Bundesliga Daily Report - 2026-09-26: Bundesliga joins major leagues demanding FIFA governance reform

The Bundesliga joined the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga on 26 September in calling for fundamental reform of FIFA’s governance. In a joint statement, the four leagues demanded greater involvement for national associations, clubs, players and leagues in decisions affecting the international calendar, competitions and working conditions. They also called for stronger independent oversight and objective assessments of proposals’ effects on players, clubs, supporters and competitions. The coordinated position placed Germany’s top flight alongside three other leading European leagues as pressure increased on FIFA’s decision-making structures and the way football’s global calendar is managed.

The leagues also sought a permanent representative body for men’s and women’s football, with a meaningful role in FIFA decisions. Their demands included a clearer separation between FIFA’s regulatory and commercial responsibilities, alongside stronger ethical and financial oversight. The statement reflected long-running concerns about calendar congestion, including the expansion of international competitions and the Club World Cup. For the Bundesliga, the issue extends beyond governance: any changes to the international schedule directly affect domestic fixtures, player workloads and clubs’ ability to plan their seasons.

Harry Kane reached 100 Bundesliga goals for Bayern Munich on Friday, 25 September, achieving the landmark in 98 appearances. The England captain became the fastest player to reach a century of goals in the German top flight, adding another major milestone to his prolific start in Germany. Kane had already scored 213 Premier League goals during his Tottenham career, meaning the Bayern forward joined an exclusive group of players to have scored at least 100 goals in two of Europe’s top five leagues.

The achievement placed Kane among only five players to have reached that two-league mark, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic among the names highlighted in the report. His Bundesliga total has come despite having spent far less time in Germany than the established multi-league scorers on the list. Reaching the figure in 98 matches underlined the speed of his impact at Bayern, while also adding a fresh benchmark to a career already defined by sustained domestic goalscoring in England and Germany.

Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic remained non-committal about his future as reports of possible Manchester United interest gathered pace on 26 September. According to Yahoo Sports, the 23-year-old Croatian was reportedly on Manchester United’s January shortlist after a strong start to the Bundesliga season. Matanovic had scored six goals in seven appearances for Freiburg and added two assists, figures that made him a reported target as United considered reinforcing their attack during the winter transfer window.

Matanovic discussed his form and Premier League interest in an interview with Vecernji List, but the report did not present a confirmed transfer approach or agreement. Manchester United’s reported interest was linked to their difficult start and concerns over the contribution of Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee. For Freiburg, the situation placed attention on one of their most productive attackers while leaving any potential January move dependent on whether interest develops into a formal proposal.

Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae was reportedly attracting interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham on 26 September. GiveMeSport reported that both Premier League clubs were looking at the South Korea international as questions emerged over his future contract situation. The 29-year-old had joined Bayern from Napoli in 2024 and, according to the report, had become a regular under manager Vincent Kompany. Kim had also won two Bundesliga titles since moving to Germany, strengthening his appeal to clubs seeking an experienced Champions League-level centre-back.

The report described the contract discussions as early rather than a firm transfer development, so neither a fee nor an agreement had been established. Kim’s position at Bayern was significant because he remained part of a side competing at the highest level while Premier League clubs assessed their defensive options. Any decision over a new contract would therefore affect both Bayern’s defensive planning and the possibility of a January or future approach from England.

Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies was set to miss Canada’s friendly against Chile on Saturday, 26 September. World Soccer Talk reported that the Canada captain would be absent from the match at BMO Field, making his non-selection a major talking point before the fixture. Davies had been finding his rhythm again at Bayern after a difficult period involving injuries and a limited role at the 2026 World Cup, according to the report.

Canada had begun a new international cycle after reaching the World Cup round of 16 for the first time, with friendlies against Chile, Peru and the United States scheduled during the period. Davies’ absence gave the national team an opportunity to assess alternatives while also removing one of Bayern’s senior players from the fixture. His recent return to form at club level made the decision particularly notable as Canada prepared for its next phase under Jesse Marsch.