Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 6:14 PM ET

FIFA Governance & Controversies

FIFA has issued a strong criticism of what it calls a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine president Gianni Infantino. Infantino himself denied that UEFA paid off his alleged lover while he served as the organisation's general secretary. The Norway Football Federation president has called for Infantino to resign, stating there is "no trust" in him, though Mexico and Argentina have expressed support. Meanwhile, the plan to sell a minority stake in the World Cup to tech investors has been canned, but investors had expressed interest in what they see as a potentially AI-proof asset.

Transfers & Transfer Rumours

Manchester City will not sanction a cut-price departure for Rodri, valuing the midfielder at over €70 million as Barcelona and Real Madrid circle. Barcelona have increased their bid for Rodri, while Ferran Torres has told Barça he wants to join PSG after agreeing personal terms. Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone insists the club's position on Julián Álvarez is unchanged despite Barcelona interest. The LA Galaxy have confirmed the signing of former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto. Ipswich Town have signed Serbia midfielder Sasa Lukic from Fulham for an undisclosed fee. Middlesbrough have signed Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek for an undisclosed fee. Arsenal have completed the £75m transfer of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle. Analysis of where he fits in the midfield is here. Aberdeen have signed Belgian forward Mitchy Ntelo from Yverdon-Sport for an undisclosed fee. Real Madrid have added World Cup star Yan Diomande to their forward line in a big-spending move. Liverpool have agreed a surprise loan deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. PSV have rejected an improved Rangers offer for Couhaib Driouech, according to gossip. Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. The USMNT summer transfer grades are out, with Arfsten earning a B+ for his Boro move. Both Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign Shakhtar Donetsk forward Kauã Elias. Franco Mastantuono has joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Real Madrid. Vinícius Júnior ended speculation by signing a new six-year Real Madrid contract. Arsenal could hijack Liverpool's move for Bradley Barcola, according to Saturday's papers. Both Arsenal and Manchester United also want Inter's Pio Esposito.

Preseason Friendlies

Marcus Rashford is set to rejoin Manchester United's squad at their preseason camp in Ireland. Substitute Yoane Wissa scored twice to give Matthias Jaissle a winning start with a 2-1 comeback win at 10-man Valencia, as covered live. The match report details the game. The player ratings highlighted Wissa's performance. Hornicek and Bamba were handed their debuts. Bryan Mbeumo earned Man Utd a 1-1 draw with PSG in Gothenburg, with Tielemans making an impressive debut. Boss Michael Carrick saw "good signs" from his side. Liverpool legend Luis Garcia hopes Xabi Alonso's Chelsea finish second to Liverpool this season. Barcelona's preseason run-out on Saturday will be a "triangular" match against Nottingham Forest and Udinese, explained.

Domestic Football: Scottish Premiership

St Mirren have started with two opening wins in the Scottish Premiership, with Killian Phillips scoring again to keep them top. The fuel driving St Mirren's start is examined. Joe Bevan tormented Aberdeen as Dundee got their first points with a deserved 2-0 victory. The Scottish FA will hold a "critically important" summit on the future of the national game. The FA is also closing in on the appointment of a new head coach to replace Steve Clarke.

Domestic Football: Carabao Cup

Kyle Walker struck the winning penalty as Burnley edged Notts County 4-3 in a shoot-out to reach the Carabao Cup second round after a 1-1 draw, as reported. Will Lankshear's debut strike gave Middlesbrough a 1-0 win over Wrexham in the Carabao Cup first round, with Berhalter helping Boro. Southampton took a late lead while Charlton and West Brom were winning in the Carabao Cup, all covered live on Sky. BBC Sport looks at some of the wildest scorelines in EFL Cup history.

Women's Football

Algeria became the first team to reach the WAFCON semifinals, booking their place at the Women's World Cup for the first time with goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham cancelling out Ines Konan's opener, as reported. In The Hundred, Trent Rockets booked a place in the women's knockouts with a nine-wicket win over MI London.

Other Football News

Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi, has died at a hospital in Rosario. He was. Mohamed Salah and Vozinha have had amazing transfer unveilings, with the World Cup's most viral goalkeeper and Africa's most storied player still in the spotlight. U.S. women's coach Emma Hayes said she is "delighted" that Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new deal to remain U.S. men's team coach, believing his stay can help raise the level. Former Portland executive Gavin Wilkinson has been hired by San Jose as a consultant. Former Wolves goalkeeper Phil Parkes has died at the age of. What life is like for footballers' families during the transfer window is explored in a look at life as a Wag. Several elite clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool, are struggling with World Cup burnout as players return.

Rugby

South Africa scraped past Argentina 17-10 in Test rugby at the possible expense of inspirational captain Siya Kolisi, who suffered an injury in Buenos Aires, as reported. Australia held on for a tight 35-32 victory over Japan, despite a first-half red card for Miles Amatosero, giving new head coach Les Kiss a winning start.

Boxing

Joe Ward staved off disaster, beating Artjom Kasparian on a unanimous decision after 10 ferocious rounds in Dublin, rescuing his career. Callum Walsh maintained his unbeaten record with a unanimous decision victory over Tyler Denny, battling through cuts and a knockdown. The McKenna vs Oliha fight saw a frenetic start with Walsh and Denny hitting the canvas, live. Callum Walsh has dismissed a call-out from Stevie McKenna, saying he would rather fight Aaron for a world title. Experts made their predictions ahead of the McKenna vs Oliha and Walsh vs Denny bouts.

Cricket

Trent Rockets pair Mitch Santner and Tim David helped steer their side into the knockout stage of The Hundred with a 78-run partnership in a six-wicket win over MI London, as reported. Gloucestershire honoured Syd Lawrence in an MND fundraiser, with James Bracey sharing memories of the former bowler.

Horse Racing

Ryan Moore bagged a Shergar Cup double on his return after 20 years to help Great Britain and Ireland win the team event, also being crowned leading rider. Big Buck's, one of the greatest staying hurdlers, has died at. Ascot stages the Shergar Cup meeting with Flat action from Ascot and Lingfield Park live on Sky Sports Racing.

Rugby League

Betfred Super League side Huddersfield Giants have announced they are to leave the town and move to Dewsbury for the 2027 season onwards.