Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

FIFA Faces FIFA Fury Amid Investor Plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has offered a $40 million (£30.1 incentive to national football associations to back his controversial plan to sell stakes in the organization to private investors, with a September 19 deadline set for their decision revealed in a letter. This proposal has ignited a significant dispute between football's governing bodies, prompting UEFA to schedule an emergency meeting this week with its 55 member associations to discuss the FIFA plan and potential countermeasures, including a possible World Cup boycott. UEFA is reportedly weighing a World Cup boycott to oppose FIFA's proposal to raise $20 billion from selling equity in major competitions. The controversy has already drawn criticism, with some European nations reportedly ready to discuss a potential World Cup boycott.

Transfer Market Buzz: Liverpool, Chelsea, and Real Madrid Active

Liverpool are reportedly set to open talks with Paris Saint-Germain over the signing of Bradley Barcola, with the winger having already agreed personal terms with the Anfield club reported by ESPN. Meanwhile, Brighton striker Danny Welbeck has been granted permission to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge, signaling an imminent move to Chelsea and marking the Blues' first fee for an over-26 player since 2022. In Spain, Real Madrid chiefs are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Rodri a year earlier than planned, potentially impacting the Premier League champions' squad. Real Madrid also remain confident that Vinícius Júnior will not depart the club this summer, despite reported interest from Arsenal reported by ESPN.

Club and Player Movements Across Europe

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has expressed his desire to see out his future at the club and wants to win the league "in a bit more style" this season. La Liga side Rayo Vallecano has been barred from playing at their home stadium just weeks before the new season due to the risk of supporters contracting Legionnaires' disease. Middlesbrough has secured the signing of USA midfielder Sebastian Berhalter from Vancouver Whitecaps on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Crystal Palace is reportedly in talks with former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has been training with the club and was named as a substitute in a pre-season friendly.

National Team Coaching and Player Futures

Steven Naismith expects to remain involved with the Scotland national team regardless of who is appointed as Steve Clarke’s successor, having held talks regarding a future role. Zinedine Zidane has been appointed the new coach of the French national team, marking his return to management after a five-year hiatus since his last job at Real Madrid reported by ESPN. The USMNT is in need of a new coach, with questions surrounding the potential appointment of Mauricio Pochettino highlighted by ESPN.

Other Football News and Developments

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is recovering from a heart problem after being admitted to hospital reported by ESPN. In Brazil, the sports court has suspended player Víctor Gabriel until Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec returns to training after sustaining a broken leg from the Inter defender's foul reported by ESPN. Anti-discrimination body Kick It Out reported a record 1,744 incidents of discrimination during the 2025/26 season, a 25% rise, and is calling for tougher sanctions. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) clarified its guidance to referees, confirming that Switzerland forward Breel Embolo should not have been sent off in a World Cup quarterfinal match clarified by ESPN.

Golf and Other Sports Updates

The AIG Women's Open, the final women's major championship of the year, is underway at Royal Lytham & St Annes, with the leaderboard showing the latest standings. Padraig Harrington has been named as Europe's third vice-captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup, which will be held at Adare Manor in Ireland. In other sports news, Formula 1's 2026 season may end in Europe if the final two scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi need to be relocated due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Ronnie O’Sullivan was knocked out of the Shanghai Masters in the second round after a 6-4 defeat to Kyren Wilson.