FIFA is facing its biggest governance crisis in years, while Liverpool's ownership picture is also developing. In cricket, Hardik Pandya's future at Mumbai
Indians remains uncertain, CSK prepare for life after Stephen Fleming, and Sarfaraz Khan gets another Test opportunity. Here's the latest from across sport.
1. FIFA faces major backlash over World Cup commercial plan
UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation have accused FIFA of a "fundamental breach of trust" and "deception" over plans to sell around 20% of a company that would handle the commercial and operational side of FIFA tournaments.
The three confederations criticised the process as lacking consultation and called for a fully independent review. They have also held preliminary discussions about coordinating their own competitions amid the crisis surrounding FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The confederations want Infantino to have the opportunity to resign rather than seek re-election next March, while U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer and regional bodies have also backed calls for greater transparency and accountability.
2. Bezos-backed consortium advances talks for Liverpool stake
A consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia and including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin has advanced talks to acquire around a 30% stake in Liverpool.
Current owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed last month that the group had expressed interest in a strategic minority investment. Bhatia, who is the son-in-law of billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, was previously a director and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers.
Bezos, meanwhile, is estimated to be worth $256 billion and has previously explored investments in American sports franchises. Liverpool recorded a club-record £703 million in revenue for the 2024-25 financial year.
3. Sourav Ganguly receives death threats
Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and his wife Dona have received repeated threatening letters, prompting a police complaint in Kolkata.
The latest letters reportedly contained explicit threats against the couple and their family. Ganguly's family had initially dismissed earlier correspondence as the work of overzealous fans, but the repeated threats over several months prompted them to approach the police.
A formal complaint has been lodged, while investigators are trying to establish the identity of the sender. The state government's security department has also been alerted and is reviewing whether additional protection is required.
4. Hardik Pandya trade talks gather interest but no breakthrough
Hardik Pandya is once again at the centre of the IPL trade rumour mill, with Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings among the franchises believed to be interested in the Mumbai Indians captain.
Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals have also been linked, although there is no concrete development involving either franchise. MI have not confirmed whether Pandya is available, and sources indicate they could still retain him.
Pandya has scored fewer than 225 runs at an average below 25 in each season since 2024, but has maintained a strike rate close to 150 and taken 29 wickets. MI are reportedly seeking a top batter and bowler in return, while CSK will only seriously consider the matter after appointing their new coach.
5. CSK prepare for life after Stephen Fleming
Chennai Super Kings are set to appoint an overseas coach after parting ways with Stephen Fleming following a 17-year association with the franchise.
CEO Kasi Viswanathan says CSK have received interest from several candidates and will consult MS Dhoni and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad before making a decision. Brendon McCullum has emerged as one name linked with the position, although reports suggesting he played a role in Fleming's move to England have little substance.
Fleming leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having guided CSK to five IPL titles, two Champions League T20 trophies, a record 12 playoff appearances and 10 IPL finals.
6. Shreyas Royal and Bodhana Sivanandan make British chess history
Seventeen-year-old Grandmaster Shreyas Royal has won his first British Championship title after finishing half a point ahead of Luke McShane and nine-time champion Michael Adams.
The tournament also produced another remarkable record as 11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan became Britain's youngest-ever Women's Chess Champion after defeating Ireland's 14-year-old Trisha Kanyamarala in a rapid playoff.
The pair's victories provided a remarkable finish to the biggest British Chess Championships in the event's 122-year history, which attracted more than 2,600 entries across its various competitions.
7. World Championships venue gets major makeover after India Open issues
The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi has undergone extensive upgrades ahead of the BWF World Championships, which return to India after 17 years from August 17 to 23.
The Badminton Association of India and Sports Authority of India have invested heavily in improving the venue after the India Open earlier this year was hit by criticism over infrastructure and even the presence of pigeons and monkeys.
The venue has received structural repairs, a waterproofed roof, new seating, improved lighting and new wooden courts. Automatic glass doors have also been installed, while measures including non-toxic anti-perching gel, bird-repelling sound machines and even personnel trained to mimic langur calls are being used to prevent unwanted visitors.
8. Leaner Sarfaraz Khan gets fresh Test opportunity
Sarfaraz Khan is set to make his return to India's Test setup after a 19-month absence, replacing the injured Sai Sudharsan in the squad for the Sri Lanka series.
The Mumbai batter has undergone a major transformation during his time away, losing nearly 17kg through intensive training and dietary changes. He has also worked extensively on his technique, including training sessions in Kashmir and Mumbai.
Sarfaraz scored 429 runs in nine innings in last season's Ranji Trophy at an average of 53.62. With Devdutt Padikkal expected to occupy the No. 3 position, Sarfaraz could compete with Dhruv Jurel for a place in the middle order.
9. Rashid Khan leads Afghanistan to 2-0 ODI series lead
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan once again produced a match-winning performance as his side beat Ireland by three wickets to take a 2-0 lead in their five-match ODI series.
Rashid took three wickets to restrict Ireland to 206 before guiding Afghanistan home with an unbeaten 37. The result follows his six-wicket haul in the second ODI and continues an impressive run of form ahead of next year's 50-over World Cup.
Ireland's Gavin Hoey impressed with 4-34, his best ODI bowling figures, but Rashid's experience ultimately proved decisive. Afghanistan now have two matches remaining in the series, with the fourth ODI scheduled for August 12.
