Connor O'Neill

The Korea Football Association apologised after South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported that foreign referees were allegedly provided sexual services during visits in 2011 and 2012, including for matches connected to the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and the 2012 London Olympics. The KFA said such conduct and the use of corporate cards for it are not currently occurring. The allegations add to scrutiny of the association as Seoul police investigate the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. President Lee Jae-myung separately criticised the team's World Cup performance and blamed factionalism and poor personnel decisions.

Mason Mount was substituted after 20 minutes of Manchester United's pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg after appearing to suffer a knock. He was able to jog off and MUTV said the substitution was precautionary. Mount had been one of United's strongest pre-season performers but has missed many matches since joining the club in 2023. Former United forward Louis Saha has argued that the club should recruit a dynamic midfielder to replace Mount if necessary and reduce the creative burden on Bruno Fernandes. United continue their pre-season schedule against Leeds United and AC Milan before opening their campaign against Hull City on August 22.

Arantxa Sanchez Vicario attributes the loss of her £31 million fortune to her ex‑husband Josep Santacana, stating she trusted him with her finances. The former world No. 1 was convicted in 2023 of hiding assets to avoid repaying debt to the Bank of Luxembourg, receiving a suspended prison sentence and an order to repay £5.5 million. She now pays half her income toward the debt and describes the experience as traumatic, saying she needed therapy. Earlier tax‑evasion issues and allegations against her family over past financial control also resurfaced as she expressed a desire to rebuild her life and return to Spain.

England prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final as Spain secure their place in the final with a dominant win over France. Thomas Tuchel confirms Declan Rice is fit, while Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni urges calm amid historical tensions. Severe weather in Atlanta may disrupt the match, and France’s exit brings criticism of referee selection and Deschamps' tactics, including sharp remarks from Kylian Mbappe. FIFA faces scrutiny for planning an extended half-time show at the final, exceeding official rules.

Conor McGregor’s UFC return ended after 69 seconds when he suffered a suspected ACL injury against Max Holloway at UFC 329, prompting an immediate stoppage and renewed doubts about his future as he nears 38. Dana White reported early medical expectations of a significant knee injury. Holloway called for a trilogy fight, while observations suggested McGregor appeared compromised even before the opening exchange. Paddy Pimblett delivered a dominant submission win over Benoit Saint-Denis in the co-main event and issued multiple callouts as he positioned himself for future high‑profile matchups.

Viewers reported widespread BBC iPlayer streaming delays and interruptions during England’s World Cup win over Mexico, venting frustration on social media as coverage lagged behind live events. Despite the technical issues, England advanced to the quarter‑finals after goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane secured a 3‑2 victory in Mexico City, holding off a late surge from the hosts while playing much of the second half with ten men.

Jordan Henderson was taken to hospital after suffering a serious wrist injury when he fell over advertising boards during England’s 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico. Thomas Tuchel described the injury as severe, while Harry Kane initially offered a more optimistic assessment. England advanced despite playing with 10 men, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice and praising the team’s resilience as they prepare to face Norway in the quarter-finals.