Saturday, 1 August 2026
BAYER LEVERKUSEN'S KENNET EICHHORN DIAGNOSED WITH METABOLIC DISORDER
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| Bayern Leverkusen newcomer Kennet Eichhorn has been ruled out until further notice. - © IMAGO/Jan Huebner |
Kennet Eichhorn has been ruled out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a metabolic disorder, Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed.
The condition was identified during routine medical examinations and was preceded by excessive physical strain and weight loss, partly as a result of a gastrointestinal condition.
The 17-year-old midfielder will now undergo further assessment and treatment under the supervision of specialist doctors, with no timeframe given for his return.
The setback comes after Eichhorn earned a move to Leverkusen following a breakout season in Bundesliga 2 at Hertha Berlin, during which he became the division's youngest player, starter and goalscorer.
"Kennet is set to embark on what we hope will be a very long career at the very highest level. We will support him as best we can along the way," said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes.
"What's important at this stage is that we have put the right measures in place for his recovery and that Kennet is given the time and peace and quiet he needs for his treatment, without any pressure."
- Bundesliga
CENTRAL COUNCIL "OVERWHELMINGLY"AGREES TO MAINTAIN ALLIANZ PARTNERSHIP
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| A view of the protest outside Croke Park against Allianz's sponsorship of the GAA ©INPHO/Nick Elliott |
The GAA has reaffirmed its partnership with Allianz following discussions at management committee and Central Council level today and yesterday.
The issue was revisited after correspondence from Tyrone GAA, which had raised concerns over the sponsorship.
Following a report from the Ethics and Integrity Commission last December, the GAA opted to retain the partnership, warning that ending the agreement would make it “impossible to secure an alternative insurer that would not have similar links” and “could expose the Association to legal consequences apart from loss of sponsorship.”
A statement issued after Saturday's Central Council meeting read: “Following a comprehensive discussion, it was overwhelmingly agreed to endorse the decision taken last December to adopt the recommendation of the Ethics and Integrity Commission report and to maintain this partnership.”
The Allianz partnership has been the subject of protests in recent months over the company's links, through its parent company and subsidiary PIMCO, to Israeli government bonds.
- Hoganstand.com
F1 DRIVER DEVELOPING 'WORST REPUTATION' ON THE GRID OVER HIS BEHAVIOUR SO FAR THIS SEASON
Carlos Sainz's obstruction of Oscar Piastri at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix has only deepened the frustration surrounding the Williams F1 driver, further damaging his standing among rivals who already viewed him with serious scepticism.
James Vowles, Team Principal of Williams Racing, isn’t putting the Hungarian Grand Prix collision solely on Sainz. Instead, he’s pointing to a broken blue‑flag system, unclear team messaging, and Fernando Alonso’s refusal to yield.
Piastri - who lost the lead because of the contact - blasted Sainz as an “idiot” and later called the move “the dumbest thing” he’d ever seen.
Sainz took a five-second penalty for the contact, while Piastri later retired for an unrelated reason.
Onboard footage shows Sainz driving past several flashing blue lights and being overtaken twice by Alonso seconds before the crash. Vowles says the Spaniard should have moved aside earlier, and admits Williams didn’t warn their driver at the right moment. Stewards still held him fully responsible, however, but issued a reduced penalty due to limited visibility.
What's Been Said About Carlos Sainz
Nate Saunders, a senior Formula 1 writer and journalist for ESPN, said: "It's hard to ignore the cloud over Sainz going into the break following his collision with Piastri in Hungary.
"Piastri called it 'one of the dumbest things I've ever seen on a racetrack,' and given Sainz's intelligence and experience, it's hard to disagree.
"Worst of all is that Sainz seems to be a repeat offender; he stayed on the racing line while being shown blue flags as the race leader Leclerc approached at the British Grand Prix, and he's becoming known among his peers for being one of the worst for blocking in practice, too. That all might be more forgivable for a rookie, but this is Sainz's 12th season in F1."
The Lap 39 incident stripped Piastri of the lead, paving the way for Lando Norris to inherit the position and secure victory. The Australian branded Sainz’s collision with him in Hungary as “unacceptable,” adding that he ought to “look in the mirror” considering how often he’s criticised fellow drivers.
"Two problems took place," Vowles said. "That flag system just wasn't working. In fact, at one point, we were just operating with marshals doing their best, but waving blue flags, and it's a very difficult thing for marshals to do; they don't know when the cars are coming by and trigger that.
"What happened is he took an opportunity to go inside of Carlos into turn one. So, at that stage, Carlos then became the car behind, and when you do have a number of marshal posts to therefore give up position. However, on the run down turn two, Carlos was back ahead now, so the car behind is Fernando, again with the light boards."
Vowles clarified that there was no effort to impede Piastri, noting that a different car behind them should have yielded before they did.
- Cody Marmon
JUDE BELLINGHAM RECEIVES HERO'S WELCOME ON RETURN TO BIRMINGHAM CITY
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| BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Jude Bellingham, England International and former Birmingham City player, acknowledges the fans as he takes his seat during the during the pre-season friendly match between Birmingham City and FC Barcelona at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on July 31, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) Getty Images |
Jude Bellingham enjoyed an emotional homecoming on Friday as he returned to St Andrew’s Stadium to watch Birmingham City’s preseason friendly against Barcelona.
The Real Madrid midfielder, who began his professional career with Birmingham before making his move to Borussia Dortmund and eventually Los Blancos, was back at the club where his rise to stardom first began. His appearance in the stands did not go unnoticed, with supporters giving the England international a rousing ovation in recognition of everything he has accomplished since leaving his boyhood club.
Jude. He's home. 💙 pic.twitter.com/4pb6UvXa5x
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) July 31, 2026
Bellingham made his senior debut for Birmingham as a teenager and quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in English football. His rapid development earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund, where he became one of Europe's premier midfielders before joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.
"He's one of our own." 💙 What a reception for Jude Bellingham. Special moment at St. Andrew's. #BCFC #KRO pic.twitter.com/6mivDdB6rf
— Inti Official – Co‑Founded Blues 4 All (@Inti_Official) July 31, 2026
The warm reception highlighted the lasting affection between Bellingham and the Birmingham faithful, whose admiration for their former academy graduate remains as strong as ever.
- Managing Madrid
VINICIUS JR REACHES DECISION ON JOINING ARSENAL OR STAYING AT REAL MADRID, AS ULTIMATUM REACHED
Arsenal are continuing to monitor Vinicius Junior’s contract situation at Real Madrid, with sources confirming to TEAMtalk that the Gunners are being kept informed by the Brazilian’s representatives and intermediaries as negotiations over a new deal reach a pivotal stage.
The latest developments come after Real Madrid informed Vinicius that their current proposal represents their final offer.
TEAMtalk understands the Spanish giants have made it clear they will not improve their terms, believing they have reached the limit of what they are prepared to offer while maintaining their carefully managed wage structure.
Real remain determined to keep Vinicius and the player himself would still prefer to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, sources insist the situation is far from resolved.
We understand the biggest stumbling block is the signing-on bonus attached to a new contract.
Vinicius’ camp believe he deserves a package comparable to the one Kylian Mbappe received when he joined Real Madrid, with sources indicating they are seeking a figure close to the £85million signing bonus awarded to the France captain.
Real Madrid’s response has been firm.
Club officials have pointed out that Mbappe arrived as a free agent after the expiry of his Paris Saint-Germain contract, making his situation fundamentally different to that of a player already under contract at the club.
That disagreement has created months of deadlock.
Real Madrid have now informed Vinicius’ representatives there will be no further negotiations on improved financial terms.
The message is simple – accept the current offer or the club will consider other options.
Real Madrid won’t allow Vinicius Jr to leave via free agency
TEAMtalk understands Real remain unwilling to risk Vinicius entering the final year of his contract without an agreement in place.
If no breakthrough is reached, they would rather sanction a sale this summer than face the prospect of losing one of their biggest assets for nothing in 2027.
While the contract situation continues to dominate headlines, Real Madrid are pressing ahead with other business.
TEAMtalk understands Los Blancos expect to complete the signing of Yan Diomande this weekend, with talks continuing with RB Leipzig over the final details of the deal.
The highly-rated youngster is not viewed as a direct replacement for Vinicius, but his arrival would provide Jose Mourinho with greater attacking depth and another versatile option across the frontline.
Real’s plan is very much for Diomande and Vinicius to play together, not instead of one another, and everyone at the club remains hopeful that will be the case next season.
That is where Arsenal continue to watch developments closely. Sources have told TEAMtalk that the Gunners remain in contact with Vinicius’ camp and continue to receive updates on the situation.
Vinicius Jr favours Real Madrid stay over joining Arsenal
While Arsenal have enormous admiration for the Brazilian and have made clear they would be willing to offer him a hugely lucrative package, there has been no indication from the player that he is actively pushing to leave Madrid.
Indeed, those close to the negotiations continue to stress that Vinicius’ priority is still to remain in Spain.
However, Arsenal’s interest is genuine. TEAMtalk understands the prospect of living and playing in London is something Vinicius has discussed with those around him and is viewed positively.
Should negotiations with Madrid ultimately collapse, Arsenal believe they would be in a strong position to make their move.
Sources remain cautious over the likelihood of that scenario.
Vinicius expected to sign new Real Madrid contract
The overwhelming expectation among those involved is still that an agreement will eventually be reached and Vinicius will commit his long-term future to Real Madrid.
But unlike some reports suggesting the situation is already resolved, TEAMtalk understands there is still significant work to do before any contract is signed.
Until that happens, Arsenal will continue to keep a close eye on developments.
As one source told TEAMtalk: “Everyone still expects Vinicius to stay, but nobody can say it is guaranteed. Arsenal are informed about everything that is happening and they will be ready if the situation changes.”
- Graeme Bailey
BURNA BOY CREDITS ED SHEERAN FOR SHAKIRA WORLD CUP ANTHEM FEATURE
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| Burna Boy feat. Ed Sheeran, "For My Hand" COURTESY PHOTO |
Nigerian singer Burna Boy has revealed that British music star Ed Sheeran played a key role in helping him secure a feature on Shakira’s FIFA World Cup song, ‘Dai Dai’.
The Grammy-winning artiste disclosed during a recent interview with Capital FM. He also spoke about Sheeran’s support ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Sheeran’s role in the collaboration
According to Burna Boy, Sheeran helped him navigate the opportunity and prepared him for the demands of performing on one of football’s biggest stages.
“He had to give me a heads-up like, ‘Yo, you’re going to have to perform at the finals.’ He knows me… he knows how I get down,” Burna Boy said.
The Afro-fusion star explained that Sheeran understood the pressure such a performance could bring.
“He knows the stress part is a bit crazy for me and stuff, so he gave me a heads-up. He was like, ‘Yo, it’s going to be real stressful.’”
Burna Boy praises Ed Sheeran
Speaking further, Burna Boy described Sheeran as a close friend whose advice he values.
“He’s just a very sensible and lovable guy. He is someone I have taken to personally from the beginning. Ed is very smart, man. He always knows what he is doing.”
Sheeran shares songwriting credits on ‘Dai Dai’ with producer Alexander Castillo.
Shakira’s reaction to Burna Boy’s verse
Shakira previously disclosed that she waited 20 days for Burna Boy to deliver his verse for the song.
Despite the delay, the Colombian singer praised his contribution. She described it as the “cherry on top” and said his vocals took the track “to another level”.
The official World Cup anthem explores themes of resilience and inner strength. It combines Shakira’s global pop appeal with Burna Boy’s Afro-fusion sound.
The collaboration marks another major international milestone for Burna Boy. The Nigerian star has continued to expand his global reach through partnerships with some of the biggest names in music.
- Alexandra Aiyudu
FIFA BOSS INFANTINO SCRAPS WORLD CUP SELL OFF PLANS AFTER BACKLASH
"Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place," the FIFA president said in a statement on Friday.
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| President Gianni Infantino holds the FIFA World Cup winner's trophy. SAM HODDE/GETTY IMAGES |
After announcing plans earlier this week for FIFA to sell off a stake in the World Cup to private investors, the president of the global soccer governing body, Gianni Infantino, has announced he’s pulling those plans.
“The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for further strengthening our FIFA Member Associations and our sport worldwide, especially in those countries where support is most needed. And more so, as we said from the outset, to do this only if a majority of the FIFA Member Associations were in support and always subject to a consultation process with them, the FIFA Council, the Confederations and wider stakeholders,” Infantino said in a statement on Friday.
“Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place,” he continued. “Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”
The proposed plan would have consisted of FIFA setting up a new entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), that would bundle soccer associated money-making operations while a significant stake would be sold to private investors. 20 percent of the company would have been sold to Thrive Capital, an invest group run by Joshua Kushner, the brother of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Backlash was immediate, with European soccer body UEFA saying on Thursday that if the plan went through, it would boycott FIFA events, including the World Cup. Three of the four semi-finalists of the 2026 men’s World Cup hailed from Europe, including this year’s champion, Spain.
Earlier this week, U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham released a statement online that read, “football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine. The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out.”
Infantino’s statement continued, “Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in our game, and with the objective to continue growing football everywhere, particularly in those countries that mostly need our support.”
- MCKINLEY FRANKLIN
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA EXTENDS CONTRACT WITH NIKE
Friday, 31 July 2026
CHINESE MARTIAL ART WUSHU GAINS POPULARITY AMONG AFRICAN YOUTHS
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| Wushu players during the first Kenya National Wushu competition at Kasarani Gymnasium, Nairobi, Kenya, July 30, 2026. /CGTN Africa |
An ancient Chinese martial art is finding a growing following among young people in Africa, with practitioners in Kenya embracing Wushu not only as a competitive sport, but also as a path to discipline, self-control and cultural exchange.
Athletes from across Kenya gathered in the capital Nairobi for a Wushu competition organized by the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University, highlighting the sport's expanding appeal in the East African nation.
Blending athleticism, artistry and centuries of Chinese tradition, Wushu features graceful sword routines, powerful kicks, acrobatic jumps and lightning-fast strikes that demand precision, balance and endurance.
A sport inspired by cinema and culture
For 22-year-old competitor Elvis Munyasya, the journey into Wushu began with martial arts films and online videos.
"What inspired me a lot was action movies," Munyasya said. "Then I came across Wushu performances on YouTube, and that is what inspired me to start training."
He says every movement in Wushu tells a story, and every performance reflects years of training, sacrifice and determination.
For many participants, competitions provide an opportunity to measure their progress and learn from other athletes.
"This is where you come and see the level of your performance. Competing with other athletes helps you understand where you are, and you learn a lot," Munyasya added.
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| Wushu player Elvis Munyasya during the first Kenya National Wushu competition at Kasarani Gymnasium, Nairobi, Kenya, July 30, 2026. /CGTN Africa |
More than a martial art
For fellow competitor Veronica Wambui, Wushu has become a tool for personal growth and emotional discipline.
"It teaches you how to control yourself," she said. "If someone insults you, you do not react immediately. You learn to withhold yourself or walk away. There is a lot of discipline in Wushu.”
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| Wushu player Veronica Wambui during the first Kenya National Wushu competition at Kasarani Gymnasium, Nairobi, Kenya, July 30, 2026. /CGTN Africa |
Practitioners say the sport builds confidence, resilience and respect while introducing them to aspects of Chinese culture and philosophy.
Building bridges through sport
Organizers believe Wushu can play a broader role beyond athletic competition.
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| Professor Xiaodong Zhou, Director of the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University, during the first Kenya National Wushu competition at Kasarani Gymnasium, Nairobi, Kenya, July 30, 2026. /CGTN Africa |
"Martial arts is not only physical movement; it is also a culture," Director of the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University, Professor Xiaodong Zhou said. "Through this culture, people learn how to deal with others. Martial arts can improve health, strengthen character and create connections between people."
Zhou said Wushu has the potential to deepen cultural ties between Africa and China by encouraging mutual understanding through sport. Organizers hope it marks the beginning of a new chapter for Wushu in Kenya.
As interest in the sport continues to grow, supporters believe it could become an important platform for youth development, cultural exchange and stronger people-to-people relations between Kenya and China.
- Halligan Agade
PRIME MINISTER ANDY BURNHAM CALLS FOR 'WROND MAN' GIANNI INFANTINO TO BE REPLACED AS FIFA CHIEF
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| AFP |
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has branded Gianni Infantino the wrong man to lead FIFA following widespread backlash over plans for private equity to sell stakes in the World Cup. Burnham condemned the controversial commercial proposals after a senior adviser resigned and key regional confederations united to oppose the governing body’s blueprint.
Burnham condemns Infantino leadership
Burnham has launched a stinging attack on Infantino’s leadership of FIFA following a wave of backlash against plans to commercialise the organisation. The resistance has intensified following the resignation of senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro and formal opposition from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), UEFA, and CONCACAF. Burnham argued that Infantino’s attempt to sell off a stake in FIFA competitions to private investors represents a fundamentally flawed decision for the future of world football.
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| SW Pix |
Prime Minister demands change
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Burnham openly condemned the proposed private equity scheme. He said: "This was an outrageous suggestion," before questioning Infantino's suitability to remain in charge of FIFA: "The idea that it could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, [he] is the wrong man to lead the organisation."
Private equity blueprint rejected
Burnham's scathing critique reflects a broader global resistance, including a firm stance taken by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
In an official statement, the AFC rejected plans to establish the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) commercial subsidiary and stressed the necessity of preserving the integrity of football's premier tournament: "The Fifa World Cup is the pinnacle of global football and derives its strength from the participation of all Confederations and the world's leading football nations.
"Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered."
-Adhe Makayasa
CARL LEWIS IS THE GREATEST LONG JUMPER IN HISTORY
Here’s Why Carl Lewis Is the Greatest Long Jumper in History👀
Most legal-wind 8.50m+ long jumps in history:
🇺🇸 Carl Lewis — 32
🇨🇺 Iván Pedroso — 27
🇺🇸 Mike Powell — 14
🇺🇸 Larry Myricks — 13
🇺🇸 Dwight Phillips — 9
ARSENAL, NEWCASTLE REACH AGREEMENT FOR BRUNO GUIMARÄES WITH FEE REVEALED AND IN FINAL STAGES
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| Bruno Guimarães has been linked with a move to Arsenal. |
Arsenal and Newcastle United have reportedly ‘reached an agreement’ over a fee for Brazil international Bruno Guimarães after weeks of rumours.
The Gunners are still looking for a new midfielder this summer with Arsenal keen to build on their Premier League title-winning campaign by bringing in quality over quantity.
It has become clear in recent weeks that Guimarães has emerged as their top target for that area of the team and the Brazil international has reportedly made it clear that he wants to join the north London side.
Some journalists have claimed that talks are ‘advanced’, while other more local journalists have pushed back on that, but, whatever the truth, it now seems inevitable like Guimarães will move to Arsenal after Eddie Howe left St James’ Park.
Giving an update on his YouTube channel on Thursday, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano said: “And then guys, on Arsenal, don’t forget the Bruno Guimarães story because Arsenal are expected to return to the table over next week for Bruno Guimarães.
“Arsenal want Bruno. Mikel Arteta considers Bruno a top priority, so Arsenal are expected to be back in direct negotiations with Newcastle from next week
“It’s going to be an important week of new contacts. Then if the deal can get done already next week or not, this depends on the negotiation on the two clubs.
“The player has agreed personal terms with Arsenal, so Arsenal and Bruno Guimaraes have an agreement.
“Mikel Arteta is pushing to get Bruno Guimaraes because Mikel Arteta considers Bruno Guimaraes the perfect midfielder for Arsenal project, but now Bruno is keen.”
Newcastle, Arsenal ‘agreement’ and deal now in ‘final stages’
And now French newspaper L’Equipe has revealed that Arsenal and Newcastle ‘have reached an agreement in principle’ for the transfer of Guimarães with a deal now in its ‘final stages’.
Arsenal have not been keen to reach Newcastle’s €100m asking price for the midfielder and, after two bids around €70m and €80m, they have finally come to an agreement.
The report adds: ‘Arsenal finally swayed Newcastle United by proposing a base price of €90 million on Friday, plus bonuses that are still to be negotiated, as well as agent fees.
‘If all goes through in the coming days, the Brazilian international (48 caps, 3 goals), a key player in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield for the national team, will become an Arsenal player, a dream he has cherished for the past month.’
ESPN Brasil had reported that Newcastle and Guimarães have had an ‘amicable agreement’ in place that if Newcastle failed to qualify for the Champions League then he would be allowed to leave the club.
- Joe Williams
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