FOOTBALL

Colombia Seek Action Over Campaz Threats

Colombian FA and Jaminton Campaz
Friday after Colombia’s World Cup exit

Colombia’s football federation has demanded legal action after Jaminton Campaz received death threats following his miss against Switzerland. The federation urged the Attorney General’s Office to investigate and punish those responsible as quickly as possible.

Campaz missed a late chance in extra time before Colombia lost on penalties, despite him scoring his own spot-kick. The threats revived painful memories of Andres Escobar’s 1994 killing after Colombia’s previous World Cup in the United States.

Michael Edwards Leaves FSG Role

Michael Edwards, Liverpool and Fenway Sports Group
Friday

Michael Edwards has left his role as Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, creating fresh behind-the-scenes uncertainty around Liverpool. Edwards returned in 2024 to lead FSG’s football operations and search for a second club.

FSG called the departure part of a planned transition, but the timing adds pressure at Anfield after coaching and executive changes. Mike Gordon is expected to take a more hands-on role in Liverpool’s day-to-day football operation.

Spain Beat Belgium to Reach Semis

Spain, Belgium and Mikel Merino
Friday in Los Angeles

Spain beat Belgium 2-1 to reach the World Cup semi-finals and set up a heavyweight meeting with France. Mikel Merino scored the late winner after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi’s shot.

Belgium had equalised through Charles De Ketelaere after Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring, but Thibaut Courtois’ injury changed the match. Spain extended their unbeaten run to 36 games, moving one short of Italy’s all-time international record.

Man City Agree Monga Deal

Manchester City, Leicester City and Jeremy Monga
Friday

Manchester City have agreed a £12.5m deal to sign 17-year-old Leicester winger Jeremy Monga, beating Arsenal and Brentford to one of England’s most highly rated academy prospects. The deal is not complete yet, but City are now in front.

The move accelerated under Enzo Maresca, who worked with Monga at Leicester and pushed City’s interest. Leicester’s relegation to League One leaves them vulnerable, while Monga’s new professional contract means a transfer fee is required.

Barcelona Seek €210m Transfer Loan

Barcelona, Hansi Flick and club executives
Friday

Barcelona have requested a €210m credit line to support summer recruitment and operational costs. The funding is expected to help the club pursue Julian Alvarez, Karim Adeyemi and Joao Cancelo while managing liquidity and registration demands.

The loan would be backed by expected income for next season as Barcelona try to reach La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule. Club officials want flexibility to move before player sales, especially with Adeyemi reportedly close.

Guehi and Rice Doubts Hit England

Marc Guehi, Declan Rice and England
Before Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway

Marc Guehi and Declan Rice are fitness concerns for England ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway. Guehi has a hamstring issue, while Rice has missed two training sessions because of illness and existing hamstring and back problems.

Thomas Tuchel is still optimistic both will be available, but Guehi missing another session would place his starting role in doubt. Reece James returning to full training offers some relief after Jarell Quansah’s two-match suspension.

Barcelona Overhaul Fitness Setup

Barcelona, Hansi Flick and Benjamin Kugel
Friday

Barcelona have brought in German fitness coach Benjamin Kugel to work with Hansi Flick’s first team, with Julio Tous moved away from senior duties. The change follows concerns over last season’s fitness programme and player tensions.

Flick raised the issue during contract talks, and Barcelona ultimately backed his view by reshaping the department. Kugel previously worked with Flick in Germany’s national setup and is expected to lead a reset of first-team conditioning.

Ten Hag Rules Out Netherlands Job

Erik ten Hag, FC Twente and the Netherlands
Friday after Ronald Koeman’s exit

Erik ten Hag has ruled himself out of the Netherlands head coach vacancy, saying he is not available for at least two years. The former Manchester United manager will remain focused on his technical director role at FC Twente.

Ten Hag said he deliberately chose the Twente project and wants to help the club move forward. His decision removes a major candidate from the KNVB search after Ronald Koeman resigned following the Netherlands’ World Cup exit.

Arsenal Sign Ona Batlle From Barcelona

Arsenal Women, Barcelona and Ona Batlle
Friday

Arsenal have signed Spain defender Ona Batlle on a free transfer after her Barcelona exit. The 27-year-old full-back has joined on a long-term deal, understood to be four years with an option for another season.

Batlle brings elite experience after three league titles, two Champions League wins and 114 Barcelona appearances. Arsenal see her as a major upgrade in wide defence, pairing her with Emily Fox as they rebuild for another WSL title push.

City Re-Sign Pierce Charles

Manchester City, Sheffield Wednesday and Pierce Charles
Friday

Manchester City have re-signed goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday in a package worth up to £10m. The Northern Ireland international has signed a long-term contract but will immediately spend the season on loan at Queens Park Rangers.

Charles originally came through City’s academy before moving to Wednesday in 2021, where he made 21 appearances last season. The QPR loan gives the 20-year-old regular Championship football while City monitor his long-term development.