Stephen Killen

Troy Parrott’s proposed transfer from AZ Alkmaar to West Ham United has reportedly collapsed after the clubs failed to agree a fee. AZ were seeking about €30 million, while West Ham’s £15 million offer was rejected, prompting the London club to pursue Leeds United striker Joel Piroe instead. The breakdown could cost Tottenham Hotspur a significant sell-on payment from Parrott’s 2024 move to AZ. Parrott, who scored 31 goals last season, has also attracted interest from FC Porto, RB Leipzig and PSV Eindhoven.

Former world number nine tennis player Roberto Bautista Agut scored twice on his football debut for Spanish seventh-tier club CD Els Ibarsos. The 38-year-old, a 2019 Wimbledon semi-finalist and Davis Cup player alongside Rafael Nadal, plans to retire from professional tennis at the end of the season after winning 12 singles titles. He described the move as a happy new stage of life after losing in the first round of this summer's Wimbledon to Joao Fonseca.

Youri Tielemans has defended Marcus Rashford against criticism, describing him as committed, positive and highly talented during their time together at Aston Villa. With Barcelona declining to make Rashford's loan permanent, he is set to return to Manchester United and could be welcomed back into Michael Carrick's first-team plans. Tielemans also praised Kobbie Mainoo's strength and technical ability, while noting that improving his decision-making and passing could help him reach his full potential.

An amateur Saltburn cricketer has been suspended after viral footage appeared to show him clicking his fingers as a ball passed the batsman, allegedly influencing an umpire to award a dismissal. Saltburn Cricket Club forfeited its scheduled second-team cup match and said the player would not play for the club during the season or foreseeable future while the NYS League investigates. The club said it was cooperating with the inquiry and asked for privacy for those involved.

FIFA plans to invite private investors to acquire a minority, non-controlling stake in a new commercial enterprise overseeing its major competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup. J.P. Morgan is advising FIFA, while Joshua Kushner is reportedly under discussion as a potential lead investor. FIFA would retain majority control, with member associations also offered a stake, but UEFA has strongly condemned the proposal over concerns about transparency, commercialization and private influence over football's governance. The restructuring could create a commissioner role for Gianni Infantino with compensation potentially comparable to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's, while FIFA says the model would distribute commercial value more fairly among its global member associations.

Manchester United are preparing a €60m bid for Paris Saint‑Germain midfielder Warren Zaire‑Emery as they look to complete a third midfield signing of the summer. The 20‑year‑old has fallen to the periphery at PSG, despite extensive game time last season, and his situation may help United in negotiations, though PSG value him closer to €80m. United continue to assess additional targets, including forwards, while Marcus Rashford appears set to remain at the club as preparations begin for the 2026/27 season.

England assistant coach Anthony Barry expressed deep pride in his players after a strong first-half performance against France just days after their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. England surged to a four-goal lead before France mounted a second-half comeback, though England ultimately secured a high-scoring win. The match intensified scrutiny on manager Thomas Tuchel, who faced boos and questions about his future, while reports suggested it could be Didier Deschamps' final game in charge of France amid growing speculation about Zinedine Zidane replacing him.

Argentina’s rugby team wore replica 1986 World Cup shirts during a Nations Championship match against England, provoking criticism from ITV commentators who viewed the gesture as a deliberate taunt referencing Argentina’s historic football victory. England won the match with strong performances from Ben Earl and Tommy Freeman, but the jersey choice drew attention amid heightened Argentina‑England sporting tensions and renewed discussion of the Falklands issue following recent football encounters.

Rory McIlroy criticised Bryson DeChambeau for his reaction to a two‑shot penalty at The Open, calling the behaviour performative and damaging to the tournament. DeChambeau was penalised for improving his lie on the fifth hole after an extended review with R&A officials, dropping him down the leaderboard. McIlroy, who watched the incident unfold with other players, said the penalty was justified and expressed frustration with the delay it caused for the field. DeChambeau struggled to regain momentum in the third round, while Ryan Fox led a strong group of contenders after shooting a record‑equalling 62.

FIFA moved VAR officials from a central hub in Dallas to on‑site locations for the World Cup’s final stages in response to mounting scrutiny of refereeing decisions. The shift follows several contentious rulings, including England’s overturned penalty and other VAR‑influenced decisions during key matches. On‑site officials are intended to improve communication and provide a contingency for technical issues as the tournament enters its decisive rounds.

Conor McGregor’s long‑anticipated UFC return ended after 69 seconds due to a suspected torn ACL in his right knee during a fight with Max Holloway in Las Vegas. Dana White indicated concerns about McGregor’s future and potential retirement, while Holloway praised McGregor and called for a trilogy bout despite the anticlimactic finish. Questions remain over McGregor’s ability to return as he approaches his 38th birthday.

Gary Lineker unexpectedly appeared during BBC Sport’s livestream reacting to England’s 2-1 win over Norway, briefly interrupting Micah Richards’ analysis before leaving with a light exchange involving Wayne Rooney. The broadcast focused on England’s overturned penalty decision and Jude Bellingham’s decisive goals. Lineker’s cameo followed his recent departure from Match of the Day and ongoing work on his Netflix show, as well as promotional appearances on ITV. He is expected to discuss the match further with Richards on their podcast.

Jordan Henderson remains optimistic about his recovery from a broken wrist suffered during England’s win over Mexico, expressing hope of a potential return as England prepare for their World Cup quarter-final against Norway. He praised medical staff for his treatment and highlighted the team’s resilience ahead of the match. England make several lineup changes under Thomas Tuchel, including adjustments due to suspension, illness, and rotation, as they aim to progress toward the semi-finals.

Folarin Balogun received a $40,000 FIFA fine for his red card against Bosnia despite his suspension being deferred following intervention from the U.S. President. The ruling allows him to play in the World Cup Round of 16 against Belgium, prompting criticism and an unsuccessful appeal from the Belgian FA. FIFA clarified that the red card was not overturned but temporarily suspended under regulatory provisions. Additional disciplinary appeals involving other national teams were also noted, while Balogun remains at risk of further sanctions if he commits another offense.

Kylian Mbappe condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla for racist attacks on social media following France’s World Cup victory over Paraguay. The French Football Federation denounced her comments as criminal and plans to pursue legal action. The incident follows other racially charged remarks surrounding the match, adding tension as France prepares to face Morocco in the quarter-finals.

FIFA is considering moving England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico to an earlier kick-off time due to severe weather forecasts in North America, raising concerns for travelling supporters and the Football Association. Previous tournament matches have already suffered delays from thunderstorms, and weather protocols require suspensions when lightning is detected near a stadium. England advances after a late win over DR Congo, while Mexico enters the match in strong form. The winner will face Brazil or Norway.

Joe Cole admitted he briefly questioned Thomas Tuchel’s position as England manager during a poor first half against DR Congo, with England needing a late Harry Kane brace to avoid an upset in their World Cup Round of 32 match. Cole explained on a Netflix show that he and others jokingly debated potential replacements such as Eddie Howe as England struggled. Concerns continue around Tuchel’s squad decisions, including omitting Trent Alexander-Arnold amid injury problems at right-back. England now prepare to face Mexico in a challenging last-16 match in Mexico City, where altitude and defensive uncertainty add to pre-match anxiety.

Wayne Rooney pledged to perform Norway’s Viking Row in the River Mersey if Norway beat Brazil to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, potentially setting up a clash with England. Norway advanced after a late winner from Erling Haaland, with the Viking Row celebration gaining widespread attention. BBC presenters highlighted Rooney’s commitment, recalling past broadcast wagers, as Norway prepares to face Brazil on July 5.

Stephen Eustaquio secured Canada’s place in the World Cup last 16 with a stoppage‑time winner against South Africa and became emotional afterward as he dedicated the moment to his late parents. He described the victory as the result of belief and teamwork, while head coach Jesse Marsch praised the squad’s resilience and character, calling them Canadian heroes.