A brief, current portrait of the league holding the line in sports structures
Woking FC has parted ways with manager Jermain Defoe by mutual consent, ending a four-month spell after the club’s season preparations. Directors say concerns across staff and players prompted the decision, with no direct concerns raised by Defoe.
Arsenal has given 16-year-old Max Dowman more first-team opportunities after a pre-season showing. Dowman is the youngest Premier League scorer, and his involvement is expected to grow as the 2026-27 season nears.
Following the death of Billy Vigar, the FA has updated Stadium Accreditation criteria to ban solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers around pitches in the National League system for men and women. Clubs must remove or cover existing barriers “as soon as reasonably practicable.” The Premier League Stadium Fund will provide funding to support the changes. Matches may continue during the transition as clubs assess safety.