Welcome to the Nutmeg, each week, you can expect: Exclusive previews of major football events – Spotlight features on top football creators – In-depth analysis of trending football culture. Delivered as consistently as Beckham’s crosses.

Premier League’s Big Move

The Premier League is taking control of its own media, ending a 20-year partnership with IMG to bring its international broadcasting operations in-house from the 2026/27 season. While this won’t immediately affect UK coverage, it signals a major shift in how fans might watch football in the future. With all 20 clubs backing the decision, the move could pave the way for a Premier League-owned streaming service—a one-stop shop for all matches, cutting out traditional broadcasters.

Fans have long complained about multiple, expensive subscriptions, and this move could be the first step toward a ‘Netflix of Football’ model. Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has championed the idea, and ex-Watford captain Troy Deeney echoed fan frustrations, saying: “We just want somewhere to watch all the games in one simple place.” While UK TV deals are locked in until 2028/29, this could be a preview of what’s to come once those contracts expire.

Meanwhile, Ligue 1 is dealing with a media nightmare. With TNT Sports dropping coverage in the UK, French football was forced to launch Ligue 1 Pass, a £9.99-per-month streaming service. Amazon Prime has since stepped in, offering select matches on pay-per-view (£2.49 per game). Domestically, the LFP is in a legal battle with DAZN, which withheld payments over piracy concerns and underwhelming subscriber numbers. If DAZN pulls out, Ligue 1 could be scrambling for a new media partner yet again.

The Premier League’s approach feels proactive, but it’s not without risks. If executed well, a direct-to-fan streaming service could revolutionize football broadcasting and maximize club revenues. But Ligue 1’s struggles highlight the dangers of going solo in a fragmented, piracy-ridden market. For now, the 2026/27 season will be a test run—but don’t be surprised if, in a few years, you’re watching Premier League games through an official league-run app instead of Sky or TNT Sports.

CAS dismisses Rubiales appeal against FIFA's three-year ban

Luis Rubiales is officially out of options—FIFA’s three-year ban stands, and Spain’s High Court just hit him with a €10,000 fine for sexual assault. The former Spanish FA president had appealed his suspension for kissing Jenni Hermoso without consent at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) wasn’t buying it. Their ruling? The punishment was completely justified, and Rubiales is staying out of football.

It’s a major win for women’s rights in football, but the case isn’t fully closed yet. Hermoso’s legal team is also appealing, questioning why the court didn’t convict Rubiales of coercion, despite testimony from teammates about the pressure she faced. Meanwhile, Rubiales isn’t backing down, vowing to keep fighting the ruling. Spain’s Equality Minister Ana Redondo summed up the national reaction: “When there is no consent, there is assault.”

Off the pitch, things aren’t looking any better for Rubiales. He’s also under investigation for corruption related to the Spanish Super Cup deal in Saudi Arabia. Once earning €675,762 per year as the head of Spanish football, he’s now stuck fighting legal battles on multiple fronts. The scandal has already changed the landscape of Spanish football, fueling a #MeToo movement in sports and forcing institutions to take accountability more seriously.

USL’s Bold Move: A New League to Rival MLS

The United Soccer League (USL) just dropped a game-changer—they’re launching a Division One professional league in 2027, putting them head-to-head with Major League Soccer (MLS). Unlike MLS, which operates as a closed system, USL’s new league is aiming for promotion and relegation, a model that aligns with global football structures and could shake up the American soccer landscape.

USL CEO Alec Papadakis is calling it a “defining moment”, positioning the league as an alternative top-tier option for cities and clubs looking to compete at the highest level. “We’re not just growing the sport—we’re creating lasting opportunities,” Papadakis said. The league will sit atop USL Championship (Division Two) and USL League One (Division Three), offering a clear developmental pipeline from grassroots to professional ranks.

The timing couldn’t be better. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics set to fuel soccer’s rise in the U.S., the demand for expansion is there. U.S. Soccer responded to the announcement by welcoming "innovation and growth”, but how MLS will react to a direct competitor remains to be seen. Unlike USL’s community-driven model, MLS is single-entity with franchise fees and no promotion-relegation, making it a completely different business structure.

Could this be the start of a real rivalry in American soccer? If USL’s open system takes off, it might just force MLS to reconsider its closed model. Either way, one thing is clear: American soccer is evolving fast, and the next few years could redefine the entire landscape.

Extra Time

Building A Football CV That Gets You Noticed

Applying for professional football opportunities? It doesn’t matter if you’re a player, coach, analyst, or sport scientist, your football CV is your ticket to the big leagues. But if you think you can just slap down your experience and call it a day, think again—clubs, academies, and federations are flooded with applications. You need a sharp, structured, and standout CV that gets you noticed.

What to Include in a Football CV

✔ Personal Info – Name, contact details, nationality, date of birth, and position (if you're a player). Keep it clean and professional.
✔ Professional Summary – A 1-2 sentence elevator pitch highlighting your strengths. Are you a tactically sharp coach, a data-driven analyst, or a versatile midfielder? Make it clear.
✔ Experience – List your teams, clubs, or roles, but don’t just name-drop—highlight achievements specifically (e.g., “Led team to league title” or “Improved team xG by 30%”).
✔ Key Skills – Tailor this to your role. Coaches should include tactical knowledge, session planning, and leadership. Players should emphasize technical ability, tactical awareness, and physical attributes.
✔ Education & Certifications – Any relevant degrees, coaching licenses, or performance qualifications. (Hint: UEFA/US Soccer coaching badges look great here.)
✔ References – Coaches, ex-managers, or directors who can vouch for your skills. Keep it professional—your mate hyping you up doesn’t count.

Make It Stand Out

Your CV should be one page (two max), well-organized, and easy to scan. Use bullet points, not paragraphs, and keep your formatting clean, with no Comic Sans in sight. A link to a highlight reel (for players) or portfolio (for analysts & coaches) will also set you apart.

The bottom line? Your football CV is your first impression—make it count. Get it right, and you’re one step closer to your next big opportunity.