Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

FIFA President Under Fire

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure to resign over a failed plan to sell the World Cup to private investors. Portugal great Luís Figo has publicly joined calls for Infantino to step down. FIFA has also been accused of blackmailing Jordan for their support of Infantino's presidency. Senior FIFA executives including Arsène Wenger and Mattias Grafström, have distanced themselves from Infantino's controversial proposal. UEFA has even threatened legal action against FIFA regarding the World Cup sell-off plan. Infantino has summoned senior leaders for a crisis meeting in Morocco amid the escalating criticism. He will meet senior leaders of football's world governing body to discuss the situation.

Premier League Signings and Rumors

Arsenal reportedly close to finalizing the transfer of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, with a fee of £75m agreed. The Gunners also said to be in talks with Newcastle for the midfielder. Manchester United midfielder Marcus Rashford's future remains uncertain, with Fenerbahce reportedly preparing a significant offer. Tottenham Hotspur has been offered AS Monaco and USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. Chelsea is nearing an agreement with Rayo Vallecano for left-back Pep Chavarria for approximately £16.3m plus add-ons. Liverpool is exploring a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. The club is prepared to make Bradley Barcola their third £100m signing. Nottingham Forest is interested in Tijjani Reijnders, while Spurs are also linked with Savinho and Nicolas Jackson. Atlético Madrid is reportedly interested in signing Manchester City winger Jack Grealish.

European Club Moves and Managerial Changes

Manchester United has appointed former Hearts boss Eva Olid as their new women's manager on a two-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months. Cardiff City is set to sign Lincoln City midfielder Jack Moylan. Hull City has completed the signing of Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos for a club-record fee. Rangers have agreed to a deal for Hannover winger Daisuke Yokota and are also reportedly bidding for Fares Ghedjemis, with Celtic also interested in the latter. Ipswich Town has signed Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Burnley. Queens Park Rangers have acquired Finland midfielder Glen Kamara on a season-long loan from Rennes. Como has agreed to a deal worth over £30m to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is expected to seal a season-long loan move to Strasbourg. Munich's Hansi Flick believes the club "has to do something" in the transfer market to find a striker. The 2026-27 Premier League season is set to make history with a record number of managerial changes.

Player Transfers and Contract Situations

Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to join Turkish club Trabzonspor on a free transfer after mutually agreeing to terminate his Liverpool contract. Franco Mastantuono is expected to join Fiorentina from Real Madrid on a season-long loan. Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has joined Ajax on a season-long loan. Real Madrid is scheduled to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to resume contract renewal talks. Bernardo Silva said he "didn't think twice" about joining Real Madrid after his first training session. Inter Miami has not expressed interest in signing Kevin De Bruyne or Juan Fernando Quintero. Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic insists the club "counts on me" despite transfer rumors.

Other Football News

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) plans to start its 2027 season on February 11 in Los Angeles, coinciding with the Super Bowl. MLS has opened an investigation into reported antisemitic and discriminatory language from fans directed at New England Revolution striker Dor Turgeman. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares for the Leagues Cup without him due to his suspension. The new season of "Ted Lasso" was filmed at a real NWSL club in the U.S., serving as a key plot point. Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors are scheduled to play the first-ever Super League fixture in Ireland in April 2027. Cape Verde's World Cup debutant coach Bubista has resigned and joined Moroccan club RS Berkane.

Boxing and Other Sports

British boxer Raven Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a bleed on her brain after collapsing during a sparring session in Denmark. Joseph Parker announced his intention to resume his boxing career soon, claiming his suspension has been lifted following a failed drug test. Moses Itauma is set to fight for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title against Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29. Ben Stokes expressed his desire to coach England one day. Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a wrist injury, raising concerns about his US Open title defense. Emma Raducanu will miss the US Open due to a stress fracture, and it has been suggested she could benefit from ending her season early to focus on recovery.

Rugby and Cricket

The Atlanta Falcons have signed Bijan Robinson to a contract extension, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. SANZAAR and Sky Sports have agreed on a deal for international rugby rights from 2026-2030. SunRisers Leeds posted a record 241-2 score in The Hundred before defeating London Spirit, with Welsh Fire also securing a hard-fought victory over Southern Brave.