Friday, 14 August 2026
Thursday, 13 August 2026
PSG AGREE DEAL TO SIGN FERRAN TORRES FROM BARCELONA IN €50M TRANSFER
 |
| Getty Images |
Paris Saint-Germain have reached a definitive agreement with Barcelona to secure the services of Ferran Torres in a deal worth nearly €50 million. The Spanish international forward is now poised to move to the Parc des Princes, ending his tenure at the Camp Nou after four and a half years in Catalonia.
Luis Enrique reunites with Spanish forward
According to Mundo Deportivo, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have reached a total agreement for the transfer of Torres to the French champions. The 26-year-old forward is set to swap La Liga for Ligue 1 in a deal worth slightly less than €50 million, with the transfer fee consisting of a fixed amount and no additional performance-related variables included in the final package. The move will see Torres reunite with PSG head coach Luis Enrique, under whom he previously played during his time with the Spanish national team
.The move marks a significant shift for Torres, who has reportedly already agreed to the personal terms of a five-year contract with the Parisian giants. To facilitate the final stages of the move, the Valencian-born attacker requested permission from Barcelona via his representative to skip his scheduled return to training under Hansi Flick on Wednesday.
 |
| AFP |
Financial relief for the Catalan giants
For Barcelona, the sale represents a vital injection of capital and a strategic piece of financial management. The €50 million fee is considered a highly acceptable figure for a player who was entering the final year of his contract. Torres originally joined the Blaugrana from Manchester City in January 2022 for a fee of €55 million plus an additional €10 million in potential add-ons.
Beyond the immediate transfer fee, the deal provides further economic benefits regarding the club's long-term obligations. Had Barcelona chosen to renew Torres' contract, they would have been triggered to pay an additional €8 million to Manchester City due to a specific clause inserted in his original purchase agreement.
Medical tests and final formalities
The final step in the process involves Torres undergoing a comprehensive medical assessment with the PSG staff. While the agreement is verbally binding between the presidents and sporting directors, the official confirmation remains subject to the successful completion of these physical tests.
Torres leaves Barcelona having recently played a key role on the international stage, most notably scoring in the World Cup final. His arrival in Paris will provide Enrique with a versatile attacking option capable of playing across the front three, reinforcing a squad that comes off a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday to lift the UEFA Super Cup.
 |
| Getty |
A trophy-laden legacy at Camp Nou
Torres leaves Barcelona following a memorable and trophy-laden spell, during which he helped the Catalan giants secure three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey. Across his time with the club, the Spanish forward made 207 appearances in all competitions, registering 65 goals and 23 assists.
- Khaled Mahmoud
TAYLOR SWIFT'S CHANGE IN APPEARANCE TURNS HEADS AFTER TRAVIS KELCE WEDDING
 |
| Getty |
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce spoke to reporters for the first time as a married man on Day 13 of training camp. Kelce tied the knot with Taylor Swift in front of over 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden on July 3.
“It was a fun offseason, man,” Kelce said. “Wedding was the best night of my life, and I appreciate everybody who came out and celebrated and, you know, had fun with us. And yeah, that’s about all I really got from that night. It was a crazy night. It was it was full of a lot of celebration, but it’s football, baby.”
The 36-year-old veteran, entering his 14th season in the NFL, made it clear his focus was on football. “I still got a lot of love for this game,” he said. “You know, I still think I can go out and play at a high level, and I want to go out there and prove to myself that I could play at a better level than I did last year.
“I think that’s probably the biggest thing for me is making sure that I’m accountable for the guys in this room and every single play that I’m out there.”
 |
| Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce called his wedding to Taylor Swift ‘the best night of my life.’ |
Swift has kept an extremely low profile since marrying Kelce. One week after Kelce and Swift tied the knot, they jetted off to the opposite coast to attend New York Giants wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster and Laura Kruk’s wedding in Southern California. This outing marked the famous couple’s first public appearance as husband and wife, during which Swift proudly showed off her new wedding ring.
While Kelce continues working hard at practice, the 14-time Grammy winner made her first solo appearance since the wedding.
Fans Gushed Over Taylor Swift’s Appearing to Have a New Haircut in London
While Kelce caused a stir with the return of his training camp facial hair, it appears Swift also made an adjustment to her usual look. Photographed while exiting Annabel’s, a private club in London, fans gushed over her shorter hair.
One fan commented on X, “DID SHE CUT HER HAIR?!? IT LOOKS SO SHORT LIKE IM GETTING 1989 VIBES!” A Swiftie added, “The hair is short omg.” One X user posted, “her hair is so short omg.”
Another person wrote, “The dress???? The hair?? Oh Taylor you are stunning.”
The 36-year-old wore a lavender Delphine minidress and Aquazzura stilettos, per Page Six.
Taylor Swift Joined Travis Kelce at 1587 Prime on His Off Day
With the Chiefs having Sunday off from practice, Kelce and Swift enjoyed dinner at 1587 Prime on August 8, the restaurant the Chiefs star co-owns with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. A tip to DeuxMoi wrote that they were “under heavy guard.”
Photos shared on X show the pop star sitting at a booth at the steakhouse. The restaurant’s cocktail menu features a nod to the singer with a special drink called “The Alchemy,” the name of a Kelce-inspired song from her album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” The drink, made with vodka, Pierre Ferrand dry curaçao, aronia berry, cranberry, strawberry, lime, and oolong, arrives with a unique fire presentation.
The restaurant at the Loews Hotel in Kansas City.
- Emily Bicks
ROBERT GRIFFIN III BLASTS JAYDEN DANIELS OVER LSU CONTROVERSY
 |
| Getty |
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels made waves Thursday when ESPN reported that his attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU demanding that the university stop using his name, image and likeness.
Daniels’ team was clearly upset after LSU gave sophomore DJ Pickett his No. 5 jersey ahead of the college football season. Daniels became the school’s third and most recent Heisman Trophy winner during his time with the Tigers.
The other Heisman Trophy winner, Joe Burrow, remains the last player to wear LSU’s No. 9 jersey, which he wore in 2019 when he also led the Tigers to a national championship.
Daniels’ Family Statement
A spokesperson for Daniels and his family released a statement regarding the decision.
“The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU’s decision to give Jayden’s number to another player,” the statement from Daniels’ spokesperson said. “Jayden and his family had every reason to believe that his number would remain a meaningful part of his LSU legacy and would be honored and protected in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university.
“Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected,” the statement continued. “His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history. To see his number given to another player is incredibly disappointing and feels like a failure to honor the significance of what Jayden accomplished at LSU.”
Robert Griffin III Rips Daniels Over Decision
Former college football and NFL star Robert Griffin III also reacted to Daniels’ decision, making it clear that he believes the Commanders quarterback made a “colossal mistake.”
“Every Heisman Trophy Winner should have their number retired. But this cease and desist letter is a COLOSSAL MISTAKE by Jayden Daniels’ team for 3 reasons,” Griffin III said.
“1. Jersey retirements are an honor. -Not something to be demanded -Not something to strong arm a school to do
“2. It creates a rift between Jayden Daniels and LSU fans, who are one of the most passionate fan bases in all of Sports. Saying you feel profoundly disrespected and are being treated differently than Joe Burrow, forces LSU fans to chose between 10-3 Jayden Daniels and 15-0 National Champion Joe Burrow smoking a cigar. LSU fans will pick Joe Burreaux EVERY SINGLE TIME.
“3. It’s creates a MASSIVE DISTRACTION for Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders 3 weeks before the most important season of his career.
“Timing is everything. And this was the worst move for Jayden Daniels and his image to the masses possible.”
- Cole Sullivan
TERRIFYING MOMENT DODGERS STAR FALLS HEADFIRST DOWN FLIGHT OF STAIRS INTO OPPONENT'S DUGOUT
Freddie Freeman avoided serious injury Wednesday night when the Los Angeles Dodgers' first baseman took a frightening tumble down the stairs and into the visitors' dugout while trying to catch a ball.
Freeman isn't sure whether he'll play when the Dodgers begin an important four-game series with the MLB-leading Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, but he's grateful his freefall to the dugout floor wasn't worse.
'I didn't hit my head, so that was the key part there,' Freeman, who shares four children with his wife Chelsea, said.
'I am sore. Kneecaps are sore. Shoulder is sore. Hand sore. Wrist sore. I mean, I fell. (But) I'm in good spirits.'
Freeman stayed in the game and finished the top of the eighth, but Tommy Edman pinch hit for him in the bottom of the inning before Los Angeles closed out a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals, its fourth in five games.
The right side of Freeman's body took the punishment, but the 2024 World Series MVP apparently didn't break any bones.
 |
| Freddie Freeman took a frightening tumble down the stairs and into the visitors' dugout |
He'll wait to see how he feels in the morning before he decides whether to play Thursday night when the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers welcome Milwaukee in a rematch of last year's National League Championship Series.
Freeman said he simply miscalculated the location of the dugout railing while he tracked Isaac Collins' foul pop.
'I went to lean, like I was going to lean against the rail to catch the ball - and obviously there was no rail,' Freeman said with a smile.
Freeman, who turns 37 in one month, said he was fortunate to fall all the way into the dugout, missing the top flight of stairs entirely.
That's because when he landed, his head stuck out into the open space above the second flight of stairs that goes down into the visitors' clubhouse instead of banging on the ground.
'Luckily, I was tall, so I missed everything else,' the 6-foot-4 Freeman cracked.
This wasn't Freeman's first fielding misadventure: He said he fell into the seats in Arizona roughly a decade ago while he was with the Atlanta Braves.
The Orange County native and childhood Angels fan also said he still remembers the infamous 1999 opening-day dugout fall by Mo Vaughn, who got hurt on the first play of his first game with the Halos.
The Royals rushed to Freeman's side after the fall, urging him to stay on the ground. Freeman decided to get up anyway, and the Dodgers' training staff rushed across the field to check on him.
'I think that we really dodged a bullet,' Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. 'Very scary visually. For right now, he's in good spirits, which I think is a good sign. Just kind of total body soreness.'
It comes a day after Freeman's wife Chelsea revealed she thought she might be suffering a heart attack during a recent emergency trip to the hospital.
She suffered frightening symptoms while her husband was away playing with the Dodgers, prompting her to call 911 after waking up in the middle of the night with sharp pain in her back and chest.
Sharing details via her Instagram Stories, the mom-of-four revealed she feared the pain might be a heart attack.
'It was really scary, especially since Freddie was out of town on the road,' she wrote.
- MAX WINTERS
TAYLORMADE HI-TOE 5 WEDGES GO FORGED
Once upon a time, it seemed like every golf equipment entity was jumping into the high-toe full-faced wedge segment, making it feel a lot like the style was destined to become a permanent part of the wedge market. While the trend might not draw the same sort of prevalence or emotional reactions that it once did, the design is certainly here to stay, and TaylorMade is at the forefront.
In fact, today’s introduction of the all-new Hi-Toe 5 wedges marks what might be the most evolved version of the concept that we have seen, with things having changed significantly since their debut way back in 2018.
The Hi-Toe 5 takes a page out of their traditionally shaped brethren’s playbook by going fully forged, a move that has made TaylorMade’s MG5 the #1 Forged Wedge in Golf. By creating continuity across their wedges in both finish and feel, the brand believes that the Hi-Toe design might just enter an all new era of relevance.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5: Designed to be Different
If you have been around as long as some of us, then you undoubtedly remember the wild trends on Tour that led to the high toe wedge finding its way into the bags of golfers everywhere. However, for those of you who are more recent into the ever changing golf equipment scene, the Hi-Toe was an answer by TaylorMade to the emergence of the PM Grind as well as a surprising resurgence of the EYE2 wedges.
The shaping itself combined with the unique sole geometry that it allowed compared to traditionally shaped bladed wedges meant an opportunity for a massive amount of greenside and bunker playability. However, at that time, it also meant not winning any beauty pageants.
Fresh off the heels of debuting the MG wedges and finding new levels of success in the segment, TaylorMade looked at the trend and thought that their Milled Grind platform could allow them to do it in a much cleaner way. They were right, as the Hi-Toe set the tone for what the shaping could be, with many manufacturers following suit to create more visually complete high-toe and full-face options that you weren’t ashamed to be seen at the course with.
Forging the Future of TaylorMade Wedges
The decision to take the Hi-Toe 5 into the world of forged construction was done as much for the allure that such construction has over golfers as it was to unify the two wedge lines (MG5 and Hi-Toe 5) together. By forging both wedge shapes from soft carbon steel, you not only get the “feel” aspect, but also continuity and the potential to increase blending comfort for those who desire it.
Naturally, the discussion of just how beneficial, or not, having a wedge be forged varies from company to company. Those who offer it claim it is superior, while at the same time the most played wedge in golf remains cast. Unsurprisingly, TaylorMade is a big believer in the decision to go forged and the potential it brings to the table for them. No matter if it is better or not, forged wedges will wear faster than cast, so that is certainly something to keep in mind.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 Face Technology
Saw Grooves and Spin Tread
Even with being a fully forged design, the Hi-Toe 5 is also keeping the marquee wedge technologies that TaylorMade has created over the five generations of Milled Grind. When it comes to the face, raw remains the name of the game, removing the plating between the ball and grooves, which is what maximizes spin, but can allow for faster wear.
Each Hi-Toe 5 face also features TaylorMade’s Saw Grooves from heel to toe across the entirety of the surface. This saw milling of grooves means that the engineers have been able to create steeper sidewalls with a sharper internal radius than conventional methods. Combined with the Spin Tread technology, which laser etches micro channels on the face, the design is intended to improve surface friction as well as debris/moisture removal, creating a recipe for spin maximization as well as consistency.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 Grinds
There is a total of five different grinds available across lofts from 50 degrees all the way up to 60. What was once considered by some to be a one trick pony is now a design which can be carried in all of your wedges, if you choose.
The decision to offer so many grinds though is not just to get as many wedges into bags as possible, but to ensure there is something for whatever combination of swing, turf, or playing style golfers throw at the designs.
Naturally, it makes sense to take a closer look at just what each grind brings to the table:
ATS Grind
This is TaylorMade’s core grind, and their most popular. Think of it as the yeoman’s grind, doing work that fits the widest variety of styles and skills. The key is in a four-way cambered sole that allows open and closed face versatility without sacrificing square faced playability.
TaylorMade is offering the ATS in 50.09, 52.09, 54.10, 56.10, 58.10, and 60.10 loft options.
ATV Grind
The ATV grind does indeed get its name from “All Terrain Versatility” and one of the most unique wedge lines the brand ever released. The shaping of the sole is concave with an asymmetric bounce which is mid-to-high on square shots, but lower when opened up. It also has beveled leading edge to minimize turf interaction prior to impact.
As for lofts, the ATV is offered only in lob wedge lofts 58.11 and 60.11.
ATW Grind
If you are a golfer who loves effective bounce and knows how to use it, then the ATW might just be the one to look at when it comes to Hi-Toe 5. This sole is all about forgiveness, especially in softer conditions or as a bunker club for those who want straightforward playability.
The ATW is offered in sand and lob with 56.14 and 60.14 lofts.
ATX Grind
Perhaps the most complex sole design of the five, the ATX is a mid-high bounce but uses three different sole ledges that work in sequence according to TaylorMade. Translation? The leading edge offers forgiveness for steeper swings, the center ledge stabilizes the head through impact, and a more narrow trailing edge ensures the wedge exits the turf as quickly as possible.
Like the ATV, the ATX is offered in a duo of lob wedge lofts, here though that means a touch more bounce at 58.12 and 60.12.
ATC Grind
Finally, the ATC is unique in a couple of ways. First, it is a low bounce shaping that has a reverse-C trailing edge and much narrower overall sole width to improve playability on tighter lies with shallower angles of attack. Second, it is a custom order only grind that will not be stocked in stores.
The ATC can be ordered in 58.08 and 60.08.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 Pricing and Availability
Each Hi-Toe wedge is paired with the KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 115g Black or UST Mamiya Recoil DART 80g as standard shaft options. The iconic Aged Copper finish will be the retail option, while custom orders will be able to request Satin Chrome.
As has become standard for the brand, there will be a MyHi-Toe 5 program that will bring virtually limitless aesthetic customization to your fingertips, as well as some unique finish options like raw and charcoal black.
For both the Hi-Toe 5 and MyHi-Toe 5, pre-orders begin on 8/6/2026 with product at retail beginning 9/3/2026. The standard versions will be priced at $199.99 while the MyHi-Toe 5 wedges will start at $249.99.
For more information be sure to visit TaylorMadeGolf.com.
- James Miles
BARCELONA LEGEND XAVI HERNÁNDEZ APPOINTED NEW MANAGER OF NETHERLANDS NATIONAL TEAM 🇳🇱
A big new job for the former Barça boss
The rumors were true: Barcelona legend and former manager Xavi Hernández has been appointed the new head coach of the Netherlands national team, the KNVB (Dutch Federation) announced on Wednesday.
Xavi has signed a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup, and takes on his first managerial role since leaving Barça in 2024.
Xavi replaces another Barça legend and former player in Ronald Koeman, who left the job after this summer’s World Cup. Xavi also took over for Koeman at Barça in 2021, and Oranje fans will hope Xavi’s arrival at the national team will have the same initial impact as his arrival did for Barça five years ago.
The new boss will face a huge, high-profile challenge on his debut as the Dutch will face Jürgen Klopp’s Germany on September 24 in Amsterdam in the first game of the new UEFA Nations League campaign.
Good luck with the Oranje, Xavi!
- Renato Gonçalves
PSG TOP ASTON VILLA IN SALZBURG TO SUCCESSFULLY RETAIN UEFA SUPER CUP
 |
| Marquinhos (C) lifts the trophy with his teammates after PSG defeated Aston Villa to win the UEFA Super Cup at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria, August 12, 2026. /VCG |
Champions League titleholder Paris Saint-Germain rubber-stamped its status as Europe's top club after edging Europa League winner Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg, Austria, on Wednesday.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue found the net, sandwiched around a debut goal for Villa teenager Brian Madjo, as the Parisians retained the trophy they first won 12 months ago against another Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur.
Ahead of the start of their respective domestic campaigns, both coaches named relatively strong squads for this match.
PSG's starting lineup featured nine players that lifted the Champions League trophy against Arsenal in May, including Vitinha, Joao Neves and captain Marquinhos.
French left-back Lucas Digne, who officially signed a deal with the Parisians on Sunday, was on the bench against his former club.
Aston Villa rested World Cup campaigners Ezri Konsa, Emi Martinez and Ollie Watkins, but coach Unai Emery handed debuts to midfielder Joao Gomes and striker Madjo.
Midfielder Boubacar Kamara also started for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury in January.
PSG boss Luis Enrique sent on World Cup winner Fabian Ruiz with a quarter of an hour remaining, helping PSG shore up the center of the pitch as Villa hunted for an equalizer.
The English side's best chance came inside the final 10 minutes but Tammy Abraham was, by the slimmest of margins, unable to reach Alysson's cutback inside the six-yard box.
The Qatar-backed Ligue 1 winner managed to hold on and enjoy a triumphant start to the new season, which they hope will end with a third consecutive UEFA Champions League crown.
- Source(s): AFP
WHO IS JOSH KUSHNER, THE BILLIONAIRE WHO JUST BOUGHT THE LAKERS?
 |
| Joshua Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, speaks during the Hill & Valley forum at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images |
New York — Josh Kushner doesn’t give many interviews or make public appearances often, but he’s keen on making headlines.
Kushner, the brother of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared, announced that he was teaming up with former Disney CEO Bob Iger to buy the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $12.5 billion.
It’s just one of many flashy deals and investments involving the 41-year-old as of late. His successful career as founder of Thrive Capital, a venture capital firm that raised more than $10 billion in its latest round, has served as a springboard to build his status as a powerful mogul.
“I think Thrive is a very small percentage of its potential. I feel like we’re just getting started,” Kushner said in a February podcast, frequently mentioning loyalty and humility as his core leadership values.
“I believe that my word, the word of the firm, is more important than anything else,” he continued.
Thrive has amassed a massive portfolio, ranging from early investments in high-profile technology companies like OpenAI and SpaceX, to trendy brands such as Spotify, Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS and movie studio A24. It’s also involved in sports, owning minority portions of the San Francisco Giants and the Miami Heat.
The New York-based firm also has an offshoot, called Thrive Holdings, which invests in companies that are working to modernize traditionally old-school industries through AI.
“I think this is the most important moment in our lifetimes. In many respects AI is underhyped,” Kushner said in a 2025 interview at the tech and policy summit The Hill & Valley Forum.
Kushner’s Thrive is also a pivotal investor in OpenAI, most recently funneling another $1 billion to the company in December, CNBC reported. He shares a close working relationship with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
“Josh makes high-conviction bets on high-quality companies and founders, and he doesn’t care too much about what other investors think. I feel a lot of camaraderie with that,” Altman told Fortune in 2024.
Josh, born in New Jersey, is the son of real estate tycoon Charles Kushner. He’s the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is more well known these days as the son-in-law of President Donald Trump. His father Charles was pardoned by Trump in 2020 over a 2005 conviction on federal tax evasion charges.
 |
| Founder and CEO of Thrive Capital Josh Kushner attends the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference at the Sun Valley Lodge on July 10, 2026 in Sun Valley, Idaho. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images |
Josh, however, has largely steered clear of associating himself with the Trump family. Rather, he’s building one of his own with model Karlie Kloss, who married in 2018 and have three children. The pair are regulars at the Met Gala.
Still, the two have not been fully able to separate themselves from his family. (“Not even to dinner with the Kushners?,” one contestant on reality TV show Project Runway infamously quipped to Kloss over criticism about a dress designed for her.)
“I’m sure I’m not the only person in this country who does not necessarily agree with their family on politics,” Kloss said in a later interview. “… my man and I have been through a lot together and you know I’m so proud that he’s my partner.”
Kushner said in 2017 that “It is no secret that liberal values have guided my life and that I have supported political leaders that share similar values.”
Kushner also founded Oscar Health in 2012, a health insurance company that initially capitalized on the creation of the Affordable Care Act marketplaces and recently posted record profits.
According to Forbes, Kushner is worth about $5 billion.
Still, not all of his bets are successful: Last month Kushner’s Thrive Eternal was part of a controversial —and quickly scrapped — plan with FIFA to sell private stakes in upcoming World Cup tournaments. FIFA said that the money generated will be reinvested back into the sport.
Kushner’s purchase of the Lakers “serves as a way to put the FIFA controversy behind him quickly and almost turn a new leaf in the sports sector,” Mark Conrad, professor of law and ethics at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, told CNN over email.
“It certainly puts him on the map more than before,” he said.
- Jordan Valinsky and Ramishah Maruf
PITCH INVADERS TAKE SELFIES WITH FERNANDES DURING MAN UTD FRIENDLY
Dublin (AFP) – Normal time in Manchester United's pre-season friendly against Leeds at Dublin's Croke Park on Wednesday ended in bizarre fashion when two young fans ran on to the pitch to take selfies with Bruno Fernandes.
 |
| A pitch invader takes a selfie with Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes during a pre-season friendly against Leeds at Croke Park in Dublin © Paul Faith / AFP |
When security did not immediately intervene, at least three other pitch invaders joined in and play did not restart before referee Neil Doyle blew for full-time.
The match, the first game of association soccer at the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 2009, was played in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 80,000.
It ended 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes after Joshua Zirkzee gave United a 16th-minute lead before Leeds equalised just before the half-hour mark, with Brenden Aaronson scoring after good work from former United winger Daniel James.
Noussair Mazraoui scored the decisive spot-kick as Manchester United won 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out.
"First half we were really dangerous and could've had a number of goals," United manager Michael Carrick told ITV. "We played some really good football.
"They came back into the game, and in the second half there were a few changes and it was important to get some minutes in some of our lads.
"The young lads did well, it was everything we expected of them. Winning the game is always nice."
Fernandes missed from the spot before it went to sudden death, but after James Justin's effort struck the crossbar, Mazraoui saw United to victory.
Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford were among those watching on, not involved after only joining the training camp at the start of the week following the World Cup.
Before the match, Carrick said he was holding the trio "in reserve" for Saturday's friendly against former boss Ruben Amorim and AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland -- potentially Rashford's first appearance in a United shirt since December 2024.
"He's our player," said former United and England midfielder Carrick of Rashford, now back at Old Trafford after a loan spell at Barcelona.
"He's come back great, like any other player. I've known him a long time, he gives us something a bit different.
"He's been in great spirits since he's come back."
After several half-time changes, including a debut for United's new 18-year-old winger Tynan Thompson, Leeds should have gone ahead six minutes in when Joe Rodon's low cross found Harry Wilson, but the summer signing shot straight at Senne Lammens.
Fernandes was among six United players to come onto the field on the hour and, having seen one effort ruled out for offside, he hit the crossbar with a curling shot five minutes from time.
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
CRISTIANO RONALDO MARRIES MODEL GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ IN PORTUGAL
 |
| Reuters |
Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Cristiano Ronaldo married longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez in a civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal.
Ronaldo announced the marriage Tuesday on Instagram and Facebook, sharing a photo of his hand resting on top of his wife's with rings on each of their fingers.
The Portuguese striker included a caption with each of their initials and a heart symbol.
A press release stated that the couple tied the knot Tuesday in a civil ceremony in the coastal town, located about 20 miles west of Lisbon. Ronaldo, 41, and Rodriguez, 32, share five children, who attended the ceremony. The couple announced their engagement Aug. 11, 2025.
Ronaldo met Rodriguez when she worked as a sales assistant in 2016 at a Gucci store in Madrid. She detailed their romance in the Netflix series I Am Georgina.
Rodriguez said in the show that she had "butterflies" in her stomach. Ronaldo has described the meeting as "love at first sight."
Ronaldo joined Lionel Messi as the first two players to appear in six separate World Cups earlier this summer. He is the only player to score in six editions of the tournament.
His domestic club, Al-Nassr will launch its Saudi Pro League campaign against Al Fateh at 2 p.m. EDT Saturday in Riyadh.
EVERTON FORWARD CHARGED BY FAOAFYER ALLEGEDLY BREAKING BETTONG RULES BY PLACING 61 BETS OVER 15 MONTHS
Everton forward Martin Sherif has been charged by the FA for allegedly breaching betting rules.
The 20-year-old, who was loaned out to Rotherham by the Toffees last season, has been accused of betting 61 times on matches over 15 months.
The bets allegedly were placed between November 20 in 2024 and February 12 in 2026 and Sherif now has until next Monday to respond to the charges.
The FA said in a statement: 'Martin Sherif of Everton FC has been charged with breaching the FA's betting rules.
'It's alleged that the player breached FA Rule E1.2 in respect of 61 bets placed on football matches between 20 November 2024 and 12 February 2026.
'Martin Sherif has until Monday 17 August to provide a response.'
Sherif has never made a professional appearance for Everton but trained with the first team last year.
He has been with the club since the age of 13 and boasted an impressive scoring record at youth level.
He scored twice in 10 games for Rotherham in League One last season but the loan was cut short in December by the Premier League side due to Sherif suffering a number of injuries.
The Liberia-born forward later joined Port Vale on loan in February but could not help them avoid relegation to League Two, scoring twice in 17 matches.
- WILL GRIFFEE
AFA-RBC AGREEMENT SIGNATORIES FACE TA. FRAUD IN ARGENTINA, COLLECTION AGENT PROBED BY FBI FOR MONEY LAUNDERING
 |
| Image. Canva. |
Two signatories to the agreement between Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited (RBC) and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to bring Messi and team to Kerala -- Claudio Tapia and Victor Blanca -- have faced multiple cases of alleged tax fraud, money laundering and financial mismanagement in Argentina, even forcing a court in Buenos Aires to issue a travel ban on them.
In the agreement signed on December 20, 2024, with Anto Augustine of RBC, Tapia and Blanco represented AFA as President and General Secretary, respectively. The agreement also shows Tourprodenter as the collection agent of the AFA. It was agreed that all funds shall be deposited into the company's account at Bank of America. Accordingly, Tourprodenter received $14.5 million in two instalments.
Claudio Tapia, who signed as the second party in the agreement for the Messi-led Argentina team to Kerala, was summoned for questioning in March 2026 by the court in Buenos Aires. Quoting court documents, the Associated Press reported that he is accused of failing to pay social contributions amounting to 19 billion pesos ($12.8 million) in 2024 and 2025.
The investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by the country's customs collection and control agency. The court had then issued a travel ban on AFA treasurer Pablo Toviggino and other office- bearers Cristian Malaspina, Gustavo Lorenzo and Victor Blanco. Along with Tapia, Blanco has signed the agreement with the RBC.
Tourprodenter, AFA's collection agent, is also embroiled in another investigation. BA Times reported on a judicial investigation into AFA's handling of funds through the firm and a possible link to a luxury mansion in Pilar. Reports also surfaced about a federal investigation in the US into offshore funds and financial deals of AFA.
While local dailies had reported that Tapia was summoned for questioning, AFA came up with an explanation that none of the officials had been asked to appear for interrogation. However, the AFA release stated that the subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida was addressed to a third party, who was required to appear before a Grand Jury and potentially provide documentation and communications related to various individuals, including officials of this Association.
Argentine Daily La Nacion reported in July that the US Department of Justice is looking into the business deals of the US-based company owned by Tapia with Tourprodenter and how the firm channelled funds.
The report submitted by the Special Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, to the Chief Minister flags reports about the deals of Tourprodenter. Miami Herald, which actively pursued the case, has reported that the FBI is investigating whether Tourprodenter illegally routed more than $300 million in sponsorship receipts through the US banking system and remittance companies to top AFA executives and associates in Argentina for their personal use.
Documents show that Tapia sent an invitation to RBC in August 2025 for a meeting on September 1 and to attend a match between Argentina and Venezuela on September 4, 2025.
- Aswin J Kumar
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)