MLS game postponed following positive COVID-19 tests

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A Major League Soccer (MLS) game between FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps FC has been postponed after nine Dallas players and a coach tested positive to COVID-19.

Two Vancouver players also returned inconclusive tests, however further tests showed negative results.

The match was due to be played on July 9. The Dallas players have now been moved to an isolation area in their hotel in Orlando.

The game was part of the ‘MLS is Back’ tournament, which sees 26 teams playing exclusively in Florida. All games will be based at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.

The MLS said that a rescheduled game instead allows the teams to have extra training days before their first matches.

“Major League Soccer today announced that the MLS is Back Tournament Group B game between FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps FC has been postponed and will be played on a later match date in the Group Stage presented by Heineken. Further details will be announced at a later date,” they said.

“Both teams will now play their first matches of the MLS is Back Tournament on July 15, as FC Dallas face Seattle Sounders FC at 9 a.m. ET and Vancouver Whitecaps FC face the San Jose Earthquakes at 10:30 p.m. ET.

“Vancouver was originally scheduled to arrive on July 1, but the team’s departure was delayed due to two inconclusive COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (“PCR”) test results during pre-travel screening. The subsequent test results were confirmed to be negative and the club will depart for Orlando on Monday, July 6.”

There are also reports that more players have tested positive, however this is yet to be confirmed by the MLS.

On Monday, Paul Tenorio and Sam Stejskal from The Athletic reported that five players from Nashville SC had tested positive along with a player and a member of staff from the Colorado Rapids. The latest update on testing results from the MLS was released on July 4.

The group stage of the MLS is Back tournament is due to start on Thursday morning with Orlando City SC taking on Inter Miami CF at 10am AEST.

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APL and PFA remain without agreement as bargaining tensions continue

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Image Credit: A-Leagues

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) remain without a new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations continuing less than three months before the start of the 2026–27 A-Leagues season.

The APL presented the players’ union with a new one-year interim proposal on August 5, which included an increase to the A-League Women salary cap and a commitment to establish a pathway towards full-time professionalism for the women’s competition within 12 months.

The proposed agreement would provide an interim framework while the two parties continue discussions over a longer-term collective bargaining agreement.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the proposal reflected the league’s commitment to reaching a sustainable agreement with players following eight months of negotiations.

However, the PFA criticised the APL for publicly announcing the proposal shortly after presenting it to the union, arguing that the approach had further damaged trust between the two parties.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch also said players had overwhelmingly rejected the APL’s previous final offer, citing a lack of trust in the league’s ability to ensure its future.

Full-time professionalism for the A-League Women remains a key priority for the PFA, with players seeking improved conditions and greater investment in the competition.

The A-League Men and A-League Women seasons are both scheduled to begin on 16 October 2026.

With the new season approaching, both parties face pressure to resolve the dispute and establish the framework governing player conditions across the A-Leagues.

 

 

Jeff Bezos consortium set for $2.7 billion Liverpool investment

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Image Credits: Fortune

Liverpool could soon welcome one of the world’s richest men into its ownership structure.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the club.

The proposed deal values Liverpool at around $8.6 billion (4.5 billion pounds). Bezos has a personal fortune estimated at $363 billion.

The investment would give Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a major financial return. It would also allow FSG to keep control of the club, which they bought in 2010.

The proposal has attracted attention across football. It has also created concern among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

FSG set for major return

FSG bought Liverpool for $573 million (300 million pounds) in 2010. The ownership group later provided further funding through loans. In the last 16 years, the club has undergone major growth.

Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. The club also won the Champions League in 2019. Another Premier League title followed in 2025.

Stadium redevelopment and a new training centre have also increased the club’s value. FSG could cash in on $2.7 billion (1.4 billion pounds) if the 30% share is sold.

The deal would therefore represent a huge return on its original investment. However, whilst the investment would provide a massive cash out for the owners of Liverpool, due to Financial Fair Play there won’t be increased investment in the transfer market.

Why Bezos wants Liverpool

Bezos has explored sports investments before. He has been linked with major American franchises such as the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Liverpool would give him a stake in one of football’s biggest global brands. The club also has a large following in the United States. The New York Times has also reported Liverpool has 26 million fans in America.

That makes the investment attractive for investors looking to expand their reach in global sport. American businessmen Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia are also reportedly involved in the consortium.

The deal would add to the growing American influence across English football.

Fans remain cautious

Liverpool supporters have not automatically welcomed the proposal.

The club’s previous experience under Tom Hicks and George Gillett still influences the fanbase.

Supporters also want greater clarity over the consortium’s intentions. Questions remain over board representation, control and the long-term purpose of the investment.

For many fans, ownership must involve more than financial ambition. The Bezos proposal could strengthen Liverpool’s commercial position. It could also deliver a huge payday for FSG.

But until the consortium reveals more about its plans, supporters are likely to treat the deal with scepticism.

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