Melbourne Victory have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Australia Cup with a win over Western Sydney, and now look a real chance to again challenge for their first men’s silverware since 2022. Director of Football John Didulica discusses the board’s decision to change managers, the appointment of Giovanni Savarese, and plenty more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 met with Steve Rosich. Papastergiadis discusses why they club feel this time should be different, and their A-League & Asian ambitions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To Italy, where an apologetic Roberto Mancini has returned to manage the national team he deserted three years ago amid chaotic circumstances. Adriano Del Monte returns with the Calcio in desperate need of re-routing; there’s also a Serie A preview, including a look at Cristian Volpato and Ale Circati.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The A-Leagues seasons look set for commencement without a playing labour agreement in place, a fortnight on from the PFA announcing CBA discussions with the APL had reached exhaustion. PFA chief-executive Beau Busch returns. Beau also discusses the week’s saddening news, with much-loved Captain Socceroo Paul Wade going public with his probable CTE diagnosis.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meanwhile on the pitch, the Australia Cup has been electric. Three Cupsets within 24 hours saw Preston Lions, Sydney United and Lions FC progress at the expense of A-League opposition; 10/Paramount’s Erik Paartalu discusses the big picture topics at play in Australia’s best sporting competition.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.