Gianni Infantino’s position as FIFA President looks increasingly untenable following a week where his floated plan to sell a portion of the World Cup to private investment was denounced emphatically by some confederations and many individual member nations. Simon Hill returns to pick through what’s been yet another seismic week, that feels to have acted only as a portent for bigger things still yet to come.

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The J1 League has kicked off for 2026/27, with Mitch Duke & Tete Yengi spearheading early leaders Machida Zelvia - while Jackson Irvine & Steve Corica headline big names starting their first campaign in the country. The Asian Game’s Scott McIntyre returns with the ACL draw also upcoming - the Newcastle Jets to return to the continent after a long absence.

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The Premier League kicked off for 2026/27 with Brighton & Hove Albion and newly-promoted Hull City among the big winners, while Manchester United and Aston Villa have work to do. The BBC Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty returns to the program...

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Lions FC are Australia’s most in-form side, already lifting three trophies in 2026 and with a Queensland NPL Grand Final and Australia Cup semi-final to come in a fortnight’s time. Manchester-born manager Dan Barber has excelled in his first season in the role, and joins us for the first time.

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Scotland have appointed Belgian Sebastian Pocognoli to replace Steve Clarke, just the second time they've selected outside their own borders in their long history.The Daily Record’s Andy Newport explains why the new era has been met with optimism - in contrast to the early season mood at Rangers, Celtic and Hearts.

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Central Coast Mariners women’s side have found new ownership in Holman Barnes Group, and are now preparing for the upcoming A-League season. New manager Dean Heffernan returns to the club which he played a key role in establishing on the pitch from 2005-10 as a stalwart of the men's outfit, and is now looking to make an impact on the touchline.

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Chelsea’s hardline youth policy seems to have softened, with Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson among Xabi Alonso’s initial signings. The Athletic’s Liam Twomey considers whether a shift in attitude could bring a calming of the turbulent waters at Stamford Bridge.

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In the week of Western United’s winding up in the Federal Court, South Melbourne Hellas indicated their desire to open formal talks with the APL over A-Leagues licences - and on Monday took a step forward as co-President Bill Papastergiadis held discussion with Steve Rosich. Papastergiadis discusses why they club feel this time should be different, and their A-League & Asian ambitions.

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