Kieran Horn

Manchester United are set to miss out on an estimated £13 million from Antony’s sell-on clause after Real Betis reportedly rejected a €50 million offer from a wealthy non-Premier League club. United sold Antony to Betis for €25 million last summer with a 50% net sell-on clause, but Betis opted to retain the Brazilian after his 14-goal, 10-assist debut season and their qualification for the Champions League. The lost payment comes as United’s spending approaches £300 million, with Carlos Baleba expected to join Brighton and the club continuing to pursue a left-back. Joshua Zirkzee could leave, while Marcus Rashford is expected to stay.

British cyclist Finlay Tarling, aged 19 and riding for the NSN Development Team, died after a serious crash during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal, a 166.8-kilometre route from Melgaço to Fafe. The race was neutralized and its podium ceremony canceled as organizers, the Portuguese Cycling Federation, Tarling's team, family, teammates and cycling fans mourned his death. Tarling had represented Great Britain on the road and track and was the brother of cyclist Josh Tarling.

Liverpool’s pursuit of PSG winger Bradley Barcola could be helped by PSG’s reported agreement of personal terms with Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, who may replace him in Paris. PSG are also linked with Ajax’s Mika Godts and have reshaped their attack, increasing speculation that Barcola could leave. Liverpool are reportedly considering PSG youngster Ibrahim Mbaye as well, although Barcola’s potential £98.5 million price tag remains a major obstacle. The club is also pursuing Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona with a £47 million purchase option, while Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones are linked with possible departures.

Marcus Rashford’s prospects of a permanent move from Manchester United to Barcelona could improve if Ferran Torres joins Paris Saint-Germain. Torres is reportedly interested in the switch and may have become marginalised after Barcelona added attacking options. Rashford is currently expected to return to Manchester United’s pre-season camp and remain at Old Trafford, although Barcelona is also pursuing Julian Alvarez and focusing on a potential deal for Rodri.

Marcus Rashford is due a £4 million bonus after Manchester United's return to Champions League football, even if he does not play for the club this season. The increase is tied to a clause in his contract, while Mason Mount is also entitled to more than £1 million annually. Andre Onana's wages rose under similar terms, although Trabzonspor is covering his salary during his loan. The bonuses and players' high wages are making it harder for Manchester United to sell Rashford and Onana and are limiting the club's ability to pursue other transfer targets.

Arne Slot is reportedly rejecting an immediate move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli because he prefers to remain in European football. The former Liverpool manager has also been linked with the Netherlands job after Ronald Koeman’s departure. Slot was dismissed after Liverpool failed to defend their Premier League title, despite winning it in his first season, and he said in a farewell letter that the club remained among Europe’s elite and had a strong group of emerging players.

American golfer Trey Mullinax accepted a six-month PGA Tour suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. He said he had used medication for a condition diagnosed in college without obtaining approval under the Tour’s anti-doping policy, accepted responsibility, and denied seeking a competitive advantage. The ban will keep him out of competition until January 2027 and may cause his world ranking to fall from No. 77.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has issued an 886-word open letter attacking critics who focused on controversies surrounding the World Cup, including visa problems, ticket prices, hydration breaks and Folarin Balogun’s overturned red card. Infantino argued that critics overlooked the tournament’s largely peaceful atmosphere, international participation and ability to unite fans, while defending disputed disciplinary decisions as common in major football leagues. He concluded by urging football to rise above hatred and criticism.

Anthony Joshua won his comeback fight against Kristian Prenga by stopping him in the second round after surviving an early knockdown. The victory followed a seven-month absence linked to injuries sustained in a Nigeria car crash that killed his friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Joshua praised Prenga afterward and called for a long-awaited bout with Tyson Fury, who was not present in Jeddah despite speculation. Oleksandr Usyk attended the event, while Hamzah Sheeraz and Josh Kelly also won their respective undercard fights.

Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia rejected conspiracy theories surrounding Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain, describing claims that events before the match distracted the team as lies and destabilizing schemes. He urged supporters to accept the loss with dignity, praised the players and coaching staff for their commitment, and said there were no excuses for the defeat. The controversy has nonetheless led some Argentina fans to petition for the final to be replayed.

Gavi urged against FIFA suspensions for Argentina players involved in a post‑match brawl following Spain’s World Cup victory, calling the incident part of football despite its poor example. A FIFA investigation is underway into altercations involving Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala. Spain’s squad celebrated publicly while several Argentina players, including Lionel Messi and Lisandro Martinez, issued reflective statements, with Martinez offering praise for Spain and a subtle criticism amid his message to fans.

Manchester United are preparing a £51m bid for PSG midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery as they continue their summer midfield rebuild following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. PSG value the 20‑year‑old closer to £68m, though his reduced role late last season may help United in negotiations. The club is also exploring forward options including Iliman Ndiaye, while Crysencio Summerville has opted to join Al Hilal. Marcus Rashford is expected to stay, and United will open the 2026/27 season away to Hull City.

Post‑match chaos overshadowed Spain’s World Cup victory as several Argentina players and staff were seen attempting punches in multiple confrontations. Video footage appeared to show assistant coach Roberto Ayala swinging at Dani Olmo, while Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were involved in other clashes. Pundits Joe Hart, Wayne Rooney and Craig Burley condemned Argentina’s behaviour as disgraceful, contrasting it with Spain’s strong performance and composure.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino temporarily left the World Cup to attend the funeral of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, travelling to the Middle East by private jet before the semi-finals. He is expected to return to the United States within a day to continue attending every match. Qatar declared four days of mourning, with the current Emir receiving visitors. Infantino’s trip adds to ongoing criticism surrounding recent tournament controversies, including backlash over Folarin Balogun’s red card. Semi-final matchups now include Spain versus France and England versus Argentina.

Andrew Castle concluded his final Wimbledon commentary for the BBC before returning to the All England Club to play once it reverts to a private club. He reflected on being replaced after 23 years, expressing sadness but acknowledging the broadcaster’s new direction. Colleagues including John Lloyd and Tim Henman offered tributes as Jannik Sinner secured his second straight title during Castle’s last match call.

Pundits Mike Grella and Troy Deeney sharply criticised England’s performance in their 2-1 World Cup win over Norway, arguing the team lacked quality in possession, structure and tactical consistency despite advancing to the semi-finals. Grella compared praise for the display to complimenting an unattractive child, calling the performance embarrassing, while Deeney questioned England’s wide play, in‑game changes and overall lack of control. Both acknowledged England’s strong results but insisted the team is advancing without convincing performances ahead of a semi-final meeting with Argentina.

New slow‑motion footage appears to show England’s equaliser against Norway may have been influenced by the spidercam after the ball’s trajectory changed following a suspected mid‑air contact. Norwegian players and staff expressed strong frustration, calling the situation scandalous, while FIFA stated that sensor data showed no evidence of impact. England advanced to face Argentina in the World Cup semi‑finals as debate continued over the disputed incident.

Alexander Zverev said his grandmother cannot attend the Wimbledon final because she holds a Russian passport and lacks a UK visa. After defeating Arthur Fery in straight sets, he praised both the young Briton and the crowd’s fairness. Zverev joked about preferring an easier opponent before it was confirmed he will face Jannik Sinner, who beat Novak Djokovic. He enters the final as the underdog but carries momentum from his recent French Open title, while Fery’s strong tournament run is expected to boost his ATP ranking.

Andre Agassi’s commentary during the Wimbledon semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner prompted mixed reactions from BBC viewers, with some praising his insight and others criticising his delivery and clarity. Additional scrutiny followed his earlier on-air slip and confusion during studio discussion. The match determined who would face Alexander Zverev in the final after he defeated British wildcard Arthur Fery in straight sets.

Scottie Scheffler is set to miss the cut at the Genesis Scottish Open after finishing two-under and two-over in his opening rounds, slipping below the projected cut line following a bogey on the ninth hole. The missed cut would be his first in four years. Scheffler reflected on inconsistent play and difficulty adjusting to course conditions but noted pride in his season’s overall consistency. With the early exit, he will prepare for The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale as he seeks his first major win since 2025.

FIFA introduced a standby VAR official for World Cup quarter-finals following criticism of refereeing and allegations of rigged matches, prompting on-air mockery from ITV commentators Ally McCoist and Jon Champion. The new system debuted during France’s win over Morocco, where VAR delays occurred despite the changes. FIFA defended its integrity after Egypt’s coach claimed Argentina received favourable decisions to keep Lionel Messi in the tournament, with refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina condemning the accusations.

Roy Keane criticised the lengthy delay before Kylian Mbappe’s penalty in France’s World Cup match against Morocco, arguing the wait unfairly benefited the defending side. Mbappe missed the eventual attempt and confronted the referee, while pundits offered differing views, with some faulting his technique. The entirely Argentine officiating team drew backlash from French supporters and fuelled conspiracy concerns, prompting FIFA’s Pierluigi Collina to publicly defend the integrity of the referees.

Thomas Tuchel has strongly criticised FIFA’s decision to suspend Jarell Quansah for two World Cup matches, arguing the referee was shown a misleading still image rather than full video footage of the challenge. The FA reportedly lodged a complaint over the VAR process, though they cannot appeal the ruling. Quansah will miss England’s quarter-final against Norway and a possible semi-final. Tuchel also questioned the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s red card, calling for greater consistency in disciplinary decisions. Several England players remain one booking away from suspension as the tournament continues.

Bruno Fernandes expressed frustration and disappointment after Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup by Spain, thanking teammates and supporters in a public statement. Portugal exited after a late winner from Mikel Merino, ending what was expected to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup and prompting the departure of coach Roberto Martinez. Fernandes and Diogo Dalot will return early to Manchester United’s pre-season preparations, while the club continues working on summer transfers involving Ederson and Andrey Santos. United’s upcoming pre-season schedule includes matches against Wrexham, Rosenborg, Atletico Madrid, PSG, Leeds and AC Milan.

Sandro Tonali expressed excitement after completing a £100m transfer to Tottenham, saying discussions with head coach Roberto De Zerbi convinced him to join despite interest from other clubs. De Zerbi praised Tonali as a special player and highlighted his long-standing admiration for him. Tonali’s farewell message to Newcastle reflected gratitude for his time at the club, while Newcastle’s statement acknowledged his contributions, including helping win the 2025 Carabao Cup. He becomes Tottenham’s sixth summer signing as the club continues strengthening its squad.

ITV pundits Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright sharply criticised Brazil defender Gabriel after his failure to stop Erling Haaland, whose two goals sent Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals. Haaland’s dominant header prompted analysis highlighting Gabriel’s poor positioning and lack of awareness despite his familiarity with the striker. Norway’s victory sets up a quarter-final against England, who advanced after defeating Mexico.

England’s World Cup last‑16 meeting with Mexico faces potential delays due to thunderstorms and lightning around the Azteca Stadium. Live updates track weather warnings, team news leaks and England’s preparation, including concerns over altitude and injuries at right‑back. Norway’s dramatic win over Brazil sets up a possible quarter‑final opponent should England advance. Mexico were also instructed to return Rolex watches gifted by a content creator after the gesture breached FIFA ethics rules.

A Super League match between St Helens and Wigan Warriors was briefly halted after Wigan winger Nathan Lowe suffered a serious leg injury and twice lost consciousness while being helped from the field, reportedly due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Medical staff and paramedics attended before he was stretchered off. Both clubs issued messages of support, and it is suspected Lowe may have ruptured his hamstring. Despite the disruption and two earlier head injury assessments for other players, Wigan recovered to win the match.

England face a difficult route to the World Cup final, likely meeting Brazil and Argentina if they progress past Mexico. Argentina narrowly advanced after a challenging match against Cape Verde, while Colombia, Switzerland, Brazil, Norway and other contenders secured their last‑16 places. On the opposite side of the draw, France are viewed as favourites, with Spain and Portugal featuring in a major matchup. The prospect of consecutive encounters with South American giants represents a particularly tough scenario for Thomas Tuchel’s England.

Ecuador filed a formal complaint with FIFA requesting an investigation into alleged mistreatment before and during their World Cup match against Mexico, citing travel delays and disturbances at their hotel. Their statement comes after their elimination and ahead of Mexico’s match against England, which also faced potential disruption due to a proposed kick‑off time change that was ultimately reversed. England’s squad is enforcing strict secrecy and additional security measures amid concerns of a hostile environment, with preparations continuing in Kansas City before their arrival in Mexico for the last‑16 match.

Barcelona are exploring another attempt to sign Marcus Rashford after his successful loan spell, despite Manchester United rejecting a further loan or reduced transfer fee. United may prefer to sell the forward to ease their wage bill while pursuing squad reinforcements. Rashford remains open to returning to Barcelona, though Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Aston Villa and Tottenham are also monitoring him. United continue to evaluate midfield targets as they reshape their squad following recent World Cup performances.

Frankie Dettori was taken to hospital after his car flipped when struck by another vehicle in Newmarket, leaving him with broken ribs and a broken thumb. His management confirmed he remains under observation as doctors assess his injuries. The 55‑year‑old, retired earlier this year and scheduled to ride in a charity race in September, may now be forced to withdraw depending on his recovery.

Alan Sugar suggested on social media that Roy Keane was wearing a wig during ITV’s World Cup coverage, prompting mixed online reactions. The discussion unfolded alongside England’s win over Panama, which secured top position in the group and set up a knockout match against DR Congo. Goals from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham boosted England’s prospects, while other group results positioned Croatia and Ghana for advancement.

Emma Raducanu withdrew from Wimbledon after a stress fracture in her lower right leg was confirmed following a final scan. BBC Breakfast provided an update as presenters highlighted her late decision to pull out, just hours after stating she intended to play. Raducanu expressed disappointment and gratitude for fan support, noting she had been medically advised to stop. Her withdrawal follows a difficult season marked by injuries, though she recently reached the final at Queen’s. Other British players, including Cam Norrie, Jack Draper and Katie Boulter, will compete, with Andy Murray beginning a coaching role with Draper.