Last updated: August 7, 2026, 12:12 AM ET
FIFA in Crisis: Infantino Under Fire
The football world has been rocked by Gianni Infantino's failed plan to sell off World Cup commercial operations, prompting widespread condemnation. The world players' union FIFPRO has condemned Infantino's "abuse of presidential power" and called for change at the top of FIFA. FIFA said Wednesday it had apologized for errors made over the failed plan, with senior staff in attendance at a Morocco summit reaffirming their support.
UEFA's boycott of FIFA tournaments still stands, with the FA joining in opposing Infantino's re-election next year. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he no longer has confidence in the FIFA president, adding to the mounting pressure. Portugal great Luís Figo has joined calls for Infantino to step down over the disastrous proposal.
Two senior FIFA executives — coaching great Arsène Wenger and secretary general Mattias Grafström — distanced themselves from their boss's failed plan. FIFA has been accused of blackmailing Jordan over World Cup money in return for their support for Infantino to stay on as president. The association of European soccer leagues called for governance reform of FIFA, while rivals are reportedly circling to unseat him.
Infantino summoned senior leaders to a crisis meeting in Morocco on Wednesday after facing fierce criticism. The FIFA president faced senior leaders of football's world governing body, with several potential challengers reportedly considering bids to replace him.
Transfer Window: Big Moves and Big Money
Arsenal have agreed a £75m fee with Newcastle for their captain Bruno Guimaraes, with the Gunners opening direct talks. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle says a decision about Guimaraes' future was "already made" by the time he first met the departing captain. It is easy to understand Arsenal's interest in Guimaraes given their midfield needs.
Mohamed Salah has joined Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on a free transfer after deciding to leave Liverpool. The Egyptian star traded the Premier League for Türkiye's fourth-most popular club, leaving questions about where Liverpool go next. Leeds United have signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a club-record deal worth £40m.
Vinicius Junior has signed a new six-year Real Madrid contract to end Arsenal's pursuit of the forward. Real Madrid are set to meet with Vinícius Júnior's representatives this week to resume contract renewal talks, sources told ESPN. Bernardo Silva said he "didn't think twice" about joining Real Madrid after completing his first training session.
Barcelona are set to approach Man City for midfielder Rodri and are hopeful they can beat Real Madrid 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. The midfielder faces a huge decision this summer on whether to join Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Chelsea are set to clinch a deal to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for a fee of around £16.3m plus add-ons. Former Mexico star Hirving "Chucky" Lozano is finalizing a deal to join the LA Galaxy on loan from San Diego FC. Bournemouth have announced the signing of right-back Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla in a deal worth up to £11.1m.
Wrexham have signed midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Everton have completed the signing of Denmark international Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal. Micky van de Ven is close to agreeing a new five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur.
Scottish Clubs Face European Tests
Derek McInnes says Rangers were "guilty of beating ourselves" as he bemoaned the loss of cheap goals in the Europa League qualifying first-leg defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok. Rangers fell to a 2-1 defeat to Jagiellonia in Europa League qualifying, with McInnes still looking for his first win. Rangers have completed the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover, with the Japanese star handed his debut against Jagiellonia Bialystok.
Hearts endured a predictably bruising evening in Lisbon as their hopes of progressing to the Europa League were all but ended by a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Benfica. A night of European action saw Rangers and Hearts lose, Motherwell draw and Hibernian win, producing mixed results for Scottish clubs. Rangers need a result and Hearts need a miracle in what was described as Europe's big Scottish test.
Heart of Midlothian and Rangers start their new season in the Champions League qualifying group stage, but questions remain over how prepared they are. With Rangers, Hearts, Hibernian and Motherwell in action, BBC Scotland has been attempting to analyse the chances of the nation's European hopefuls. The opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership delivered four days, six matches and 18 goals of unmissable drama.
Arsenal's Summer of Uncertainty
Mikel Arteta revealed his players were "fuming" after Arsenal produced a sloppy performance as they were beaten 3-1 by Real Betis in a pre-season friendly in Dublin. Defensive errors saw Arsenal fall to the defeat, with Arteta admitting his players were "fuming" after the loss. With no Morgan Rogers and no Vinicius Junior, questions remain over what Arsenal do now in their bid to improve their forward line.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is impressed with the maturity and focus shown by Northern Ireland international Ceadach O'Neill. The Gunners have rolled out their new third kit for the 2026-27 season, but the design revives the 2021-22 look. Arsenal's loss to Real Betis showed they may need Bruno Guimaraes, with the defensive frailties on display in Dublin.
Liverpool's Squad Concerns
Liverpool's time in the U.S. showed that coach Iraola and his staff still have a lot of work to do ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Liverpool are short in a number of positions just three weeks out from their Premier League opener and seemingly no closer to bringing in additions. Liverpool legend Ian Rush says new boss Andoni Iraola deserves time to succeed at Anfield but should target winning silverware in his debut campaign.
Liverpool have explored the conditions of a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. With Liverpool prepared to make Bradley Barcola their third £100m signing, BBC Sport looks at what the France winger would bring to Anfield. Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai says he has "cleared" the situation with team-mates Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas after they seemingly argued over the captain's armband.
Real Madrid's Spending Spree
Real Madrid spent big to add World Cup star Yan Diomande to an attack that already features Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. The 2026 summer transfer window is open, and ESPN has rated the biggest deals with Real Madrid receiving a B for Diomande. Franco Mastantuono is set to join Fiorentina from Real Madrid on a season-long loan.
Man City's New Era
Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson has called new head coach Matthias Jaissle a "rock star" with "no ceiling" on where his career could go. Newcastle appointed Jaissle, as head coach to succeed Eddie Howe, with questions over what the German will bring to the club. Winger Jeremy Doku is the latest Manchester City player to commit his future to the club after signing a new contract until 2031.
Enzo Maresca won his first game in charge of Manchester City with a 3-1 win over the K-League All Stars in Seoul. Jeremy Monga's £10m move from Leicester to Manchester City may have gone under the radar, but the teenager aims to emulate Eden Hazard after rejecting Arsenal. Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic says the club "count on me" despite the midfielder being linked with a move away this summer.
The Hundred: Cricket Updates
A Sikandar Raza masterclass inspired MI London to come away with the spoils to jump up to second in the table and condemn London Spirit to an early departure from The Hundred. Melie 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. 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.
Sun Risers Leeds posted 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 alive with a hard-fought five-wicket victory over London Spirit at Headingley. Trent Rockets went top of The Hundred women's table after a fourth win on the bounce against Birmingham Phoenix at Trent Bridge.
Boxing News
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is still expected to be announced in August, even if the all-British heavyweight clash is relocated to America. Moses Itauma will fight for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title when he faces Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29. 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.
Eddie Hearn believes Henry Pollock has the superstar status to awaken the sleeping giant that is rugby union, but insists the England and Lions flanker must be rewarded in line with his value. Aaron McKenna is not short of ambition as the Irish middleweight fights for the world title this Saturday, live on Sky Sports. British boxer Raven Chapman underwent emergency surgery for a bleed on her brain after collapsing following a sparring session in Denmark.
Tennis Updates
Five years on from winning his biggest title in Indian Wells, Britain's Cameron Norrie has found his form to dump out third seed Alex de Minaur and reach the fourth round of the National Bank Open. British No 2 Cameron Norrie claimed a comfortable victory at the National Bank Open in Montreal to set up a third-round meeting with Alex De Minaur. Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing wrist injury, increasing worries over his US Open title defence.
Jack Draper was left in tears after losing to Terence Atmane as the Brit's long-term arm injury appeared to resurface on his return to action at the Canadian Open. Emma Raducanu could benefit from ending her season early to focus on recovery and secure a protected ranking before making her return in 2027, according to former British No 1 Annabel Croft.
Women's Soccer Developments
Emma Hayes urged US Soccer to prioritize the U.S. Under-20 Women's national team at this year's World Cup to help American youth players match the development of top European teams. 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. Less than a month out from the WSL season, Manchester United have appointed Eva Olid to take over as manager, but questions remain over why they have changed direction.
Manchester United appointed former Hearts boss Eva Olid as their new women's manager on a two-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months. Defender Gabby George has completed a move to Brighton from Manchester United before the start of the Women's Super League season. 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 plans to begin its 2027 season on Feb. 11 in Los Angeles to coincide with the Super Bowl across town three days later. Liverpool have signed Spanish midfielder Natalia Ramos from CD Tenerife Femenino, subject to visa approval and international clearance. Sacha Lewis, sister of England international Rico, signs her first professional contract with Manchester City.
Other Transfer News
Birmingham City have signed France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre for £100K. Millwall have signed Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes on a one-year deal following the end of his contract with Charlton. Swansea City have signed free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal following the Scotland striker's departure from Southampton.
Cardiff City have signed Lincoln City midfielder Jack Moylan for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal. Crystal Palace are set to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer following a successful trial and are considering a move for Solly March. Hull City have signed Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos on a five-year deal for a club-record fee.
United States midfielder Gio Reyna has completed a move to Strasbourg from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Newly promoted Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Burnley for an undisclosed fee. Ajax have completed the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan.
Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is set to seal a season-long loan to Strasbourg, part of the same ownership group as the London club. Coventry City have confirmed the permanent signing of 25-year-old goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton and Hove Albion. Premier League side Crystal Palace are in advanced talks to sign Real Salt Lake's 19-year-old wing-back Zavier Gozo.
MLS and US Soccer
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 head coach Guillermo Hoyos said Luis Suárez cannot be replaced as the team prepares to navigate the Leagues Cup without the forward due to his lengthy suspension. Inter Miami has not expressed interest in signing Kevin De Bruyne, a club source confirmed to ESPN.
MLS opened an investigation over "reported antisemitic and discriminatory language" from fans directed at New England Revolution striker Dor Turgeman during their Saturday 2-2 draw against CF Montreal. Larry Berg will succeed Don Garber as new MLS commissioner beginning next year, but questions remain over what the LAFC co-owner should do to improve the league. Mauricio Pochettino will remain U.S. men's national team coach through the 2030 World Cup, but questions remain over what happens if a big club calls before then.
The United States men's national team returns to action for the first time since the 2026 World Cup during the September/October FIFA international window, hosting Peru, Chile, Canada and Mexico in friendlies. The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Bijan Robinson that will make him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
Other News
The Argentine Football Association announced 15 July as National Football Teams Day to mark Argentina's 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England. The 27-year-old Uganda midfielder David Owori was killed by suspected robbers after resisting an attempt to rob him, police say. Mark Hughes' son Alex Hughes was found collapsed at his home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, on 19 June by his two sons.
Walsall stunned Bristol City in the Carabao Cup curtain raiser as the competition returned for the 2026/27 season. 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 competition.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill remains in hospital after undergoing a "small procedure", the club announced. The Scottish FA will no longer use a key match incident review panel. Manchester United admit making mistakes in the execution of their ticket touting investigation but insist the reasons for it are valid.
West Ham co-chair Daniel Kretinsky sold a small stake in the club in a move that could end Amanda Staveley's hopes of investment. The West Ham United Fan Advisory Board has called on David Sullivan not to attend the club's home matches, warning his presence could become a potential security concern. Former AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato is a member of a consortium which is set to buy a majority stake in Northampton Town.
Ebbsfleet United's first three National League South games of the season are suspended because of the club's financial problems. Boreham Wood rejected a £1m bid for one of their forwards, with the non-league star Abdulmalik now attracting attention. The 2026-27 Premier League season has not yet kicked off, but it has already made history for its record number of managerial changes.
Marcus Rashford is expected to return to Manchester United training in the coming days as debate continues over whether that is a good thing or not. Fenerbahce are prepared to break the bank for Marcus Rashford, while RB Leipzig hold out on Real Madrid over the Yan Diomande deal. Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel has been given a trading card made with real 24-carat gold, days after making his unofficial senior debut for the club.
The president of Brazilian club Remo accused Santos star Neymar of provocation after Tuesday's Brazilian Cup game. Neymar has not ruled out retiring from football once his contract with Santos expires at the end of the year. Cape Verde coach Bubista, who led the World Cup debutants to a stellar tournament, joined Moroccan club RS Berkane.
Head coach Bubista left Cape Verde after reaching the last 32 at the World Cup while Ivory Coast reappointed Herve Renard. Although he spent most of his career with smaller clubs, Vozinha always believed he belonged on a bigger stage after joining Colo-Colo following World Cup stardom. Ferran Torres has come under fire from Barcelona supporters after leaving the door open to a potential move away from the club.
Chelsea failed to ramp up their pre-season preparations as Xabi Alonso's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong thanks to Edon Zhegrova's stunning second-half strike. Mykhailo Mudryk could return to action following 20 months on the sidelines after being named in Chelsea's squad to play Juventus in a friendly in Hong Kong. Retired referee Anthony Taylor has been appointed as director of elite refereeing for the Turkish Football Federation.
Israel supporters will be in attendance when their side face the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League next month but no away fans will be facilitated. Women in the Afghan national team, which is recognised by FIFA, say football has given them freedom and independence after reuniting in Auckland. 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.
Spain "deserves" to host the 2030 World Cup final, according to the country's sports minister Milagros Tolón. The qualifying process to make Luke Donald's 2027 European Ryder Cup team will start at the British Masters later this month. Dame Laura Davies has called upon Charley Hull to "step up and lead" Team Europe at the Solheim Cup in September.
Max Verstappen has 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. Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali has confirmed contingency plans are in place for the 2027 F1 calendar if the conflict in the Middle East continues next year. Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors will make history in 2027 when they play the first-ever Super League fixture to be played in Ireland.
Ben Stokes has said he would "absolutely" love to coach England one day, as he also suggested Brendon McCullum would still be in charge of the Test team had he not announced his own international retirement. Jacob Bethell will miss the entirety of England's upcoming Test series against Pakistan, while Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse have been named in the 16-man squad. Pakistan ended their eight-match away Test losing streak in emphatic fashion, securing an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies.
Several athletes are "unaccounted for" after the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, according to Police Scotland. Riders at the Tour de France Femmes will be subject to extra clothing checks before Tuesday's stage following claims that some could be using extra padding in their bras to seek an aerodynamic advantage. South African, New Zealand, Australian and Argentina Rugby (SANZAAR) and Sky Sports have agreed a deal for international rugby rights from 2026-2030.
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. Winger Harvey Barron scored a first senior hat-trick as Hull FC ended a seven-game losing run with a 32-18 comeback win at St Helens. Castleford Tigers head coach Ryan Carr will not be in attendance at the Hull KR game due to personal reasons.
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 ban for an anti-doping violation. 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. Joe Ward had the world at his feet as an amateur boxing sensation, but disaster struck over and over again.
Callum Walsh doesn't shy away from danger as the unbeaten contender from Ireland is looking to break through into the highest echelons of the middleweight division. Charley Hull is buoyed by how well she has played this season but admitted injuries have prevented her from performing at her best. The most romantic signing of the summer came early with Raul Jimenez back at Wolves, and for the club's supporters, they are not so much welcoming back a former favourite but revisiting a chapter of their history.
Through his self-confessed love of the transfer window, Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi hopes he can guide his club back up the Premier League table. The data behind Tottenham's interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and how he could fit into Roberto de Zerbi's side has been analysed. Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes says he and his team-mates have a "chip on their shoulder" he believes can help them win the Championship.
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