Reposted by Miguel DelaneyMiguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 11hSpecial report: amid so much focus on Abu Dhabi's football asset, Qatar have only increased their influence on world football The story of the modern game www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukMan City and PSG’s strange alliance illustrates modern football’s biggest problemAs geopolitical manoeuvring spills into the sport, Miguel Delaney explains why football has been too slow to act on state influence 1255
Reposted by Miguel DelaneyMiguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 11hThe state ownership world that was long warned about is finally here, as showcased by City v PSG On one side, chaos On the other, increased control and influence www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukMan City and PSG’s strange alliance illustrates modern football’s biggest problemAs geopolitical manoeuvring spills into the sport, Miguel Delaney explains why football has been too slow to act on state influence 1374
Reposted by Miguel DelaneyMiguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 11hMany wanted Nasser Al-Khelaifi to challenge Infantino. Those close to him said he didn't want it Those close to Qatar politics say the Emir expressly didn't want him to Qatar backed Infantino and that has been key to his survival www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukMan City and PSG’s strange alliance illustrates modern football’s biggest problemAs geopolitical manoeuvring spills into the sport, Miguel Delaney explains why football has been too slow to act on state influence 21910
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 8hOne for the writer of it. Not really a theme I have much interest in 000
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 11hMany wanted Nasser Al-Khelaifi to challenge Infantino. Those close to him said he didn't want it Those close to Qatar politics say the Emir expressly didn't want him to Qatar backed Infantino and that has been key to his survival www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukMan City and PSG’s strange alliance illustrates modern football’s biggest problemAs geopolitical manoeuvring spills into the sport, Miguel Delaney explains why football has been too slow to act on state influence 21910
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 11hThe state ownership world that was long warned about is finally here, as showcased by City v PSG On one side, chaos On the other, increased control and influence www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukMan City and PSG’s strange alliance illustrates modern football’s biggest problemAs geopolitical manoeuvring spills into the sport, Miguel Delaney explains why football has been too slow to act on state influence 1374
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 11hSpecial report: amid so much focus on Abu Dhabi's football asset, Qatar have only increased their influence on world football The story of the modern game www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukMan City and PSG’s strange alliance illustrates modern football’s biggest problemAs geopolitical manoeuvring spills into the sport, Miguel Delaney explains why football has been too slow to act on state influence 1255
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 11/10/2026A freak show that emphasised the farce of the Premier League's current unreality The response of City fans, which does complicate some of the discussion I think they are "victims" but that's harder when you're revelling in it (before the win) www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukMan City blow Liverpool away at Anfield – but was it all meaningless?Liverpool 0-3 Manchester City: Jeremy Doku transformed a strange game from the bench after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off for two yellow cards 5024434
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 09/10/2026Sunday is one of the most significant games in Premier League history and it sums up an era that the football feels secondary A game still needs to be played, though, and it has questions of its own www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukLiverpool, Man City and a clash that will reveal the Premier League’s new realityAs two rivals meet in a fitting fixture to mark the league’s return after a seismic moment, Miguel Delaney explains why it will set the tone for what could prove a season of chaos 5232
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 08/10/2026It will be after this is concluded - which could yet be some time! 130
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 07/10/2026There is also an importance in the City case to ultimately separate the leadership/ownership from the club, which is a piece of valuable cultural infrastructure that does warrant protection www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukThe unanswerable questions left by Manchester City’s distortion of English footballRegardless of the outcome of the club’s appeal, Miguel Delaney writes, an entire era of the Premier League now feels tainted 0192
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 07/10/2026The anticipated timescale of the various stages of the Manchester City case now And some of the key issues around the appeal www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukThe major problems with the Man City appeal and the ‘magic bullet’ they needMan City have decided to appeal against the guilty verdict in their Premier League financial breaches case but Miguel Delaney explains why they face an uphill struggle and provides a timeline of what ... 3156
Reposted by Miguel DelaneyPeter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 03/10/2026Oh wow 7k people have watched my interview with @migueldelaney.bsky.social since this morning It’s definitely worth a watch! youtube.com/playlist?lis...youtube.comDemocracy For Sale with Peter Geoghegan - YouTubeDemocracy for Sale is all about the threats to democracy from dark money and hidden influence, why it matters…. and what we can do about it. Launched in July... 311135
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Also in my newsletter City should have been punished for breaches in 2014. It was Gianni Infantino's craven approach - as revealed in football leaks and his approach to Trump - that let them off. This entire story could have been stopped then www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukJoin Miguel Delaney’s award-winning Inside Football newsletter – one month freePacked with snippets of behind-the-scenes gossip and updates from Miguel Delaney's reporting trips, members have a backstage pass as he covers the summer transfer window, the 2026/2027 season and more 35016
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 02/10/2026My newsletter today: - the wide-ranging reaction to City, from laughter in dressing rooms to debate over who could vote for expulsion - amid focus on an Abu Dhabi asset, Qatar have increased influence over European - and now world - football Sign up: www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukJoin Miguel Delaney’s award-winning Inside Football newsletter – one month freePacked with snippets of behind-the-scenes gossip and updates from Miguel Delaney's reporting trips, members have a backstage pass as he covers the summer transfer window, the 2026/2027 season and more 0173
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 01/10/2026This entire City story - and especially the last stories of Etihad, Burnham and Khaldoon’s diplomatic immunity - crystallises why states and state actors should not be allowed own clubs The longer it goes, the more chaotic it gets www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukWhy Andy Burnham has got it wrong on Man City’s Abu Dhabi ownersAndy Burnham confessed he would be ‘really concerned’ if Man City’s Abu Dhabi owners sold but, as Miguel Delaney writes, the prime minister’s view clashes with those inside football and a pressing nee... 1015137
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Could this be the Premier League's Caliopoli, in terms of damaging its global hegemony? www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukThe Premier League has a worrying new problem created by the Man City scandalOne weight has been lifted from the Premier League with the publication of the Man City verdict, writes Miguel Delaney, but another has now descended as the sins of a previous era come home to roost, ... 6162
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Just as the Premier League has one huge long-awaited outcome, it is typical of this case that another layer of problems spool out This season could be a farce “Every game now has an asterisk.” www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukThe Premier League has a worrying new problem created by the Man City scandalOne weight has been lifted from the Premier League with the publication of the Man City verdict, writes Miguel Delaney, but another has now descended as the sins of a previous era come home to roost, ... 1191
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 30/09/2026New Copa Independent podcast, with @lawrenceostlere The great Manchester City sham youtu.be/aiQgglL5c7Yyoutu.beThe great Man City shamYouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football 5273
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Video piece on today's Manchester City decision www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDf4...youtube.comMan City’s rule breaking leaves the Premier League just one optionYouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football 4454
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 29/09/2026The most hard-hitting language, which surely means Manchester City must face the hardest-hitting sanctions Expulsion, and the independent football regulator looking at a forced sale Given the stridency, can normal football business even go on? www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukMan City’s staggering rule-breaking has left the Premier League with only one optionFound guilty on all but one of more than 100 charges, the club’s behaviour casts doubt over an entire era of football. How, Miguel Delaney asks, can they be allowed to remain in the top flight? 1919256
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 29/09/2026City have until 2 October to appeal One conclusion from the decision reads: "that certain of those factual witnesses had given evidence at the hearing that they knew to be untrue and so had been dishonest." 88722
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 29/09/2026The long 8 years of City case offer huge clues for what - instant response was to try insulate chairman Khaldoon - Qs over CAS - PL chair Alison Brittain drove it, feeling PL couldn't sit on evidence - club dismissive of case in summer transfer talks www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukMan City sparked a legal cold war and these clues hint at how it endsThe reported Man City verdict has sent shockwaves through the sport, writes Miguel Delaney, with fresh details surrounding the ‘legal cold war’ that consumed the Premier League for three years 1265
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 28/09/2026It's usually at this stage of this saga there are all sorts of debates and myths about the rules And they are myths for a reason: most are incorrect They were devised by Uefa technocrats concerned players were going unpaid www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukThe truth behind football’s much-maligned Financial Fair Play rulesAre the FFP rules Man City are alleged to have broken ‘unfair’ or ‘created by a cartel’? Miguel Delaney explains the reality of financial regulation in modern football 1285
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Football doesn't need extra owner investment. It generates tonnes What it needs is proper redistribution of money. That is the "status quo" behaviour, not the rules But thinking about serves the wider game not just one or two clubs with wealthy owners www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukThe truth behind football’s much-maligned Financial Fair Play rulesAre the FFP rules Man City are alleged to have broken ‘unfair’ or ‘created by a cartel’? Miguel Delaney explains the reality of financial regulation in modern football 3356
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 28/09/2026City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was the first individual involved in the case to speak with his letter, and some in geopolitical circles recognised the tone His very presence at City this speaks to the dimensions of this story www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukThe real world consequences of the Man City verdict stretch far beyond footballA defiant Khaldoon Al Mubarak maintained Man City’s innocence despite a reported guilty verdict last week and, as Miguel Delaney details, the CEO holds a pivotal position for the club with repercussio... 4214
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Exclusive: successful legal actions over City case could be worth over £200m to clubs who make claims - only four preserved "right to sue" under Section W Was initially Arsenal, who are understood to have been followed by Spurs, Man United and Liverpool www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukFour Premier League clubs eye £200m in compensation over Man City verdictWidespread reports suggest Man City are set to be found guilty of almost all of the 115 Premier League charges concerning financial breaches, though no confirmation has arrived, with rivals now though... 1513721
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Video piece on a seismic day in football www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFgL...youtube.comThe Man City verdict is an earthquake – what comes next could be even biggerYouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football 6316
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 25/09/2026A seismic day in football history - but with a lot of earthquakes to come The fact the Premier League have not yet released a statement amid widespread expectations they will win most charges against Manchester City shows this "is nowhere near the end" www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukThe Man City verdict is an earthquake – what comes next could be even biggerWith Man City expected to be found guilty of most of the 115 charges, the Premier League has a highly significant first victory in one of the most important legal battles in sporting history. What hap... 161028
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 25/09/2026But they quickly sell almost all of them on. It’s not like the Spanish clubs, which was the framework. Hence we said “it’s more industrialised” 110
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 25/09/2026In my newsletter: The new doubts about Tuchel among England squad, and the eternal dynamic of a big-name manager and how sustainable their “aura” is Also - the real reason Madrid wanted Mourinho back so much - Arsenal had chance to sign Andres Sign up: www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.uk‘The aura has gone’: Inside Thomas Tuchel’s fight to prevent England mutinyWith England players now said to feel the way they went out of the World Cup will be ‘talked about in 30 years’, the danger for Tuchel is that he doesn't have the same ‘respect’ in the dressing room, ... 180
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 24/09/2026The piece was already 300 words over the usual length, and I had to cut a lot. While I do need to touch on historic context, it is a sports article where you can’t really go in to that level of depth. 251
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 24/09/2026There is also a misconception about the Russia ban Uefa/Fifa didn't proactively ban them, as they try not to. They were forced to react when Poland refused to play, which CAS upheld It's uncertain whether that serves as a precedent though www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukHow Ireland v Israel become the world’s most controversial fixtureThe tension and anger ahead of the Nations League double header is seen as ‘unprecedented’ for a match between two countries not in conflict, reports Miguel Delaney in Dublin 2204
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 24/09/2026The Ireland-Israel games are seen at Uefa as "unprecedented" in terms of controversy for two countries not in conflict Irish discourse has been dominated by whether to boycott There was also dismay in Israel about the draw Report: www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukHow Ireland v Israel become the world’s most controversial fixtureThe tension and anger ahead of the Nations League double header is seen as ‘unprecedented’ for a match between two countries not in conflict, reports Miguel Delaney in Dublin 1186
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Video on Manchester United’s attacking - or lack of it youtu.be/g6Ww7_q3NwA?...youtu.beManchester United's clear attacking problemsYouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football 070
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Manchester United currently aren't constructing attacks in the way you would expect - and it's why you can see problems building www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukCarrick must make huge Man Utd changes to avoid being latest victim of their declineThe pressure is mounting on the manager who must address concerns over personnel, structural shape and build-up play, writes Miguel Delaney – otherwise he might well lose his job as the cycle of decli... 250
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Carrick averts a proper crisis but can't quite avoid criticisms Fulham played to a clearer attacking idea than Manchester United www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukMatheus Cunha rescues Manchester United but their major issue remains clearFulham 1-1 Man Utd: Cunha’s late strike salvaged a draw for Michael Carrick’s side after a woeful performance at Craven Cottage 1121
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 20/09/2026In Iraola’s time at Bournemouth, they had 13 2-2 draws in the Premier League Bournemouth have already had two in four this season Liverpool have already had two in four this season Is this the most nailed on 2-2 ever? www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukWhy these five Premier League managers need a result more than everWith an extended international break, managers risk clubs considering their options, writes Miguel Delaney, with this weekend’s results crucial to safeguard their futures, including Alvaro Arbeloa and... 3111
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 18/09/2026In my newsletter this week: Refereeing, VAR and the secret dynamics behind it all - and how it’s often not what you think - the “three Bs” seen as pushiest - rivals stunned by Man United’s play - Barca/Bayern in for Gabriel too Sign up here: www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukThe secret politics behind Premier League refereeing and VARBehind every VAR storm this season is the same hidden dynamic: officials swinging between permissiveness and crackdown, and clubs playing the politics around it. Miguel Delaney goes inside the relatio... 3121
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 18/09/2026Fulham-Manchester United sums up a strangely hinge Premier League weekend About a third of teams could really do with a result before three weeks of an international break vacuum www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukWhy these five Premier League managers need a result more than everWith an extended international break, managers risk clubs considering their options, writes Miguel Delaney, with this weekend’s results crucial to safeguard their futures, including Alvaro Arbeloa and... 1133
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Latest Copa Independent, in which we discuss REFEREEING, but more everything around it - and whether England has become Spain/Italy Richard Jolly refused to come on as he considers all ref discussion as "tedious whinging", which we discuss youtu.be/ZLxz7L-qPYkyoutu.beHas the VAR debate become bigger than football itself?YouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football 350
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 13/09/2026ProRef admit “error of judgement” in Haaland goal 177019
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 12/09/2026Tottenham spent so much in the summer to rid themselves of squad scar tissue They now have new cuts: scoring www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...independent.co.ukWhat another Premier League stalemate revealed about Tottenham and Roberto De ZerbiTottenham 0-0 Everton: Spurs were booed off as their scoreless start continued in the first goalless draw at their ground 2170
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 12/09/2026Considerable boos at Spurs as they go a fourth game without scoring. The record from the start of a season is Palace, in 2017-18, who went into their eighth game without a goal. Spurs now 403 minutes (and stoppage time on top) without a goal. 4396
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 11/09/2026The Korean version of ‘States of Play’ This is the third of four translations so far, including German, Japanese and Polish. It won 2025 football book of the year and was nominated for the William Hill, and every day feels more relevant and like it could do with a sequel 3432
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 10/09/2026That’s a failure of the system rather than the government sanctioned set-in-law system, though… which is a crucial difference given what we are talking about. 010
Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 10/09/2026We discussed it a lot. The quotes are conflated as he just spoke around it and clearly wasn’t going to get into it. 130
