Marco Bianchi 
Promising Australian golfer Jessica Bang, who turned professional in 2025 and won her first professional event early in her career, died at 18 after suffering a brain haemorrhage while preparing for a tournament in Thailand. The WPGA Tour of Australasia expressed condolences, and a GoFundMe was set up to help cover her medical expenses.
Nigeria’s women’s team were eliminated from World Cup qualification after a 2‑1 defeat to South Africa in the WAFCON play‑off in Casablanca. The loss ends Nigeria’s streak of nine consecutive World Cup appearances, while South Africa and Ghana move on to the inter‑confederation qualifiers.
PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech, a 24‑year‑old Moroccan international, was seen at Ibrox as Rangers prepared to face Jagiellonia Bialystok. The club expects to finalize his move on Friday, making him the 10th summer signing and the second new winger after Daisuke Yokota.
Cardiff City wrapped up their pre‑season with a dominant 4‑1 win over Serie A side AS Roma at the Cardiff City Stadium. Goals from Yousef Salech, Ollie Tanner and a brace from Cian Ashford secured the victory, while goalkeeper Nathan Trott saved a penalty from Paulo Dybala.
Wales winger Cameron Congreve is set to depart Swansea City and sign for Belgian Pro League club Westerlo for a seven‑figure transfer fee. The move follows a successful loan spell at Dundee and recent senior international caps for Wales. Swansea retain a sell‑on clause and a matching‑bid option.
Team Northern Ireland boxers Michaela Walsh and Kaci Rock both settled for silver medals at the Commonwealth Games after being outpointed in their finals. Walsh added a third silver to her collection, while Rock earned his first Games silver, leaving Jon McConnell as the next hopeful for a gold medal in the men’s light‑middleweight final.
Northern Ireland boxers Michaela Walsh and Kaci Rock each secured silver medals at the Commonwealth Games after losing their respective final bouts by unanimous decision. Walsh claimed her fourth Commonwealth Games medal, while Rock earned his first Games silver. The article also notes upcoming bouts for Jon McConnell.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said West Ham United’s offer for Belgian midfielder Arne Engels did not meet the club’s valuation, so the bid was turned down. He also confirmed that Everton have been in contact about Canada full‑back Alistair Johnston, highlighting ongoing transfer interest as the club prepares for the new season.
Newport County have named former Fulham Under‑21 boss Hayden Mullins as their new permanent manager, ending a period without a permanent head coach following Christian Fuchs’ exit. Mullins, a former player for Crystal Palace, West Ham and Portsmouth, takes charge ahead of pre‑season friendlies and the upcoming League Two campaign.
Franco Baresi, the legendary defender who spent his entire 20‑year playing career at AC Milan and captained the side for 15 seasons, died aged 66. The club and the football world mourned his passing, recalling his numerous titles, his role in Italy’s 1982 World Cup win, and his lasting influence on the Rossoneri.