Russian entrepreneur and former Chelsea owner amid sanctions and legal scrutiny
A wave of new football kit designs is hitting top Scottish and European clubs as the 2026-27 season approaches. BBC Business collects notable releases from AC Milan to Celtic and Wales, with reactions ranging from praise for heritage-inspired designs to criticism of bold, modern looks.
Mourinho has confirmed his return to Real Madrid for a second spell, a move that reshapes the club’s coaching dynamics and expectations after a trophy-laden first era. The Netflix documentary adds fresh context, recounting a pivotal moment when a Chelsea reunion fell through after Real Madrid’s 2010-13 dominance.
A three-part Netflix series on Jose Mourinho examines a career marked by spectacular highs and ferocious rivalries. While the director highlights personal vulnerability, reviewers say the documentary covers only part of Mourinho’s story, leaving tactical details and early life largely unexplored.
Paris Saint‑Germain has moved its Ligue 1 opener against Rennes to Roazhon Park after declaring the Parc des Princes pitch unsafe following an extreme heatwave. The club has said it will replace the pitch before its next home game on Sept. 4. PSG has also completed several summer signings while selling high-value players to generate transfer revenue.
Shakhtar Donetsk has secured four home fixtures in the Champions League main phase, but cannot play in Ukraine for security reasons due to the ongoing Russian invasion. The club will host matches at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, subject to UEFA approvals, with the draw to decide opponents next week in Monaco. Shakhtar’s true home remains Ukraine, and the arrangement follows sanctions affecting ownership and prior conflict in Donetsk.
Chelsea have been fined for secret payments to agents in a period 2011-2018. Mauricio Pochettino argues Chelsea should have been stripped of titles and the Premier League crown should go to the team that finished second in 2016-17, Tottenham, given the breaches. Pochettino’s comments come as Chelsea’s punishment is enforced and ongoing scrutiny of City’s charges continues.
US private equity firm Clearlake Capital has moved close to buying Todd Boehly and Mark Walter’s stakes in Chelsea, valuing the club at about £5bn. The deal follows Mark Walter’s attempt to raise cash to repay insurers amid a US federal tax-fraud investigation; Clearlake already controls day-to-day operations and will obtain full ownership if partners consent.
Manchester City has been found guilty of more than 100 financial rule breaches by an independent commission and is appealing. Premier League executives are weighing sanctions that could stretch across seasons, including points deductions, transfer bans, or relegation, with a decision expected after the appeal.
Leaked Cyprus Confidential files show years of backdating and asset shifting linked to Roman Abramovich, with Deloitte Cyprus named in signing off on statements. The investigations allege wealth concealment and tax evasion spanning 1999–2022, while Abramovich and key aides deny wrongdoing.
Bayer Leverkusen has secured a third consecutive Europa League win, beating OFI Crete 2-0 with a Jonas Hofmann double. Juventus is held to a 2-2 draw by Rennes after a late winner is ruled out by VAR. Sunderland’s draw in Poland accompanies a busy night of European action.