Marco Bianchi 
The Scottish Football Association has put forward three proposals to increase playing time for under‑21 Scottish‑eligible players, including mandatory starters in the Scottish Cup and League Cup and a season‑long minute target. An extra £1 million would be made available to clubs, with a 10% prize‑money penalty for those that miss the targets, pending votes at the SFA and SPFL general meetings.
The Scottish Professional Football League, together with Celtic and Rangers, have agreed to play all Old Firm fixtures this season without any away fans. The decision follows a review of crowd disorder at the March cup tie and aims to provide certainty for match‑day planning while prioritising safety.
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios was handed a one-month suspension after a positive cocaine test from a sample taken at the Mallorca Open. The ban, reduced from a possible three months due to his entry into a treatment programme, also saw him lose €6,570 in prize money and his world ranking drop to 918.
Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime suffered a second‑round defeat at the US Open, losing to unseeded Karen Khachanov in four sets. The Canadian, a two‑time US Open finalist, was knocked out after a strong first set but could not recover, following the earlier exit of Novak Djokovic. Khachanov credited the win to his performance and suggested Auger‑Aliassime may have been dealing with physical issues.
Naomi Osaka overcame a second‑set slump to beat Katerina Siniakova in three sets at the US Open, securing a place in the third round and setting up a clash with Elise Mertens. Meanwhile, former champion Iga Swiatek comfortably advanced after defeating Nadia Podoroska, while other notable matches saw Madison Keys survive a scare against Anna Bondar.
Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli has left Arsenal after seven years to join Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal on a £60m guaranteed transfer. The move comes after manager Mikel Arteta told him he was not in the club’s plans, and Martinelli expressed pride in his new club during the unveiling video.
Carlos Queiroz returned to lead the Ghana Black Stars after a short stint away, with the Ghana Football Association confirming his re‑engagement. He will now prepare the team for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Women’s boxing legends Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano honoured the career of Irish boxer Katie Taylor, who is set to retire after her scheduled bout with Flora Pili. The tribute highlights Taylor’s impact on the sport as she prepares for her final fight.
During his second‑round match at the US Open, Daniil Medvedev was briefly delayed when two birds perched on the net. He shrugged off the incident and comfortably beat American wildcard Sebastian Gorzny to advance to the third round.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill expressed optimism that the Irish Football Association’s planned national training centre at Galgorm, near Ballymena, will move forward and be ready by 2028. He also addressed the ongoing knee injury of Liverpool defender Conor Bradley, indicating a realistic return for the Nations League could be the March 2027 international break. The article highlights the potential benefits of the facility for all national teams, including senior, under‑age and women’s squads.