La Liga president Javier Tebas has described the Premier League’s handling of Manchester City’s alleged financial breaches as “damaging” to the competition’s reputation.
Speaking at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit in London, the Spaniard criticised the lack of resolution in a case that has continued for over three years.
The reigning English champions were charged with more than 100 breaches of financial rules in February 2023.
Despite an independent commission hearing the case between September and December 2024, no public outcome has yet been announced.
‘City has impunity’
Tebas argued that the delay creates significant “uncertainty” regarding the strict application of governance.
The 62-year-old administrator pointed out that other English sides have faced swift points deductions for profitability and sustainability breaches.
“I understand that it’s a failure [of governance],” said Tebas.
“Other clubs are being fined, having points deducted, and that’s fine if you don’t abide by the rules. But Manchester City has impunity.”
He added: “I speak to a lot of Premier League clubs, and the majority don’t understand this either. That makes the institution weaker.”
Tebas insisted that “legal certainty” is essential for financial fair play regulations to remain credible.
“Citizens have to think that the system is fair to all, that it’s not arbitrary, that it’s objective,” he explained.
Masters remains silent
Manchester City have consistently and strenuously denied the allegations.
The Etihad club insist they possess a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” to support their position.
Also appearing at the summit, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters declined to discuss the specific timeline of the verdict.
“I can’t talk about it, I can’t talk about the timing of it,” Masters said.
When pressed on whether the league was considering ways to expedite future judicial processes, the organisation’s top official refused to be drawn.
Masters concluded: “Having spent three years not commenting, I’m not going to start now.”/p>
Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Maheta Molango has warned that Chelsea forward Cole Palmer is suffering from severe burnout following a relentless fixture schedule.
Molango claims the England international has been left "shattered" by the demands of the modern football calendar.
Palmer has struggled to find rhythm this season, featuring in just 19 of a possible 42 matches due to fitness issues and form.
The concerns regarding player welfare come as elite stars face the prospect of competing in three consecutive summer tournaments without a substantial break.
Fixture congestion concerns
The 22-year-old completed a full domestic campaign in 2023-24 before joining the England squad for the European Championship.
Instead of a traditional off-season, the playmaker immediately transitioned into Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign.
Molango visited the Blues’ training ground earlier in the season and observed the physical toll the schedule had taken on the squad.
"I was at the training camp of Chelsea when they came back… they were shattered," Molango stated at an FT Live event.
"Cole Palmer could go three consecutive summers without a break. To go for a 10-week window with the national team and then within four days be expected to be in the US to play the Club World Cup… this is just the reality."
World Cup place in doubt
The former Manchester City graduate has not featured in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad since June.
There are now genuine fears that his lack of consistent minutes could cost him a place at the upcoming World Cup.
Molango argues that the industry has reached a saturation point where the quality of the product is being diluted by fatigue.
"People say he’s a millionaire, yeah he is, but it doesn’t give you an extra lung or an extra leg," Molango added.
The PFA boss emphasised that fans are often short-changed because players are forced to regulate their physical exertion during matches.
"I want to see Cole Palmer on the pitch because he’s the one who makes me dream. I think we need to be honest with ourselves and understand that sometimes less is more."
Tottenham Hotspur are grappling with the genuine prospect of relegation as manager Igor Tudor attempts to lift a "haunted" squad for a pivotal clash with Fulham.
Figures within the club have been deeply affected by Sunday’s humiliating home defeat by Arsenal.
The loss, their heaviest at home to their arch-rivals since 1978, has cemented fears that a change in leadership has not provided an immediate cure.
Those present at the stadium described the club’s hierarchy as appearing shocked by the realisation that dropping out of the Premier League is now a distinct possibility.
Tudor now faces perhaps the most difficult job in the club’s recent history to arrest the slide.
Tudor faces litmus test at Fulham
The upcoming match against Fulham has taken on a significance far greater than the recent north London derby.
It serves as a vital test of what the Croatian head coach can actually extract from this underperforming group.
Victory would provide breathing space and a first win of the calendar year, instantly lifting the suffocating tension around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, another defeat would set alarms blaring regarding the club’s top-flight status.
A draw would demonstrate progress, but may not be enough to dispel the negative atmosphere engulfing the squad.
Financial power meets sporting decline
Relegation for Spurs would represent one of the most significant failures in English football history, potentially eclipsing Manchester United’s descent in 1974.
Unlike Leeds United’s financial implosion in 2004, the north Londoners’ decline has occurred despite immense commercial strength.
As the ninth wealthiest club in the world by revenue, the drop into the Championship should be statistically impossible.
Current ownership has actively increased spending, raising an already substantial wage bill.
Yet, in an era where wage expenditure usually correlates 90% with league position, the Lilywhites are performing a shocking feat of "reverse alchemy".
Just five years after reaching a Champions League final, the threat of second-tier football has become a stark reality.
The Manchester City striker has suggested uncertainty surrounds his manager’s long-term plans despite a recent contract extension.
Erling Haaland has hinted that Pep Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City could conclude sooner than expected, admitting he feels lucky to have worked with the Catalan coach.
The Norway international has enjoyed a prolific spell under Guardiola since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in 2022.
Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension in November, ostensibly keeping him at the club until 2027.
However, speculation persists that the 54-year-old could depart as early as this summer.
Haaland addresses managerial uncertainty
Haaland has scored 153 goals in 184 appearances across all competitions for the Premier League champions.
While the forward has committed his own long-term future to the club, his recent comments to TNT Sports suggest the managerial situation remains fluid.
“When I talk about good people around me, it’s not just my friends but the people at the club,” Haaland said.
“I’m lucky to be at a club with so many good people, and with Pep, who pushes us every single day.”
The striker’s subsequent remarks appeared to acknowledge the possibility of change in the dugout.
“I’m lucky to have worked with Pep for three-and-a-half years,” he added.
“It’s been an amazing time, as we all know, and no matter what happens in the future, we still need to keep pushing.”
“I need to keep pushing myself, and others around me, to get better.”
Potential successors considered
With clarity regarding Guardiola’s intentions still elusive, City are reportedly monitoring potential replacements.
Enzo Maresca has been linked with a return to the club where he previously served as assistant manager.
The Italian coach moved to Leicester City in 2023 before taking charge at Chelsea.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and Como head coach Cesc Fabregas have also been mentioned as possible candidates for the role.
However, former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes the club should look toward a familiar face currently managing in the Bundesliga.
“If Pep does go, they have to go and get [current Bayern Munich boss] Vincent Kompany,” Rooney stated.
“He knows the club, he has been successful with Bayern in a similar way. It looks like he has learned from Pep.”
Rooney also suggested that the current City boss would likely have a significant say in who eventually replaces him.
“Pep will probably choose the next manager,” Rooney added.
“If he is going, he will probably be part of the process to choose the next one.”
Celtic have opened talks with Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen about becoming their new permanent manager this summer.
The Scottish Premiership champions are currently under the interim guidance of Martin O’Neill until the end of the season.
Parkhead officials are working to secure a long-term successor following a turbulent campaign in the dugout.
Knutsen identified as primary target
Reports suggest Celtic have formally initiated contact with the 57-year-old Norwegian following his exceptional performance in Europe.
Knutsen has seen his reputation soar after guiding the Arctic Circle club to the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Eliteserien manager previously stated that any move away from Norway would require a project “more exciting” than his current role.
“Nothing in life is certain. I answer as I always do, [if I leave] it should be something that is more exciting than Glimt.”
Kjetil Knutsen
Gregg Broughton, the former academy director at the Norwegian outfit, has described the tactician as an “absolute master” of focusing on immediate results over speculation.
European pedigree attracts Celtic interest
The Bhoys have turned their attention to Knutsen after watching his side stun Inter Milan in the Champions League play-offs.
Bodo/Glimt secured a 2-1 victory at the San Siro on Wednesday to seal a 5-2 aggregate win over the Italian giants.
This result adds to an impressive list of continental scalps, with the minnows also recording victories over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
The Norwegian side also proved their quality last season by reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League before losing to eventual winners Tottenham.
Instability at Parkhead
Celtic are seeking stability after the failed appointment of Wilfried Nancy earlier this term.
The former Major League Soccer coach was relieved of his duties after just eight games in charge, having won only two matches.
Nancy’s dismissal led to the return of O’Neill for a second interim spell following the earlier departure of Brendan Rodgers.
While the Northern Irishman could stake a claim for the permanent job, the club hierarchy appears focused on bringing Knutsen to Glasgow.
Erling Haaland and Declan Rice have emerged as the early frontrunners for the Premier League Player of the Year award as the 2025-26 title race intensifies.
The campaign is approaching its business end with no clear consensus on the division’s standout performer.
Arsenal currently lead the table, but Manchester City remain in hot pursuit in what has coalesced into a two-horse race for the trophy.
With just ten matches remaining, individual performances are coming under increased scrutiny.
Haaland’s all-round evolution
Erling Haaland remains the obvious choice for many observers, despite a perceived quiet spell by his own lofty standards.
The Norway international sits top of the scoring charts with 22 league goals.
Crucially, the striker has evolved his game beyond finishing, registering seven assists so far this term.
That tally leaves him just one short of his personal best for creativity, set during the 2022-23 treble-winning campaign.
His total of 29 goal contributions is unmatched by any peer, highlighting his enduring importance to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Recent performances have showcased a significant increase in work rate and defensive contribution.
During a vital 2-1 victory over Newcastle, the forward recorded 43 touches and won 12 duels.
Guardiola was quick to praise this shift in mentality following that result.
“He’s an incredible, generous player, so today is a performance, and I’ll never forget what Erling has done for us.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
Rice driving the Gunners
While City rely on their focal point up front, Arsenal’s charge is being driven from the engine room.
Declan Rice has established himself as the heartbeat of the league leaders as they compete on four fronts.
The England midfielder has proved almost undroppable for Mikel Arteta.
Rice has clocked 2,329 minutes of Premier League action, a figure bettered only by teammate Martín Zubimendi among the squad’s outfield players.
His consistency provides the platform for the north London club’s title tilt.
Relegation battles and European chases
The race for individual accolades is mirroring the tension at both ends of the table.
Defending champions Liverpool find themselves outside the top four, chasing Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Chelsea for Champions League qualification.
At the bottom, Wolves appear all but relegated, sitting 17 points adrift of safety.
Burnley also face a stark reality, while a shock relegation battle involves Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, and Tottenham Hotspur fighting to avoid the final drop zone spot.
Portugal are assessing whether to proceed with a friendly against Mexico next month following safety concerns raised by recent unrest in the host nation.
Roberto Martinez’s side are scheduled to face the 2026 World Cup co-hosts in Mexico City on 28 March.
The fixture is intended to mark the reopening of the iconic Estadio Azteca following extensive renovations.
However, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is monitoring the situation closely after violence erupted in parts of the country following the death of a cartel leader.
Security situation under review
Unrest broke out in the state of Jalisco on Sunday after Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’, was killed during a military operation.
Although the incident occurred away from the capital, the European nation is seeking assurances regarding the safety of their travelling delegation.
The FPF stated that guidance from the Portuguese government would be “fundamental and crucial” to determining if the trip goes ahead.
Federation prioritises player safety
In a statement released on Tuesday, the governing body confirmed they remain in close contact with their Mexican counterparts.
“The Portuguese Football Federation emphasises that the safety of players, coaching staff, and fans is its absolute priority,” the statement read.
“This is the guiding criterion for all assessments and decisions regarding the holding of the match.”
Despite the uncertainty, both federations expressed a “mutual desire” for the World Cup preparation match to take place as planned.
World Cup preparations continue
Mexico is preparing to hold 13 matches across the country during the 2026 tournament, which they will co-host alongside the United States and Canada.
The renovated Azteca is a centrepiece of the nation’s hosting plans and authorities in Mexico City have indicated that the recent events have not resulted in incidents within the capital.
As it stands, the date and location of the match remain unchanged pending further monitoring.
Jurgen Klopp’s tenure as Red Bull’s head of global soccer could be cut short as reports suggest the organisation would allow the German to leave if he wishes to return to management.
The former Liverpool manager accepted the strategic role in 2024, tasked with overseeing the energy drink giant’s multi-club portfolio.
However, reports from Austria indicate the relationship has not yielded the immediate on-pitch success initially hoped for.
According to Salzburger Nachrichten, Red Bull would not block the 58-year-old’s path should he decide to walk away from the project.
Leipzig struggles spark concerns
Questions have been raised regarding the performance of RB Leipzig, the group’s flagship club in the Bundesliga.
Marco Rose’s side currently sit fifth in the German top flight, falling short of expectations to challenge for the title and secure Champions League qualification.
While the two-time Premier League winner is not solely blamed for these struggles, the anticipated impact of his expertise has seemingly been limited.
This lack of progress has reportedly made the organisation open to a parting of ways.
Real Madrid and dugout return
The potential exit has reignited speculation regarding a sensational return to the dugout for the Champions League winner.
Real Madrid have been touted as a possible destination, with president Florentino Perez known to be a long-term admirer of the Stuttgart-born coach.
Speculation mounts that the Spanish giants could make a move in the summer, potentially offering a route back into elite management.
Opportunities with the German national team also remain a talking point, depending on Julian Nagelsmann’s long-term future.
Despite the rumours, the ex-Reds boss has previously played down an immediate return to coaching.
“I don’t expect to change my mind, but I don’t know,” Klopp told reporters earlier this year.
“We’re building a house right now and my missus wanted to have a really big trophy room. There was another small room and I said, ‘This is enough, because we know how many trophies we have, we will not add any.'”
“It might sound arrogant, but I know I can coach a football team. But I don’t need to do it until my last day.”
Glasner lined up as successor
Red Bull appear to be contingency planning for life without their high-profile strategic advisor.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has been identified as a leading candidate to fill the potential vacancy.
The Austrian is set to leave Selhurst Park this summer and retains a high stock in German football following his Europa League triumph with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Glasner previously held coaching and coordination roles at RB Salzburg, making him a logical successor within the organisation’s structure should the position become available.