Marco Bianchi 
The International Equestrian Federation announced that it will no longer require Russian and Belarusian riders, horses and officials to compete as neutral athletes, ending a ban imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The decision also allows future FEI competitions to be staged in Russia, opening the path for these athletes to represent their country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Former Down hurler Stephen Keith suffered a cardiac arrest while training at a gym in Portaferry. Quick CPR and defibrillation by his training partners, including Barry Milligan, saved his life. Keith now urges communities to learn CPR and install defibrillators.
Scotland striker Ross Stewart has suffered a quad soft‑tissue injury that will keep him out of Swansea City’s next four Championship matches. The 30‑year‑old has only made one substitute appearance since joining the club on a three‑year deal, and head coach Vitor Matos hopes he could return during the international break.
Manchester City striker Vivianne Miedema, a Netherlands international, has been ruled out of the opening fixtures of the Women’s Super League after sustaining a knee injury. The club confirmed the issue is separate from her previous knee problems and she has not suffered an ACL tear.
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, 23, moved to Spanish side Valencia on a loan deal that runs until the end of the season. The agreement includes no option or obligation for Valencia to sign him permanently. It is Elliott’s second consecutive loan spell after spending last season at Aston Villa.
Northern Ireland international Conor McMenamin has re‑joined Glentoran in a surprise move just two months after signing for Coleraine. The deal also sees former Coleraine player Joe Thomson head to the Showgrounds, while manager Ruaidhri Higgins explained the switch was driven by commuting concerns.
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has been diagnosed with a mild benign arrhythmia and will undergo a cardiac ablation procedure in the coming days. The Napoli club expects him to return after the international break, meaning he will miss Scotland’s first four Nations League games under new coach Sebastien Pocognoli.
Former England captain Ben Stokes announced his move to the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming BBL 16 campaign. The 35‑year‑old all‑rounder will be available for the whole season, bringing his World Cup‑winning experience to the Australian franchise. Coach Tim Paine praised the signing, calling Stokes one of the greatest all‑rounders in the game.
Juventus have secured a season‑long loan for 24‑year‑old striker Nick Woltemade from Newcastle United, paying a £3.5 million loan fee. The deal comes as Juventus look to bolster their attack after the departure of Jonathan David and the failed pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee, and it does not include an option to make the move permanent.
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka opened her US Open defence with a straight‑sets win over Colombia’s Camila Osorio, silencing criticism and keeping her three‑peat hopes alive. The victory, achieved at Arthur Ashe Stadium, puts her on track to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win three consecutive US Open titles.