Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

FIFA President Under Fire, International Football Developments

FIFPRO, the world players' union, has condemned FIFA President Gianni Infantino's "abuse of presidential power" and called for changes at the top of FIFA following his failed World Cup stake sale plans. UEFA's boycott of FIFA tournaments still stands, with the FA now joining UEFA in opposing Infantino's re-election next year. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated he no longer has confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, adding to the growing pressure on the soccer leader after his abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. FIFA said Wednesday it had apologized for errors made over Gianni Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, and senior staff in attendance at a summit held in Morocco reaffirmed their support. Rivals are reportedly circling in a bid to unseat Infantino as FIFA president following his disastrous plan to bring private equity into the World Cup. The Argentine Football Association has announced July 15th as National Football Teams Day to mark Argentina's 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England. Spain "deserves" to host the 2030 World Cup final, according to the country's sports minister Milagros Tolón. The Scottish FA will no longer use a key match incident review panel. The Afghan women's team, which is recognized by Fifa, are playing football 8,000 miles away from home after being banned from the sport in their own country, with players stating football has given them freedom and independence.

Premier League and European Transfer Window Buzz

Mohamed Salah has joined Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on a free transfer, trading the Premier League for the Turkish club. With time running out in the transfer window, his departure raises questions about Liverpool's future plans. Liverpool have been offered a potential solution to their defensive depth issues with a Spanish center-back, while Manchester United are reportedly looking at USMNT's Antonee Robinson. Liverpool have also signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife Femenino, subject to visa approval and international clearance. Bruno Guimaraes' future at Newcastle United was "already made" by the time new head coach Matthias Jaissle first met the club's departing captain. Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson has called new head coach Matthias Jaissle a "rock star" with "no ceiling on where his career could go." Winger Jeremy Doku is the latest Manchester City player to commit his future to the club after signing a new contract until 2031. Barcelona are set to approach Man City for midfielder Rodri and are hopeful they can beat their LaLiga rivals to the signing of the Spain captain. Rodri has given Barcelona the go-ahead to begin talks with Manchester City as they try to beat Real Madrid to a deal for the midfielder. Real Madrid spent big to acquire World Cup star Yan Diomande, adding him to a forward line that already features Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. Bournemouth has announced the signing of right-back Juanlu Sanchez from Spanish club Sevilla in a deal worth up to £11.1m. Swansea City has signed free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal following the Scotland striker's departure from Southampton. Former AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato is a member of a consortium which is set to buy a majority stake in League Two club Northampton Town. Everton has completed the signing of Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal. Defender Gabby George has completed a move to Brighton from Manchester United before the start of the Women's Super League season. Wrexham has signed midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Former England defender Kyle Walker says he is "at ease" with his decision to quit international football and hoped it could lead to an extended club career. Raul Jimenez is back at Wolves, a move described as the most romantic signing of the summer, and for the club's supporters, they are not so much welcoming back a former favourite but revisiting a chapter of their history. Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, exploring how he could fit into Roberto de Zerbi’s side. Liverpool are reportedly looking to strengthen their attack by signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye.

Club Friendlies and Pre-Season Action

Arsenal players were "fuming" after defensive errors saw them fall to a 3-1 preseason defeat to Real Betis in Dublin. Mikel Arteta revealed his disappointment with the team's performance in the friendly match. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is impressed with the maturity and focus shown by Northern Ireland international Ceadach O'Neill. Rangers need a result against their Polish opponents, while Hearts need a miracle against Portuguese giants in European competition. Rangers have been linked with PSV Eindhoven winger Yorbe Driouech. The Carabao Cup is back for the 2026/27 season, with every first-round tie available to watch live on Sky Sports.

Boxing and Individual Sports Updates

The Paddy Power PDC World Championship dates have been confirmed with the final scheduled for Sunday, January 3rd, in Ally Pally's Great Hall, and a record 180,000 tickets on offer. Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is still expected to be announced in August, even if the all-British heavyweight clash is relocated to America. Jake Paul's rematch with Tommy Fury "makes most sense" as the American star targets a return to boxing, says Most Valuable Promotions partner Nakisa Bidarian. Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker claimed a failed drugs test that resulted in him being suspended from boxing was caused by exposure to cocaine being used by his nutritionist. Aaron McKenna is not short of ambition, fighting for the world title this Saturday, live on Sky Sports, and wants to unify at 160lbs before potentially fighting at heavyweight. Joe Ward an amateur boxing sensation, had the world at his feet until disaster struck repeatedly. Alex Hughes son of Mark Hughes, died of sudden adult death syndrome.

Other Sports News

The new season of "Ted Lasso" was filmed in the U.S. at a real-life NWSL club for a cameo that serves as a key plot point of the show. Lionel Messi scored a stellar pair of goals to guide his team to a come-from-behind 4-2 rout of Atlético de San Luis in its first game of the 2026 Leagues Cup. Trent Rockets extended their lead at the top of The Hundred table with a near-perfect performance that secured their fifth win in six games, leaving Birmingham Phoenix rooted to the bottom. Pakistan ended their eight-match away Test losing streak in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, securing an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies. England's 16-man squad for the opening two Tests against Pakistan includes Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse, while Jacob Bethell will miss the entirety of the series. Returning captain Joe Root is part of the 16-man squad named for the opening two Tests against Pakistan. British No. 2 Cameron Norrie claimed a comfortable victory at the National Bank Open in Montreal, setting up a third-round meeting with Alex De Minaur. Bangor striker Ben Arthurs is free to play in his club's first game of the 2026-27 Irish Premiership season having completed a three-month anti-doping ban. Ebbsfleet United's first three National League South games of the season are suspended because of the club's financial problems. Uganda international Benjamin Owori, was murdered by suspected robbers after resisting an attempt to rob him, police say. Eve Muirhead is coming out of retirement with the aim of chasing another Winter Olympics gold medal.