Marco Bianchi 
Azerbaijani club Sabah staged a dramatic comeback, erasing a 4-2 first‑leg deficit to win 6-4 on aggregate against Israel’s Hapoel Be’er Sheva. The victory sends Sabah to the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in its history.
Fenerbahce secured a place in the Champions League group stage after an 18‑year gap by beating Lyon 2‑0, with goals from Vedat Muriqi and Archie Brown. The victory marks a significant milestone for the Turkish club in European competition.
Three-time major champion Anna Nordqvist, 39, announced she will retire from professional golf following this week’s FM Championship near Boston. She will also captain Europe in the upcoming Solheim Cup and reflected on her 18‑year career, including three major titles and nine LPGA victories.
Al‑Nassr, reduced to ten men after a goalkeeper red card, trailed 2‑0 at half‑time. Manager Ange Postecoglou took off Cristiano Ronaldo, and the substitutes Sadio Mane and Abdulelah Al Amri sparked a comeback, with Mane scoring the winner in added time. The 3‑2 victory moved Al‑Nassr to the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
Celtic were eliminated from the Champions League play‑off after surrendering a four‑goal aggregate lead to LASK, losing 5‑4 on aggregate. Manager Martin O’Neill accepted full responsibility for the collapse, while captain Callum McGregor and former players criticised the team’s performance.
Noah Anyadike, aged 15 years and 98 days, made his debut for Cardiff City in the EFL Cup, becoming the youngest player ever in the competition’s history. The Bluebirds lost 2‑1 to Norwich City, and Anyadike was forced off in the second half with a cramp. Manager Brian Barry‑Murphy praised the youngster’s talent and stressed the need to protect and develop him further.
The IFA said it is “time for change” at FIFA and will not back Gianni Infantino’s bid for a fourth term. The decision follows criticism of Infantino’s aborted plan to sell a 21% stake in FIFA’s commercial operations, which UEFA threatened to boycott.
Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka, a 2016 US Open champion, announced he will retire at the end of 2026. He expressed gratitude to the US Open and New York despite not receiving a wildcard for a final Grand Slam appearance.
Linfield chairman Roy McGivern said manager David Healy was absolutely right to call out the personal and vile abuse he received from supporters after the team’s 3-0 loss to Ballymena United. McGivern also highlighted the club’s financial difficulties following an early European exit and said discussions are underway for outside investment.
Ireland’s women’s rugby team will compete in the WXV Global Series this autumn. Coach Scott Bemand highlighted the selection of seven uncapped players who impressed in the Interprovincial Championship, adding fresh talent to the 36‑player squad ahead of tests against the USA, Japan and South Africa.