European football’s governing body has issued new directives limiting Video Assistant Referee interventions to blatantly incorrect decisions following recent global tournament controversies.

Referee chiefs from all 55 national associations and the International Football Association Board (Ifab) reached the consensus during a significant meeting last week.

The collective agreement aims to streamline officiating and drastically reduce the impact of lengthy on-field reviews.

Eliminating microscopic reviews

Officials have stressed that the technology must not be used to re-referee matches.

VAR must only intervene in situations of clear and obvious error, i.e. when a referee decision is blatantly incorrect or when the referee has missed a clear incident.

Uefa statement

Beyond video technology, the gathering also saw unanimous support for sweeping measures designed to speed up game restarts.

These new protocols include strict time limits for substitutions and five-second countdowns for both goal kicks and throw-ins.

Mistaken identity protocol clarified

Leagues and competitions have been formally informed that mistaken identity rules cannot be applied to incidents of simulation.

This specific clarification addresses high-profile incidents from the finals, notably involving Switzerland striker Breel Embolo.

The Swiss forward was controversially dismissed for a second yellow card against Argentina after an initial booking for Leandro Paredes was overturned upon review.

Officials had used the review system to determine the attacker had dived, a practice Ifab has now reminded referees is strictly outside current regulations.

Video assistants are currently only permitted to review cautions to identify the correct player who committed an offence, rather than altering the offence itself.

Driving consistency across Europe

Uefa director of refereeing Roberto Rosetti chaired the crucial meeting and underscored the importance of this unified agreement.

The fact that all 55 national associations and Uefa have agreed on guidelines towards a more consistent approach to the application of the Laws of the Game marks a significant milestone.

Roberto Rosetti

For the popularity of football it is essential to remove all doubt from the game and ensure that the laws are applied with clarity.

The European institution is also expected to reject other optional measures witnessed at the international tournament.

These rejected proposals reportedly include issuing red cards to players who cover their mouths when speaking to opponents.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison says new manager Roberto De Zerbi has delivered a clear message to improve and play passionate football ahead of the Premier League season.

The Italian coach took charge of the north London club in March following the departure of interim boss Igor Tudor.

De Zerbi successfully guided Spurs to top-flight safety last season, securing a 17th-place finish with a crucial final-day victory over Everton.

Embracing an attacking philosophy

Speaking during the club’s pre-season tour, the 29-year-old playmaker explained how the head coach is approaching his first full campaign.

“The manager is very clear, the goals are to be better, to play better football, to be passionate and to be proud to play for this club,” Maddison said.

The English international emphasised the importance of trusting the tactician’s principles to achieve long-term success.

“If we listen to his style, principles, if we keep the short-term targets of trying to be better and trying to implement the way he’ll play, the long-term targets will be better in the long run,” he added.

Injury return and pre-season momentum

The creative midfielder is relishing the prospect of a possession-based system after missing a significant portion of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

“We’re still learning the way he plays, but as a player he’s a coach you want to play for because he loves everything with the ball,” Maddison stated.

“He’s very attacking, and I’m really excited.”

Having only returned to action in the closing weeks of the previous campaign, the former Leicester man is now entirely focused on building his match fitness.

Tottenham have already begun their pre-season preparations, securing a 2-0 victory over Auckland FC in New Zealand on Sunday.

Targeting opening day success

The squad will face Sydney FC on Wednesday before concluding the oceanic leg of their tour against Chelsea three days later.

The immediate objective is generating momentum ahead of their Premier League opener against Brentford on 22 August.

Maddison acknowledged that the team must significantly improve upon their recent struggles to ensure a positive year.

“First game of the season, Brentford – a big season for us under a new manager,” he said.

“We want to have a successful season, we need to be better than the last couple of seasons, so it’s kind of all just preparation leading to that first game.”

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps following a semi-final exit at the 2026 World Cup.

The 1998 World Cup winner returns to the dugout for the first time since departing Real Madrid in 2021.

He takes over a squad reeling from a disappointing defeat to Spain in the latter stages of the global tournament.

End of an era for Les Bleus

Deschamps departs as the longest-serving manager in the history of the French national side.

His remarkable 14-year tenure brought unparalleled stability and sustained success to the international heavyweights.

However, the recent campaign ultimately proved to be the final chapter in his illustrious managerial reign.

A highly anticipated return

The legendary former midfielder has long been touted as the natural successor to the national team hot seat.

During his time in the Spanish capital, the iconic tactician orchestrated an unprecedented run of three consecutive Champions League triumphs.

The newly appointed boss now faces the immediate task of revitalising a talented but frustrated dressing room ahead of their next major tournament cycle.

Former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has seen his proposed transfer to Besiktas stall after the Turkish club withdrew from negotiations over financial disagreements.

The 34-year-old is currently a free agent having departed Anfield a year before the expiration of his contract.

It appeared the Turkish Super Lig side were leading the race for his signature following three positive initial meetings.

However, Besiktas director Onder Ozen has confirmed that talks have hit a significant roadblock due to the player’s financial demands.

Financial demands halt progress

Ozen indicated that negotiations slowed considerably in late July once the fiscal structure of the deal was discussed.

The Turkish executive suggested that new requests from the Egyptian’s representatives disrupted the flow of communication and created a stalemate.

“We contacted Salah, this also involved a financing model,” Ozen told Turkish media.

“Up to this point, everything was smooth, but when the financial side began, the initial smoothness slowed down from July 21st onwards.”

He added: “Requests began to arrive that would both disrupt the flow of information and create a deadlock in the financial process.”

Ozen maintained that the club’s president, Serdal Adali, has set strict financial boundaries that will not be broken.

Rival clubs enter the race

Besiktas have insisted that their final offer remains on the table, but they will not improve the terms to accommodate the ex-Red.

Ozen also revealed that the prolific winger’s camp is already in discussions with an unnamed rival club.

The Istanbul-based outfit, who recently signed Leandro Trossard from Arsenal, are desperate to bolster their squad as they seek their first domestic title since 2021.

Despite this setback, the three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner will not be short of options.

Lucrative moves to the Saudi Pro League have long been mooted, while Major League Soccer remains a viable destination for the veteran attacker.

Chelsea are preparing a major shift in their recruitment strategy by targeting experienced trio Maxence Lacroix, Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.

The Stamford Bridge club are reportedly weighing up a £52m move for 26-year-old Crystal Palace defender Lacroix.

Brighton striker Welbeck, 35, and 36-year-old Brentford midfielder Henderson are also on the radar for the London side.

These potential arrivals represent a stark contrast to the club’s recent focus on recruiting emerging young talent.

Impact on current youth prospects

The potential arrival of a veteran forward like Welbeck could directly impact Liam Delap’s first-team opportunities.

The 23-year-old was considered one of the Premier League’s brightest attacking prospects when he arrived from Ipswich Town last year.

However, this shift towards older heads suggests the Blues hierarchy may be prioritising immediate results over long-term development.

The average age of recent squads has been notably low, with Tosin Adarabioyo standing out as a rare older acquisition when he joined shortly before his 27th birthday.

Lessons from the Tuchel era

This new approach mirrors the heavy spending spree orchestrated by former manager Thomas Tuchel in the summer of 2022.

The German coach heavily invested in established stars, bringing in Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Those experienced acquisitions ultimately failed to deliver sustained success in west London.

The Senegalese centre-back departed for Al-Hilal after just one season, while both attackers eventually left the club on free transfers following underwhelming spells.

A return to balance?

Following those high-profile struggles, the Blues pivoted sharply towards youth investment.

That post-2022 policy yielded mixed results, highlighted by a massive financial outlay on Argentine World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.

Integrating seasoned professionals alongside these young investments could now be the new blueprint to restore stability at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have shattered the British transfer record to sign Morgan Rogers for £117m from Aston Villa, as manager Xabi Alonso continues a massive summer overhaul at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have also secured the services of Marco Palestra for a further £43m during a frantic period of spending.

Maxence Lacroix is expected to be unveiled imminently after the highly-rated defender completed a medical in London last week.

Alonso faces a significant tactical challenge to integrate his expensive new arrivals into the starting lineup.

However, the Spanish tactician beat London rivals Arsenal to Rogers’ signature and believes the 24-year-old will be pivotal.

“One of his best qualities is that he is flexible. He plays in that pocket position, close to the striker, close to our number ten.”

Xabi Alonso

“If we get those connections right, that will be a great step forward in the quality of our game,” the former midfielder added.

Defensive reinforcements remain a priority

Despite the imminent arrival of Lacroix, the West London club are actively seeking to shore up a vulnerable backline.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have conceded an alarming 158 Premier League goals over the course of their last three campaigns.

Former Manchester City centre-back John Stones has emerged as a primary target following the expiration of his contract.

The 32-year-old boasts immense pedigree with six domestic league titles and would add vital experience to the squad.

Talks are also reportedly under way with Rayo Vallecano regarding a potential move for left-sided player Pep Chavarria, who has four years remaining on his current deal.

Departures and international additions

The influx of new talent means several established squad members face uncertain futures and could be forced to depart.

Meanwhile, a £34m agreement is reportedly in place to bring Strasbourg prospect Valentin Barco to the English capital.

The Argentina international notably clashed with England midfielder Jude Bellingham during the 2022 World Cup.

Further negotiations are continuing as the club maintains an active interest in highly-rated midfielder Alex Scott.

Spain defender Marc Cucurella has completed a £51.8m transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid following a three-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

The full-back returns to his homeland after making 115 appearances for the Blues since arriving from Brighton in 2023.

His departure was finalised during the recent World Cup, where he helped his nation secure their second global triumph.

He has been granted extended leave before uniting with his new team-mates in the Spanish capital.

Mourinho reunion and emotional farewell

The move sees the left-sided specialist link up with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who has made a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

In a farewell video posted on social media, the departing star reflected on his time in west London.

“I arrived as a young lad with a dream of winning trophies and playing in the Champions League.”

The Spanish international acknowledged experiencing a difficult beginning but insisted the English capital will always remain a part of his history.

“I truly hope to see Chelsea up, where they belong and deserve to be.”

Alonso begins Stamford Bridge rebuild

The transfer comes after a turbulent domestic campaign for the Premier League side, who slumped to a 10th-place finish last term.

That dismal run saw both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior depart their managerial roles, paving the way for Xabi Alonso to take charge.

The ex-Bayer Leverkusen boss is already shaping the squad, having secured the signatures of Marco Palestra and Morgan Rogers.

A deal for defender Maxence Lacroix is also nearing completion as the club looks to reinforce their backline.

The London club have also seen ambitious bids rejected for Granit Xhaka and Alex Scott.

Meanwhile, the new hierarchy are pursuing experienced additions for a youthful dressing room, with talks reportedly underway for Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.

England defender John Stones has reached an agreement to join Inter Milan on a two-year deal following the expiration of his Manchester City contract.

The 32-year-old centre-back is available as a free agent after ending a trophy-laden decade at Etihad Stadium.

Advanced talks with the Serie A giants indicate a move to the San Siro is expected to be finalised by the end of the week.

His imminent switch to Italy deals a significant transfer blow to Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

London clubs miss out

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal had been monitoring the market for defensive reinforcements following a concerning back injury to William Saliba.

The Gunners secured the Premier League title last season but were defeated on penalties by Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final.

Chelsea also held a strong interest in acquiring the experienced international to bolster their backline.

New Blues manager Xabi Alonso had placed the defender on a shortlist of targets as he begins restructuring his squad at Stamford Bridge.

Glittering decade comes to an end

The commanding centre-half leaves English football having enjoyed remarkable domestic and European success under Pep Guardiola.

During his 10-year spell in Manchester, he accumulated six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups and a Champions League winners’ medal.

However, his final campaign in the north-west was severely disrupted by fitness issues, restricting him to just 15 appearances across all competitions.

Despite those injury struggles, his impressive performances during the Three Lions’ run to the World Cup semi-finals reaffirmed his enduring quality at the highest level.