Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws a pass during second-quarter preseason action against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Aug. 10, 2024. McCarthy displayed poise and polished mechanics during his early NFL reps while giving Vikings fans an encouraging glimpse of the rookie quarterback’s long-term potential in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
Later on Sunday, VikingsTerritory will publish “The Case for Kyler Murray” as the Minnesota Vikings’ QB1 in 2026. This is the sister edition, uplifting why J.J. McCarthy makes the most sense.
Minnesota’s original quarterback plan still has life.
The argument may not be as strong as Murray’s claim to the throne, but some still insist that McCarthy can be “that guy.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy watches from the sideline during preseason action against the Houston Texans on Aug. 9, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. McCarthy continued adjusting to the pace of the NFL while observing Minnesota’s offense during his first extended preseason as the organization’s young quarterback centerpiece. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Too Soon to Mail It In
The Vikings decided McCarthy was the best option for their franchise just over two years ago. In April 2024, he was their golden boy. Per the typical timeline of quarterback development, now is too soon to quit on the guy. Patience is a virtue. Ask the former employers of Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield if they would’ve done things differently.
It’s one thing to quit on a franchise quarterback at age 25, 26, or 27. But 23? That’s wildly premature. The Vikings would basically be begging and inviting a different quarterback guru to “fix McCarthy” if they kicked him to the curb.
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The Production in December 2025
McCarthy tangibly got better down the stretch of 2025; there’s no denying it. The only caveat is that he faced weaker defenses in December and January.
There are the numbers:
J.J. McCarthy, EPA/Play Ranking in 2025:
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Week 1-13: 35th of 35 Week 14: 18: 5th of 34
In the season’s first 13 weeks, McCarthy was the NFL’s single-worst quarterback. From Week 14 on, he became the fifth-best passer in the world by the numbers. Should his coaching staff really ignore that?
Youth
McCarthy is 23. Fans should’ve expected roadbumps for the young signal-caller — and roadbumps they got it.
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But let’s face it: Kevin O’Connell once said that organizations fail young quarterbacks before young quarterbacks fail organizations. Leaving a third-year player for dead at age 23 would fall victim to the very warning O’Connell issued.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy discusses his adjustment to the NFL during a media appearance following his arrival in Minnesota after the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy talked about Justin Jefferson, pregame meditation, music preferences, and life with the Vikings as the franchise prepared him to succeed Kirk Cousins as starting quarterback. Mandatory Credit: YouTube
McCarthy has more than enough time to improve his mechanics and become a franchise quarterback. He. Is. 23.
The Locker Room Part Is Down
Vikings right tackle Brian O’Neill recently said about McCarthy, “Even through some of the low points, I mean, we were 4-8 at one point last year. We rattled off five straight. Like, guys believe in him, and guys wanted us to figure it out and be better as an offense. You hear the term ‘lose the locker room.’ He had the locker room more than anybody I’d seen ever.”
“You want to root for him. You want to do well, and you want him to keep taking those next steps. If I was judged after my first 10 games in the NFL, I’m not playing right now. There’s a part of it where he’s still so fresh, and he’s only going to continue to get better,” continued O’Neill. “The whole attitude from us was, ‘How do we go there as an offense together?’”
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O’Neill would not make that up. This suggests that McCarthy has the “leader of Men” aspect down.
The 4th Quarter Gene
Some of McCarthy’s brightest moments in 2025 occurred when the game was on the line. Indeed, he would struggle at times until the 4th quarter, which was not ideal, but during contests when nothing would go right, the youngster would find another level and lead his team when it mattered the most.
If he wholly stunk, the clutch moments probably wouldn’t show up.
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It’s a sweet starting point to employ the guy who does the hard part first. That is — if the Vikings can figure out how to extract consistency from McCarthy in quarters 1, 2, and 3, he already has the spine for the 4th quarter.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy speaks with a referee before a divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 4, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. McCarthy entered the regular-season finale leading Minnesota in a critical NFC North contest as the Vikings continued battling for playoff positioning late in the year. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The best evidence for this was Week 1 at the Chicago Bears. McCarthy looked like a raw rookie until the 4th quarter and later turned on the gas. Minnesota won the contest, and McCarthy won NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his troubles.
Sticking to the Plan
Sometimes, teams end up looking silly for quitting on a quarterback too early. The New York Jets look like clowns for drafting the aforementioned Darnold and not empowering him to succeed, especially after Darnold won a Super Bowl seven years later.
The Cleveland Browns are in quarterback hell because they gave up on Mayfield.
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It may be a little fear-based, but there’s a case for sticking with McCarthy so the Vikings don’t miss out on an eventually good thing. If the quarterback-whispering head coach can’t whisper to his hand-picked guy, is he really a quarterback whisperer?
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
June 28, 2026; Irvine, California, U.S.; Sergino Dest of the U.S. during training. Mandatory Credit: Bailey Holiver-Imagn Images
The U.S. Men’s National Team haven’t won a World Cup knockout match since 2002 nor have they defeated a European side in any competition in more than five years.
For the current squad, it’s not about revisiting history but making history when the United States plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in a round of 32 match in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday. The winner will advance to the round of 16 to meet Belgium or Senegal on July 6 in Seattle.
“Honestly, I don’t even think any of us are thinking about it,” U.S. captain Tim Ream said. “I think it’s just about putting in good performances. If we do everything that we’ve done up to this point we’re going to put ourselves in the best possible position to move on in the tournament.”
The U.S. is confident in advancing despite losing 3-2 to Turkey on June 25 in what was a meaningless match because the Americans already had clinched first place in Group D. Nearly all of the starters from the first two matches did not play but the lineup is expected to return to form on Wednesday.
“It’s a knockout round and if you want to win this trophy, the World Cup, you have to beat everyone and be able to beat everyone, from Europe or Africa it doesn’t matter,” midfielder Sergino Dest said. “We just want to win.”
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Star Christian Pulisic (calf) could return to the starting lineup. He left the first match at halftime, missed the second game and returned to play 33 minutes as a substitute against Turkey.
Pulisic said he’s ready to play 90 minutes — or 120, if needed.
“I’m feeling good this week, and I’m definitely ready to go for tomorrow,” Pulisic told reporters Tuesday.
The FIFA rankings list the U.S. as No. 15, Bosnia and Herzegovina as No. 61.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina were third in Group B and will present a similar defensive-minded philosophy employed by the first two U.S. opponents that resulted in a 4-1 win over Paraguay and 2-0 blanking of Australia by the Americans.
“Just move the ball quick as you possibly can side to side, getting runs in behind and just really unbalancing their shape,” Ream said. “It sounds simple and that’s really the key to any team you play, no matter if they’re playing the low block, medium block, high press, whatever you want to call it.”
The difference, though, is the physicality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which led all teams through the group stages with 46 fouls.
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“We will try to create problems and of course win the game,” Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez said.
The matchup is intriguing for Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder Esmir Bajraktarevic, 21, who is from Appleton, Wis. He played one match for the U.S. in a friendly vs. Slovenia in January 2024 before using his dual citizenship to switch countries later that year.
He scored the clinching penalty in the shootout that led Bosnia and Herzegovina to defeat Italy and qualify for the World Cup. He started the first and third World Cup matches and came off the bench in the second.
Bajraktarevic will see familiar faces on the opposing team because Dest and Ricardo Pepi are teammates at Dutch champion PSV Eindhoven.
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“That will be great for me,” Bajraktarevic said of the match. “It doesn’t really matter who we play next. Obviously, we are ready for everything.”
For the Americans, the last time they reached the round of 16 was 2002 when they went directly there from the group stage under the 32-team format. They downed Mexico 2-0 before losing 1-0 to Germany in the quarterfinals.
This year is the first World Cup with 48 teams, prompting an extra round.
The U.S. is winless in 13 matches (two ties) against a European side since a 2-1 win vs. Northern Ireland on March 28, 2021. They have lost 10 straight, beginning with a 3-1 setback to Netherlands in the round of 16 in 2022.
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None of that matters to U.S forward Folarin Balogun, who scored twice against Paraguay.
“It’s crunch time, it’s knockout football,” he said. “You lose, you go home, so this is the business end and this is the stage where, in my opinion, the big players step forward and the big players carry the pressure and make things happen.”
Norwegian fans cheer after victory in the round of 16 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway during the 2026 World Cup, in Oslo, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (Javad Parsa/NTB via AP)
Erling Haaland delivered when Norway needed him most, scoring five minutes from time to seal a 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire and send his side into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Antonio Nusa’s superb first-half opener had given Norway the lead before substitute Amad Diallo hauled the Ivorians level in the 74th minute, but Haaland’s decisive intervention ensured Ståle Solbakken’s side survived a sustained spell of pressure to book a blockbuster meeting with Brazil.
Norway strike first before Côte d’Ivoire’s pressure grows
The Round of 32 contest at Dallas Stadium unfolded exactly as anticipated, with Côte d’Ivoire controlling possession while Norway looked to punish them in transition. Emerse Faé’s side enjoyed 52 per cent of the ball, completed 442 passes at an 86 per cent accuracy rate and repeatedly forced Norway backwards, yet the Scandinavian side remained disciplined inside their compact defensive structure and were far more clinical whenever opportunities appeared.
Norway’s Kristoffer Ajer (3) stops the ball during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026.(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Elephants continually attacked through the flanks, finishing the evening with 14 corner kicks compared to Norway’s three, but the Norwegian back line dealt confidently with the aerial deliveries while waiting for openings to counter. Their breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute through a move that perfectly reflected their game plan. Martin Ødegaard initiated the transition from midfield before the ball was worked quickly into the left channel for Antonio Nusa. The winger squared up Guéla Doué, shifted the ball inside onto his stronger foot and created just enough space to shoot. His curling effort arced beautifully beyond Yahia Fofana before clipping the inside of the top-right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance and handing Norway a 1-0 lead against the run of possession.
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Norway’s Antonio Nusa (20) reacts during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Diallo’s impact changes the game before Haaland has the final say
Côte d’Ivoire emerged after the break determined to overturn the deficit and steadily increased the pressure around Norway’s penalty area. Despite producing 14 shots to Norway’s nine and forcing repeated defensive interventions, clear chances remained limited as the European side continued to protect the central areas effectively.
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Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo (15), right, scores his side’s first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026.(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Faé’s changes eventually paid dividends in the 74th minute. Nicolas Pépé found space just outside the area before linking neatly with substitute Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger combined quickly with Pépé in a sharp one-two, slipped between two Norwegian defenders and calmly swept a low finish beyond Ørjan Nyland to make it 1-1, capping an energetic cameo that appeared to shift momentum firmly towards Côte d’Ivoire.
Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo (15) celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
With the game entering its closing stages, the contest opened up dramatically as both teams chased a winner rather than settling for extra time. Norway found it in the 85th minute through their biggest star. Patrick Berg won possession high up the pitch and immediately drove a dangerous low ball into the six-yard box. Haaland anticipated the delivery quicker than anyone, escaped the attention of Emmanuel Agbadou and stabbed a first-time finish beyond Fofana from close range to restore Norway’s advantage and silence the Ivorian supporters.
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Clinical Norway withstand late pressure to reach the last 16
The closing minutes saw Côte d’Ivoire throw everything forward in search of another equaliser, but Norway held firm to complete one of the tournament’s biggest knockout victories so far. Although Norway finished with only 48 per cent possession and completed 411 passes compared to Côte d’Ivoire’s 442, their superior efficiency proved decisive. They converted two of their three shots on target, while the Ivorians managed only one goal despite registering five efforts on target from 14 attempts overall. Norway also completed 89 per cent of their passes, slightly outperforming Côte d’Ivoire’s 86 per cent despite seeing less of the ball. Defensively, the Scandinavian side absorbed enormous pressure throughout the contest. They cleared repeated deliveries from the 14 corners they conceded, committed 14 fouls to break up attacks and received two yellow cards, while Côte d’Ivoire finished with 11 fouls and one booking. The victory sends Norway into the Round of 16, where they will face five-time champions Brazil in New York on July 5. Côte d’Ivoire’s tournament ends after an impressive but ultimately unsuccessful effort in which territorial dominance, possession and attacking volume were undone by Norway’s composure in both penalty areas and Haaland’s decisive late finish.
Jalen Duren had a very underwhelming postseason for the Detroit Pistons. Despite being a third-team All-NBA selection, the production simply wasn’t there for Duren in the playoffs.
He went from averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on 65% shooting to just 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting a horrific 51% from the field. At points during the Eastern Conference Semifinals, he was benched for third-string big, Paul Reed. Offensively and defensively, it was an utter slog for Durren, and that leaves Detroit in an unfortunately precarious position.
Even with a slightly underwhelming playoff performance, Detroit would likely have been willing to give Duren a max contract; however, with his struggles to even stay on the court, his future as a Piston looks murky at best.
Duren’s team seems frustrated that Detroit has not gotten close to a max-money offer, and he is now seriously looking elsewhere in free agency. I’m not sure the Pistons are too upset with this outcome, and now feel like they could flip Duren in a sign-and-trade. The main suitor appears to be the Sacramento Kings, and I just don’t think they have anything to offer that’s worthwhile in a potential trade.
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The Kings have three pieces that Detroit has rumored to be interested in. The main piece is Domantas Sabonis, who would immediately provide a spark on offense for the Pistons. Detroit could also try to fix Keegan Murray, who has steadily declined from a very solid sophomore season in the league. Lastly, they could take on Zach LaVine’s albatross of a contract and hope he could be a secondary scorer next to Cade Cunningham.
These all feel like such losing decisions to me. If you aren’t able to build off the success you had this past season, you risk frustrating Cunningham and having him demand a trade out. I’m just not sure two aging guys on horrible deals, or a rehabilitation program, are going to be what keeps Cade happy.
Duren has had massive playoff struggles in his first two go-arounds, but you’ve got to remember he’s only 22-years-old. Tying him down to a max extension comes with risks, but he was an All-NBA selection this past season. I’m willing to bet on him raising his playoff output, then two 30-year-olds deciding they’re going to play impactful basketball in the latter halves of their careers.
There’s not a lot of centers making All-NBA teams at this point in their careers. Giving up on one for very flawed alternatives does not feel like the fix.
Manchester United look set to miss out on Mateus Fernandes, who is closing in on an £85 million move to Tottenham.
Former Manchester United and West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham has said that United shouldn’t be too disappointed at missing out on Mateus Fernandes, with the midfielder not at the level that the club require. The Portugal international was a key target for United this summer, but now looks set to sign for Tottenham.
The news is the latest blow in the search for a new midfielder this summer, with another target in Elliot Anderson closing in on a £116 million move to Manchester City. It has led to some suggestions that the club could change tack in the transfer window and look for cheaper, but more raw alternatives.
However, Sheringham has appeared to suggest that United should instead go the other way, and target top players, no matter what the cost.
“Man Utd fans shouldn’t be upset at missing out on Mateus Fernandes – he simply isn’t good enough for the club,” he told ComeOn.
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“I wasn’t so impressed with Mateus Fernandes at West Ham this year. A lot of West Ham fans think he’ll go on to bigger and better things but the jury’s still out for me on Fernandes.
“Manchester United need top players. They’ve already got enough decent players. They need to buy the top players or they will miss out again and again.
“It was the same with Harry Kane and Declan Rice a few years ago when the chance was there to go and sign them. United were nowhere in the market for them. Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t have let that happen.
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“Sir Alex always brought in the top players and they came in and led by example, and you need those top players at a club like United otherwise you’ll end up in the same situation.
“It’s not about having good players. You want great players playing for Manchester United because it takes a lot to play for the club. So go out and break the bank for the top players and let them lead.”
United are preparing for a return to the Champions League in the 2026/27 season, after a third-place finish last season. It will be their first appearance in the competition since the 2023/24 season.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
SECOND SET! Serena Williams 3-6 7-6 (8-6) Maya Joint
A 122mph ACE from Williams! Now she gets set point! Incredible. How does Joint respond!
She’s close to an ace, but out. A gripping rally… Joint is pushing but Williams holds on… JOINT GOES LONG AND WILLIAMS FORCES A THIRD!
WOW! Match point saved and the 44-year-old is still fighting!
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This is epic (AP)
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:16
TIEBREAK! Serena Williams 3-6 6-6 (6-6) Maya Joint
Williams finds the first serve… Centre Court holds its breath… Williams powers the forehand winner! Match point saved!
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:15
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TIEBREAK! Serena Williams 3-6 6-6 (5-6) Maya Joint
Joint rattles out two quick points after drawing errors from Williams. Back on serve, she finds accuracy. An ace out wide and she moves ahead once more! If Joint loses either of the next two points, Williams will have set point on serve.
Joint gets Willams moving, switching the direction of her groundstrokes. Williams slices into the net. Then she blasts the backhand return wide. Instead, it will be match point to Joint!
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:14
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TIEBREAK! Serena Williams 3-6 6-6 (3-2) Maya Joint
An error from Williams on the first point, putting a short forehand into the net. But Joint then goes long on the return. Williams returns the favour: long on the forehand. First serves will be crucial for Williams here. She finds one, then powers the forehand winner down the line!
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:10
TIEBREAK! Serena Williams 3-6 6-6 Maya Joint
A hold from Joint sends us into a tiebreak. Williams stumbles a little chasing after the Joint winner, directed past her. After that epic last game, this is far simpler for the Australian. An ace out wide is followed by another. Love-hold. TIEBREAK!
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Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:08
HOLD! Serena Williams 3-6 6-5 Maya Joint*
Williams, pushed slightly wide, nets on the forehand. Another break point, Williams is slo close to the line on the second serve, so is Joint on the return. This is gripping, but Joint fires long!
Another deuce…. How Williams would love a big first serve now, but Joint is generous enough to miss the return. On game point, Joint steadies and puts the forehand past a standing Williams.
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Williams cracks the backhand winner – now she finds a first serve! Joint goes out, and Williams holds on! Four break points saved, and she’s still fighting! That was just pure grit.
(Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:05
*Serena Williams 3-6 5-5 Maya Joint
Oh no. That’s a bad time to make a double fault from Williams! Joint then steps up and cracks the return, which Williams slumps into the net.
Three break points. Williams saves the first but may be tiring, she can’t find the first serve. Joint squirts a backhand return wide. Another saved.
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Another return missed by Joint! Williams is hanging on and gets back to deuce.
Another miss from Joint – this coming while the room for the forehand winner was open.
This would be some escape… Williams thinks the ball from Joint landed long… some of the crowd did too. But no, she nets and Joint hangs on.
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 21:01
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*Serena Williams 3-6 5-5 Maya Joint
Joint takes a deep breath, steps up to the baseline, and fires a series of first serves which Williams can’t return. Back level.
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 20:55
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Serena Williams 3-6 5-4 Maya Joint*
For the first time in the second set, Williams LEADS. Joint cracks a backhand into the net and Williams has won back-to-back games to edge in front. Huge pressure now on Joint, who must hold serve to stay in this decider.
Oooh this is electric now.
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 20:52
BREAK! *Serena Williams 3-6 4-4 Maya Joint
I wonder how the match would have gone had Williams been this aggressive in the first set. She starts by cracking a backhand return, then following in to put away the volley.
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Two errors follow from Williams and she shrieks in frustration, but then she produces another crisp backhand return. It’s followed by an error from Joint and Williams will get another break point chance.
Joint knifes the backhand down the line…. but there’s Williams to put away the volley!
Nov 09, 2010; Milwaukee, WI, USA; NBA logo on the basket during the game between the New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center. The Bucks defeated the Knicks 107-80. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Bids for all 12 planned future franchises of the soon-to-launch NBA Europe reached $500 million with some as high as $1 billion, Sportico reported Tuesday.
The NBA intends to launch NBA Europe by 2017, with 12 of the league’s 16 teams to be built from the ground up. Bids to own franchises in a dozen previously selected cities were due Monday.
The 12 predetermined cities are Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; Berlin; Istanbul; London; Lyon, France; Madrid; Manchester, England; Milan; Munich; Paris; and Rome.
Reports have indicated that Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is a potential investor in the Rome franchise.
“We’re extremely encouraged by the final bids we received for permanent franchises,” Mark Tatum, NBA deputy commissioner, said in a statement. “This will be the biggest influx of capital European basketball has ever seen, and we have clear front-runners in each of our 12 target cities, including many existing basketball and football clubs. We will now work with the NBA and FIBA Boards to finalize the long-form agreements.”
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The report indicated that as many as 20 existing basketball and soccer clubs in Europe submitted ownership bids. NBA owners are not allowed to own teams in the new league.
The 16-team NBA Europe will be filled out with four existing FIBA franchises from various overseas leagues that will earn their way into the new league.
The reported bids for franchises met initial projections. Sports Business Journal reported earlier this year that potential owners would pay between $500 million and $1 billion for a franchise.
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Sportico reported earlier this week that the NBA will fund financial losses as NBA Europe tries to establish itself. The 12 new permanent franchises are projected to at least break even in three years.
All future league equity will be split evenly between current NBA owners and ownership groups of the 12 new franchises.
1 min read Last Updated : Jun 30 2026 | 7:51 PM IST
Fair trade regulator CCI on Tuesday cleared the acquisition of IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore by a consortium of Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone in a Rs 16,660 crore all-cash deal.
In March this year, United Spirits Ltd (USL) announced the sale of IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a Rs 16,660 crore all-cash deal to the consortium.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it has approved the proposed deal.
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“CCI approves acquisition of 100 per cent shareholding of Royal Challengers Sports by a consortium comprising Big Banyan Holdings, Bolt IPL Holdings, Times Internet, Times Cricket, ICQ Opportunities, Asia Investment Topco II and others,” the regulator said in a post on X.
Deals beyond a certain threshold require approval from the regulator, which keeps a tab on unfair business practices as well as promotes fair competition in the marketplace.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
2 min read Last Updated : Jun 30 2026 | 11:51 PM IST
Chelsea evaded more serious UEFA sanctions Tuesday for overspending, while its sister club Strasbourg got the heaviest fine of 13 million euros ($14.8 million) among 14 clubs that broke financial monitoring rules.
Aston Villa was ordered to pay 7.5 million euros ($8.6 million), which was a one-third cut from its UEFA financial sanction last year.
One year ago, Chelsea was fined 31 million euros ($35.5 million) and set stricter financial targets which the club just missed by spending more than 70% of its revenue on wages and transfers in 2025, UEFA said.
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Chelsea was fined just 1 million euros ($1.14 million) Tuesday, with a further 2 million euros deferred, after a season in which it won the Club World Cup and got almost $115 million from FIFA.
Villa was fined 7.5 million euros with twice that sum deferred in order to meet targets next year, when the new Europa League title holder will play in the Champions League.
UEFA praised Chelsea and Villa for making financial progress while urging both clubs toward “continuing to significantly decrease their squad cost ratio in 2026.”
Chelsea, however, should see a big revenue drop because the team will not play in the Champions League or any European competition next season after a 10th-place finish in the Premier League.
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Chelsea did earn about $90 million in June in compensation from Manchester City for hiring its former coach Enzo Maresca and the sale of Spain defender Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.
Other fines ordered Tuesday include 7 million euros ($8 million) for Fenerbahce, and 6 million euros ($6.85 million) for each of Newcastle, Juventus and Fiorentina.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
 "RCB, IPL")
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