Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 31, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

FIFA Faces Backlash Over Commercialization Plans

FIFA is defending its plan to sell stakes in the World Cup's commercial operations, stating that "nobody is selling football" and that the consultation process will continue despite UEFA threatening to boycott World Cups. FIFA insists that the investment plan is proceeding and that the organization is not selling off the sport. The organization could receive its first private World Cup cash by the end of October, while UEFA plans to meet to discuss the proposal. The plan to sell off part of FIFA's commercial operations has spread shock and outrage across the sporting world, with the governing body facing questions about whether the sale is necessary.

Transfer Market Buzz and Club Signings

Real Madrid has secured forward Carlos Espí from Levante on a five-year contract and has also agreed to a deal with Fulham for forward Gonzalo García, with midfielder César Palacios also nearing a move. Manchester City is reportedly targeting Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille as a potential replacement for Rodri, with other clubs also monitoring Chelsea's Liam Delap. Arsenal is increasingly confident of signing Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United following Eddie Howe's departure, a move also hinted at in newspaper reports. Elsewhere, Sassuolo has reportedly agreed to a £10m fee for Kieron Bowie, and Rangers have accepted an offer for Nedim Bajrami. Rangers have also completed the signing of centre-back Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union for around £3m Rangers move a 'dream come true'. Chelsea has. Chelsea has signed Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a £51m deal, while AS Monaco has signed Matthis Abline from Nantes, potentially forming a forward line with Folarin Balogun.

Managerial Moves and Player Movements

Former striker Diego Forlán has been appointed interim head coach of Uruguay's national team until March 2027. Newcastle United's manager Eddie Howe has departed, with Matthias Jaissle being tipped as a potential replacement Howe going as spending rules bite. The writing. The writing was on the wall for Howe, who questioned the need for new energy at the club. Alan Shearer expressed concern about the club's future following Howe's exit. Steven Pressley has signed a new contract with Dundee but warned of challenges ahead for the club, while St Mirren manager Craig McLeish has been charged by the Scottish FA for comments made about a referee. Roberto Mancini has apologized for his previous exit after returning to coach Italy, and Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he turned down the Italy role due to his commitment to Brazil.

MLS and North American Soccer News

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has criticized the MLS Discovery List rule, advocating for its abolition for over two years. Casemiro stated he joined Inter Miami to assist Lionel Messi, whom he called the "god of football," in winning more trophies. Lionel Messi has returned to Inter Miami after Argentina's World Cup final loss. Major League Soccer is preparing for a new era, including a transition to a summer-to-spring calendar and the departure of Commissioner Don Garber. The MLS All-Stars defeated the LIGA MX All-Stars 4-3, with Son Heung-min scoring two goals. The United States Soccer Federation is teasing an imminent decision on Mauricio Pochettino's future as the U.S. men's national team coach. Premier League clubs have agreed to a funding proposal to present to the EFL.

Other Football Updates and Player News

Roberto De Zerbi, who stated he was born an "ultra," has hinted at another significant transfer for Tottenham Hotspur. He also expressed a desire to convince Djed Spence to remain at the club. Sandro Tonali decided to join Tottenham within 10 minutes of meeting De Zerbi, following a club-record £100m transfer. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign due to injury, but this is not anticipated to affect the club's transfer plans. Harvey Elliott remains unsure about his long-term future at Liverpool following a "tough" loan spell at Aston Villa. Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool should prioritize replacing Mohamed Salah rather than signing Bradley Barcola, and Rio Ngumoha may be a ready-made replacement for Salah amidst rumors of Barcola's potential arrival. Senne Lammens has cut his holiday short to return to Manchester United training, and Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United after his loan spell at Barcelona concluded. Erling Haaland is enjoying his summer break. The Scottish Premiership is set to begin, with BBC Scotland highlighting key talking points for the new season.

Rule Changes and League News

New Football Association rules will impose at least 10-game bans for players found guilty of discrimination. The Women's Super League fixtures for the 2026/27 season have been announced, with Manchester City beginning their title defense against Birmingham City. Tottenham's transfer activity indicates strong ambitions for the Women's Super League next season. Everton is reportedly interested in Celtic's Alistair Johnston, with Nathan Patterson potentially moving on. Huddersfield secured their second consecutive Betfred Super League victory by defeating Hull FC 22-16. St Helens prop George Delaney will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to injury. Rayo Vallecano is barred from playing at their home stadium due to the risk of Legionnaires' disease for supporters.

Other Sports News

England's netball team fought back to defeat South Africa 58-54 and reach the Commonwealth Games semi-finals. England's Jodie Campbell smashed a Commonwealth Games record to win gold in athletics. In golf, Rickie Fowler and Patrick Cantlay are in contention at the Rocket Classic, with Peter Malnati leading after threatening a sub-60 round. Golfer Trey Mullinax has received a six-month ban for an anti-doping violation. The AIG Women's Open has commenced, with Jeeno Thitikul leading after the opening round and Charley Hull making a mixed start Hull and Woad in major mix. Solheim Cup. Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist is focusing on her performance at the AIG Women's Open. Southern Brave maintained their unbeaten record in The Hundred with a comfortable win over Birmingham Phoenix by 24 runs, following an earlier win in a close match. In boxing, Chris Eubank Jr.'s negotiations for a return to the ring in Nigeria are progressing well, and Kayla Allen has become the first female fighter to sign with Zuffa Boxing. Mark Butcher has criticized the decision to reappoint Joe Root as England captain, calling it a "retrograde step". Stephen Fleming has been appointed as the new coach of England's men's Test team. Cameron Norrie has advanced to the quarter-finals at the Los Cabos Open.