The Daily · Friday, 18 September 2026
Uefa and Concacaf Challenge Fifa Over Funds as English Clubs Shine in Europe
The biggest story of the day came off the pitch, where Uefa and Concacaf issued a rare joint statement demanding Fifa distribute $10 million from its reserves to each of its 211 member associations. It is an unusually direct and coordinated challenge to football's governing body, and one that puts the question of how billions in accumulated funds are shared across the global game firmly into the public arena.
On the pitch, two English clubs marked historic European debuts in the Europa League. Crystal Palace were commanding at Selhurst Park, beating Polish champions Lech Poznan 4-0, while Bournemouth produced an impressive away performance to beat Real Sociedad 2-1 in San Sebastián — Justin Kluivert and Rayan on target in the first half. Celtic, by contrast, suffered a damaging 3-1 home defeat to Ferencvaros, a result that leaves them under pressure after consecutive losses.
Zinedine Zidane named his first France squad as national team manager, signalling a clear generational reset by leaving out both Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté. Harry Kane, meanwhile, continued his extraordinary Bundesliga form, becoming the fastest player in history to reach 100 league goals for Bayern Munich — doing so in just 98 appearances.
The record
Uefa and Concacaf demand Fifa distribute $10m to every member association
Uefa and Concacaf have issued a joint statement calling on Fifa to pay $10 million from its cash reserves to each of its 211 member associations. The demand represents a significant show of unity between the two confederations and puts public pressure on Fifa over the distribution of its funds. A coordinated push by Uefa and Concacaf against Fifa's financial distribution policy is a rare and direct challenge to football's governing body, with implications for how billions in reserves are shared across the global game.
Zidane Names First France Squad With Fresh Faces, Drops Benzema and Kanté
Zinedine Zidane has named his first France squad since taking charge, bringing in several new faces as he begins shaping the team for the future. The selection marks a notable generational shift, with Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté not included in the squad. Zidane's first France squad signals a clear generational reset, ending the international careers of two of the country's most decorated players of the past decade.
Kane Reaches 100 Bundesliga Goals in Just 98 Appearances for Bayern
Harry Kane has become the fastest player in history to reach 100 Bundesliga goals, achieving the milestone in his 98th league appearance for Bayern Munich. It is a remarkable individual record for the England striker.