Friday, 9 October 2026
Football, only what matters. Your daily briefing without the noise.
Tottenham visit Old Trafford sitting bottom of the Premier League having won none of their opening five games, and Manchester United are set to hand Carlos Baleba — their £70m summer signing — his debut in the match. Away from the pitch, the Friedkin Group are exploring a sale of Everton less than two years after completing their takeover. Aleksander Ceferin has reversed his decision to step down and will stand for a fourth term as Uefa president, while Granit Xhaka has received two years' probation after admitting to obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
The Friedkin Group, who took control of Everton less than two years ago, are now exploring a sale of the club. It marks a notably swift change of direction for the ownership group since completing their takeover.
Manchester United's £70m summer signing Carlos Baleba is expected to make his debut when Tottenham Hotspur visit Old Trafford. The midfielder's arrival represents a significant outlay for United, and his first appearance will draw close attention from supporters and rivals alike.
Tottenham Hotspur head into their first match after the international break having won none of their opening five Premier League games. They sit bottom of the table, raising questions about whether the club faces another relegation battle.
Aleksander Ceferin has confirmed he will stand for a fourth term as Uefa president, reversing his previous decision to step down. The move extends his tenure at the head of European football's governing body beyond what had been expected.
Chicago Stars FC have signed Zambia forward Racheal Kundananji from Bay FC for $700,000 in intraleague transfer funds. It is the first major move for the club since Vlatko Andonovski was appointed chief soccer officer.
Mohamed Alì Zoma, Bundesliga 2's leading scorer, has made his senior international debut for Italy and is targeting even greater form for Nuremberg as they push for promotion. The striker sees the international experience as a springboard heading into the rest of the season.
Liverpool conceded two goals in each of their opening two matches this season, but have shipped just two goals across their last five games combined. Ronald Araujo has featured in all five of those improved defensive performances.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The 39-year-old's last appearance for Argentina saw him score a penalty and provide two assists. His international career ends without a second World Cup winners' medal. Messi's retirement closes one of international football's defining careers, ending his run with Argentina on the biggest stage the game offers.
Granit Xhaka has been handed two years' probation after admitting to obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The Switzerland and Sunderland captain made the admission on Thursday.
Lionel Messi scored in his final international appearance as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. The match marked the end of Messi's career with the national side, a run that included a farewell speech and emotional scenes at the final whistle. Messi's international retirement closes one of football's defining eras — the greatest player of his generation will no longer represent Argentina.