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Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak sitting in an executive box at the Etihad Stadium during a Premier League match.

Premier LeagueManchester City8 October 2026

Khaldoon al-Mubarak: the Manchester City chairman walking a tightrope over Premier League charges

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak is central to Abu Dhabi's push to become a secure world power. His combative handling of the club's financial charges has strained relations with English football authorities, and a failed appeal could push the emirate toward selling the club. Analysts believe a quiet retreat would protect the royal family's reputation.

InfoBlaugrana

·7 min read

Laos international winger Soukphachan Lueanthala in action for the national team.

Rules & refereeingNational teams8 October 2026

Laos footballer arrested over suspected match-fixing in 2026 Asean Championship

Laos international Soukphachan Lueanthala has been arrested in connection with alleged match-fixing during the 2026 Asean Championship. The country's football federation referred the case to police after detecting signs of bribery, illegal gambling and result manipulation.

Matt

·5 min read

Pep Guardiola shouts instructions from the touchline during a Manchester City match at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester CityPremier League8 October 2026

What Guardiola Said About Man City Charges Over Nine Years

Pep Guardiola spent nearly a decade defending Manchester City against accusations of financial rule-breaking. The Catalan coach promised to resign if club executives lied to him and later pledged to stay even if the team dropped to League One. Here is a look at every major statement he made before the guilty verdict.

varela·6 min read

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert watches a training session at St Mary's during the Spygate investigation into spying on opponents

Premier LeagueRules & refereeing8 October 2026

FA hands Southampton boss Tonda Eckert suspended six-week ban over Spygate

The Football Association has concluded the Spygate investigation with a suspended sanction for Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert. The German manager receives a six-week ban suspended until the end of the 2027-28 season, a £28,000 fine and a formal reprimand.

Javi

·7 min read

Ramon Vega, former Tottenham Hotspur defender and candidate for the Fifa presidency, speaking at a public event.

Rules & refereeing7 October 2026

Ramon Vega announces bid to run for Fifa president in 2026

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega has confirmed he intends to stand in next year's Fifa presidential election. The 55-year-old Swiss international becomes the first candidate to challenge Gianni Infantino, who has faced widespread backlash over his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

InfoBlaugrana

·6 min read

Manchester City players celebrate with the Champions League trophy after winning the 2023 final.

Premier LeagueManchester City7 October 2026

Manchester City could play in next season's Champions League despite sanctions

Senior figures in English football fear Manchester City could feature in next season's Champions League even if they are hit with a severe punishment for breaking financial rules. Winning the competition would secure a place as holders, regardless of their Premier League status. The UEFA licence process and the club's appeal keep the scenario open.

Javi

·6 min read

Indonesia players celebrate winning the FIFA Asean Cup in front of thousands of fans at a packed stadium in Jakarta.

Rules & refereeingNational teams7 October 2026

Indonesia win inaugural FIFA Asean Cup in Jakarta as Infantino strengthens election base

Indonesia claimed the first FIFA Asean Cup title by beating Thailand on penalties in front of 70,000 fans in Jakarta. The tournament, a personal project of Gianni Infantino, gives the FIFA president a timely boost in Asia ahead of the upcoming election. The local triumph offset doubts about a competition that overlaps with the region's long-standing Hyundai Asean Cup.

Matt

·5 min read

FIFA representatives and Spanish delegation members during a venue inspection meeting for the 2030 World Cup

World CupRules & refereeing7 October 2026

Spain's general election delays FIFA visit for the 2030 World Cup

FIFA has still not announced a date for its next inspection trip to Spain, Portugal and Morocco ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Spain's general election, called for Sunday 29 November, has put the governing body's plans on hold, since a change of government could force visits and meetings to be repeated. The pending trip is expected to settle the final list of host venues.

Natilla·4 min read

Young Manchester City footballer leaving the training ground with a backpack and a ball under his arm in a file photo

Manchester CityRules & refereeing7 October 2026

Charlie Holt becomes first Manchester City exit after Premier League charges

The 17-year-old academy midfielder has left the Etihad to sign for Cardiff City. His move could be the first of several departures after Manchester City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial rule charges covering 2009 to 2018.

Matt

·5 min read

Exterior view of the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, a club under investigation by UK tax authorities since 2018 over its tax structures.

Manchester CityRules & refereeing7 October 2026

UK tax authority has investigated Manchester City's tax structures since 2018

Britain's tax authority opened an investigation into Manchester City in 2018 to determine whether the club used complex structures to lower its tax bill. The probe began after internal emails were published by Der Spiegel and has never been formally closed, although no action has been taken against the club so far.

Natilla·5 min read