Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

International Football Governance and Controversies

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing significant criticism and calls for reform following his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. The world players' union FIFPRO has condemned Infantino's "abuse of presidential power" and called for change at the top of FIFA. FIFA stated on Wednesday that Infantino had apologized for errors made over his World Cup stake sale plans, and senior staff present at a summit in Morocco reaffirmed their support. The association of European soccer leagues has also called for governance reform of FIFA, adding to the pressure on Infantino. Two senior FIFA executives, Arsène Wenger and Mattias Grafström, have distanced themselves from Infantino's failed stake sale plan. FIFA has accused Jordan of blackmail over World Cup money in exchange for their support for Infantino's continued presidency. Portugal great Luís Figo has joined the chorus of voices calling for Infantino to step down over the controversial plan. Canada's Prime Mark Carney has expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino, citing his abandoned plan to sell World Cup stakes. Infantino has called for a crisis meeting with senior staff in Morocco amidst the mounting criticism. He has also summoned senior leaders to a meeting on Wednesday to address the fallout from his scrapped plan to sell off FIFA's commercial and event operations. UEFA's boycott of FIFA tournaments remains in place, and the FA has withdrawn its support for Infantino's re-election next year. FIFA executives reportedly face scrutiny over their role in the president's controversial decisions.

Club Transfers and Squad Movements

English Premier League, Liverpool has been offered a potential solution to their defensive depth issues, with Manchester United reportedly interested in U.S. international Antonee Robinson. completed a free transfer to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor. Liverpool has also explored a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Crystal Palace reportedly close to signing wing-back Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake and is considering a move for winger Solly March, while also preparing to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer. Chelsea is set to finalize a deal for Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for approximately £16.3m (€19m) plus add-ons and is also nearing a loan move for goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Strasbourg. Bournemouth has announced the signing of right-back Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla for up to £11.1m. Wrexham has signed midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Ipswich Town completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Burnley. Everton has signed Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal. Hull City secured the signing of Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos on a five-year deal for a club-record fee. United admits to errors in their ticket touting investigation but maintains the investigation's validity.

Player Signings and Contract News

Winger Jeremy has committed his future to Manchester City by signing a new contract that extends until 2031. Liverpool has signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife Femenino, pending visa approval and international clearance. Swansea City secured the services of free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal. Former AC and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato is part of a consortium set to acquire a majority stake in League Two club Northampton Town. Rangers have completed the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover. Celtic manager O'Neill is in the hospital following a "small procedure." Manchester United has appointed Eva Olid as their new women's manager on a two-year contract with an option for an additional year. Sacha Lewis sister of Rico Lewis, has signed her first professional contract with Manchester City Women.

European Club Football News

Real Madrid reportedly set to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives to resume contract renewal talks. Barcelona is reportedly looking to sign Manchester City's Rodri and hopes to beat Real Madrid to the deal, with Rodri having reportedly given Barcelona the go-ahead to begin talks. Real Madrid also added World Cup star Yan Diomande to their forward line, which already includes Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior. Franco Mastantuono expected to join Fiorentina from Real Madrid on a season-long loan. Ajax has completed the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan. Barcelona come under fire from supporters, with Ferran Torres leaving the door open to a potential move away from the club. Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal players were "fuming" after a 3-1 preseason defeat to Real Betis in Dublin, citing defensive errors. Arsenal has also agreed to a £75m fee with Newcastle for their captain Bruno Guimaraes. Newcastle United appointed Matthias Jaissle, as their new head coach, with the CEO calling him a "rock star" with "no ceiling on where his career could go." Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola & Co. still have significant work to do as their U.S. preseason trip revealed squad depth concerns. legend Ian Rush believes new manager Andoni Iraola deserves time to succeed but should aim for silverware in his debut campaign. Liverpool is prepared to make Bradley Barcola their third £100m signing, with the France and Paris Saint-Germain winger's potential impact being analyzed. Tottenham manager de Zerbi hopes his transfer market acumen will help guide the club up the Premier League table.

Leagues and Tournaments

The Carabao Cup is back for the 2026/27 season, with all first-round ties available to watch live on Sky Sports. The bulk of the EFL Cup's first-round fixtures will be played on a weekend, deviating from the competition's traditional midweek schedule. Lionel Messi scored two goals to lead his team to a 4-2 victory over Atlético de San Luis in their first Leagues Cup game. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares for the Leagues Cup without him due to a lengthy suspension. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) plans to commence its 2027 season on February 11 in Los Angeles, aligning with the Super Bowl. Washington's loss to San Diego resulted in the Spirit surrendering the No. 1 spot in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, with Utah now holding the top position. The new season of "Ted Lasso" featured filming in the U.S. at a real-life NWSL club for a plot point.

Rugby and Other Sports

Eddie Hearn believes Henry Pollock possesses the superstar qualities to revitalize rugby union, but stresses that players must be compensated appropriately. Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua is still anticipated to be announced in August, with a potential relocation to America for the fight. Former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker claims a failed drug test was due to exposure to cocaine used by his nutritionist. British boxer Raven Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a brain bleed after collapsing during training in Denmark. Joe Ward an amateur boxing sensation, has faced repeated setbacks in his career. Jake Paul is targeting a boxing return by January, with Tommy Fury being his preferred opponent. Aaron McKenna is aiming to unify the middleweight division and then potentially move up to heavyweight. Max Verstappen praised Kimi Antonelli's consistent performances in Formula 1's Drivers' Championship. Riders in the Tour de France Femmes will undergo additional clothing checks due to claims of aerodynamic advantage through bra padding. Several athletes are unaccounted for following the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Player News and International Football