Connor O'Neill

The Korea Football Association apologized after JTBC reported that foreign referees received sexual services funded by the association during trips in 2011 and 2012. A 2016 report by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reportedly found that 10 foreign officials were involved. The KFA said such conduct and the use of corporate cards for it are not currently taking place. The allegations emerged alongside a parliamentary hearing, a police raid on KFA offices over the appointment of Hong Myung-bo, and criticism from President Lee Jae-myung of the association's leadership and personnel decisions.

Arne Slot is reportedly set to reject an immediate move to Saudi club Al-Ahli because he wants to remain in European football. The former Liverpool manager has been linked with several positions, including the Netherlands job, after being dismissed following a campaign in which Liverpool lost 20 matches. Slot said in a farewell letter that Liverpool remained among Europe's elite and that its emerging players could build on the club's recent success.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is proposing a new venture that would attract private investment into the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments while retaining FIFA majority control. UEFA condemned the plan, arguing that football’s governance and identity are not assets to trade and criticising the lack of transparency over financial beneficiaries. Football Supporters Europe called for Infantino’s resignation. FIFA said the proposal remains under consultation and would require approval from its 211 member associations and the FIFA Council; investment firm Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the proposed investor group.

Liverpool have made PSG winger Bradley Barcola their top summer transfer target after Mohamed Salah’s departure, but have not yet opened formal negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain. Reports claim Barcola has an agreement in principle with Liverpool and does not want to renew his PSG contract, while PSG are believed to value him at around £145 million. The club has already signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna, but new head coach Andoni Iraola says further additions, particularly a winger, are needed. PSG’s potential pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande is unlikely to ease the situation because the teenager is expected to join Real Madrid.

Lando Norris secured pole for the Hungarian Grand Prix by narrowly beating Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, while Charles Leclerc qualified second and Oscar Piastri third after penalties reshuffled the order. Hamilton was given a three-place grid penalty for impeding Piastri and will start fifth, while Kimi Antonelli also received a grid drop. Mercedes remained strong but lost its run of pole positions, and Aston Martin’s major upgrade package helped Fernando Alonso reach Q2. Drivers reported difficult conditions at the bumpy Hungaroring, with George Russell also raising concerns about track resurfacing and Mercedes suffering a water leak.

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala denied punching Spain’s Dani Olmo during violent scenes after Spain’s World Cup victory, describing the contact as a push prompted by something Olmo said and expressing regret for his behaviour. He acknowledged responsibility and stressed that emotions escalated as staff tried to intervene in a wider on‑pitch altercation. FIFA opened a disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s conduct, appointing a prosecutor to review potential breaches of its code following the post‑match incidents.

Cameron Menzies withdrew from his World Matchplay darts match against Ross Smith after falling ill with high blood pressure that caused dizziness and fainting. Medical staff cleared him to return to his accommodation, while the Professional Darts Corporation confirmed Smith’s progression to the quarter-finals. Sky Sports presenters and commentators reported on his condition, emphasizing concern for his wellbeing, and the evening schedule was adjusted with the following match brought forward.

Footage from the World Cup final shows Argentina staff and players involved in violent confrontations with Spain’s team, including an apparent attempted punch by assistant coach Roberto Ayala at Dani Olmo. Additional clashes involved Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina following Spain’s extra‑time victory. Pundits Joe Hart, Wayne Rooney and Craig Burley condemned Argentina’s conduct as disgraceful, while praising Spain’s performance and composure.

Didier Deschamps criticised FIFA’s choice of referee Ivan Barton after France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain, questioning the official’s suitability for a match of that importance following a contentious penalty awarded against Lucas Digne for a foul on Lamine Yamal. He acknowledged France’s technical shortcomings but suggested a pattern of unfavourable decisions, while emphasising that Spain outperformed his team. France will play in the third-place match as Deschamps prepares to step down after the tournament.

Patrick Vieira concluded his World Cup pundit duties for ITV during France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain, receiving an on-air apology and thanks from presenter Mark Pougatch. France manager Didier Deschamps expressed disappointment with the loss and questioned the suitability of referee Ivan Barton, while Spain’s captain Rodri criticised uncalled fouls against Lamine Yamal. Spain advances to the final to face England or Argentina.

Lionel Messi urged belief after Argentina’s World Cup semi-final qualification, celebrating their extra-time win over Switzerland and looking ahead to a first-ever match against England. He and coach Lionel Scaloni framed the upcoming clash as a challenge against a football powerhouse, while acknowledging areas for improvement despite the historic achievement of reaching another semi-final. Switzerland pushed Argentina to extra time before a red-card incident shifted momentum, allowing Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to secure victory.

Conor McGregor’s UFC return at UFC 329 ended abruptly after he suffered a leg injury early in his fight with Max Holloway, prompting the referee to stop the contest. McGregor stated afterward that the injury was unexpected and described his condition as being “in hell.” UFC CEO Dana White suggested the injury may involve a torn ACL, while Holloway expressed interest in a third matchup. McGregor’s long-term future in the sport is now uncertain.

Arthur Fery advanced to the Wimbledon semi-finals after defeating Flavio Cobolli and shared a message of thanks on social media. His run marks a significant breakthrough, becoming only the second wildcard to reach this stage after Goran Ivanisevic. Fery described the emotional experience of playing on Centre Court and meeting Queen Camilla, who congratulated him following the match. Cobolli acknowledged struggling with nerves and praised Fery’s high level of play.

Norway moved from their Miami hotel due to construction noise and logistical problems ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against England, with players and staff insisting the switch was necessary to maintain focus. Team officials and manager Stale Solbakken said FIFA approved the change and downplayed reports of illness in the squad. Medical staff confirmed the squad remains healthy. Norway enter the match after defeating Brazil 2-1, with Erling Haaland scoring twice and emphasizing his pride in representing the national team.

Queen Camilla greeted Arthur Fery and Flavio Cobolli ahead of Fery’s Wimbledon quarter-final, surprising Fery as Claire Balding reacted to the moment on BBC coverage. Camilla then proceeded to the Royal Box before the players began their match.

Andrew Castle drew criticism during Wimbledon commentary after making remarks about Shintaro Mochizuki, prompting an on‑air rebuke from co‑commentator Todd Woodbridge and backlash from viewers on social media. The incident comes amid Castle’s final year as BBC’s lead commentator following his demotion, a decision he described as upsetting. Jannik Sinner secured a straight-sets win over Mochizuki and praised his opponent’s performance, setting up a quarter-final match against Jan-Lennard Struff.

Riyad Mahrez announced his retirement from international football minutes after Algeria’s World Cup defeat to Switzerland, expressing disappointment over costly mistakes but acknowledging the team’s progress to the knockout stage. The winger ended a 119-cap career that included winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. His club career highlights with Manchester City and Leicester City were noted, as well as his move to Al-Ahli and reports of a recent contract termination.

Cristiano Ronaldo comforted Croatia’s Petar Sucic after Portugal’s 2–1 World Cup win, a match marked by a controversial VAR intervention that cancelled a late Croatian equaliser. FIFA cited ball‑sensor data indicating Igor Matanovic made contact in the buildup, but several Croatian players rejected the explanation. Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic criticised the refereeing and VAR’s impact on the game, while Portugal advanced to face Spain following Goncalo Ramos’s stoppage‑time winner.

Stephen Eustaquio scored a stoppage‑time winner to send Canada into the World Cup last 16, then became emotional in a post‑match interview while dedicating the moment to his late parents. He praised his team’s belief and effort, while coach Jesse Marsch highlighted their structure, resilience and heroism.