The UEFA Conference League is Europe’s third-tier club competition, reshaped in 2024–25 to a 36-team league phase and a path from Europa League play-offs.
Two AP News reports show striker Moreira has signed a five-year contract with Milan after moving from Strasbourg. The move forms part of Strasbourg’s broader financial shake-up following UEFA sanctions; Milan is reshaping its attack ahead of a Europa League campaign.
Hearts have qualified for the Conference League play-off after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Rapid Vienna, then winning 4-3 on penalties. A red card to Tomas Magnusson forced a reshuffle, with Pierre Kabore and Calvin Miller delivering equaliser and stoppage-time drama. Beau Reus saved twice in the shoot-out as Hearts advance.
Three Conference League play-off first legs take place on Aug. 20. Hearts host Rapid Vienna at Tynecastle, Gent welcome Hibs in Gent, and Motherwell face Freiburg at Fir Park. All matches are not on UK TV; UK viewers can watch via club streams for a fee. Referees are named for each match.
Northern Ireland clubs face a potential loss of a European slot as Larne exits and Rangers miss out; the play-off system and finances come under scrutiny, with implications for coefficients and domestic competition this season.
Salah has opened the scoring in the fourth minute and has completed a hat-trick, with teammates contributing goals as Galatasaray slide in the league table. The match features discipline issues with Buruk sent to the stands and a red card for Ugochukwu, while Reis takes charge at Trabzonspor following Tekke’s exit.
US private equity firm Clearlake Capital has moved close to buying Todd Boehly and Mark Walter’s stakes in Chelsea, valuing the club at about £5bn. The deal follows Mark Walter’s attempt to raise cash to repay insurers amid a US federal tax-fraud investigation; Clearlake already controls day-to-day operations and will obtain full ownership if partners consent.
Palmer has extended his Chelsea contract, with the 24-year-old’s new deal keeping him at the club through 2033. The extension follows strong form this season as Chelsea aim for more major trophies after securing FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League success. He says the club’s confidence and shared ambitions underpin the decision.
Rayo Vallecas has suspended play as fans protest owner Raul Martín Presa by throwing paper planes and other objects onto the pitch. The match against Athletic Bilbao is halted after 13 minutes and resumes briefly before being stopped again, with authorities considering a replay as protests continue.
Real Madrid errors late in the match give way to a dramatic comeback at the Stadio Olimpico. Mbappé marks a historic 100th Champions League appearance, while Endrick and Rudiger secure a late win for Real as Roma take an early lead.
Thousands of Hajduk Split supporters have marched before a UEFA Conference League match with Ajax, chanting antisemitic and pro‑Nazi slogans and parading a coffin labelled “Ajax.” Police have arrested about 12 people on charges of inciting violence and hatred, political leaders and the Israeli embassy have condemned the scenes, and Hajduk has apologised.
Manchester City faces renewed scrutiny as fans express defiance after being found guilty of Premier League financial rule breaches. The club’s appeal is ongoing, with supporters’ displays signalling solidarity with the team; critics warn of potential sanctions that could reshape English football.