidor. The referee initially awarded no foul but subsequently issued a straight red for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Brighton successfully challenged the dismissal after winning the match 2-0.

Kylian Mbappé, Mohamed Sanhadji and French investigators
14 October 2026

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé was reportedly questioned by French police on 30 September in connection with a corruption investigation involving former national-team security chief Mohamed Sanhadji. The allegations described in the report concern Sanhadji rather than Mbappé himself.

Reporting attributed to L’Équipe says investigators are examining Sanhadji’s outside security work, financial dealings and alleged use of official influence. Mbappé reportedly paid Sanhadji more than €60,000 in 2023. Being questioned does not establish wrongdoing by Mbappé, and no accusation against the player is identified in the supplied article.

Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United and Jason Wilcox
13 October 2026

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez publicly criticised the club’s leadership following their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. Martinez questioned the summer recruitment strategy and demanded greater investment after United’s return to Europe’s elite competition.

Martinez told Amazon Prime that the squad needed more players to compete, directly naming football director Jason Wilcox. He also argued that responsibility should extend beyond the manager and players. Michael Carrick declined to respond fully before reviewing the interview, while Wayne Rooney criticised Martinez’s comments as potentially damaging.