La Liga Daily Report - 2026-09-26: La Liga joins major European leagues demanding FIFA governance reform

La Liga joined the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A on Friday in calling for fundamental reform of FIFA’s governance. The four leagues demanded greater involvement for national associations, leagues, clubs and players in decisions affecting the international calendar, working conditions, competitions and FIFA’s core assets. They also called for stronger independent oversight and a clear separation between FIFA’s regulatory and commercial responsibilities. The coordinated statement came amid growing scrutiny of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and continuing tension over calendar expansion, including the increased frequency of international competitions and the Club World Cup.

The leagues said FIFA proposals should be supported by objective data and independent assessments of their effects on players, clubs, leagues and supporters. Their intervention also sought clearer constitutional boundaries and stronger checks and balances within football’s governing body. La Liga’s participation placed Spain’s domestic competition alongside three of Europe’s most influential leagues in a collective challenge to how major decisions are made. The statement added to pressure surrounding the international match calendar, an issue that has become increasingly important as domestic schedules face more competitions and fewer recovery periods.

Real Madrid lost 2-1 at Atlético Madrid on Sunday, leaving José Mourinho’s side fourth in La Liga after seven matches and six points behind leaders Barcelona. The match changed at 0-0 when Dean Huijsen fouled Giuliano Simeone in the penalty area, with Alejandro Grimaldo converting the resulting penalty before Huijsen was sent off. Madrid’s defeat revived concerns about the team’s football and renewed the club’s dispute with Spanish refereeing. Mourinho later presented incidents involving Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in that he believed should also have resulted in red cards.

The Spanish Football Federation’s refereeing committee subsequently ruled that Lee should have been dismissed for his challenge on Federico Valverde, while deciding that Romero’s yellow card and Huijsen’s red card were correct. Real Madrid’s official television channel criticised the officiating, and the club issued a statement aimed at La Liga president Javier Tebas. Mourinho now has an extended international break to assess his side before Villarreal visit on 10 October, followed by a trip to Barcelona two weeks later. The results of that sequence could shape the early direction of his second spell at the Bernabéu.

Spain beat England 3-2 at Wembley on Saturday, with Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal scoring in the opening two minutes of the Nations League match. England recovered to lead 2-1 after Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored, but Spain responded to secure victory and extend their unbeaten run to 39 games. Yamal capitalised on a mistake by Marc Guehi before finishing beyond James Trafford, while the match also featured a missed second-half penalty by Kane. The result gave Spain a winning start to their Nations League campaign against an England side returning to League A.

The contest offered a direct comparison between Yamal’s attacking influence and England’s more direct approach. Gordon’s goal followed a rapid counter-attack beginning deep in England’s half, and he said it reflected his preference for quick, aggressive football. Spain’s ability to recover after falling behind underlined the resilience that has accompanied their long unbeaten sequence. For Barcelona, Yamal’s decisive contribution added to his growing importance for club and country, while Gordon’s performance provided an early indication of the attacking threat he can offer after his summer move to Catalonia.

Barcelona midfielder Gavi said he would like to see a psychologist after the psychological difficulties caused by his injury setbacks. In comments to Men’s Health published by Sport, he said, “Going to a psychologist is always useful”, adding that he had never previously visited one but wanted to do so. Gavi began this season with limited playing time after suffering a blow to his knee against Elche on the opening weekend of La Liga. He subsequently returned for brief appearances against Feyenoord in the Champions League and Racing in the Spanish league.

The midfielder also said he had isolated himself with his family, which helped him through the difficult periods. Gavi missed almost a full year of football in 2023 and then spent around five months out after meniscus surgery on the same knee in September 2025. His comments highlighted the broader challenge of returning from repeated injuries while trying to be judged on performances rather than absences. A gradual return to competitive football remains important for Barcelona as the club manages the progress of a player it regards as a significant part of its midfield.

Barcelona are reportedly considering selling Marc ter Stegen when the goalkeeper returns from his season-long loan at Ajax next summer. According to Diario Sport, the move to Amsterdam had raised questions because it did not significantly reduce Barcelona’s wage commitments. Ter Stegen has nevertheless made a solid start at Ajax apart from a difficult match against PSV Eindhoven, and he was recalled by Germany for the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands. He was reported to have impressed in that game, making nine saves.

The situation leaves Barcelona facing a decision over a long-serving goalkeeper whose immediate future has changed considerably after the loan. Ter Stegen’s form in Amsterdam could influence his market appeal, while Barcelona must also weigh the financial benefit of a permanent departure against the value of retaining an experienced player. The report suggested the club’s preference was to pursue a sale once the loan ended. Any decision would affect the goalkeeping structure at the Camp Nou next summer and could become one of the more significant squad choices of the next transfer window.

Barcelona are reportedly pleased with Anthony Gordon’s impact since his summer move from Newcastle United. Football365 reported that the Catalan club paid £69.3 million including add-ons for the England winger after choosing not to make Marcus Rashford’s loan permanent. Gordon had produced five assists in seven matches in all competitions for Barcelona, according to the report, and had established himself on the left wing under Hansi Flick. His Newcastle spell ended with 39 goals and 28 assists in 152 appearances across all competitions.

The decision represented a substantial investment in a player Barcelona viewed as a preferable long-term option to Rashford, who had helped the club win La Liga during his loan spell. Gordon’s early involvement suggested he had adapted quickly to a new league and dressing room, although the assessment came at the beginning of his Barcelona career. His performance for England in the 3-2 defeat by Spain, when he scored during England’s comeback, further increased attention on a player now balancing international responsibility with expectations created by a sizeable transfer fee.