Wales

Harry Potter fans successfully pressured developers to reroute the £430 million Greenlink power connector, a 125-mile undersea cable linking the UK and Ireland, after its original path threatened the filming location of Dobby the house elf's grave at Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Despite initial dismissal by project manager Simon Ludlam, the company acquiesced to hundreds of complaints, rerouting the cable near a Bronze Age burial site instead. The grave, a popular pilgrimage spot, remains protected.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 11, 11:47 AM UTC

Multiple national football associations, including Wales, England, and Ireland, have withdrawn support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s re-election, citing failures in governance, transparency, and leadership. The revolt follows a failed plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. Meanwhile, six Arab federations and some African/South American blocs back Infantino, revealing a deep split within FIFA’s membership ahead of the 2027 election.

9 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 16, 06:26 PM UTC

FIFA President Gianfilippo Infantino’s secret plan to sell minority stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors, including Jared Kushner’s brother, has triggered a major crisis. UEFA and other football bodies condemn the move as a “money-grab” and “existential threat,” with UEFA considering a boycott of FIFA competitions. The plan, backed by a 19 September deadline for member associations, risks reshaping football governance and player welfare.

65 reports · 24 sources · Updated Aug 10, 11:51 AM UTC

Wolverhampton Wanderers Women have officially signed Olivia Francis, a 20-year-old Welsh international winger, following her departure from Plymouth Argyle. Francis scored ten goals in 33 appearances for Plymouth, helping them finish second in the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division. She previously spent time at Manchester United's Professional Game Academy and began her career with Pontypridd. Francis has represented Wales since age 13 and earned her first senior international call-up in November 2025. Wolves confirmed the move on their official website, with Head of Women and Girls Russ Fraser praising her pace and noting the club had tracked her for some time. She becomes Wolves' tenth signing of the summer. The article also notes that Manchester United have been active in the transfer market under Michael Carrick, strengthening midfield with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and adding goalkeepers Karl Darlow and Kit Margetson.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:15 PM UTC

Leicester City are in advanced talks to sign Swansea City and Wales forward Liam Cullen, who previously played under current Foxes boss Russell Martin at Swansea. The 27-year-old, who has scored 36 goals in 194 appearances for Swansea, has two years left on his contract but is expected to move to League One Leicester on a permanent deal. Cullen, a product of Swansea's academy, has two goals in 15 international appearances for Wales. Meanwhile, Swansea hope to retain Championship top scorer Zan Vipotnik and integrate Adam Idah more consistently. The Swans have also added wingers Elijah Just and Moussa Yeo, along with Stephen Welsh, Joseph Opoku, and Leo Walta this summer.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:51 PM UTC

GE Vernova has secured a contract from First Hydro Company, a joint venture between ENGIE and La Caisse, to replace two pumped storage generating units at the Dinorwig pumped storage hydropower station in North Wales. The project is part of a long-term modernisation programme to extend the operational life of the facility, which has been in operation for over 40 years and can supply up to 1,320 megawatts of electricity within 12 seconds. The full programme is expected to extend the station's operating life by at least 25 years. GE Vernova will provide upgraded motor generators, pump turbines, control systems, and power supply systems, with components sourced from facilities in France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. The contract follows successful model testing at GE Vernova's Grenoble laboratory. First Hydro Company owns and operates the Dinorwig and Ffestiniog pumped storage stations, which together provide 2.1 gigawatts of installed capacity, representing about 74% of the UK's pumped storage hydropower capacity.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 12:36 PM UTC

Cwmbran Celtic and Cwmbran Town, two Welsh football clubs separated by just 40 metres, are set to face each other for the first time in 16 years in the third tier of Welsh football. The match, hosted at Celtic's Motazone Arena, is believed to be the closest local derby in British football, surpassing the distances between Nottingham Forest and Notts County (River Trent) and Dundee's Dens Park and Tannadice Park (272m). The derby became possible after Celtic's relegation from the second tier last season. Veteran striker Lee Trundle, who joined Cwmbran Town this summer, is expected to make his debut. Fans anticipate a large crowd, with many players knowing each other from the same town. The article notes that a Paris derby (Parc des Princes vs Stade Jean-Bouin) is separated by a similar 40m, but the Cwmbran contest is unique for its local intensity.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:07 AM UTC

Cwmbran Celtic and Cwmbran Town, two football clubs in south Wales separated by just 40 metres, are set to face each other for the first time in 16 years on Tuesday. The match, in the third tier of Welsh football (Ardal South-East League), is believed to be the closest local derby in the UK, surpassing the distance between Dundee's Dens Park and Tannadice Park (272m) and Nottingham's rivals (separated by the River Trent). Cwmbran Celtic were relegated from the second tier last season, bringing them into the same league as their neighbours. Veteran striker Lee Trundle, who joined Cwmbran Town this summer, is expected to make his debut. Under competition rules, visitors Cwmbran Town must use Celtic's Motazone Arena changing rooms. Local fan Steve Fry expressed excitement, noting many players know each other from the same town. The article notes that while Paris' Parc des Princes and Stade Jean-Bouin are also 40m apart, the Cwmbran derby may be the most local in football.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:07 AM UTC

Arsenal have completed the signing of 16-year-old Cardiff City winger Axel Donczew, confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Donczew, who became Cardiff’s youngest-ever player in October 2025, has already undergone a medical and will join Arsenal’s academy. The Wales under-19 international, also eligible for Poland, is seen as a promising attacking talent. The move involves a compensation fee, potentially set by tribunal, and follows Arsenal’s policy of developing young players under Mikel Arteta.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 27, 06:08 PM UTC

Manchester United have signed 19-year-old former Swansea City goalkeeper Kit Margetson on a free transfer, with Swansea receiving a compensation fee. Margetson, a Wales under-21 international, spent last season on loan at Connah's Quay Nomads, making 34 appearances and keeping 10 clean sheets. The club is also overhauling its goalkeeping department under manager Michael Carrick. Altay Bayindir and Radek Vitek are set to depart, with Vitek valued at £10 million after an impressive loan at Bristol City. Previous No.1 Andre Onana has been loaned to Trabzonspor. Karl Darlow has joined from Leeds on a free transfer to back up Senne Lammens, who arrived last year. The moves aim to create space in the first-team squad.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 09:58 AM UTC

Manchester United have officially announced an agreement to sign 20-year-old goalkeeper Kit Margetson from Swansea City, pending completion of registration procedures. Margetson, who trained at Swansea since the U15 level, spent last season on loan at Welsh club Connah's Quay Nomads, where he made his senior competitive debut. He kept 10 clean sheets in 34 appearances, helping the team qualify for European competition. Margetson has also represented Wales at various youth levels and made his U21 debut in March against Belarus. Manchester United welcomed the player and wished him well in his future career. The transfer is seen as a move to bolster the club's young goalkeeping talent pool.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 09:16 AM UTC

Multiple British media outlets report that Arsenal is set to sign 16-year-old Cardiff City midfielder Axel Donczew, who became Cardiff's youngest-ever first-team player at 15 years and 234 days. Donczew, a versatile winger and attacking midfielder, has represented Wales at youth levels and is also eligible for Poland. The move comes as Arsenal lost two young prospects—Jeremy Monga and Mishel Nduka—to Manchester City. However, Arsenal did sign Elijah Upson, son of former defender Matthew Upson, for their academy. Separately, the Premier League champions (Manchester City) announced the €40 million signing of Christos Zolis for the first team.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 11:56 PM UTC

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office on July 20, 2026, has finalized his cabinet, promoting British-Indian MP Kanishka Narayan to the role of Minister for AI within the Cabinet Office and Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Narayan, 36, born in Bihar and raised in Wales, called his elevation a sign of Burnham's deep commitment to AI's importance, describing AI as the most significant technology in human history. He pledged to focus on securing British influence in shaping AI while addressing public concerns about jobs and change. Burnham also purged allies of predecessor Keir Starmer from the government. Lisa Nandy, another Indian-origin minister, retained her role with added responsibility for digital services. Narayan emphasized continuity in the India-UK relationship.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:52 AM UTC

Wrexham Women celebrated their historic Women's Champions League debut with a thrilling 4-2 victory against Armenian champions FC Pyunik in the first qualifying round semi-final at the Racecourse Ground. After falling behind in the 12th minute to a Susanna Badalya goal, Wrexham equalized quickly through Katie Barker. Lili Jones put Wrexham ahead five minutes into the second half, and Ava Suckley extended the lead to 3-1. Pyunik pulled one back through Luiza Ghazaryan, but new signing Natasha Thomas sealed the win with a late goal. The victory marks the first time a Welsh team has won a Champions League match since Cardiff Met in 2019-20. Wrexham will now face Riga of Estonia in Saturday's first qualifying round final for a chance to advance further.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:12 PM UTC

Wrexham Women celebrated their historic Women's Champions League debut with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Armenian champions FC Pyunik in the first qualifying round semi-final at the Racecourse Ground. After falling behind to Susanna Badalya's 12th-minute goal, Wrexham equalized quickly through Katie Barker. Lili Jones put them ahead early in the second half, and Ava Suckley extended the lead before Luiza Ghazaryan pulled one back for Pyunik. New signing Natasha Thomas sealed the win late in the match. Wrexham, who qualified by winning the Adran Premier for the first time, will face Riga of Estonia in Saturday's final. The victory marked the first time a Welsh team had won a Champions League match since Cardiff Met in 2019-20. Head coach Jenny Sugarman praised her team's resilience and spirit.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:12 PM UTC

Jorge Jesus, the 71-year-old former Benfica and Al-Hilal manager, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Portugal national team, replacing Roberto Martinez after Portugal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup by Spain (0-1). In his first public statements, Jesus addressed the status of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, stating he will never be a problem and that age is not a factor in his evaluations. Jesus announced that his first squad for the Nations League match against Wales on September 24 will closely resemble the 2026 World Cup squad, with only two or three new players. He emphasized the need for the team to play better than at the World Cup, noting that despite having great players, Portugal has not won much recently, with their last major trophy being Euro 2016. His main objective is building a team capable of competing for the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal co-hosts with Spain and Morocco.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:59 PM UTC

India has announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh as captain. The team, selected from a 24-member Pro League squad, omits four players due to tournament size limits. India's recent Pro League campaign was disappointing, finishing eighth out of nine teams. The squad blends experienced players like Manpreet Singh with younger talent. India, who have not won a World Cup medal since 1975, are drawn in Pool D with England, Pakistan, and Wales. Their campaign begins on August 15 against Wales, with the marquee clash against Pakistan on August 19. Chief coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the balanced squad and the team's tactical identity.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:11 AM UTC

Newly appointed Portugal national team head coach Jorge Jesus gave an extensive interview to Canal 11, outlining his vision and goals. He stated that his primary objective is to lead Portugal to victory in the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted in Portugal. Jesus analyzed Spain's performance in the recent World Cup, praising their defensive solidity and tactical clarity, and highlighted Rodri and the substitution of Fabian Ruiz for Pedri as key factors. He expressed confidence in Portugal's midfield potential, calling it one of the best in quality and depth. Jesus emphasized the importance of a winning mentality, noting that Portugal has the players and infrastructure to win major titles. He also discussed the need for more matches to build team cohesion, welcomed the new schedule of four to five consecutive games for the Nations League, and acknowledged the physical threat of opponents like Norway (with Erling Haaland) and Denmark, while insisting his tactical philosophy will not change.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:30 AM UTC

A Hupu sports news article reports a striking pattern in men's football: in the last eight editions of the World Cup and European Championship (2012-2026), the winner of the first semifinal has gone on to win the title every time. The pattern held true in the 2026 World Cup, where Spain defeated Argentina in the final after beating France in the first semifinal. The article lists each tournament from 2012 to 2026, noting the first semifinal winner and eventual champion. It suggests that the extra day of rest gained by playing the first semifinal may be a contributing factor, as the two semifinals are typically held on separate days. The report is sourced from Hupu, a Chinese sports community, and includes reader reactions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 10:29 PM UTC

South Africa defeated Wales 43-0 in a Nations Championship match in Durban, scoring seven tries despite committing several errors. This was Wales' second consecutive match without scoring against the Springboks, following a 73-0 loss in November 2025. Tries were scored by Jasper Wiese, Cobus Reinach, Jesse Kriel, Jaco Williams, Herschel Jantjies, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Paul de Villiers. The victory marked South Africa's 11th consecutive win and moved them to the top of the Southern Section of the Nations Championship after previous wins over England and Scotland.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 05:50 PM UTC

The article details the summer plans for Spain's U-19 European Championship-winning players. Quim Junyent, the tournament MVP, has signed for Almería after a limited role at Barcelona. Thiago Pitarch, a Real Madrid midfielder, will join the first team's preseason under new coach Mourinho, with his future uncertain and interest from clubs like Málaga. Xavi Espart will cut his vacation short to join Barcelona's preseason under Hansi Flick, who compared him to Philipp Lahm; the club plans to keep him in the first-team dynamics. The article also mentions Jorge Salinas and his contract clause, highlighting the improved status of these young players after their championship win.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:45 PM UTC

The article details the summer plans for Spain's U-19 European Championship-winning players. Quim Junyent, the tournament MVP, has signed for Almería after a limited role at Barcelona. Thiago Pitarch of Real Madrid will join the first team preseason under new coach Mourinho, with his future uncertain and interest from Málaga. Xavi Espart will cut his vacation short to join Barcelona's preseason under Hansi Flick, who has compared him to Philipp Lahm for his versatility. The article highlights how the championship has boosted the players' reputations and club status.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:45 PM UTC

Rupali Wagh, a 50-year-old Indian-origin businesswoman based in Wales, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison by a UK court on July 17, 2026, for fraudulently obtaining £216,250 in Covid-19 Bounce Back Loans. She pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud at Cardiff Crown Court in November 2025. Between May and September 2020, Wagh applied for loans for four companies by inflating turnover figures, including for a dormant company. She used the funds to pay off personal debts, buy stocks and shares, and transferred over £25,000 to an account in India. The Insolvency Service investigated and noted she initially tried to blame someone else before admitting she acted alone. The court sentenced her at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:14 PM UTC

The international future of Cristiano Ronaldo has been thrown into fresh doubt after new claims suggested he could retire from Portugal following one final appearance for the country. According to journalist Mohamed Awaad, a Portuguese football business agent believes Ronaldo is planning to retire from international football after Portugal’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales. The match is reportedly set to take place at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, the home of Sporting CP, where Ronaldo first announced himself to the football world in 2003. The 41-year-old former Manchester United star confirmed after Portugal’s 2026 World Cup exit that it had been his final World Cup, but had not yet decided to retire from international football. There has been no official confirmation from Ronaldo or the Portuguese Football Federation regarding these claims, which remain speculation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:39 PM UTC

A high-profile Indiaspora dinner in London, chaired by Tony Matharu, brought together 40 leading Indian-origin business leaders, policymakers, and the Indian High Commissioner to discuss Britain's AI opportunity. Keynote speaker Kanishka Narayan MP outlined three pillars for UK AI success: infrastructure, alliances (especially with India), and public trust. Indian High Commissioner Periasamy Kumaran detailed India's AI Mission, including plans to deploy 100,000 public GPUs. The conversation highlighted a critical gap in growth-stage capital in the UK, with attendees pointing to pension reform as a potential solution. The article also notes the UK's advantage as an early testing ground for AI systems but warns of complacency, citing a projected shortfall of AI talent and rising NEET numbers among young people.

1 reports · 1 sources

A jury in Wales convicted Detective Inspector Emma Gardner of the North Wales Police of unauthorized access to computer material. Prosecutors stated that Gardner searched police databases without a legitimate law enforcement reason for information on one man and three women, which she then shared with them. Gardner told the man in question, 'I have my uses.' The case highlights misuse of police data access for personal favors.

1 reports · 1 sources

In an interview with the New Statesman, campaigner Anthony Barnett discusses the rising threat of ethno-nationalism in England and the potential breakup of the United Kingdom. Drawing on Tom Nairn’s theories, Barnett argues that the lack of a distinct English political institution has allowed a toxic form of Englishness, driven by Brexit and neoliberal resentment, to dominate. He identifies the Reform party as the modern manifestation of this phenomenon, describing it as a transformation of conservative tradition into a fascist-adjacent force. Barnett urges immediate constitutional reforms, specifically proportional representation, to empower voters and counter this trend. He highlights a growing recognition among some left-wing figures, including Andy Burnham and the Greens, that democratic reform is essential to address these deep-seated national questions. Barnett emphasizes that progressive forces must take responsibility for articulating a positive English identity within a reformed constitutional framework, rather than ignoring the English question as solely a Scottish or Welsh issue.

1 reports · 1 sources

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a severe leadership crisis after Labour’s disastrous local election results, losing over 1,400 seats to Reform UK and others. Despite more than 80 MPs demanding his resignation and several aides quitting, Starmer refuses to step down, warning of national instability. He announced policy shifts, including nationalizing British Steel and strengthening EU ties, to regain public trust. However, internal dissent intensifies as senior ministers urge an orderly transition, marking a critical juncture for the UK government’s stability and future direction.

66 reports · 34 sources · Updated May 16, 10:48 AM UTC

With 50 days remaining until the inaugural Nations Championship, Argentina’s national rugby team, Los Pumas, is finalizing its roster under coach Felipe Contepomi. The team will begin its campaign in Córdoba against Scotland, followed by matches against Wales and England. However, Contepomi faces significant challenges as four regular starters—Juan Cruz Mallía, Pedro Rubiolo, Juan Martín González, and Thomas Gallo—are sidelined with serious injuries requiring surgery. The coach is also closely monitoring the recovery of Emiliano Bofelli, who is returning to fitness after a long absence. This new tournament unifies the July and November international windows, featuring top teams from both hemispheres competing over three consecutive Super Saturdays. Starting on July 4, the competition serves as a critical preparatory stage for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. The schedule includes high-profile matchups such as Australia vs. Ireland and South Africa vs. England. Officials describe the event as a major test that will define the best teams globally while offering Los Pumas a vital opportunity to resolve selection doubts before the next World Cup cycle.

1 reports · 1 sources

This Forbes entertainment guide highlights major new movies and TV shows available for streaming this weekend across platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Disney+. Author Erik Kain shares personal viewing experiences, praising the fun of Prime Video's spy series Citadel Season 2 and the theatrical release of Mortal Kombat II. The article details several key releases: Disney+ features a Punisher TV special titled One Last Kill, starring Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle. Hulu launches Season 2 of Rivals, a critically acclaimed period drama set in 1980s Britain, and Season 5 of the sports documentary Welcome to Wrexham. Paramount+ introduces Dutton Ranch, a spin-off focusing on characters Rip and Beth Dutton moving to Texas. Additionally, Netflix premieres Nemesis. The guide serves as a comprehensive resource for viewers seeking fresh content, blending critical insight with practical availability information for various streaming services.

1 reports · 1 sources