Soccers law-making panel clarified its guidance to referees which confirmed Switzerland forward Breel Embolo should not have been sent off in the World Cup quarterfinals against Argentina. Embolos second yellow card, after a video review for simulating being fouled, changed the momentum of the game in the 72nd minute soon after Switzerland tied the score at 1-1. Argentina won 3-1 in extra time with help from the red-card decision that fueled complaints, including from previous opponent Egypt, referees were favoring Lionel Messis team with decisions. The FIFA-backed rules panel known as IFAB published a clarification Monday that VAR protocol for "mistaken identity" cases was not eligible for that type of incident at the World Cup, though it could be in future competitions. "However, it may not be used as such until that review is concluded," the Zurich-based IFAB said in a statement. Embolo fell to the ground on being challenged by Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who was shown a yellow card. The VAR officials alerted the referee to the fact Paredes did not commit a foul and instead, Embolo was shown a yellow, his second, and was sent off. That is not how "mistaken identity" is currently meant to be applied, which is to correct the referee when a card is shown to the wrong player who did not commit the original foul penalized. "The referee made the wrong decision," Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said after the game in Kansas City. "I know they will protect their referee, but this rule destroyed our game today, and its very painful, and to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot." IFAB clarified the card "can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offense that was penalized; the offense itself cannot be reviewed/changed." Updating the VAR protocol A review of VAR protocol has been ongoing since March and IFAB acknowledged that incidents like Embolos are part of it. "The use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation during the FIFA World Cup 2026 was well received," the Zurich-based group said. IFAB is composed of FIFA-appointed officials and the four British soccer federations. Its annual meeting is each February or March to update The Laws of the Game that take effect for major tournaments or the next season. European soccer wants lighter touch VAR The IFAB clarity was praised as "welcome explanations" on Tuesday by UEFA, which has hosted referee bosses from each of its 55 member federations to reset their decision-making principles for the new season. "VAR is not meant to re-referee the game," UEFA stressed, stating the need for shorter video reviews and a lighter touch for intervening. FIFA's overall VAR strategy for the World Cup was praised following a frustrating season of video reviews, particularly in the Premier League. "Lengthy, microscoping reviews are often a symptom revealing that the decision on the field was not clearly and obviously incorrect, and should therefore be limited," UEFA said, setting a standard for intervention at "when a referee decision is blatantly incorrect or when the referee has missed a clear incident." UEFA also encouraged the crackdown on time-wasting in games agreed by IFAB in March and enforced by FIFA at the World Cup. "Referees will be instructed to strictly and consistently enforce the new rules," said UEFA. UEFA will this season organize men's and women's club competitions, including the Champions League, plus national-team games in the men's Nations League and qualifying for the 2028 European Championship, and qualifying playoffs for the 2027 Women's World Cup. Reporting by The Associated Press.

Ireland have announced a 14-member squad for the first three ODIs of their five-match series against Afghanistan, beginning on August 5, with several first-choice players unavailable due to injuries. The selectors have opted to announce the squad only for the opening three matches, with the remaining two ODIs to be finalised after assessing the fitness of injured players.One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of Jai Moondra, who made his T20I debut against India earlier this month and impressed during Ireland's historic T20I series triumph over the reigning world champions. The youngster has now received his maiden ODI call-up and is one of two capped T20I players in the squad, alongside Ben Calitz, yet to make their 50-over international debut.Ireland have also handed a first international call-up to medium pacer Byron McDonough. The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive domestic campaign with Leinster Lightning, helping them win the Inter-Provincial Limited Overs Cup after claiming eight wickets in five matches. Across nine List A appearances, McDonough has picked up 15 wickets at an average of 29.33.Paul Stirling returns, injury list remains longCaptain Paul Stirling returns to lead the side after missing the recent T20I series against India through injury. However, Ireland continue to deal with a lengthy injury list, with Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill and David Delany all unavailable due to injuries or return-to-play protocols. Cricket Ireland confirmed that the squad for the final two ODIs will be announced later, with changes possible depending on the recovery of the injured players.The Afghanistan series will mark the first assignment for newly appointed head coach Gary Wilson, who recently replaced Heinrich Malan. Former England batter Jonathan Trott will also join the Irish camp as a consultant for the first two ODIs against Afghanistan, having previously served as the Afghan national team's head coach.The five-match series will also be Ireland's first men's bilateral ODI assignment since hosting the West Indies in May 2025. The opening two matches will be played in Bready, while the remaining three fixtures will take place at Stormont.Ireland squad for first three ODIs against AfghanistanPaul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker.

Notre Dame-SoFi partnership, explained: Why Fighting Irish agreed to historic jersey deal with bank originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Across its athletic program, but particularly in football, Notre Dame's brand has been built on tradition and simplicity. Moving forward, however, the Fighting Irish will have a noticeable change to their uniforms thanks to a historic agreement.In a deal announced Tuesday, Notre Dame is partnering with SoFi Technologies not just to make the banking company the "official financial services partner of Notre Dame Athletics," but also to add a jersey patch to all Fighting Irish uniforms.SoFi will be the first non-apparel brand to appear on Notre Dame uniforms thanks to a deal reportedly worth up to $20 million per year.Here's what to know about Notre Dame's partnership with SoFi and a look at the new uniform patches.MORE:College football predictions for 2026 bowl gamesNotre Dame-SoFi partnershipOn Tuesday, Notre Dame said in a press release that the university has agreed to a "multi-year collaboration" with SoFi to make the company the official financial services partner of Fighting Irish athletics, which includes a jersey patch on uniforms.On3's Pete Nakos reported that the Notre Dame-SoFi partnership is worth six years andaverages $18 to $20 million annually figures that will make it themost valuable jersey sponsorship deal in college athletics history.As part of the agreement, SoFi is also collaborating with Notre Dame to "help the next generation of Notre Dame student-athletes build the foundation for long-term financial success," per the release.The Notre Dame experience lasts far beyond four years.Proud to welcome @SoFi as the Official Financial Services Partner of ND Athletics! Together, we're empowering a new generation of champions to get their money right.Info https://t.co/WiC8etmW6r#Golrish | #SoFiPartnerpic.twitter.com/Jnp0ELhSAc The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) July 28, 2026It marks the second announced jersey-patch partnership on Tuesday between a high-profile college athletics program and a financial institution. Ohio State athletics also announced a partnership with JPMorgan Chase, which includes a jersey patch on Buckeyes uniforms.MORE: What to know about Ohio State's new partnership with JPMorgan ChaseWhy Notre Dame is partnering with SoFiSoFi is reportedly paying tens of millions to become the officialfinancial services partner of Notre Dame Athletics andthe first non-apparel brand to appear on jersey patches across all Notre Dame uniforms. Meanwhile, the partnership is also set to bring Fighting Irish student-athletes opportunities to develop their financial education, receive scholarships and more."Our 4 for Forever promise at Notre Dame is paramount to providing the best student-athlete experience in the country,Notre Dame vice president and athletic director Pete Bevacquasaid in the release. SoFi shares in this commitment to developing strong, ambitious leaders who are set up for success at Notre Dame and beyond. Together, our relationship will create lasting value for our student-athletes and their families for generations to come.That partnership between SoFi and Notre Dame is creating the "SoFi Champions Scholarship," a program that is dedicated to walk-on student-athletes. Each year, one men's and one women's student-athlete will be receive a one-year full tuition scholarship, courtesy of SoFi, forexemplifying "ambition, resilience, leadership and service."SoFi is also introducing a "student-athlete services hub," intended to give Notre Dame student-athletesfinancial education, planning, guidance and products for their post-graduation lives.Notre Dame has spent generations developing champions in the classroom and on the field, SoFi CEO Anthony Noto said in the release. The grit, discipline and determination of Notre Dames student-athletes reflect the same ambition we see in our members every day. We are proud to partner with Notre Dame Athletics to help inspire the next generation and create opportunities that will shape their financial futures.Notre Dame also said that as part of the agreement,alumni and fans will also have "exclusive opportunities surrounding Fighting Irish gamedays and events, including ticket giveaways, tailgates and private events."MORE:Ranking all 138 college football coaches ahead of 2026 seasonNotre Dame-SoFi jersey patchWith Tuesday's news, Notre Dame shared new photos of how the SoFi patch will look on football uniforms, starting with the upcoming 2026 season.Football players will have the "SoFi" logo on the upper-left portion of their jerseys:Notre Dame has partnered with SoFi as its official jersey patch sponsor.The six-year deal with SoFi is expected to be the most valuable jersey sponsorship deal in college athletics history at an average of $18-20 million annually, sources tell @YahooSports. pic.twitter.com/01R6I2XCBx Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 28, 2026

When it comes to Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon, the one word that encapsulates his current injury situation is "frustration."Gordon, a former second-round pick, was hampered by soft tissue injuries last season, playing in just three regular-season games with two stints on injured reserve. After playing in two postseason games, the arrow was pointed up for Gordon, who's elevated the defense when he's on the field.But Gordon suffered yet another soft tissue injury -- a calf injury, as confirmed by general manager Ryan Poles -- that held him out of the offseason program and has him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start training camp. There's also no current timetable for his return."Obviously, he's frustrated, Poles said Tuesday. We're frustrated. Everybody here is putting their time and effort into getting him back."Head coach Ben Johnson hasn't been shy when it comes to voicing his frustration with Gordon, making it clear that his lack of availability has been a problem. On report day, Johnson had a message to Gordon as he starts the summer injured."Get healthy."It's a simple message, but it also feels like a warning to Gordon. There's no denying that the Bears defense has been better with Gordon on the field. But the best ability is availability, which is something that Gordon just hasn't had. Never mind the 2025 season; he's yet to play an entire NFL season since being drafted in 2022.Johnson was asked about a contingency plan with Gordon sidelined. While he stopped short of naming names, Johnson mentioned how they've added to that defensive backs room and said there will be opportunities for rookies and veterans alike to run with the first team and make a case for the job. It's "healthy competition" in that room, and Gordon's job might just be for the taking.Follow Bears Wire onTwitter,FacebookandInstagramThis article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson issues simple message for injured Bears CB Kyler Gordon

Team Wales swimmer Matt Richards claimed his first Commonwealth Games individual medal after winning silver in the 100m freestyle final.It was his third medal in Glasgow after earlier claiming two bronze relay medals.Flynn Southam won gold and his fellow Australian Kyle Chalmers earned bronze.Olympic champion Richards will compete in the 200m freestyle on Wednesday.Richards' medal was Wales' 10th official medal of the Games with the three silvers and six bronze bettered by the gold achieved by gymnast Ruby Evans earlier today.There will definitely be an 11th medal after boxer Connor Williams reached the semi-finals.Para-swimmer Ela Letton-Jones, who won Wales' first medal when she claimed silver in the 100m, finished sixth fastest in the women's 50m freestyle S13 heat.

GREEN BAY The Green Bay Packers are waiving their franchise record holder for longest field goal made in a game.The Packers are moving on from Lucas Havrisik on the eve of training camp, a source told PackersNews. Havrisik kicked in only three games last season, but among his four field goals was a franchise-long 61 yarder last October in Arizona.Havrisik, initially signed as an injury replacement for veteran Brandon McManus, made all four of his field goal attempts. He was 7-of-9 on extra points, both misses coming on a blustery day at the New York Giants.The Packers signed Lenny Krieg earlier July 28. Krieg will get a chance to compete with Trey Smack, a rookie drafted in the sixth round this spring.This article originally appeared on Packers News: Packers to waive kicker Lucas Havrisik | source

WESTFIELD Colts general manager Chris Ballard admit to any concern that the teams new No. 1 wideout, Alec Pierce, could miss Week 1 after undergoing surgery in late-March on a nagging ankle injury. But six weeks away from the first practices of the regular season with Pierce starting training camp on the physically unable to perform list, Ballard wouldnt eliminate the possibility either.Hes not active right now. Hes on PUP and thats kinda a day-by-day thing, Ballard told reporters Tuesday. Im not gonna make a prediction one way or another. I learned a long time ago with another certain player (in reference to retired Colts QB Andrew Luck) that you dont make predictions.Im not a doctor so well just play it by ear and see how it goes.For now, Ballard said, the 26-year-old wideout is still a week or two away.Hes making great progress. Hes worked at it, and I dont foresee it being a major issue, Ballard continued. Of course, wed like to have him right now but Pierce is working his butt off, and hell be ready to go when hes completely cleared.Days after the end of the 2025 season where he led Indianapolis in receiving yards with 1,003 on 47 catches and six touchdowns while leading the league in yards per catch (21.3) for the second year running, Pierce received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection that he and doctors hoped would relieve him of the pain he played with for the entire season.Doctors needed up to eight weeks to know whether the injection had worked, so Pierce couldnt opt for surgery until that window had closed. By mid-March, the pain persisted, and so not long after signing the richest free agent wide receiver contract in NFL history, Pierce had surgery rather than wait another 11 months and potentially playing another season on the injury.We all want the date to be as early as possible but you kinda have to let your body guide yourself and see how you feel, Pierce told reporters of his rehab process in June. What Ive learned with rehab is the more you overdo it, the more it can be counter-productive. Im learning when to push through the pain and soreness and when to back off."When asked Tuesday about pursuing a veteran free agent receiver to add from the Colts $31 million cap space former Chargers veteran Keenan Allen is among the best fits available Ballard told reporters any decision on filling out the teams wide receiver room would be made independent Pierces health in the coming weeks.I dont think right now, but at some point, well evaluate that as we go along, Ballard said. Well probably talk through some of those guys.C.J. Allen injury updateJoining Pierce on the PUP list to start training camp is the Colts top draft pick from April, second-round linebacker CJ Allen, who Ballard said Tuesday has a muscle strain in his calf the rookie suffered during a workout since the close of mini-camp six weeks ago.We dont think its going to be long, Ballard said of the time the Colts expect Allen to be sidelined. But were going to take some precautions here. We dont want it to linger, so we started him on PUP. We expect him back pretty quickly.Daniel Jones, DeForest Buckner to be monitoredThe Colts will continue to monitor the health of two of the teams captains and veteran voices on both sides of the ball in starting quarterback Daniel Jones and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. They have been cleared to return to the field for the start of camp Wednesday after seeing their 2025 campaigns cut short due to injury. Jones participated in 7-on-7 action during mandatory mini-camp six weeks ago but was held back from 11-on-11 drills due to an abundance of caution. Buckner told reporters Tuesday he was only cleared Monday after he suffered a herniated disc and pinched nerve in his neck that required surgery and sidelined him for seven of the final eight games of the year.(Jones) will be a day-by-day thing, but hes been cleared to go and cleared to do everything, Ballard said. Buckner is kinda in the same boat. Once he had surgery, it was, Okay, what do I need to do to get back? Hes in a good frame of mind.Well work him back slowly. Bucks had some years in the league, so we would take care of him anyways, but well work him back and get him ready.Joel A. EricksonandNathan Browncover the Coltsall season. Get more coverage onIndyStarTVand with theColts Insider newsletter.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts GM Chris Ballard updated the status of injured WR Alec Pierce

For a 7-9-1 team last season, the Dallas Cowboys talk a lot about the Super Bowl. There's nothing wrong with having big goals, and the Cowboys aren't being shy. Coach Brian Schottenheimer reminded everyone earlier this offseason that the Super Bowl is Feb. 14 and "We plan on being there." Owner Jerry Jones is on that page too. Jones' address to the media at the start of training camp is always a must-see event, because Jones is likely to say just about anything. And on Tuesday, he was confident about his team. Jones wouldn't specifically predict his team will make a Super Bowl, but he wasn't backing down from that chatter either. Jerry Jones said he doesnt think reporters think this Cowboys team can win the Super Bowl. He likes that. He thinks they can prove critics wrong. Jones thinks so highly of this team that he said hes willing to make a notable roster move, if possible, to improve their Super pic.twitter.com/X0YjCABDOg Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2026Jones is so high on his team that he said he has already been asking around about trades. Jerry Jones is excited about the Cowboys heading into this season. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)Jamie Schwaberow via Getty ImagesJerry Jones confident about his teamJones has spoken this way before and the Cowboys' actions didn't back up an "all in" claim. Maybe this time he's a little more serious. Jones said that he is willing to "give up the future" and make a big trade, via Todd Archer of ESPN. Jones said he had a conversation with another owner on Monday, according to Archer. Jones was asked about Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, who Dallas was reportedly interested in trading for early in the offseason. Jones said the team didnt walk away from trade talks but didnt add more due to tampering rules, and Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones adding hes a Raider, via Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. Perhaps that remains an option down the road. Whatever Jones has in mind, he sounds serious about making a big move. Again, weve heard him speak like this before and he didnt follow up. This time, he said hes bullish on his team. I feel that good about this team this year, Jones said. Cowboys rebuilt their defenseThe Cowboys had a disappointing 2025 season as the defense fell hard. The offseason was spent building up the defense. Dallas switched coordinators, firing Matt Eberflus and hiring Christian Parker, and adding many new starters. The offense was good last season and returns practically intact. Theres good reason to be excited in Dallas, even if the team is coming off a season in which it finished under .500. There are teams that were much better last season that wont speak as openly about the Super Bowl. It has not been a quiet off-season. It has been an AWESOME off-season, and I think thats why were excited, but now the goal is the Super Bowl. We dont shy away from that. - Brian Schottenheimer (via @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/xdtB967HhG Cowboys Lead (@CowboysLead) July 28, 2026Its not like the Cowboys arent under constant scrutiny and pressure whether they discuss the Super Bowl or not, so they might as well say the quiet part out loud. Theres a difference between talking about a championship goal and the owner making it clear that hes willing to trade future assets to make a huge move toward that goal. As always, everyone will be watching to see what Jones does next.

Corey Heim, who has won two NASCAR Cup races as a part-time driver for 23XI Racing in 2026, will not use the No. 67 when he becomes a full-time driver for the team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin in 2027.Why? "Because he says (67) is a stupid, goofy number," Hamlin said.Hamlin said on his "Actions Detrimental" podcast that Heim will switch from the No. 67 to the No. 35 in 2027.COREY HEIM FINE WITH PART-TIME STATUS: Corey Heim has NASCAR Cup win in part-time race schedule. Why 23XI driver isn't complainingHamlin wondered if Heim, 24, who won the NASCAR Indianapolis Brickyard 400 on July 26 and at the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego on June 21, might want to keep the No. 67 for good luck?"I like the 67," Hamlin said. "I kind of like it. I don't know why. Listen, I gave (Heim) the choice. He wants 35. It's official."The official announcement actually was made by NASCAR.com on May 30 at Nashville Superspeedway, ahead of the Cracker Barrel 400. Jokingly, Hamlin also said Heim could win NASCAR's Rookie of the Year as long as he continues to run part-time."If we keep running him part-time we could make him Rookie of the Year in 2030," Hamlin said with a smile.Heim will run four more Cup races in 2026: Aug. 29 at Daytona International Speedway; Sept. 6 at Darlington Raceway; Oct. 11 at Charlotte Motor Speedway; and Nov. 8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Corey Heim does not want 'goofy' No. 67 as full-time NASCAR Cup driver

Corey Heim, who has won two NASCAR Cup races as a part-time driver for 23XI Racing in 2026, will not use the No. 67 when he becomes a full-time driver for the team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin in 2027.Why? "Because he says (67) is a stupid, goofy number," Hamlin said.Hamlin said on his "Actions Detrimental" podcast that Heim will switch from the No. 67 to the No. 35 in 2027.COREY HEIM FINE WITH PART-TIME STATUS: Corey Heim has NASCAR Cup win in part-time race schedule. Why 23XI driver isn't complainingHamlin wondered if Heim, 24, who won the NASCAR Indianapolis Brickyard 400 on July 26 and at the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego on June 21, might want to keep the No. 67 for good luck?"I like the 67," Hamlin said. "I kind of like it. I don't know why. Listen, I gave (Heim) the choice. He wants 35. It's official."The official announcement actually was made by NASCAR.com on May 30 at Nashville Superspeedway, ahead of the Cracker Barrel 400. Jokingly, Hamlin also said Heim could win NASCAR's Rookie of the Year as long as he continues to run part-time."If we keep running him part-time we could make him Rookie of the Year in 2030," Hamlin said with a smile.Heim will run four more Cup races in 2026: Aug. 29 at Daytona International Speedway; Sept. 6 at Darlington Raceway; Oct. 11 at Charlotte Motor Speedway; and Nov. 8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Corey Heim does not want 'goofy' No. 67 as full-time NASCAR Cup driver