Seamus Coleman, the 37‑year‑old former Everton captain, was left out of the 26‑man Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming Nations League fixtures. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson explained the decision was partly due to Coleman being club‑less and wanting to give opportunities to other players, while several other squad members also miss out because of injuries.
Cardiff City have bolstered their defensive options with the return of 20‑year‑old Wales centre‑back Dylan Lawlor, who has recovered from a knee injury. His comeback comes ahead of the home clash with Charlton Athletic, while teammate Will Fish remains sidelined after hernia surgery.
US women’s national team midfielder Savannah DeMelo is suing University of Louisville Health and two doctors for alleged negligence after she suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during a NWSL match in September 2025. The lawsuit claims the medical staff failed to act prudently, leading to a diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia and ending her playing career to date.
World Cup‑winning coach Luis de la Fuente has agreed a new deal that will keep him in charge of the Spain national team until 2032, extending his tenure beyond the original 2028 expiry. The extension ensures continuity as Spain prepares to defend the 2030 World Cup on home soil and begins its 2026‑27 Nations League campaign.
Cliftonville have confirmed that Jim Magilton will stay on as manager despite Glentoran’s approach to replace their departing boss Declan Devine. The 57‑year‑old will lead the Reds when they host Glentoran in the Irish Premiership later this week.
Hibernian have dismissed head coach David Gray after a 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock, leaving the club ninth in the Scottish Premiership. The decision also saw assistants Liam Craig and Craig Samson depart, with John Potter taking charge for the upcoming game against Aberdeen.
London City Lionesses defender Jana Fernandez signed a new contract that will keep her at the club until 2029. The 24‑year‑old has been a key player since joining from Barcelona and was voted club player of the season. Her deal reflects the club’s ambition as they build on a sixth‑place finish in their debut WSL campaign.
England advanced to the quarter‑finals of the 2026 World Cup by beating Mexico 3‑2 at the Azteca Stadium, despite being reduced to ten men after Jarell Quansah’s dismissal. Coach Thomas Tuchel later reflected on the match, humorously saying he regretted not eating the stadium grass, and praised the squad’s unity after Jordan Henderson’s injury.
Philippe Coutinho, the former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder, signed for Santos FC for the remainder of the season, linking up with his Brazil teammate Neymar. The move marks the first time the two friends will play together at club level after Neymar returned to Santos earlier last year.
Noni Madueke, the 24‑year‑old England forward currently at Arsenal, has attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and Juventus for a potential January loan. The move would see the young winger head to La Liga or Serie A, adding depth to the Spanish and Italian clubs’ attacking options.