Football London

Joe Lewis, who handed ownership of Tottenham to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022, was fined £4million after pleading guilty to insider trading - but he will now be pardoned

Former Tottenham Hotspur owner, Joe Lewis, is poised to receive an official pardon from US President Donald Trump. Lewis, who transferred ownership of Spurs to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022, was slapped with a £4million fine after admitting to insider trading – but he won't be making a return to the north London club.

Lewis managed to dodge prison in 2024 when a judge in the States took into account pleas for leniency from both the prosecutor and the 88-year-old's legal team, due to his frail health and guilty plea in January.

The US president has been handing out a series of pardons since reclaiming the White House after succeeding Joe Biden, and the former boss of the Premier League club is tipped to be the next recipient, as reported by The Telegraph.

In the US, a pardon is a presidential act that legally absolves a federal crime, which can halt further punishment and restore civil rights. According to federal guidelines, the crimes can warrant a sentence of up to two years in prison, but Lewis won't be seeing the inside of a cell.

The announcement of Lewis' pardon is expected to be made public by the White House today and the British billionaire expressed: "I am pleased all of this is now behind me, and I can enjoy retirement and watch as my family and extended family continue to build our businesses based on the quality and pursuit of excellence that has become our trademark."

The Lewis family assumed complete ownership of Tottenham this year following Daniel Levy's exit, with the club continuing under the Lewis name whilst the previous owner remains in retirement.

Tottenham's leadership now comprises Joe's daughter Vivienne, son Charles and Vivienne's husband Nick Beucher.

Eric Hinson was appointed as a non-executive director last month, working alongside non-executive chairman Peter Charrington and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.

Levy's tenure as chairman in north London concluded in September after almost 25 years at the helm.

Reports at the time suggested his exit would enable the club to adopt a more conventional organisational structure, rather than one dominated by a single individual.

In a statement confirming his departure, former chairman Levy said: "I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees.

"We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community.

"I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

"I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years.

"It hasn't always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately."

Manor Solomon could return to England in January with the Tottenham star struggling for game time at Villarreal

It's been a tricky start to the 2025/26 season for Manor Solomon. The 26-year-old was tipped for big things after impressing on loan at Leeds United last campaign, with the winger scoring 10 goals and assisting 13 more in 41 appearances for the Whites.

Thomas Frank did not see the exciting winger in his plans at Tottenham, though, so it was decided the Israel international be sent out on loan. A move to Crystal Palace collapsed on deadline day and the former Shakhtar Donetsk star ended up moving to Villarreal on loan instead.

Solomon has only made six appearances for the La Liga side, though. In his 221 minutes on the pitch he has scored once and assisted his team-mates four times, but in truth he has failed to impress Villarreal boss Marcelino García Toral.

While he came off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Pafos in the Champions League on November 5, he was not included in the matchday squad for the 2-0 win at Espanyol three days later due to a back problem. That same back problem has kept him out of international duty with Israel this fortnight but he is expected to return to action soon.

It's unclear, though, whether Solomon will get the game time he needs once he does return. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the winger is currently unhappy and his loan deal in Spain could be cut short in January.

The report states that West Ham United have shown interest in the Israeli, with Nuno Espirito Santo keen to add extra attacking quality into a struggling Hammers squad. Another spell at Leeds can probably also not be ruled out, given the success the player had there last season.

Solomon opened up about his move to Villarreal after it was confirmed and admitted his desire at the time was to stay in England. Speaking to Sports Walla, Solomon said: “Those were the craziest 24 hours I’ve had in football.

"I left London around six in the morning knowing that I was staying at Tottenham, and when I landed, chaos began until midnight.

“In normal situations, you think more, analyse and talk to whoever you need to, but yesterday it was different and quick decisions had to be made. I kept saying that my goal was to stay in England.

“I was supposed to stay. I was already close to Crystal Palace, but if I’m going to an amazing place like Villarreal, which plays in the Spanish league, which is the second best, a strong team, I’m very happy.”

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust says fans are being priced out of attending games

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust says "unrealistic and unaffordable" ticket prices are behind the declining atmosphere at the club’s stadium.

Spurs have struggled in their 62,850-seater ground this year, winning three of 20 home Premier League games in 2025. Boos have been a frequent feature under both Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank, although the venue did come alive during the club's successful Europa League campaign.

The club’s return to the Champions League, however, has resulted in lowly crowds of 54,755 and 49,565 for home fixtures against Villarreal and Copenhagen. The Supporters’ Trust says fans are being priced out of attending games and have urged the club to extend its young adult category to ages 18-25 and make young adult concessions available for all matches.

“Over the last couple of seasons, it’s undeniable that the atmosphere has declined at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The reasons are simple – too many empty seats and too many supporters, particularly young supporters, priced out of attending. Thin the crowd and you thin the noise,” a THST statement read.

"For a while, strong results and star power—Harry Kane, and especially Heung-Min Son—papered over the cracks, inspiring thousands of South Korean fans to make a pilgrimage to the stadium.

“Europa League nights last season, with sensibly-priced tickets, proved the point: fair ticket pricing fills the ground, often with the next generation of Spurs fans. And the noise follows.

“This season, the illusion has gone. The Champions League – our flagship nights – has seen thousands of empty seats, in our view due to unrealistic and unaffordable match pricing.

“Even big Premier League games have shown gaps we’ve never known at Tottenham. A world-class stadium without a full house is only half a home.

“The South Stand – 17,000 strong – was a brilliant idea, but it hasn’t consistently fulfilled its potential. It’s not yet the relentless wall of sound we all dreamt of and that’s a problem pricing and access can fix.

"The cure isn’t choreography; it’s people. Atmosphere isn’t a sideshow—it shapes what happens on the pitch. Managers and players say it time and again: noise lifts legs; it’s the twelfth man. Never was this clearer than in our final unbeaten season at WHL, when a wall of sound turned tight games our way. That starts with welcoming the next generation—local kids, young adults, families—so every game feels like a big game.

“We’re asking the club to make ticketing fair and affordable and encourage the next generation of all match-going fans, so the stands are packed, every match, all season. Fill our home – and we’ll find our voice again.”

Ledley King was forced to retire from professional football in 2012 at the age of 31 after being told he could end up in a wheelchair in his 30s if he kept playing

Ledley King was warned he could be confined to a wheelchair by his 30s unless he retired early. The former Tottenham and England defender called time on his career in 2012 at the age of 31.

King is a legend in one corner of north London, having dedicated his entire 13-year playing career to Spurs. During that period, he also represented the Three Lions on 21 occasions, a figure that would likely have been significantly higher had it not been for recurring injuries.

The 45-year-old battled knee issues throughout much of his Premier League stint and shortly before making the decision to retire, medical professionals warned him that continuing to play could leave him wheelchair-bound.

"It was 2012 and funnily enough for the first part of the season I felt as good as I'd felt in a long time," said King, speaking on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet.

"I was doing well. I'd played 11 or 12 games and not lost any. But I was training the day before a game and had a clash with a goalkeeper. My knee just blew up.

"I was out for about three weeks and they ended up taking fluid out of my knee. They were taking loads out and we were set to play Manchester City.

"I really had no business playing but they took out all the fluid and I came back for that game. We were 2-0 down and brought it back to 2-2, but I gave away a penalty. That was the beginning of the end.

"I never felt the same after that injury. I played around 11 or 12 more games, played a total of 23 games that season. Normally when you finish you play three or four games. I played 23.

"But it was the quality. In the second half of the games I was playing, the quality was just not there. I couldn't move. And for the first time, I didn't enjoy football. I felt like I wasn't helping my team.

You can listen to brand new episodes of In The Mixer on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

"So at the end of that season I sat down with my surgeon and he basically said, 'You're going to end up in a wheelchair in your 30s if you keep trying to push it.

"Judging by the way it felt and what he said I knew it was time. It was tough. It's always tough when you retire, stop doing something, when you stop doing what you're doing.

"I never really allowed myself to think about retirement because I was just constantly fighting to keep going. I never mentally prepared for it.

"I thought I was like RoboCop or something, just keep going, you know?'Keep going, keep going every year. Find a way to play.' But it was tough."

Tottenham were open to recruiting a left-winger in the summer transfer window - on top of the arrival of Xavi Simons - but club chiefs were unable to broker the right deal for Thomas Frank

Ademola Lookman's time at Atalanta once appeared to be the perfect marriage. In May 2024, the Nigerian's remarkable Europa League final treble to down unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin saw him become the first player to net a hat-trick in a major European final since 1975.

But since then, it's been a bumpy ride in Bergamo for the 28-year-old former Charlton, Everton, Fulham and Leicester winger.

Last week, in the closing stages of the club's Champions League group phase clash against Marseille, Lookman was subbed by now-sacked boss Ivan Juric and the pair came to blows as the attacker left the field.

Atalanta later snatched a winner at the death through Lazar Samardzic and while the altercation was seemingly skated over because of the victory, Juric was sacked following his side's 3-0 Serie A defeat to Sassuolo last weekend.

Lookman wanted out of Atalanta in the summer and despite long-winded transfer negotiations with Inter Milan, a deal could not be struck to bring him to San Siro and he eventually stayed put.

Atletico Madrid were also attentive to his situation but with Lookman now swiftly approaching the final 18 months of his contract in Bergamo, there's a lingering sense that his future is likely to be resolved soon as his value is rapidly decreasing.

At 28, he does not fit Tottenham's usual transfer criteria but nobody can dispute he remains one of the best left-winger options currently available on the market.

He may also personally feel as if he has unfinished business in the Premier League after taking his game to the next level in Italy.

The left flank has been somewhat of a problem position for Spurs this term, despite Thomas Frank having a number of options within his current squad.

Tottenham looked at Antoine Semenyo in the summer but were put off by Bournemouth's excessive demands. Though looking back, the figures that were quoted at the time by the Cherries probably now look slim following Semenyo's explosive start to the campaign.

Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson have all shown flashes of promise but no player has really locked down the role and grabbed it with both hands. Xavi Simons has also been utilised on the wing at times, alongside centre-forward Richarlison.

However, if Tottenham are to kick on under Frank, it's clear they need a consistent source of goals and assists from the left flank, like they've had in previous times in Son Heung-min.

The South Korean icon is a legend in N17 and in many respects, remains irreplaceable but perhaps Lookman is an option that is worth considering, given he now appears to have entered the final chapter of his story with Atalanta.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be one of nine grounds in the United Kingdom to host matches at Euro 2028 - and the games that will be played at the ground have now been revealed

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will not host any England matches at Euro 2028. Instead, the Three Lions will begin their campaign at the Etihad Stadium before playing two final group stage matches at Wembley Stadium – so long as they qualify directly to the tournament.

The European Championship will be staged across eight host cities in the United Kingdom: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, Dublin, and Cardiff. UEFA have announced that each of the host nations will play all their group games in front of their own fans if they qualify directly.

The final and semi-finals will be played at Wembley Stadium, while the quarter-finals will be held across all four host nations: Dublin Arena (Ireland), Hampden Park (Scotland), Principality Stadium (Wales), and Wembley Stadium (England).

The round of 16 will be staged at one match per stadium, except Wembley, which will host eight games from start to finish. So, all in all, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host four group games and one round of 16 tie, with neither of which set to feature Thomas Tuchel's side.

Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has pledged that the host nations will stage the "best ever" Euros following a spectacular launch in London. The arrangements for Euro 2028 have been unveiled, with the competition set to commence in Cardiff on June 9 and the final scheduled to take place at Wembley on July 9.

In previous 'home tournaments' during the 1966 World Cup and Euro 96, England played all their domestic fixtures at Wembley. This represents a significant shift for the Three Lions as they take the country on tour, with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Etihad Stadium, Villa Park, St James' Park, and the Hill Dickinson Stadium all hosting matches.

Dublin, Cardiff and Glasgow will also host fixtures, and should England finish second in their group, they could find themselves playing in Merseyside. Despite co-hosting duties, Tuchel's squad must still earn qualification.

Wembley will stage the semi-finals and the final, though none of the last-16 encounters, which will be distributed amongst the eight remaining venues, meaning England will be displaced from their north-west London headquarters should they reach that phase.

There are 51 matches featuring 24 teams across 31 days in total, with each stadium accommodating a minimum of two different groups to guarantee diversity. The tournament was unveiled with considerable ceremony featuring a spectacular light display across Piccadilly Circus and additional Euro 2028 host venues throughout the UK and Ireland.

The Euro 2028 emblem, showcasing the legendary Henri Delaunay Trophy, represents what UEFA describe as "a dynamic design that captures the spirit of festivity and connection, brought to life through vibrant colours inspired by the host nations."

FA chairman Hewitt said: "Today marks a proud milestone for football across the UK and Ireland as we celebrate the launch of UEFA EURO 2028. Working with UEFA and our football and government partners, we will deliver the best-ever EURO. It will be a tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the game – its passion and ability to bring people together.

"We are building an inspiring event – a welcoming, safe and sustainable UEFA EURO that will create lasting community benefits far beyond the pitch. The countdown is truly on now to what will be an unforgettable summer of football."

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: "The host nations, where the game first took shape, are eager to welcome millions of fans into legendary stadiums. The fans will be the beating heart of this tournament."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "UEFA EURO 2028 will be the biggest sporting event ever jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland and, as a lifelong football fan, I know how much international competitions like this matter. This tournament will bring fans from across Europe to iconic footballing cities like Birmingham and Glasgow, inspire the next generation to lace up their boots, and deliver billions in economic benefits."

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "The summer of 2028 will be a massive moment for the whole of the UK and Ireland as we welcome football fans from across Europe. Football reaches people like nothing else – it crosses every boundary, speaks every language, and has the power to bring together communities in ways that other things simply cannot."

Radu Dragusin was welcomed back to match action by Tottenham teammate James Maddison with two heartfelt exchanges shared between the duo

James Maddison has sent a heartfelt message to Radu Dragusin following his first match minutes in nine months during a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday. The Tottenham defender has been absent since January with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), but has now taken a huge step towards a competitive return.

The Romania international re-joined team training several weeks ago, though Spurs have been carefully managing his return having missed such a significant period.

"He's fully integrated into training now," head coach Thomas Frank admitted in late October. "An ACL [injury] is not tricky, but it's such a big injury, because you're out for nine months, so you need to build strength in the knee. He is definitely getting closer to being involved. I think we plan to play him in a friendly [during the November break], as I understand it."

Dragusin also training with his national team has been mooted, despite the fact he will not feature in World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia and Herzegovina and San Marino.

The initial part of Tottenhan's plan has come to fruition at Hotspur Way with Dragusin playing the second 45 minutes of a friendly vs Leyton Orient. Maddison was in attendance for his comeback with the Spurs midfielder sharing a warm embrace with Dragusin before he took to the pitch.

Maddison later wrote to Instagram: "Day off for me today. But couldn't miss Radu's first minutes back after 9 months. I've seen first-hand how hard this man has worked to be in that position ready to play again today. His attitude honest to god keeps me so motivated [arm flexed emoji]. Proud of ya mush [white heart emoji]."

Dragusin, who also posted to social media about his return, directly replied to Maddison stating: "Means a lot mate." The latter has also suffered a severe knee injury and is just over three months into his own comeback with Frank hopeful he can play at some point this season.

Tottenham have been absolutely battered by injuries over these last few months with Dejan Kulusevski another longer-term absentee - having undergone knee surgery in May. Elsewhere, Dominic Solanke and Ben Davies have barely played this season with ankle and thigh issues, respectively.

Yves Bissouma, Archie Gray and Kota Takai are also absent right now, and Lucas Bergvall has missed the last two games due to concussion. Mohammed Kudus was unavailable for the 2-2 draw against Manchester United, but is expected back after the international break.

One player unlikely to feature in the impending North London Derby is Randal Kolo Muani. He was withdrawn at half-time this past weekend with it later revealed he has a fractured jaw following a inadvertent collision with his opponent Harry Maguire.

There were also one or two concerns surrounding Cristian Romero after he was also substituted after receiving treatment - but Frank later confirmed it was fatigue. He has since joined up with Argentina for friendlies against Angola and Australia.

The latest Tottenham transfer news as Rodrygo touches down in London ahead of Brazil's international friendly hosted at the Emirates Stadium.

Rodrygo has touched down in London amid claims that the Brazilian international could be looking to sign for a new club this winter.

The 24-year-old shared a collage of photos on Instagram ahead of Brazil's international friendly against Senegal, which will be played at the Emirates Stadium. However, Tottenham Hotspur may be hoping Rodrygo's attention drifts to the other side of north London.

Both Spurs and Arsenal were linked with the winger over the summer, with his place in Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid squad uncertain.

Rodrygo chose to stay at the club he has openly declared his love for. But after just two starts in Madrid's opening 12 La Liga fixtures, the 24-year-old is reportedly becoming frustrated with his situation.

According to ESPN Brazil, Rodrygo is 'dissatisfied' with his current role at Madrid - and a 'possible departure' could be on the horizon for him.

The winger's unhappiness might stem from previous comments made by Alonso. Real's returning Spanish manager insisted during the summer that Rodrygo was 'still important' - yet his limited minutes suggest otherwise.

Now seemingly unsettled, Spurs' transfer alarm bells could be ringing, once again. ESPN Brazil also report that, if Rodrygo were to leave, his preferred destination would be a Premier League club.

Arsenal appeared to be the most likely to sign him last summer, but Rodrygo made clear in October that he had no plans to leave Madrid. He told Spanish outlet AS: "Every summer, the same thing happens to me. Whether I'm going to leave or whether I have offers from this club or that.

"Every week, I was in a team if I paid attention to what was published. Of course, there are always offers; I'm not going to lie about that.

"But I've always made it clear to the club that I want to continue succeeding here, even more than I already have. It's a lot to have won two Champions Leagues at my age, but now I want more European Cups in this shirt.

"I've always said; 'As long as Real Madrid wants me, I'll be here'. If one day Real Madrid says to me; 'Rodry, find a team', I'll say; 'Okay'. But that hasn't happened.

"The club has always told me they count on me. And when I have had a problem, they were there for me. People speculated because I kept quiet. But I knew what I was going to do this season with Real Madrid and that I'm going to be focused on giving my best.

"It hasn't bothered me. I was calm, and here I am... as always. This is my seventh season."

Tottenham attacking midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has been sidelined since May when he picked up an injury against Crystal Palace that saw him miss Spurs' Europa League final triumph over Manchester United

Dejan Kulusevski is back doing fitness work on the grass as the Tottenham playmaker continues his recovery from surgery on his right patella.

The Swede, who picked up the knee issue back in May against Crystal Palace, is yet to kick a ball for Spurs this season under Thomas Frank.

However, Destiny Udogie has now offered hope his team-mate is finally on the comeback trail in what would represent a major boost for Tottenham.

Posting on his Snapchat account, the left-back shared a small clip of Kulusevski doing some fitness work on the grass in Dubai, where the pair are seemingly training together.

Spurs remain reluctant to put a timeframe on the Sweden international's return and it remains unclear whether he will be back on the pitch in a playing capacity before the end of 2025.

Udogie has not long returned to action himself after battling a knee problem and he was recently left out of Italy's national team squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway, respectively.

At the end of October, Frank revealed Kulusevski was not yet training on the grass, which would indicate he has now taken another crucial step in his recovery.

The Dane said last month: “That’s a good question, he’s still not on the grass and we’re working very hard to get him fit as quick as possible, I think my message is that he’s not on the grass yet.”

Spurs have battled a raft of first-team injuries so far this season and a number of other key players remain absent.

Dominic Solanke is yet to return following minor ankle surgery, while Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray, Ben Davies, Kota Takai and James Maddison remain absent.

Lucas Bergvall is set to return for Tottenham after the international having suffered concussion in the opening exchanges of the 1-0 derby defeat to Chelsea.

Mohammed Kudus hasn't joined up with the Ghana squad due to a knock while Randal Kolo Muani also suffered a fractured jaw in Spurs' dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester United before the break.

While the diagnosis comes as a hammer blow for Frank, who is already light on the ground in attack, it's being viewed positively as the PSG loanee does not require surgery.

Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic is making a real name for himself while on loan in Germany at Hamburger SV and he's expected to make his first international start for Croatia later this week

Luka Vuskovic has revealed he's still in touch with Tottenham despite being on loan at Hamburg, however, he doesn't know when he'll be going back to Spurs.

The 18-year-old centre-back has been an instant hit in the Bundesliga this season and has forced his way straight into HSV's starting XI.

His glistening form has also been rewarded at international level as Vuskovic is currently in line to earn his first senior Croatia start on Friday evening against the Faroe Islands.

Ahead of this week's World Cup qualifier, he was nominated to speak to the media back in his homeland and inevitably, he was asked about his future.

Vuskovic said: “I’m happy with everything at HSV. My grades are good, even above expectations.

"My teammates are great, everyone supports me and I have no bad words or criticism. I just need to keep going.

“Tottenham? I hear from them, they follow me. They are a good club when it comes to developing young players. I don’t know when I will be back.”

Spurs currently have no plans to recall Vuskovic from his current loan as he is playing regular football in one of Europe's top-five domestic leagues and additionally, he's performing well.

The talented teenager is expected to remain with HSV until the end of the season when his future will be reassessed by the Tottenham hierarchy.

The Europa League winners have huge faith in Vuskovic's potential but there is also recognition that Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are among the best centre-back pairings in world football.

Vuskovic is understood to have personally pushed to depart Spurs on loan in pursuit of regular playing time.

Given Thomas Frank also has Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin at his disposal, Spurs were unable to offer Vuskovic consistent minutes this season.

The Croatian gem did make a notable impression in pre-season though, notching a goal and an assist on his first Tottenham appearance in a 2-0 friendly win at Reading in July.

A number of clubs from Germany, France and Belgium were queuing up to sign Vuskovic on loan in the summer but he chose HSV as his older brother, Mario, also plays for the Bundesliga outfit although he's currently suspended.

Vuskovic netted his first Hamburg goal back in September when he scored in a 2-1 league victory over Heidenheim.

His Spurs contract runs until the summer of 2030, so Tottenham are under no immediate pressure to make a decision over his future after pipping Manchester City and PSG to a deal in September 2023.