Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 12:24 PM ET

Transfer Window Heats Up

The Rodri saga continues after Manchester City rejected a fresh Barcelona bid, while sources say Chelsea set a Friday deadline for a £120m Enzo Fernández offer and could pivot to Zubimendi as a replacement. Doku signed a new five-year City deal, while Rodri's future options at Barcelona and Real Madrid remain open. Galatasaray bid €45m for Martinelli from Arsenal, Unal rejoined Getafe, and Celtic confirmed Mika Baur from Paderborn on a four-year deal. The transfer grades for the biggest moves are now available, while Tielemans apologized to Aston Villa fans. Rodri replacement options at Manchester City are being assessed, and Jamie O'Hara urged Spurs to sign Marcus Rashford.

Referees and Controversies

Fulham's preseason friendly turned chaotic when Fulham walked off the pitch and Málaga scored into an empty net, while Fulham pitch scenes were widely condemned. Retiring Premier League referee Anthony Taylor explained his reasons and cited a toxic culture of fear among officials. Somali referee Omar Artan made history at the UEFA Super Cup after being barred from the U.S. for the World Cup. Meanwhile, six Arab federations backed Infantino support as FIFA president, but the FAI Infantino withdrew support for him.

Season Preview and Competition Changes

The new season kicks off with no hydration breaks, and the Community Shield history suggests reading too much into its result is risky. European leagues including La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga start soon, while the gambling sponsor ban will change Premier League shirt fronts. The EFL 3pm blackout is not being enforced this weekend, allowing 25 matches on TV. In cricket, The Hundred awards were given out by Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad, with Hundred Eliminators and Finals approaching. Rugby league's Super League received an investment offer from Australia's NRL. In boxing, Craig Richards will face Radivoje Kalajdzic on the Johnny Fisher bill. LIV Golf tickets for the Michigan finale are no longer on sale amid cancellation reports. In NFL news, the Vikings confirmed Kyler Murray as their starting QB.

Club News and Boardroom Drama

West Ham boardroom drama continues as the club prepares for its first Championship season in 14 years; a full West Ham analysis assesses their bounce-back chances. Leicester City is up for sale for more than £200m by owners King Power. Celtic also confirmed Mika Baur from another angle, and Wayne Rooney will co-host a new Manchester United show. Shea Charles has Stuart Dallas's backing to thrive at Fulham, while England defenders are on the move after the World Cup. Joe Root has a unique opportunity to make England his team, says Mike Atherton. In Test cricket, Bangladesh exposed Australia on day one with Hasan Mahmud taking 6-55.