Arsenal have reached an agreement with Newcastle for the transfer of captain Bruno Guimaraes. The deal for the Brazilian midfielder is reported to be for a fee of £75m, and Guimaraes has been granted permission to travel for a medical examination.

Guimaraes had previously informed Newcastle management that he wished to join Arsenal should a suitable offer be made. This move comes after Arsenal‘s initial bid was rejected, but the 28-year-old is now expected to join the Premier League champions.

Guimaraes’ Impact and Arsenal’s Ambition

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed the need for ambition to build on the club’s recent success, which included a Premier League title win and reaching the Champions League final. The club believes that signing Guimaraes will help them achieve a “different dimension” in their performance.

Arteta has consistently sought players with Premier League experience who have demonstrated their ability to perform at the highest level. The addition of Guimaraes is seen as a step towards Arsenal‘s goal of assembling one of the top midfields in world football.

Several factors contributed to Arteta’s decision to pursue Guimaraes. Arsenal faced significant injury challenges last season, and the robustness of potential signings has been a key consideration, especially after a £250m expenditure in the previous summer transfer window. Arsenal played 63 games across all competitions last season and have since reorganised their medical department.

The previous season saw considerable demands placed on midfielders like Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. Rice, who played the most minutes of any outfield player at Arsenal last season and helped England reach the semi-finals of a World Cup campaign, has been managing a hamstring issue. Guimaraes’ arrival is expected to maintain quality even if Arteta rotates his starting eleven, while also elevating the overall potential of the midfield.

Arteta is known for his demand for intensity in training. With Guimaraes joining a midfield that includes Rice, Zubimendi, captain Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri, competition for places is expected to be high.

Why Arsenal Pursued Guimaraes

Arsenal‘s leadership group, which supports club captain Odegaard, will be further strengthened by Guimaraes, who is described as a natural leader. During his time at St James’ Park, Guimaraes became a talisman for Newcastle. His ability and his connection with supporters are seen as valuable assets for Arteta.

Injury has significantly impacted Arsenal‘s campaigns in the past. Guimaraes, however, has missed only 16 Premier League games since joining Newcastle in 2022. Data from Opta indicates that Newcastle‘s win percentage, points per game, average goals for, and average goals against were notably higher when Guimaraes featured. Specifically, Newcastle‘s win percentage was 50.7%, points per game 1.7, average goals for 1.9, and average goals against 1.3 with him in the team.

Conversely, without Guimaraes, Newcastle‘s win percentage dropped to 12.5%, points per game to 0.7, average goals for to 0.8, and average goals against increased to 1.6. Last season, Guimaraes was Newcastle‘s top scorer in the league with nine goals. He also provided four assists for Brazil at the World Cup in his five starts.

Despite missing six games due to a hamstring injury towards the end of last season, Guimaraes was among the top five players in the league for defensive line-breaking passes, with 46, and through balls, with 21. He also led Newcastle in passes made under high-intensity pressure, with 998, highlighting his willingness to take responsibility. Staff at Newcastle have described him as an “inspirational” figure.

Newcastle had aimed to keep Guimaraes, who has two years remaining on his contract plus a club option for a third. However, Guimaraes’ desire to seek a new challenge to win titles was a key factor in his potential departure. Newcastle insisted on their valuation for the player, similar to previous sales of Sandro Tonali to Spurs for £100m and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m. If the deal proceeds, Newcastle could accumulate over £240m from player sales this summer.

The transfer of Guimaraes is viewed as a significant statement by Arsenal, acquiring one of the Premier League‘s leading midfielders from a position of strength. His arrival is expected to enhance Arsenal‘s midfield options, potentially allowing Declan Rice to have more rest after his demanding previous season. Guimaraes joined Newcastle in 2022 from Lyon for £40m, making 195 appearances and scoring 31 goals for the club.

Source: bbc.co.uk

The post Arsenal agree deal for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes appeared first on UKnews.

Arsenal’s Transfer Pursuits and Player Movements

Arsenal are reportedly making progress in their pursuit of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, with a transfer for the Brazilian winger now considered a possibility. This development follows stalled contract negotiations for Vinicius Jr in Spain. Concurrently, Arsenal are also targeting Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Reports indicate that Guimaraes is expected to undergo a medical with the club today.

To facilitate these potential high-value deals, which could involve fees near or exceeding £100m each, Arsenal may need to sell some players. Christian Norgaard is reportedly set to depart after a single season at the Emirates, with Everton appearing to be his next destination. Another potential sale could involve Myles Lewis-Skelly, as Manchester United are exploring options to bring the defender to Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick looking to strengthen his squad.

United’s transfer objectives also include a left-back, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall being considered. However, securing Hall might be challenging given Newcastle’s recent sale of Sandro Tonali and the potential departure of Guimaraes during the current transfer window.

Guimaraes’ Future and Personal Life

The future of Bruno Guimaraes is becoming a significant transfer story this summer. The midfielder has reportedly returned to link up with Newcastle for pre-season training for the first time, following extended leave after his World Cup participation with Brazil. He is expected to arrive in La Manga to commence work.

Despite his return, Guimaraes’ priority is reportedly a move to the Premier League champions, and he is expected to reiterate his desire to leave Newcastle. This comes amid reports that Arsenal had an initial formal offer rejected by the club. A transfer fee in the region of £75m has been suggested for his signature.

Guimaraes’ personal life has also been noted, particularly his relationship with his wife, Ana Linda Martins. The couple began dating in 2020 when Guimaraes played for Athletico Paranaense. Ana, a nutritionist who also takes courses related to personal training and health, moved to France with him when he joined Lyon. They welcomed their first child in 2022 and married in 2023 in Rio de Janeiro. A second child was born in March 2024. Ana is also a social media personality, sharing content on fitness, nutrition, and family, and has been seen supporting Guimaraes at matches, including the World Cup.

Guimaraes is reportedly keen to return to the pitch after missing a crucial penalty in Brazil’s round of 16 defeat to Norway. Newcastle is scheduled to play Valencia in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, though it remains uncertain if Guimaraes will participate.

Other Notable Transfer Developments

Elsewhere in the transfer market, Chelsea have announced the signing of Danny Welbeck, with Jordan Henderson expected to follow. Mohamed Salah, who left Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of last season, appears to be close to joining Trabzonspor, despite earlier verbal agreements with Besiktas.

Liverpool are also active, with Maghnes Alkiouche set to undergo a medical with Paris Saint-Germain later this week after a £42.8m (€50m) deal was agreed with Monaco. Alkiouche had also been a target for Liverpool. Additionally, Bradley Barcola is rumoured to be a target for Liverpool, with clubs reportedly in talks over the PSG winger. According to Julien Laurens, Barcola would be receptive to a move to Anfield.

Jack Grealish, who is in the final year of his contract at Manchester City and spent last season on loan at Everton, is attracting interest from Atletico Madrid. Grealish could also opt to remain at City under new manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, new Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to defend their Premier League title.

In other news, Yan Diomande will not travel with RB Leipzig to their pre-season training camp in Austria as negotiations continue with Real Madrid over his transfer. However, the club states his absence is due to illness. Rennes have agreed a deal to sign Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse, involving a loan fee of €2.5m and an obligation to buy for up to €25.5m next summer. Glen Kamara is also set to join Queens Park Rangers on a loan with an option to buy, with the deal reportedly in the paperwork stage.

Manchester United are considering bringing in another midfielder, despite having already spent £85m on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. This potential acquisition would likely be a lower-cost option, not a player in the £60-70m range, as Casemiro’s departure necessitates a midfield rebuild.

Arsenal’s season is set to begin on Sunday, August 16, in the Community Shield against Manchester City.

Source: independent.co.uk

The post Arsenal pursue Vinicius Jr and Bruno Guimaraes amid transfer activity appeared first on UKnews.

The Football Association (FA) is set to formally withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as Fifa president, intensifying pressure on his leadership. This decision follows a similar move by the Football Association of Wales (FAW), which confirmed its withdrawal of backing for Infantino’s candidacy.

The FA’s move comes after it previously endorsed Infantino for a fourth term. The FAW stated that recent failures in governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications, and judgment have led to a loss of confidence in Infantino’s ability to lead world football.

Mounting Pressure on Infantino

The FAW’s statement highlighted that failing to prioritise the best interests of football is unacceptable. This sentiment is echoed by other European countries, with the Football Association of Finland having already withdrawn its support last week. More European nations are anticipated to follow suit in an effort to prompt Infantino’s resignation.

Uefa federations have reportedly been preparing a collective withdrawal of letters supporting Infantino. Prior to recent revelations concerning his privately backed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup, nearly all of the continent’s 55 member associations had communicated their backing.

The FA has previously aligned with Infantino, who is expected to oversee an extraordinary Fifa congress in November to confirm the UK’s hosting of the 2035 Women’s World Cup, provided he remains in his position. However, the FA has consistently condemned his Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, both publicly and privately.

On Saturday, the FA called for a comprehensive review of Fifa’s leadership and governance, with its latest action representing a further escalation of its concerns. While the FA’s stance is firm, it is not expected to publicise its withdrawal letter. This approach is shared by some other European entities, who believe that the movement to unseat Infantino requires momentum from various continents.

Opposition within Europe is not expected to be difficult to achieve, but Infantino’s future may depend on the leadership demonstrated by members of the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf, where opinions on his tenure have been more divided.

Potential Successors and Future Outlook

Infantino, who is Swiss, finds himself in a challenging position after abandoning controversial plans to sell stakes in Fifa competitions to private investors. He is currently set to seek re-election in March for what would be his fourth and final term as president, requiring 106 votes from Fifa’s 211 members to win. However, national associations, including those from England and Wales, have begun to retract their letters of support for his re-election.

There is also the possibility that the Fifa Council could attempt to compel Infantino’s resignation through an emergency meeting. If his tenure is indeed nearing its end, several individuals are being considered as potential successors.

Victor Montagliani, the president of Concacaf, is one such figure. Elected in 2016, Montagliani promised governance reform and was significantly involved in the organisation of the 2026 World Cup, the first to be hosted by three nations. He is fluent in French, Italian, Spanish, and English. Montagliani led Concacaf when it hosted an expanded Copa America in 2024. He has also been politically active, helping to smooth relations regarding former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s proposal for a biennial World Cup, and has not fully supported the idea of a 64-team tournament.

Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the president of the AFC, is another potential candidate. First elected in 2013, Al Khalifa was re-elected unopposed for a fourth term that runs until 2027. He has overseen considerable growth within the Asian confederation, including the expansion of the Asian Cup to 24 teams and the launch of the Women’s Champions League in 2024-25. Al Khalifa has been critical of Infantino’s management of Fifa and has the backing of a 46-member confederation, many of whom recognise the substantial financial figures offered by Infantino’s plans.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris St-Germain, took over as chairman of the European Clubs’ Association after the collapse of the European Super League in 2021. He oversaw a name change to European Football Clubs and expanded its membership to over 800 clubs, with only Real Madrid remaining outside. While he would theoretically be a strong challenger to Infantino, sources close to the 52-year-old suggest he does not desire the role.

Mattias Grafstrom, appointed Fifa secretary general in May 2024, has become an increasingly influential voice within Fifa. He served as Infantino’s chief of staff following his election in 2016 and was a visible presence at the World Cup. However, his close association with Infantino and the general sentiment that Fifa’s next president should not be European could work against him.

Candidates for the Fifa presidency have until 18 November to put their names forward, with the next president to be confirmed at the organisation’s 77th Congress in Morocco next March.

Source: bbc.co.uk

The post Wales and England withdraw support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election appeared first on UKnews.

Liverpool concluded their two-week, three-match pre-season tour in the United States, returning to the UK on Monday morning. The tour saw the team play in front of over 115,000 supporters across matches in Nashville, New York, and Chicago.

Head coach Andoni Iraola reflected on the trip, noting that it provided significant learning opportunities. The team secured wins against Sunderland and Wrexham, but experienced a 4-2 defeat to Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. Iraola described the Leeds United friendly as “probably the most useful friendly we played,” highlighting lessons learned from both the positive first half and the negative second half.

Emerging Talent and Key Performances

Among the standout performers during the tour was 19-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni, who was recognised as Liverpool‘s player of the tour. His performances, particularly against Leeds United, demonstrated strong positioning, game reading, and physicality. Nyoni’s development has led to discussions about him remaining with the squad for the season rather than being loaned out. Iraola has praised Nyoni’s contributions during the tour.

Another young player, Rio Ngumoha, also impressed. Despite interest from Bayern Munich, Liverpool maintained he was not for sale. Ngumoha showcased his abilities by scoring a deflected goal against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium and causing problems for Leeds United‘s defence from the left flank. His link-up play with Milos Kerkez was also noted as promising for future challenges.

Captain Dominik Szoboszlai, who recently signed a new five-year contract, took on a leadership role in the absence of several key players, including Virgil van Dijk. Szoboszlai appeared in all three matches, scoring against Sunderland and demonstrating high energy and dynamism. He commented on the team’s learning experience, particularly regarding conceding from set pieces.

Defender Luke Chambers, 22, was pressed into action at centre-back for all three matches due to defensive depletions. Chambers, who has been with the club’s academy since the age of six, scored the opening goal against Leeds United. His versatility in playing two positions in the back line has given Iraola reason to consider keeping him at the club, despite initial plans for a loan spell.

Challenges and Absences

The tour also presented challenges, notably with injuries. Joe Gomez, Liverpool‘s longest-serving player, sustained a muscle injury early in the opening game against Sunderland, which is expected to keep him out for approximately a month. This setback occurred despite positive reports on his training form leading up to the tour. Gomez’s injury history has limited his appearances over his 11-year tenure at Anfield.

Several key players were absent from the tour due to post-World Cup breaks, including Virgil van Dijk, Victor Munoz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Alisson. Additionally, players such as Jeremy Jacquet, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, and Stefan Bajcetic did not feature due to ongoing rehabilitation or fitness concerns. Jeremy Jacquet, a young French defender, was unable to play due to not being fully fit, having not played since February.

The team’s final days in Chicago included training sessions and community engagements. Andoni Iraola and Dominik Szoboszlai held press conferences, and players like Conor Bradley, Freddie Woodman, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, and Kostas Tsimikas participated in a “coffee club” exploring local shops. The squad also visited the Chicago Bulls‘ United Center facility, with goalkeeper Harvey Davies notably preventing a basketball from hitting a media camera.

With the opening Premier League match against Newcastle United less than three weeks away, the coaching staff faces significant work on the training field and in the transfer market.

Source: nytimes.com

The post Chicago: Liverpool conclude US pre-season tour with mixed results appeared first on UKnews.

Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo has commented on the tactical vision of new manager Enzo Maresca, highlighting the focus on wide play. Semenyo’s remarks follow Maresca’s first match in charge, a pre-season friendly against Inter in Hong Kong, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Semenyo impressed in the match, contributing to Divin Mubama’s goal.

Maresca, who previously served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola during City’s treble-winning season, has expressed his desire for wingers who can excel in one-on-one situations. Semenyo noted that this approach was evident during Maresca’s previous tenure at the club when they faced Chelsea, where wide players were given considerable freedom. This tactical emphasis was a key factor in Semenyo’s excitement when Maresca was appointed.

Semenyo joined City from Bournemouth in the January transfer window for £62.5 million. He made a significant impact in his initial half-season, scoring 11 goals, including the winning goal in the FA Cup final. The Ghana international had attracted interest from several prominent clubs but chose City, eager to develop under Guardiola’s guidance.

Reflecting on his time with Guardiola, Semenyo mentioned the former manager’s advice on patience and positioning. Guardiola encouraged him to relax on the ball and wait for openings, focusing on one-on-one opportunities against defenders. This guidance helped Semenyo adapt his game, particularly after initially trying to play too quickly.

The Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal in March marked Semenyo’s first trophy as a professional footballer. He described the experience of competing for silverware as a new feeling compared to his time at Bournemouth, where results were more varied. City’s pursuit of the Premier League title ultimately fell short after a 3-3 draw with Everton and a loss to Bournemouth in the final week, allowing Arsenal to secure the title.

Semenyo’s performance against Inter, alongside Savinho and Ryan McAidoo, showcased direct dribbling, which he attributes to Maresca’s tactical instructions. He stated that Maresca has communicated his ideas to the team from the outset, including individual meetings to discuss setup and playstyle for wide players and the team as a whole.

Maresca’s Vision and Squad Adaptation

Maresca’s tactical ideas are described by Semenyo as “quite similar to Pep,” with a strong emphasis on wide play and creating opportunities. While Guardiola sometimes varied Semenyo’s role between wide and inside positions depending on the opposition, Maresca’s approach is consistently focused on being wide and creating chances upon receiving the ball.

Defender Josko Gvardiol has also voiced his support for Maresca, describing him as the “perfect” choice to succeed Guardiola. Gvardiol acknowledged that adapting to a new manager and tactical approach will require time, especially with a depleted squad due to post-World Cup breaks. He emphasized the players’ responsibility to help Maresca settle in quickly as the competitive season approaches.

Maresca, who is 46 years old, has clarified that while there may be similar concepts to Guardiola’s philosophy, he intends to implement his own distinct approach. He stated that managers cannot simply “copy and paste” others’ ideas, and he views football differently. Gvardiol, who recently signed a new long-term contract with City until 2031, has publicly backed Maresca, providing stability for the club as it transitions from the Guardiola era.

Pre-Season Tour and Future Fixtures

The team’s pre-season tour continues in South Korea, where they are scheduled to face K-League All Stars and Atletico Madrid. Following these matches, City will return to England to play Arsenal in the Community Shield before commencing their Premier League season against Bournemouth.

Semenyo expressed gratitude to his former club, Bournemouth, for helping his Premier League career flourish. The early glimpses of Maresca’s system suggest that Semenyo’s direct style of play will be a prominent feature in the coming months.

During the 1-1 draw with Inter, other players also made notable contributions. Vitor Reis strengthened his case for a role in the team, excelling in possession, winning aerial duels, and confidently stepping into midfield. Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes, and Omar Marmoush are expected to start in the upcoming friendly against K-League All Stars after their encouraging performances against Inter.

The team is also managing squad changes, with Bernardo Silva having moved to Real Madrid on a free transfer. Rodri’s recovery is reportedly on track, while Savinho is nearing a move to Tottenham, and John Stones has joined Inter.

Semenyo’s individual meetings with Maresca have covered how the manager wants to set up the team and how he wants his wide players to operate, indicating a clear tactical direction for the upcoming season.

The Carabao Cup victory in March was Semenyo’s first trophy as a footballer.

Source: nytimes.com

The post Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo discusses Enzo Maresca’s tactical approach appeared first on UKnews.

F1 chief responds to regulation critics

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, has addressed criticisms regarding the sport’s new regulations, asserting that most fans are enjoying the current season. He stated that the fanbase is primarily focused on the on-track action and less concerned with the technical aspects that drivers have highlighted. This comes after drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen voiced concerns about the new rules, particularly those focusing on electrical energy management.

Domenicali indicated that the new regulations have led to more intense racing, increased overtaking, and more battles on the track. He cited a discussion with George Lucas, who provided a perspective on how new fans view Formula One, suggesting they are primarily interested in the spectacle of racing rather than intricate technical details. Norris, the reigning world champion, has since acknowledged that the FIA and F1 are receptive to driver feedback, echoing Domenicali’s view on the sport’s current state.

The season has seen a significant evolution since its start in Australia under the 2026 regulations. Domenicali noted that the championship has become “very, very fascinating,” with a different driver winning each of the last five rounds. He also highlighted the performance of Kimi Antonelli, who leads the standings and has become the youngest driver to do so, securing six Grand Prix victories.

Calendar updates and future plans

Domenicali also provided updates on the Formula 1 calendar, particularly concerning the final races of the season. He confirmed that decisions regarding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix would be made by mid-September. If the situation in the Middle East does not improve as anticipated, the season finale would be held in Europe, with Imola in Italy believed to be a favoured alternative venue.

Contingency plans are also being developed for the 2027 season, ensuring that a 24-race calendar can be maintained even if regional conflicts persist. The calendar for 2027 is expected to be presented in autumn, with options available to adjust if necessary. Portugal and Türkiye are confirmed to return to the calendar in 2027, indicating continued global expansion for the sport.

The Formula 1 chief reflected on the sport’s growth, noting rising attendances and an increase in global TV audiences. He also pointed out a significant demographic shift in F1‘s audience, with 42% now female and 43% under 35, a change attributed partly to the success of the Netflix series Drive to Survive. This new audience, Domenicali suggested, prioritises drivers and personalities, exemplified by moments such as Verstappen’s pass on Lewis Hamilton in Hungary.

Looking ahead, Domenicali expressed optimism for the second half of the 2026 season, anticipating more competitive racing. He believes that the sport is in a “really great” place, with more teams and drivers capable of securing wins. The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is set to be a moment to celebrate as it marks its final event on the calendar, while Monza is expected to host an “incredible event” as Antonelli competes in his home weekend as a race winner.

Domenicali also touched upon the ongoing discussions regarding technical regulations for the future, stating that there are “a lot of good talks going ahead now.” He added that drivers who have tested next year’s changes on the simulator believe they are moving in the right direction. The FIA continues to listen to comments from manufacturers and drivers to evolve the regulations.

Regarding individual drivers, Domenicali praised Antonelli as an “incredible asset for the future” and expressed hope that Verstappen would continue in the sport despite recent speculation about his future. He confirmed that the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are currently confirmed for the end of the season.

Source: theguardian.com

The post Formula One chief addresses F1’s 2026 regulations and season outlook appeared first on UKnews.

Glasgow’s Role in the Commonwealth Games’ Future

Glasgow stepped in to host the Commonwealth Games at short notice after Victoria withdrew due to cost concerns. This intervention is seen as crucial in preventing the event’s extinction. The city’s approach to hosting, which involved a scaled-down version of the Games, has been highlighted as a potential blueprint for future hosts. This model prioritises affordability and the use of existing facilities, moving away from the previous long list of demands for host cities.

The Commonwealth Sport president, Dr Donald Rukare, acknowledged Glasgow’s role, stating that the city acted as a bridge to the movement’s future. The event was characterised by bravery, courage, friendship, and innovation. The shift in hosting philosophy means that future Games are likely to be designed around what a host can realistically afford and deliver, rather than imposing rigid targets.

This new approach, termed “Games Reset” by Commonwealth Sport, encourages hosts to utilise existing infrastructure and offers greater flexibility in shaping the sports programme. It also maintains the inclusion of para sports events within the same Games and aims for an equal balance of events for women and men. The budget for Glasgow’s Games was significantly lower than previous editions, with early projections indicating a spend of approximately £162.6 million, compared to Birmingham 2022’s £778 million.

Team Scotland’s Performance in Glasgow

Team Scotland concluded the Glasgow Games with 39 medals in total, including 13 golds, placing them fifth in the medal table. This performance marks Scotland’s third-best ever in terms of medals won at a Commonwealth Games. The medal count included nine silver and 17 bronze medals. This result is one place higher than their finish in Birmingham four years prior, with the same number of gold medals.

The Games saw 177 athletes representing Team Scotland, a smaller contingent compared to the 313 athletes at Glasgow 2014. Despite fewer athletes and a streamlined sports programme offering 215 gold medals, compared to 283 in Birmingham and 261 in 2014, Scotland’s medal-per-competitor ratio improved. The team achieved a medal for every 4.54 competitors, an improvement from 5.30 four years ago.

Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland’s chef de mission, expressed pride in the team’s achievements, highlighting the numerous medals, historic firsts, individual and team records, and lasting memories created. The medals were distributed across various sports, genders, and abilities. Only two of the ten disciplines, netball and Para-powerlifting, did not yield medals for Scotland.

Athletics recorded its second-biggest haul in 44 years, and gymnastics celebrated a first-ever men’s all-around gold. The team also achieved an all-time best of 14 Para-sport medals. A first team sport medal was secured in 3×3 basketball, followed by a second on the same day. Additionally, Scotland earned its first-ever podium finish in women’s boxing. Of the 39 medals, 20 were claimed by men, 17 by women, and two by mixed teams, with 43% of the medals going to female athletes, consistent with the Birmingham Games.

Key Scottish Medallists and Future Outlook

Duncan Scott added two medals to his collection, further solidifying his position as Scotland’s most decorated Games athlete with 14 medals in total. However, Neil Fachie surpassed him in gold medals, claiming two golds in Para-cycling to reach a total of seven. Angharad Evans was a standout performer, securing two individual golds and relay silver and bronze in swimming.

Other multiple medallists included swimmers Keanna MacInnes (three silver, one bronze), Katie Shanahan (two silver), and Stephen Clegg (gold and silver). Para-athlete Melanie Woods won two golds on the track, and closing ceremony flagbearer Reuben Ward earned gold and silver in gymnastics. At the velodrome, Erin Boothman claimed double cycling bronze, and Fin Graham secured silver and bronze.

Looking ahead, India is set to host the centenary Games in 2030 in Amdavad, with plans for 15 to 17 sports, a significant increase from Glasgow’s ten. The sports programme for 2030 is expected to be announced early next year at Commonwealth Sport’s annual general meeting. The Games in India are anticipated to be larger than Glasgow’s but are unlikely to revert to the previous one-size-fits-all model. The next Games in India will feature 50 per cent more sports than Glasgow.

The Commonwealth Games movement is exploring future hosts, with four private expressions of interest for 2034. Nigeria has expressed interest in becoming the first African host, and New Zealand is considering a lower-cost approach to hosting for the first time since 1990. Canada has not hosted since 1994. The shift in hosting strategy, exemplified by Glasgow, aims to ensure the long-term viability of the Commonwealth Games.

Source: bbc.com

The post Glasgow hosts streamlined Commonwealth Games, setting new template for future events appeared first on UKnews.

Georgia Hunter Bell, at 32 years old, secured an 800m gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, adding to her collection of global medals. Her victory came after a tactical race where she outpaced Lilian Odira, the world champion in the event. Hunter Bell led the race from start to finish, crossing the line in 1min 59.51sec. Odira took silver, while Sarah Billings of Australia earned bronze.

Hunter Bell’s journey to this achievement is notable, as she only made her international debut in Glasgow two years prior. At that time, she was a part-time runner working in technology. Since then, she has become a prominent sports figure, now holding Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth medals. Her Olympic achievement includes a 1500m bronze medal, set in a British record time of 3min 52.61sec.

Hunter Bell’s return to competitive running

Hunter Bell’s career saw a significant break during her mid-20s due to a series of injuries and setbacks, leading to her retirement from the sport. Her return began with long cycle rides during lockdown and participation in parkruns. By November 2022, she reconnected with her former coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, who had previously guided Keely Hodgkinson to success. Her first appearance in a GB vest was in March 2024 at the world indoor championships, also held in Glasgow.

Reflecting on her journey, Hunter Bell expressed pride in overcoming past challenges. She mentioned feeling emotional about her younger self, who had given up running around the age of 23 or 24, and her subsequent return to the sport. Her recent medal, achieved while representing England, marks her sixth time on a global podium.

During the 800m final, many considered Odira to be the favourite, especially after her gold medal win at the previous year’s world championships where she had beaten both Hunter Bell and Hodgkinson. However, Hunter Bell maintained a composed approach. She initially planned to make her move with 200m remaining but found herself in the lead early on. She decided to control the pace, keeping it relaxed, and waited for others to challenge her. The halfway point was reached in a slow 60.32sec.

As the race progressed, no competitor managed to close the gap. Hunter Bell powered clear with 200m to go, leaving Odira approximately five metres behind and unable to catch up. Hunter Bell expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting that the race unfolded perfectly and the crowd’s support helped her through the final steps.

Other notable performances in Glasgow

The night also saw other athletes achieve success. Emily Newnham and Jake Minshull both secured silver medals for England in the women’s and men’s 400m hurdles, respectively. In the women’s 200m, Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands claimed the title with a time of 22.07. Hodge, at 20 years old, has a personal best of 21.68 for the 200m and has run 10.63 for the 100m this year. She finished ahead of Shaniqua Bascombe of Trinidad and Tobago, with Alana Reid of Jamaica earning bronze.

In the men’s javelin event, Rumesh Pathirage of Sri Lanka won gold with a throw of 89.75m, surpassing India’s Olympic champion, Neeraj Chopra. The velodrome also hosted significant events, where Welsh women achieved a double gold. Anna Morris secured gold in the 4000m Individual Pursuit, setting a Games record. She later appeared to have won silver in the 10km Scratch Race final but was relegated to fifth place due to an infringement, with Georgia Baker of Australia winning the race.

Emma Finucane added a second Welsh gold in the Sprint finals, defeating England’s Sophie Capewell in two races. Finucane, an Olympic bronze medallist, highlighted the collective effort behind her success, acknowledging her coaches and support staff. Her compatriot, Rhian Edmunds, won bronze in her match against Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri of Malaysia. Finucane and Edmunds had previously shared the podium after winning gold together with Lowri Thomas in the Team Sprint final.

Mohd Azizulhasni Awang of Malaysia claimed the Men’s Keirin title, marking a significant win 16 years after a disqualification at Delhi 2010. The two-time Olympic medallist finished ahead of Australia’s Leigh Hoffman and England’s Harry Ledingham-Horn, with defending champion Nicholas Paul of Trinidad and Tobago finishing fourth. Awang described the victory as one of the best moments of his life, having aimed to finish on the podium at what he considered his last Commonwealth Games.

The next day’s schedule includes 44 gold medals to be contested across various sports, including athletics, Para-athletics, boxing, track and Para-track cycling, and judo.

Source: theguardian.com

The post Glasgow sees Georgia Hunter Bell claim 800m gold at Commonwealth Games appeared first on UKnews.

Howe’s Departure from St James’ Park

Eddie Howe has stepped down from his role as head coach of Newcastle United after nearly five years with the club. The 48-year-old’s departure follows a season where the Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League, failing to secure European football for the upcoming season. Howe’s final match in charge was a 4-1 defeat to Bristol City in a pre-season friendly.

Howe expressed that after a period of personal reflection, he felt it was the right time to step away, recharge, and take a break. He described his time as manager of Newcastle United as the privilege of his lifetime, having given his “life, heart and soul” to the club with “unrelenting energy.”

During his tenure, Howe led Newcastle to Champions League qualification on two occasions and secured the Carabao Cup in 2024-25, marking the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years. His coaching staff, including Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, and Simon Weatherstone, along with head of performance Dan Hodges, will also be leaving St James’ Park.

Season Review and Transfer Challenges

Howe took over in November 2021, guiding the team to an 11th-place finish in his initial season. The club then qualified for the Champions League in 2022-23 and again in 2024-25, the same season they won the League Cup. Last season, Newcastle reached the Champions League knockout phase for the first time, where they were defeated by Barcelona in the last 16. However, they lost 17 of their 38 Premier League games, impacting their league standing.

The club’s chief executive, David Hopkinson, acknowledged Howe’s contributions, stating that he and his staff leave with the deep gratitude and respect of everyone at Newcastle United, and with a lasting place in the club’s history. Hopkinson added that while they were disappointed to see Howe leave, they remain thankful for his efforts.

This summer has seen significant player movement for Newcastle. Sandro Tonali transferred to Tottenham and Anthony Gordon moved to Barcelona. Additionally, Arsenal is reportedly pursuing captain Bruno Guimaraes, who has indicated a desire to join the Premier League champions. Last summer, Newcastle invested approximately £240m in new players, but Howe was reportedly frustrated by the transfer saga involving Alexander Isak, who eventually joined Liverpool for a British record fee of £125m.

Reports suggest that Howe’s influence over transfer policy diminished over time. Initially, he held considerable authority in player acquisitions and sales, a level of control he had also exercised during his time at Bournemouth. This was evident when former sporting director Paul Mitchell, who succeeded Dan Ashworth, proposed changes to transfer policy and playing style, leading to Mitchell’s departure in June 2025.

Future Direction and Leadership Search

The club’s financial situation has also been a factor, with Newcastle entering a Uefa settlement agreement in May after breaching European investment rules last season. This agreement requires the club to carefully balance its finances for the next three years. The current sporting director, Ross Wilson, who arrived from Nottingham Forest in October, has overseen a shift towards signing younger players with high resale potential. This summer, Newcastle has acquired four new players aged 20 or under: Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Touré, Aladji Bamba, and Sean Steur.

David Hopkinson has stated that Newcastle aims to be among the best clubs globally by 2030. However, the strategy of investing in young, inexperienced talent has been noted as a bold experiment. Howe, who had previously reflected on staying at Bournemouth for a season too long before his dismissal in 2020, reportedly decided to leave on amicable terms rather than being pushed.

Howe remains positive about Newcastle‘s future, believing the club is in capable hands with a strong leadership team. He expressed confidence that the club, along with his successor, will continue to achieve success. Newcastle has indicated that the process to recruit a new head coach is at an advanced stage, with German coach Matthias Jaissle considered a favourite for the position.

Howe’s tenure saw him improve several players, notably Joelinton and Jacob Murphy, and implement an often thrilling style of football during two Champions League campaigns. Despite the team’s high-tempo, hard-pressing approach, there were instances where Newcastle struggled with possession and forfeited leads. Howe’s decision to step down comes after nearly five years at the helm, having taken charge in November 2021.

Source: bbc.com

The post Newcastle United: Eddie Howe steps down as head coach after five years appeared first on UKnews.

Concerns over FIFA’s commercial proposals

FIFA is facing significant opposition over its plans to sell stakes in its competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. UEFA, along with its 55 national associations, has stated a unanimous and unequivocal rejection of the proposal. The European football governing body has threatened that no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition if these plans proceed.

The controversy intensified following the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Cordeiro described the privatisation plan as a “bad deal for football” and detrimental to the sport’s long-term future. He clarified that he had no involvement in the proposal and unequivocally opposed it.

Further criticism emerged from Kevin Lamour, FIFA‘s chief operating officer, who indicated that staff felt “deceived” by Infantino’s lack of transparency regarding the plans. Lamour characterised the World Cup proposals as “the project of one person” and urged football leaders to take action.

Widespread opposition and governance concerns

The proposed commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), aims to offer financial gains to national associations. However, opponents are concerned that commercial imperatives could lead FIFA to organise more frequent and larger tournaments, further impacting domestic football schedules. The plan is reportedly supported by an investor group led by Thrive Eternal, founded by Josh Kushner.

In addition to UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF have also voiced their opposition. The AFC, previously a supporter of Infantino, called for an urgent review of FIFA‘s governance. CONCACAF, representing 41 nations from North and Central America and the Caribbean, explicitly rejected the proposal.

UEFA‘s statement highlighted that the World Cup should not be treated as an investment product, emphasising its legacy built by players, national teams, and supporters. The organisation argued that surrendering any part of it to private investors is irresponsible and indefensible. They criticised the secretive nature of the proposal’s development, which reached the brink of approval without meaningful consultation.

The European body views the situation as a profound failure of leadership and an abdication of FIFA‘s duty as the custodian of world football. They contend that once external investors acquire ownership interests, decisions on the international calendar, competition formats, and the future of football would be driven by shareholder interests rather than the best interests of the game.

Infantino under pressure

The UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, described Gianni Infantino as “the wrong man” to lead FIFA. Burnham had previously denounced the proposal when it first surfaced, stating that the very idea of such a plan being brought forward demonstrated Infantino’s unsuitability for the leadership role.

In response to the mounting criticism, FIFA released a statement insisting that “nobody is selling football” and that the organisation would never entertain such a notion. FIFA attributed disruptions to its consultation process to “incorrect media reports” and reaffirmed its commitment to an open and democratic consultation, ensuring that all FIFA Member Associations (MAs) could express their vote based on facts.

The statement from FIFA also clarified that FFE was proposed to ensure member associations could take ownership of commercial opportunities in their respective countries without compromising the spirit or governance of FIFA or football itself. Despite FIFA‘s assurances, the widespread opposition from major confederations and the resignations of key personnel indicate significant pressure on Infantino’s leadership.

The AFC‘s statement underscored the importance of transparent governance, timely consultation, informed deliberation, and genuine participation in decision-making processes for proposals of global significance. The confederation’s president, Sheikh Salman, had previously run against Infantino in the 2016 FIFA presidential election.

UEFA‘s firm stance is that its national teams will not participate in any FIFA competition as long as the privatisation proposals remain active, unless they are entirely abandoned and binding assurances are given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.

Source: skysports.com

The post UEFA threatens boycott over FIFA World Cup privatisation plans appeared first on UKnews.