Annual European club competition, organised by UEFA since 2021
Hearts have overcome a late scare to win on penalties against Rapid Vienna, advancing to the Conference League play-off and prolonging their European campaign. After a 2-2 draw on the night and a 4-4 aggregate, Beau Reus saved two penalties to seal a 4-3 shoot-out win for Hearts in Vienna.
Scottish clubs Hearts, Rangers, Hibernian and Motherwell will learn their European paths after the draws in Nyon. Rangers face Jagellonia Bialystok in the Europa League third qualifying round; Hearts could meet Benfica if they advance from Sturm Graz; Hibs and Motherwell discover potential third-round opponents in the Conference League. The fixtures are two-legged and scheduled in August, with seedings shaping seeds and matchups.
Hibernian have overturned a 2-0 deficit in Kosovo to beat Malisheva 4-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate, with a late goal confirming their progression. The coach’s position is addressed by a improved performance and crowd backing.
Chelsea have completed the seven-year signing of Valentin Barco from Strasbourg, adding a versatile left-back/midfielder to the squad. Barco, 21, has progressed from Brighton to Strasbourg, and is joining Chelsea ahead of the 2026-27 season as part of a busy summer of recruitment under manager Xabi Alonso.
Everton has confirmed a four-year deal for Johnson, with McNeil moving to Crystal Palace in a swap that mirrors a rocky June, when paperwork delays delayed a February near-miss. The move signals Palace’s continued rebuild under pressure to qualify for European competition; Johnson seeks top-flight form again after an underwhelming Palace spell.
The Scottish FA has identified the Belgian coach, Pocognoli, as the preferred choice to replace Derek McInnes as Scotland manager. Pocognoli guided Union Saint-Gilloise to a historic Belgian title in 2024-25, and is seen as the first foreign boss for Scotland since Vogts. Clarke has stepped down after Scotland’s World Cup group exit.
PSG has boosted its squad with Ferran Torres and others as heat forces the Ligue 1 opener to move to Rennes. Strasbourg records a significant sale to Milan, with Moreira signing a five-year deal as part of a broader financial shake-up.
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.