Somali referee ⁠Omar Artan ​urged aspiring officials to “never stop dreaming” ahead of making history as the ​first non-European to referee the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday in Salzburg.

Before the World Cup started in June, the 34-year-old referee unwittingly found himself in the media spotlight after being turned away on arrival at Miami International Airport, despite being part of the panel of referees selected by FIFA for the tournament.

“It was a very tough period,” Artan said in an interview published on the UEFA website.

“A lot of people have sympathy for me, because when someone has been working a lot of years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it’s very challenging.”

Read moreSomali referee denied US visa gets hero’s welcome back home, vows to attend next World Cup

A US State Department official told AFP that the referee was “associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations”, therefore “making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States”.

These allegations were rejected by the referee and caused outrage in Somalia, where Artan had been welcomed as a hero on his return.

“It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said at the time, adding: “We don’t control everything.”

In response, UEFA, the governing body of European football, announced that Artan would referee the UEFA Super Cup, which pits Champions League winners PSG against the Europa League winners Aston Villa.

“I was lucky, but I have worked very hard to be here and I’m really proud,” Artan told UEFA.

“As you can imagine, I grew up in a difficult situation, but it didn’t prevent me from pursuing my dreams.”

The first Somali to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, Artan is now set to referee his first match in Europe.

“Having adventures, making memories and learning new things is always great,” he added. “When we got this call it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment.

“I believe that if I can succeed, anyone can,” Artan said. “Don’t ever ⁠stop dreaming.”

To justify its decision to appoint the Somali as referee for the Super Cup, UEFA pointed to the agreement it signed at the end of April with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to encourage cooperation between the two confederations.

But it is also a political gesture by UEFA, which is regularly critical of FIFA, and one that takes on even greater significance in light of the conflict that has pitted the European body against Infantino for the past two weeks, centring on the abandoned plan to open up the World Cup to private investors.

Read moreUEFA to boycott FIFA in protest at World Cup private investor plans

The plan’s failure was largely due to the revolt led by UEFA, which continues to wield the threat of a boycott of FIFA tournaments – including the World Cups – in an attempt to force Infantino to step down.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP, Reuters)

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians after the Super Falcons failed to secure direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau issued the apology on behalf of the federation’s Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the wider Nigerian football community.

Gusau said the federation understood the disappointment caused by the team’s failure to meet expectations.

“The team went into the competition carrying the hopes of the nation and the enormous goodwill and support of the Federal Government, and we regret that we were unable to deliver the result expected at this stage,” he said.

He also offered a special apology to President Tinubu, praising his administration for its support for Nigerian sports, especially women’s football.

Gusau recalled the rewards given to the Super Falcons after their previous WAFCON success, including financial rewards, national honours, houses and a reception by the Federal Government.

He said the support showed the President’s commitment to Nigerian athletes and the role of sports in bringing Nigerians together and inspiring young people.

“It is therefore with genuine humility and regret that we acknowledge that we have not been able to repay that confidence with the outcome expected at this stage of the competition,” Gusau said.

The NFF also apologised to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, sponsors, stakeholders and millions of Nigerian fans at home and abroad.

Despite missing out on direct qualification, the federation said the Super Falcons still have a chance to reach the 2027 World Cup through the CAF play-off route.

The NFF said the team would now focus on winning one of the two available CAF play-off places before facing the FIFA play-off tournament.

“We must now regroup, learn from this setback and focus completely on the opportunity that remains,” the federation said.

The football body also promised to carry out a full review of the team’s preparations, technical plans, logistics and other operations to identify areas that need improvement.

According to the NFF, the review will help ensure that the Super Falcons are better prepared for the challenges ahead.

“We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up,” the federation said.

The NFF urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons as they fight for the remaining route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Our resolve is to ensure that the Super Falcons return stronger, fight harder and do everything possible to make Mr. President, the Federal Government and Nigerians proud once again,” the statement added.

After the World Cup and before the domestic football season begins, the world’s most popular sport tends to enjoy a relatively quiet period. For some though, the need for football remains.

This summer that demand has been met by the creation of a raft of mobile sports games in which players can dive into nostalgia and storytelling. This craze has seemingly been inspired by the viral 82-0 basketball game in which players can draft an all-time NBA starting five by spinning a random wheel for teams and decades.

Inspired by this, Deniz Sancar, a hobbyist coder who works in advertising, created 38-0-0. Sancar told “mobilegamer.biz” that despite having no previous coding experience, he built the game overnight with Claude Code, an advanced AI assistant that is designed to help with coding. The game was number one in the UK App Store games charts in June.

Destiny Eleven: From TikTok to France and the world

Another example is Destiny Eleven. Maxence Pigne, a PSG fan and a project manager, was inspired by a game he saw on TikTok that allowed players to play out the career of a professional footballer. After the 2026 World Cup, Pigne released his version, also created with the help of AI assistant Claude, which took the original idea further by offering more variety and choices in the career.

The man who specializes in computer science told French weekly “Le Point” that the decision to publish the free game earlier than planned paid off because by the end of July, the game had over one million players with 14 million careers having been created. Leverkusen striker Martin Terrier is reportedly a fan of the game, which has seen many variations in different languages emerge in the weeks since its arrival.

Mobile games are big business

It’s clear mobile games have come a long way since Nokia released “Snake” back in 1997. They are now big business. According to digital market intelligence platform Sensor Tower, approximately 50 billion mobile games were downloaded in 2025, generating $82 billion (€71 billion) in in-app purchases. According to “Game, the German Games Industry Association,” revenue in Germany in 2025 was approxiamtely $3.12 billion, with 28.1 million players.

“This clearly indicates that mobile gaming in Germany is no longer a niche topic, but rather a serious genre with significant purchasing power,” Kyle Kuscu, chairman of the German Mobile Gaming Association (DeMoGa), told DW. 

“This is also relevant for the esports sector: Germany has a broad player base, and mobile gaming is the largest platform in the country in terms of user numbers.”

This summer, the emergence of sports-drafting games has clearly benefited from a World Cup summer but also because of game design.

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“The World Cup or tournament effect only amplifies this, but it doesn’t fully explain the hype on its own,” Kuscu said. 

“Such games satisfy a fundamental human need shared by many users: control, optimization, and imagination in a very compact format—in other words, the feeling of having it all in your own hands, of building the perfect team or career, without a long learning curve or complex controls.”

What counts is the ‘idea and final execution’

AI has been involved in video game creation for years, but with smarter and faster AI in 2026 comes an even more financially efficient approach for game developers. This is particularly important in the tough economic conditions in which free-to-play mobile games operate.

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“The trend toward smaller, faster-to-develop games with AI support is likely to continue and may even grow. But I don’t believe that every viral success story will be repeated,” Kuscu said.

“Based on our own experience and confirmed by external sources, we know that AI has long been used extensively and intensively in game development, especially for coding, prototyping, research, and repetitive tasks. At the same time, many people remain skeptical about quality, dependencies, and creative limitations. Even if we advocate for the use of AI-assisted programming, what ultimately counts is the idea and the final execution of a game, and that won’t change.”

Short shelf life a key problem in a competitive market

The challenges for such games to maintain their success remains a major challenge though, especially given the overall gaming market remains a far from profitable industry. More teams can release more games, but that makes competition stiffer than ever.

“The biggest hurdle is no longer just production, but the business model behind it: Mobile games are extremely dependent on user attention, repeat usage, and, above all, in-app purchases,” Kuscu said.

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“A viral launch does not yet equate to a viable, let alone successful, business. They must get a handle on session duration, community building, update frequency, and monetization very quickly. This is precisely where the crux of the matter lies, because otherwise the hype will fizzle out before the game can become a sustainable title.”

Whether it’s the immersive storytelling nature of these games or the ease with which a virtual world can be reached, it’s clear that these games have found a gap in the market. History suggests they might not be popular for long, but even if this summer is their moment in the sun, their emergence appears a significant reminder of the challenges the mobile game industry will face with the increased involvement of AI.

Edited by: Chuck Penfold

Sarfaraz Khan‘s return to the Indian Test team has triggered a debate over playing XI selection for the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. Sarfaraz, who comes into the team as a replacement for the injured B Sai Sudharsan, is being backed by many for the No. 6 role in the team. However, there’s a section that feels Dhruv Jurel deserves to be played over him. Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik has offered a clear, player-centric perspective on how team management should approach the playing XI.

Addressing the competing claims between Sarfaraz and Jurel, Kartik emphasised that decisions must balance individual merit with long-term squad stability and clear communication.

“Sarfaraz has done nothing wrong. He is coming into the team as a replacement player. The messaging is important, the players should feel secure about their places. Dhruv Jurel is also an important wicket-keeper. For me he should be in the playing XI over Sarfaraz Khan,” Kartik said in a roundtable with journalists, as an expert for the Sony Sports Network.

Kartik’s perspective highlights a crucial aspect of team dynamics in the Indian team, that has been present for a while now. Sarfaraz’s entry into the squad came as cover for an injured teammate rather than an immediate restructuring of the baseline middle order.

While Sarfaraz has consistently demonstrated his ability to dominate spin and deliver heavy runs in red-ball cricket, stepping in as a replacement does not automatically guarantee a spot in the primary XI.

READ | After Bumrah And Sudharsan Blow, Report Gives Another Bad News For India 

Dropping a player who was already part of the tactical roadmap whenever a replacement enters might not fit well with the culture head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Shubman Gill are trying to build. Kartik argues that clear communication is vital so players feel confident in their designated roles within the set-up.

As for the battle between Jurel and Sarfaraz, it’s also important to know that the former brings a dual-skill set that offers vital tactical flexibility to the Indian team. While Rishabh Pant is expected to be the man behind the stumps for the Indian team, Jurel’s presence does give India an option to try a different pair of hands.

Jurel’s recent performances in red-ball conditions have reinforced the management’s faith in his temperament. While Sarfaraz remains a potent option, particularly on turning tracks where his sweep shots and footwork against spin excel, Kartik believes maintaining continuity with Jurel serves both squad morale and balance far better.

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A GM’s work is never done. Such a reality is made evident in the recent Vikings tryout that involved bringing some talent to the Twin Cities.

Alec Lewis of The Athletic offered the news that Minnesota brought a half dozen players in for a workout. Check out the details: “The Vikings held some tryouts today for RBs and safeties: — RB Jermar Jefferson — S Glendon Miller — S Wande Owens — RB Dominic Richardson — S D.Q. Smith — RB Marcus Yarns.”

The Vikings Tryout Six Players

Lately, there has been some chatter about what’s taking place at safety.

Harrison Smith remains away from the team. Whether he officially retires remains to be seen but he hasn’t given any indication that he’s coming back. Part of what’s making things a touch more fascinating is that Jamal Adams has been moved back to his normal position. “He’ll play some safety,” Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Sunday.

So, some things to monitor at safety, a vital position in the Brian Flores defense.

The trio of defensive backs to be brought to town — Miller, Owens, and Smith — all boast nice size. Check out the basic details:

• Glendon Miller: 6’2″ and 206 Pounds
• Wande Owens: 5’11” and 210 Pounds
• DQ Smith: 6’1″ and 219 Pounds

At least traditionally, the builds are that of box safeties rather than those tasked with playing center field 40 yards down the field (but Flores can strain what’s normal or expected of different body types). Think closer to Josh Metellus than Cam Bynum.

Note, as well, that all of these lads are young and reasonably unheralded. None were drafted, instead getting tossed into the NFL after agreeing to UDFA deals either after the 2025 or 2026 NFL Drafts.

At running back, the Vikings boast some nice talent but nobody who could confidently be called elite. In particular, the Vikings will be leaning on Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason (said to be in excellent shape). There’s then rookie speedster Demond Claiborne alongside rookie thumper Max Bredeson (a sledgehammer). Both of these guys will make the roster.

Otherwise, note the presence of Zavier Scott, somebody with a great build and silky mitts. Good chance a team scoops him up for a 53-man roster if he doesn’t get onto Minnesota’s final team.

Consider some of the basics for the runners who worked out for the Vikings:

• Jermar Jefferson: 5’10” and 212 Pounds
• Dominiq Richardson: 5’11” and 204 Pounds
• Marcus Yarns: 5’10” and 198 Pounds

Whoever gets added, if any at all, will be tasked with depth duty. Showing an ability on specials will be key. So, too, would it be a boost to provide an ability to do the little things well on offense. Pass blocking, ball security, and even lining up in the correct spot every time. Those small details matter to a football coach.

The Vikings get back to work at practice later today.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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The Vikings’ training camp has seen a passer battle take place. Forced to guess, I’d say most onlookers arrive at some mixture of fascination and exhaustion.

What stands out beyond the passers?

A story that has received ample interest has nothing to do with what’s taking place on the field. Or, at least, what’s directly taking place on the field. Rather, the story has been the team’s restrictions placed on those in the stands being allowed to film practice. Plenty of people have been discussing the issue, including former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel. Why the kerfuffle?

The Vikings’ Training Camp & The Restrictions on Filming Practice

Ben Goessling of The Star Tribune jumped into the controversy, offering some clarity by explaining the background of Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. The skipper used to glean insight from online videos.

— READ MORE: Vikings Newcomer Flirts with Position Switch —
— READ MORE: Vikings Tryout a Half Dozen Players as the ’26 Camp Continues —

“This was part of Kevin O’Connell’s job as a young assistant with the 49ers, too,” Goessling writes. “The team officials who get irked by videos being posted from #Vikings camp in Eagan are often the ones who benefitted from it with other teams.”

Note that Goessling is sharing these insights in response to Dallas DC Christian Parker peeling back the curtain on the knowledge that can get gleaned from these online clips:

Ari Meirov writes, “#Cowboys DC Christian Parker says he doesn’t like fans and other people posting videos from training camp practices. Why? When Parker was with other teams, he would find Cowboys practice clips online and flag anything they could use.”

Success in the NFL is very difficult. Teams scrape and claw for any tiny advantage to help set themselves apart from the crowd. Maybe that sort of insight can arrive via the online world, especially in the early moments of the season, as Coach Parker suggests.

Coach O’Connell has noted that Minnesota will be adjusting the scheme somewhat to better house the quarterback talent. Many think that Kyler Murray is going to be the top option but J.J. McCarthy is keeping things reasonably close. Whoever is under center will get an edge from the element of surprise.

Furthermore, the Vikings have been open about the impact that Asst. HC Frank Smith and OL coach Keith Carter have had on the run game. Do any of the clips online tip Minnesota’s hand for what will look different? If so, then the Vikings don’t want those things to go live for the world to see.

That Week 1 Packers game involves a pair of teams that know each other well squaring. Maintaining some element of surprise is therefore of value to Minnesota’s coaching staff.

Practice takes place later today at TCO Performance Center.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane is all set for his commentary debut in the upcoming two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka, starting on August 15. He will be part of the Sony Sports Network’s commentary team.

The 38-year-old former batter recently ended an 18-year illustrious playing career. Across 85 Test matches for India, Rahane accumulated 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, featuring 12 hundreds and 26 half-centuries. He notably captained India to a historic Test series triumph in Australia during the 2020-21 season.

Rahane expressed enthusiasm about transitioning into the broadcast booth to offer a technical breakdown and a strategic perspective.

“I’m excited to make my Test commentary debut for India’s tour of Sri Lanka on the Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV,” Rahane said in a statement. “Test cricket is the pinnacle of our sport, and having represented India in the format for so many years, it is a privilege to now look at the game from a different perspective.

“I’m looking forward to sharing experiences, breaking down the nuances of the game and offering fans insights into the decisions, strategies and moments that can shape a Test match. I hope to make the broadcast experience more enriching for fans and give them a deeper understanding of what happens on the field,” the statement added.

Rahane’s presence will be a great addition to the commentary team, as he brings a wealth of experience from playing across the globe.

“Stood out for his composure, resilience, and astute reading of the game” – Sony Sports CRO on Ajinkya Rahane

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head, Sports and International, Sony Pictures Networks India, commended Rahane’s sharp game reading skills.

“Ajinkya Rahane has always stood out for his composure, resilience and astute reading of the game,” he said. “As he makes his Test commentary debut on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV, viewers will get to hear his perspective on the format he knows so well.”

“We are delighted to have him as part of our commentary panel for India’s tour of Sri Lanka and look forward to the experience and insight he will bring to our coverage,” Kaul added.

The two-match Test series runs from August 15 to August 27, with the opening match slated for Galle.