Football essentials, 8 October: Ceferin to run again, PSG rest Dembélé and Mendes, Man City found guilty

Aleksander Ceferin wants a fourth term as UEFA president, and European football is heading into an election campaign. PSG are managing their stars instead: Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes get the weekend off, while Manchester City prepare their first home game since the guilty verdict.

Ceferin to run for his own succession

The UEFA president announced in Berlin on Thursday, in front of the 55 member federations, that he will seek a fourth term, with the election at the Astana congress on 22 April 2027. The man who promised “fresh blood” in February 2024 is going back on his decision to step aside, the BBC reports; the statutes amended at the Paris congress, which leave his first term, inherited from Michel Platini, out of the count, clear his path. No rival candidate has come forward. Our report details the U-turn.

UEFA demands “new leadership”, Norway files complaints

At the end of the same Berlin meeting, UEFA called for “new leadership” at FIFA, with trust in Gianni Infantino lost. The Norwegian federation had filed two complaints against the outgoing president on Tuesday, one to the ethics committee and one to the audit commission, covering three files including the peace prize awarded to Donald Trump. Infantino, credited with 90 to 95 votes out of 211 according to RMC Sport, is seeking re-election at the Rabat congress on 18 March 2027. Our report tracks the revolt.

PSG rest Dembélé and Nuno Mendes against Le Mans

“In agreement with the coach and the sporting direction, Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes are given a period of rest,” the club announced in a statement relayed by RMC Sport. Heavily used during the international window, both men miss the visit of Le Mans at the Parc des Princes on Saturday and return to training on 10 and 11 October, with the trip to Manchester City on Wednesday in mind. Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, had already been given a break earlier this season. Our match preview of PSG v Le Mans is online.

Man City found guilty, Guardiola expected at the Etihad

Found guilty on 29 September by an independent commission of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018, Manchester City have appealed and denounce “clear material errors, of law, principle and fact”, Sky Sports reports. More than £830m of owner funding allegedly served to inflate the club’s income. The first home game since the verdict falls on Wednesday against PSG, where Pep Guardiola, who left with 20 trophies in ten years, is expected back. “I am here; more than ever,” he wrote to the supporters. According to ESPN, the appeal must be concluded within 12 weeks.

Arteta has not filed away the Paris final

The English champions have extended their manager until June 2030, but Mikel Arteta has not turned the page on the Champions League final lost to PSG on penalties. “I still have this scar,” he told L’Équipe. At 44, now the best-paid manager in the Premier League with more than £20m a season according to The Guardian, he promised: “This is only the beginning.” Our report covers the extension.

Dowman a triple record holder at 16

Max Dowman received three Guinness World Records certificates on Thursday: youngest goalscorer in Premier League history (16 years and 73 days, against Everton), youngest Champions League player (15 years and 308 days) and youngest recipient of a Premier League champion’s medal, taking the record from Phil Foden, ESPN details. The Arsenal player, with two goals this season, will not turn 17 until December.

Xhaka fined, no prison

Granit Xhaka has been handed a €160,000 fine and a suspended sentence for obtaining fake Covid certificates in 2022, having faced up to five years in prison, Foot Mercato reports. “A few weeks ago, I said I take responsibility for my decision. I stand by that,” the Swiss midfielder wrote, having skipped the national squad get-together after the inquiry opened.