Thursday, 23 July 2026
WHO IS BRIGHTON’S NIGERIAN £21.5 MILLION TEENAGER WONDER KID?
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| Zadok Yohanna at the Ikon Allah Football Academy. (Image: Ikon Allah football Academy) |
Brighton snapped up Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna from Swedish side AIK Stockholm this summer.
The 18-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year deal reportedly worth around £21.5 million. It's a significant fee for such a young prospect.
Speaking about the transfer, Fabian Hurzeler said: “I’m looking forward to working with Zadok. Having seen his games and his attributes, he is a player that can impact games in the final third.
“He’s still young, and will need time to adapt to the club and Premier League, but he’s an exciting player to watch and he brings the kind of creativity we know our fans will enjoy.
“He’s dynamic, has pace and likes to take players on. His attributes and ability will be a real addition to our attacking options.”
Before making the move to Sweden, Yohanna came through the ranks at Nigeria's Ikon Allah Football Academy, where he first caught the attention of European scouts.
Ayi Muhammed, the man who took him under his wing at the Ikon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria, believes he will be a great investment.
Muhammed is president of the academy and said he felt like a second father to the winger, who left home at the age of 11 to learn his trade.
He speaks like a dad at times and a coach at others as he talks about Yohanna from the academy in Kaduna.
“I picked Zadok from the age of 11 and his family is like three to four hours’ drive away,” he said.
“I saw his potential from the age of 11. He has special qualities and in the next two years he must get the African Balon d’Or, before the age of 20.
“This is what he can do in England. In the English league you will see another different side.
“He is special. He has all the qualities. Skills, marking ability, he uses his head. Everything, Yohanna has it."
He made 18 appearances for AIK this season in the league and cup, scoring five goals and providing four assists.
Albion will be setting their targets high in the UEFA Conference League, and Yohanna is likely to feature. It's a competition he could shine in.
On the right wing, he will face stiff competition from Yankuba Minteh, but only if the Gambian talent stays at Brighton.
Reports suggest Liverpool are pushing for a Minteh move. If that happens, pressure will really be on the teenager.
- Henry Bryant
RICHARD CARAPAZ CONCOURS STAGE 18 IN TOUR DE FRANCE ⁰
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| Richard Carapaz celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win Stage 18 of the Tour de France on Thursday. |
Ecuador's Richard Carapaz climbed into the overall top 10 at the Tour de France with his Stage 18 victory in the Alps on Thursday.
Carapaz, 33, finished the mountainous 185.2-kilometer trek from Voiron to Orcieres-Merlette in 4 hours, 26 minutes and 21 seconds. He pulled away on the last ascent of the day and covered the final 3 kilometers solo.
Switzerland's Mauro Schmid was the runner-up for the second straight day, 45 seconds behind, and American Matteo Jorgenson placed third.
Carapaz moved into 10th place in the overall standings.
Four-time champion Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia still leads the competition by 4 minutes and 32 seconds over Belgium's Remco Evenepoel. Mexico's Isaac del Toro is third, followed by 19-year-old Frenchman Paul Seixas and Spain's Juan Ayuso.
Stage 19 on Friday is a 127.9-kilometer route through the mountains from Gap to Alpe d'Huez. The 113th edition of the Tour de France concludes on Sunday in Paris.
--Field Level Media
RED SOX WINNING STREAK AFFECTS MULTIPLE TEAMS TRADE DEADLINES
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| Jul 7, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) hits a single RBI against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images |
The Red Sox’s winning streak is over. Its effect on the MLB trade deadline is not. Boston won 15 straight games, tied the franchise record and transformed itself from a potential seller into a team that now has to strengthen its roster. One loss to Baltimore does not undo that. The Red Sox have already changed the market.
Jarren Duran and Aroldis Chapman should now be off the table
A month ago, both made sense as trade candidates. Boston had a crowded outfield, Duran carried two additional years of club control, and Chapman looked like the most attractive rental reliever available. Moving either player could have brought back meaningful talent for 2027.
That argument disappeared when Boston started winning. Duran is helping a playoff push, while Chapman gives the Red Sox exactly what contenders spend July trying to acquire – a proven late-inning arm with the ability to close games and shorten postseason series. Trading either now would contradict everything the last three weeks revealed about this team.
The consequences extend beyond Boston
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| Jun 18, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images |
Teams that viewed Duran as an attainable outfield upgrade must look elsewhere. Clubs searching for a closer can no longer assume Chapman will enter the market. That reduces supply, increases prices and strengthens the leverage of every remaining seller.
It also changes Craig Breslow’s job. He is no longer deciding how much of the roster to dismantle. He has to determine how aggressively to add without sacrificing the future that made Boston’s turnaround possible.
The Red Sox do not need a reckless blockbuster. They need another starter, bullpen depth and perhaps a right-handed bat capable of balancing the lineup.
Boston’s 15-game streak ended Wednesday night. Its deadline impact will last through August 3. The Red Sox are no longer one of the teams supplying contenders. They have become one of them – and every front office that expected to shop from Boston must adjust.
- Derek Antoine
ARSENAL ANNOUNCE £34M WINGER SIGNING AMID 'GROUND-BREAKING PROGRESS' OVER STRICKER DEAL
Arsenal have confirmed the arrival of Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and reportedly thundered towards the sensational signing of Atletico Madrid hitman Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal have already made Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent for €40million (£34m) and signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, and Tzolis has now become their third summer arrival. Mikel Arteta’s side have paid Club Brugge €40m/£34m to land Tzolis on a five-year contract.
The 24-year-old, who will wear the No 17 shirt at the Emirates, has replaced Leandro Trossard in Arteta’s squad. Trossard recently joined Besiktas for €20m (£17m).
Reacting to Tzolis’ capture, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta told club media: “We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Christos Tzolis.
“Christos is an extremely versatile attacking player who naturally operates on the left but is comfortable across the front line. He’s an excellent finisher with both feet, thrives in tight spaces, and possesses incredible technical ability.
“Christos has produced outstanding numbers in terms of goals and assists over the last three seasons, and he’s a player who will raise the technical level of our squad, while bringing positive energy, enthusiasm, and a strong mentality to our team.
“We’re confident Christos will make a significant contribution to our club, and we hope our supporters will enjoy watching him play in an Arsenal shirt.
“We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter together.”
Arsenal remain on the hunt for a new striker and a second left winger to compete with Tzolis. They had earmarked Morgan Rogers for the latter role but were not willing to bid over £80m, with Chelsea ultimately snaring the Englishman for a huge £117m.
Arsenal are now targeting Bradley Barcola, Yan Diomande and Nico Williams instead.
Recent reports have suggested Arsenal have overtaken Barcelona in the chase for Argentina striker Alvarez, too.
Arsenal move into pole position for Julian Alvarez
CaughtOffside revealed on Tuesday that Arsenal have made ‘ground-breaking progress’ in their pursuit of Alvarez after Berta held talks with the player.
Atleti have also told Berta they would rather sell to Arsenal than LaLiga rivals Real Madrid or Barca, setting up a potential move to the Premier League worth €130-150m (£111-128m).
On Wednesday, Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips claimed the Blues could accidentally help Arsenal get closer to signing Alvarez.
He reported that Atleti are considering selling the 26-year-old to help fund a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
- James Holland
ZDENĚK CHOVANEC HAS PASSED AWAY
The FIA is deeply saddened by the passing of Zdeněk Chovanec, who completed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship back in 2021-2022.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Zdeněk’s family and friends.
- FIA
KEVIN KEEGAN | KING KEV | FOREVER ONE OF THE GAME'S GREATS
King Kev.
A football icon whose talent, charisma and passion transcended clubs, countries and generations.
Forever one of the game’s greats.
Kevin Keegan
1951–2026
Wednesday, 22 July 2026
INDIA'S STAR BATTER VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI REFLECTS ON HIS UNIQUE CONNECTION WITH HARARE AHEAD OF ZIM VS. INDIA T20I SERIES
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| India's star batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi reflects on his unique connection with Harare ahead of the ZIM vs IND T20I series (Image source: X) |
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi spoke about his special connection with Harare before the Zimbabwe T20I series.
- Suryavanshi will look to bounce back in form as India take on Zimbabwe in a thrilling T20I series.
Table of Contents
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares why Harare holds a special place in his heart
- Zimbabwe name full-strength squad led by Sikandar Raza to challenge Men in Blue
Following back-to-back T20I series setbacks, reigning world champions India have arrived in Zimbabwe seeking a swift turnaround. The three-match T20I series kicks off on July 22 at the Harare Sports Club, and all eyes are firmly on 15-year-old batting phenom Vaibhav Suryavanshi. After a quiet start to his international career in England, the teenage prodigy is eager to regain his explosive rhythm on familiar ground.
Suryavanshi, India’s youngest senior international cricketer, faced a baptism of fire during his debut tour, posting scores of 14, 13, and 15 across three matches. However, returning to Harare offers the young left-handed opener a chance to reset his game at a venue where he produced one of the most memorable innings of his blossoming career.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares why Harare holds a special place in his heart
For Suryavanshi, stepping back onto the lush turf of the Harare Sports Club brings back overwhelming nostalgia. Just four months ago, the venue served as the backdrop for India’s triumph at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, where Suryavanshi stole the spotlight with a breathtaking, match-winning performance.
In a video released by the BCCI ahead of the series opener, Suryavanshi expressed his excitement about returning to the historic venue:
“We are currently in Harare, Zimbabwe, and this is a very memorable ground for me. Just four months ago, we played the U-19 World Cup here and won it, so it’s a very special ground. Representing India is everyone’s dream, and it’s a truly special moment to return and play on such a great ground where we created history just four months ago. It is a wonderful feeling, so we will enjoy it.”
During that dramatic U-19 summit clash against England, Suryavanshi hammered a record-breaking 175 off just 80 deliveries. That masterclass included 15 fours and 15 sixes, propelling India to their sixth youth world title. Having already mapped out the pitch conditions and boundary dimensions from his previous stint, the teenager remains confident in applying those insights as India seek a dominant series victory.
Zimbabwe name full-strength squad led by Sikandar Raza to challenge Men in Blue
While Team India aim to test their tactical depth, hosts Zimbabwe are determined to capitalize on home advantage. Zimbabwe Cricket announced a formidable squad led by veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza, balancing seasoned international experience with promising young talent.
The squad features key pace weapons Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, while experienced all-rounders Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere strengthen the middle order. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga has earned his maiden T20I call-up, while Madhevere makes his return to the national setup. With Suryavanshi looking to turn past memories into fresh runs, the stage is set for an exciting clash in Harare.
- Akash Thapa
TYSON FURY CLAIMS ANTHONY JOSHUA WAS 'PULLED OUT' OF THEIR INFAMOUS SPARRING SESSION AFTER 'TURNING AWAY'
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are on a collision course.
Providing Fury beats Polish veteran Mariusz Wach on Friday in Thailand and Joshua overcomes little-known Albanian Kristian Prenga a day later in Saudi Arabia, plans have been hatched for the pair to meet in late 2026.
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| Joshua and Fury are one fight away from finally meeting under the bright lightsCredit: Getty |
While fans have been waiting a decade to see the Brits finally lock horns, it won't mark the first time they have traded leather.
Back in 2010, long before either man had carved out their glittering résumés, Fury and Joshua sparred at Finchley Boxing Club.
Fury admitted at the time that Joshua put a "beating" on him for three rounds before he rallied with an onslaught to the body.
When asked to recollect the spar by BoxingScene out in Pattaya, Thailand on Wednesday, his memory was a little more hazy.
However, he insists that Joshua was pulled out in round four after "turning away".
Tyson Fury recalls Anthony Joshua sparring session
"He was an amateur boxer, and I was a pro, maybe 10-0 or something, so there wasn't much to think about," said Fury.
"There was [sic] a lot of people there, so there was [sic] a lot of witnesses there.
"I remember him putting his legs up in the ropes after about three rounds, turning away in the corner...
"I've sparred maybe 400 or 500 heavyweights; I don't remember much of any of them really.
"The vivid memory I do have of it, though, is in about round three, he started putting legs up, and in round four he started putting his knees up in the corner, and I was like 'What the f*** is this?'
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| Joshua was an amateur when he sparred Fury and was still two years off winning Olympic goldCredit: GETTY |
"Then they pulled him out and put somebody else in."
Fury didn't mention Joshua being pulled out when he spoke to BBC Radio London a few weeks after the spar.
Tyson Fury's recollection at the time
“He's red hot, him, he’s very good. To be honest with you, I thought to myself, ‘I’m only going to take it easy as he’s an amateur and we probably won’t spar again if I go mad'," said Fury in 2010.
“He’s rushed out at me, he threw a one-two and a left hook, and I slipped. I thought, 'He’s not that good, I’m going to take my time.'
“Then, bash, he gives me a big uppercut right on the point of the chin.
"If I'd have had a bit of a weak chin like David Price, I'd have been knocked out for a month.
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| Fury was 10 fights deep into his professional careerCredit: Getty |
“He’s very, very good and he's only young, 20, watch out for that name Anthony Joshua, he is one prospect for the future.
“He came out at me for three rounds, and he gave me a beating - I’m not going to deny it, he gave me hell for leather for three rounds.
"I thought ‘Oh my god, an amateur is killing me.’ Being a professional, and I’ve been an amateur myself and fought all over the world, I slowed him down a bit with a few good body shots.
“The kid's only 20, and I’m a handful myself, so for him to put up a good performance like that against a top prospect in me, I think he’s one for the future.”
What did Anthony Joshua say about sparring Tyson Fury?
In 2016, AJ gave his own version of events.
"I used to read the Boxing News religiously, like I still do. In the magazine I remember reading, 'Tyson Fury's going around different gyms sparring, and if anyone can knock him out, they get to keep his Rolex,'" Joshua told Sky Sports.
"I'm hungry. I'm still hungry now; if you know me, I'm hungry.
- George Glinski
DUSTIN POIRIER SAYS BUD LIGHT ENDED DEAL IMMEDIATELY AFTER AIRPORT ARREST
Poirier says Bud Light terminated his deal right away, costing him money while he vows to stay away from alcohol.
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| Photo: BJPenn.com |
Dustin Poirier says Bud Light ended its sponsorship deal with him right after his airport arrest, a business hit he now connects directly to his decision to stop drinking.
Poirier discussed the fallout during an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show. The former interim UFC lightweight champion said the arrest and the reaction around it cost him a major sponsor, but he also said promoting alcohol no longer fits the way he is trying to live.
When Helwani asked where things stood with Bud Light, Poirier gave a short answer.
“No, they terminated my contract immediately,” Poirier said.
Poirier did not frame the split as something he wanted to fight. He said the money mattered to his family, then pointed to the larger conflict of advertising a product he says he is done using.
“No, it’s all good, man. I don’t need that [ __ ] poison in my life,” Poirier said.
“I mean, it sucks that my family loses out on the money I had left on the deal with them, which is a few hundred thousand,” Poirier said. “But also, if I’m representing something that I’m not going to be, if I’m advertising something I’m not going to be taking part in and promoting stuff, you know, it is what it is.”
Poirier Says He Cannot Drink Responsibly
The Bud Light comments came inside a longer answer about the arrest, accountability, and alcohol. Poirier said the incident followed his own choices and that he is now a month sober.
“What happened that day, I just wasn’t in a good mental space,” Poirier said. “I knew I shouldn’t have and I didn’t care in the moment, you know, just a really bad day for me.”
“It’ll never happen again,” Poirier said. “I’m a month sober from alcohol and I’m never going to pick up alcohol again. I’m never going to drink again in my life. I made a vow, you know, and when I make promises to myself like that to my family like that, I don’t break them.”
That answer lines up with how Poirier described the sponsorship problem. He said he does not judge people who can drink without losing control, but he no longer puts himself in that group.
“Right. Right. And I don’t have a problem with people,” Poirier said. “There’s plenty of people out there who do drink responsibly. I’m not one. I’m not one. So, if you can drink responsibly, have fun. Drink a Bud Light. Drink a whatever the hell you want. Be responsible. Have a good time. I’m not that person.”
Poirier also explained that the issue was not daily drinking. He said the pattern became dangerous when he did drink, especially after retirement removed the structure that came with fight camps.
“Probably three out of four times if I do pick up alcohol, I overdrink,” Poirier said. “But I don’t drink every day. But when I do drink it, we’re drinking, you know, and that’s a problem. That’s a problem I’ve had throughout my life, but definitely since I laid the gloves down.”
“When I laid the gloves down, I realized I was drinking to process emotion,” Poirier said. “I wasn’t drinking to socialize. I wasn’t drinking to celebrate. I was drinking to fight the feelings in my head. I was trying to process emotion with drinking to get away, to run away from it, which is a coward’s move.”
Other Sponsors And UFC Stayed Supportive
Poirier said Bud Light was not the only company watching the fallout, but he added that his other sponsors have stayed with him because of long relationships. His comments follow earlier coverage of his airport arrest apology and the support he received after Jon Jones publicly backed him.
“So far everybody’s been pretty supportive,” Poirier said. “These other companies I work with, I’ve been working with for years, for years and years and years. And they know my character. They’ve been around me in person and it was just a really bad day, man.”
He also said the UFC reached out quickly. Poirier named Hunter Campbell as the person who contacted him and said Dana White had not personally called at the time of the interview.
“Literally one day after the arrest and all that happened, Hunter Campbell with the UFC reached out to me and asked me what he can do, that the UFC’s got my back,” Poirier said. “Anything they can do, anything I need help with, let them know and they’re all in. So, no, the UFC, the company immediately reached out to me and had my back.”
“I believe his exact words were something on the line of I can’t let somebody who fought for this company for over 15 years try to handle all this on his own or something like we have your back,” Poirier said. “Let us know what you need from us.”
The legal case is still part of the picture. Poirier said he is dealing with a misdemeanor public intoxication charge, adding that his lawyer told him the matter could be resolved favorably if he does the right things. He said his wife booked him back into therapy immediately after he returned home.
“I mean, at worst, potential jail time,” Poirier said. “I don’t think it’s going to go that far. Maybe a fine. But the lawyer I’m talking to, the day I got back, my wife already booked me a therapy session for the day after I got back. The first day, my first full day home, I was back in therapy and trying to pull things together."
Poirier retired after his UFC 318 trilogy fight with Max Holloway, but his name has stayed active through post-career topics, including brain-scan concerns, his advice that Michael Chandler should consider retirement, and Conor McGregor’s reaction to the arrest discussion. The Bud Light split adds a direct business consequence to a personal reset Poirier says he has already started.
- Jake Blend
LA LIGA CHIEF ACCUSES FIFA OF 'DESTROYING FOOTBALL INDUSTRY', CALLS FOR INFANTINO TO QUIT
Javier Tebas questions decision to postpone one-match ban given to US striker Folarin Balogun
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| US President Donald Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino stand under confetti as players of Spain celebrate with the World Cup trophy after winning the 2026 final against Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. (Will Oliver/EPA/BackpagePix) |
La Liga president Javier Tebas said Fifa president Gianni Infantino should resign, accusing the governing body of “destroying the football industry” by expanding international competitions at the expense of domestic leagues and clubs.
Tebas has repeatedly criticised Fifa over fixture congestion and plans to further enlarge the World Cup.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, when Tebas was asked if Infantino should quit, he said: “In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up.”
Infantino said in April that he would seek re-election for a fourth term as Fifa president, with the vote for the 2027-2031 cycle scheduled to take place in Morocco on March 18 next year.
Asked about growing criticism of Infantino’s leadership, Tebas said the Fifa president retained strong support among national federations despite concerns within the game.
“He shouldn’t stay, but the current state of affairs means he won’t leave,” Tebas said. “There’s no opposition candidate; no one wants to run to lose. This is the system, and it’s a system that’s flawed from the ground up.
“I’ve heard a lot of people against Infantino, who don’t agree with what he’s doing. They say it, but then they don’t do anything.”
Tebas also questioned Fifa’s decision to postpone the one-match ban given to US striker Folarin Balogun following a red card during the World Cup. The decision was made after the intervention of US President Donald Trump. Belgium beat the US 4-1 in the last 16.
“The suspension of the American player’s ban is an extremely serious matter. They were lucky that Belgium eliminated the US, because otherwise a case could have arisen that might have cost Infantino his job.
“Since Belgium won, they managed to bury the matter. But these things are just the tip of the iceberg.”
His comments come amid growing tensions within soccer’s governing structures.
They’re destroying the football industry, the one that generates tens of thousands of jobs for an event that lasts 40 days and only a minority of players attends.
— Javier Tebas
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin did not attend Sunday’s World Cup final following a series of disagreements between European soccer’s governing body and Fifa over disciplinary procedures, refereeing logistics and match operations, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.
Tebas also criticised proposals to expand the men’s World Cup to 64 teams, after CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez renewed calls for Fifa to enlarge the centenary edition of the tournament in 2030.
Infantino has previously acknowledged that a 64-team format could be considered in the future.
Tebas said a further increase in the number of participating nations would come at the expense of domestic competitions and the wider football industry.
“Increasing the number of national teams makes no sense,” Tebas said.
“The football industry isn’t just the World Cup, which is the most important event. But not everything can revolve around the World Cup. It’s the national competitions that sustain this sport.
“They’re destroying the football industry, the one that generates tens of thousands of jobs for an event that lasts 40 days and only a minority of players attends.”
-- Karan Prashant Saxena, Reuters
CHELSEA SIGN ENGLAND’S RODGERS FROM VILLA IN RECORD BRITISH DEAL
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| Morgan Rogers with his beloved mother at Stamford Bridge during his official unveiling and contract signing |
London club’s previous record signing was Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo
Chelsea have signed England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa on a contract until 2033, both Premier League clubs said on Tuesday, with British media reporting the deal was worth £117m (R2.58bn), making him the most expensive British player.
Neither club disclosed financial details, but Sky Sports reported the package surpassed the reported fee of up to £116m Manchester City paid Nottingham Forest for midfielder Elliot Anderson earlier this month.
Chelsea’s previous record signing was Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo, who joined from Brighton & Hove Albion for £115m in 2023.
“I’m so excited,” said Rogers in a club statement. “For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I’ve always admired since I was a kid.
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| A photo posted on social media by Chelsea FC shows new signing Morgan Rogers at the club's headquarters in London. (Chelsea FC/X) |
He chose Chelsea.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 21, 2026
“I’m really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we’ve got and where the club is heading. That’s why I’m here and I can’t wait to get started.”
Rogers, who can play on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, leaves Villa after two years, having helped them win the Europa League in May. He scored in the 3-0 final victory over Freiburg as Villa claimed their first major European trophy since 1982.
The 23-year-old scored 31 goals in 125 appearances for Villa after joining from Middlesbrough in 2024, earning his England debut later that year.
Rogers featured in seven of England’s eight matches as they finished third at the World Cup and enjoyed his most prolific domestic campaign last season, scoring 10 Premier League goals.
Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season, begin their league campaign away to Fulham on August 24.
- Reuters
LIVERPOOL RECEIVE OFFER FOR MINORITY STAKE FROM CONSORTIUM LED BY AMIT BHATIA WHICH COULD TAKE REDS' VALUE PAST £4.5BILLION - WITH BUSINESSMAN QUITTING ROLE AS QPR CO-OWNER
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| Businessman Amit Bhatia is part of a consortium in talks to buy a small stake in Liverpool |
British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia is part of a consortium in talks to buy a small stake in Liverpool that could take the club’s value to north of £4.5billion
Bhatia, the son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, was co-owner at Championship side Queens Park Rangers – and has a stand named after him at Loftus Road – before surprisingly stepping down from their ownership setup on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group said in a statement: ‘An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.’
Nothing is official yet and, if it was to proceed, it would follow a similar structure to a deal made three years ago when FSG sold a small stake to sports investment firm Dynasty.
Liverpool are currently in Chicago as they begin their pre-season tour of the USA.
Andoni Iraola's side play Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, followed by Wrexham in New York and Leeds back in Chicago, before returning home at the start of August.
- LEWIS STEELE
WHO IS HOSTING THE 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES AND WHICH COUNTRIES REFUSED TO HOST IT?
The Commonwealth Games are almost here, as some of the world's best athletes compete for gold across 11 days of action.
There will be a total of 215 gold medals available for stars to claim across 10 core sports that will take centre stage.
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| The Commonwealth Games are here and 215 gold medals are on the lineCredit: Getty |
74 different nations will be competing in this year's Games, with around 3,000 athletes featuring in the event.
Athletics, swimming and cycling are, of course, included in the schedule, with boxing, basketball, gymnastics, judo, netball, bowls and weightlifting all having medals on offer too.
talkSPORT are official partners with the 2026 Commonwealth Games and will have dedicated live coverage every day.
It's going to be an incredible few days and here's where all of the action is going to be taking place...
Who is hosting the Commonwealth Games?
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will get started on Thursday, July 23 and run through until Sunday, August 2.
The Games are being held in Glasgow, Scotland this year.
This is the second time that Glasgow has played host to the event, having done so 12 years ago in 2014.
In total, Scotland has held the Commonwealth Games four times, as Edinburgh hosted things in 1970 and later in 1986.
There are four venues being used in total for this year's event.
Glasgow International Arena, The Scottish Event Campus, Scotstoun Stadium and Tollcross International Swimming Centre will be used.
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| The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held across four venues in GlasgowCredit: Getty |
Which countries refused to host the Commonwealth Games?
Scotland was not originally planned to host the 2026 Games.
Instead, in 2022, Victoria, Australia was confirmed as the host.
However, just a year later in 2023, they refused to go ahead with the event due to concerns over hosting it.
Malaysia was then asked whether they would step in to host the Commonwealth Games, but they rejected the offer.
That was due to concerns over time, costs and funding.
So, in the end, Glasgow confirmed it would host in 2024, but that the 2026 Games would be a stripped-back event.
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| Scotland stepped in to host the 2026 Games after two nations refusedCredit: Getty |
Commonwealth Games: talkSPORT coverage
As mentioned, talkSPORT is an official broadcast partner of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The network will have a dedicated live show, in association with BYD, during every day of action throughout the event.
Listen talkSPORT through the website or find us on DAB digital radio through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Download and listen to all our live commentaries via the talkSPORT app.
For the latest odds and bet boosts for every big event, visit talkSPORT BET.
Subscribe to the talkSPORT YouTube channel for news, views and analysis plus our regular goals show and for more, follow us on talkSPORT Facebook and talkSPORT on X.
- Jack Johnson
Tuesday, 21 July 2026
DRICUS DU PLESSIS LOCKED CAREER BEST, SAYS ISRAEL ADESANYA
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| Getty |
UFC middleweight Dricus du Plessis looked career-best against Kamaru Usman, according to his longtime rival, Israel Adesanya.
Du Plessis defeated Usman via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Oklahoma City this past Saturday. It was an impressive performance by du Plessis, who got back into the win column nearly one year after losing the UFC middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev in a blowout at UFC 319.
It was such a good performance by du Plessis, according to Adesanya, that it may have been the best he’s ever looked in his entire MMA career, which is impressive given he is a former UFC middleweight champion and has two wins over current champ Sean Strickland.
Israel Adesanya Praises Dricus du Plessis
Taking to his YouTube channel, Adesanya showered praise on du Plessis for his dominant showing against Usman at UFC Oklahoma City.
“It’s the best I’ve seen Dricus look. He looked less out of position when he finished punching, when he initiated punching. Sometimes he still did his thing, but he looked really good. Some of the shots he was throwing, the selection, and the timing of the knee for that single-leg, that was a good chess move from their team,” Adesanya said (via MMAFighting.com).
“I wanted Kamaru to get it done, but again, it just shows how good Dricus is. And good on him.”
DDP’s Win Good for African MMA
By putting on an excellent show for the fans — DDP vs. Usman won Fight of the Night at UFC Oklahoma City — Adesanya believes that it just further strengthens African MMA, as all of these fighters were born in Africa and are among the best mixed martial artists in the world.
“It’s good for us anyway. Just for African MMA. Because off this — every time one of these happens, look, another two African fighters fight in the main event, the whole continent is going to watch. Even though it’s just a Fight Night, they’re still gonna watch and support. I think this is just going to expand the talent pool in African MMA more. And I look forward to it,” Adesanya said.
- Adam Martin
CAR WRECKS, PTSD AND KO'D: ERROL SPENCE IS ONE LOSS FROM OBLIVION
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| Ryan Hafey/PBC |
Errol Spence Jr. survived horrific car wrecks, PTSD and one of boxing’s most brutal defeats. Saturday night in Australia, another loss could leave one of the finest welterweights of his generation with nowhere left to go.
Spence already completed one remarkable comeback. He climbed back to the top after two terrifying car accidents, a detached retina and the PTSD that followed, proving every doubt about his future wrong by returning to unify the welterweight division.
The Terence Crawford Knockout
Then came Terence Crawford.
The Spence who entered the ring in Las Vegas in July 2023 barely resembled the relentless pressure fighter who had dominated one of boxing’s toughest divisions for years. Crawford controlled the fight before stopping him in the ninth round, handing Spence the first defeat of his professional career.
Almost three years later, Spence heads to Australia facing the biggest test of his comeback.
The crashes never defined Spence because he came back to defend his world titles. Saturday offers him one chance to prove Crawford didn’t change him forever.
During a tense episode of PBC Face To Face, Spence acknowledged the doubts that have followed him ever since that night.
“I want to fight someone that people have doubts about me beating them,” Spence said. “They gotta ask if I’m the same killer. I’m coming to prove to myself and to everybody else that I am still the biggest, in any division that I’m in.”
Nobody questioned whether Spence could return after the crashes because he answered every challenge in the ring. But for the first time in his career, many wondered whether they were watching the same Errol Spence.
Tim Tszyu Sees Vulnerability
Tim Tszyu certainly isn’t convinced.
“I respect what you’ve done in your career, but you haven’t had a fight in three years,” Tszyu said. “How can I say I know definitively that you’re ready?”
Nobody can answer that until the opening bell.
After almost three years away from the ring, Spence rebuilt under renowned trainer Ronnie Shields. Rather than easing back with a tune-up, he accepted one of the toughest assignments available by traveling to Australia to face a former world champion in front of a partisan crowd.
The preparation has hardly been flawless. Spence was originally expected to weigh no more than 158 pounds before the bout but was unable to make the agreed mark, forcing a late adjustment to 160.
On its own, the change may prove insignificant, but combined with three years of inactivity, the punishment his body has absorbed and the doubts created by Crawford, it becomes another concern Spence simply didn’t need.
“This fight came at the perfect moment,” Spence said. “I didn’t want a tune-up, so when Tim Tszyu got brought up, I said I’ll fight him in Australia.”
That belief has carried Spence through every chapter of his career and into the biggest comeback of his life.
One More Defeat Could End the Road Back
Victory would silence many of the doubts surrounding his future and place him back among the leading names at super welterweight.
A knockout defeat is another matter entirely.
Another stoppage loss would leave Spence almost six years removed from his last defining victory and facing enormous questions about whether another world title opportunity will ever come.
At 36, after two near-fatal car wrecks, PTSD, eye problems, the Crawford defeat, three years away from the ring and now an interrupted weight plan, another Pay Per View headliner would become almost impossible to imagine.
Spence has already overcome twisted metal, shattered expectations and the psychological scars left by two near-fatal crashes. He even admitted before facing Crawford that he believed the biggest payday of his career would at least provide for his family if he never came home.
Tszyu isn’t testing Spence’s courage on Saturday. He’s testing whether the fighter Bud dismantled still exists.
If Tszyu knocks Spence out on Saturday, it won’t simply be another defeat. It could close the book on one of the greatest welterweight careers of the modern era.
- Phil Jay
JONATHAN VAUGHTERS DEFENDS NIGHTTIME DROPPING TESTS, SAYS THEY COULD HAVE SAVED CYCLING 25 YEARS OF DRAMA
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| Photo: Thibault Camus /AP/TT |
Cyclists and teams are complaining about doping tests in the middle of the night during the Tour de France. But the tests are also being defended. “Testing at 2:00 am is effective,” team manager Jonathan Vaughters writes on social media.
The manager of the EF Education team admitted in 2012 that he had doped during his cycling career. He believes that nighttime tests are effective in detecting microdosing of EPO, growth hormone and testosterone.
"If the UCI (International Cycling Union) had tested us at 2:00 AM in 2001, we would all have been suspended, saving the sport 25 years of drama," writes Vaughters.
The 1990s and 2000s were a dark period for cycling when many stars were either caught or admitted to doping, including Lance Armstrong.
Tour de France leader Tadej Pogacar and Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel have called nighttime doping tests inhumane and disrespectful.
- TT News Agency,English edition by Sweden Herald
ASIA TOUR SEVERS LIV GOLF TIES, SIGNS DEAL WITH PGA TOUR, DP WORLD TOUR
New partnership to run through 2029 at least, DP World Tour to return to co-sanctioning events in the region
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| Taichi Kho won the International Series event in Morocco in June, but there are now doubts about the circuit’s future. Photo: Asian Tour |
The Asian Tour has cut ties with LIV Golf and signed a partnership agreement with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour in another shake-up of the game globally.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the three organisations said the deal would run “through until at least 2029”, and hailed the start of a “new chapter for global golf”.
The partnership would be “effectively immediately”, the statement said, adding it would establish pathways for the leading players on the Asian Tour, and would see the DP World Tour return to co-sanctioning events in the region.
More to follow...
- Josh Ball, SouthChina Morning Post
MADELEINE MCCANN'S BROTHER SEAN, 21, COMPLETING FOR SCOTLAND IN COMMONWEALTH GAMES
The Games, which take place in Glasgow from this Thursday until 2 August 2026, will mark Sean McCann's Commonwealth debut for Scotland
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| (Image: Getty Images for Commonwealth Sport) |
Madeleine McCann’s brother will take part in the Commonwealth Games after being selected to swim for Scotland. Sean McCann is getting ready to step out onto the global stage this week when the Games begin in Glasgow.
Madeleine was three when she went missing from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in southern Portugal on May 3 2007, shortly before her birthday. Sean and his twin sister Amelie were just two when their older sister disappeared.
According to Scottish Swimming, Sean will compete in the freestyle disciplines as he looks to qualify for Team GB and swim at the LA Olympics in 2028. The 21-year-old began competing aged eight and previously raced for Scotland at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023 in the 400m and 1500m freestyle.
Speaking about his competitive journey a few years ago on the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust website, he revealed: “I started competitive sport when I was eight, joining Charnwood triathlon club. It was here that I discovered my passion for swimming and I joined Loughborough Town swimming club to increase the number of swim sessions I did per week.
"At the age of 10, I was selected to swim at City of Leicester and I have since gone on to win multiple county titles as well as becoming regional and National champion in my age group. In order to have achieved this, I have had to remain extremely dedicated, getting up at 4am multiple mornings each week to train, since the age of 11.
"I train nine times a week in the pool, as well as three gym sessions, totalling over 20 hours of training per week. I’m aiming to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and also the 2028 Olympics in LA.”
It is not known if his parents Kate and Gerry McCann will be in attendance at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre during the 11-day event, which begins on Thursday, July 23.
Mr and Mrs McCann criticised a true-crime drama about their daughter’s disappearance back in May, saying the programme was made without their consultation or consent.
Kate and Gerry said they 'had no involvement whatsoever' in the making of Channel 5’s 'Under Suspicion: Kate McCann', which depicts Madeleine’s mother being treated as a suspect during the investigation into her disappearance in May 2007.
In a statement released on the day the show aired, Kate and Gerry raised concerns over the 'negative impact' such programmes have on their family as they continue to grieve Madeleine’s disappearance 19 years on.
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| Kate McCann, the mother of the missing British girl Madeleine, carries her son Sean after piking him up from the local nursery at the Ocean Club holiday resort on May 22, 2007 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. (Image: Getty Images) |
“Thank you to everyone who has offered support & kindness this month,” they wrote on the Find Madeleine Campaign website. “May is never the easiest. We usually start to feel a bit ‘lighter’ at this stage of the month.
“We are disappointed however, knowing that a Channel 5 ‘docu-drama’ will air tonight. We have not given, or been asked for, our consent and have had no involvement whatsoever in its making.
“We fail to see how it will help. Programmes like this, always have a negative impact on our family.”
The Metropolitan Police’s probe into the 2007 disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine has been active since 2011. German authorities identified Christian Brueckner as the prime suspect in Madeleine’s case back in 2022.
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| Gerry (L) and Kate McCann (R) leave their home in Rothley, Leicestershire in central England with daughter Amelie and son Sean, 12 September 2007. (Image: Getty Images) |
However, Brueckner has never been charged over Madeleine’s disappearance and has previously denied any involvement. Speaking in December, dad Gerry, from Glasgow, said the hope of finding her after all this time is 'slim', but not 'extinguished'.
“Madeleine’s been missing for 18 years, and the bottom line is, we still don’t know what’s happened to her,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Gerry added: “I don’t even mean ‘convincing’ evidence – there is no evidence to say she’s dead.
“Now we fully understand she may be dead, it may even be probable, but we don’t know that. I’d love to find her alive, but we need to find out what happened and bring whoever’s responsible to justice, and other children and people are at risk while that perpetrator is free.”
- Connor O'Neill
NICO WILLIAMS AND HIS BEAUTIFUL GIRLFRIEND AINHI GARCIA | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
FIFA LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO BRAWL AFTER SPAIN DEFEATED ARGENTINA IN WORLD CUP FINAL
Leandro Paredes received a red card for appearing to grab Eric García by the throat as multiple altercations erupted
FIFA is launching an investigation into the altercations that broke out on the pitch after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Spain beat Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions, 1-0 in extra time after Ferran Torres finally got the ball past Emiliano Martínez’s goal line.
After the final whistle blew, several brawls broke out between players, and even coaches appeared to get involved.
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| Players scuffle after a foul by Leandro Paredes of Argentina on Rodri of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19, 2026. (Maddie Meyer/FIFA) |
Among them was Argentina’s Leandro Paredes appearing to grab Spain’s Eric García by the throat before others started shoving and tripping each other to the turf.
"Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents," a statement from the governing organization read.
Paredes ended up getting a red card after the whistle blew and was sent off the pitch. He was also shown a yellow card for a poor tackle shortly after he substituted in for his country in the second half.
Also, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni was seen being held back by a Spanish player while he was shouting toward someone. Nicola Otamendi also exchanged words with several Spain players, including their captain Rodrí before that skirmish was broken up.
There also seemed to be a moment where Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala approached Spain’s Dani Olmo and punched him on the chin before they were pulled away from one another.
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| Referee Slavko Vincic of Slovenia shows a yellow card to Argentina's Leandro Paredes during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J. (Pamela Smith/AP) |
"We are gracious in victory, and we must be so in defeat," Scaloni said, via ESPN. "We accept the loss; we gave everything. We were stretched thin coming into this, but giving it your all, like they did today, sets a great example for our people and our country.
"You lose, and you have to pick yourself up again."
Many were quick to rip into Argentina for the brawls that ensued after losing, including BBC’s Joe Hart.
"There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players," he said, via Goal.com. "The game's done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behavior."
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| Spain and Argentina players scuffle after Spain won the World Cup final against Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19, 2026. (Mauro Pimentel/AFP) |
What exactly might happen from FIFA’s investigation? Well, Paredes’ chokehold on the Spanish player would result in an automatically applied red card. Nahuel Molina and Ayala are both expected to be investigated as well.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
- Scott Thompson
Monday, 20 July 2026
UEFA PRESIDENT CEFERIN DID NOT ATTEND WORLD CUP FINAL IN PROTEST
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| Aleksander Ceferin stayed away from the World Cup final in protest, |
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin stayed away from the World Cup final in protest, with the Folarin Balogun affair understood to be just one aspect of his organisation’s discontent with Fifa.
The Times reported today that the Slovenian had stayed away, with the relationship between European football’s governing body and the game’s global federation under severe strain.
It was reported that Ceferin chose not to attend the match in New Jersey over the Uefa president’s anger of Fifa’s handling of the World Cup The European football body was publicly critical of the decision by Fifa’s disciplinary committee to suspend a one-match ban for United States striker Balogun, calling it “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and saying it had “crossed a red line.”
The suspension of the ban followed a call from US President Donald Trump to Fifa president Gianni Infantino asking for a “review” of Balogun’s red card, raising questions of political influence in Fifa’s decision-making.
That influence certainly did not appear to be reciprocal, with Fifa powerless to prevent the US authorities sending home Somali referee Omar Artan before the tournament had even started. Uefa subsequently appointed Artan to officiate next month’s Uefa Super Cup final.
Fifa also failed to ensure equitable treatment for Iran compared to the other 47 nations, with the Asian nation subject to strict conditions on their entry to and exit from the US. Their coach, Amir Ghalenoei, said his team were the “most oppressed” at the World Cup, while US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said he “danced a happy dance” when the team were eliminated.
There is also discontent at Uefa over Fifa’s apparent willingness to bend or break football’s laws at the tournament — with hydration breaks effectively splitting matches into four-quarters and allowing broadcasters to cut to adverts, and the 27-minute half-time interval at the World Cup final well in excess of the maximum 15 minutes permitted.
Ceferin has also been publicly critical of Fifa’s ticket pricing strategy for the tournament, with Uefa having revealed that 40 per cent of tickets for Euro 2028 will be in the most affordable categories and priced at around £30 or £60, and having also pledged not to adopt dynamic pricing.
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