Fifa abandons World Cup investment scheme after widespread outcry
Plus: New Greater Manchester mayor sworn in, Halfords returns to FTSE 250, Eddie Howe steps down at Newcastle, and EasyJet launches Newcastle-Tenerife flights.
TL;DR
- Fifa scrapped controversial World Cup investment plan after global backlash against corporate monetization.
- Bev Craig elected Greater Manchester mayor as Labour consolidates power in the North.
- Eddie Howe stepped down as Newcastle manager after nearly five years; Chelsea's Mudryk cleared to play.
- EasyJet launches Newcastle-Tenerife flights; Halfords returns to FTSE 250 following strategic gains.
Politics
Healey sets autumn budget date as Burnham's successor takes Manchester helm
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced October's budget alongside a major reshuffle of leadership roles in the devolved English regions.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the government will hold its full Budget in October, signalling major policy announcements on tax and spending ahead of autumn. The timing gives ministers weeks to prepare for fiscal measures that will shape the remainder of the financial year (via BBC News).
Bev Craig takes Manchester reins. Labour's Bev Craig has been elected Greater Manchester mayor, succeeding Andy Burnham who stepped up to Prime Minister. Craig garnered nearly double the votes of Reform UK's candidate, cementing Labour control over England's largest urban region outside London (via BBC News).
Business and economy
Halfords returns to FTSE 250 on strategic gains; Close Brothers gets new chair
Retail giant Halfords rejoins the blue-chip index after seven years away, while banking group Close Brothers announced a leadership transition.
Halfords Group has been restored to the FTSE 250 Index effective August 4 after seven years in the FTSE SmallCap, reflecting the cycling and motoring retailer's decade-high margins and accelerating revenue growth. The Redditch-based company will replace Bluefield Solar Income Fund on the index (via Investegate).
Close Brothers appoints new leadership. Close Brothers Group announced that Mark Pain, the bank's Senior Independent Director since 2021, will become chairman when Mike Biggs steps down after nine years in the role. The transition takes effect after November's annual general meeting, with Tracey Graham moving to replace Pain as senior independent director (via Investegate).
Entertainment
Sam Fender and Olivia Dean break UK chart record; Massive Attack banned from Singapore
A UK collaboration reaches a milestone while the Bristol electronic outfit faces a ban over political activism.
Sam Fender and Olivia Dean's collaboration "Rein Me In" has shattered the UK's previous singles chart record, claiming the fastest-ever debut to number one with unprecedented first-week streaming numbers. The song's success crowns a breakout year for both artists, with Fender on the cusp of superstardom and Dean's crossover appeal accelerating (via BBC News).
Massive Attack banned from Singapore. Bristol electronic pioneers Massive Attack have been barred from performing future shows in Singapore after the band displayed pro-Palestine symbolism at a July concert, defying local restrictions on political messaging at entertainment events (via BBC News).
Glasgow gets Spider-Man starring role. Scotland's capital will serve as a filming location for the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day film, bringing major Hollywood production and supporting roles to Scottish crews and actors. The announcement reinforces Glasgow's growing reputation as a UK filmmaking hub (via BBC News).
Travel and tourism
EasyJet launches Newcastle-Tenerife route; Heathrow prepares for summer surge
Budget airline opens a new Spanish destination while Heathrow handles record passenger traffic despite temporary transport disruption.
EasyJet begins twice-weekly flights from Newcastle to Tenerife starting August 1, operating Wednesdays and Saturdays with fares from £55.99. The new route reflects the airline's expansion at Newcastle Airport following the reopening of its base there, offering North East and Scottish passengers direct sun-break access to the Canary Islands (via easyJet Media Centre).
Heathrow braces for peak summer demand amid Tube closure. London's Heathrow Airport is preparing for record passenger flows during August's final stretch, handling over 270,000 travellers daily. However, the London Underground's Piccadilly line will be closed on August 1 and 2 due to planned industrial action, forcing passengers to use Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth line, and replacement bus services for airport access (via Heathrow).
Sports
Fifa scraps World Cup monetization plan; Howe quits Newcastle after five years
The governing body abandoned a controversial scheme to sell stakes in tournaments as Eddie Howe exited one of England's biggest clubs.
Fifa abandoned plans to monetize stakes in major competitions including the World Cup after a firestorm of opposition from confederations, clubs, players and fans who argued the scheme threatened the integrity of global football. The reversal marks a rare defeat for Fifa leadership after weeks of controversy (via BBC Sport).
Eddie Howe ends Newcastle tenure. Eddie Howe has stepped down as Newcastle United head coach after nearly five years in charge, ending a tenure that saw the Magpies stabilize and build for sustained European competition. His departure opens one of English football's most sought-after vacancies as the club plots its next chapter (via BBC Sport).
Mudryk appeal approved; Commonwealth Games mile looms. Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk succeeded in his appeal against a doping ban, clearing the Ukrainian winger to resume competition immediately (via BBC Sport). Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Games men's mile final in Glasgow will showcase Kerr, Wightman and a field of world-class distance runners vying for gold (via BBC Sport).
Hunter Bell wins Commonwealth 800m. England's Georgia Hunter Bell captured gold in the women's 800 metres at Glasgow's Commonwealth Games, posting a commanding performance that sets her up for a medal sweep across multiple distances in Scotland (via BBC Sport).