Marco Bianchi 
Rangers and Celtic face disciplinary hearings after a violent incident at Ibrox during their Scottish Cup quarter‑final, where supporters clashed and police made 37 arrests. The Scottish Football Association has issued identical complaints to both clubs and will consider stronger sanctions at a hearing on 13 August.
Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez said he is reflecting on whether it is time to step aside from international football after the team’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final. The 33‑year‑old, a World Cup winner in 2022 and two‑time Yashin Trophy holder, expressed his disappointment and uncertainty about his future with the national side.
Colombian striker Jhon Duran has moved to Portuguese giants Benfica on a season‑long loan from Saudi club Al‑Nassr, with a £5.19 million fee and an option to buy for £25.5 million at the end of the 2026‑27 season. The 22‑year‑old, who has already played for six clubs across five countries, aims to establish himself at his seventh club.
Kieran McGeeney has been ratified to continue as Armagh senior football manager for the 2027 season, extending his tenure to a 13th year, making him the longest‑serving inter‑county manager. The decision follows recent Ulster and All‑Ireland campaigns, including a 2024 All‑Ireland title and a 2026 Ulster championship win.
Scottish clubs Heart of Midlothian, Rangers, Motherwell and Hibernian have been drawn into European qualifying rounds and now know their potential opponents. Hearts face a Champions League path, Rangers a Europa League tie, while Motherwell and Hibernian are set for the Conference League.
Heart of Midlothian and Rangers have learned their possible European opponents for the upcoming qualifying rounds. Hearts could meet Fenerbahce or Gornik Zabrze after a tie with Sturm Graz, while Rangers face Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa League and await further draws.
Northern Irish swimmer Daniel Wiffen, a double Olympic gold medallist, looks ahead to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where he will contest the 400m, 800m and 1500m events. He says the Games are his next target after a silver in Birmingham and vows to add gold medals to his collection, calling himself a “medal guarantee”.
Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) are set to play a third‑round Champions League qualifier on 4 or 11 August, with a possible opponent of Fenerbahce or Gornik Zabrze if they beat Sturm Graz. A loss would see them move into the Europa League, facing a range of clubs from Switzerland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Hungary or Azerbaijan.
Gary Anderson delivered a dominant performance, beating Ryan Joyce 10-2 to advance to the last‑16 of the World Matchplay in Blackpool. The Scottish 2018 champion hit high finishes of 144 and 141 and will face Jonny Clayton in the next round.
Swansea City are on the verge of completing a transfer for Motherwell winger Elijah Just, a 26‑year‑old New Zealand international who impressed at the World Cup. The move would see Swansea break Motherwell’s record fee and reunite Just with fellow Kiwi Marko Stamenic at the Welsh club.