US-owned Leeds signs Slovenia defender Jaka Bijol for return to Premier League
LONDON (AP) — Newly promoted Premier League club Leeds added Slovenia standout Jaka Bijol to its defense ahead of the second-tier champion's return to the top level.
Leeds said the 26-year-old center back signed a five-year deal. The transfer fee paid to Udinese was reportedly around 15 million pounds ($20 million).
Bijol has played 63 times for Slovenia, including all four games at the 2024 European Championship.
He helped shut out the England attack led by Harry Kane and Portugal's attack led by Cristiano Ronaldo in 0-0 draws. Slovenia was eliminated by Portugal in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout.
Slovenia starts a 2026 World Cup qualifying group in September in a competitive group with Switzerland, Sweden and Kosovo.
Leeds, whose United States ownership group is led by 49ers Enterprises, starts its Premier League season hosting Everton on Aug. 18.
Thursdays
Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edmonton Journal
31 minutes ago
- Edmonton Journal
Lyon relegated to French soccer's second tier amid ongoing financial problems
Article content The decision comes after the DNCG had already provisionally relegated Lyon to Ligue 2 in November, with the club reporting at the time that it had more than 500 million euros ($581 million) of debt. A transfer ban was also imposed in the January transfer window. Lyon is owned by American businessman John Textor, who has stakes in Brazil's Botafogo and Premier League team Crystal Palace. Textor was present for the hearing in Paris on Tuesday. He had been optimistic it would be successful for Lyon, which has been trying to balance the books. On Monday, Premier League side Crystal Palace announced that New York Jets owner Woody Johnson signed 'a legally binding contract' to buy Textor's shares. Textor has a 43% stake in the London club. Reports have placed the price between $220 million and $260 million. Two weeks ago, Lyon received a much-needed cash injection by selling coveted playmaker Rayan Cherki for 36 million euros. But the club has been under growing pressure. Two years ago, the DNCG decided to monitor the club's transfer activities, saying its moves on the market would be limited under 'a framework for wage costs and transfer indemnities.' Lyon won its seven league titles from 2002-08 and reached the Champions League semifinals in 2020. Lyon narrowly lost to Manchester United in the Europa League quarterfinals and missed out on a cash windfall when it failed to qualify for next season's Champions League after finishing sixth in Ligue 1.
The Province
43 minutes ago
- The Province
New FIFA World Cup hosting costs revealed by B.C. put price at up to $624 million
The gross costs are expected to be offset by $448 million to $478 million of estimated revenues, higher than the 2024 estimates Dignitaries including FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani, far left, and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, far right, unveil a clock at Terry Fox Plaza in front of BC Place stadium in Vancouver that is counting down to the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup in the city. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG If you build it, they will come back. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors That's how provincial and Vancouver city officials are billing the upcoming FIFA World Cup — along with the hefty hosting bill — pointing to studies that show first-time visitors to B.C. are likely to return four times over their lifetime. The overall costs of planning, staging and hosting seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will cost the province between $532 million and $624 million, a total that will be split between several jurisdictions. The City of Vancouver's projected costs will be between $261 million and $281 million, a modest bump from the initial projections of $246 million to $276 million from April of 2024. PavCo, the crown corporation that runs B.C. Place, is undergoing retrofitting and renovations that will run between $171 million to $181 million. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. FIFA also requires that the host city provide services beyond its direct jurisdiction, such as public-sector transportation, ambulance and other health services, estimated in the range of $54 million to $64 million. 'We're gearing up to leverage the opportunities for B.C.'s tourism sector. Welcoming fans and visitors from around the globe before, during and after the tournament means real benefits for local tourism businesses and the skilled professionals who power our vibrant industry,' said Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of B.C. 'We're looking forward to showcasing unforgettable B.C. experiences and inspiring visitors to keep returning.' The gross costs are expected to be offset by $448 million to $478 million of estimated revenues and recoveries, also higher than the 2024 estimates. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. An assessment by FIFA claims the time preparing for and hosting the tournament — from June 2023 to August 2026 — could contribute $1.7 billion in economic benefits for B.C., including a $980-million increase to GDP and $610 million in labour income. The City of Vancouver is projecting revenues from the major events municipal and regional district tax to be in the range of $250 million to $260 million, as well as an additional $52 million to $60 million including commercial revenues, facility rental fees. 'The City of Vancouver͛s direct costs, including security, transportation, the FIFA Fan Festival and upcoming milestones remain on track, with no major changes from 2024's budget projections,' said Vancouver mayor Ken Sim This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'With less than a year to go until the world's biggest sporting event arrives in Vancouver, we͛re working hard to deliver a safe, memorable experience for residents, fans and visitors. We remain committed to managing costs responsibly while maximizing the long-term benefits for our community.' The updated costs reflect the changing security precautions and refinement of the FIFA Fan Festival, as well as the shifting the location of the training site and team base camp from Memorial South Park to UBC. After the World Cup, B.C. estimates more than one million additional out-of-province visitors will visit B.C. before 2031, generating more than $1 billion in additional visitor spending and creating more than 18,000 jobs. More to come … Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks World Local News News
Toronto Sun
an hour ago
- Toronto Sun
High-flying Canucks headed to cricket World Twenty 20 Cup
Canadian national team fulfilled its billing as odds-on favourite to top its qualifying group and book its ticket for 2026 World Twenty20 Cup. Canada's Dilon Heyliger, right, celebrates with captain Saad Bin Zafar after the dismissal of Pakistan's captain Babar Azam during a match in 2024. AP Photo Canada is flying high on the field. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The national team fulfilled its billing as odds-on favourite to top its qualifying group and book its ticket for the next World Twenty20 Cup to be played in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. 'It feels great to qualify for the World Cup,'' said an excited Saad Bin Zafar, Canada's star all-rounder. 'And to play the tournament in the biggest cricketing nation in the world is an incredible feeling. We just can't wait.' Canada played like champions during the last 10 days by strolling to an unbeaten 6-0 run in the four-team Americas Regional Qualifier at King City that's about 40 kilometres outside of Toronto. Canada got the better of Bermuda, Cayman Islands and the Bahamas. It will be Canada's second straight appearance in this particular global tournament, having featured in it for the very first time in 2024 when it was hosted by the U.S. and the Caribbean. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Canada booked its spot on Saturday in grand style with a commanding seven-wicket walk-in-the-park stroll over the Bahamas. Starring in this win were Kaleem Sana and Shivam Sharma who pocketed three wickets each as the islanders were bundled out for a meagre 57. Then 22-year-old Dilpreet Bajwa lay the wood on them with an explosive unbeaten 36 off 14 balls. Canada crowned this magnificent run by chasing down Bermuda's 131 with four overs to spare on Sunday. The Canucks beat Bermuda by six wickets on a steamy, sauna-like conditions that saw the temperature soar to 39C. Bermuda's Delray Rawlins was as hot with the bat as the weather as he clobbered 70 runs. Not to be outdone, Canada's very own 18-year-old Yuvraj Sharma matched Rawlins' outburst with a belligerent knock of 45 that was laced with three sixes and five fours off 23 balls. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Harsh Thaker posted an unbeaten 32 as the home team reached its goal off 15.5 overs. Bin Zafar thoroughly deserved his player-of-the match award with a brilliant haul of three wickets for 10 runs off his four overs while speedster Sana weighed in with three wickets for 26 off 3.3 overs. Canada joins host nations India and Sri Lanka, along with the other pre-qualified teams Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the United States, the West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand and Pakistan. Canada now turns its attention to the 50-overs tournament, where it faces heavyweights Scotland and Namibia in August at home. 'Apart from this competition I am hoping our board will prepare us for the T20 World Cup with a couple of tours,' Bin Zafar said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. While things on the field have been rosy, there has been a prickly scenario playing outside the boundary lines. The International Cricket Council's anti-corruption group that found itself caught up here in the steamy weather has concluded its investigation into Cricket Canada and returned to London. The anti-corruption unit quizzed members of the Canadian board and 'including at least one' national player. All these individuals will have sleepless nights until this report is released later this year and, by all indications, it could turn out to be a bombshell. This column has in the last three months pointed out several of Cricket Canada's outlandish indiscretions that had fans shaking their heads. Two sticking points have been the national body's decision to hire a CEO who has been charged with fraud and theft by Calgary Police and then a national team player who was charged for trafficking and possession of 20 pounds of cannabis by Barbados police. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Read More Cricket Canada also faces a lawsuit by former coach Pubudu Dassanayake for wrongful dismissal following the 2024 World Cup. The national body replaced him with Khurram Rasheed Chohan, who also found himself caught in this revolving door and was given his walking papers prior to the Americas qualifiers. He was replaced by former national team member Ingleton Liburd and he did a superb in the King City qualifiers. 'Ingy was terrific,' Bin Zafar said. 'He planned for every match and the players were happy with the strategy he mapped out for each game.' ENGLAND STUNS INDIA England pulled off one of its most extraordinary victories on Tuesday by chasing down 371 runs to stun India by five wickets on the fifth day in the first of five Tests at Leeds. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Led by Ben Duckett's dazzling 149 and a half-century from Joe Root (53 not out) and an unbeaten 43 by debutant Jamie Smith, England reached its target with ease. Duckett and Zak Crawley (65) set the pace with a superb opening stand of 181 runs and the rest was history even though Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna with two each tried to slow down England. In one of the most exciting Tests ever played, all four innings featured scores of over 350 with India's combined total of 853, the fourth highest in a losing cause. Scores: India 471 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 101, Shubman Gill 147, Risabh Pant 134, Josh Tongue four for 86, Ben Stokes four for 66) and 364 (K.L. Rahul 137, Pant 118). England 364 (Ollie Pope 106, Harry Brook 99, Jasprit Bumrah five for 83) and 373 for five. Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. Toronto Blue Jays Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA NHL World
