Last updated: August 6, 2026, 5:30 PM ET
International Football Governance and Controversies
FIFA President Infantino is facing growing pressure and criticism following his abandoned 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. UEFA's boycott of FIFA tournaments still stands, with Infantino remaining in his position, and the FA has joined them in opposing his re-election next year. stated Wednesday that it had apologized for errors made over Infantino's failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. Senior staff present at a summit in Morocco reaffirmed their support for Infantino. Canadian Prime Mark Carney stated he no longer has confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, adding to pressure after his abandoned plan to sell World Cup stakes. Portugal great Luís Figo has joined calls for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down over his failed plan to sell the World Cup to private investors. Two senior executives, Arsène Wenger and Mattias Grafström, distanced themselves from Infantino's failed plan to sell World Cup stakes. Infantino has called for a crisis meeting with senior staff in Morocco on Wednesday. He will also face senior leaders of football's world governing body on Wednesday, with expectations of what will transpire. Rivals are reportedly circling in a bid to unseat Gianni Infantino as FIFA president following his disastrous plan to bring private equity into the World Cup. The association of European soccer leagues called for governance reform of FIFA on Wednesday, adding to pressure on president Gianni Infantino. Ex-FIFA VP President Infantino of blackmail, claiming FIFA blackmailed Jordan over World Cup money in return for their support to keep Infantino as president.
Club Transfers and Signings Across Europe
Mohamed Salah has decided to leave the Premier League and join Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer. Real Madrid spent significantly to add a World Cup star to their attack, which already features Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior. Vinícius Junior signed a new six-year contract with Real Madrid, ending Arsenal's pursuit of the forward. Arsenal is reportedly feeling that Vinicius Jr is increasingly likely to stay at Real Madrid. Real Madrid set to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to resume contract renewal talks. Manchester United reportedly looking at a move for USMNT's Antonee Robinson. Barcelona is set to approach Manchester City for midfielder Rodri and is hopeful they can beat their LaLiga rivals to the signing. 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. Midfielder Rodri have a significant decision to make this summer on whether to join Real Madrid or Barcelona should he decide to leave Manchester City. Barcelona is reportedly looking to sign Manchester City's Rodri ahead of Real Madrid. Leeds United signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a club-record deal. Bournemouth has announced the signing of right-back Juanlu Sanchez from Spanish club Sevilla in a deal worth up to £11.1m. Liverpool has signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife Femenino, pending visa approval and international clearance. Swansea City signed free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal following the Scotland striker's departure from Southampton. Winger Jeremy Doku is the latest Manchester City player to commit his future to the club after signing a new contract until 2031. United manager Matthias Jaissle stated that a decision regarding Bruno Guimaraes' future was "already made" before he met the club's departing captain. Arsenal has agreed to a £75m fee with Newcastle for their captain Bruno Guimaraes. Crystal Palace set to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer following a successful trial and is considering a move for winger Solly March. Crystal Palace in advanced talks to sign Real Salt Lake's 19-year-old wing-back Zavier Gozo. Chelsea is set to finalize a deal to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for approximately £16.3m (€19m) plus add-ons. Liverpool has explored the conditions of a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Liverpool is reportedly looking to strengthen their attack by signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Micky van Ven is close to agreeing to a new five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur. Former AC and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato is a member of a consortium set to buy a majority stake in League Two club Northampton Town. 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 for an undisclosed fee. Everton has completed the signing of Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal. Celtic manager O'Neill remains in hospital after undergoing a "small procedure." Manchester United has appointed Eva Olid to take over as manager, replacing Skinner. Former Hearts boss Eva Olid has been appointed as Manchester United's new women's manager on a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. Brighton has completed the signing of defender Gabby George from Manchester United before the start of the Women's Super League season. Celtic has been linked with a deal for Ghedjemis.
Player Movements and Contract News
Micky van Ven is close to agreeing to a new five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur. Vinicius Junior signed a new six-year Real Madrid contract to put an end to Arsenal's pursuit of the forward. Real Madrid set to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to resume contract renewal talks. Jeremy Doku the latest Manchester City player to commit his future to the club after signing a new contract until 2031. Liverpool has signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife Femenino, pending visa approval and international clearance. Swansea City signed free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal following the Scotland striker's departure from Southampton. Bournemouth has announced the signing of right-back Juanlu Sanchez from Spanish club Sevilla in a deal worth up to £11.1m. Leeds United signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a club-record deal. 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 for an undisclosed fee. Everton has completed the signing of Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal. Brighton has completed the signing of defender Gabby George from Manchester United before the start of the Women's Super League season. Crystal Palace set to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer following a successful trial and is considering a move for winger Solly March. Crystal Palace in advanced talks to sign Real Salt Lake's 19-year-old wing-back Zavier Gozo. Chelsea is set to finalize a deal to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for approximately £16.3m (€19m) plus add-ons. Liverpool has explored the conditions of a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Liverpool is reportedly looking to strengthen their attack by signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye. United States Gio Reyna has completed a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Franco Mastantuono set 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.
League and Cup Competitions
The Carabao Cup is back for the 2026/27 season, with every first-round tie available to watch live on Sky Sports. The bulk of the EFL cup's first-round fixtures will take place on a weekend, despite traditionally being a midweek cup competition. Rangers fell to a 2-1 defeat against Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying, with manager Derek McInnes still searching for his first win. Rangers need a result, and Hearts need a miracle, as they face tough Champions League qualifying challenges. Rangers have completed the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover. Daisuke Yokota "special memories" as he seals his Rangers move. Rangers linked with PSV winger Driouech. With Rangers, Hearts, Hibernian, and Motherwell in action on Thursday, BBC Scotland is analyzing the chances of the nation's European hopefuls. Hearts Rangers start their new season in the Champions League qualifying group stage on Wednesday, facing significant challenges. 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. Washington's loss to San Diego saw the Spirit surrender the No. 1 spot on ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, with Utah laying claim to best in the league. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) plans to begin its 2027 season on Feb. 11 in Los Angeles to coincide with the Super Bowl across town three days later. United's first three National League South games of the season are suspended due to the club's financial problems. Can Motherwell Hibs take another step towards the Conference League?
Player Performances and Team News
Kerr's defiant half-century and decisive death bowling from Hayley Matthews helped MI London to a belated first win of the season against capital rivals London Spirit. 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. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares to navigate the Leagues Cup without the forward due to his lengthy suspension. Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal players were "fuming" after defensive errors saw them fall to a 3-1 preseason defeat to Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta his players were "fuming" after Arsenal produced a sloppy performance as they were beaten 3-1 by LaLiga side Real Betis in a pre-season friendly in Dublin. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is impressed with the maturity and focus shown by Northern Ireland international Ceadach O'Neill. 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. SunRisers Leeds 241-2, the highest score in the history of The Hundred, before cruising to a comfortable victory over London Spirit. Sun Risers Leeds kept their faint hopes of progression from The Hundred group stage alive with a hard-fought five-wicket victory over London Spirit at Headingley. Rockets went top of The Hundred women's table after a fourth win on the bounce against Birmingham Phoenix at Trent Bridge that all but assures them a spot in the latter stages of the tournament. Enzo Maresca his first game in charge of Manchester City with a 3-1 win over the K-League All Stars in Seoul. Liverpool's preseason trip to the U.S. highlighted that coach Iraola & Co. still have considerable work ahead before the 2027 campaign. Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai stated he has "cleared" the situation with team-mates Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas after they seemingly argued over the captain's armband.
Boxing and Individual Sports
Tyson Fury Anthony Joshua is still expected to be announced in August, even if the all-British heavyweight clash is relocated to America. Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker claimed a failed drugs test that resulted in his suspension from boxing was caused by exposure to cocaine being used by his nutritionist. 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. Aaron McKenna not short of ambition, fighting for the world middleweight title this Saturday live on Sky Sports. Joe Ward an amateur boxing sensation with a golden future until repeated disasters struck. British boxer Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a bleed on her brain after collapsing during a sparring session in Denmark. Callum Walsh, an unbeaten contender from Ireland, does not shy away from danger and aims to break into the highest echelons of the middleweight division. Max Verstappen praised the "rock solid" performances that have taken Kimi Antonelli to the top of Formula 1's Drivers' Championship over the first half of the 2026 season. Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing wrist injury, increasing worries over his US Open title defence. Jack Draper left in tears after losing to Terence Atmane, as the Brit's long-term arm injury appeared to resurface and hamper him at the Canadian Open.
Other Sports News
The Paddy Power PDC World Championship dates have been confirmed for Friday December 11 to Sunday January 3, with a record 180,000 tickets on offer. Max Verstappen praised the "rock solid" performances that have taken Kimi Antonelli to the top of Formula 1's Drivers' Championship over the first half of the 2026 season. Slica Bay Suite, and Ben Nevis are set to compete in the Brighton Mile this afternoon, live on Sky Sports Racing. Several athletes "unaccounted for" after the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, according to Police Scotland.