Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca spoke cautiously about Rodri’s future amid rumors linking the player to Barcelona and Real Madrid. Rodri recently returned to training after back surgery, and Maresca said the team is focused on preparing for an upcoming match, with transfer decisions still uncertain.
Key Facts
Rodri, a key midfielder for Manchester City, has been linked to a possible transfer to Barcelona.
A photo circulated showing Rodri on a budget flight from Madrid to Liverpool, fueling transfer rumors.
Real Madrid has reportedly cooled interest in Rodri due to the high financial cost.
Rodri recently underwent back surgery but is now fit to return to training.
Manager Enzo Maresca declined to confirm any immediate player transfers and emphasized focusing on the upcoming Community Shield match.
Maresca said the Community Shield is an important trophy and not just a friendly match.
Maresca wants to win the Community Shield as his first trophy as Manchester City manager after Pep Guardiola’s departure.
Manchester City will not make any new signings on the Friday before the match.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New rules will be introduced in English football for the 2026-27 season to reduce timewasting and speed up the game. These rules include time limits on goal-kicks, throw-ins, substitutions, and player injuries, aiming to keep the ball in play longer and reduce added stoppage time.
Key Facts
The new rules were first tested at the 2022 World Cup and will apply in English football from community matches to the Premier League.
Referees will use a visible countdown of five seconds for goal-kicks and throw-ins, and will penalize teams that delay restarts.
Goalkeepers taking too long on goal-kicks near the end of games can now concede a corner to the opposing team.
Substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds; if not, the replacement player can be delayed for at least one minute, and the team plays with 10 players until then.
Players who cause stoppages for injury treatment must leave the field for one minute to avoid timewasting, even if they do not request treatment.
The time the ball is in play increased at the 2022 World Cup from about 57% to over 60% of match time with similar rules.
The rules focus on changing player behavior rather than harsh punishments, and officials will actively signal countdowns to speed up play.
Some exceptions exist for players leaving the field due to injury or security reasons.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim became the first Bangladeshi player to score a century in a Test match in Australia. On day two of the first Test in Darwin, Bangladesh scored 351 runs for six wickets, leading Australia by 153 runs.
Key Facts
Tanzid Hasan Tamim scored 101 runs off 197 balls.
This was his second Test match.
Bangladesh was 351 runs for six wickets at the end of day two.
Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 198 runs on day one.
Tanzid Hasan put on 102 runs with Mominul Haque and 93 runs with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Australia has never lost a home Test match against Bangladesh.
The match is taking place at Marrara Oval in Darwin.
This is the first Test in a two-Test series between Australia and Bangladesh.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Arsenal Football Club is interested in signing Jarell Quansah, a 23-year-old defender currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen. Talks are at an early stage, and the club is also in discussions to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
Key Facts
Arsenal is exploring a possible transfer for Jarell Quansah, a defender who can play center-back and right-back.
Quansah played for England at this summer’s World Cup and made 44 appearances for Leverkusen last season, scoring five goals.
Liverpool has a right to match any offer for Quansah due to a clause from his previous transfer but currently does not plan to use it.
Arsenal is also negotiating with Aston Villa over Ezri Konsa, but the two clubs disagree on his transfer fee (Villa wants about £60 million, Arsenal values him at around £40 million).
Arsenal's current defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are dealing with injuries.
The interest in Quansah might be part of Arsenal’s strategy to strengthen their defense amid ongoing transfer talks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jimmy Rimmer, a former goalkeeper who won the European Cup with Manchester United and played for Aston Villa, has died at the age of 78. He was part of Manchester United’s 1968 European Cup win and played a key role in Aston Villa’s 1982 European Cup victory.
Key Facts
Jimmy Rimmer was born in Southport and died aged 78.
He was a goalkeeper for Manchester United, Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Swansea City.
Rimmer was on the bench when Manchester United won the 1968 European Cup.
He started the 1982 European Cup final for Aston Villa but left after nine minutes due to a neck injury.
Rimmer played every game during Aston Villa’s run to the 1982 European Cup final and their 1980-81 league title win.
He made 229 league appearances for Aston Villa.
Rimmer won Arsenal’s Player of the Season award in 1974-75.
He played once for England in a friendly match against Italy in 1976.
Aston Villa, Manchester United, Arsenal, and former teammates expressed sadness at his death.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Prichard Colon, a professional boxer who suffered a severe brain injury during a 2015 fight, has died at age 33. He was in a coma and later a vegetative state for 11 years before passing away, after which his family asked for prayers.
Key Facts
Colon collapsed after a 2015 fight with Terrell Williams where he took repeated illegal punches to the back of his head.
He had brain surgery and was in a coma for 221 days, then lived unable to walk or talk, needing full-time care.
Colon’s parents filed a lawsuit seeking over $50 million against the fight’s doctor and promoters, which is still unresolved.
He was undefeated in 16 professional fights before the injury and had 13 wins by knockout.
Colon won national boxing titles as a teenager and competed in pre-Olympic events.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) honored him after his injury.
Colon was born in Florida and moved to Puerto Rico at age 10.
His family shared the news of his death on social media and thanked supporters for their love and prayers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iga Swiatek won the Canadian Open tennis title by defeating Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3. This victory marked Swiatek’s first title of the season and will boost her confidence before the US Open.
Key Facts
Swiatek won the Canadian Open final in straight sets against Rybakina.
The match took place in Toronto with fans cheering for Swiatek.
Swiatek faced criticism earlier in the season but stayed focused and composed.
Rybakina made many errors and struggled with fatigue during the match.
Swiatek broke Rybakina’s serve multiple times to secure the win.
The win ended Swiatek’s title drought this season.
Swiatek will move back into the top five in world tennis rankings.
Rybakina played longer matches in the tournament, which may have affected her performance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Barcelona has dominated Real Madrid in the last two La Liga football seasons and aims to continue this success in the 2026-27 season. With many key players contributing to Spain’s recent World Cup win and a young but strong team, Barcelona looks well-positioned to possibly win the league title again.
Key Facts
Barcelona has won two La Liga titles in a row and hopes to win three in a row.
Real Madrid has changed managers four times in the last year, recently hiring Jose Mourinho again.
Barcelona players played a big part in Spain’s recent World Cup win, unlike Real Madrid players.
Barcelona’s team is young, with only one player over 30 years old.
Defender Pau Cubarsi and midfielder Lamine Yamal are both talented 19-year-olds from Barcelona’s youth academy.
Robert Lewandowski, former Barcelona striker, left for the U.S., but Ferran Torres, who scored 21 goals last season, is expected to lead the attack.
Barcelona has won 13 of the last 25 La Liga titles, while Real Madrid has won 7 in that period.
The last time Barcelona won three La Liga titles in a row was under coach Pep Guardiola, ending with a Champions League win in 2011.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Seattle Seahawks aim to repeat as Super Bowl champions while keeping most of their key players and adjusting their coaching staff. The Los Angeles Rams have made big player trades to improve their defense and hope these changes lead to another Super Bowl run. The Los Angeles Chargers look for their new coach to help quarterback Justin Herbert reach his full potential.
Key Facts
The Seahawks won the Super Bowl in February and kept 21 of 22 starters from the championship team.
Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III left the Seahawks and joined the Kansas City Chiefs.
Seahawks hired Brian Fleury as offensive coordinator to maintain passing strategies with new running game ideas.
The Rams traded to strengthen their defense, including acquiring Myles Garrett, a top pass rusher.
The Rams consider adding Aaron Donald, who might end his retirement to play again.
Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford, 38 years old, needs to stay healthy for their success.
The Chargers have talented quarterback Justin Herbert but seek better coaching to unlock his skills.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh aims to support Herbert’s development this season.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tanzid Hasan became the first Bangladeshi to score a Test century in Australia during the first Test match against Australia in Darwin. Bangladesh ended the second day leading by 153 runs with six batsmen still not out.
Key Facts
Tanzid Hasan scored 101 runs in his second Test match, marking a milestone for Bangladesh cricket in Australia.
Bangladesh reached 351 runs for 6 wickets at the end of the second day.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 84 runs.
Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 198 runs on the first day.
Australian fielder Steve Smith took three catches in the second innings, tying the record for most catches by a fielder in Tests.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz remained not out with 32 runs at stumps.
Bangladesh is aiming for its first-ever Test win in Australia, their third attempt.
The match is played in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
South Korea’s Pro Footballers Association wants to change the K League football season from spring-fall to fall-spring to avoid the hot summer months. Players are concerned about extreme heat causing health problems and want better protection during matches.
Key Facts
The KPFA suggests moving the K League season to align with other Asian and European leagues to avoid summer heat.
August temperatures reached record highs, with Yangsan hitting 42.5°C (108.5°F), causing health warnings.
Extreme heat led to suspending a Korean baseball league for a week.
A player survey showed 86.2% felt the heat caused physical problems like dizziness and dehydration during matches.
Players want more cooling breaks and better heat-response rules during games.
Winter cold (below freezing) in South Korea makes changing the schedule difficult, but a winter break could help.
Suggestions include improving stadium heating and installing hybrid grass to deal with weather changes.
A rugby player in Japan recently died from severe heatstroke, highlighting risks of training in extreme heat.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
South Africa and Ghana won their matches against Nigeria and Ivory Coast, earning spots in the Women’s World Cup intercontinental playoffs. Nigeria missed the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 1991 after losing to South Africa.
Key Facts
South Africa beat Nigeria 2-1, ending Nigeria’s long streak of World Cup appearances.
Ghana came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their match.
Both South Africa and Ghana will play in intercontinental playoffs in November and December.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinalists—Cameroon, Malawi, Morocco, and Algeria—qualified directly for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Cameroon and Malawi will play in the WAFCON final scheduled for Sunday.
The intercontinental playoffs will feature teams from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America competing for final World Cup spots.
The playoffs have two phases: the first late in 2026 and the second in early 2027.
The final phase includes matches against teams from Europe, South America, and the CONCACAF region (North and Central America and the Caribbean).
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Filip Nowacki, an 18-year-old swimmer from Jersey, delayed opening his A-level exam results to focus on competing in the European Aquatics Championships. He won the gold medal in the 200m breaststroke, making history as Jersey's first Commonwealth Games medalist in 36 years and continuing his successful swimming career.
Key Facts
Filip Nowacki is a teenage swimmer from Jersey.
He won the men's 200m breaststroke gold at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris.
Nowacki also won gold in the 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games recently.
He delayed opening his A-level results to avoid distractions during the championships.
He took A-levels in Economics, Mathematics, and Physics.
Nowacki plans to attend Loughborough University and swim as part of their Swimming Performance Centre.
He has trained since age four and balanced intense training with his studies with help from Millfield School.
Nowacki is competing next in the 50m breaststroke event at the championships.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iga Swiatek won the Canadian Open tennis title by beating Elena Rybakina in straight sets. In the men's final, Ben Shelton won the Canadian Open again without losing a set, defeating Brandon Nakashima.
Key Facts
Iga Swiatek won the Canadian Open women’s final 6-2, 6-3 against world number two Elena Rybakina.
Swiatek made two breaks of serve and saved two break points during the match.
This was Swiatek’s first WTA title of the season and her 26th career title.
Swiatek will move back into the top five in the world rankings after this win.
Ben Shelton won the men’s Canadian Open final 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) over Brandon Nakashima.
Shelton became the first player since 2019 to defend the Canadian Open title and the first since 2016 to win it without losing a set.
The men’s final was the first all-American ATP Masters 1,000 final since 2003.
Katie Boulter won her first match at the Cincinnati Open, beating American Katie Volynets 7-5, 0-6, 6-4.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article provides advice for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players by analyzing top picks from each of the 20 Premier League teams. Experts highlight key players to choose, lesser-known players who could perform well, and players who might not be worth selecting at the start of the season.
Key Facts
The Fantasy Premier League season starts on Friday, August 21.
Four experts share their player recommendations for each Premier League club.
Each expert picks a “talisman” (a top player to own), a “differential” (a lower-owned player with potential), and a player to avoid.
For Arsenal, Gabriel is the key defender to choose, Ben White is a good differential pick, and Christos Tzolis is advised to avoid.
Aston Villa’s key forward pick is Ollie Watkins, Matty Cash is a good differential defender, and Alejandro Garnacho is a risky choice.
Bournemouth’s main player is Marcus Tavernier, Adrien Truffert is a promising differential defender, and Evanilson is not recommended.
The article explains players based on their recent performance, potential playing time, and team strategies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Prichard Colon, a Puerto Rican boxer, died at age 33, almost 11 years after suffering severe brain injuries in a 2015 fight against Terrel Williams. Colon was in a coma for 221 days after the fight and needed constant care due to his brain damage until his death at home in Florida.
Key Facts
Prichard Colon was seriously injured in a 2015 boxing match against Terrel Williams.
He went into a coma for 221 days following the fight.
Colon suffered a brain injury called a subdural haematoma, which required emergency surgery.
The fight ended with Williams winning by disqualification after Colon’s team removed his gloves.
Colon claimed Williams hit him with illegal punches to the back of the head, known as “rabbit punches.”
After waking from the coma, Colon needed full-time care due to neurological damage.
Colon had an undefeated record with 16 fights and 13 knockouts before the injury.
The incident raised concerns about safety in boxing and affected both fighters’ lives.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jessica Bang, an 18-year-old Australian golfer, died after suffering a brain haemorrhage while preparing for a tournament in Thailand. She had emergency brain surgery and spent nearly two weeks in intensive care before passing away.
Key Facts
Jessica Bang was 18 years old and a rising star in golf from Australia.
She turned professional at the end of 2025.
Bang won her first professional event in her fifth start earlier in 2026.
She collapsed before a tournament in Thailand on August 1.
Bang was taken to a hospital in Bangkok and had emergency brain surgery.
She remained in intensive care for almost two weeks before she died.
Bang recently qualified for her first full season in the WPGA Tour of Australasia.
Her family set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and have a new manager, Xabi Alonso. They are trying to improve their performance this year and potentially win the league again, similar to what they did 10 years ago under Antonio Conte.
Key Facts
Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season with no European football.
Ten years ago, Chelsea also finished 10th but won the Premier League the next season under Antonio Conte.
Conte changed Chelsea’s tactic from four defenders to three after a bad loss, leading to 13 straight wins.
Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen team won the German league with a three-defender system in 2023-24.
Chelsea struggled to score goals last season, scoring 8 fewer than expected based on their chances.
A bad run of five league losses without scoring in 2024 led to the removal of head coach Liam Rosenior.
Not playing in European competitions this season means Chelsea have fewer games each week, which could help their performance.
The points needed to win the league recently have been lower than during the very high-scoring seasons of past years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New Zealand has decided not to support Gianni Infantino for a fourth term as FIFA president. This decision follows concerns about trust and transparency related to FIFA’s plan to sell part of the World Cup's commercial rights to private investors.
Key Facts
New Zealand is the only Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) member to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
New Zealand Football wants an independent review of FIFA’s Forward Enterprise Scheme to restore trust.
Several other countries, including England, Wales, Norway, and Ireland, have also withdrawn support for Infantino.
Three regional football groups—Europe’s UEFA, Asia’s AFC, and North/Central America’s Concacaf—no longer support Infantino.
Africa’s CAF and South America’s Conmebol continue to back Infantino for re-election.
The OFC welcomed FIFA’s decision to drop the planned commercial rights sale but did not officially withdraw its support for Infantino.
The controversy centers on FIFA’s attempt to sell 20% of World Cup commercial rights to private investors.
New Zealand Football emphasizes the need for stronger governance and transparency in FIFA.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has agreed to sign Ferran Torres from Barcelona for about €50 million. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Key Facts
Ferran Torres is a forward who played for Barcelona before the transfer.
He scored the only goal in the World Cup final for Spain against Argentina.
PSG, the European champions, are set to sign him for around €50 million.
The transfer deal was reported by both French and Spanish media on August 14, 2026.
Ferran Torres will join a leading football club in Europe known for competing in top tournaments.
The World Cup final took place in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
