Fifa ‘undermining the very foundations of football’, says AFC as Uefa talks loom

• Asian Football Confederation may hold balance of power

• Uefa to hold emergency meeting on Thursday

The Asian Football Confederation has accused Fifa of undermining the foundations of football by failing to consult the confederations over their plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

In a letter sent on Thursday by president Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa to AFC’s 47 members, which has been seen by the Guardian, Fifa’s unilateral actions in doing a deal with Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Capital to buy 20% of a new company that would control the commercial rights of all global tournaments is roundly condemned.

Published: July 30, 2026, 3:07 am

Fifa’s sale of the century: how Kushners and Trump are at centre of a tangled web

Joshua Kushner is now the kingpin in driving the sale of the World Cup to investors and family ties are tight around the project

It isn’t just football fans and Uefa executives who want to give Gianni Infantino the red card for his plan to sell off 20% of the World Cup to a privately backed commercial enterprise.

The Fifa president is also in the crosshairs of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee in Washington and ranking Democrat member Jamie Raskin. The reason? Infantino’s plan, which is backed by Joshua Kushner’s investment fund, has, for some observers, president Trump’s sticky fingers all over it.

Published: July 30, 2026, 6:04 am

Billy Ray Smith Jr, ex-San Diego Chargers star, dies at 64 as family cites CTE

• Family syas Smith faced ‘dementia caused by CTE’

• College Football Hall of Famer played 10 NFL seasons

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr has died. He was 64.

Smith’s family said in a statement Wednesday that Smith died following a bout with CTE-caused dementia.

Published: July 30, 2026, 6:39 am

Eddie Howe leaves Newcastle United with Matthias Jaissle set to replace him

• Howe leaves after five years in charge at St James’ Park

• Al-Ahli’s German coach in line to take over

Eddie Howe has left Newcastle after losing control of transfers and is set to be replaced by the German coach Matthias Jaissle, who is in charge of the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.

Although the timing of Howe’s abrupt departure following almost five years in charge at St James’ Park is unexpected, his position had been uncertain for some time. He is understood to have told Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners he wanted to leave more than a fortnight ago and the parting is said to be “amicable”.

Published: July 30, 2026, 1:26 am

Double tops: Littler and Pogacar in a class of their own, but nothing lasts for ever | Jonathan Liew

The champions are capable of shattering every record in a temporary aligning of the planets, the elusiveness of pure perfection

Treble-20. “Ohh, he couldn’t.” Treble-19. “Oh, you spiteful young man.” Bull. “You spiteful person! That is ridiculous!” As ever, Wayne Mardle – commentating on the World Matchplay final for Sky Sports on Sunday night – put it most succinctly of all.

The great individual champions require a vindictive streak. The ability not just to harness their own strength, but to tessellate it with their opponent’s moment of greatest vulnerability. To sense weakness, recognise doubt and pounce mercilessly upon it. To nurture and desire the very same qualities we try to extinguish and discourage in our children. To find a 167 checkout, when your opponent is sitting on double-10, in a major final.

Published: July 30, 2026, 12:00 am

Experimental Liverpool down Wrexham thanks to Rio Ngumoha’s winner

• Substitute’s deflected strike earns 1-0 win in New York

• Chances few and far between in pre-season friendly

Liverpool turned the Empire State Building red when launching a new away kit on Tuesday but neither they nor Wrexham could illuminate Yankee Stadium 24 hours later. It was rough in the diamond, although Rio Ngumoha’s deflected goal made it two wins out of two for Andoni Iraola on his first pre-season tour as Liverpool head coach.

Ngumoha, a second half substitute who Iraola deployed on the right, satisfied the majority of a 42,204 crowd with a 75th-minute shot that looped in off Wrexham defender Lewis Brunt. Wrexham’s Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney (now simply Rob Mac) were in attendance for what the former had labelled a “punch-me moment” but in truth few blows were traded at the iconic baseball stadium.

Published: July 29, 2026, 6:53 pm

Alexandrova collapses on court during defeat as Memphis heat takes toll

• Russian retires from match against Kristina Liutova

• Venus Williams and Katie Boulter beaten in Washington

Ekaterina Alexandrova collapsed on the court before retiring from her match against Kristina Liutova at the Memphis Classic due to heat-related illness.

Alexandrova, the tournament’s No 1 seed, was two points away from defeat to the 16-year-old Liutova, who was making her WTA Tour debut. The temperature was around 97F (36C) in Tennessee as the two Russians played out a gruelling first-round match ​lasting more than three hours.

Published: July 29, 2026, 5:35 am

Chiefs say Eric Bieniemy’s wife Mia is out of ICU and ‘making progress’ after shooting

• Mia Bieniemy is being treated for gunshot wounds

• Son Elijah Bieniemy was arrested and charged in incident

The Kansas City Chiefs held their first full-squad workout of training camp Wednesday without offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who remained with his family after the shooting of his wife – allegedly by their son – at their Virginia home last weekend.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after the workout that Mia Bieniemy had been released from the intensive care unit, where she was being treated for multiple gunshot wounds. But there was no timetable for when Eric Bieniemy would be back with the team.

Published: July 29, 2026, 12:00 pm

Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over Falklands banner and final chaos

• Players held banner after semi-final against England

• Paredes and Molina investigated over brawl after final

Fifa has opened disciplinary ­proceedings against Argentina over the Falkland Islands banner ­displayed after their World Cup semi‑final win against England in Atlanta.

As Argentina celebrated ­reaching the final with their dramatic 2-1 ­victory, several players held a sign ­proclaiming “Las Malvinas son ­Argentinas” – the ­Malvinas are Argentinian – in ­reference to the ­British overseas territory in the south Atlantic.

Published: July 29, 2026, 10:09 am

Chelsea complete deal for Crystal Palace and France defender Maxence Lacroix

• Centre-back signs six-year deal with Xabi Alonso’s side

• Lacroix is fifth signing of busy summer for club

Maxence Lacroix has joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace to become the club’s fifth signing of the summer so far. The France international, who won the FA Cup and Conference League with Palace, has been the Blues’ main defensive target of the window.

Lacroix, 26, signs a six-year deal with Xabi Alonso’s side. “I am really happy to be part of this beautiful club,” said Lacroix, who played three times for France at the World Cup, including in their 6-4 bronze medal match defeat to England.

Published: July 30, 2026, 4:48 am

Scottish Premiership returns with McInnes adding new twist to Old Firm rivalry

Derek McInnes has a score to settle with Celtic after swapping Hearts for Rangers, while Motherwell could impress again

Only residents of cloud cuckoo land can hold the firm belief of Scottish football emerging promptly from a summer of discontent. The onset of a new domestic season, ordinarily a cause for excitement, instead gives reason to ponder the grim realities of what came before.

That it is unsurprising there has been no detailed explanation or plan from the Scottish Football Association following a lamentable World Cup does not prevent the scenario from being so deflating. Mike Mulraney, the president, was last seen peeking out from the crowd behind Gianni Infantino and the US president at Trump Tower. Ian Maxwell, the Scottish FA’s chief executive, bemoaned “hysterical commentary” around his country’s World Cup performance during a brief media appearance after Steve Clarke had resigned. These executives had all-but spurted with laughter when it was suggested handing Clarke a four-year contract immediately before Scotland set sail for the United States was perhaps a needless dalliance with risk.

Published: July 30, 2026, 6:00 am

WSL fixtures: London City Lionesses open 2026-27 season against Manchester United

• Big-spending club kick off season on Friday 4 September

• Champions Manchester City begin against Birmingham

Those desperate to see what London City Lionesses will look like with two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas in their ranks do not have to wait long, with the big-spending club kicking off the new Women’s Super League season against Manchester United on Friday 4 September.

The Michelle Kang-owned side welcome United to Hayes Lane in the first game of the 2026-27 season, which will also likely feature goalkeeper Mary Earps, who returns to the WSL for an opener against her former club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain to join London City this summer.

Published: July 30, 2026, 2:45 am

Football transfer rumours: Jack Grealish to make Saudi switch to Al-Hilal?

Today’s rumours are getting out the paddling pool

Having been left behind like an unloved t-shirt by Enzo Maresca as Manchester City departed for their pre-season tour of Asia, Jack Grealish is attracting admiring glances from elsewhere. Eyeing up the England attacker’s shapely calves are Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League, who would certainly have the funds to fulfil City’s desire of slapping a big ‘SOLD’ sticker on Grealish and preparing him for international shipping.

The latest highly-touted prospect set to be whisked away after an impressive short stint at Bournemouth is Rayan. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Arsenal, and Liverpool all want the Brazilian winger. The link with Andoni Iraola at Anfield appears strong, but with the 19-year-old’s release clause not said to kick in until 2027, the fee required to move him from the south coast would be significant. Although probably still less than the price of a Bradley Barcola.

Published: July 30, 2026, 2:43 am

England’s 1966 World Cup heroes were fun, humble and unlike today’s stars

After lifting the trophy 60 years ago, some still supplemented their income by performing in working men’s clubs and as after dinner speakers

With each passing World Cup I am reminded of the times I spent in the company of those wonderful “Boys of 66”. What a privilege it was getting to know them in a much simpler era when, unlike today’s mollycoddled stars, household names remained unaffected by money and fame.

Where were you on 30 July 1966, the day England won the World Cup? I was at my nan and grandad’s house. They had a minute television which seemed no bigger than a matchbox. Intermittently the picture, which was in black and white, would roll around the screen. It was infuriating. My grandad talked about needing to get the “horizontal hold fixed” (unless you are of a certain age you will need to Google that). I was nine years old.

Published: July 29, 2026, 10:00 pm

Commonwealth Games day seven: women’s wheelchair 1500m to be restaged – live news

• Updates from track cycling, netball and more

• Medal table | Day six in pictures | Mail Martin

Hi everyone, good afternoon (or evening or morning, depending etc). Netball! Cycling! Athletics! Bowls! It is all happening on my shift today. Although Scotland might be wishing the netball wasn’t happening as the hosts are 54-41 down to Uganda in the fourth quarter. P.S. do my quiz!

It’s time for Martin Belam to run the show.

Published: July 30, 2026, 6:56 am

Racism claim by Idi Amin’s grandson groundless, says Commonwealth chief

• Ugandan boxer criticised referee after disqualification

• Chief executive Sadleir defends TNT Sports coverage

Commonwealth Sport chiefs have dismissed Idi Amin’s grandson’s claims of corruption and racism after he was disqualified for a head-butt in the super-heavyweight boxing.

Aziz Abdul lashed out at the decision by the Argentinian referee, Manuel Vilarino, after losing his quarter-final fight to England’s Damar Thomas. It came after he was correctly docked a point for a standing count in the first round, another for repeatedly punching on the break, and then disqualified for a blatant butt.

Published: July 30, 2026, 6:30 am

Root to captain England after Fleming confirmed as new men’s Test coach

• New Zealander will take over for South Africa series

• Trescothick named interim coach for Pakistan Tests

Stephen Fleming has been confirmed as the new coach of the England men’s Test team, with Joe Root returning for a second spell as captain. Marcus Trescothick will take interim charge for the three-game series against Pakistan which starts at Headingley in three weeks, with Fleming due to arrive in the country “later this summer” and assume the reins for this winter’s trip to South Africa.

Following what the England and Wales Cricket Board described as “a rigorous process, which involved numerous high-quality candidates”, Fleming emerged as a unanimous choice. Rob Key, the managing director of men’s cricket, who led the recruitment process, said England were “very fortunate that someone of his calibre is willing to take on the challenge”, adding: “I believe he is the best person to guide a team stacked full of potential and turn that talent into a world-class outfit that can not only achieve success but sustain it.”

Published: July 30, 2026, 2:52 am

Football Australia pleads for more time to digest Fifa’s controversial World Cup plans

• FA resists immediate criticism of privatisation push

• More information requested to ‘properly assess’ implications

Football Australia has resisted immediate criticism of Fifa’s plan to seek private investment despite an international outcry, instead calling for more information about the controversial proposal.

Football’s world governing body announced plans this week to sell a stake in the commercial rights to its tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors, in a move led by the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino.

Published: July 29, 2026, 9:15 pm

Gina Rinehart lobbied for controversial plan to move 2032 Olympic rowing to crocodile-inhabited river

Decision to host event on Fitzroy River at Rockhampton, 600km north of host city Brisbane, prompted significant backlash

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Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, lobbied for controversial plans to host 2032 Olympic rowing events on the Fitzroy River at Rockhampton, documents released by the Queensland government show.

The plans to send rowers 600km north of host city Brisbane – to a river that is natural habitat for saltwater crocodiles, and which prompted significant backlash among the rowing and broader Olympic communities – were announced by the Queensland government in March last year.

Published: July 29, 2026, 4:23 pm

WSL brings back Sunday evening kick-offs after indifferent viewing figures

• Move part of an overhaul of its broadcast strategy

• Sunday evening games were dropped last season

The Women’s Super League will bring back Sunday evening kick-offs this season as part of an overhaul of its broadcast strategy after indifferent viewing figures last season.

The Guardian has learned that the WSL will offer six different TV slots to broadcasters after releasing its fixtures for the 2026-27 campaign later on Thursday in a significant change from last season, when the majority of televised games took place on Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes.

Published: July 29, 2026, 4:01 pm

Infantino cashing in on World Cup: is football’s soul for sale? – The Latest

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has announced plans to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors in a new commercial entity worth $20bn. One of the leading would-be investors is Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared.

The plans have prompted an immediate backlash – with Uefa accusing Fifa of trying to ‘sell football’s soul’. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian reporter Paul MacInnes – watch on YouTube

Published: July 29, 2026, 8:49 am

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, US Soccer in ‘final stages’ of agreeing on new contract

• Deal would extend Argentinian through 2030 World Cup

• Coach would stand to earn ‘significantly’ more

• Pochettino’s tenure has been mixed bag of results

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino and US Soccer are “in the final stages” of finalizing an agreement for a new contract through the 2030 World Cup, multiple sources briefed on ongoing negotiations have told the Guardian. Those sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the matter.

Pochettino was brought on as US head coach in September 2024, tapped to lead the team through the 2026 World Cup, where the Americans suffered a disappointing exit in the last 16. Both sides had expressed interest in potentially extending the deal in the run-up to the tournament, with US Soccer chief executive JT Batson saying the federation was “excited” about the potential of building on progress made during Pochettino’s initial spell as head coach.

Published: July 29, 2026, 8:45 am

Charley Hull shooting for Open glory after multiple near misses at majors

Nelly Korda may be a safer bet, but home fans would be thrilled to see Hull triumph after five runner-up finishes

Nelly Korda is the likeliest winner of the Women’s Open, but there is no question who would be the most popular. Charley Hull’s brushes with major glory – she has five runner‑up finishes – have only intensified a widespread desire for the 30‑year‑old to break through the tape. Royal Lytham & St Annes provides the latest opportunity for the flamboyant Englishwoman.

Korda arrived in Lancashire with half her four major triumphs having come in 2026. Perhaps the Floridian can afford to be generous and she has endorsed Hull’s prospects. “She’s such a great personality,” Korda said. “It would be great for her to do it on home soil, too. She’s an amazing player. I enjoy playing with her. It would be great for the game.”

Published: July 29, 2026, 8:35 am

Uefa accuses Fifa of ‘enriching themselves and their friends’ over World Cup sell-off

• Fifa members given 19 September deadline to opt in

• FA and Concacaf join chorus of disapproval at plans

Uefa has accused Fifa of “using our sport to enrich themselves and their friends” after it emerged that Fifa’s 211 member associations have been given a deadline of 19 September to decide whether to apply for an initial payment of $20m (£15m) from the proceeds of its plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

“Today we have learned of Fifa’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan,” said European football’s governing body in a statement.

Published: July 29, 2026, 7:32 am