South London club in the EFL Championship
The Carabao Cup second round has been drawn, with Chelsea and Tottenham entering the competition alongside other Premier League clubs not in Europe. The draw is sectional (north and south) and ties will be played the week of 24 August. The nine top-flight teams in Europe this season join in the third round.
Southampton has been expelled from the Championship playoff final after admitting to spying on Middlesbrough and others. Middlesbrough will meet Hull in the final, while Southampton faces further sanctions and an appeal is pending. The decision has triggered a wave of legal considerations and potential compensation claims.
Ipswich Town has announced Gary O’Neil as its new manager on a three-year deal, replacing Kieran McKenna as the club prepares for Premier League football. O’Neil arrives from Strasbourg after guiding them to a Conference League semi-final; he is supported by Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley and Ed Ames. The club’s chairman emphasises a clear vision and ambition.
The Guardian, Scotsman and Independent report Ange Postecoglou has been appointed Al-Nassr head coach on a two-year deal, aiming to revive his career after a brief, troubled spell at Nottingham Forest. He will work with Cristiano Ronaldo and other stars as the Saudi Pro League champions pursue further success.
A wave of data from the Home Office and football bodies shows rising incidents at matches, with officials arguing current policing funding—with taxpayers shouldering about £70m annually—cannot continue. The debate centers on safety, policing costs, and the future role of clubs in funding security outside stadiums.