English football may lose a new wave of Black and Asian coaches if the sport does not change hiring rules, says anti-racism group Kick It Out. The exit of Nuno Espírito Santo from Nottingham Forest means no Black coach now leads a Premier League team. The last time this happened was in 2022, before Vincent Kompany joined Burnley.

Kick It Out’s chief, Samuel Okafor, said many ex-players quit trying to coach due to blocked paths. He urged clubs to be fair and open with hiring. He warned that without strong steps, more talent will be lost. A 2022 report showed 43% of Premier League players were Black, but only 4.4% of coaching jobs went to Black former players. Leadership roles were even fewer at 1.6%.

The FA and Premier League have made rules and schemes to boost diversity, but results remain slow. Kick It Out’s new Football United plan aims to push clubs to reflect local groups and give fairer chances in leadership roles.

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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admitted the team wasn't ready for the tough demands of European football this season. He said taking a break from these games could help the team grow in the long run.

United finished a low 15th in the Premier League last season, missing out on European football entirely. This left them as one of nine English clubs not playing in Europe.

Amorim, who has started slowly with just one point from two league games, said they 'need time to develop as a team' to play hard games in the Champions and Premier League. The manager also plans to rotate the squad heavily for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup game at League Two side Grimsby. 

Several players have been linked with exits, including Jadon Sancho and Antony dos Santos, while the future of striker Rasmus Højlund remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is also looking to leave after being left out of Amorim’s 3-4-3 setup. This is despite making England’s Euro 2024 final squad last year.

The pre-season gave some hope with wins over West Ham and Bournemouth in the US. However, the team’s struggles in competitive matches show how big Amorim’s rebuilding job is.

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Top football leagues in Europe are once again looking at the idea of holding league games far from their home fields. Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A are at the front of this push, with talks about games in the United States, the Middle East, and even as far as Australia. This plan shows how the sport is chasing more fans worldwide, yet it has already caused heated debate. Many fans and groups feel that moving games abroad is a step away from the roots of the game.

La Liga’s vision for America

La Liga has long set its sights on the United States. In past years, the league moved its Supercopa to Saudi Arabia and signed TV deals with US networks. League leaders now see Miami as the top choice for Spain’s first league game outside Europe. The city’s mix of culture and its strong Hispanic crowd make it the key place to launch such a bold step.

This would not be the first try. Back in 2018, La Liga planned a Barcelona vs. Girona game in Miami. That plan was blocked after fans, players, and groups spoke out, with courts and football bodies also saying no. Even with that failure, La Liga has not dropped the dream. League bosses feel that with more US growth in football, the idea may now stand a stronger chance.

Serie A targets Australia

Serie A has its eyes on Australia. Italian clubs still have a strong link to people with roots in Italy who live abroad. In cities like Melbourne and Sydney, fans still follow Serie A closely, and games draw huge crowds on TV. Leaders of the league believe that a real match in Australia could fill major stadiums, with world media ready to cover the story.

The local A-League has had a hard time pulling fans in recent years. Many people in Australia still watch European clubs more than their own league. A Serie A game played in Melbourne, for instance, could draw both Italian fans and locals who love big football stars. It could also open doors to Asia-Pacific markets that sit close to Australia in time zones.

Financial drive behind the plans

Fans across the world already follow clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, and AC Milan. These clubs travel every year on summer tours in the US and Asia. Those games are friendlies, but they still bring in full stadiums and huge sums. League bosses now ask, if friendlies make this much, how much more could a real game bring?

The pressure is even higher because of the Premier League. England’s top flight has already built a huge lead in global rights and TV money. For La Liga and Serie A to keep up, they feel the need to break new ground. Games in the US, with a rising love for football and the 2026 World Cup on the way, are worth huge sums. Australia also offers space to grow, with fewer local rivals and a crowd that still holds European football in high regard.

Opposition at home

Still, the plan is jagged; fans in Spain and Italy are unhappy with this push. Groups that stand for the fans say league bosses have no care for the loyal people who fill the stands each week. Many in Spain recall the failed Miami match and do not trust that the league will listen. In Italy, some fan clubs warn that games abroad would feel fake, built more for show than for real football life.

The players and coaches also worry. Travel takes a toll; a long flight and time zone shifts can wear out athletes in the middle of a hard season. Coaches fear some clubs may lose fair play if one has to travel far while another plays at home. Even TV networks raise doubts about how to fit such games with deals they already signed for home matches.

Premier League watches and waits

With Spain and Italy making moves, eyes turn to England. Could the Premier League, the richest and most-watched league of all, take the same path? The Premier League already streams in 212 lands and reaches more than 600 million homes. The fan base is global, with billions watching. That scale makes the idea of abroad games tempting.

This is not new for the league. In 2008, the idea of an extra Premier League game made the news. That plan called for one more round of games, played outside England. Fans and leaders of the sport fought hard against it, and it was dropped. Yet, with the way sport is now run, such an idea may rise again.

Lessons from Spain and Italy

The Premier League is in no rush, but it will watch closely. If La Liga and Serie A can make the plan work, filling stadiums and building new fan ties, the English league may follow. If those leagues face too much heat, then the Premier League may stick.

The truth is, the Premier League does not need this move as much as others. It already sits on top in rights and money. However, giving fans abroad a chance to see live matches could deepen love for the league. Fans in Asia, the US, and Africa may be loyal from afar, yet seeing a match up close could lock them in for life.

Balancing tradition and change

Football is both local and global. Fans want the sport to stay close to home, tied to clubs, towns, and rivalries. On the other side, leagues and clubs chase growth, with no borders in mind. Both sides hold valid points.

This makes FIFA’s stance key. The body has long blocked league games from moving abroad. Leaders fear that the move could ruin local balance or clash with busy calendars. Any plan to play away would need many green lights, not just from FIFA, but also from local football groups and unions.

The final score on expansion

Talks are still fresh, no La Liga or Serie A games abroad are set in stone, but deals are in the works with cities like Miami and Melbourne. The Premier League is silent for now but stands ready to act once rivals show results. One clear thing is that Europe’s top leagues are looking out to the world. Whether fans in Spain, Italy, or England can accept this change is still up in the air.

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Former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington doubts the club’s new signings can match the impact of last season’s backline. Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen, and Illia Zabarnyi were key to Bournemouth’s ninth-place finish in the Premier League but have now moved to Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain for big fees.

Partington said the Cherries need at least two new central defenders who can perform at the same high level as Zabarnyi and Huijsen. Without that, he believes chasing European qualification this season will be tough. Speaking on the Cherries: Unpicked podcast, he admitted the current back four has quality but lacks the proven strength of last season’s defence.

While he praised the club for securing strong transfer fees, he warned that replacing three vital players would be a major challenge. Bournemouth’s recruitment team has a track record of finding talented but lesser-known players who become top performers.

Partington said losing three key defenders is 'good business' financially, but the real test will be whether the replacements can help the team match or improve on last year’s results.

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The 2025 summer transfer window is heating up as top Premier League clubs rush to bring in new players before the new season begins. Arsenal have moved forward in their chase for Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres. Earlier, talks ended because they couldn’t agree on the price.

Eberechi Eze is still on their list, but the Gunners will likely fly to Asia for their pre-season trip without finishing a deal for a new striker. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke officially joined Arsenal on July 18, 2025, signing a five-year deal worth up to £52 million. He was also confirmed as Arsenal's no.�?0 for the upcoming season.

Manchester United is getting closer to signing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo with a £71 million deal. They’ll pay £65 million now and another £6 million later. The 25-year-old scored 20 goals in the Premier League last season and is set to be head coach Ruben Amorim’s biggest signing so far.

There shouldn’t be any problems with Mbeumo’s contract. He might join United’s pre-season trip to the US. United is also trying to let some players go. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jadon Sancho have all been linked with possible moves. Talks with Barcelona are still going on about sending Rashford on loan. The deal could later turn into a full transfer.

Liverpool is deep in talks with German club Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Hugo Ekitike. The 23-year-old striker has a �?00 million buy-out clause and wants to move to Anfield. His contract details should be agreed on soon.

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Chelsea’s win in the 2025 Club World Cup suggests they might be prepared to claim the Premier League or Champions League title soon, according to defender Levi Colwill. The 22-year-old played in the surprising 3-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The win made the Blues world champions under FIFA's new tournament format. When asked about Chelsea’s chances of using this triumph to secure either league title, Colwill seemed confident.

‘I said at the start of this tournament that our plan is to win it and people looked at me as if I was crazy. So I'm going to say the exact same thing now going into the Premier League and Champions League�? Colwill said. 

Colwill shared that this trophy is the biggest he has won so far. He believes the Club World Cup could eventually rival the Champions League in prestige, noting that Chelsea is the first team to win under FIFA’s expanded format. He also mentioned that this victory sends a strong message, and if they keep winning, Chelsea could solidify their status as one of the top football clubs in the world.

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Tottenham have signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for £55 million, marking their first deal with their London rivals in 14 years. Spurs want the 24-year-old to boost their attack and help new manager Thomas Frank’s plans for a quicker, more direct style.

Kudus had a strong first season at West Ham, scoring eight goals and adding six assists. However, he struggled last year under Graham Potter’s system, playing out of position and losing his edge. 

Spurs believe he can return to the form he showed at Ajax, where he impressed in the Champions League. Frank values Kudus’s speed, pressing, and ability to play both wide and centrally. 

Despite a dip in dribbling success last season, he remains one of the league’s most active attackers. He also brings versatility, energy, and determination—qualities Spurs hope will improve their 64-goal league tally from last season. 

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Everton are set to sign Fulham right-back Kenny Tete on a free transfer after 39-year-old Ashley Young’s contract was not renewed. Manager David Moyes wants to bolster his team to prepare for the upcoming English Premier League season.

Moyes wants to fix the right side of his team’s defence, and Tete, 29, has become his top choice since his contract with Fulham ends this month. The London club wanted to keep him, but Everton moved quickly. Talks over a three-year deal are already at an advanced stage.

Tete has played 14 times for the Netherlands and has nearly five years of Premier League experience. 

Moyes has considered several high-profile options, including Kyle Walker of Manchester City, Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton, and Vladimir Coufal, a player Moyes managed at West Ham. However, Tete, who also played for Ajax and Lyon, looks likely to join Everton’s roster soon.

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A major figure in English football has passed away, marking a poignant moment for the sport and its devoted fans. Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee in the English Football League (EFL), has died at the age of 65. Rennie began his refereeing career in 1979 in local leagues, but he got his big break when he started refereeing in the EFL in 1994, making a big mark in the sport.

He joined the Premier League in 1997 and handled over 300 matches at the top level. He also played a key role in EFL games across all three divisions. Many respected him for his calm control, strong fitness, and fair decisions on the pitch.

By 2000, Rennie was on FIFA’s international list, showing his importance in world football. After retiring, he stayed involved in the game. He served on the FA refereeing committee and pushed for more diversity in football.

In 2001, he took charge of the Division One Play-Off Final between Bolton and Preston. Bolton won 3�? and moved up to the Premier League. Rennie’s work in that match showed his steady and skilled style.

The EFL expressed its sorrow over his death and extended its thoughts to his family, friends, and peers. Rennie will be remembered not just as a referee but as a pioneer who helped shape the future of the sport.

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Football is more than just a game; it’s a way of life for millions. Big events like the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League pull in huge crowds. However, fans don’t only show up for these games. They light up social media all year and cheer for their teams in every way. 

While players and coaches get the fame, it’s the fans who bring joy to the sport. If you’re part of a football community, you play a key role in shaping its future. Keep reading to learn how fans leave their mark on football beyond the pitch.

Fan traditions and cultural impact

Fans bring football to life with their chants, songs, and rituals. These customs build a strong bond and give each team a unique culture. 

Take a closer look at how fans shape football’s heart and soul:

Chants and songs

Fans cheer their teams with chants and songs. These tunes tell stories or show pride. Some chants tease rivals or praise players. For example, Liverpool fans sing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone�?to feel united. Also, Queen wrote ‘We Are The Champions�?while thinking about football, making it a favourite after big wins. These songs are part of the fan culture and are passed down through the years.

Rituals (Pre and during matches)

Fans follow special habits before and during games. They might wear a lucky shirt or meet at a favourite spot. During matches, they may stand, clap, or shout at certain times. These actions help fans feel connected and give the team a boost. Rituals can be small, like crossing fingers or group cheers. They add meaning and thrill to each game.

Tailgating 

Tailgating is a fun pre-game party in parking lots. Fans grill food, drink, and share stories before heading to the match. This tradition builds team spirit and gets fans ready to cheer loudly. Tailgating also unites people from various places, creating a strong fan community.

Tifos and displays

Fans create tifos—big, colourful banners or displays for matches. Fans paint their bodies or use coloured cards to form huge images or send strong messages. Some tifos honour players or club legends, like Paris Saint-Germain’s Jean-Paul Belmondo banner. Others tease rivals like AC Milan’s ‘Neo�?tifo from The Matrix. Clubs sometimes help, but fans often pay and set them up.

Superstitions for watching at home

Fans follow quirky rules to bring luck when they watch games at home. Some sit in the same chair or avoid touching the remote when their team is winning. Others skip certain colours or keep lucky items nearby. Each country’s culture or beliefs shape these habits. They make watching football feel more personal and intense.

Fans driving club identity

Fans shape how clubs feel and look with their passion and style. Their cheers, nicknames, and gear help make each team unique. 

Check out how fans build club identity through these traditions:

Visual identity

Visual identity brings fans and teams close by blending passion with tradition. It also connects them deeply with their team’s look. The colours and gear show more than style; they show who fans are inside.

Think of Barcelona’s blue and garnet or Juventus�?black and white stripes. Fans wear jerseys, socks, and hats as lucky charms. These clothes tell stories of wins and tough times. Fans also keep some gear unwashed to keep their luck.

Merchandise and branding

A football jersey and other collectables link fans to their favourite team or a special game. Fans collect shirts and cards to show their love for football. They highly treasure rare items, like signed shoes or limited-edition shirts. Even simple replicas carry memories and feelings. Wearing a team shirt shows pride and connects fans with other supporters.

Fan activism and influence

Beyond the game, fans raise their voices for many reasons. They take action to show they care about more than just matches. 

Here’s how fans lead change and stand up for what they believe in:

Protests and movements

Fans don’t stay quiet when they feel wronged. In Spain, Malaga fans went to the airport and cheered for random tourists to mock the club’s failure to sign new players during the transfer window.

Meanwhile, in 2021, over 10,000 Manchester United fans broke into the stadium to protest the Glazer family’s control of the club. Many blamed the owners for poor results and not caring about the team. These actions show how fans take a stand and push for real change.

Community initiatives

Some fans go beyond the game and help others. In Edmonton, Canada, Liverpool supporters gather early at bars to watch matches together. They’ve raised over $60,000 for charities in Canada and the UK. They run raffles with signed gear and donate the money to food banks and health groups.

In Vancouver, Whitecaps fans from a group called Rain City Brigade sold custom patches to support LGBTQ+ programs and housing support. 

Economic contributions of fans

Fans bring real value to football. In 2023, the Premier League saw over 40,000 fans at each match on average. These fans fill stadiums, buy gear, and enjoy food and drinks during games. Online, fan videos and posts got billions of views on TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter. Many fans also travel to support their teams at away games, boosting local businesses and tourism.

Fan engagement and the next chapter in football’s legacy

Fans are the heart of football. They bring life, passion, and culture beyond what happens on the pitch. From lively chants to quirky traditions that link generations, fans shape football’s story every day. Football’s legacy lies not only in trophies but in the fans who keep its spirit alive.

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