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.
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.
Coleraine’s 8-0 aggregate loss to HJK Helsinki ended their hopes of reaching the UEFA Conference League group stage. Manager Ruaidhri Higgins blamed the heavy defeat on the league’s winter schedule and argued that moving to a summer season would improve Irish clubs’ competitiveness in Europe. He also highlighted a spate of injuries affecting the squad ahead of the domestic season.
Derry City lost 1-0 to Rijeka in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League qualifying round, ending their European campaign. Manager Tiernan Lynch criticised the team’s lack of bravery and said they were punished after conceding early. He highlighted missed chances from Michael Duffy and Liam Boyce and called for a more confident, attacking approach.
The Football Association has raised the minimum suspension for discrimination offences to ten matches for the upcoming season, applying to players, managers and technical staff. The change is part of the FA’s pledge to deliver a game free from discrimination and allows for longer bans in aggravated cases.
Ashleigh Neville has joined newly‑promoted Charlton Athletic on a two‑year contract after leaving Leicester City. The move reunites her with former Tottenham coach Karen Hills, while Leicester bolstered their squad by signing Irish internationals Jessie Stapleton and Jessica Ziu.
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.