Leon

South Africa international Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) has said. SAFPU – which is recognised by FIFPRO, the global union for professional soccer players — said it was “devastated by the untimely passing” of the midfielder, who appeared in three of his nation’s matches at this summer’s World Cup. Sources confirmed the news to The Athletic. @LeonImber and @Simon_Hughes__

FIFA is charging $79 (£59) for fans to have their name on the big screen at World Cup venues before matches this summer. Through its “Super Shoutout” program, world football’s governing body has listed all 72 group-stage matches at this summer’s tournament and fans can pay $79 (not including tax) to have their name shown on the stadium’s scoreboard. While the page advertises a “shoutout slot” you can reserve so your name appears “during the match” and “at the right moment in the right game”, the terms state the “Super Shoutouts will be displayed during pregame” and “not be displayed during live match play”. ✍️ @LeonImber FREE TO READ: bit.ly/4ojMt67

Dan Burn says he has “no animosity” towards Alexander Isak after the striker left Newcastle United to join Liverpool. Burn said he empathises with frustrated supporters, but also understands that footballers “have things they want to achieve” during their careers. @LeonImber

📑 Signs two-year deal 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wrexham's seventh summer signing 🦊 Departs #LCFC after two years 🗣️ “I’m over the moon. It’s a special day, I’ll be honest.” Wrexham have completed the signing of Conor Coady from Leicester City. @LeonImber | nytimes.com/athletic/6526931…

A man has received an “indefinite ban” from attending Everton matches over a video which appeared to show him not paying for food during the first test event of the club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. More from Leon Imber & @Paddy_Boyland nytimes.com/athletic/6284372…

Sir Gareth Southgate has warned that young men are being led by "toxic influencers". While giving the BBC’s annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture, the former England manager said that "young men are suffering" with feeling "isolated", leading them to unhealthy solutions. Southgate referred to a report released by the Centre for Social Justice earlier this month, which found that young boys without a positive male role model are "in crisis". 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/6215384…

A group of local businessmen are in advanced talks to buy Southend United in a deal that could result in English actor Ray Winstone joining the club’s board. More from @mjshrimper ⬇️