Last updated: September 30, 2026, 2:10 PM ET
Manchester City Guilty Verdict
Manchester City have been found guilty of all 115 charges of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules, a bombshell verdict that has sent shockwaves through English soccer. The club's owners artificially inflated commercial revenue by approximately $1.1 billion (£830 million) through a "disguised funding scheme," according to the league's case findings. City have until Friday to lodge an appeal against the verdict, with CEO Ferran Soriano claiming the decision supports a conspiracy theory. Sky Sports reporters offered five different takes on the saga, while BBC Sport examined the key questions around criminal investigation, relegation, or expulsion. Newspapers report City knew of the verdict in summer.
Jamie Carragher has called for City to be stripped of their titles and have their owners removed. The 40-page document detailing the verdict exposed the intricate web City spun to con the league, while a Sky Sports Q&A answered questions about appeal, EFL, and independent regulator implications. BBC Sport analyzed City's dominance during the "asterisk era", noting £1.2 billion spent on transfers with £830 million inflated in sponsorships. Pep Guardiola released his first statement, saying he is behind his club, and later posted a message of support to players and staff. The verdict has raised questions about Guardiola's legacy as an all-time coaching great, with ESPN asking how City can recover from the extraordinary ruling. The guilt is the talk of the town around English soccer, with BBC's 5 Live providing reaction. Micah Richards said he is devastated by the charges. Manchester City Women manager Andree Jeglertz said it is "business as usual" for his team despite the verdicts. The prime minister compared the allegations to the plight of his high-profile case, as Andy Burnham expressed being really concerned if City's owners sell up.
USMNT & USWNT
A new-look USMNT beat Chile 4-2 as teenagers Mathis Albert and Julian Hall made history with their goals. Albert, broke Christian Pulisic's mark as the youngest USMNT scorer. Chris Richards provided a calming presence for a shaky defense, scoring a header in the 72nd minute to put the U.S. in front. Sebastian Berhalter is stealing the spotlight with a goal and an assist against Chile. U.S. Soccer's post-World Cup vibes involve lamenting a missed opportunity while embracing excitement for the future. Cavan Sullivan is being hailed as the best prospect the USMNT has ever had. Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream has officially retired from the national team after 86 caps.
Defender Savy King will join the U23 USWNT next week in her first call-up since a cardiac event. Forward Catarina Macario could return for the U.S. in January, head coach Emma Hayes said, with an eye on the World Cup. Ashley Sanchez returns to the USWNT roster for friendlies against Spain, while Jaedyn Shaw is left out. Argentina won't rush to re-assign Lionel Messi's No. 10 jersey.
Premier League & Transfer News
Real Madrid are hoping to sign Virgil van Dijk on a free transfer when his Liverpool contract ends. Real Madrid are also considering Van Dijk, with gossip also mentioning Olise, Pickford, Kounde, and Shaw. Liverpool can't afford to be without Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo ahead of a daunting October fixture list. Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards is reportedly linked with Inter. Former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is in talks with Porto. Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the club tried to sign Lautaro Martínez this summer but the pursuit ended over a phone call. A consortium involving former Brazil forward Alexandre Pato has sealed the takeover of Northampton Town.
International Football
England secured a 2-0 win over 10-man Czech Republic, with Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scoring. Trent Alexander-Arnold produced a world-class assist, and it's time for Tuchel to offer him trust. Alexander-Arnold said he always believed he'd play for England again. Gordon-inspired England sealed a much-needed win over the Czech Republic, with player ratings showing key performances.
Scotland were beaten 3-0 by Switzerland in Sebastien Pocognoli's first home match at Hampden. Pocognoli described his debut as "sad" and urged an immediate response. Self-inflicted wounds cost Scotland, with same old failings hampering the team. Pocognoli hopes they will remember this night differently in the future. Player ratings showed who battled impressively for the Scots. The question of whether Pocognoli will change goalkeeper after the Swiss loss remains. A report card questions whether it's time for a conversation about McGinn.
Wales head coach Craig Bellamy accepts that questions about the team's form are not unfair. Northern Ireland have five new call-ups ahead of their Women's World Cup play-off with Portugal. The Republic of Ireland will play a second Israel game, said head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. Jack Willis hinted he could be open to switching allegiances to play for Ireland.
Cristiano Ronaldo held a "crisis" meeting with Portugal after not playing against Norway. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Lamine Yamal's "magic" after the winger scored against Croatia. Raphinha will return to Barcelona after suffering a thigh injury in Brazil's 4-2 win. Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged by the FA for remarks about Manchester United. PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi has "zero interest" in the FIFA presidency. The head of Turkey's referees' committee has been arrested in a corruption investigation. Oman edged into the Gulf Cup semi-finals via a drawing of lots in extraordinary fashion.
Boxing, Darts, F1 & More
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua's first press conference is set to go ahead in London today, with mind games expected as Fury will try every trick in the book to get to AJ. Novak Djokovic landed his first win since Wimbledon at the China Open. Luke Humphries said he hates the pressure after Luke Littler's early World Grand Prix exit. Humphries and James Wade progressed at the World Grand Prix as Josh Rock was dumped out. Michael van Gerwen's early World Grand Prix exit is not as much of a shock, according to Van Veen. Esteban Ocon will leave Haas at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season. F1's return to "intense" Sepang offers "chaotic" race potential.
Rugby League & Other Sports
Hull KR made history in 2025, and Sam Burgess and Daryl Powell know the weight of expectation for Warrington and Wakefield in the Grand Final. George Williams aims to change the course of Warrington's history with a Grand Final victory. Wigan Warriors swept the major awards as Brad O'Neill was crowned Man of Steel and Foubister claimed the women's title. A controversial FA Cup replay followed the FA ruling a referee had made a mistake, as a "whole village" turned out for the row. The part-timers of Whitley Bay won three Wembley FA Vase finals in a row. Kick It Out received a record number of discrimination reports in the 2025-26 season. Premier League footballers are studying to become sporting directors through the PFA Business School. The VAR debate is reignited by Erling Haaland's Manchester derby winner, as explored in More than the Score. Martin Drury, from Bernabeu glory, is now plotting Huddersfield's way out of League One. Inside Rangers' summer transfer window, the question is will it deliver success. Celtic forward Kasper Hogh has no regrets over his move. The international window is extended to four games, and how teams deal with that is examined, with smaller nations facing challenges. Clubs get paid for releasing players for Nations League action, and the payments are explained. Soccer's best kits of 2025-26 include the most stylish jerseys you probably missed. Jamie Lynch's big-race runner guide asks who wins the Arc. The Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels' status is uncertain for the NFL London game.