The EU thinks Real Madrid and Barcelona’s business models might be illegal

Spanish soccer as a whole is in a bit of hot water after an EU ruling about state aid to clubs. Real Madrid, Valencia, Hercules and Elche are all being ordered to repay aid or irregular tax breaks. Madrid can just write a check to end this if they want to, but the three Valencian sides might have a bit more trouble paying.

But the more interesting part of the story might be what comes a few months or years down the road. The EU is looking into the status of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao as foundations, not companies, and how it helps them save on taxes. The entire business models of these clubs might get blown up entirely.

Thorgan Hazard’s opener for Gladbach. Yung Hazard went on to score a hat trick. (r/soccer)

U.S. Soccer has suspended Hope Solo for six months and terminated her contract. She can still play in NWSL.

The Champions League draw is Thursday. Here’s everything you need to know.

Claudio Bravo is now a Manchester City player. (MCFC)

And Barcelona has replaced him with Jasper Cillessen. (FCB)

Danny Drinkwater has a new five-year deal with Leicester. (LCFC)

What about Joe Hart? Everton says they’re not interested. (BBC)

Óliver Torres is moving from Atlético Madrid to FC Porto. (Atletico Madrid)

Salomon Kalou has left Hertha Berlin training after two deaths in his family. (Bild)

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino isn’t thrilled with Érik Lamela’s showboating. (Guardian)

Karim Benzema is still not getting France call-ups. (Marca)

LAFC’s stadium naming rights deal is worth $100 million over 15 years. (SI)

Catherine Addington on D.C. United becoming a company that treats fans like customers, and needing to get back to being a family. (Unusual Efforts)

Euan McTear on the strange story of Bonner Sport-Club inviting the entire Cuban national team to join their team. (These Football Times)

Kevin Nolan on Triestina, a club that’s part of an independence movement. (The Gentlemen Ultra)

Please don’t take anything in this section too seriously, for your own sanity.

James Rodríguez is looking for a house in Torino. (Gazzetta)

And Juventus has stepped up their chase of Blaise Matuidi. (Le Parisien)

Sion is just one of the many off-the-radar clubs Mario Balotelli is talking to. (Ticinonews)

Arsenal is looking at Sporting Lisbon’s Islam Slimani. (HITC)

That’s after Deportivo called their bid for Lucas Pérez “unacceptable,” which might give Everton a chance to sign him. (Mail)

Slaven Bilic admits West Ham is interested in Wilfried Bony and Simone Zaza. (Sun)

Southampton is after Sofiane Boufal of Lille. (Mirror)

Paco Alcácer has told Valencia he wants to go to Barcelona. (Marca)

Inter Milan is trying to sign João Mário. (Football Italia)

Here are the big stories from the Champions League playoffs.

Highlights of Wednesday’s MLS games are here. (MLS)