Football
Results, transfers and decisions shaping the game.
Football
· 12 topics · Read the edition
Fifa President Infantino Faces Growing Calls to Resign
Fifa President Gianni Infantino has faced pressure to resign or be removed following the abandonment of his controversial World Cup commercial rights plan.
UEFA has called for a boycott and declared a vote of no confidence, while football governing bodies in Europe, North and Central America, and the Caribbean have publicly questioned Infantino's leadership. This comes after Infantino was forced into a 'humiliating climbdown' on his plan to sell portions of the World Cup to private investors. The situation puts significant pressure on Infantino's position as Fifa president, with calls for his immediate departure or removal.
Sources
Welbeck Joins Chelsea in Surprise £5m Deal
Chelsea have signed veteran striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton for a reported £5 million, agreeing a two-year contract.
The move for the 35-year-old Welbeck represents a departure from Chelsea's usual transfer policy of signing younger players with high potential. This is the first time Chelsea has paid a transfer fee for a player over the age of 26 since signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when he was 33. Welbeck will link up with Xabi Alonso's squad on their pre-season tour, with new manager Enzo Maresca reportedly keen to work with him again.
Sources
Brentford Secure Club-Record Signing of Mamadou Sangare
Brentford have completed the signing of Mali international midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens for a club-record fee.
The transfer fee is reported to be around £39 million. Sangare's arrival at Brentford marks a significant investment for the club. The midfielder joins a team looking to build on recent seasons and compete further up the Premier League.
Sources
Aberdeen Stun Hearts with Two Late Goals in Premiership Opener
Aberdeen came from behind to defeat Hearts 2-1 in their opening Scottish Premiership match, scoring two goals in stoppage time.
Hearts appeared set for a victory after leading through Oisin McEntee's first-half goal. However, Lewis Mayo equalised in the 90th minute, and Kevin Nisbet converted a penalty in stoppage time after Stuart Findlay was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity. This result continues Hearts' difficult summer and marks a dramatic start to the season for both clubs.
St Mirren Secure Away Win at Falkirk
St Mirren defeated Falkirk 2-0 in their Scottish Premiership opener, with a brace from Killian Phillips.
Killian Phillips scored both goals for St Mirren in their away victory against Falkirk. The win gives St Mirren a positive start to their league campaign.
Sources
Arsenal Defeat Girona 4-1 in Pre-Season Friendly
Arsenal secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Girona in a pre-season friendly at Montilivi.
Max Dowman was a standout performer for Arsenal, contributing a goal and an assist in the convincing win. The friendly provided a strong performance for Arsenal as they continue their pre-season preparations.
Sources
West Ham Stake Sold to Amanda Staveley Consortium
A consortium led by former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley has agreed to purchase a 25.1% stake in West Ham from Vanessa Gold, daughter of the former chair.
The deal means the Gold family will sell their shares in the Championship club. This move comes after a previously agreed sale to shareholder Daniel Kretinsky fell through. Staveley's involvement suggests a potential shift in the club's ownership structure.
Sources
Man City Lose Pre-Season Opener to Inter Milan on Penalties
Manchester City lost their first pre-season match under new manager Enzo Maresca, falling to Inter Milan on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The friendly, held in Hong Kong, marked Maresca's debut as City boss. Despite the penalty shootout loss, teenager Ryan McAidoo impressed manager Maresca, who described him as 'the kind of winger I love'. The result provides an early test for Maresca's tactics and squad.
Sources
De Zerbi Wants Richarlison to Stay at Tottenham
Roberto De Zerbi wants Richarlison to remain at Tottenham, despite uncertainty surrounding the striker's future and links with a move away.
Richarlison scored a late winner for 10-man Tottenham in their 2-1 pre-season friendly victory over Chelsea in Sydney. De Zerbi emphasized Richarlison's importance, stating it's 'not easy to find another striker'. However, the player himself is reportedly still unsure about his future at the club.
Sources
Liverpool's Iraola Urges Faster Pace Ahead of Premier League Start
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola is pushing his players to adopt a faster approach as the Premier League season approaches.
Iraola has been actively involved in training drills during Liverpool's pre-season tour in the US, emphasizing the need for increased speed and intensity. The team faces a friendly against Leeds at Soldier Field Stadium. The urgency stems from the need to integrate new strategies and cover defensive weaknesses before the league campaign begins in three weeks.
Sources
Man Utd Considering Move for Arsenal Youngster Lewis-Skelly
Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Arsenal's young player Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The transfer rumour suggests Manchester United are looking to strengthen their squad by targeting emerging talent from rival clubs. Lewis-Skelly's potential has attracted attention from Old Trafford.
Sources
Mudryk's Chelsea Return Needs Time, Says Alonso
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso stated that while he is happy to have Mykhailo Mudryk back in the squad, it is 'too early' to assess his immediate impact.
Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to rejoin the Chelsea squad. Alonso acknowledged the player's return but cautioned against premature expectations regarding his performance and contribution.
Sources
Football
· 8 topics · Read the edition
Fifa Scraps Controversial World Cup Commercial Rights Plan Amid Widespread Backlash
Fifa has abandoned its controversial proposal to sell stakes in its major competitions after facing widespread opposition and threats of a boycott from UEFA.
The plan, spearheaded by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, aimed to sell off portions of the World Cup to private investors. However, it generated significant backlash from various football confederations, with UEFA explicitly threatening a boycott of future Fifa tournaments if the proposal was not shelved. The strong opposition also led to the resignation of one of Infantino's senior advisors, Carlos Cordeiro, in protest. Fifa's chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, also reportedly issued a scathing rebuke of Infantino's plan. Infantino himself admitted the proposal 'has created divisions' and is no longer in the interest of the objective, leading to its sensational collapse.
Sources
Newcastle Appoint Matthias Jaissle as New Head Coach Following Eddie Howe's Exit
Newcastle are set to announce Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach, with Eddie Howe's departure confirmed.
Matthias Jaissle is expected to be appointed as the new manager of Newcastle United, taking over from Eddie Howe. Howe's exit from the club after nearly five years in charge has been confirmed. Jaissle's move comes as Newcastle prepares for their pre-season camp. Bruno Guimarães was notably absent from Newcastle's flight to their pre-season base in Murcia, fueling speculation about his future, with Arsenal reportedly agreeing a fee for the midfielder.
Sources
Chelsea Fined £10m and Given Suspended Transfer Ban for Agent Rule Breaches
Chelsea have been fined £10m and handed a suspended two-window transfer ban by an independent appeal board for admitting breaches of Football Association agent rules.
An independent appeal board has imposed a £10m fine and a suspended two-window transfer ban on Chelsea following the club's admission of breaching FA agent rules. The breaches reportedly relate to payments made to agents between 2009 and 2022, during the Roman Abramovich era. While the club escaped a suspended points deduction on appeal, the sanctions highlight significant issues with their transfer dealings under the previous regime. The FA's action follows a similar punishment handed down by the Premier League earlier this year for similar violations, including the use of unlicensed agents and attempts to obscure the nature of transfer dealings.
Sources
Rangers Begin Derek McInnes Era with a Draw in Scottish Premiership Opener
Rangers' new era under manager Derek McInnes began with a 1-1 draw against Dundee United in the opening match of the Scottish Premiership season.
Derek McInnes' tenure as Rangers manager started with a stuttering performance, as his side came from behind to secure a draw at Dundee United. Lachlan Rose scored the first goal of the Premiership season to give United a half-time lead at Tannadice. Despite the underwhelming start, McInnes insists that Rangers will improve and is looking to build momentum. The result places Rangers two points behind Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos in the rugby league standings.
Sources
Arsenal Agree Fee for Bruno Guimarães Amidst Transfer Speculation
Arsenal and Newcastle United have reportedly agreed on a fee for midfielder Bruno Guimarães.
Reports indicate that Arsenal and Newcastle United have reached an agreement over a transfer fee for Bruno Guimarães. The midfielder was not present on Newcastle's flight to their pre-season training camp in Murcia, Spain, further fueling speculation about his imminent departure. This development comes as Matthias Jaissle is expected to be confirmed as Newcastle's new head coach. Guimarães has been linked with a move to Arsenal, and the reported fee agreement suggests a transfer could be close.
Sources
Mykhailo Mudryk Cleared to Play After Doping Ban Resolved
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to play again with immediate effect after his doping ban was resolved.
Sources
Inter Milan Increase Offer for Liverpool Midfielder Curtis Jones
Inter Milan have made a renewed approach for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, willing to raise their offer to £30m (€35m).
Italian champions Inter Milan are reportedly preparing to increase their offer for Liverpool's Curtis Jones to €35m (£30m). Their previous bid of €25m was rejected by Liverpool in June. Intermediaries acting on behalf of the Italian club have re-established contact with Liverpool this week, indicating their willingness to meet the higher valuation for the 25-year-old midfielder. Jones has one year remaining on his contract at Anfield, and while Liverpool are reportedly doubtful about accepting this sum, a transfer appears to be edging closer.
Sources
Chelsea Sign Italian Attacking Midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona
Chelsea have completed the signing of Italian attacking midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona on a four-year contract.
Chelsea have secured the services of highly-rated Italian attacking midfielder Giulia Dragoni, who joins from Barcelona. The 18-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the London club. Dragoni represents a significant addition to Chelsea's squad, bringing youth and attacking flair.
Sources
Football
· 8 topics · Read the edition
UEFA threatens FIFA boycott over World Cup commercial rights sale
UEFA has threatened to boycott all FIFA tournaments, including World Cups, if the organization proceeds with plans to sell stakes in a World Cup commercial entity to private investors.
UEFA's 55 member associations held an emergency meeting and collectively agreed on the boycott unless FIFA president Gianni Infantino abandons his proposal. FIFA, however, insists that "nobody is selling football" and claims the consultation process has been disrupted by inaccurate media reports. This standoff raises serious questions about the future governance of international football and the potential impact on upcoming FIFA tournaments. The situation highlights a significant rift between UEFA and FIFA, with implications for the sport's commercial future and leadership.
John Stones seals Inter Milan move, Maxence Lacroix joins Chelsea
England defender John Stones has signed a two-year contract with Inter Milan on a free transfer, while France centre-back Maxence Lacroix has joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace for £52m.
Stones' move to the Serie A champions marks a significant shift in his career, having previously won the FA Cup and Conference League with Crystal Palace. Lacroix, who played three times for France at the World Cup, arrives at Chelsea as a key defensive target for manager Xabi Alonso. Chelsea's acquisition of Lacroix is their fifth signing of the summer window, indicating a busy period of recruitment under Alonso. The dual transfers represent major business in the European market, with established international defenders moving to new leagues.
Sources
FA increases minimum ban for discrimination to 10 matches
The Football Association (FA) will implement a minimum 10-match ban for players found guilty of discrimination, an increase from the current six-game suspension.
This enhanced disciplinary measure aims to tackle discrimination, which the FA describes as "a challenge across the game." The new rules, effective from the start of the new season, will apply to players and other participants guilty of "aggravated breach" of rules, specifically targeting discriminatory behaviour based on protected characteristics. This move by the FA signals a stronger stance against discriminatory actions within football, seeking to deter such behaviour with more severe penalties.
Sources
Eddie Howe's Newcastle tenure analysed amid departure
During Eddie Howe's time as Newcastle manager, only four clubs earned more Premier League points, yet the team underperformed last term.
Despite an initial turnaround that saw Newcastle climb from 19th to 11th in his first season, the team's performance dipped last season, leading to questions about Howe's control. An anecdote from the chief executive, who likened Howe to 'The Boss' and promised him "whatever he wants," highlights the shift in dynamics. Contrasting this with the team's inconsistency, an analysis of Howe's tenure reveals a period of significant highs and lows, with a more 'scenic' journey compared to more stable clubs. Pundits like Alan Shearer express concern about the club's future following Howe's exit.
Sources
Premier League proposes £1.5bn distribution boost for EFL clubs
The Premier League has agreed to a proposal that would see an additional £1.5 billion shared across the English Football League (EFL) over the next decade.
This unanimous decision by Premier League clubs signifies a major shift in financial distribution within English football. The proposal, referred to as a 'new deal for football,' also includes a 'lifeboat' fund for clubs facing financial crises. This agreement aims to reset financial distribution across the top four tiers of English football and will be presented to the EFL board for final approval.
Sources
Harvey Elliott embraces 'second chance' at Liverpool
Harvey Elliott is determined to make the most of his return to Liverpool, viewing it as a "second chance" after a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa.
Elliott's loan move to Aston Villa included an obligation to buy, but Unai Emery's side did not trigger the clause after he played fewer than 10 games. Despite the limited game time at Villa, Elliott does not regret the move, acknowledging he won the Europa League during his time there. The midfielder is now focused on enjoying his football again with his boyhood club, aiming to establish himself in the Liverpool setup.
Sources
Joe Gomez injury unlikely to impact Liverpool's transfer plans
Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League season due to injury, but this is not anticipated to affect the club's transfer strategy.
While Gomez's absence will be a blow for Liverpool at the beginning of the campaign, sources suggest the club will proceed with their existing transfer plans. The focus remains on strengthening the squad as manager Andoni Iraola prepares for the new season. The news comes as Liverpool secured their second pre-season win under Iraola, indicating a positive start despite the injury setback.
Sources
Scottish Premiership season set to begin
The Scottish Premiership season is scheduled to commence on Friday.
BBC Scotland has highlighted the key talking points and narratives surrounding the upcoming Scottish Premiership season, suggesting it will be one to watch. The article previews what fans can expect and why the league should not be missed.
Sources