The Daily · Monday, 28 September 2026
City Found Guilty on 115 Charges as Soriano Vows to Fight On
The verdict that English football has been waiting years for finally arrived on Monday. Manchester City were found guilty by an independent commission on the vast majority of the Premier League's 115 financial rule charges — a ruling of historic consequence that could rewrite the narrative of one of the game's most dominant eras. Chief executive Ferran Soriano, addressing a European Football Clubs board meeting, made clear the club intends to fight on, while Premier League rivals pressed for the full verdict to be published without delay. Roberto Mancini, separately, brushed off questions about his own alleged role in a double-contract arrangement, calling it 'not my concern'.
On the pitch, international football provided its own talking points. Michael Olise came off the bench to score a stunning late winner for France in Brussels, giving Zinedine Zidane two wins from two as France manager. Germany, meanwhile, lost to Greece for the first time in their history — a sobering milestone that Jürgen Klopp characterised, with some understatement, as part of a rebuilding process. Spain claimed the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Łódź on penalties, with goalkeeper Laia López the decisive figure against North Korea.
Away from the headline results, the Ireland-Israel Nations League match continued to generate friction, with Israeli captain Manor Solomon declaring 'they hate us and we don't like them' in a post-match exchange that showed no sign of cooling. In the WSL, Chelsea beat Arsenal 1-0 through Alyssa Thompson, leaving the Gunners — who managed 18 shots but only two on target — with searching questions about their season.
The record
Olise Late Strike Wins It for France in Brussels, Italy Rout Turkey 4-1
Michael Olise came off the bench to score a stunning solo goal in the 88th minute, giving France a 1-0 Nations League win over Belgium in Brussels. Elsewhere, Italy beat Turkey 4-1 and Sweden defeated Poland 3-1. It is two wins from two for France under Zinedine Zidane since he was named head coach. Zidane has made an immediate impact as France manager, winning both of his opening fixtures.
Solomon says Israel '10 times better' than Ireland as post-match feud intensifies
Israel captain Manor Solomon has hit out at Ireland after their Nations League match, declaring 'they hate us and we don't like them' and claiming Israel was '10 times better' than Ireland. The row follows Ireland's players staring at the ground during Israel's anthem, staff turning away from the pitch, and both sides refusing to shake hands or exchange pennants in protest at Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Cristiano Ronaldo Goes an Entire Match Without Playing for First Time Since 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature against Norway despite being available, marking the first time in an official match since 2008 — a span of 6,678 days — that he has been left out entirely. The unusual omission marks a notable moment in a career defined by near-constant involvement at the highest level.