German footballer | Barcelona forward
Norway's football federation has said it will ask its board to consider filing an ethics complaint to FIFA over the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic one‑match World Cup ban after a phone call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The IOC has also said it will not open a probe because the complaint falls outside its remit.
Newcastle United has appointed Matthias Jaissle as head coach to succeed Eddie Howe. Jaissle, 38, arrives from Al Ahli with a track record of high‑intensity, attacking football and a trophy‑laden spell in Asia. The club aims to rebuild after a difficult 2025-26 season and a flurry of summer departures.
Barcelona have strengthened midfield and attack this summer but lack an established number nine. Rodri has joined City, Gordon and Adeyemi add pace, while Alvarez eye remains a potential move; Barça face decision as window closes.
Barcelona has cancelled a World Cup tribute amid concerns about the moment and aims to unite fans. President Laporta condemns police violence after clashes over a Catalan independence flag as the club prepares for a 10pm BST kickoff against Athletic Club.
Barcelona has opened its Champions League campaign with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord; PSG has beaten Slovan Bratislava 6-1 as Ousmane Dembélé and Torres scored early and Torres completed a hat-trick; Real Betis has beaten Lille 3-2 with Donald Parrott scoring the winner on his Champions League debut and Lille finished with ten men after Ethan Mbappé’s red card.
AfD has won about 44% in Saxony-Anhalt, raising the possibility it could form Germany’s first far-right state government since World War II. Minority communities fear renewed hostility as elections also loom in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Parties across Germany assess the implications for democracy and policy.
Barcelona beats Levante 3-2 to stay atop La Liga after a gripping clash that saw Levante rally from two goals down before Karim Adeyemi sealed the win in second-half stoppage time. Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal struck early, and Barcelona’s defense held firm late on.
UEFA has announced 2028, 2029 finals across Europe. The Allianz Arena will host the 2028 Champions League final; Camp Nou will host in 2029. Barcelona continues reconstruction at Camp Nou, while Madrid’s Metropolitano hosts the 2026-27 final. Women’s final lands in Lyon in 2028 and Cardiff in 2029. London misses 2029 World Athletics and Wembley remains a historic host.
Germany has named a 44-man squad split into two groups for Nations League fixtures in September and October. The move marks Jurgen Klopp’s first squad since taking over, with several debutants and notable omissions shaped by fitness and strategy.