All eyes were on Andy Robertson as he made his first appearance for Tottenham Hotspur‘s third win of pre-season on Wednesday.

A sensational free-kick from Mathys Tel put Roberto De Zerbi’s men in front against Sydney FC in the 29th minute. The A-League outfit replied through Takahiro Sekine and the game headed to a penalty shootout.

Martin Dubravka came up trumps, stopping a spot-kick before Dane Scarlett bagged the winning penalty. The win in Sydney served as perfect preparation for Saturday’s pre-season clash with rivals Chelsea.

Robertson Debuts in Tottenham Win Over Sydney FC

REUTERS/Hollie Adams

De Zerbi waited until the 65th minute to introduce Robertson who appeared in Spurs’ colours for the first time since arriving as a free agent earlier this summer. He had been given time off following his participation at the World Cup with Scotland.

Robertson impressed during a 25-minute cameo, creating two chances and being denied an effort on goal. The former Liverpool star took the captain’s armband and scored one of the Lilywhites’ four penalties as they claimed a 4-2 win.

New signing Tonali also came on during the second half for Lucas Bergvall, who is heavily linked with a move away. There have been a ton of changes to De Zerbi’s squad, and while Robertson didn’t cost a penny, fans believe he’ll be just as important as a big-money signing.

Spurs Fans Already ‘in Love’ With Robertson

Robertson’s showing didn’t go unnoticed by Spurs fans who applauded the two-time Premier League champion. They are optimistic that he’ll be a key man in De Zerbi’s team when the new season kicks off.

One fan wrote on X: “Andy Robertson with a fantastic first cameo today. He looked great down the left, created multiple chances that we really should’ve done better on, looked sharp, and got in great positions. Very impressed. Looking forward to seeing more.”

Another pointed out what the 32-year-old will bring to De Zerbi’s squad: “That experience and quality down the left side is going to be massive for us this season. Promising first outing.”

One supporter is already a fan of the Scotsman: “It’s taken just one game for me to fall in love with Robertson.”

Another added: “Robertson may end up being a super smart signing. Impressive on the overlap. Good pro. Great example.”

This was echoed by another: “Robertson still looks like he has loads of quality left in him! Great signing on a free.”

One fan reckons it could mean trouble for one of his new teammates: “Udogie is nowhere near the levels of Robertson.”

Robertson signed a four-year deal with the North London giants, enticed by the club’s project and ambition. After a 17th-placed finish last season, he is the type of signing their fanbase feels will help not only on the pitch but also raise the standards in the dressing room.

In news that has sparked outrage across the footballing world, FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to make the World Cup available for investment from private suitors. It turns out, Infantino is set to make millions if all goes to plan for him.

FIFA are aiming to form a new commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), which will take responsibility for its major international competitions, such as the World Cup and the Club World Cup. Although the organisation has stated that they will maintain a majority stake of 51 per cent to ensure control, they hope to generate roughly $4.2 billion in initial capital by selling individual stakes to private investors.

The notion has drawn great criticism. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, for example, has commented: “The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out. Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.”

Infantino Could Massively Boost His Current $6m Salary

For those who view this as an act of greed from FIFA, their beliefs will only be emboldened upon learning that Infantino is set to benefit financially from the proposal. A report from The Times has explained how the 56-year-old will take on a new role, and that would come with a big salary increase.

The article claims that Infantino’s role could be to become the commissioner or chief executive of the new company, once his last presidential term expires in 2031. While the exact compensation for the role hasn’t been finalised, sources indicate it could match the NFL commissioner’s salary of around $64m (£48.16m) annually.

That figure would represent a huge bump from what he currently makes at FIFA. Indeed, the Swiss administrator is said to make roughly $6m (£4.51m) per year as the organisation’s president. This is split between a base annual salary of $3.3m, paired with a performance-based bonus of around $2.8m.

As if speaking directly against Infantino, UEFA have commented, “FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends.”

English FA React as Infantino Aims to Sell World Cup

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Mark J Rebilas

With Infantino set to make a personal fortune if FIFA’s aim to privatise the World Cup comes to pass, it’s no surprise that he appears to be pushing hard for the change. A ‘scandalous’ letter has reportedly now leaked, in which the 56-year-old appeared to inform 211 national member associations that they had a choice to either accept the proposal – which could see them each given as much as $40m (£30.1m) – or reject it and miss out on the money.

The nations have been given until just 19 September to make a final decision, but will face a potential 75 per cent reduction in funding if they aren’t on board. Among those to release a statement on the matter, the English FA have responded:

“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.

“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.

“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”

French FA president Philippe Diallo also seemed surprised by the announcement, noting: “We learned through a press release about a very important project about which we have no details and which, given its nature, that is, attracting investment funds through a commercial entity separate from FIFA raises many questions.”

It will be interesting to learn which nations accept the proposal, and what happens to those who do not.

Real Madrid enter the upcoming 2026/27 season under a familiar face, with José Mourinho returning to the Bernabéu dugout tasked with hauling Los Blancos back to the summit after back-to-back trophyless campaigns.

Florentino Pérez was re-elected as president and moved decisively in the market, wrapping up four senior signings before pre-season was even underway, making a statement to the rest of Europe.

A new spine, blending experience and Premier League pedigree, is beginning to take shape, and we could yet see more additions as reports continue to flood in the aftermath of a Spanish World Cup victory.

Granted, the Mourinho that holds the position now is an older, more experienced and potentially less fiery character than the one who oversaw an incredible rivalry with Pep Guardiola, Barcelona and Lionel Messi. Yet, this stands out as potentially a chance to reignite a spirit that many believe has dwindled.

Further business, both in and out, is expected before the September 1 deadline as he looks to prepare his squad for a trophy hunt, and it ensures that Madrid will be must-watch entertainment this year.

Ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, GIVEMESPORT brings you every new signing and departure from Madrid.

New Real Madrid Signings 2026/27

Jerome Miron (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

Arriving in defence are three additions, as Mourinho looks to build strong foundations at the back which has always been a key focus of his successful teams of years gone by. Left-back Marc Cucurella has joined from Chelsea in a £52million move, with the 28-year-old fresh off the World Cup victory, which helps to solve a long-standing problem position.

On the opposite flank, Denzel Dumfries arrived from Inter Milan as the long-term successor to Dani Carvajal, offering an interesting addition to their backline which already has Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Defensive reinforcement continued, this time at centre-back with the free-transfer capture of Ibrahima Konaté, who left Liverpool at the expiry of his contract to give them pace, power and experience.

Following along the same trend, veteran Bernardo Silva arriving on a free after leaving Manchester City was a smart move. Silva, 31, can play across midfield and even wide on the right, and brings the experience of winning 16 trophies under Guardiola.

More additions could yet arrive — significant deals that could make Madrid favourites for multiple trophies. The first being RB Leipzig‘s Yan Diomande; the Ivorian winger has agreed a deal to add firepower and raw pace to their attack.

The second potential deal is even bigger. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has expressed his interest in joining the 15-time European Cup winners after seven years in Manchester.

Real Madrid Departures 2026/27

The end of an era arrived with the exit of Dani Carvajal, the highly-decorated right-back who was a key cornerstone of the three-peat European achievement under Zinedine Zidane. Also departing is defender David Alaba after five seasons at the club.

Outside of that, Madrid oversaw two sales, with midfielder Mario Martín completing a permanent switch to Getafe for a reported £3million, whilst left-back Fran Garcia joined Real Betis in a move worth around £3.4million.

With high-profile incomings inflating the squad, there is now a question of potential outgoings across the board, most notably the potential of Vinícius Junior, who has been linked with Arsenal. However, a fee over £100million has been requested any deal would make him the club’s highest-paid player by some distance, which casts doubt over a move.

Other squad players are potentially ‘free to leave’, which includes the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Brahim Diaz, Alvaro Carreras, Rodrygo, Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono, who Tottenham have targeted on loan.