He loves to defend Alonso says Lacroixs leadership will have a big, direct impact at ChelseaXabi Alonso has backed Maxence Lacroix to become a leader at Chelsea, following his 52m arrival from Crystal Palace.Lacroix hascompleted his move to Chelsea with the defender signing a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge. He becomes Chelsea's fourth signing of the summer and reinforces the Blues' backline under new head coach Alonso.Alonso knows the 26-year-old from his time in the Bundesliga and has been impressed with Lacroix's rise since arriving in thePremier League two years ago.The centre-back won the FA Cup, Community Shield and Europa Conference League at Palace, while breaking into the France national side.Alonso has no doubts that Lacroix will become a central figure in his Chelsea side this season. Lacroix will link up with Chelsea following the club's return from a pre-season tour of Australia and Asia."I know Maxence from my time in the Bundesliga," Alonso toldchelseafc.com, ahead of the club's Sydney Super Cup fixture against Tottenham tomorrow."I think his progression and adaptation in thePremier League has been fantastic not just on the pitch but in terms of personality and leadership, he also has these attributes."He is a very reliable player who will give us power in the defensive line. He has an assurance that will have a big, direct impact on the team, I'm sure. So its a great signing for now and for the future."He has a strong personality, he is mature, and he wants to win. He has a winners mentality and also loves to defend. That is something I like as well."

The revolt goes on: a third confederation rejects FIFA's plan!Another setback for FIFA and Infantino.Just hours after announcing its intention to "continue the process" of FFE, aimed at selling stakes in the World Cup to private investors, FIFA has suffered another blow.After UEFA and CONCACAF, it is now the AFC, the Asian confederation, that has voiced its opposition to Gianni Infantino and FIFAs plan.The AFC said it was joining "UEFA and CONCACAF in expressing its serious concerns regarding FIFAs proposal to introduce private investment into its flagship competitions and regarding the decision-making process related to FFE".In addition, the Asian confederation blasted the organizations methods and called on "FIFA to undertake an urgent review of its governance and decision-making framework to ensure that proposals of global significance are developed through proper consultation, meaningful engagement and adequate oversight by FIFAs statutory bodies."According to the AFC, "such an approach undermines confidence in FIFAs governance framework and diminishes the authority of its statutory bodies."The full AFC statement can be found below:"The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has observed with deep concern the developments of recent days regarding the proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and the uncertainty that has emerged within the global football community.The AFC joins UEFA and CONCACAF in expressing its serious concerns regarding FIFAs proposal to introduce private investment into its flagship competitions and regarding the decision-making process related to FFE. The fact that the situation has reached a point where the real possibility of a boycott of the FIFA World Cup is being discussed publicly should concern everyone who cares about the future of our sport. Football should never have found itself in such a situation.In this context, and in light of the clear positions expressed by UEFA and CONCACAF, as well as the unprecedented divisions that have emerged in the football world, the AFC believes that the proposed FFE cannot reasonably achieve the broad consensus and unity necessary for its development. The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of world football and draws its strength from the participation of all confederations and the leading football nations. Any proposal liable to compromise the unity and universal nature of the competition must be reconsidered.While the current debate centers on FFE, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) believes that this issue goes far beyond a single proposal. It has in fact highlighted fundamental weaknesses in FIFAs consultation and decision-making processes, which must now be addressed. Although the AFC takes note of FIFAs latest clarifications regarding this proposal, the main concerns relating to governance, institutional process and genuine consultation remain unanswered.A proposal of such significance, capable of influencing the commercial, sporting and strategic future of world football, must not be developed through processes that sideline the Confederations, the Member Associations and even FIFAs governing bodies, including the FIFA Council. The primary goal of world football must be to ensure that decisions of this magnitude are made through transparent processes that enjoy the trust of the football community.This is not the first time that major stakeholders have been confronted with significant initiatives when the direction to be taken already seemed to have been decided. Such an approach undermines confidence in FIFAs governance framework and diminishes the authority of its statutory bodies. No subsequent consultation, however well-intentioned, can replace early dialogue with FIFAs competent bodies and the football family.The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) believes that this moment must serve as a catalyst to strengthen institutional reform. While every FIFA Congress must have the opportunity to review and decide on proposals that affect the future of world football, true democracy is not measured solely by the right to vote. It rests on transparent governance, timely consultation, informed deliberation and effective participation throughout the decision-making process.Accordingly, the AFC calls on FIFA to undertake an urgent review of its governance and decision-making framework to ensure that proposals of global significance are developed through proper consultation, meaningful engagement and adequate oversight by FIFAs statutory bodies.The FIFA World Cup, and football in general, belong to the entire global football family. Their future must always be shaped collectively, through institutions that reflect the views of all confederations and football associations."This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in here.

The 2026 Indiana high school football season begins on Aug. 21. Six schools (Brownsburg, New Palestine, Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger, Cascade, Andrean and South Putnam) are looking for a second consecutive state championship on Thanksgiving weekend. IndyStar has no shortage of preseason coverage. Kyle Neddenriep reveals the best players statewide and in Central Indiana, and teams that shouldn't be dismissed. Also, if you're looking for a game to attend in Week 1, Neddenriep offers a lot of possibilities.Who will be Indiana Mr. Football in 2026?A lot of Big Ten recruits, coveted quarterback prospects and tremendous skill position players on the list of players of watch for the No. 1 jersey. A few of them meet in Week 1 matchup. Check out the favorites.Indiana high school football history: Best players from 25 yearsWe counted down the top 25 high school football recruits of the first quarter century of the 2000s from Indiana. There were the four- and five-star prospects that came out of high school with a lot of promise, pressure and expectations.Here's the countdown: Nos. 6-10 | Nos. 11-15 | Nos. 16-20 | Nos. 21-25Central Indiana high school football: Sleeper teams for 2026We take a look at 10 potential sleeper teams for the 2026 season from Central Indiana. To keep things consistent, we considered only teams that finished last season with a .500 record or below. Here are teams poised for an uptick this season.Best Central Indiana high school football players in 2026New names are certain to emerge during the 2026 high school football season. But teams with starting experience at key skill positions will certainly have a leg up going into Week 1. Meet the best: Quarterbacks | Running backs | ReceiversCentral Indiana high school football: Best Week 1 matchupsIf you like football, well, we have good news for you: Week 1 of the high school football season is on Aug. 21. Here are the best season-opening matchups.Get IndyStar's high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with theHigh School Sports newsletter.And be sure to subscribe to ournew IndyStarTV: Preps YouTube channel.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana high school football preview: What you need to know for 2026 season

Euro giants now lining up move that would embarrass Liverpool againLast season, Liverpool were lucky that Tottenham performed as badly as they did.The Anfield outfit put up one of the worst title defences in recent memory after they finished fifth in the Premier League.If Spurs hadn't only just avoided relegation, the Reds would have been the laughing stock of England's top flight.Luckily, this doesn't feel like it's going to happen again now that Andoni Iraola is at the helm.His attacking style of football is exactly what the Anfield outfit needs at the moment with their first two pre-season games both ending in victories.However, despite Liverpool looking like they're getting back on track, there's still a lot of the window left to go which means that there's plenty of time for the Reds to be embarrassed once again.And, unfortunately for them, it feels like that is exactly what's about to happen.Paris Saint-Germain want to sign Zion SuzukiAt the moment, one of the only areas among Liverpool's ranks that doesn't actually need upgrading this summer is their goalkeeper.Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili are two extremely solid 'keepers but, at different points in the summer window, it's felt like they could both end up exiting Anfield.In fact, Alisson even had an agreement in place with Juventus to join them at the start of the 2026-27 season.That move obviously didn't end up coming to fruition but, that hasn't stopped transfer rumours from emerging.One of the main goalkeepers to have been linked with a Liverpool move this summer is Zion Suzuki.The Japanese international had a very solid World Cup and caught the eye of many teams from across the globe.However, Liverpool saw him as the perfect successor to Alisson and, even though they have Mamardashvili, it feels like the performances of the Georgian have massively dropped off.This led to fans believing that a new goalkeeper was going to be brought in but now, as per a fresh update from Santi Aouna, that clearly isn't the case."PSG is making good progress on Zion Suzuki," he wrote."Contacts have taken place between all parties in recent days."Parisian officials are closely following Parma's goalkeeper with a view to a transfer, which could be followed by a loan."For its part, Juventus has already submitted an offer to Parma, but it was rejected."Bet 10, Get 30 in Free BetsOpen an account and place a qualifying bet of 10 at min odds of 1/5 (1.2) or greater.18+New UK/ROI customers. Min 5 deposit. Bet Credits available on settlement of qualifying bets, capped at 10 stake. Min odds 1/5 (1.20). Bet Credits expire in 7 days. Excl. Cashed Out/Free Bets/Boosted odds. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org30 FREECLAIM NOW18+Gambling can be addictive please only bet what you can afford to lose. For free support visitBeGambleAware.org or call 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). Self-exclude at GAMSTOP.co.uk. AnfieldWatch is not a licensed betting operator. Offers subject to change.Liverpool keep getting embarrassed by other clubsLiverpool are one of the world's biggest teams but they're acting like they're one of the smallest.They've lost two players on free transfers to Real Madrid over the last couple of years with Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah both also exiting for nothing at the end of the 2025-26 season.And, while Liverpool can obviously afford this, it's not really something that they should be making a habit of, especially if they're wanting to become one of the most dominant teams in the world again.Other clubs from around the world continue leaving Liverpool red-faced and, if they don't rectify these issues soon, things will only get worse.Indeed, Suzuki was never guaranteed to be a Liverpool player but, with PSG taking him off the market, it means that, when Alisson and Mamardashvili do eventually leave, they're going to have even less options to choose from, which, for a team of the Reds' stature, is far from ideal.

The International Womens Baseball Center reported that the WBSC Womens Baseball World Cup Group Rockford drew 15,710 fans during its 15-game run at Rivets Stadium in Loves Park, helping generate momentum for future womens baseball events in the region.The tournament also helped attract Baseball for All Nationals and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Reunion to Rockford, according to a community announcement. Organizers estimate the combined economic impact of those events will exceed $3 million.The International Womens Baseball Center hosted the group stage of the World Baseball Softball Confederation Womens Baseball World Cup with the WBSC and presenting sponsor GoRockford. Organizers said the event brought visitors from five continents and marked the first time the championship was held in Illinois.We were proud to partner with the WBSC to welcome the worlds best womens baseball players and fans to our community, Kat Williams, CEO of the International Womens Baseball Center, said in a statement. Together, we showed how womens baseball can bring communities together and build lasting momentum for the sport.The United States finished the tournament undefeated at 5-0 and secured a berth in the Womens Baseball World Cup Finals, scheduled for July 19-25, 2027, at Rivets Stadium. Australia, which finished 4-1, and Canada, which finished 3-2, also advanced.Attendance, volunteers and youth outreachThe largest single-game crowd was 3,405 for the U.S.-Mexico matchup on July 23. Evening contests averaged 1,797 fans per game.Organizers said 312 volunteers worked a combined 2,812 shifts during the tournament.More than 200 children from Rockford-area organizations attended games free through a partnership with Enjoy Illinois. Participants came from the Blackhawk Boys & Girls Club, African-American Resource Center at Booker, Northwest Community Center, Community Life Center and Her Sister Project.Promotions and community partnershipsA promotion with Bucciferro Family McDonalds resulted in nearly 5,000 Maybelle Blair Meals sold across 31 participating locations. The company also distributed 12,000 beverage samples during the tournament and gave away 1,000 Maybelle Blair-themed red glasses to fans during the July 25 evening game.Organizers said Bucciferro Family McDonalds will donate 10% of proceeds from the meal promotion to the nonprofit International Womens Baseball Center.The event attracted 65 credentialed media members, including local, national and international news organizations.Global broadcast reachThe WBSC said tournament livestreams were distributed to 100 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.Streaming partners included the All Womens Sports Network, Bally Sports Live, DAZN, Disney+ and ESPN+.Through a partnership with WIFR, tournament games were televised in 27 Gray Media markets across the United States.This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com , with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Women's baseball tournament boosts Rockford economy

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