A unitary parliamentary republic in Northwestern Europe
UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector after official reports alleged an incident in or around the tunnel at half-time of Ireland’s 1-1 Nations League draw with Israel in Backa Topola. Ireland’s head of athletic performance has alleged an Israeli player spat at him. The match followed two tense fixtures and public protests over the war in Gaza.
UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector following reports of a tunnel-area incident and alleged misconduct during Ireland’s Nations League match against Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia. Ireland has protested intimidation and a spate of provocative gestures, while Israel defends its players.
Bruno Fernandes and co. see off Leeds United in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in the first Gaelic Games stadium game since 2009. The match ends amid fan invasions and a late crossbar hit as Mazraoui secures the win in the shootout.
Martin O’Neill has undergone a small procedure and is recovering at home. Shaun Maloney is coordinating training as Celtic prepare for their next match; a final call on the manager’s involvement will be made in the coming days.
Manchester United have lost 4-2 to AC Milan in a pre-season friendly in Wroclaw, with Rashford, Mainoo and Martinez making returns. Carrick faces decisions on squad selection and transfer plans as the season nears.
The M9 crash near Junctions 3–4 has left multiple dead and several others injured. Gardaí are investigating the cause, with the M9 northbound closed and diversions in place. Ongoing forensic work and appeals for witnesses are underway.
The Greenlink interconnector linking the UK and Ireland has been rerouted to avoid Dobby’s grave on Freshwater West after Harry Potter fans protested. Officials say the project now avoids the fictional site and proceeds while highlighting tensions between fandom and infrastructure.
President Trump has publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino after UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC accused him of "breaking trust through deception" over a shelved plan to sell stakes in a new commercial arm. Infantino has retained support from CAF and CONMEBOL while several national federations have withdrawn endorsement ahead of the 2027 election.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing intensified scrutiny as UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC demand accountability over a private-investment plan for World Cup assets. CAF backs Infantino, while Ireland withdraws support amid governance concerns. Motsepe says decisions should come from elections, not behind closed doors.
Manchester United has strengthened its squad with midfield additions Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, plus back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow, while Marcus Rashford has returned from a Barcelona loan. Manager Carrick says more signings are needed to challenge for the title and sustain Champions League contention.
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.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has made a brief port call at Laem Chabang, Thailand, allowing about 5,000 sailors and Marines to rest after a record, months-long deployment supporting US operations against Iran. Thai authorities are managing transport, security and restrictions in Pattaya while US officials deny widespread failures in shipboard conditions.
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.
The president has announced a trip to Ireland for Sept. 12-13, where he will attend events with embassy staff and officials, and visit Trump-owned golf properties. AP, New York Post and Independent note the trip underscores how official travel can intersect with family business interests, including LIV Golf ties and potential political signaling.
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.
Dolly Parton has died after a brief cancer battle, prompting tributes from peers and fans around the world. The Queen of Country leaves a legacy of hit songs, philanthropy, and a cross-genre influence that shaped music and culture.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has touched millions of children by delivering free books from birth to age five. Following Parton’s death, communities in Scotland, the UK, the US and beyond recall its impact on literacy, foster care, and family routines, with celebrations of her legacy and ongoing programs.
Education chiefs in Northern Ireland and Scotland are proposing tighter rules on mobile phone use in schools. A BBC pilot and Kings College London study show behavioural gains from restricting phones, while Scottish ministers push for a campus-wide ban to curb disruption and violence against women and girls. Consultations are under way across the UK with a government- or minister-led push to legislate soon.
Germany has attributed an attempted explosive drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport on Aug. 4 to Russian operatives. EU foreign ministers have convened and are preparing fresh sanctions targeting about 1,600 individuals and entities tied to Russia's military sector, while some member states are tightening diplomatic ties and visa restrictions.
The FFF has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino amid concerns over FIFA’s governance and plans to sell World Cup stakes. UEFA and other confederations join in pressing for reform as Infantino plans to stand again in 2027.
US President Donald Trump is visiting Ireland for a two-day trip that includes meetings with Irish leaders and a stop at his Doonbeg resort to watch the Irish Open. Protests are planned, security is unprecedented, and Dublin’s Phoenix Park will host high-level talks amid a tense political and economic backdrop.
During a two-day visit to Ireland this weekend President Donald Trump has said he would "love to see" a united Ireland and called reunification "going to happen eventually." His remarks have prompted rebuttals from UK and unionist politicians, sparked protests in Dublin and renewed debate over the Good Friday Agreement's border-poll provisions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he would “love to see” a united Ireland and that reunification “will happen eventually,” remarks made in Dublin during a visit that has provoked mixed reactions across political camps. He added that unification would be a “fantastic” development and that the UK would have a say in the process. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has urged calm, while British and Northern Irish politicians have offered varied responses.
Burnham is expected to meet Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly in New York as the UK‑US relationship navigates past earlier criticisms. He has held two official calls with Trump since taking office, and Parliament allies say the ties go beyond any one president or prime minister.
Oasis has announced a new reunion tour with fixed UK ticket prices and a register-to-access sale window following CMA findings on ticketing practices. The band’s management says pricing rests with promoters, while authorities push for greater transparency to protect fans.
UEFA and CONCACAF presidents have urged an independent review of FIFA’s finances and proposed releasing at least $10 million to every member association for the 2027-30 cycle, on top of the FIFA Forward Programme. The plan relies on reserves of about $6 billion and aims to avoid selling interests in FIFA competitions.
Irish public opinion has grown increasingly opposed to Ireland’s Nations League games against Israel amid ongoing protests and political pressure. The government and football authorities have faced calls to boycott, with players weighing a collective stance as matches move to neutral venues.
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has ruled that Google has infringed GDPR in the processing of location data for Web & App Activity, Location History and Location Accuracy, issuing a €403 million fine and ordering compliance within six months. Google says policies have evolved since 2019. BEUC warns late enforcement harms consumer rights.
Ireland’s manager and Israel’s football federation have exchanged sharp public remarks ahead of Nations League fixtures. Ireland’s call for a boycott has grown amid protests at team hotels. Both sides insist on neutral venues as security concerns mount.
Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel are under intense scrutiny as players debate boycotting amid Gaza war concerns. The team has moved a game to a neutral venue and will play behind closed doors in Belgrade, Serbia, with protests continuing and players weighing their stance.
Ireland's Nations League clash with Israel in Hungary remains on after players vote by a significant majority to proceed, despite protests and calls for boycott amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. The pre-match press conference and training were delayed and further scheduling changes followed.
Ireland has decided to proceed with Nations League fixtures against Israel in Hungary, despite internal dissent and protests. One player has withdrawn, discussions among players and officials have stretched over hours, and the team plans to wear armbands and donate match fees.
Ireland and Israel played a Nations League match with Ireland’s captain avoiding a handshake with Israel’s captain, while both teams wore black armbands. Ireland voted to proceed with the fixtures amid Gaza war pressure; Bazunu withdrew, citing a personal belief against killing. The match was held at a neutral venue for operational reasons.
Arab warnings from Egypt and the UAE are now corroborated by multiple outlets, including The Atlantic and The Wall Street Journal. The reports describe Israeli leaders receiving cautions about Gaza's volatility in the weeks before the October 7, 2023 assault, with Egypt’s Abbas Kamel and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed reportedly warning of imminent danger.
A new documentary by Ross McElwee, Remake, and a related memoir, trace creativity’s lure and the cost of truth-telling as a filmmaker contends with memory, loss and the ethics of filming. The film blends archival footage, family history and intimate self-scrutiny to explore how documentary practice can become a performance under the gaze of the camera.
Republic of Ireland has determined to play Israel in Nations League fixtures, including a behind-closed-doors match in Serbia, as protests at home continue. The team’s stance follows its collective vote and recent debate over Gaza war coverage.
England has secured a dominant 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in the Nations League, with Anthony Gordon scoring and Harry Kane doubling the lead. The result strengthens England’s position in Group A3 as Tuchel’s side refines its attacking core, including Kane, Gordon, and Bellingham.
Saudi Arabia has secured the Gulf Cup title at home after a 2-0 win over the UAE, with early goals from Hammam Al-Hammami and Feras Al-Brikan setting the pace. Donis’s side solidified their path to Asian Cup 2027 preparations, while UAE’s Zlatko Dalic era faces a difficult lesson in resilience.
UEFA has opened an ethics and disciplinary investigation into potential misconduct by players after a 1-1 Nations League clash in Backa Topola, Serbia. An incident near the tunnel at half-time is alleged; Ireland’s staff member Damien Doyle was reported to have been spat at by an Israeli player. Ireland says the match was tense but managed by players; Israel denies any spitting. Both teams played behind closed doors amid protests.