Luka Modric, the 41‑year‑old captain of Croatia, has said he will not retire from international football and will feature in the nation’s upcoming Nations League fixtures. His decision coincides with the return of Slaven Bilic as Croatia’s manager, who expressed enthusiasm about working with the veteran midfielder again.
Alexia Putellas debuted for London City Lionesses in their first Women’s Super League match, helping the side secure a 2-1 victory over Manchester United. The win gave the Lionesses a strong start to the season.
The Scottish Football Association has put forward three proposals to increase playing time for under‑21 Scottish‑eligible players, including mandatory starters in the Scottish Cup and League Cup and a season‑long minute target. An extra £1 million would be made available to clubs, with a 10% prize‑money penalty for those that miss the targets, pending votes at the SFA and SPFL general meetings.
The Scottish Professional Football League, together with Celtic and Rangers, have agreed to play all Old Firm fixtures this season without any away fans. The decision follows a review of crowd disorder at the March cup tie and aims to provide certainty for match‑day planning while prioritising safety.
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert said that despite being demoted to fourth‑choice goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale will stay at the club to support the squad. Ramsdale failed to secure a transfer and will continue training with the under‑21s while the club’s first‑choice keepers remain Daniel Peretz and others.
A consortium featuring ex‑Brazil striker Alexandre Pato has secured regulatory approval for a shareholding deal in Northampton Town, ending months of speculation. The club’s chairman Kelvin Thomas praised the rigorous process and said the investment will help secure the club’s financial future as they rebuild after relegation.
Arsenal Women confirmed the deadline‑day signing of French defender Elisa de Almeida from Paris Saint‑Germain for an estimated £550,000 on a three‑year deal. The 28‑year‑old, a versatile centre‑back with 52 caps for France, joins a side dealing with defensive injuries and aiming for their first WSL title since 2019. Manager Renee Slegers praised her experience and composure.
Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli has left Arsenal after seven years to join Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal on a £60m guaranteed transfer. The move comes after manager Mikel Arteta told him he was not in the club’s plans, and Martinelli expressed pride in his new club during the unveiling video.
Carlos Queiroz returned to lead the Ghana Black Stars after a short stint away, with the Ghana Football Association confirming his re‑engagement. He will now prepare the team for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
VfL Osnabruck created a spectacular rollercoaster‑styled tifo that covered the East Stand of the Bremer Brucke stadium, symbolising the club’s turbulent history. The display was shown before their German Cup first‑round clash with Bayern Munich, a game they ultimately lost 4-1 despite an early 1-0 lead. The elaborate tifo featured wooden carts, dummies and a photo station, highlighting the club’s creativity despite their recent promotion to Bundesliga 2.