Wyland, FIFA, Dallas World Cup organisers
2 June 2026

Artist Wyland sued FIFA and other parties for $25 million after an iconic Dallas mural was painted over before the World Cup. The eight-story artwork had stood downtown since 1999 as part of his ocean-awareness series.

The lawsuit claims the mural was destroyed without written consent, violating federal protections for recognised artworks. FIFA denied involvement and directed questions to the local host committee, while residents and public figures criticised the removal.

Karl Robinson, Salford City, Notts County
2 June 2026

Salford City sacked Karl Robinson nine days after their League Two play-off final defeat to Notts County. The club said the board and executive team made the decision after a full review of football operations.

Robinson had been in charge for nearly two and a half years but missed automatic promotion before the Wembley loss. Salford will begin a replacement search immediately, with several players also leaving when contracts expire this month.

Mexico, FIFA, CAS
2 June 2026

Mexico lost a CAS appeal against FIFA fines worth about $178,000 for homophobic chanting by supporters. The sanctions related to chants heard during friendlies against Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil and the United States in 2024.

FIFA had fined the Mexican federation in two separate cases and ordered a partial stadium closure for a future competitive match. CAS rejected Mexico’s appeal, leaving the punishment in place before the World Cup begins.

FIFA, VAR officials, World Cup referees
2 June 2026

FIFA will use advanced semi-automated offside technology at the World Cup, with real-time alerts helping assistants raise flags faster. The system will notify officials when a player is more than 10 centimetres offside during positional calls.

The change is designed to reduce long delayed-flag passages and lower injury risk from needless play. FIFA will also use AI-enabled player avatars, ball-tracking checks for out-of-play calls and tools for line-of-sight offside decisions.

Scotland, Christy Grimshaw, Israel
2 June 2026

Scotland players have not discussed boycotting their Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Israel, according to Christy Grimshaw. Both matches will be played behind closed doors in Hungary because UEFA has barred fixtures in Israel for security reasons.

Grimshaw said players are aware of wider concerns but must follow governing-body decisions and focus on qualifying. Scotland lead Group B4 on goal difference from Belgium and need points to protect their play-off path.

Pele, Sotheby’s, Brazil
2 June 2026

Pele’s shirt from the 1958 World Cup final is going to auction with an estimated value above $6 million. The jersey was worn when the 17-year-old scored twice in Brazil’s famous 5-2 win over Sweden.

Pele gave the shirt to team-mate Dida after the final, and it later passed through a museum collection before being sold privately. Sotheby’s expects it to challenge football’s most expensive memorabilia records this summer.

Marco Silva, Fulham, Benfica
2 June 2026

Marco Silva is in advanced talks with Benfica while his Fulham contract nears expiry. Fulham have offered him a renewal, but discussions with the Portuguese club have progressed and an agreement is now within reach.

Silva has not officially left Craven Cottage, but Benfica’s push has created serious doubt over his future. Fulham must now wait for his decision or prepare quickly for a managerial search of their own this summer.