The Daily · Friday, 31 July 2026
Football Mourns Franco Baresi as a Consequential Day Unfolds
The day belonged, above all, to Franco Baresi. The news of his death at 66 cast a long shadow over everything else, prompting an outpouring of tributes to the man widely regarded as the greatest defender the game has produced. For two decades he defined AC Milan and the Italian national team, and his passing marks the loss of one of football's truly irreplaceable figures.
Away from mourning, the day carried real substance. Chelsea were fined £10m and handed a suspended two-window transfer ban for breaches of FA agent rules — a significant sanction for a club that has spent more freely than almost any other in recent years. The punishment arrived on the same day that Mykhailo Mudryk was cleared to play again after his doping case was resolved, a result that spared Chelsea a prolonged absence for their winger. At FIFA, meanwhile, a senior Infantino adviser resigned as opposition to the president's plans continued to harden, with UEFA, CONCACAF, and now the Asian Football Confederation all ranged against him — a coalition of resistance that is becoming impossible to ignore.
In the transfer market, John Stones completed a move to Inter Milan and Newcastle confirmed Matthias Jaissle as Eddie Howe's successor. There was also a genuine talking point from pre-season: Birmingham City beat Barcelona on penalties after a 2-2 draw, with Jude Bellingham watching from the stands at the club that made him.
The record
AC Milan and Italy Legend Franco Baresi Dies Aged 66
Franco Baresi, one of the most celebrated defenders in football history, has died at the age of 66. The former AC Milan and Italy great is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders the game has ever produced. Baresi is considered by many the greatest defender in football history, a defining figure for both AC Milan and the Italian national team across two decades.
Chelsea fined £10m and handed suspended transfer ban by FA
Chelsea have been fined £10m and given a suspended two-window transfer ban after admitting breaches of FA agent rules. The punishment was handed down by an independent appeal board and confirmed by the Football Association. A suspended transfer ban means Chelsea face the threat of losing two windows of recruitment activity if they commit further breaches — a significant constraint for a club that has spent heavily in recent years.
Mudryk Cleared to Play After Doping Ban Resolved
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is free to return to playing immediately after the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency resolved his appeal against a ban for failing a doping test. The resolution ends what had been an ongoing disciplinary process for the Ukrainian winger. Mudryk's clearance to play is a notable development given the high-profile nature of a doping case involving a Premier League player.
Mudryk Cleared to Play After Doping Ban Resolved
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is free to return to playing immediately after the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency resolved his appeal against a ban for failing a doping test. The resolution ends what had been an ongoing disciplinary process for the Ukrainian winger. Mudryk's clearance to play is a notable development given the high-profile nature of a doping case involving a Premier League player.
Real Madrid open to Vinícius Jr departure if contract talks stall
Real Madrid are open to Vinícius Júnior leaving the club if a new contract cannot be agreed, sources have told ESPN. The club have no plans to increase their last renewal offer, leaving the situation at an impasse.
Mudryk Cleared to Play After Doping Ban Resolved
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is free to return to playing immediately after the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency resolved his appeal against a ban for failing a doping test. The resolution ends what had been an ongoing disciplinary process for the Ukrainian winger. Mudryk's clearance to play is a notable development given the high-profile nature of a doping case involving a Premier League player.
Birmingham City Beat Barcelona on Penalties After 2-2 Draw
Birmingham City defeated Barcelona on penalties after a 2-2 draw, with Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham watching from the stands at his former club. It was a notable result for the Championship side against one of Europe's biggest clubs.
John Stones Completes Move to Inter Milan
John Stones has joined Inter Milan and spoken of his pride and excitement at completing the transfer. The England defender expressed his desire to win again at his new club.
Diego Forlán Appointed Interim Uruguay Head Coach Until 2027
Former striker Diego Forlán has been appointed head coach of Uruguay's national team on an interim basis. The role runs until March 2027, marking the World Cup winner's first senior international coaching appointment.