Manchester City’s recent guilty verdict in an ongoing legal saga may have implications extending beyond football, potentially affecting Manchester’s prospects of hosting a future Olympic Games. Insiders connected to Olympic planning have suggested that the controversy surrounding the club could damage the city’s appeal as part of a broader North of England bid. However, given the protracted nature of the case, any definitive rulings or consequences from the club’s appeal process are expected well before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) makes its decision on the 2040 Games host city, anticipated in 2033.
In parallel Olympic news, Munich has formally announced its intention to bid for the 2036 Games, with celebrations reportedly underway amid the city’s famous Oktoberfest festivities. The timing coincides with the centenary of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, raising questions about whether this historical association might influence IOC members’ voting. The host city for the 2036 Olympics will be selected in 2029.
Reactions from Manchester City’s commercial partners have been mixed in the wake of the verdict. Etihad Airways has expressed support for the club and is reportedly considering legal action against the Premier League. Meanwhile, Puma, the team’s kit manufacturer, has taken a lighter tone, featuring a “Cityzens Support Line” sign in a display at their Oxford Street store, reflecting a humorous approach to the scandal.
Elsewhere in football governance, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has faced ongoing criticism, though recent weeks have been comparatively quiet. Notably, during Switzerland’s Nations League victory over Slovenia, fans displayed an “InfantiNO!” banner, and Infantino encountered loud boos at the FIFA Asian Challenge Cup final in Hong Kong. The boos were reportedly so intense that organizers increased the stadium’s public address volume to obscure the jeers.
In broadcasting developments, the BBC has denied reports it plans to restrict local radio commentators from covering away matches in the Premier League and English Football League (EFL). Some clubs had warned that such a change would lead them to reconsider agreements with the broadcaster. However, the BBC stated it is maintaining current commentary arrangements for both home and away fixtures.
Negotiations over the Premier League’s financial distribution remain unresolved, with one major sticking point centered on the allocation of funds among the EFL divisions. Proposals include adjusting the revenue split to 75% for the Championship, 15% for League One, and 10% for League Two, reshaping the existing 80/12/8 ratio. Championship clubs have expressed dissatisfaction and plan to convene for further discussions.
In rugby league, a sold-out Old Trafford saw Wakefield Trinity secure their first Grand Final title since 1968. Despite this success, concerns persist about the future of live rugby league coverage on the BBC. Reports suggest the broadcaster may cease airing Super League matches, potentially splitting rights between Sky Sports and DAZN in the next cycle. While the BBC has emphasized that no final decisions have been made, the possibility that even the Challenge Cup might not return to free-to-air television poses a significant challenge for the sport, particularly ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Australia. Insiders have indicated that rights negotiations offered to the BBC involved minimal sums and limited interest.