30 September 2026 Football Agenda: Turkey-Italy, PFDK, Nations League

The international break has again pushed the Nations League, disciplinary rulings and a governance power struggle to the top of the football agenda. Here are the key developments between 27 and 30 September.

Turkey lose 4-1 to Italy in Bursa

Turkey's UEFA Nations League A match against Italy on the evening of 28 September in Bursa was a heavy night for the hosts. Italy led 3-0 at the break through goals from Bastoni (9'), Frattesi (22') and Kayode (27'). Barış Alper Yılmaz pulled one back in the 47th minute, but Pio Esposito made it 4-1 in the 50th, and the score stayed that way.

All eyes then turned to Vincenzo Montella's press conference. The Turkey coach said his side could not get close to the opponent, that the first 30 minutes were far worse than what they are used to, and that they deserved to be whistled during that spell. He also compared squad values, putting Italy at 840 million euros and Turkey at 417 million. Asked about resigning, he was clear: it is not on their agenda, lessons will be learned and confidence will not be lost. Some columnists suggested the federation has begun looking at alternatives; that is commentary, not an official statement.

PFDK sanctions Okan Buruk and Ugochukwu

Turkey's Professional Football Disciplinary Board announced new rulings on 29 September. Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk received a one-match touchline and dressing-room ban and a 100,000 TL fine for unsporting behaviour towards the referee in the Trabzonspor-Galatasaray match. Lesley Ugochukwu was given a two-match suspension for a serious foul in the same game.

Galatasaray were also fined 350,000 TL for offensive chants by fans. It was their third such away offence this season, so the electronic ticket cards of fans in certain away blocks will be blocked for the next away match.

Amedspor and Beşiktaş also fined

Another strand of the rulings concerned Amedspor v Beşiktaş. Amedspor coach Besnik Hasi received a one-match ban and a 100,000 TL fine for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. Amedspor were fined roughly 2.5 million TL in total, Beşiktaş 755,000 TL and Trabzonspor 560,000 TL. Reports break down the club fines differently, so we stick to the totals.

Spain and England win in the Nations League

Matchday two of the Nations League finished on the night of 29 September. In League A Group 3, Spain beat Croatia 4-1 at home. Lamine Yamal scored in the 2nd and 63rd minutes, with Marc Pubill and Nico Williams also on target. Drena Beljo got Croatia's only goal.

England won 2-0 in the Czech Republic. After a goalless first half, Gordon scored in the 47th minute and Kane in the 69th. On 28 September, France had beaten Belgium 1-0 and Sweden had beaten Poland 3-1.

Ceferin to Infantino: "The emperor is naked"

There was also a sharp intervention on the governance front. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin took aim at FIFA president Gianni Infantino on 29 September while addressing the European Football Clubs (EFC) general assembly in Copenhagen. Comparing Infantino to the emperor in Andersen's fairy tale, Ceferin said football is bigger than those who govern it and that officials are custodians, not owners. Reports say the speech followed Infantino's failed proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. UEFA has reportedly gone to a court in Florida to seek documents related to the plan, while FIFA accused UEFA of a "misinformation campaign" and of trying to influence next year's FIFA presidential election.

In brief

Reports also mentioned Alberto Gilardino being confirmed as Parma's new manager. We could not verify the details, so we add no further comment.

The agenda may change during the day; follow official announcements.