Marco Bianchi 
Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee has filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport challenging the IOC’s provisional reinstatement of Russia. The NOC argues the decision is premature and violates the Olympic Charter, raising concerns about the integrity of international sport.
The Welsh Rugby Union has announced a timeline to cut the professional regional teams from four to three by the 2028‑29 season. Cardiff Rugby and Dragons are expected to receive the capital and east licences, while Ospreys and Scarlets will battle for the west licence, with a possible merger under consideration.
Northern Ireland’s Kate O’Connor is on track to win her first senior outdoor Commonwealth Games gold, extending her lead in the heptathlon after strong performances in the long jump and javelin. With a 2,611‑point advantage over England’s Jade O’Dowda, she heads into the final 800 m at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.
Rayo Vallecano have been prohibited from using their home ground, Estadio de Vallecas, after a health and safety audit identified a risk of Legionnaires’ disease. The club must find an alternative venue for the upcoming season while urgent repairs are carried out, which could take two to six months.
Former Ireland and Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has taken up a newly created consultancy role with Ulster Rugby as a coach development advisor. The 60‑year‑old will work on strengthening the province’s coaching pathway, while Ulster’s general manager Rory Best says the appointment fits into the club’s long‑term strategy for coach development.
Three‑time major champion Padraig Harrington, a 54‑year‑old Dubliner, has been appointed as a vice‑captain for Team Europe at the 2027 Ryder Cup to be held at Adare Manor, Ireland. He joins Luke Donald’s backroom team alongside the Molinari brothers as Europe seeks a third consecutive victory over the United States.
Spain defender Marc Cucurella fulfilled his promise by getting a tattoo of World Cup‑winning coach Luis de la Fuente. The tattoo, featuring the coach holding the trophy, was revealed on social media shortly after Spain’s 1‑0 victory over Argentina in the final. The gesture highlights Cucurella’s close bond with the national team staff.
World No.19 Ekaterina Alexandrova collapsed during her first‑round match at the Memphis Classic after temperatures reached 34 °C. Trailing 7‑6 (7‑2) 4‑6 5‑4 against fellow Russian Kristina Liutova, she was forced to retire and required medical assistance.
Seventeen‑year‑old Cruz Hewitt, son of former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt, recorded his first ATP main‑draw win at the Washington Open, beating American qualifier Marcos Giron 6‑3 6‑4. The victory came in his senior debut and sets up a possible second‑round clash with fellow Australian Alex de Minaur.
Motherwell travel to the Faroe Islands for the Conference League second‑leg tie against HB Torshavn, holding a 2‑0 advantage from the first leg. Manager Alfred Johansson urged caution, famously telling his players to “go home and eat barbed wire” to stress the difficulty of the away match. The squad also welcomes the return of forward Tawanda Maswanhise, who missed pre‑season with a jaw injury.