Football/Soccer 8-Hour Briefing
×Premier League & FA Cup
Wayne Rooney has urged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to ignore "very unfair" criticism of the Premier League leaders' playing style. Meanwhile, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson will miss the Champions League last-16 first leg against Galatasaray after sustaining a training injury. João Pedro hailed his "special" first season at Chelsea after firing himself into contention to lead the line for Brazil at this summer's World Cup.
Scottish Football
Police Scotland would not currently support another big away allocation for the next Old Firm fixture following trouble at Ibrox on Sunday. What now for Aberdeen after the holders were dumped out of the Scottish Cup by second-tier Dunfermline Athletic? .
European Action
Rodri has escaped a ban for hitting out at officials following Manchester City's 2-2 draw at Tottenham last month. Milan's derby win over Inter has opened a little bit of a title race again in Italy - at least for now. Arsenal also messed around in the FA Cup and nearly found out, while Lamine Yamal showed just how good he is for Barcelona.
Brazil & South America
Cruzeiro's 1-0 win over Atlético-MG in Sunday's Mineiro Championship final was overshadowed by a mass brawl that erupted seconds before the final whistle and resulted in 23 red cards issued. Former Brazil forward Hulk said it was "regrettable" after becoming one of the players sent off.
Women's Football & Management
Michael McArdle, the Scottish FA's head of elite women's football and former interim head coach of Scotland, is appointed Northern Ireland manager. Meanwhile, Sabrina Wittmann, the first woman to take charge of a men's team in Germany's top three divisions, is making history with Ingolstadt.
Controversies & Off-field Issues
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho accused FC Porto assistant manager Luis 'Lucho' Gonzalez of calling him "a traitor" 50 times during Sunday's 2-2 draw. Two people have been charged after a brick was thrown at supporters' bus following Queen of the South's home clash with Stenhousemuir in Dumfries.
International Football
Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández says Joan Laporta blocked Lionel Messi's return to the club because he feared a war and a power struggle. The 2026 T20 World Cup concluded with a thumping 96-run win for tournament hosts India over New Zealand.
MLS & North America
Three games in and the Vancouver Whitecaps are absolutely purring. All that and more in this week's edition of ESPN's MLS Power Rankings.
Other Football News
Phil Parkinson says Wayne Rooney's praise for Wrexham's FA Cup display against Chelsea is an "incredible tribute" for the club. Bradford City plant 154 trees - one for each goal scored by its men's and women's teams last season - at its training ground as part of its commitment to sustainability.