La Liga chief critical of 'complicit silence' surrounding Fifa
La Liga

La Liga chief critical of 'complicit silence' surrounding Fifa

By Staff Writer — 7 July 2026

La Liga president Javier Tebas has criticised the “complicit silence” which surrounds Fifa after United States striker Folarin Balogun was controversially spared from suspension at the 2026 World Cup.

Balogun was able to play in the 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the last 16 after Fifa’s disciplinary committee opted to suspend his one-game ban for 12 months.

Uefa, which has been at loggerheads with Fifa over a number of issues, strongly criticised the decision on Monday, calling it “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable”.

But outside of Europe there has been little noise about Fifa’s decision from football officials.

Conmebol, the South American football confederation, issued a statement to back its referee, Raphael Claus, after US president Donald Trump called the Brazilian “a bit suspect”.

But it did not criticise Fifa or Trump, who revealed he asked for the ban to be reviewed.

Claus was the referee who showed Balogun the red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina following a video assistant referee review.

Tebas said that the Balogun decision was the “tip of the iceberg” following a series of events which had been “eroding the credibility of Fifa and football in general for many years”.

The 63-year-old accused Fifa of being a closed shop in which decisions have been made before any vote takes place and without consultation with domestic leagues.

“And the worst of all is that much of the football world is aware of it, but too many prefer to maintain a complicit silence,” Tebas said on X.

“Because staying quiet is more comfortable than defending independence, transparency, and good governance.

“World football deserves institutions that are accountable, respect the rules, and govern with transparency - not through unilateral, discretionary, arbitrary decisions that erode the trust of fans, clubs, leagues, and players.”

Portsmouth sign forward Kenny from Dundalk
Transfers

Portsmouth sign forward Kenny from Dundalk

By Staff Writer — 7 July 2026

Eoin Kenny is Portsmouth’s second summer addition after Odin Bailey

Portsmouth have signed forward Eoin Kenny from League of Ireland Premier Division side Dundalk.

The 20-year-old joins the club for an undisclosed fee and has signed a three-year deal at Fratton Park.

Kenny made 94 appearances during his time at Dundalk, where he scored 22 goals and registered 15 assists.

He came through the Lilywhites’ academy before making his first team debut in 2023. That year he also went on loan to Wexford FC, where he played 12 times, scoring twice.

“I’m excited to see Eoin continue the impressive development he has made over the past few years,” Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club website.

“We feel that he can do exactly that in this environment and has all the attributes you need to succeed in the Championship.

“He’s a young attacking player who is capable of getting fans off their seats with the way he likes to take on opposition defenders.”

Kenny is Portsmouth’s second addition in this summer transfer window after they secured the signing of midfielder Odin Bailey last week.

He links up with the Pompey squad who are now back for pre-season and undergoing a training camp in the Republic of Ireland.

Glasner becomes Forest's fifth head coach in a year
Premier League

Glasner becomes Forest's fifth head coach in a year

By Staff Writer — 6 July 2026

Oliver Glasner won three trophies in just over two years with Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forest have appointed former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner as their fifth head coach in less than a year.

The Austrian arrives at the City Ground as a replacement for Vitor Pereira, who was sacked on Tuesday - two minutes before an exit clause in his contract was due to expire.

“Oliver is a winner,” said Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

“It was clear that we share the same vision, the same ambition and the same relentless desire to succeed.”

Contact with 51-year-old Glasner, who left Palace at the end of last season, was initiated earlier this summer.

Nuno Espirito Santo began last season as Forest manager, while Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche and Pereira have had a spell in charge since September.

Glasner became Palace boss in 2024 and led them to their first major honour in his first season - the FA Cup - before winning the Europa Conference League last season.

They won the Community Shield in August, beating Liverpool on penalties.

Glasner said in January he would leave Palace because he wanted a new challenge, despite being offered a new contract.

On joining Forest, Glasner said: “From my very first conversations with the owner and the leadership team, it was evident to me that they have a clear vision for this football club and complete trust and belief in me and my staff to build a strong future together over the long term.

“That trust and shared commitment, together with the potential that I see within the squad, were key factors for me and I am excited about what we can achieve together.”

Glasner is one of only three coaches to win the Europa League and Conference League, having led Eintracht Frankfurt to victory in the former in 2021-22.

Marinakis said: “He has consistently demonstrated throughout his career that he can build outstanding teams and deliver success against the strongest competition.

“He has earned success through his leadership, his personality and the style of football his teams play.

“It has always been our goal to establish Nottingham Forest once again among the leading clubs in England and Europe.

“Our ambition is not simply to compete - our ambition is to win, to challenge for major honours and to create a football club that our supporters can be proud of for many years to come.”

Pereira, who replaced Dyche in February, guided Forest to 16th in the Premier League - five points above the relegation zone - and the Europa League semi-finals, where they lost to eventual winners Aston Villa.

Glasner arrives at Forest with a winning pedigree, but is he putting his reputation on the line?

His decision to walk into the managerial graveyard that is the City Ground can be viewed as risky.

Having won two major trophies with Palace, Glasner’s stock is high, but, given the changes in the last year, how long will that give him if results and performances do not meet Marinakis’ expectations?

There is no European football at Forest next season so fewer distractions will enable Glasner to settle and mould the squad, but it does not mean there is no pressure.

Pereira lasted 133 days, Dyche was in charge for 114 and Postecoglou only 39.

Nuno Espirito Santo was dismissed only three games into last season after falling out with the club’s hierarchy following a successful 21-month reign.

Nuno criticised the speed of their transfer business last summer, fell out with global sporting director Edu and revealed his relationship with Marinakis had deteriorated.

Glasner himself is no stranger to disagreements with ownership, saying he felt him and his squad were “abandoned completely” by Palace’s hierarchy in January, which came after he revealed he would leave Selhurst Park.

So this new relationship could also be combustible.

Marinakis will demand Glasner repeat his Palace success at Forest, but he also has to bring the stability which the club desperately need.

Mayenda makes Rennes move after three seasons with Black Cats
Champions League

Mayenda makes Rennes move after three seasons with Black Cats

By Staff Writer — 6 July 2026

Sunderland have confirmed that Eliezer Mayenda has joined Ligue 1 side Rennes for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old signed from Sochaux in July 2023 leaves the Stadium of Light after making 72 appearances, scoring 12 goals and registering six assists.

Mayenda played a key role in the 2024-25 Championship promotion-winning campaign, scoring the winner in the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Coventry City, before netting the equaliser in the play-off final victory over Sheffield United at Wembley.

He scored two goals in 20 Premier League appearances last season.

Real Madrid sign defender Dumfries from Inter Milan
Transfers

Real Madrid sign defender Dumfries from Inter Milan

By Staff Writer — 5 July 2026

Denzel Dumfries has played 76 times for the Netherlands

Real Madrid have signed Netherlands full-back Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan on a four-year deal.

While the transfer fee has not been confirmed, the Spanish side have reportedly activated the 30-year-old’s release clause, which was 20m euros (£17.1m).

The right-sided player is Real’s fourth summer signing after Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate, and is set to provide competition to England international Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Dumfries helped Inter win the Serie A title twice and the Coppa Italia three times after joining the Italian club from PSV in 2021.

He made 207 appearances for the Nerazzurri, claiming 27 goals and 28 assists, and helped the Netherlands reach the last 32 at this summer’s World Cup.

Real failed to win a trophy last season and president Florentino Perez promised to strengthen the club’s defensive options during his successful re-election campaign, having also brought in Jose Mourinho as manager for a second spell.