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Rules & refereeing

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Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak talks with Andy Burnham at the Etihad Stadium in 2019.

Manchester CityPremier League2 October 2026

Downing Street says Man City not above the rules after Burnham backlash

Downing Street has moved to clarify the government's position after Andy Burnham caused controversy by admitting he would be concerned if Manchester City's owners sold the club. The prime minister said the ruling against the club is serious and nobody should be considered above the rules. City, found guilty of most of the 115 financial charges, are preparing their appeal.

Natilla·6 min read

A large stack of documents on a table with the Real Madrid and FC Barcelona crests visible in the background of an arbitration investigation.

FC BarcelonaRules & refereeing2 October 2026

Real Madrid hand UEFA a 50,000-page dossier in Barcelona referee payment case

Real Madrid have submitted a new, extensive dossier to UEFA concerning the payments Barcelona made to former referees' committee vice-president José María Enríquez Negreira. The Spanish club describes the documents as evidence of extraordinary gravity that compromises the integrity of competition, while Barcelona maintains that no fresh proceedings have been opened against the club.

varela·5 min read

Exterior view of FC Barcelona's offices, where the club issued its statement on the Negreira case.

FC BarcelonaReal Madrid1 October 2026

Barcelona Deny New UEFA Case Over Negreira Affair After Real Madrid Documents

FC Barcelona have responded to reports of a reopened UEFA investigation into the Negreira case. The club insist there is no new file, as the original proceedings from 2023 remain active. Barcelona also note that the documents submitted by Real Madrid will be assessed within the existing investigation.

InfoBlaugrana

·4 min read

Exterior view of the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, on a matchday with supporters arriving at the stands.

Manchester CityPremier League1 October 2026

Man City to argue Abu Dhabi government funded sponsorship deals in appeal

Manchester City will base their appeal against the Premier League's financial charges on one central claim: the sponsorship money under scrutiny came from the Abu Dhabi government, not from the club's owners. The independent commission had already dismissed that explanation as untrue, but City insist they hold strong evidence to back their case.

varela·6 min read

Norwegian airline plane with a large blond ponytail painted on the tail, referencing Erling Haaland's hairstyle during the World Cup.

Manchester CityRules & refereeing1 October 2026

Haaland sues Norwegian over use of his signature ponytail on a plane during the World Cup

Erling Haaland has taken Norwegian Air Shuttle to court for using his image and signature blond ponytail without permission in a campaign tied to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The airline removed the ad after receiving the lawsuit but calls the move incomprehensible. A preliminary hearing is scheduled in Oslo for October 9.

Matt

·4 min read

FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players document with a football on a desk.

Rules & refereeingTransfers1 October 2026

FIFA extends protected contract periods starting in 2027

FIFA's new Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players introduce key changes to contract protection periods and to the sanctions clubs face for breaches. The reforms affect international transfers and come into force on January 1, 2027.

InfoBlaugrana

·6 min read

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Manchester City chairman, watching a match from his seat at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester CityRules & refereeing1 October 2026

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak shielded by diplomatic immunity from UK legal action

Khaldoon Al Mubarak has been listed among the UK's approved diplomats since 2020, a status that could complicate any legal action arising from the Premier League case against Manchester City. The independent commission found the club guilty of serious financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018, including sham commercial contracts used to inflate revenue.

Natilla·6 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo looks serious as he leaves the pitch after a Portugal national team match, visibly upset by a decision from head coach Jorge Jesus.

National teamsRules & refereeing1 October 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo faces one-to-six-month ban after leaving Portugal camp

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp after his clash with head coach Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese Football Federation's disciplinary code includes a suspension of one to six months and a fine for this type of conduct. The crisis unfolds during the Nations League, with Portugal defending the title and facing Denmark on Thursday.

varela·5 min read

Etihad Airways plane featuring Manchester City branding at an airport, referencing the potential lawsuit against the Premier League.

Manchester CityPremier League1 October 2026

Etihad considers suing Premier League over Manchester City case

Etihad Airways, Manchester City's main sponsor, has categorically rejected the Premier League's findings about the club's financial irregularities. The United Arab Emirates airline claims it was never contacted during the investigation and says it is now considering legal action to protect its interests.

Matt

·5 min read

Manchester City players celebrating a goal during a Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester CityPremier League1 October 2026

Rival club chiefs demand Man City punishment before end of season

Senior figures across English football are urging the Premier League to announce Manchester City's punishment for financial rule breaches before the current campaign ends. The club was found guilty of all charges relating to violations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, a period in which it won eight trophies.

InfoBlaugrana

·5 min read