FOOTBALL

Olmo Rejects Ayala Apology After World Cup Clash

Dani Olmo, Roberto Ayala, Spain and Argentina
Sunday

Dani Olmo has rejected Roberto Ayala’s apology over their post-World Cup final altercation, accusing the Argentina assistant coach of lying. Television footage showed Ayala raising his hands toward Olmo’s neck during chaotic scenes after Spain’s win.

Ayala had apologised but said his reaction followed something Olmo said, a claim the Barcelona midfielder denies. FIFA has already opened a disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s conduct after the final, keeping the controversy alive around both teams.

Berterame Discharged After Serious Head Collision

German Berterame and Inter Miami
Sunday

Inter Miami forward German Berterame has been discharged from hospital after a serious head collision against CF Montreal. The club said he spent the night under observation and suffered injuries to his left shoulder and nose.

Berterame had been taken off by ambulance after appearing to lose consciousness following an aerial clash. Inter Miami said his recovery timeline will depend on medical progress, while Luis Suarez scored the penalty awarded from the incident.

Algeria Beat Senegal In WAFCON Group Opener

Algeria, Senegal and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Sunday

Algeria opened their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 win over Senegal in Morocco. Marine Dafeur scored before half-time and Melissa Bety sealed the Group A victory with a late second goal.

The result sends Algeria temporarily top of Group A before Morocco face Kenya later in the same round. This WAFCON carries extra stakes because the four semi-finalists qualify directly for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Berterame Conscious In Hospital After Head Collision

German Berterame, Inter Miami and CF Montreal
Saturday

Inter Miami forward German Berterame was conscious in hospital after a serious head collision against CF Montreal. He appeared to lose consciousness after an aerial clash, received lengthy treatment and was taken away by ambulance.

Assistant coach Guillermo Hoyos said Berterame was recovering and his family had been updated. Luis Suarez converted the resulting penalty and held up Berterame’s shirt after scoring Miami’s winner in their sixth straight league victory.

Wrexham Beat Leeds After Manchester United Upset

Wrexham, Leeds United and Sam Smith
Saturday

Wrexham continued their impressive pre-season by beating Leeds United 3-2 in Tampa, one week after defeating Manchester United. Kieffer Moore, Bailey Cadamarteri and Sam Smith scored as the Championship side edged another Premier League opponent.

The result remains only pre-season, but it strengthens Wrexham’s momentum during their high-profile United States tour. Phil Parkinson praised the workout in humid conditions, while Leeds gave Harry Wilson his debut after joining from Fulham.

Inter Prepare Romero Bid After Player Approval

Inter Milan, Tottenham and Cristian Romero
Sunday

Inter Milan are preparing an official move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero after the Argentina defender reportedly approved a Serie A return. The proposal is expected to be a loan with an obligation to buy worth €40m.

Tottenham initially wanted about €50m, but Romero’s desire to join Inter could shift negotiations. Spurs have also added defensive options this summer, giving them more flexibility as talks continue over their World Cup finalist centre-back.

Barcola Refuses PSG Contract Amid Liverpool Interest

Bradley Barcola, PSG and Liverpool
Sunday

Bradley Barcola has decided not to extend his Paris Saint-Germain contract, according to multiple reports. The 23-year-old winger is open to a new challenge after losing key starting roles in PSG’s biggest Champions League matches.

PSG may now consider selling because Barcola’s current deal runs until 2028 and his value remains high. Liverpool view him as a dream forward-line signing, while Bayern Munich and Arsenal have also been linked this summer.

Neymar Scores Santos Brace After World Cup Setback

Neymar, Santos and Chapecoense
Saturday

Neymar scored both Santos goals in a 2-2 Brazilian Serie A draw with Chapecoense, marking a strong return to domestic action after an injury-hit World Cup campaign. His poker-themed celebration also answered criticism over his professionalism.

The backlash began after Neymar appeared at a poker tournament while Santos travelled for a Copa Sudamericana play-off. Coach Cuca said the club left him behind for fitness reasons, and Neymar responded by leading the attack on his return.

Ipswich Line Up €10m Kjell Scherpen Deal

Ipswich Town, Union Saint-Gilloise and Kjell Scherpen
Sunday

Ipswich Town are set to sign Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen from Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal worth at least €10m. The promoted Premier League club expect the 26-year-old to undergo a medical before signing a four-year contract.

Scherpen won the Belgian Cup and Golden Glove after keeping 21 clean sheets in 43 matches for Union. The move returns him to England after an earlier Brighton spell failed to produce a Premier League breakthrough.

St Johnstone Crash Out Of Premier Sports Cup

St Johnstone, East Fife, Dundee United and Montrose
Saturday

St Johnstone crashed out of the Premier Sports Cup after East Fife’s stoppage-time equaliser ended their hopes of progressing. Dundee United squeezed through after Montrose lost to Spartans despite needing only one point to win their group.

Aberdeen, Ayr United, Kilmarnock, Ross County, Stenhousemuir, Dundee and Partick Thistle also progressed from Saturday’s games. The last group winner and final best runner-up spot will be settled when St Mirren face Dunfermline on Sunday.