The Daily Telegraph said the woman received a six-figure sum after the alleged relationship with Mr Infantino, the embattled FIFA president who is facing calls to quit over his plan to sell off a stake of the World Cup to private investors. UEFA paid for the woman's MBA degree after she left the organisation, the paper reported. In a statement to Sky News, UEFA said a "departure payment" was made to a woman as well as "the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school". "The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time," a spokesperson added. "Such regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations - which apply to all UEFA employees at whatever level - reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation." A FIFA spokesman told Sky News that Mr Infantino "strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue". They added: "Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory." Mr Infantino worked at UEFA from 2000 until leaving in 2016, when he took up his current role at FIFA. In response to the claim that senior figures at UEFA had concerns over Mr Infantino's conduct, the FIFA spokesman said: "No employee at UEFA and FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr Infantino's behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved. "All company actions related to employees, including any departure and severance packages, have always been approved by the appropriate directors in accordance with all applicable regulations." Read more from Sky News:Russia bombs Ukraine football stadiumSpain's new border controls with Italy FIFA's controversial sell-off plans triggered a row between the sport's governing bodies that led to Mr Infantino eventually abandoning the proposal and apologising. Despite this, UEFA insisted on Thursday that it was still prepared to boycott any future World Cups as it had lost confidence in Mr Infantino. Even as the widespread calls for him to step down grow, he is showing no signs of quitting. The English FA sent a letter to FIFA withdrawing its support for Infantino's re-election as president, Sky News reported on Thursday - and on Friday, Norway's football federation asked him to "resign now". UEFA told Sky News that the "conditions have not been met" to lift its World Cup boycott, and there is still a lack of confidence in Mr Infantino. Meanwhile, Mexico, Argentina, Qatar, Egypt and Morocco have thrown their support behind Mr Infantino.

The Grammy winner died at home on 23 July, his family and friends announced in a statement on his Instagram page "We are deeply saddened by his passing," the statement said. "He will be greatly missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched through his music, friendship and kindness. "We kindly ask that the privacy of William's family and close friends is respected during this difficult time." Orbit produced Madonna's 1998 album Ray Of Light, a move into electronica and trip-hop for the US singer, which included hits such as Frozen and The Power Of Goodbye, as well as the titular track. He also worked with the star on her 1999 single Beautiful Stranger, from the second Austin Powers film, and her next album, Music, in 2000. For Blur, he produced the 1999 album 13, which saw the band take a darker lyrical turn and produced hit singles such as Tender and Coffee & TV. Orbit also took his ethereal sound to All Saints, to chart-toppers Pure Shores and Black Coffee in 2000, and worked on Spice Girl Mel C's 1999 debut solo album, Northern Star. Of his solo output, he was best known for his electronic version of Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings, and the trance remix released in 1999. 'A true visionary' Ferry Corsten, the DJ behind the trance version, was among those paying tribute on Instagram, writing: "William was a true visionary. "I had the privilege of working with him on Barber's Adagio For Strings in 1999 - a moment that changed my career and opened many doors in electronic music. I'll always be grateful for his trust and inspiration. Rest in peace, William. Your music will live on forever." All Saints songwriter Shaznay Lewis shared a broken heart emoji, while Mel C wrote: "Such an honour to have worked with this great man. Sending all my love." Orbit produced 12 solo studio albums in total, largely of electronic music, and was also a member of the groups Bassomatic and Torch Song. Singer Sonique, best known for her 2000 chart-topper It Feels So Good, collaborated with Bassomatic in the 1990s. "He was one of the first people I ever worked with," she wrote. "I am so sad to hear this. Sending all my love to his family. RIP my friend." Singer Katy B also paid tribute, saying: "I remember going to William's studio many years ago, I was so nervous but he was so warm and unassuming and genuinely curious about me and my music I still remember how welcome I felt . What an amazing legacy and major loss." DJ and producer Darren Emerson, formerly of Underworld, said he was "absolutely gutted" to hear of Orbit's death, and recalled a story of Orbit asking him whether he should perform Frozen with Madonna on the National Lottery programme, or if it was "uncool". "I just laughed and told him that maybe it was better he did and that I very much doubted it would be a bad thing to do... especially as the music he made with Madonna was amazing," Emerson said. "It was a pleasure to work with one of the best producers I've known. You'll be sadly missed mate, and your music will always shine bright." Read more from Sky News:US court blocks Trump's $400m White House ballroomOasis promoter granted Knebworth licence Orbit also worked with Britney Spears and Will.i.am on the 2013 album Britney Jean, and produced a 2014 version of the Freddie Mercury solo track There Must Be More to Life Than This, which featured Michael Jackson using archive vocals, and Queen. His awards included two Grammys for Ray Of Light - best pop album and best dance recording - and one for best song written for visual media for Beautiful Stranger. He was also nominated for Grammys for his work on Pink's song Feel Good Time, as well as his own 2000 album Pieces In A Modern Style, and for record of the year for Ray Of Light.

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of the former Conservative minister, who was found dead at her Devon home on 9 July. In an update on Friday, it was revealed the Metropolitan Police received a report of an attempted burglary at an address in the Greater London area in April 2025. Sky News understands this relates to a property linked to Reform UK leader Mr Farage. Counter terror police have now reopened the investigation into this incident, and a staff member has been referred to the police watchdog for allegedly failing to follow up a line of inquiry. "Enquiries were carried out by the Metropolitan Police, supported by Counter Terrorism Policing London," said Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing. "No arrests were made, and the investigation was subsequently closed, pending any new lines of enquiry." Ms Evans added: "Following the reopening of the attempted burglary investigation, Counter Terrorism Policing London identified a line of enquiry which was not identified and pursued by them at the time, which may have been relevant. "As a result, to ensure their support to the initial investigation is thoroughly reviewed, Counter Terrorism Policing London made a mandatory conduct referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). "We will engage fully and comprehensively with the IOPC on this matter. "The victims and families in both investigations have been updated today, and we continue to support them." Read more from Sky News:High temperatures return to UKManhunt for escaped child rapist Reform UK spokeswoman Ms Widdecombe was having lunch when Kerry allegedly burst into her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, the Old Bailey heard previously. Ms Widdecombe was struck 21 times on the head with a hammer, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July, two days after Ms Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her property. He was also arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism - but has not been charged with this offence. Kerry will appear at the Old Bailey on 9 October for a case management hearing before a further plea and trial preparation hearing on 20 November. A provisional trial date was listed for 8 June 2027. An IOPC spokesperson said of the burglary investigation: "We can confirm that the IOPC has decided to independently investigate the conduct of a Counter Terrorism Policing London staff member following a referral received earlier today. "The conduct relates to an allegation the individual failed to identify and pursue a line of enquiry relating to an attempted burglary reported in April 2025. "Counter Terrorism Policing London has been notified of our decision, and no further information is available at this early stage."

The deal is a straight loan for the 27-year-old, who signed a new Barca contract that runs until 2031 last year. Araujo will arrive in the UK on Sunday to undertake a medical and complete his temporary switch to Liverpool. The Uruguay international joined Barcelona B in 2018 before being promoted to the first team in 2019. Transfer Centre LIVE! | Liverpool news & transfers🔴Liverpool fixtures & scores | FREE Liverpool highlights▶️Why Liverpool are ready to put their faith in the 'real deal' Jeremy JacquetGot Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream PL games with no contract📺 The 27-year-old centre-back will add to Andoni Iraola's options at the heart of his defence following the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid and fitness concerns over relatively inexperienced 21-year-old Jeremy Jacquet. The summer signing from Rennes has made fewer than 100 senior career appearances and has not featured in pre-season yet after missing the second half of last season following shoulder surgery. Joe Gomez suffered a muscle injury in Liverpool's opening pre-season game, while teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from an ACL injury, leaving captain Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool's only fully-fit senior centre-back. Araujo primarily plays as central defender but is also capable of filling in at right-back. This would aid two problem positions for Liverpool, who have injuries at both right-back and centre-back. Araujo joined Barcelona from his native Uruguay in 2018 and made his debut the following October, going on to play more than 200 games at the Nou Camp to date. He was named one of the club's captains following the departure of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen in January but started only 11 LaLiga matches for the Catalan giants last season following an extended break from football in November 2025 as he recovered from what he later revealed was depression. Liverpool's Barcola deal difficult to complete after talks with PSG Liverpool have held preliminary talks with Paris Saint-Germain over the possibility of signing Bradley Barcola. However, Sky Sports News understands there is a significant gap in valuation between the two clubs. The Champions League holders value the 23-year-old at £145m. PSG's stance on the fee makes it a difficult deal to complete at this stage.

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of the former Conservative minister, who was found dead at her Devon home on 9 July. In an update on Friday, it was revealed the Metropolitan Police received a report of an attempted burglary at an address in the Greater London area in April 2025. Sky News understands this relates to a property linked to Reform UK leader Mr Farage. Counter terror police have now reopened the investigation into this incident, and a staff member has been referred to the police watchdog for allegedly failing to follow up a line of inquiry. "Enquiries were carried out by the Metropolitan Police, supported by Counter Terrorism Policing London," said Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing. "No arrests were made, and the investigation was subsequently closed, pending any new lines of enquiry." Ms Evans added: "Following the reopening of the attempted burglary investigation, Counter Terrorism Policing London identified a line of enquiry which was not identified and pursued by them at the time, which may have been relevant. "As a result, to ensure their support to the initial investigation is thoroughly reviewed, Counter Terrorism Policing London made a mandatory conduct referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). "We will engage fully and comprehensively with the IOPC on this matter. "The victims and families in both investigations have been updated today, and we continue to support them." Read more from Sky News:High temperatures return to UKManhunt for escaped child rapist Reform UK spokeswoman Ms Widdecombe was having lunch when Kerry allegedly burst into her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, the Old Bailey heard previously. Ms Widdecombe was struck 21 times on the head with a hammer, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July, two days after Ms Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her property. He was also arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism - but has not been charged with this offence. Kerry will appear at the Old Bailey on 9 October for a case management hearing before a further plea and trial preparation hearing on 20 November. A provisional trial date was listed for 8 June 2027. An IOPC spokesperson said of the burglary investigation: "We can confirm that the IOPC has decided to independently investigate the conduct of a Counter Terrorism Policing London staff member following a referral received earlier today. "The conduct relates to an allegation the individual failed to identify and pursue a line of enquiry relating to an attempted burglary reported in April 2025. "Counter Terrorism Policing London has been notified of our decision, and no further information is available at this early stage."

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said in June she was "minded" to intervene in Paramount Skydance's $110bn (£81.4bn) acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) over public interest concerns. But a statement from her department on Thursday said she would not due to the legally binding commitments provided to her by Paramount. Money blog: HMRC repays £50m to thousands of pension savers The media and entertainment conglomerate said it would invest £80m in the UK and ensure the news brands it acquired would remain editorially separate, as would the children's TV channels. It has promised that Channel 5 will continue to operate as a public service broadcaster and be separate to the US news brands it owns: CNN and CBS. It added that CNN International will continue to be available in the UK. A letter from the company to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said it had "no intention to change Channel 5's commissioning strategy, scheduling approach, news provision, UK origination levels, children's content". Paramount has agreed to make the assurances legally binding. The deal is now effectively green lit by the UK as competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority, decided there are no aspects necessitating its intervention. Ms Nandy said, however, she will be meeting with Paramount in the coming weeks seeking assurances about the impact of the deal on wider creative industries. Why does it matter? Ms Nandy had expressed concern over media plurality and the shrinking number of news media owners. Fears for streaming service concentration had also been voiced. A merger of WBD and Paramount Skydance is one of the biggest media deals in history, with significant impacts on TV, filmmaking, and the possible future of the cinema. Other entities that would be owned by Paramount Skydance and WBD in the event of a deal include TNT Sports, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon, as well as the Paramount+ and HBO Max streaming services. TV channels will remain distinct from the streaming services, the UK government was assured. The joining of two of Hollywood's five legacy studios could prompt cinema operators' concerns over possible reductions in jobs and the ​number ⁠of films released in theatres. The company is also headed by David Ellison, the son of Trump-ally Larry Ellison, who put up tens of billions of dollars to satisfy funding guarantees for the WBD bid. While the EU has approved the takeover, regulatory approval is still required in the US, where state attorneys general led by California have sought to block the deal on antitrust grounds.

It comes following a draft set of alcohol policies, published by the council, which encouraged venues to prioritise sitting areas over standing space in a bid to discourage so-called "vertical drinking". Politics Hub: Follow the latest However, Paul Swaddle, the Conservative leader of Westminster City Council, said "there is no plan" to stop standing-up drinking in his borough. Mr Swaddle said the policies are currently out for public consultation, with the survey due to close on Sunday. A No 10 spokesperson said: "Busy pubs full of people talking to each other is not a public nuisance, it is British life and it is thousands of jobs." They said that new licensing powers would be devolved to the mayor of London to help provide support to the city's pubs and nightlife. "Soho did not become world famous by taking last orders early, switching the lights off at 10 o'clock," the spokesperson added. "The prime minister encourages local leaders to work with the industry so that pubs can continue to thrive." PM 'a defender' of pubs Andy Burnham has previously vowed to be "a defender" for British pubs and recently announced plans to cut business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs and live music venues across England from April next year. The prime minister described pubs as being "at the heart of high streets" and said it was "really important to signal" at the start of his premiership that he would support them. Mr Burnham insisted he would "speak up for them and act". Included in Westminster City Council's draft statement of licensing policy is an intention to "discourage excessive drunkenness and encourage the provision of more seating in premises that serve alcohol for people to sit and enjoy a drink and order food by table service in place of open bar space that caters for high-volume vertical drinking". One proposed policy is to "normally refuse" pub, bar, fast food or music venue licences in an area known as the West End cumulative impact zone – the area roughly between Oxford Street and Trafalgar Square, including Leicester Square and Soho. "The introduction of measures to reduce the extent of, or to remove opportunities for, vertical drinking could address the underlying reasons for the policy," the document reads. 'We don't need lectures' Mr Swaddle said he wanted "to be straight with people" and accused the press of writing "confusing stories" about what the document meant. He said: "There is no plan, and never has been, to ban drinking while standing up in a Westminster pub." Read more from Sky News:Reality TV star jailedFarmer gets life for murder Mr Swaddle also hit back at London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, who criticised the proposals on social media, writing: "You can't run a world-famous nightlife district with a village-hall mindset." The council leader said: "We don't need lectures from City Hall on backing hospitality when they have directed the police to object to every new licence application as their solution to curbing crime in the West End." He added: "Growth is central to everything this administration is doing. That means backing our hospitality sector, not making things harder for them." Business owners have also criticised the proposals, with one owner of a venue in Soho telling the Press Association that "we rely on those people standing up with the rents and the rates put upon us". Meanwhile, a Conservative Party spokesperson said: "Standing inside or outside a pub with a pint in hand is a British tradition." They also called for Westminster City Council to strike a balance between the nighttime economy and concerns from neighbours, adding: "We hope the council's consultation will recognise its importance whilst addressing any particular local issues in crowded late-night locations."

Lankshear, a £10m summer signing from Tottenham, scored the only goal of the game in the 61st minute as he hooked home an excellent first-time volley. Middlesbrough almost claimed a seventh-minute opener, but while Adilson Malanda prodded Sebastian Berhalter's cross goalwards from close range, Danny Ward kept the ball out with a superb point-blank save. Danny Imray wasted a decent chance for Wrexham when he failed to make a proper connection from Callum Doyle's cross, and the visitors went close again six minutes before the break when Sam Smith fired a low shot into the legs of Sol Brynn after he was rolled into space by Nathan Broadhead. Carabao Cup: Watch any of 29 first-round ties on SaturdayGot Sky? Watch the Carabao Cup on the Sky Sports appNot got Sky? Stream the Carabao Cup with no contract Lankshear came close with an effort that was curled just over the bar at the start of the second half, but the 21-year-old did not have to wait too much longer for his first goal in a Boro shirt. Leo Castledine headed Jeremy Sarmiento's cross into Lankshear's path, and the striker swivelled neatly before hooking a superb first-time volley into the far corner. Boro almost doubled their lead with three minutes remaining, but Morgan Whittaker's low strike rebounded off the post. Wolves coast past Port Vale as Jimenez makes return Wolves progressed with a comfortable 3-0 win over Port Vale in which all three goals came in the first half. Adam Armstrong, Andre and Fer Lopez took the game away from the League Two side as Cesar Peixoto marked his first game in charge with a win. Jon Brady's Port Vale had opportunities. Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel hooked an extraordinary chance away from the Wolves goal before the break, before Mo Faal's low penalty was saved by the legs of Dan Bentley to deny the travelling fans a consolation. The Wolves supporters among the crowd of 21,360 at Molineux were more interested in serenading their returning hero. Raul Jimenez, the club's Premier League top scorer, re-signed this summer after three years at Fulham and came on as a late substitute. The Mexican centre-forward did fire off one fierce shot on goal but he was unable to mark the occasion with a goal that would have been cruel on a competitive Port Vale side. But it is Wolves who take their place in the second round of the Carabao Cup. Stevenage strike late to beat Wycombe New signing Josh Magennis headed the winner in the dying seconds to send Stevenage through to the second round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 victory at Wycombe. It was a fitting start to the Boro's 50th anniversary season as substitute Magennis, a summer capture from Exeter, rose to score from Phoenix Patterson's left-wing corner in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. The visitors had shaken off early pressure to take the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute. Midfielder Dan Kemp took advantage of hesitancy in the Wycombe defence as he raced through to fire home a low shot. That stung the home side into action and Ewan Henderson equalised in the 38th minute. Winger Silko Thomas crossed from the left and the Scot slipped through the visiting defence to score right-footed from just outside the six-yard box. Stevenage scared their Sky Bet League One rivals again on the stroke of half-time when Kemp rattled the bar with a shot from the edge of the box. Wycombe took control after the break but struggled to break through. New boy Emre Tezgel, on for Cauley Woodrow, was thwarted by Boro skipper Carl Piergianni as he attempted to force home Thomas' cross from the left in the 77th minute before Magennis settled the issue. Watch any of 29 Carabao Cup ties on Saturday! The Carabao Cup is back for the 2026/27 season, with every first-round tie available to watch live on Sky Sports! West Ham, Burnley and Leicester are among those in action on Saturday - and you can follow the goals as they go in from all 29 ties on Soccer Saturday. Every match from the opening round will be shown live on Sky Sports, with clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two entering the competition.