The Daily · Monday, 24 August 2026
Salah's Trabzonspor Debut Dazzles as Čeferin Turns Up Heat on Infantino
The day's biggest story on the pitch belonged to Mohamed Salah, who wasted no time announcing himself at Trabzonspor. Two goals on debut against Basaksehir — and two more disallowed — made for a remarkable first outing in Turkey, and a pointed reminder of what Liverpool have lost after nine years of service. The free transfer move, confirmed earlier this summer, has now produced its first significant chapter.
Off the pitch, Aleksander Čeferin sharpened football's governance debate considerably. The UEFA president ruled himself out of a FIFA presidency bid but issued an unambiguous ultimatum: Gianni Infantino must resign or face a formal leadership challenge in March. It is a significant escalation, and it puts world football's institutional future firmly on the agenda heading into the autumn.
Elsewhere, Ruben Amorim began his Milan tenure with a winning trip to Torino, PSG needed a debutant's brace to rescue a draw at home to Rennes, and a troubling fan violence incident in the Eredivisie saw Cambuur supporters injured by fireworks thrown by Feyenoord fans. Barcelona, meanwhile, condemned police conduct toward their supporters in Elche — a sour note to accompany an otherwise emphatic 5-0 win.
The record
Čeferin Rules Out FIFA Presidency Bid but Demands Infantino Quit
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has ruled himself out of the race to replace FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, while issuing a direct warning that Infantino must either resign or face a leadership challenge in March. Čeferin's ultimatum sharpens the pressure on the incumbent FIFA boss. The ultimatum from UEFA's president sets a clear deadline for Infantino's future at the top of world football, making a leadership contest in March a genuine possibility.
Feyenoord Fans Throw Fireworks at SC Cambuur Supporters, Causing Injuries
SC Cambuur reported that their fans suffered burns, hearing damage, and eye injuries after Feyenoord supporters threw fireworks during Sunday's Eredivisie match. The Dutch club confirmed the incidents in a statement.
Barcelona Condemn 'Disproportionate' Police Force on Fans After 5-0 Win at Elche
Barcelona have accused police of using disproportionate force against their supporters ahead of Sunday's La Liga match at Elche, which the club won 5-0. The club's condemnation adds a serious off-field controversy to what was otherwise a commanding away performance.
Maradona's 'Hand of God' Ball Sells for $3.35 Million at Auction
The ball used by Diego Maradona to score his infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England at the 1986 World Cup has sold for $3.35 million. The sale fell short of its valuation by almost £5 million ($6.8 million).
Tony Docherty Named Scotland Under-21 Head Coach
Tony Docherty has been appointed as Scotland Under-21 head coach, with Steven Naismith joining as his assistant. The appointment installs a clear leadership structure for Scotland's youth setup.