Weekly News Extra (15 to 19 June 2026)

• The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) will file a complaint with FIFA over restrictions imposed on its national team during the 2026 World Cup, which it says are preventing the squad from preparing for the tournament under normal conditions

• Villarreal CF (LALIGA EA Sports) have launched a new phase of works at the Estadio de la Cerámica aimed at improving access, safety and spectator circulation. The club also plans to build an annex behind the North Stand featuring new sports-related facilities and parking areas.

• Dutch cable TV and telecommunications provider Ziggo will not extend its main shirt sponsorship agreement with AFC Ajax (VriendenLoterij Eredivisie) beyond 2026-27. The company has appeared on the front of the Amsterdam club’s shirts since the 2014-15 season, for an estimated €9m per year.

• The Deutscher Fussball Bund (DFB) has announced the signing of several media rights agreements for the international broadcast of the DFB-Pokal over the 2026-2030 period. ESPN will continue to broadcast the competition in Sub-Saharan Africa and Brazil…