EU plans sweeping new sanctions on Russia

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of France international left-back Lucas Digne from Aston Villa, bringing the experienced defender back to the club more than a decade after his first spell in Paris. The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the French champions. PSG activated Digne’s release clause, with reports putting the transfer fee at around £8.5 million ($11.5m). Digne’s return marks an intriguing new chapter in a career that has taken him across some of Europe’s biggest clubs. He initially joined PSG in 2013 and made 44 appearances before moving on. He subsequently spent time at Roma, Barcelona and Everton before establishing himself as an important figure at Aston Villa. His spell in England ended on a high note. Digne played a significant role in Villa’s successful 2025-26 campaign, helping the club lift the Europa League under manager Unai Emery. The move also comes after an impressive international period. Digne earned his place as France’s preferred left-back during the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup and now arrives in Paris with 64 international caps to his name. For Digne, the transfer is more than simply another move. Returning to his hometown club gives him an opportunity to finish another chapter of his career at a club that has transformed dramatically since his first departure. “I am very honoured to be returning to Paris Saint-Germain,” Digne said, adding that he was impressed by the club’s development and eager to bring his experience to the team. At PSG, Digne is expected to provide experienced competition and cover for first-choice left-back Nuno Mendes. His versatility, international experience and familiarity with the club could make him a valuable squad player. The storyline could become even more compelling this week, with PSG scheduled to face Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup on August 12. Digne could potentially make his PSG return against his former side. The reunion promises an unusual twist: Digne could soon find himself lining up against the club he has only just left.

Veteran Pakistani boxing coach and former international boxer Arshad Hussain has praised Fatima Zehra for securing a rare bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, saying her achievement reflects the untapped potential of Pakistan’s female boxers. Arshad, who has himself competed at the Commonwealth Games, said winning a medal at the prestigious event was a major accomplishment, particularly in women’s boxing. Speaking about Fatima’s performance, he said she had to overcome strong international competition and win two bouts to secure the bronze medal. He stressed that athletes competing at the Commonwealth level face opponents from countries against whom Pakistani boxers often have limited experience. Arshad also called for greater attention to women’s boxing in Pakistan. He said the country has several promising female fighters who could achieve significant success if provided with proper coaching, international exposure and regular training opportunities. He identified Fatima Zehra, Malaika and Maria among the boxers with considerable potential. According to him, these athletes should be given opportunities to train abroad for several months so they can improve their technical skills and gain valuable international experience. The veteran coach also expressed disappointment over boxer Qudratullah’s decision to leave Pakistan after participating in the Commonwealth Games. He described him as a talented fighter and questioned the circumstances that led to his disappearance from the national setup. While assessing the performance of Pakistan’s male boxers at the Games, Arshad said they produced competitive performances but lacked the required technical and physical sharpness. He maintained that better preparation could help them compete more effectively at the international level. Arshad further highlighted the need for sustained government support for boxing. He recalled Pakistan’s strong history in the sport and argued that short training camps were insufficient to prepare athletes for major international competitions. He questioned how Pakistan could expect medals when boxers were given only a 20-day camp before the Commonwealth Games, saying even much longer preparation does not guarantee success at that level. Looking ahead to the Asian Games, Arshad remained cautious about Pakistan’s medal chances. He said the competition would be significantly tougher, with major boxing nations including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Japan, China and the Philippines expected to compete.