Callum Hoare

FIFA has accused unnamed critics of conducting a concerted effort to undermine the organization and President Gianni Infantino through allegations and misinformation. The statement followed UEFA’s confirmation that a former female employee allegedly linked romantically to Infantino received a departure payment and funding for an MBA course, which UEFA said complied with regulations at the time. Infantino denies the allegations. The dispute also involves his unsuccessful proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, which UEFA and other confederations rejected; UEFA maintains that its member associations could boycott FIFA competitions unless the scheme is abandoned.

A 56-year-old man, Anthony Jones of Brecon, died in hospital after violent disorder on Mill Street near Pontypool, Wales, prompting Gwent Police to launch a murder investigation. Three men were hospitalised, and seven men aged 31 to 73 were arrested and remained in custody. Detectives, led by Detective Superintendent Laura Bartley, are reviewing movements, forensic evidence and dashcam footage from the surrounding area.

Jamie Chappell, 25, is critically ill after allegedly being stabbed in the head with a screwdriver at a construction site in Purton, Wiltshire, on July 23. He underwent a five-hour operation at Southmead Hospital, during which part of his skull was removed. James Denys, 36, has been charged with grievous bodily harm and remanded in custody after an initial attempted-murder investigation. A second person arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was released on bail, while Wiltshire Police continue to seek witnesses.

German authorities are searching for 21-year-old Abdul B. after a vehicle struck crowds near Berlin’s Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations in Tiergarten. One person was killed and at least 16 injured, including three critically. Police say people may also have been injured with stabbing weapons, have mobilised more than 2,200 officers, and are investigating the suspect’s reported links to Berlin’s Islamist scene while the motive remains unclear. Remaining Pride events were cancelled and attendees evacuated.

A vehicle drove into people near Berlin’s Tiergarten during Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations, killing one person and injuring 16 others. Police ordered people to leave, cancelled the event and launched an intensive search for the suspect or suspects while emergency services treated those injured.

Police released a 26-year-old man previously arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe, confirming he is no longer part of the inquiry. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with severe injuries at her home in Haytor, with authorities ruling out terrorism and saying they remain open-minded about motive. Political figures including Nigel Farage, Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Andy Burnham issued statements expressing shock, urging unity and condemning the attack.

Harry Kane recounted a golf game with Donald Trump in Florida 18 months earlier, calling the encounter surreal and praising the president’s golfing ability. The revelation followed Trump’s public remarks highlighting Kane’s skill. As England prepares for a World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami, manager Thomas Tuchel urged the team to embrace adversity and be brave, referencing their challenging wins over the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mexico. He stressed the importance of meeting the physical and tactical demands needed to advance to the semi-finals.

Ann Widdecombe, former Conservative MP, Brexit advocate and television personality, has died aged 78. Her political career included ministerial roles, an attempted Conservative leadership bid, a term as an MEP for the Brexit Party and later involvement with Reform UK. She remained a high-profile media figure through appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and other programmes. Tributes highlighted her conviction-driven politics and distinctive public presence.

FA officials are weighing an appeal against Jarell Quansah’s red card in England’s win over Mexico after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s ban following intervention from Donald Trump. The reversal has created a precedent that could allow England to challenge the decision despite the World Cup lacking a direct appeals process. Former England players Gary Neville and Ian Wright agreed the red card was correct but argued the FA should contest it given recent developments. FIFA confirmed Balogun received a fine and that his suspension has been deferred for one year after reviewing both the dismissal and his return to the pitch to celebrate.