Mike Bailey, a former midfielder and captain of Wolverhampton Wanderers, has died at the age of 84 following a long illness. He made 436 appearances for Wolves, winning the 1974 League Cup and helping the club reach the UEFA Cup final in 1972, before later managing several clubs.
Cliftonville FC members approved a £3 million takeover by the Toronto Investment Group, with 81% voting in favour at an Extraordinary General Meeting. The deal, backed by investors Drew Green, John Muffolini, Ron Davidson and Conor Devine, will see the Canadian consortium provide transfer funds, shift the club to a full‑time model and propose stadium redevelopment.
Leicester City Women were relegated from the WSL and saw a mass exodus of players. Amid the rebuild, long‑serving captain Sam Tierney renewed her contract until 2028, pledging to stay and help the club return to the top flight. The article outlines the club’s summer departures, new signings and Tierney’s vision for a sustainable future.
Cameroon cruised to a 3-0 victory over debutants Malawi to claim their first ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Rabat. Goals from Marie Ngah Manga, Naomi Eto and a late strike by Eto sealed the win, earning Cameroon $2m in prize money and a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo told Vogue that this could be his final season, reflecting on his glittering career and upcoming family life after his recent wedding. He remains under contract with Saudi Pro League side Al‑Nassr but may retire after the season, joining other legends contemplating the end of their playing days.
Former world No.9 tennis player Roberto Bautista Agut has switched to football, signing for Spanish seventh‑tier side CD Els Ibarsos. He scored twice in a 4‑2 pre‑season victory on his debut, marking a surprising start to his new sporting chapter.
Former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, a 39‑year‑old Belgian, is being touted as the leading candidate to take over the Scotland men’s national team after Steve Clarke resigned. The Scottish FA’s chief executive Ian Maxwell and chief football officer Craig Mulholland have spoken to him, with an appointment expected before the Nations League fixtures begin in September.
Former England goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer, who was on the bench for Manchester United’s 1968 European Cup win and started Aston Villa’s 1982 European Cup final before being injured, has died aged 78. He also won a league title with Villa and earned an England cap, with tributes from Aston Villa, Manchester United, Arsenal and former teammate Alex Stepney.
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.