Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: July 31, 2026, 11:47 AM ET

FIFA Faces Backlash Over World Cup Expansion Plans

FIFA has initiated a consultation process for an expanded 64-team Men's World Cup, with a decision targeted for August 14, despite significant criticism. FIFA issued a statement asserting that "nobody is selling football" and that the consultation will continue, even as UEFA has threatened a boycott of World Cup events. Former England defender Anita Asante believes FIFA's plans will make women's football "the first casualties". Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called FIFA president Gianni Infantino "the wrong man" to lead the organization amidst growing backlash over the investment plan. Senior FIFA advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest of the private equity investment plan.

Chelsea Fined, Avoid Points Deduction Amidst Agent Rule Breaches

Chelsea has been fined £10 million ($13m) and handed a suspended two-window transfer ban by the Football Association for admitting 74 breaches of agent regulations. The club was fined £10m by the Football Association for breaching rules relating to payments to agents between 2009 and 2022. An independent appeal board confirmed the £10m fine and suspended ban after Chelsea admitted breaches of FA agent rules.

Transfer Rumors Swirl as Summer Window Heats Up

Arsenal is reportedly growing more confident in signing Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United following the departure of manager Eddie Howe. West Ham is in talks with Celtic regarding a move for Arne Engels, with the Scottish club seeking around £25 million for the midfielder. Celtic has rejected a West Ham approach for Arne Engels and confirmed interest in Alistair Johnston from Everton. Bournemouth has agreed to a deal worth nearly £26 million for Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva. Real Madrid has signed forward Carlos Espí from Levante on a five-year contract. Manchester City is reportedly targeting Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille as a potential replacement for Rodri.

Key Figures and Legends Mourned

Franco Baresi, the legendary former AC Milan and Italy defender, has died at the age of 66. AC Milan and Italy great Franco Baresi has died at the age of, the Italian club announced. Former striker Diego Forlán has been appointed interim head coach of Uruguay's national team until March 2027.

Club and League Updates Across Europe

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos stated he will discuss Lionel Messi's return to action after his 2026 World Cup participation with Argentina. Casemiro labeled Lionel Messi the "god of football" and joined Inter Miami to help the Argentine win more trophies. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas criticized Major League Soccer's Discovery List rule following the Casemiro signing dispute. Real Madrid has agreed to a deal with Fulham for forward Gonzalo García, with midfielder César Palacios also close to a move. Tottenham Hotspur is looking to complete "another bomba" transfer, according to head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Sandro Tonali took "10 minutes" to decide to join Tottenham after meeting manager Roberto de Zerbi, with the club making a record £100 million signing.

Scottish Football Kicks Off with Title Aspirations

Heart of Midlothian head coach Wouter Vrancken aims to replicate last season's success despite his team adapting to a new style of play. The new Scottish Premiership season begins, with questions about whether any team can challenge Celtic and Rangers for the title. Hibernian's David Gray saw his team booed off previously but received strong support after a second-leg display. Hibernian and Motherwell have progressed in their Conference League qualifiers. Chris Cadden has moved from Hibernian to Aberdeen, seeking more game time.

NWSL and Women's Football News

An emotional Chiara Tamburlini faces a nervous wait to see if she has qualified for Team Europe’s Solheim Cup side after missing the cut at the AIG Women’s Open. Charley Hull insists she "does not care" about criticism over her pre-major caddie prank and is in title contention at the AIG Women's Open. Jeeno Thitikul took the early lead at the AIG Women's Open, with Charley Hull making a mixed start. Chelsea and England forward Aggie Beever-Jones is ready to "conquer" the new season after injury troubles last term. NWSL clubs are receiving midseason grades, with an assessment of all 16 teams at the halfway point.

Other Sporting Headlines

England fought back to beat South Africa 58-54 and reach the netball semi-finals at the Commonwealth Games. Southern Brave men's team secured their first win in The Hundred with a late thriller against Birmingham Phoenix. Southern Brave maintained their unbeaten record in The Hundred with a 24-run victory over Birmingham Phoenix. Cameron Norrie raced into his first semi-final of 2026 with a dominant 6-1 6-0 win over Bernard Tomic at the Los Cabos Open. LIV Golf's season finale in Michigan will proceed as planned. Diamond Necklace extended its unbeaten record with a dominant display in the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.