Kingdom of Morocco in North Africa
Manchester City have beaten Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park, with Rayan Cherki scoring twice and Erling Haaland also on target as Enzo Maresca’s new era gathers momentum. Haaland, Cherki and Foden link with a fluid attack, while Palace’s struggles in the final third persist.
Keely Hodgkinson has withdrawn from the women’s 800m at the Zurich Diamond League after saying her body isn’t ready following the European Championships. Audrey Werro is the effective favourite, with a five‑way battle expected among the world’s best 800m runners.
Migrant crossings at Ceuta, spurred by viral social-media posts, have drawn tens of thousands to the Spanish enclave. Reports indicate at least dozens died or were injured as crowds overwhelmed border controls; many have since returned, but the event exposes the role of online misinformation in mass migration flows.
France has enacted a law banning unsolicited marketing calls without prior consent, with penalties for non-compliance. The measure aims to curb consumer harassment and protect vulnerable groups, entering into force on Aug. 11, 2026. Several sources report similar restrictions and potential regional impacts, including Morocco’s call-centre sector and EU peers.
A journalist describes Yerevan’s Republic Square and Dancing Fountains, exploring the Pink City’s heritage, modern life, and recent tourism growth linked to direct flights from London and broader regional appeal.
Arsenal have secured Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United for £75m on a four-year deal with an option for a further year. The transfer closes a long-running saga and strengthens Arsenal’s midfield as they move to defend their title. Newcastle accept a fee around £75m as they look to replace him with younger options.
Real Madrid have completed a €125m upfront fee plus €15m in add-ons to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, making him the club’s sixth summer arrival under Jose Mourinho. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger starred at the World Cup and becomes Madrid’s answer to long-term talent priorities.
The Board of Peace has issued its first construction contract for a 150-person outpost in Gaza to house Moroccan troops. Arkel International is named as contractor, but the legal framework remains unsettled and key questions persist about timelines, deployment, and legality.
Moroccan forces have detained scores of people near Fnideq after social media calls encouraged a repeat mass crossing toward the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Security services have used tear gas and set up checkpoints; Spain has kept extra police, soldiers and a maritime barrier in place while several news agencies were ordered to leave the Moroccan border town.
Spain has imposed reciprocal border checks on travellers from Italy after Rome has kept controls that it introduced following a deadly mass crossing into Ceuta on 30–31 July. Italy has said it will not lift checks until it is satisfied there is no new migration wave or security risk. The dispute has fractured EU unity and left thousands still in Ceuta.
A continental push to industrialise the textile and manufacturing sectors is accelerated by investment in long-term funding, high-value processing, and regional value chains. Across Africa, governments and investors are turning cotton, textiles, and infrastructure into job-creating industries to retain value at home.
Multiple outlets report that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has denied allegations linked to a six-figure UEFA payment to a woman connected to him, with UEFA confirming a departure payment and MBA fees were paid under regulations at the time. The controversy intensifies as Infantino pushes controversial plans to privatize parts of FIFA’s tournaments.
Palestinian detainees and Gaza health officials report severe health deterioration among detainees held by Israel, while rights groups call for independent medical examinations and accountability. New details highlight alleged torture and medical neglect in prolonged detention amid ongoing conflict dynamics.
FIFA has issued a statement rejecting allegations against president Gianni Infantino, calling recent reporting "unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims." The statement follows Daily Telegraph reporting on a UEFA exit payment to a former employee linked to Infantino and the collapse of his plan to privatise World Cup commercial rights, which has provoked calls for his resignation.
The Times of Israel reports that Ben Gurion Airport has faced ongoing disruption amid staffing shortages and a wildcat strike that halted check‑in and baggage handling. Management and unions are negotiating to ramp up staffing ahead of the Jewish holidays as operations try to return to normal.
Israel has green‑lit a UAE-backed pilot project in eastern Rafah near the Yellow Line to establish temporary housing and repair civilian infrastructure, with Gaza still under Israeli security control. Palestinian observers warn the plan risks creating isolated enclaves and prolonging occupation while a limited international stabilization force is discussed.
A total solar eclipse has crossed parts of Spain, Iceland and Greenland while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive visible from the UK since 1999. Scientists have used airborne and balloon experiments to study the Sun's corona and the event has drawn large crowds despite patchy clouds and local viewing limits.
Cameroon has defeated defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in Casablanca to reach the semifinals and seal a spot at the 2027 World Cup, ending Nigeria’s title run. Nyadjou’s 19th-minute strike proves decisive as Nigeria pushes for an equaliser but cannot convert late chances.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a renewed crisis as multiple football confederations have pulled endorsement ahead of the 2027 re-election. While CAF and CONMEBOL continue to back him, UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC have joined calls for accountability after the aborted plan to privatize World Cup revenues. Trump has publicly backed Infantino, calling replacing him a terrible mistake.
Paris Saint-Germain has beaten Aston Villa 2-1 in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened, Villa teenager Brian Madjo levelled, and Desire Doue scored the winner after a VAR review awarded the goal. Somali referee Omar Artan, controversially denied a US World Cup visa, officiated the match.
A former Mossad head asserts that spies visited Iran’s Fordo facility “many times” to understand it, as Israel’s 2025–26 strikes against Iran’s nuclear program are framed as shaping the operational context. The remarks align with earlier reporting on US-Israeli strikes and Iran’s ongoing nuclear debate.
Tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the end of July. Spanish and local officials have said roughly 70,000 returned but Ceuta’s leader estimates 3,000–11,000 remain, including hundreds of unaccompanied minors living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. The influx has provoked EU diplomatic rows and temporary border checks.
The European, North American and Asian confederations have publicly questioned Gianni Infantino’s leadership after the aborted Football Forward Enterprise plan to sell a stake in the World Cup. They call for an independent review and promise to seek unity in leadership that serves football.
The solar eclipse has triggered a surge in travel demand across Europe as destinations within the path of totality experience record room rates and bookings. Reykjavik, A Coruño, Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela report sharp price increases, while authorities warn of heat and fire risks and a spike in road traffic. NASA and local observatories will live-stream the event to millions.
Migrants crossing from Morocco to Ceuta have triggered a renewed EU debate. Authorities have faced volatile scenes at the border, while disinformation and international responses shape the narrative. The flow of people and the political reactions highlight long-standing fortress Europe policies.
Arsenal have added Bruno Guimarães to the midfield and introduced him in a warm-up with Como, where a 1-1 draw led to a 4-3 shootout win. Myles-Skelly has started to cement his midfield role, while the club’s transfer activity remains high ahead of the season.
Xavi has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands through 2030, succeeding Ronald Koeman after a World Cup exit. The former Barca midfielder says he is honoured and will implement a Dutch-style attack based on possession.
Malaga has equalised late to force a 2-2 draw with Fulham in a pre-season friendly. A stoppage-time spot-kick by Eneko Jauregi appeared to seal penalties, but disputes over a shootout led to both teams leaving the pitch under unclear terms. Fulham later contested the decision as a shootout was reportedly not in the contract.
Mali has granted clemency to Yann Vezilier, a French agent accused of destabilising the government, amid ongoing security battles and a deteriorating relationship with France. Paris denies involvement, while Bamako says the act is compatible with adversarial judgments and will see the agent removed from Mali. The move comes as Mali faces renewed jihadist and separatist assaults and as Franco-MMali tensions deepen.
The FIFA president has drawn support from several signatories ahead of next year’s vote, even as a revolt grows over a plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. European and regional federations have warned of consequences, and some signatories have withdrawn support amid governance concerns.
The global football federation is confronting a fracturing alliance as three major confederations call for a review of Gianni Infantino’s leadership amid a shelved plan to sell World Cup commercial rights; New Zealand withdraws support, while Caf and Conmebol back Infantino for a fourth term. The next months will determine Infantino’s fate at the Rabat congress.
BBC and Al Jazeera report Manchester City are negotiating the transfer of Bouaddi from Lille to strengthen midfield, while Rodri’s exit to Barcelona is set to proceed on a four-year contract. City’s midfield overhaul appears imminent as Reijnders moves elsewhere.
Cameroon has won the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Malawi 3-0 in Rabat, ending a history of three previous final defeats. Marie Ngah Manga scored twice and Naomi Ndjoah Eto added the third as Cameroon secure their first continental title.
The former Belgium international has been named Scotland’s head coach, taking over from Steve Clarke. Pocognoli has guided Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian title and will seek to build on Clarke’s foundation while introducing his own ideas and developing young players within an experienced core.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing renewed scrutiny over term limits as UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF push for a governance review. While allies back his bid for re-election in March 2027, critics argue his initial 2016-2022 term should count toward the three-term limit. The controversy follows a controversial plan to privatize World Cup rights and a governance crisis within FIFA.
AP and partners report a thriving illicit trade at Gaza's border, with cigarettes, dual-use goods, tech, and daily essentials flowing in despite restrictions. The trade is profiting both sides, fueling prices for residents while supporting militant and military actors. Authorities say flows have increased since a fragile ceasefire, though remain well below prewar levels.
Infantino is facing a leadership crisis as CONCACAF, UEFA and AFC push for his resignation amid a failed World Cup privatization plan. He is meeting Dominican officials while allies seek to rally support and counter moves to unseat him ahead of the March 2021 presidential election. FIFA has not commented on ongoing requests for change.
The prime minister has told Manchester mayors that a British Isles bid for the World Cup is possible, potentially spreading hosting duties across multiple nations as part of a broader sporting push.
Migrants who perished during Spain’s Ceuta border crisis are being buried in Ceuta with the number of dead and missing still unclear. Officials report at least 90 deaths tied to the late July border surge, while a Moroccan NGO argues the toll could be higher. Burials are taking place as authorities grapple with identifying bodies and repatriation, with thousands still stranded.
Infantino has faced mounting calls to resign after aborting plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. UEFA and continental confederations accuse him of deception, while Ceferin hints at a potential March election and signals commitment to UEFA.
Manchester City are set to sign 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for about €100 million, cementing a long‑term plan to replace Rodri and to build a Moroccan‑French spine in midfield. Bouaddi’s World Cup form has drawn strong interest from Europe’s top clubs, and Lille’s academy record underlines a future‑focused transfer policy.
Ceferin has said he is not pursuing Infantino’s FIFA presidency but warns Infantino faces mounting pressure and could step down or face a leadership challenge as several confederations threaten a no‑confidence vote. The comments come amid reports of growing discontent over plans for private investment in FIFA tournaments.
Unknown man has been found dead in the landing‑gear wheel well of an Air Arabia plane that arrived from Tangier, Morocco. Coroners say conditions inside the wheel well are extremely cold and oxygen is scarce; post‑mortem results list cardiac arrest, hypoxia and hypothermia as the cause. An inquest is ongoing.
The Ceuta border crisis has intensified as tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco in late July. Spain has centralised management, called for urgent EU funding, and pledged faster processing of asylum requests, while tensions rise among residents and politicians.
President Donald Trump has submitted a 30-year civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, starting a 90-day review. The deal would allow U.S. firms to export civilian nuclear technology and build AP1000 reactors. The White House says the pact will only move forward if Riyadh normalises relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
Manchester City has secured 18-year-old Bouaddi on a five-year contract for €100m after Lille agreed a deal amid a flurry of transfers. Bouaddi has been a standout for Morocco at the World Cup and Lille, with City aiming to build a long-term midfield spine.
European football bodies are reassessing a boycott of FIFA events after assurances that Gianni Infantino’s plan to privatise World Cup rights will not be repeated. The move follows a series of meetings in Monte Carlo and Poland, with decisions expected at a UEFA executive committee gathering.
Algeria is confronting a severe heatwave that has intensified wildfires across the northern provinces, causing multiple deaths and injuries. Officials report dozens of blazes, with Bejaia, Jijel and Tizi Ouzou among the hardest hit; hundreds have been evacuated as firefighting efforts continue.
Saudi Arabia's SAFF has endorsed FIFA President Infantino's bid to restore unity in world football, while calls for direct dialogue grow as divisions persist among confederations amid a controversial 20% stake plan.
In Zurich, Dos Santos and Russell set world records in sprint hurdles, with Werro nearing a 800m world record. Duplantis clears 6.25m in a high-stakes pole vault, as Wanyonyi claims a world-leading 800m time; crowd witnesses multiple all-time moments.