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Good morning football fans. It’s Tuesday, 28. July - New rules to combat goalkeeper timewasting are set to be trialled, Fifa’s president bites back at World Cup criticism, and everything else you need to know. Forwarded this email? Sign up here.
TOP TALKING POINTS
Keeper Timewasting Trial
A trial to prevent goalkeeper timewasting will take place in English football this season after receiving approval from football’s lawmakers, Ifab. The trial will test having an outfield player from the same team leave the pitch when their goalkeeper requires treatment. Currently, goalkeepers are exempt from the one-minute rule that generally applies to outfield players who require treatment.
Specifically, if a physio is called to treat a goalkeeper, the coach will have 10 seconds to nominate another player to leave the pitch for one minute. If the manager fails to choose within the timeframe, the captain will be asked to leave the field. Exemptions will apply in several circumstances, including when the goalkeeper indicates that they do not require medical attention, needs immediate treatment for a serious injury, or is bleeding.
The trial, backed by the FA, Premier League, English Football League (EFL), National League and Women's Super League, will be implemented across England's men's and women's professional game during the 2026-27 season. The results will then be analysed at Ifab’s meetings throughout the season, with the aim of introducing a law change globally from the 2027–28 season.
Infantino’s Defence
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit back at critics of the 2026 World Cup, saying that they were “consumed by hate” and that they should “reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match.” The statement was posted on his personal Instagram account to more than 5.7 million followers.
Infantino used the statement to respond directly to controversies that surrounded the World Cup. A major point concerned travel restrictions affecting supporters and officials, with Infantino defending Fifa's handling of visas: “You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world. Because football unites the world, and it was impressively demonstrated this summer.” Infantino also doubled down on his defence against criticism of officiating and disciplinary decisions, arguing that such decisions were not out of the ordinary, claiming similar rulings are “routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide”.
Despite what was widely perceived as a successful World Cup tournament, calls for Infantino to resign as Fifa president have intensified. Outspoken La Liga president Javier Tebas said shortly after the tournament that Infantino should resign, accusing Fifa of “destroying the football industry,” while Infantino’s predecessor Sepp Blatter called for “fans, players and national associations to reclaim football and bring it back to its roots under new leadership”.
Italy’s Crisis Continues
Former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is no longer in contention to become the national team head coach due to political concerns over a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting firm. Several Italian politicians objected to his potential appointment, arguing that the national team head coach should not hold views that conflict with Italy’s support for Ukraine in the war with Russia. Former Italy captain Paolo Maldini, who was appointed the technical director of the Italian FA just 16 days ago, has left his position after the decision not to appoint Pirlo.
Pirlo, who himself confirmed he was out of the race for the job, defended the sponsorship deal, stating that the partnership was linked to his role at UAE club FC United, not a reflection of his political beliefs. “Attributing a political significance to that collaboration means attributing beliefs to me that I have never expressed and don’t belong to me,” Pirlo said.
Italy’s FA has been in crisis since the national team failed to qualify for its third consecutive World Cup. Both the federation’s president, Gabriele Gravina, and manager, Gennaro Gattuso, left their positions in April this year. While the former position has been filled, the national team is still seeking a manager to lead Italy to Euro 2028 after their first-choice Pep Guardiola turned down the role late last week. With Pirlo now out of the running, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are reportedly among the leading candidates to take over the crisis-laden team.
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POLL
Do you think pre-season results are important?
ON THE BALL
Europe
> Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, 35, as part of the club’s acceptance that their model of exclusively signing young players needs tweaking (More); Chelsea are also working on signing Jordan Henderson, 36, from Brentford (More) | John Stones is expected to join Inter Milan, with a deal until June 2028 (More); see every transfer in Europe’s top five leagues (More/live tracker)
> The 2026 World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic has retired aged 46 (More)
> Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has welcomed the appointment of Mark van Bommel as the country’s new coach as he decides whether to continue with the national team (More)
Americas
> The 2026 World Cup goal of the tournament has been awarded to Sidny Cabral of Cape Verde for his long-range effort against Argentina in the round of 32 (More); re-watch the goal (Watch)
> Mexico’s all-time scorer Javier Hernandez is reportedly signing for USL Championship expansion side Atletico Dallas (More)
> NWSL’s Washington Spirit reclaimed top spot after a 1-0 win over Denver Summit, with Trinity Rodman’s assist meaning she has 12 goal involvements in 11 matches (More)
> Wrexham will play Liverpool at Yankee Stadium in New York on Wednesday (July 29), having already beaten Leeds United 3-2 in Tampa, Florida on Saturday (More)
Rest of the World
> Morocco won 4-0 against Kenya and Algeria beat Senegal 2-0 in the opening matches of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (More)
ROUTERS’ VOICE
Yesterday’s Poll: Do you think Jurgen Klopp will succeed as an international manager?
🟩 🟩 🟩 🟩 🟩 🟩 👍 Yes (87%)
🟨 🟨 ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ 🙅♂️ Nope (10%)
🟨 ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ ✍️ Other (3%)
Your punditry takes:
👍 J.L: “Klopp has been successful everywhere he has been. He's a great motivator, a player's coach and a great tactician. I guess the obvious question is, will the German media leave his family alone? My guess is no and Klopp will walk.”
🙅♂️ J.C: “For some reason, Klopp is in the elite bracket, but his trophy haul at Liverpool was poor. Average manager with average players…”
✍️ L.J: “Klopp will undoubtedly inspire the German players, but a key part of his success at Dortmund and Liverpool was the insane fitness levels of his players, which allowed them to implement his pressing style. With infrequent and short training periods, he won't be able to ensure his Germany squad are all at that standard, which could prove to be a wrinkle.”
EXTRA TIME
Premier League’s pre-season results and fixtures.
What do football clubs do in pre-season training?
Every transfer in Europe’s top five leagues.
Why England are not automatically qualified for Euro 2028.
Barcelona reveal Kobe brand collab for new away kit.
A list of football’s youngest journeymen.
GAME FACE ON
Who Am I…
I have been part of an undefeated title win.
I started my senior career at Celtic.
The Premier League club I currently play for bought me for £29.5m in 2025.
Scroll below for the answer.
Daily Wordle: Guess the football-related word, from player names to classic phrases, in six tries or fewer. Play it here.
Football, at its core, remains a game. A game we take very seriously, that we work our whole lives to try to master, but still a game, with its simple rules that haven't changed since we started playing it: ball, goal, desire to score.
Answer
Jeremie Frimpong.