Lorraine Mckenna

Chelsea will play Real Sociedad in the third qualifying round of the Women's Champions League, with the first leg at home on 26 August and the return in Spain on 2 September. Chelsea finished third in the Women's Super League and must win the tie to reach the competition's league phase, while Real Sociedad finished third in Spain's Liga F. Other ties include Paris Saint-Germain versus Eintracht Frankfurt, Real Madrid versus Ajax, Wolfsburg versus Inter Milan, and Juventus versus St. Pölten. Manchester City, Arsenal and defending champions Barcelona have already qualified for the league phase.

Liverpool have signed Uruguay international Ronald Araujo from Barcelona on a season-long loan with an option to buy. The move addresses Liverpool’s defensive shortage following Ibrahima Konate’s departure to Real Madrid and injuries affecting Joe Gomez, Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni. Araujo has made more than 200 appearances for Barcelona and won three La Liga titles, but his recent career has been disrupted by injuries, reduced playing time and an 18-month period of anxiety and depression. Liverpool will hope he can rediscover the form that once made him one of La Liga’s standout defenders.

Franco Baresi has died aged 66 after a 20-year career spent entirely with AC Milan, where he won six Serie A titles, three European Cups or Champions Leagues and several other major trophies. The club captain for 15 seasons, Baresi made 719 appearances, had his number six retired and was later named honorary president. He also won the 1982 World Cup with Italy and captained the team in the 1994 final, despite recently recovering from knee surgery; Italy lost to Brazil on penalties after Baresi missed the opening kick. AC Milan, Paolo Maldini, Gianluigi Buffon, Inter Milan and Italian political and football authorities paid tribute to his leadership, loyalty and integrity. He is remembered as one of football's greatest defenders and one of the last iconic one-club players.

England defender John Stones has joined Inter Milan on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City when his contract expired at the end of June. The 32-year-old signed a two-year deal with the reigning Serie A champions, ending a decade at City during which he made 295 appearances and won numerous major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. Stones, who has 93 England caps, was also part of England's squad at the summer World Cup.

Brighton signed Croatia defender Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham for a club‑record £46m, potentially rising to £50m, on a five‑year deal. The 19‑year‑old, previously on loan at Hamburg, arrives to replace Jan Paul van Hecke, who joined Spurs for £52m. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler praised Vuskovic’s development but stressed he will need time to adapt. Vuskovic, a former Hajduk Split prospect, was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Season and made his World Cup debut for Croatia last month.

Mexican actor Cristo Fernandez, known for playing Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso, made his professional football debut for US second‑tier club El Paso Locomotive after signing in May. He appeared as a late substitute in a 2-0 USL Cup defeat to New Mexico United, receiving a yellow card during his brief appearance. Fernandez previously left youth football due to injury before moving into acting, and described his return to the sport as a pursuit of self-belief and risk-taking.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi set a men’s 1,000m world record at the Monaco Diamond League, winning in 2:11.83 ahead of Jake Wightman, who posted a personal best. Additional strong performances included Djamel Sedjati taking third in the 1,000m, Kimani Jack finishing second in the high jump, Collen Kebinatshipi setting a Diamond League record in the 400m, and Julien Alfred running the third-fastest women’s 200m time in history. Armand Duplantis set a meeting record in the pole vault as athletes across events delivered notable results.

A 56-year-old man from St Helens was arrested for a racially aggravated malicious communication offence after Wigan Warriors forward Junior Nsemba received racist abuse on social media following a win over St Helens at Magic Weekend. Wigan reported the incident to the Rugby Football League and police, who identified the suspect with support from both clubs. Wigan condemned the abuse, stressing the need to confront racism, while head coach Matt Peet called for the issue to be taken seriously.

Kaylee McKeown has withdrawn from the upcoming Commonwealth Games and the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships after being diagnosed with glandular fever, citing concerns about worsening her condition and risking chronic fatigue. She said the decision was difficult but necessary for her health. Swimming Australia’s head coach Rohan Taylor expressed full support, praising her competitiveness and recent performances at trials.

Crystal Palace signed Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer from Celta Vigo, making him the first addition under new head coach Pierre Sage. The defender, developed at Barcelona and capped four times by Spain, agreed to a four-year deal and expressed enthusiasm for the move. Chairman Steve Parish highlighted Mingueza’s quality and experience. Palace begin their Premier League season away to Everton on 22 August.

Alyssa Thomas reported receiving death threats and racist abuse following her suspension for making contact with Caitlin Clark during a Mercury–Fever game. She called the incident accidental and criticised WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not addressing player safety amid rising harassment. The WNBA condemned hate toward players. Clark later left the game with a back injury after another contested play, and Indiana coach Stephanie White criticised the referees’ handling of the game. The teams are scheduled to meet again on 9 July.