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Olivier Giroud closing in on LAFC move in deal that could spell end to glittering France career​


Former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is closing in on a move to Los Angeles FC on an 18-month deal.

The 37-year-old is expected to leave AC Milan when his contract expires this summer, despite the Italian giants being keen to keep him for another season.

France’s all-time leading goalscorer has spoken to multiple MLS clubs, but LAFC have progressed ahead of their rivals.

Giroud is likely to link up with his former international goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who joined LAFC from Tottenham last year.

Giroud's move is part of a series of high-profile recruits for the MLS after Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami last summer.

The move comes amid a push to grow the league following a $2.5 billion, 10-year TV rights deal with Apple and the World Cup coming to North America in 2026.

Former Spurs and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale previously played for LAFC, which has celebrity backers including Will Ferrell and Magic Johnson.

Any move for Giroud will likely signal the end of his sensational career in Europe, during which he won three FA Cups with Arsenal, another FA Cup with Chelsea, and a Champions League and Europa League title at Stamford Bridge.

Giroud also won Ligue 1 with Montpellier, Serie A with AC Milan and the World Cup with France.

His move could also signal the end of his international career after Euro 2024 this summer.

Giroud remains in contention to start for Didier Deschamps in Germany after scoring the winner in a warm-up game against Chile in Marseille on Tuesday.

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Olivier Giroud closing in on LAFC move in deal that could spell end to glittering France career

37-year-old expected to leave AC Milan this summer
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Germany star Rüdiger slams Islamist gesture allegation​


Germany and Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger and the German Football Association (DFB) have launched legal proceedings against a former newspaper editor who accused the player of making a gesture of support for Islamic extremism in a Ramadan-related social media post.

On March 11, at the start of the Muslim month for fasting, prayer, community and reflection, Rüdiger posted an image of himself kneeling on a prayer map in a white robe with his right index finger pointing upwards, along with the caption: "Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims around the world. May the almighty accept our fasting and prayers."

Two weeks later, when Rüdiger was named in the starting line-up for Germany's 2-0 win against France on March 24, journalist Julian Reichelt, the former editor of the German tabloid newspaper Bild, took to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, claiming that Rüdiger's raised finger constituted an Islamist gesture.

"Islamism in the German starting eleven this evening," he wrote, following it up with a series of posts on the gesture and its supposedly extremist connotations.

Rüdiger and the DFB took action on Monday, the 31-year-old defender filing a complaint to Berlin prosecutors relating to defamation, inciting offense and incitement to hatred, and the DFB reporting the case to the Central Unit for the Suppression of Internet Crime (ZIT) in Frankfurt.

What the player said​

Rüdiger said the gesture was called the "tawhid finger" — a symbol of the unity and uniqueness of God. The gesture is widespread among Muslims all over the world, the player told Bild.

Rüdiger's comments came after he featured in Germany's victory against the Netherlands on Tuesday night.

"In the last few days, the photo has been used by individuals to make unfounded accusations," the player said.

"As a devout Muslim, I practice my faith, but I firmly distance myself from any kind of extremism and accusations of Islamism. Violence and terrorism are absolutely unacceptable. I stand for peace and tolerance."

Rüdiger said his family members practiced various religions and would celebrate one another's festivals together.

"Respect and tolerance are fundamental principles that we all represent in our family," said Rüdiger, while confessing to some naivety in making the post.

"I also recognize that due to insufficient attention, I have given third parties the opportunity to deliberately misinterpret my posting in order to divide and polarize.

"I will not offer a platform for division and radicalization, which is why I have decided to make a clear statement after our two successful international matches. At the same time, I will not allow myself to be insulted and denigrated as an Islamist."

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Germany star Rüdiger slams Islamist gesture allegation – DW – 03/28/2024

German international footballer Antonio Rüdiger says "third parties" have sought to spread division — portraying him as an Islamist over a Ramadan gesture that he posted online.
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Copa Libertadores: Who can end Brazilian dominance?​


His name was Alfredo di Stefano, and his majestic presence on the field for Real Madrid helped transform the European Cup from a precarious idea into a glamorous reality.

Now that Europe had its annual club champion, Di Stefano's native South America had to do likewise. The Copa Libertadores was born in 1960 - and the group phase of its latest edition kicks off on Tuesday.

Penarol of Uruguay won the inaugural version. For the first three decades they and their local rivals Nacional were strong.

Then came two triumphs from the Pele-inspired Santos of Brazil. But Santos soon pulled out of the competition. Travel around the continent was - and remains - expensive and complicated and, in the days before the influx of TV money, they concluded that the competition made little financial sense.

Their absence and general Brazilian indifference opened the path for the Libertadores to be dominated by Argentina.

But times have changed.

Lifting the trophy is now a priority for Brazilian clubs and over the past few years massive financial gaps have opened up between them and the rest of the continent. The Brazilians are using their revenue to bring back stars from Europe, and also to cherry-pick from the neighbouring nations, widening the gap further.

Smart money is on another Brazilian triumph​


Brazil start with a numerical advantage. Qualifying rounds have whittled a field of 47 down to 32, of whom Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela have two sides each, Ecuador and Uruguay three, Chile four, Argentina five and Brazil seven.

Included in that Brazilian cohort are reigning champions Fluminense and the previous two winners, Flamengo and Palmeiras.

Flamengo were champions in 2019 and 2022 and boast a squad of intimidating depth, while coach Tite, who took Brazil to the past two World Cups, is at the helm.

Palmeiras, champions in 2020 and 2021, have Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira, who carries the air of a highly talented young Jose Mourinho.

Source: BBC
 
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Luke Fleurs: South African footballer shot dead in car hijacking​


South African footballer Luke Fleurs has been shot dead in a car hijacking, police say.

The shooting took place at a petrol station on Wednesday night in the Johannesburg suburb of Florida.

The 24-year-old Kaizer Chiefs star was waiting to be attended to when he was approached by unknown gunmen, who ordered him to get out of the vehicle.

One of the suspects is reported to have fled the scene with Fleurs' car after the shooting.

"The suspects pointed [at] him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body," Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told local media.

Kaizer Chiefs, one of the most popular clubs in the country and 12-time league champions, described his death as "tragic".

The club said police were handling the matter and further details would be communicated in due course.

Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa said he was "saddened that yet another life has been cut short due to violent crime".

Defender Fleurs joined Kaizer Chiefs last year, having previously played for SuperSport United.

The former Under-23 international represented South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

He had not yet played for the senior national team but was reported to be nearing his debut.

On their website, Kaizer Chiefs describe Fleurs as a "classy defender" with "great technical abilities".

He began his career in 2013 in the Ubuntu Cape Town Academy, according to local media.

The Premier Soccer League said a moment of silence will be observed at all top-flight and second-tier games this weekend in memory of Fleurs.

"We woke up to the heart-breaking and devastating news of the passing of this young life," South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan said in a statement.

"This is such a huge loss for his family, friends, his teammates and football in general."

Football fans have taken to social media to mourn him.

"The football family has lost a bright flame," soccer presenter Carol Tshabalala posted on social media platform X.

South Africa is grappling with increasing gun violence, with several mass shootings reported in recent years. The country has one of the world's highest murder rates, according to police data.

www.bbc.com

Luke Fleurs: South African footballer shot dead in car hijacking

The soccer star was waiting to be served at a petrol station when two gunmen opened fire on him, police say.
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Oleksandr Zinchenko: Arsenal footballer would fight in Ukraine if called up​


Arsenal footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko says he would leave the UK to fight in Ukraine if he was called up.

The 27-year-old told BBC Newsnight he has donated about £1m to help people in his home country since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2021.

He said Ukraine has become a "shield" for Europe and called for more support.

On Wednesday, the country's signed president into law a bill lowering the military mobilization age from 27 to 25.

This would allow the country to call up more people to replenish their reserves and comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky said in December that the country would need 500,000 more soldiers to be mobilized.

BBC Newsnight asked the footballer whether he would answer a call-up to fight, if he saw more value in that than staying to play football in the Premier League.

"I think it's a clear answer. I would go [to fight]", he said.

He added that he had former school friends fighting on the frontline.

"It's tough to understand that just recently we've been in the same school, we were playing in the playground or on the football pitch, and now they have to defend our country," he said.

"And, honestly, [it's] so hard to accept this, but it is what it is. We cannot give up."

Mr Zinchenko said the situation in the country is "super tough" but he and his family were "proud of our president".

"I know maybe some people might think that it's much easier … for me being here [in London] rather than being there [in Ukraine]. I really hope that this war will end soon," he said.

The Arsenal defender began his football career with Russian team Ufa in 2016, and said he no longer talks to his friends or former teammates that are in Russia.

"Since the invasion really few [have] texted me and sent me some messages and I can't blame them because this is not their fault," he said.

"I cannot tell them, 'Guys, do the protests outside and all these things', because I know they can be [put] in prison."

He said Russians used to call Ukrainians their "brothers" and "sisters", but the invasion has shown "all of us Ukrainians that we can't be friends with them any more".

"We will never forget what they have done to us, to our people," he said. "And that's what I will teach my kids as well. And my kids will teach their kids. This is not acceptable."

In February, President Zelensky said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed during Russia's full-scale invasion and tens of thousands of civilians had died in areas of the country occupied by Russia.

In the first few days of the invasion, Mr Zinchenko said he sent money to help refugees in Ukraine, and his donations have amounted to over £1m.

He added that he knows of hundreds of children whose parents have died in the war.

The Arsenal star said: "What is my duty now? How can I help as much as I can to my country, to my people, over there and all these things?

"I can't be more proud than I am right now to be Ukrainian.

"I have a dream that this war will end very, very soon, and we can rebuild our Ukraine like we really want [to]."

www.bbc.com

Oleksandr Zinchenko: Arsenal footballer would fight in Ukraine if called up

Oleksandr Zinchenko says he has donated about £1m to help people in Ukraine since Russia's invasion.
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Former Zambia national team captain and TP Mazembe midfielder Rainford Kalaba has passed away aged 37 due to a car accident

Super Sport
 

AFC U23 Championship Results (15-04-2024)​

Australia U23 0-0 Jordan U23
Qatar U23 2-0 Indonesia U23
 

AFC U23 Championship Results (16-04-2024)​

Japan U23 1-0 China U23
South Korea U23 1-0 U.A.E. U23
Iraq U23 0-2 Thailand U23
Saudi Arabia U23 4-2 Tajikistan U23
 

AFC U23 Championship Results (23-04-2024)​

Kuwait U23 2-1 Malaysia U23
Uzbekistan U23 3-0 Vietnam U23
 

Zambian FA president charged with money laundering​

The president of the Football Association of Zambia (Faz) has been arrested and charged with money laundering offences.

The country's Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) alleges that Andrew Kamanga obtained government funds under false pretences and was part of a conspiracy to defraud.

The DEC says the 57-year-old used the money to fund trips for two associates to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier this year.

Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame - the two individuals who travelled to the tournament as part of Faz's support staff - have also been charged, along with Faz general secretary Reuben Kamanga.

An investigation revealed that neither Madalitso Kamanga nor Siame held official or executive positions within Faz.

The quartet are alleged to have acted together to obtain 341,902 Zambian kwacha ($13,150 £10,580) from the government for expenses and a further 99,980 kwacha ($3,850 £3,095) for return flights to Ivory Coast.

The DEC says the fraudulent activity occurred between 1 January and 15 February, coinciding with the Nations Cup finals where Zambia exited at the group stage.

An Faz spokesperson said Andrew Kamanga's arrest was "part of a long-term plan to bring [into] question" his reputation ahead of the governing body's elections next year.

Faz is set to hold its annual general meeting in Lusaka this weekend and the spokesperson added that the position of the organisation's president was not under threat.

"There is no immediate risk of Mr Kamanga being out of Faz because this is just an arrest and the matter has to go to court - if at all there is any merit," they said.

A DEC statement added that the suspects are "finalising bond processes" and "will appear in court soon".

Source: BBC
 
Nigeria have confirmed Enyimba coach Finidi George as their new coach to replace Portuguese Jose Peseiro, whose contract was not renewed when it expired in February.

George, a Champions League winner with Ajax in 1995, spent the last 20 months as an assistant to Peseiro as the team went all the way to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations before losing out to the Ivory Coast. He was handed the role on an interim basis for two friendly matches in March after the departure of his Portuguese predecessor.

Source: ESPN
 

AFC U23 Championship Semi-Final Results (29-04-2024)​

Indonesia U23 0-2 Uzbekistan U23
Japan U23 2-0 Iraq U23
 
FIFA has been threatened with legal action by world leagues and player unions if it does not reschedule the 2025 Club World Cup

A letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, seen by the PA news agency, says the sport's schedule is now "beyond saturation".

It says calendar changes such as the addition of the new 32-team Club World Cup - currently scheduled to take place in June and July 2025 - have created "economic harm" to domestic leagues and have pushed players "beyond their limits".

It calls on FIFA Council to reschedule the Club World Cup and to reopen discussions on the international calendar for the period up to 2030.

"Should FIFA refuse to formally commit to resolving the issues, as set out above, at its upcoming council, we shall be compelled to advise our members on the options available to them, both individually and collectively, to proactively safeguard their interests," the letter states.

"These options include legal action against FIFA, on which we have now commissioned external expert advice."

The letter has been sent by the World Leagues Association and world players' union FIFPRO, which respectively count the Premier League and the Professional Footballers' Association among their members.

www.irishexaminer.com

FIFA threatened with legal action over scheduling of next Club World Cup

A letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, seen by the PA news agency, says the sport's schedule is now "beyond saturation".
www.irishexaminer.com www.irishexaminer.com
 

Casemiro left out of Brazil squad for Copa America​

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has been left out of Brazil's squad for next month's Copa America.

The 32-year-old, who has won 75 caps for Brazil, has endured a difficult season at Old Trafford and was omitted from coach Dorival Jr's 23-man squad.

Tottenham forward Richarlison, Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus and Casemiro's United team-mate Antony were also not selected.

As expected, Neymar was not included as he continues his recovery from a knee ligament injury sustained during Brazil's 2-0 defeat to Uruguay last October.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Manchester City counterpart Ederson are among nine Premier League players to make the cut for the tournament in the United States from 20 June to 14 July.

Arsenal defender Gabriel is in the squad along with Gunners forward Gabriel Martinelli.

Midfielders Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Joao Gomes (Wolves) and Lucas Paqueta (West Ham) were all included.

Source: BBC
 

Fifa to explore impact of moving domestic matches abroad​


Football's world governing body Fifa is to set to establish a working group to look at the impact of playing competitive domestic matches overseas.

A legal settlement agreed between Fifa and match promoter Relevant Sports in the USA has, in the words of Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, "left the door ajar" for league games to be played in different countries.

Whilst the Premier League say they have no plans to do so, despite being the instigators of the infamous ‘39th game’ idea during Richard Scudamore’s time at the helm, La Liga are already planning overseas games for the 2025-26 campaign.

La Liga have revived their plans to play league fixtures overseas after cancelling Barcelona's league match against Girona in 2019, which was due to be held in Miami.

Fifa had previously been opposed to the idea, feeling it had the potential to take valuable finance away from domestic clubs.

But the matter was discussed at its Council meeting in Bangkok on Wednesday, when it was agreed to set up a working group to ‘gather further information and issue recommendations’ and to also look at the impact on host countries.

Before making any decision, Fifa want to address issues such as the amount of notice over the scheduling of matches, the impact on the balance of sporting competition and the effect on the development of football in the host countries.

The Council said any proposal must take various factors into account, including "whether adequate provision has been made for fans of the teams playing a proposed out-of-territory match to attend the match in the host country".

Relevant Sports had driven the idea of overseas matches being played in the United States, having launched the pre-season International Champions Cup. They also tried to host an Ecuador League game in the United States in 2019, but that was blocked by Fifa.

Last summer they promoted the six-team Premier League summer series that featured Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Brighton, Fulham and Brentford.

www.bbc.com

Fifa exploring impact of playing domestic matches abroad

Fifa are examining the impact of moving domestic competitive matches abroad.
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Fifa will carry out a legal assessment before it makes a decision on whether to agree to Palestine's call to suspend the Israeli federation over the war in Gaza.

The Palestinian federation (PFA) called for a vote to exclude Israel at Fifa's congress in Bangkok on Friday, which was supported in the room by the Jordanian FA.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said it was a matter for the Fifa Council to make a decision on, following a legal assessment.


BBC
 
Spain thrashed England as they lifted the Under-17 Women's European Championship for the fifth time.

Alba Cerrato finished from Celia Segura's low cross into the box as Spain opened the scoring in the 40th minute.

Rachel Maltby scored an own goal just before the break, getting the last touch as a Lorena Cubo corner was swung into the box.

Last year's beaten finalists increased their lead in the second half with two goals from Segura.

Lua Calo threaded a dangerous ball into the box and Segura finished at the near post past England goalkeeper Hope McSheffrey.

Clara Serrajordi's cross into the box was headed in by Segura as the rout was confirmed.

Source: BBC
 
The Football Governance Bill is expected to be paused after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a General Election yesterday, and will likely be re-visited afterwards

Sky News
 

Olsson 'will play again' after blood clots on brain​

Sweden midfielder Kristoffer Olsson says he will play football again after blood clots on the brain left him without motor or verbal skills.

Olsson, 28, who plays for Danish side FC Midtjylland, collapsed at home in February and was put on a ventilator in hospital.

He was transferred to a specialist neurology centre and is continuing his recovery in rehab.

Speaking to Swedish daily Aftonbladet, external, he said: "I feel great. I'm going to be able to play football again.

"I can move well, I can run and my memory is good. I'm getting better every day.

"I've had tubes and things on me the whole time but now I just have this little thing that helps me pee - that's all that's left."

In April, the club said he was "making significant progress" and had "regained motor function and his verbal abilities".

Tests showed he had suffered a number of blood clots because of a rare inflammation of the blood vessels in his brain.

Referring to the first few weeks after his collapse, he said: "I was basically dying. I was not contactable and I have no memories from that time."

He added: "I've got through the worst part. I've had to think, be positive and have patience with everything."

The Swede came through Arsenal's academy and made one appearance for the Gunners before joining Midtjylland after a successful loan spell in 2015.

He watched on from the stands when Midtjylland won the Danish championship on 26 May.

Source: BBC
 
Fifa warned players could go on strike

Football's world governing body Fifa has been warned players are willing to go on strike if they continue to be overworked.

Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Maheta Molango believes players are now at breaking point.

The PFA has been calling for action to alter the congested football calendar, especially with the expanded 32-team Club World Cup proposed for next summer.

"I can tell you a situation not even 10 days ago where I went to a dressing room directly affected and I said: 'I’m happy to be here and bark a bit but ultimately it’s down to you. How far would you like to go?" said Molango, speaking at the PFA and world players' union Fifpro’s end-of-season review of player workload and recovery.

"Some of them said: 'I’m not having it, we may as well strike.' Some said: 'what’s the point? Yes I’m a millionaire but I don’t even have time to spend the money'.

"It’s not even the union who has said it, it has been Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola. We have reached a point where we cannot discount any action."

The PFA has threatened legal action and has been exploring options to do that over the growing number of games in the football calendar.

In conjunction with the PFA, a letter was sent to Fifa in May by Fifpro and the World Leagues Association (WLA) - which includes the Premier League - threatening legal action if it continues with plans to host a 32-team Club World Cup at the end of next season.

In a letter addressed to Fifa president Gianni Infantino and general secretary Mattias Grafstrom, seen by BBC Sport, Fifpro and the World Leagues Association say if Fifa extends its own competitions then it should alter others.

It adds that "imposing the burden of adaptation on national leagues and players is inherently abusive" and is "jeopardising national leagues and affecting the health and wellbeing of players".

However, BBC Sport understands Fifa believes it has taken into account player welfare with their scheduling programme

Molango added: "Some of the changes in England with the domestic calendar is forced by what Fifa and Uefa have done. What has happened, even further confirmation something has to be done but also that it’s not affecting just the top players.

"We will always try to exhaust all diplomatic avenues, we have sent a letter, we have received an answer but unfortunately time is against us.

"Sometimes between grown up people, despite trying very hard to find solutions you need a third party to decide, maybe an arbitrator or a tribunal."

A study focused on young players warned how much stress their bodies are under and highlighted the number of minutes Real Madrid and England’s Jude Bellingham has played before he is 21.

The midfielder, still just 20, has played 18,486 minutes in his career, compared to the 3,929 David Beckham played and 6,987 minutes Frank Lampard played at the same age.

Fifpro's Europe president David Terrier also warned players were burnt out, physically and mentally.

As part of the review of this season a survey of players showed over 50% of respondents said they had been played while carrying an injury.

"There is an emergency - we are in danger," said Terrier. "Players have gone beyond the limit and the international timetable is full to the brim."

Infantino addressed the issue of the football calendar with members associations at a Fifa congress earlier this month.

"Fifa is organising around 1% of the games of the top clubs in the world. 98-99% of the matches are organised by the different leagues, associations, confederations," he said.

"Fifa is financing football all over the world. The revenues that we generate are not just going to a few clubs in one country, the revenues that we generate are going to 211 countries all over the world.

"Our mission is to organise events and competitions, and to develop football around the world because 70% of the Member Associations of Fifa would have no football without the resources coming directly from Fifa."


BBC
 
Pique under investigation in Spain corruption case

Former Barcelona and Manchester United defender Gerard Pique has been placed under official investigation by a court in Spain over his alleged involvement in a deal which saw the Spanish Super Cup moved to Saudi Arabia.

Pique's company Kosmos signed agreements with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) which would see it receive 40m euros (£34m) for brokering the deal, with the RFEF receiving 400m euros (£340m).

Judge Delia Rodrigo said there were "possible illegalities with criminal implications" in the agreements.

Ex-Spain international Pique, 37, has now been formally included among a group of people under official investigation over the alleged matters.

He has always defended the deal and denied wrongdoing, insisting it was "legal".

The case has been under investigation since 2022 when audio recordings of Pique and then-RFEF president Luis Rubiales were leaked.

RFEF offices were raided by investigators in March and Rubiales - who has also defended the legality of the deal - was arrested when returning from a trip to the Dominican Republic in April.

He had already stepped down from the RFEF last September after kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso following last year's World Cup final. He is separately facing trial for for sexual assault over that issue.

His successor, Pedro Rocha, is also a person under investigation over the Saudi deal.

The Spanish Super Cup relocated to Saudi Arabia in 2020 and returned there in 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pique played twice for Barcelona in Spanish Super Cups in Saudi Arabia before retiring in November 2022.


BBC
 

International Friendlies Results (03-06-2024)​

AHVXc6A.png
 

Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Šarkić dies aged 26​

Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Šarkić, who played for English club Millwall, has died aged 26.

In a statement, Millwall said it was “completely devastated” to make the announcement, while the Football Association of Montenegro said it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of “our beloved Matija Šarkić.”

“Matija was not only a remarkable athlete but also a cherished teammate and friend,” the Montenegrin FA said in a statement.

“He was both the present and the future of our National team. His unexpected death has left us all in shock and mourning.”

Millwall, which competes in English soccer’s second tier, said: “Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.”

Šarkić joined Millwall in August 2023 from Wolverhampton Wanderers and went on to make 33 appearances for the London club.

Source: CNN
 
Wales sack manager Page

Wales have sacked manager Rob Page after three and a half years in charge.

Page, 49, led his country to a first World Cup in 64 years and guided them to the second round of Euro 2020.

But he has paid the price for Wales' failure to qualify for Euro 2024, with this month's miserable friendly displays against Gibraltar and Slovakia proving to be the final straw.

Football Association of Wales (FAW) bosses held talks for more than a week before eventually coming to an agreement that a change was needed.

Following an underwhelming performance at the 2022 World Cup, Page faced heavy criticism after an embarrassing home defeat by Armenia during Euro 2024 qualifying.

Wales responded with a memorable victory over Croatia, but their hopes of reaching a third successive European Championship ended in agonising fashion as they were beaten on penalties in the play-off final against Poland in March.

The FAW backed Page in the immediate aftermath of that crushing disappointment, with president Steve Williams saying the former centre-back would be in charge for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Less than three months down the line, the FAW has decided a change of manager is needed.

Dave Adams, the FAW's chief football officer, said: “I would like to thank Rob for his work with the association over the last seven years, firstly as the under-21s head coach and then onto the role of Cymru [Wales] head coach."

FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: "On behalf of myself and the entire FAW, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rob for his commitment and dedication to his roles for the national teams.

"Under Rob Page's leadership, our Cymru men's team has achieved significant milestones and victories which have created many incredible memories for our nation, most notably our first World Cup in 64 years."

Wales endured a desperate June international window, in which a youthful side drew with the minnows of Gibraltar before a stronger line-up were thumped 4-0 in Slovakia.

Wales were without a host of frontline players for both matches, but that did not stop Page facing boos and heavy criticism from fans after both matches.

"They [Wales' fans] want me out. I completely understand. I've got to stay true to myself and focused on the job in hand. Everything else is out of my control," Page said after the Slovakia defeat.

Page became Wales boss in November 2020, initially taking over from Ryan Giggs on a temporary basis before getting the job permanently.

The 49-year-old helped Wales secure promotion to the top tier of the Nations League for the first time immediately after stepping up from his assistant coach role to fill in for Giggs.

He won praise for guiding Wales through the group stages at Euro 2020, though they were dumped out of the tournament in the second round courtesy of a 4-0 thrashing by Denmark.

Wales beat Ukraine in a play-off to reach the World Cup, but they made an early exit in Qatar after taking only one point from their three group matches as they were beaten by Iran and England.

Page was handed a new contract running until 2026 before the tournament, but he has left his post before the Nations League returns in September.

He was in charge of Wales for 45 matches, winning 15, drawing 15 and - including the Poland shootout - losing 15 of them.

Wales' next game is the Nations League opener against Turkey on 6 September, with a trip to Montenegro to come three days later.

World Cup qualifying for European nations begins in spring 2025.

BBC
 
African football's governing body has fined Samuel Eto'o, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), $200,000 for an ethics breach, but found insufficient evidence to pursue a charge related to allegations of match-fixing

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) opened an investigation into Eto'o's conduct in August last year after receiving "written statements from several Cameroonian football stakeholders".

A disciplinary panel found, external that the four-time African Footballer of the Year had "seriously violated the principles of ethics, integrity and sportsmanship" of Caf by signing a contract to be an ambassador for betting company 1XBET.

Eto'o's lawyers have said they will appeal against the verdict.

1XBET sponsors the top two divisions of men's professional football in Cameroon and both the men's and women's international sides, while the regulations of Fifa, football's global governing body, state that people bound by its code are not allowed any involvement in betting related to football.

Last July, a group representing amateur clubs in Cameroon called on Eto'o to resign, highlighting their concern over the 43-year-old's relationship with 1XBET and citing "grave irregularities" at Fecafoot.

Match-fixing allegations​

While Eto'o has been found guilty of breaching Caf statutes when it comes to ethics, he has escaped a sanction related to match-fixing, with the disciplinary panel ruling that "as it stands, there is insufficient proof".

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea striker was being investigated alongside Valentine Nkwain, president of newly promoted club side Victoria United, following a leaked phone conversation said to be of the pair discussing Victoria's return to the top flight before promotion had been guaranteed.

Both have previously denied involvement in any conspiracy to manipulate results.

The latest judgement by Caf is unlikely to quell dissent in Cameroon related to Eto'o's running of football in the country.

Earlier this week a group of administrators, including former members of Fecafoot and the president of the country's Professional Football League, wrote an open letter to Caf president Patrice Motsepe and Fifa boss Gianni Infantino, urging them to speed up their investigations and pointing out that possible sanctions included a lifetime ban.

The letter said "many stakeholders who have been in the game for several decades are leaving because of the abuses that have taken place over the past two years."

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Samuel Eto'o fined but escapes match-fixing charge in Cameroon

The president of the Cameroonian Football Federation has been found guilty of an ethics breach over his relationship with a betting company.
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Gareth Southgate is a top guy as well as one of England's best ever Managers. The toxic culture he eradicated from Team England and the all powerful clubs is a fantastic achievement. Because of this, England's results have dramatically improved.
 

Leagues to sue Fifa over 'abuse of dominance'​


The top European leagues, including the Premier League, and global players' union Fifpro will launch legal action against world governing body Fifa over its "abuse of dominance" in the game

The European Leagues, which represents 39 leagues and 1,130 clubs in 33 countries, says it is filing a complaint to the European Commission to protect the welfare of players.

It comes following growing pressure from leagues and player unions, including the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), over the number of games added to the calendar and the impact on players.

A Fifpro statement said the international calendar is "now beyond saturation", "unsustainable for national leagues" and a "risk for the health of players".

It added: "Fifa's decisions over the last years have repeatedly favoured its own competitions and commercial interests, neglected its responsibilities as a governing body, and harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players.

"Legal action is now the only responsible step for European leagues and player unions to protect football, its ecosystem and its workforce."

The statement said Fifa has "consistently refused to include national leagues and player unions in its decision-making process", having been urged to develop a clear and transparent process regarding the international match calendar.

The European Leagues includes the English Football League, Scottish Professional Football League, Serie A and the Bundesliga. La Liga is not a member but is joining the action.

In May Fifa rejected a claim that Fifpro and the World Leagues Association were not consulted over plans to host a 32-team Club World Cup.

Manchester City and Chelsea are among the 12 European representatives at the expanded Club World Cup, to be held in the USA between 15 June and 13 July 2025.

'Leagues are acting with hypocrisy'
Fifa has responded strongly to the action, accusing some leagues of "hypocrisy" by sending their players on global pre-season tours.

A Fifa spokesperson said: "The current calendar was unanimously approved by the Fifa Council, which is composed of representatives from all continents, including Europe, following a comprehensive and inclusive consultation, which included Fifpro and league bodies.

"Fifa's calendar is the only instrument ensuring that international football can continue to survive, co-exist, and prosper alongside domestic and continental club football.

"Some leagues in Europe - themselves competition organisers and regulators - are acting with commercial self-interest, hypocrisy, and without consideration to everyone else in the world.

"Those leagues apparently prefer a calendar filled with friendlies and summer tours, often involving extensive global travel.

"By contrast, Fifa must protect the overall interests of world football, including the protection of players, everywhere and at all levels of the game."

A recent study by the CIES Football Observatory, external - a research group at the International Centre for Sports Studies - on schedules and player workload suggested that clubs are not playing more matches per season.

Its report found that between 2012 and 2024, the average number of fixtures per club and season sat at just over 40, with about 5% of clubs playing 60 or more games per season.

No significant change was observed in the proportion of clubs playing 60 or more matches.

The European Leagues' legal action is the second in two months against Fifa.

The PFA is a co-claimant with the French and Italian players' unions in a claim filed at the Brussels court of commerce, with the support of the European office of Fifpro.

That case focuses on employment law issues, the way Fifa manages the calendar, the introduction of new competitions and how they clash with employment rights for players.

"Fifa holds a dual role as both the global regulator of football and a competition organiser," Fifpro said. "This creates a conflict of interest."

What does the PFA say?
Maheta Molango, chief executive of the PFA and FifPro board member, said in May that players were at breaking point and could strike if they continue to be overworked.

Because of the expanded Club World Cup, next year's African Cup of Nations has been moved from the summer to December 2025 and January 2026, which is also likely to impact that season's Champions League knockout stages.

"Legal action is the unfortunate but inevitable consequence of major stakeholders within the game - the leagues and the players - being ignored," said Molango.

Source: BBC
 

Soccer star says pig's head delivered with message threatening daughter's life​


Argentine soccer player Angel Di Maria said Tuesday that safety concerns mean he will not finish his career in his native Rosario, after a bullet-pierced pig's head was thrown at a family business.

The 36-year-old, who won the Copa America last month and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, had said he wanted to return to his boyhood club in the nation's third-largest city, which has recently seen an explosion in gang-related crime.

"There was a threat at my sister's business: it was a box with a pig head and a bullet in the forehead, and a note that said that if I returned to (Rosario) Central, the next head was that of my daughter Pia," Di Maria told TV station Rosario3.

"I am not going to return to Rosario in this way. They touched my family and I am not going to allow that. Not at any price," he said, adding he wanted to protect the "peace and happiness" of his family.

Di Maria, who has played for Manchester United, has faced other threats including a note thrown into a family property in March threatening their lives if he joined any club in Rosario, a city in the central Santa Fe province.

Argentine authorities said at the time the note contained a threat from "criminal organizations" putting on a show of strength.

Santa Fe Governor Maximiliano Pullaro said this month there were protocols in place to guarantee the safety of public figures.

But Di Maria said he disagreed: "It is disrespectful to talk about security and protocols for me when people from Rosario cannot go out to work, cannot wait for the bus without being robbed or killed for a backpack."

Several high-profile South American soccer players have faced criminal actions ranging from threats to serious crime, such as kidnapping and blackmail.

Also in Rosario, gunmen opened fire last year on a shop belonging to the family of World Cup-winning Argentine captain Lionel Messi's wife.

They left a threatening message for the footballer in what was also interpreted as gangs flexing their muscles.

Meanwhile, guerilla fighters in Colombia kidnapped the father of Liverpool soccer player Luis Diaz last October and held him for 12 days before freeing him.

According to ESPN, in addition to winning the World Cup in 2022 and 15th Copa América title in 2021, Di Maria also won an Olympic gold medal in Beijing 2008 with Argentina and the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2007.

As CBS Sports' Roger Gonzalez noted after Argentina's 2022 World Cup win over France, Di Maria proved to be one of the club's clutch performers.

"Messi gets the headlines, and rightfully so, but you can argue (Di Maria) was the best player in this game, winning the penalty for Argentina's opening goal before scoring the second on a delightful shot in the first half from inside the box," Gonzalez wrote, adding: "His name and impact must never be forgotten among the Argentine legends of the game."

MSN

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Portugal defender Pepe, 41, announces retirement

Portugal defender Pepe has announced his retirement from football, ending one of the most highly decorated careers of recent times.

Pepe, 41, became the oldest player to appear at a European Championship finals this summer, and his last match was Portugal's penalty shootout defeat by France in the quarter-finals.

The former Real Madrid centre-back made 141 appearances for his country - only Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho have more Portugal caps - while he also played for Porto, Besiktas and Maritimo.

An emotional Pepe thanked those who have helped him throughout his career in a 33-minute video posted online, external on Thursday.

He won Euro 2016 with Portugal and also helped to secure three Champions League and three La Liga titles during his 10-year spell in Madrid.

Pepe said: "I can't help but thank all the presidents who bet and believed in me to be able to perform my work.

"To all the employees of all the clubs I've been to, who are the soul and essence of the clubs and the national team. And I want to thank everyone in the background. I want to leave a thank-you and a hug of gratitude for all of you."

Pepe became the Champions League's oldest goalscorer last year when he netted for Porto against Antwerp in the group stages.

His career included making 334 appearances for Real Madrid at a time when they were Europe's dominant side.

Pepe's disciplinary record was also famously notable, with him receiving a high number of red cards across his career.


BBC
 
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says it was an "absolute priority" to keep former interim boss John O'Shea within the international set-up after naming him as his assistant coach

Former Manchester United defender O'Shea took charge of the team for four friendly fixtures this year following Stephen Kenny's departure in November.

Having initially been expected to be in charge only for games against Belgium and Switzerland in March, the prolonged managerial search before Hallgrimsson's surprise appointment last month saw O'Shea remain in the dug-out for the June double-header with Hungary and Portugal.

"It was an absolute priority for me to bring John into the staff when I joined the association," said former Iceland and Jamaica boss Hallgrimsson.

"I travelled down to Waterford at the first opportunity to sit down with him and discuss the role. It became clear we're very much aligned in our ideas and what the future should look like, and it's fantastic he has agreed to be the assistant head coach."

Paddy McCarthy will also continue in an assistant's role, combining the position with his duties at Crystal Palace, while Gudmundur Hreidarsson will join the set-up as a goalkeeping specialist.

O'Shea hopes to bring "some continuity" through a Nations League campaign that will see the Republic of Ireland in a group with England, Greece and Finland.

He said: "Everybody knows the passion and commitment to the Irish national team I have had throughout my playing, and now, coaching career, so it was great when Heimir approached me to be part of his coaching set-up.

"Since I sat down with Heimir and talked about the plans for the team, and what he saw for me in the set-up, I was delighted to accept the role for the next two campaigns and continue my work with the team ahead of two huge fixtures for the group.

"It was important to have some continuity for Heimir with the players and myself and Paddy will be able to provide that and support him in the role."

Hallgrimsson's first game in charge will come against England in Dublin on Saturday, 7 September.

After Gareth Southgate's departure at the conclusion of Euro 2024, England will arrive at the Aviva Stadium under the stewardship of interim manager Lee Carsley, a former Republic of Ireland team-mate of O'Shea.

Source: BBC
 
Germany captain Gundogan retires from international football

Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from international football on Monday after leading his country at Euro 2024, citing "a certain tiredness" both physically and mentally.

"After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career," Gundogan wrote on social media.

"I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country - a number that I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011."

His retirement follows those of Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller. Kroos hung up his boots for good after Euro 2024, while Mueller called time on his Germany career last month.


www.france24.com

Germany captain Gundogan retires from international football

Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from international football on Monday after leading his country at Euro 2024, citing "a certain tiredness" both physically and mentally.
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Germany eased to victory over Hungary to start their Nations League campaign in style in Dusseldorf.

Niclas Fullkrug put Germany ahead from Jamal Musiala's ball to cap off a fine passing move.

Musiala doubled Germany's lead as they broke from a Hungary corner, running through one on one from his own half to slot home.

Florian Wirtz, who set up that goal, then got the ball from Musiala before drilling in from 16 yards.

Aleksandar Pavlovic scored their fourth with a low shot, his first Germany goal.

Kai Havertz, who hit the underside of the crossbar in each half, scored a penalty to complete Julian Nagelsmann's side's comfortable win.

BBC
 
Brazil and Argentina lose in World Cup qualifying

Brazil suffered their fourth defeat in five qualifying games with a 1-0 loss to Paraguay as Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Colombia in the latest qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.

Inter Miami's Diego Gomez scored the winner for Paraguay in Asuncion after 20 minutes as Brazil failed to register a shot on target in the first half.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta all started all started for Brazil with the Real Madrid trio of Rodrygo, Endrick and Vinicius Jr in attack.

"I want to apologize to the fans, I know it's a difficult time, but we just want to improve," Vinicius told Brazilian TV channel Globo.

The 24-year-old winger has scored over 20 goals for Real in each of the last three seasons but has only five goals from 35 caps for Brazil and failed to score at the 2022 World Cup.

"I know my potential, what I can do for the national team," he added.

"Of course, it's been a very complicated process because when you don't have confidence, you don't get goals."

The result leaves five-time world champions Brazil fifth in the qualifying table with only three wins from eight games.

Manager Dorival Jr was appointed in January and his side lost in the Copa America quarter-finals in the summer.

"The coach is still figuring out the best way for us to play and that's reflected in the result," defender Marquinhos said speaking to Globo. "There are a lot of new players, we are lacking confidence.

"Qualifying isn't easy, it's a difficult time and we have to know how to manage it. It's a time of transition, we're not feeling confident. We're going to work hard, getting results on the pitch is the best answer."

Former Real Madrid and Everton midfielder James Rodriguez was the hero for Colombia as the 33-year-old scored the winner from the penalty spot to down the reigning world champions, who were without Lionel Messi.

It was revenge for Colombia who lost to Argentina in the Copa America final two months ago.

Rodriguez, now at La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, crossed for Wolves' Yerson Mosquera to score the opener with a header in the 25th minute in Barranquilla.

Nicolas Gonzalez levelled for Argentina three minutes after the break but Nicolas Otamendi then fouled Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz and a penalty was given after a video assistant referee review.

Captain Rodriguez sent Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez the wrong way from the spot to score the 60th-minute winner.

"I don't think I've ever scored against them - there's a first time for everything," said Rodriguez.

"We want to get used to playing finals. Today was just another game, but against a team that has won everything - this victory tastes even better."

Elsewhere, midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who joined Manchester United last month from Paris St-Germain, started for Uruguay in their 0-0 draw at Venezuela.

Argentina remain top of the 10-team table by two points from second-placed Colombia.

The top six teams automatically qualify after 18 rounds of fixtures, which carry on until September 2025. The seventh-placed side go into an intercontinental play-off against a team from another confederation.

In Asia's World Cup qualifiers, Australia were held to a 0-0 draw at Indonesia on Tuesday, having lost 1-0 at home to Bahrain in their opening match last Thursday.

Japan, also in Australia's group, were 5-0 winners away to Bahrain as Premier League trio Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) and Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) all started for Japan.

South Korea recorded their first win in World Cup 2026 qualifying, beating Oman 3-1 with Tottenham captain Son Heung-min and Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan on target.

BBC
 
France accused of match-fixing after heavy defeat by Iran at Futsal World Cup

Fifa’s Futsal World Cup has exploded into controversy, with coaches making accusations of match-fixing following a heavy defeat for France against Iran.

Rivals have complained about the manner of the French performance in a 4-1 loss, a result that opened up a potentially easier passage through the tournament for Les Bleus in Uzbekistan. A post on X by Ricardo Iñiguez, the head coach of Libya, who were eliminated from the competition at the group stage, said the match had been a “disgrace” for the sport.

“Libya is going to file an official complaint in relation to this match for ‘match fixing’, it is a disgrace for our sport,” Iñiguez wrote, before going on to share criticism from other figures within the sport.

Concerns were aired on social media as the match was being played, in a fixture where the loser would progress to play Thailand in the round of 16. The winner, meanwhile, would take on current African futsal champions Morocco, before a potential quarter-final against perennial champions Brazil.

In another X post, the Thailand coach, Miguel Rodrigo, said his team were waiting to take on the French “with open arms”, but also called both teams “a world disgrace” who had “dishonoured my sport”.

Video footage shared by Rodrigo appears to show French goalkeeper Thibaut Garros moving away from the ball in the buildup to Iran’s opening goal. The French went on to record only six shots on goal over the course of the entire match, scoring a consolation after Iran had eased to a 4-0 lead.

In a statement, Fifa said it was “aware of complaints filed by participating teams at the Futsal World Cup regarding the Group F match between France and Iran” but that “no further comment will be made while this process is ongoing”.


www.theguardian.com

France accused of match-fixing after heavy defeat by Iran at Futsal World Cup

Libya’s head coach said complaint will be filed following concerns about the manner of the French players’ performance in a 4-1 defeat by Iran
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FA investigates alleged bite by Preston's Osmajic

Preston North End forward Milutin Osmajic could face a lengthy ban after allegedly biting Owen Beck during their Lancashire derby against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

The Football Association confirmed on Monday they were "aware of this incident and will be looking into it".

Beck, on loan from Liverpool, was sent off in the 89th minute of the 0-0 draw at Deepdale after kicking out at Preston's Duane Holmes.

After the melee which followed, Beck furiously protested to referee Matthew Donohue that he had been bitten by Osmajic, who was given a yellow card.

Television replays appeared to show Osmajic, 25, biting the 22-year-old on his upper back.

Luis Suarez, then of Liverpool, received a 10-match ban in 2013 for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

Blackburn manager John Eustace told BBC Radio Lancashire: "Owen's got a big bite mark on the back of his neck and it's a shame the referee didn't see that."


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Milutin Osmajic: Preston forward accused of biting Blackburn's Owen Beck

Preston North End forward Milutin Osmajic is accused of biting Owen Beck during the Lancashire derby against Blackburn Rovers.
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Former Sheff Utd defender Baldock dies aged 31

Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died at the age of 31.

The England-born Greece international was found dead in the swimming pool of his house in Glyfada, southern Athens.

Police attempted to resuscitate Baldock at the scene but he could not be revived and medical emergency units confirmed his death, Reuters news agency reported, citing a police official.

Baldock had joined Greek side Panathinaikos in the summer after seven years at the Blades.


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George Baldock dies: Former Sheffield United defender found dead aged 31

Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock is found dead in a swimming pool at his house in Athens.
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Virgil van Dijk was sent off as the Netherlands picked up a Nations League point in Hungary.

The hosts had led through Roland Sallai's first-half volley.

But Liverpool defender Van Dijk was dismissed following two yellow cards in the space of three minutes.

His first was for dissent and the second was for bringing down Kevin Csoboth on the wing.

The red card was Van Dijk's first for the Netherlands and came on his 77th appearance, late in the game.

However, soon after his exit, the 10 men were level when Denzel Dumfries headed in from Cody Gakpo's free-kick.

Before his dismissal, Van Dijk had completed 145 of his 152 passes. That was not far off the total of Hungary's entire team, who only completed 173 passes.

BBC
 
Paqueta wants 'misleading' leaks investigated by the FA

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta wants the Football Association to investigate "misleading" leaks about his betting case.

The FA charged Paqueta in May for allegedly getting booked deliberately "for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market".

Paqueta, 27, has denied all four charges brought against him and believes "misleading and inaccurate" reporting is putting his chances of a fair disciplinary hearing at risk.

"I am frustrated and upset to to have read recent misleading and inaccurate press articles, published in both England and Brazil, claiming to disclose information about my case," Paqueta wrote on X, external.

"Some of that information is entirely false and appears designed to undermine my position.

"I am also concerned that, although they are false and misleading, these articles are clearly sourced from an individual close to the case."

The four charges relate to Premier League fixtures against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth between November 2022 and August 2023.

Paqueta has remained eligible to play for West Ham since learning of the charges but could be facing a lengthy ban if a breach is proven.

"The FA proceedings are supposed to be confidential and they are extremely serious for me and my family," Paqueta added.

"The continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press is now putting at risk my chance of receiving a fair hearing.

"I have, therefore, instructed my lawyers to write to the FA to request that they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case, even if inaccurate, is finding its way into the public domain."

Paqueta joined West Ham from French club Lyon in August 2022 for an initial £36.5m.

The Brazil midfielder has scored two goals in seven Premier League appearance this season.

BBC Sport has contacted the FA for comment.


BBC
 
Yorke named Trinidad and Tobago head coach

Former Manchester United and Trinidad and Tobago striker Dwight Yorke has been appointed head coach of his home country.

Yorke, 52, won 72 caps for Trinidad and Tobago between 1989 and 2009, scoring 19 goals, and captained them at the 2006 World Cup.

He previously had a spell as his country's assistant manager after retiring from playing in 2009.

It is Yorke's second job as a manager, having managed Australian A-League side Macarthur during the 2022-23 season.



BBC
 
England interim manager Lee Carsley has handed first call-ups to Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Newcastle United full-back Lewis Hall for this month's Nations League fixtures

The Three Lions face Greece on 14 November and Republic of Ireland on 17 November.

It is Carsley's final England squad as interim manager before Thomas Tuchel takes charge on a full-time basis in January 2025.

"He [Tuchel] hasn't had any influence on the squad selection," said Carsley.

"I congratulated him via text. He is highly respectful of the job I am doing. I see this as a massive privilege, the trust the FA has placed in me and my team."

Harwood-Bellis, 22, joined Southampton on a permanent basis in July after helping the Saints to promotion during a season-long loan move from Manchester City in the 2023-24 season.

He has made 13 appearances for Russell Martin's side this season, scoring three times.

Hall, 20, joined Newcastle in a £28m deal from Chelsea in July after spending the previous campaign on loan in the north east of England.

The left-back has appeared in all 10 of Newcastle's Premier League matches this season, starting seven.

"They're both players who have played a lot of minutes this season and have shown they can consistently play in the Premier League at a high level," said Carsley.

"Players that I both know really well. I've known Taylor from Man City and captaining the Under-21s, having a successful summer with promotion and playing in the Premier League week in and week out, he's a player that really deserves it.

"He's an outstanding captain and a brilliant example to the rest of the players in the under-21s squad.

"Lewis is a player who's taken his time to settle in - he's high quality, left-footed and a player who deserves to be in and has shown he can be really consistent."

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has earned a call-up after he pulled out of October's squad for the birth of his child.

The 23-year-old, who won the European Under-21 Championship under Carsley in 2023, is yet to make his debut for the national side.

"Curtis is an all-round player, who plays in various positions," said Carsley

Source: BBC
 
Honduras punished after Mexico boss hit by beer can

Honduras have been ordered to play their next home match behind closed doors after Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was hit by a full can of beer when the two countries played each other in a Concacaf Nations League match.

Aguirre was left with blood pouring down his face when he was hit by the can as he approached opposing manager Reinaldo Rueda for a post-match handshake, after hosts Honduras won the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final 2-0.

Concacaf, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, opened an investigation and have taken action against Honduras for "failing to implement adequate stadium security measures".

The governing body added: "The disciplinary committee has also fined the federation and warned them that more severe sanctions could be taken should similar incidents occur during future matches."

The Mexican football federation had said the behaviour which resulted in their manager being hit had "no place in our sport", while Honduras manager Rueda said the incident soured his side's victory.

Concacaf also added it was looking into "a separate disciplinary case investigating the conduct of Javier Aguirre during the aforementioned match".

The second leg of the tie is on 20 November, with the winner of the quarter-final qualifying for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup in Canada and the United States.

BBC
 
Lautaro Martinez moved level with Diego Maradona in the all-time Argentina scoring charts in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Peru in Buenos Aires.

Martinez, 27, smashed home a left-footed volley from Lionel Messi's cross after 55 minutes for his 32nd international goal on his 70th appearance.

The Inter Milan captain now sits joint-fifth alongside Argentina legend Maradona, though he remains some way behind top-scorer Messi's 112 goals.

Gabriel Batistuta, Sergio Aguero and Hernan Crespo complete the top five.

Inter Miami forward Messi, 37, is now tied with former United States forward Landon Donovan for most international assists with 58.

Lionel Scaloni's side were on top for much of the game but were unable to extend their lead, with Julian Alvarez hitting the post and Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister sending a header wide

The win moves Argentina five points clear at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying table with six games remaining.

Elsewhere, Brazil were jeered by their own fans as they drew 1-1 against Uruguay in Salvador.

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde put Uruguay in front early in the second half, but Gerson levelled for Brazil six minutes later with his first international goal.

The draw means five-time World Cup winners Brazil sit fifth in the table, with the top six qualifying automatically for the 2026 tournament in United States, Canada and Mexico.

A fine solo goal from former West Ham and Everton forward Enner Valencia secured a 1-0 win for Ecuador away at Colombia, moving them above their opponents into third on goal difference.

Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron was among the scorers as Paraguay drew 2-2 with Bolivia to stay sixth.

Bolivia remain in seventh, which would be good enough for a play-off, one point ahead of Venezuela who were beaten 4-2 by Chile.

BBC
 
Martino steps down as Inter Miami head coach

Head coach Gerardo Martino has stepped down from his role with MLS club Inter Miami "due to personal reasons", the club has confirmed.

The 62-year-old took charge of the club in June 2023 and leaves despite still having a year to run on his contract.

Former Argentina and Barcelona boss Martino led Inter Miami to their first two trophies, winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield.


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Inter Miami: Head coach Gerardo Martino steps down due to 'personal reasons'

Head coach Gerardo Martino has stepped down from his role with MLS club Inter Miami "due to personal reasons", the club confirms.
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FIA seeks rule changes after president allegations

Motorsport's governing body wants to change its rules to limit the ways its leadership can be held to account for bad governance.

A set of revisions to the statutes governing the audit and ethics committees has been circulated to member clubs to be approved at a vote of the FIA general assembly on 13 December.

These would ensure that any ethics complaints were overseen by the FIA president and president of its senate, rather than the senate itself.

And they would remove the power of the audit committee to investigate financial issues independently.

The proposals come after a year in which the ethics and audit committees investigated a number of allegations about the conduct of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

These included questions about the finances of Ben Sulayem's private office; the establishment of a $1.5m "president’s fund" to pay member clubs, which vote for the FIA president. Neither of these were progressed. And two separate allegations that Ben Sulayem interfered in the operations of grands prix in 2023, which were dismissed.

The former chief executive officer Natalie Robyn left the organisation after raising questions about the general governance of the FIA and its professional practices, including finances in the president's office.

And the head of the audit committee Bertrand Badre and audit committee member Tom Purves were fired in the summer, external in the wake of these investigations.

The compliance officer Paolo Basarri, who looked into the allegations and reported them to the ethics committee, was fired last month.

The changes to the statutes, which have been seen by BBC Sport, remove the ability of the compliance officer to report to the audit committee and remove the audit committee's ability to investigate any matter unless asked by the president of the senate.

And they would mean the FIA president controlled the appointment of the head of the ethics committee, and remove the role of the senate and compliance officer in its operations.

The president of the FIA Senate, Carmelo Sanz De Barros, is a member of Ben Sulayem's four-person leadership team.

In essence, critics say the changes would neutralise the ability of whistleblowers to expose questionable behaviour to the ethics and audit committees, and the ability of those committees to pursue actions against any wrongdoing.

The senate, which no longer has to be sent any ethics report, is a 12-person body that includes Prince Faisal Al Hussein of Jordan, the Mexican billionaire businessman Carlos Slim Domit, and Akio Toyoda, the chairman of the Toyota car company.

The FIA has declined to comment.


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FIA seeks rule changes in wake of president allegations

The FIA wants to limit the ways its leadership can be held to account for bad governance after allegations were made against its president.
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France manager Deschamps to step down after 2026 World Cup

France's World Cup-winning manager Didier Deschamps says he will step down after next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 56-year-old is France's longest-serving coach, having been in charge since 2012.

He led Les Bleus to victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as well as reaching the final of the 2022 tournament in Qatar and Euro 2016 on home soil.

"In 2026 it will be over. In my head it's very clear," Deschamps told French broadcaster TF1.

"I've done my time, with the same desire and passion to maintain France at the highest level.

"One has to be able to say stop, there's a life after this. The most important is for France to stay at the top as they have been for many years."

France have yet to begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with their group dependant on the result of their Nations League quarter-final against Croatia in March.

Former midfielder Deschamps is only the third man after Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer to win the World Cup as both player and manager, having captained his country to glory in 1998.


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Didier Deschamps: France manager to step down after 2026 World Cup

France's World Cup-winning manager Didier Deschamps says he will step down after the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
www.bbc.com
 
Gatland to leave Wales head coach role

Warren Gatland is set to leave his role as Wales head coach.

Gatland was in line to depart at the end of the Six Nations but is now set to leave halfway through the tournament.

Wales face Ireland on 22 February in Cardiff, then a trip away to Scotland on 8 March before finishing the tournament at home against England on 15 March.

Gatland is contracted until the 2027 World Cup.

Former Australia coach Michael Cheika, Glasgow coach Franco Smith and Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby are potential successors.

Gatland, 61, has presided over statistically the worst Wales side in their 144-year international rugby history, slumping to a record 14 successive Test match defeats, with a 22-15 defeat against Italy in Rome last weekend.

The New Zealander previously enjoyed a successful 12-year spell as Wales coach which included three Grand Slams, two World Cup semi-finals and a record run of 14 victories that led to Wales briefly topping the world rankings.

Gatland left after the 2019 Rugby World Cup before returning for a second stint in charge when he replaced Wayne Pivac in December 2022.

Since then Gatland has overseen six victories and 20 losses in 26 Tests, with a win ratio of just 23%. Wales have also slumped to a lowest position of 12th in the world rankings.

Over both spells Gatland has been in charge for 151 games with his overall record standing at 76 wins, 73 defeats and two draws.

BBC
 
Argentina have named Tottenham defender Cristian Romero in their forthcoming squad for World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil

The 26-year-old has not featured for his club since suffering a thigh injury during a 4-3 Premier League defeat by Chelsea on 8 December.

Spurs have carefully managed Romero's recovery, given injuries have limited the defender to just 12 Premier League appearances this term.

He has resumed first-team training but is yet to make his competitive return.

Spurs play four times - twice in the Europa League and twice in the Premier League - before the international break.

World Cup holders Argentina are top of the Conmebol World Cup standings with a five-point lead, having won eight of their 12 qualifiers.

They travel to second-placed Uruguay on 21 March (23:30 GMT), before hosting Brazil in Buenos Aires on 26 March (00:00 GMT).

Manchester City's 19-year-old midfielder Claudio Echeverri, who signed from River Plate in 2024 but has only recently joined up with Pep Guardiola's side, earned his first call-up to the senior ranks.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez have also been named in the preliminary squad by manager Lionel Scaloni.

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has been named in Brazil's 52-man squad.

The forward, 23, has not featured for the Gunners since a 2-0 EFL Cup semi-final defeat by Newcastle on 5 February.

Brazil are fifth in the standings, having won five and lost four of their 12 fixtures.

BBC
 
Fifa to give $1bn as Europe nears Club World Cup deal

Fifa is set to give more than $1bn in prize money to clubs participating in the Club World Cup as the European Club Association (ECA), negotiating on behalf of clubs in Europe including Chelsea and Manchester City, closes in on a deal.

Multiple sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that the 32 clubs involved, including 12 European clubs, will split what is anticipated to be the biggest prize in club football across a seven-match format.

It is partly based on the $1bn exclusive global TV deal agreed with sports streaming service DAZN in December.

The inaugural tournament, taking place in the United States, begins on 14 June and finishes with the final in New Jersey on 13 July.

On an individual club basis, those involved will receive a participation fee for entering the group stage and performance fees based on progression to later rounds.

Multiple senior sources have explained that Fifa and the ECA are also in talks about bringing in substantial solidarity payments for non-participating clubs, which is expected to be followed by similar distributions for clubs in Africa, Asia and the Americas at a later date.

"The Fifa Club World Cup will not only be the pinnacle of club football, but also a vivid demonstration of solidarity that will benefit clubs at large to a scale that no other competition has ever done," said Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

"All revenue generated by the tournament will be distributed to the participating clubs, and via club solidarity across the world, as Fifa will not keep a single dollar. Fifa's reserves, which are there for global football development, will remain untouched."

The ECA is yet to comment publicly about the negotiations.


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Club World Cup: Fifa give to $1bn prize money as Europe nears deal

Fifa is set to give more than $1bn in prize money to clubs, which is believed to be a record sum, for its summer Club World Cup.
www.bbc.com
 

Mexico beats Panama on late Jimenez pen, wins first Nations League crown​

Raúl Jiménez scored his second goal on a penalty kick in second-half stoppage time as Mexico beat Panama 2-1 Sunday night in Inglewood, California, to win the Concacaf Nations League tournament for the first time.

Jiménez, the 33-year-old Fulham striker, dominated the week at SoFi Stadium with all four of Mexico's goals in El Tri's two matches. He scored on a header in the eighth minute against Panama, and he cashed in on the penalty awarded when defender José Córdoba touched the ball with his inexplicably outstretched arm while chasing after it in the 90th minute.

Adalberto Carrasquilla scored on a penalty in first-half injury time for underdog Panama, which staged a dramatic 1-0 upset of the host United States on Thursday night to reach the final.

The championship match was briefly suspended with 10 minutes left in regulation after a large portion of the raucous crowd of 68,212 repeatedly shouted the anti-gay Spanish slur that is commonly used at Mexican matches, both foreign and domestic, despite several governing bodies' attempts to eradicate it.

The players took a water break while anti-slur messages appeared on the scoreboard and over the public address system. The rest of the game unfolded without further incident.

Misbehavior aside, Mexico feels right at home in the Los Angeles Rams' palatial home -- or anywhere in Southern California, where El Tri invariably draws rowdy, adoring crowds. Mexico also won the 2023 Gold Cup at SoFi Stadium, beating Panama 1-0 on Santiago Giménez's late goal.

The U.S. had won the first three editions of the Concacaf Nations League tournament -- in 2021, 2023 and 2024 -- which brings together the nations of North America, Central America and the Caribbean. But with Jiménez in dominant form, Mexico stepped up to claim this trophy.

Jiménez played alongside Giménez in the Nations League semifinals and finals, with coach Javier Aguirre using an aggressive alignment to create offense. It worked splendidly thanks to Jiménez, who needed only a few minutes to get Mexico on top in the final.

After Roberto Alvarado put a long, beautiful cross into the box, Jiménez outmaneuvered a defender and bounced in a header that set off a raucous celebration.

Panama dominated possession and generated more shot attempts in the first half, and it finally paid off when video review determined center back Johan Vásquez committed a foul in the Mexico penalty area shortly before halftime. Carrasquilla barely got his shot above goalkeeper Luis Malagón's trailing legs to tie it.

Earlier Sunday, Canada beat the U.S. 2-1 in the third-place game, with Jonathan David scoring the winner early in the second half when he sent his shot from the center of the box to the bottom left corner.

Canada struck first with a goal by Tani Oluwaseyi, but the Americans responded shortly after on a goal from Patrick Agyemang.

Source: ESPN
 
Brazil sack boss Dorival after Argentina defeat

Brazil have sacked manager Dorival Junior after losing 4-1 to arch-rivals Argentina in World Cup qualifying.

They sit fourth in the South American group, having lost five of 14 games, although are still well placed to qualify for the 2026 finals.

The 62-year-old, who has managed a host of Brazilian clubs, had been in charge of the national team since January 2024.

His first match was a 1-0 win at Wembley over England in a friendly last March - and he went on to win seven, draw six and lose three of his 16 games in charge.

But the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced his exit after they were well beaten by Argentina, who have already sealed their place at the World Cup.


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Brazil sack boss Dorival Junior after Argentina defeat in World Cup qualifying

Brazil sack manager Dorival Junior after losing 4-1 to arch-rivals Argentina in World Cup qualifying.
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As a long Brazilian fan from childhood, growing up really loved R9, many of them in 2002 WC, Ronaldinho was my fav then even bunked school to watch 2002 wc matches, the list is endless of many exciting skilful players we all enjoyed and loved watching. Today Brazil isnt the same, theres no such flair nor guile, its gone the opposite of how Brazillian sides of the past, traditionally played. just getting spanked by its rival so easily, never used to happen before. Also, Brazil finding hard to win even against weaker sides which they used to streamroll past back in the days, like they drew with USA in friendly, it ain’t dominant against other less south american sides, like before.

Things don’t look good for Brazil. I dont think it will do anything next world cup. Argentina look on a deadly run. I won’t doubt against them winning the next world cup too.
 
Mas-LFC said:
As a long Brazilian fan from childhood, growing up really loved R9, many of them in 2002 WC, Ronaldinho was my fav then even bunked school to watch 2002 wc matches, the list is endless of many exciting skilful players we all enjoyed and loved watching. Today Brazil isnt the same, theres no such flair nor guile, its gone the opposite of how Brazillian sides of the past, traditionally played. just getting spanked by its rival so easily, never used to happen before. Also, Brazil finding hard to win even against weaker sides which they used to streamroll past back in the days, like they drew with USA in friendly, it ain’t dominant against other less south american sides, like before.

Things don’t look good for Brazil. I dont think it will do anything next world cup. Argentina look on a deadly run. I won’t doubt against them winning the next world cup too.
Click to expand...

Those were golden days of Brazilian football --> Ronaldo (R9), Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos, Kafu etc.

They haven't reached that kind of dominance since then.
 
German defender Hummels to retire at end of season

World Cup-winning German defender Mats Hummels will retire from professional football this summer.

The 36-year-old is out of contract with Serie A club Roma in June and said on his social media accounts he will call it day at the end of the season.

"I'm struggling with my emotions right now," Hummels said.

"Now comes the moment that no footballer can avoid. After 18 years and so many things that football has given me, I'm ending my career this summer."

Hummels was part of the Germany side which won the 2014 World Cup and earned 78 caps for his country between 2010 and 2023, scoring five goals.

Current Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann hailed him as "a benchmark at the international level and a role model for a generation of defenders".

Bergisch Gladbach-born Hummels came through Bayern Munich's youth ranks and made his first-team debut for the Bavarian club aged 18 in May 2007.

He joined Borussia Dortmund January 2008, initially on loan, and went on to become a key part of the team that twice won the Bundesliga under Jurgen Klopp.

Hummels moved back to Bayern in 2016, where he won three more German league titles, then returned to Dortmund for a second spell three years later.

The centre-back twice played in the Champions League final, in 2013 and 2024, and was on the losing side with Dortmund on both occasions.

Hummels played 508 matches for Dortmund and a further 118 for Bayern.

He joined Roma in 2024 on a free transfer and has made 18 appearances in all competitions for the Giallorossi so far this season.



BBC
 
Gabon forward Boupendza dies aged 28 in China

Gabon international Aaron Boupendza has died at the age of 28 after reportedly falling from a building in China.

The forward featured for his country at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Cameroon and won a total of 35 caps for the Panthers.

He had joined Chinese club Zhejiang FC, based in the city of Hangzhou, from Romanian outfit Rapid Bucharest in January.

Boupendza began his career in his homeland with CF Mounana and went on to have spells with sides in France, Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Gabon's football federation (Fegafoot) announced the news of his death on social media.


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Aaron Boupendza: Gabon international dies aged 28 in China

Gabon international Aaron Boupendza has died at the age of 28 after reportedly falling from a building in China.
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Cricket Warrior said:
Gabon forward Boupendza dies aged 28 in China

Gabon international Aaron Boupendza has died at the age of 28 after reportedly falling from a building in China.

The forward featured for his country at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Cameroon and won a total of 35 caps for the Panthers.

He had joined Chinese club Zhejiang FC, based in the city of Hangzhou, from Romanian outfit Rapid Bucharest in January.

Boupendza began his career in his homeland with CF Mounana and went on to have spells with sides in France, Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Gabon's football federation (Fegafoot) announced the news of his death on social media.


www.bbc.com

Aaron Boupendza: Gabon international dies aged 28 in China

Gabon international Aaron Boupendza has died at the age of 28 after reportedly falling from a building in China.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
Click to expand...

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun.

Fell from a building. Wow!
 
Nunez ordered to serve ban after Cas rejects appeal

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been ordered to serve the remainder of a ban for his involvement in an altercation with fans while playing for Uruguay.

The sanction was confirmed as an appeal against the ban was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In August 2024, Nunez was banned by South American football's governing body Conmebol for five international games, and fined £15,145 ($20,000), for an incident with spectators after Uruguay were beaten by Colombia.

The 25-year-old was seen physically confronting Colombia supporters in the stands after the final whistle in the Copa America semi-final in July 2024.

Nunez served two matches of the ban before Cas agreed to temporarily lift the suspension in October 2024 while the case against him was investigated following an appeal by the Uruguay Football Association.


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Darwin Nunez: Liverpool striker will have to serve remainder of ban for Uruguay after Cas decision

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez must serve the remainder of a ban for his involvement in an altercation with fans while playing for Uruguay after an appeal fails.
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Extra spots should Euro 2028 hosts fail to qualify

Uefa says joint-hosts England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will have to qualify for Euro 2028 - but two places will be reserved at the finals should any of those host nations fail to qualify.

Nine venues across the four countries will stage the 24-team tournament.

Northern Ireland was originally due to, but has since pulled out after Belfast's Casement Park was removed as an option due to funding.

Unlike previous Euros where hosts have been granted automatic qualification, Uefa has had to alter its protocols.

There will be 12 qualifying groups, with the group winners and eight best-placed runners-up reaching the finals.

The four host nations will each be in separate qualifying groups, with two spots allocated to the highest-ranked of those sides who don't make it.

The remaining places will be decided by play-offs between the remaining runners-up and the best-ranked 2026-27 Nations League non-qualified group winners.

The composition of those play-offs will depend on the number of spots needed for the host nations.


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Euro 2028: England, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland will have to qualify, says Uefa

Joint-hosts England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will have to qualify for Euro 2028 - but two places will be reserved at the finals should any of those host nations fail to qualify.
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Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal, the two favourites for the Ballon d'Or, go head to head in Thursday's Nations League semi-final.

Dembele's France and Yamal's Spain meet in Stuttgart (20:00 BST) for a place in Sunday's final against Portugal - after the conclusion of remarkable domestic seasons for both.

As well as impressing for their clubs, both netted in their country's respective Nations League quarter-final victories.

Yamal played down any suggestion this match would have an impact in the Ballon d'Or decision - with the winner announced on 22 September in Paris.

"If you were voting for the Ballon d'Or, would you choose the best player of the year, or the one who wins the match on Thursday?" the 17-year-old told El Partidazo de COPE.

"Whether we win or not, I would vote for the best player of the year.

"I'm not thinking about the trophy or whether I'm going to win. You'll do badly if you think you have to win it. What I do is play and try to win."

BBC Sport compares their stats and looks at the seasons that two of the most exciting forwards in world football have just completed.

Source: BBC
 
Concacaf rejects Greenland membership application

Greenland's application for membership of Concacaf has been unanimously rejected.

The world's largest island, which has never played competitive international football, has a population of 57,000 and is a sovereign territory of Denmark but is geographically part of North America.

It is unable to join Uefa because the European governing body only admits countries recognised by the United Nations, but there is no such requirement for Concacaf, which governs North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Greenland plays non-Fifa sanctioned friendlies but hopes of competitive international football for the first time were dashed at a meeting in Miami before the Gold Cup.

"Based on a thorough assessment conducted by the Concacaf administration and Council, and in accordance with the Concacaf Statutes, the Member Associations reviewed the membership application submitted by the Greenlandic Football Association and unanimously rejected it," said a Concacaf statement.

President Donald Trump has made repeated calls for the US to take control of the territory, which has caused outrage in both Denmark and Greenland.

Greenland covers an area greater than the size of western Europe, but 81% of its land mass is covered by sheet ice.

According to the country's tourism website, Greenland has 76 football clubs and 5,500 registered players, around 10% of the population.

However, the harsh Arctic climate means football can only be played outside for five months of the year and on gravel pitches or artificial turf.

Last year, Greenland manager Morten Rutkjaer said membership of Concacaf would help improve their players.

BBC
 
Italy name World Cup winner Gattuso as manager

Italy have appointed former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their manager.

The AC Milan legend replaces Luciano Spalletti, who announced his own sacking at a news conference last week.

Gattuso, 47, made 73 appearances for Italy and was a member of their 2006 World Cup-winning squad, and will now lead his country into the same tournament 20 years later.

Italy won Euro 2020 but failed to qualify for last summer's tournament, and have also not made it to the past two World Cups.

A 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Norway on 6 June sealed Spalletti's fate.

The Italian football federation (FIGC) confirmed Gattuso will be presented to the media on Thursday.

"Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football," FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said.

"The blue jersey is like a second skin for him. His motivations, his professionalism and his experience will be fundamental to best face the upcoming commitments of the national team."


www.bbc.com

Italy appoint former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as manager before 2026 World Cup

Italy appoint their 2006 World Cup-winning midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their manager, replacing Luciano Spalletti.
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Cricket Warrior said:
Italy name World Cup winner Gattuso as manager

Italy have appointed former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their manager.

The AC Milan legend replaces Luciano Spalletti, who announced his own sacking at a news conference last week.

Gattuso, 47, made 73 appearances for Italy and was a member of their 2006 World Cup-winning squad, and will now lead his country into the same tournament 20 years later.

Italy won Euro 2020 but failed to qualify for last summer's tournament, and have also not made it to the past two World Cups.

A 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Norway on 6 June sealed Spalletti's fate.

The Italian football federation (FIGC) confirmed Gattuso will be presented to the media on Thursday.

"Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football," FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said.

"The blue jersey is like a second skin for him. His motivations, his professionalism and his experience will be fundamental to best face the upcoming commitments of the national team."


www.bbc.com

Italy appoint former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as manager before 2026 World Cup

Italy appoint their 2006 World Cup-winning midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their manager, replacing Luciano Spalletti.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
Click to expand...

Interesting choice.

I remember Gattuso from 2006 WC.
 
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