GM football fans. It’s Tuesday, July. 22 - An independent football regulator has officially been signed into UK law, Argentina have lifted a 12-year ban on away supporters, and everything else you need to know. Forwarded this email? Sign up here.

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UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, Semi-Final: England vs. Italy, 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET. England can take confidence from the fact that they have won four of their previous five games against Italy, with their most recent meeting resulting in a 5-1 victory in a friendly in February 2024. But Italy have proven to be a different team this tournament, having opened the scoring in all four of their Euro 2025 games so far, only doing so in three of their 18 matches in the competition prior. Read the full match preview here.

TV Channels: BBC / ITV (UK) | FOX Sports (US) | TSN (Canada)

An independent football regulator has officially been signed into UK law after the Football Governance Act received royal assent. It’s a historic moment for English football, with the act introducing a football regulator for the top five tiers of the men’s game. The watchdog aims to ensure clubs are run sustainably and are accountable to their fans. It is expected to be in operation later this year.

The act grants the regulator several powers, including stronger tests to stop rogue owners, new standards for fan engagement in club decision-making, a ban on clubs joining breakaway leagues, and new financial regulations. Most notably, the regulator will have “backstop” powers to impose a financial settlement between the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) if the two sides fail to agree one themselves.

In its passage through Parliament, the act received criticism. Conservative MPs told the House of Lords that there were “dangers lurking” in the bill, arguing it would affect English football’s standing globally. The Premier League also issued a statement to say it was concerned with the regulatory framework, as it would have a “negative impact” on the league’s global competitiveness.

Argentine football clubs can now welcome away supporters after a 12-year ban was lifted. The ban was imposed following violent incidents, including the death of a Lanus fan and the fatal shootings of two Boca Juniors fans during clashes between rival supporters.

While the measure aimed to curb stadium violence, it fell short, as more deaths subsequently occurred among organised supporters’ groups known as the “barra bravas.” Read more on the barra bravas here.

The Argentine FA allowed 6,500 Rosario Central fans to occupy the away section when they faced Lanus on Saturday and will gradually phase in the lifted ban. For now, the measure will apply only in the province of Buenos Aires and will be expanded to other provinces that choose to opt in.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is “100%” that Arsenal followed the correct processes when dealing with former midfielder Thomas Partey, who was under police investigation for multiple counts of sexual assault while playing for the club. Four days after leaving Arsenal, Partey was charged with five counts.

Arsenal, who had been contacted by the police and informed that Partey was being investigated, continued to play the Ghanaian midfielder. He made 56 appearances for the Gunners while on bail, including 53 games in his final season at the club. He was first arrested in July 2022.

Partey denies the charges and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name,” his lawyer has said. He is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 August.

> Liverpool agree a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt for the signing of Hugo Ekitike for an initial fee of £69m, with add-ons potentially worth £10m, pushing the Reds’ summer spending to over £250m (More) | Manchester United confirm the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for an initial £65m (More)

> England Women will stop taking the knee following online racial abuse of defender Jess Carter during Euro 2025 (More) | Burton Albion are being investigated by the FA over deals made during their British-record transfer spree last summer (More)

> The Champions League third qualifying round draw took place yesterday; see the ties (More)

> Thiabaut Courtois has agreed a new two-year contract with Real Madrid (More)

> Liga MX has unveiled their 29-player roster for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game (More)

> Innovatio Capital have completed the takeover of Queretaro FC to become the first majority-U.S. ownership group in Liga MX (More)

> Several clubs in Europe and South America are reportedly in favour of holding the revamped Club World Cup every two years to increase revenue; though Fifa reportedly believe this is unfeasible (More)

> Defending J League champions Vissel Kobe go to the top of the standings with a 2-1 win over Fagiano Okayama (More)

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Yesterday’s Poll: Are FIFA right to downgrade previous Club World Cup winners now that the format has expanded?

🟨 🟨 🟨 ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ 👍 Yes (31%)

🟩 🟩 🟩 🟩 🟩 🟩 🙅‍♂️ Nope (66%)

🟨 ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ ✍️ Other (3%)

Your punditry takes:

How does the business of Wrexham work? (video)

First glimpses of Wirtz for Liverpool in pre-season match.

Hulk still has unbelievable power.

Women’s Euro 2025 power rankings.

Salah has the highest-ever opening cost for a midfielder in FPL.

… and position changes have been announced.

Arsenal unveil new away kit inspired by 90s shirt.

Guess the following players by their transfers (excluding loans, except current club):

Scroll below for the answer.

Women’s Euro 2025, semi-final

*All times in UK. ET -5. CDT -6. PDT -8. MDT -7. CET +1.

Answer

Pedro Neto. Victor Osimhen. Marco Asensio.

Daily Wordle: Guess the football-related word, from player names to classic phrases, in six tries or fewer. Play it here.