FOOTBALL

Gusto Explores Chelsea Exit

Malo Gusto and Chelsea.
After Chelsea agreed a deal for Marco Palestra.

Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto is exploring a Stamford Bridge exit, with his representatives holding exploratory talks with clubs including Manchester City. Chelsea have set a price above £75m for the France defender after the Palestra deal.

The uncertainty follows Chelsea’s move for Marco Palestra, another right-back, and wider plans to sell players after missing Europe. City want a natural right-back, though Gusto is not considered their leading target at this stage.

Atletico to Report Barcelona Over Alvarez

Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Julian Alvarez.
After Alvarez publicly said he wants to leave.

Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin says the club will report Barcelona to FIFA over their pursuit of Julian Alvarez. Atletico believe Barcelona influenced Alvarez’s public comments about wanting to leave this summer now.

Gil Marin said Atletico do not want to transfer Alvarez and accused Barcelona of disrespect. The dispute deepens one of the summer’s biggest sagas, with Arsenal and PSG also linked to the striker this window.

Neymar Ready for Brazil Return

Neymar and Brazil.
Before Brazil’s World Cup match against Scotland.

Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar is fit enough to play the full 90 minutes against Scotland after missing Brazil’s first two World Cup matches. The 34-year-old has recovered from a calf problem and trained fully this week.

Brazil may use Neymar from the bench or as a starter as they chase top spot in Group C. His return gives Ancelotti another attacking option, especially with Raphinha sidelined by injury for now too.

Lazio Ordered to Pay Gothberg Compensation

Lazio Women and Maja Gothberg.
After a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling.

Lazio Women have been ordered to compensate former midfielder Maja Gothberg after CAS found the club unlawfully ended her employment because of pregnancy. The ruling also awarded moral damages and cited disclosure of confidential pregnancy information.

FIFPro called the case groundbreaking because it reinforces maternity protections even where contract terms were not fully formalised. Gothberg said pregnancy should never be treated as a problem or reason to deny labour opportunities in football.

Spence Appears to Skip Partey Handshake

Djed Spence and Thomas Partey.
Before England’s World Cup match against Ghana.

Footage appeared to show England full-back Djed Spence not shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before kick-off. Partey was also booed by England fans during his first World Cup appearance of the tournament.

BBC Sport reported the FA had not discussed handshakes with players before the game. Partey, who denies criminal charges in the UK, was admitted to the United States after missing Ghana’s opener in Canada.

Real Madrid Land Record Schroeder Transfer

Real Madrid and Felicia Schroeder.
During the women’s football transfer window.

Real Madrid have signed 19-year-old Swedish forward Felicia Schroeder from BK Hacken in what her former club says is the most expensive women’s football transfer ever. Schroeder has signed a four-year deal.

Hacken said the fee surpasses the previous $1.5m record, though the exact figure was not disclosed. Schroeder arrives after scoring 91 goals in 128 games and strengthening Madrid’s attack.

Kenny Miller Named Maccabi Tel Aviv Boss

Kenny Miller and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
After Miller’s caretaker spell.

Kenny Miller has been appointed permanent head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv after leading them to victory in the Israeli State Cup final. The former Scotland striker has signed a one-year deal with an option.

Miller stepped up after Ronny Deila left in May and will be assisted by Stuart Taylor. Maccabi finished third last season and expect improvement under a coach who already understands the club’s standards.

Iran Granted Extra US Entry Time

Iran’s national team and US authorities.
Before Iran’s final World Cup group match against Egypt.

Iran have been allowed to enter the United States two days before their Seattle match against Egypt, giving them an extra day beyond earlier restrictions. They must still leave for their Tijuana base after the game.

The change follows Iran’s complaints to FIFA over unfair travel conditions. Coach Amir Ghalenoei had argued the previous 24-hour entry window reduced preparation time and left his squad at a disadvantage.

FIFA Sanctions Almiron and Paraguayan Commentator

Miguel Almiron, Jorge Vera and FIFA.
After Paraguay’s World Cup win over Turkey.

FIFA gave Miguel Almiron a one-match ban for covering his mouth during a confrontation and stripped Paraguayan commentator Jorge Vera of World Cup credentials after his on-air rant over the red card.

Almiron will miss Paraguay’s decisive group game against Australia, but the ban was not extended. Vera apologised after calling FIFA and officials thieves, with his accreditation reportedly cancelled for the tournament.

Roma Fans Petition Against Greenwood Transfer

Roma supporters and Mason Greenwood.
During Roma’s summer transfer planning.

Roma fans have launched an online petition opposing a potential move for Mason Greenwood from Marseille. Supporters argue the signing would clash with the club’s values and campaigns against gender-based violence.

Greenwood has been linked with a €50m move after strong scoring form in France. The petition gained hundreds of signatures quickly, showing that any Roma approach would come with major fan resistance.