United States striker Folarin Balogun has said he knew that the suspension of his red card would “cause a lot of controversy” during the World Cup and that he recognised the impact it had on his teammates. The Monaco forward was shown a straight red card during the United States’ round-of-32 meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA’s disciplinary committee then suspended the one-match ban for a year, allowing Balogun…
Harry Kane says a World Cup semifinal against historic rivals Argentina is “as big as it gets” but stressed England cannot be drawn into the emotional baggage surrounding the fixture. A rivalry that elicits memories of Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ in 1986 and David Beckham’s red card 12 years later will resume for the first time since 2005, with a place in Sunday’s showpiece on the line. Back-to-back European…
No further officers from the UK are being sent to Atlanta for the World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina on Wednesday, with the local force deploying additional personnel for the crunch match. England supporters at the finals in North America have been consistently praised by the UK’s football policing lead, Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police, for their “exemplary” behaviour, but a match against Argentina clearly presents a…
A complaint alleging FIFA president Gianni Infantino has breached rules on political neutrality in his dealings with United States President Donald Trump has been submitted to the International Olympic Committee. Human rights group FairSquare says Infantino — who became an IOC member in 2020 — has repeatedly breached the Olympic Charter and the IOC’s code of ethics, most recently in his handling of the Folarin Balogun affair. The United States…
Spanish champions Barcelona have more players than any other club still competing for World Cup glory. A total of 10 players are representing Barça in the semifinal stages of this tournament, setting a new club record. The previous was eight in the 2010 semifinals. Barça dominate Spain‘s squad with eight players, including teenage forward Lamine Yamal. They also have new signing Anthony Gordon from England and Jules Koundé of France.…
Diego Maradona Jr., son of the late Argentina legend Diego Maradona, described Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal clash against England as a “special occasion” for his fellow countrymen and by no means an “ordinary game.” England take on the defending champions in Atlanta on Wednesday looking to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 when they lifted the trophy. “My dad wouldn’t see it as a normal game, just another…
Brighton and Hove Albion have completed the signing of Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham, the south coast club confirmed on Tuesday. The Croatian international, who played for his nation at this summer’s World Cup, has joined on a five-year deal with an option for a further year. Sources told ESPN earlier this month that Brighton had agreed a fee of £50 million ($66m) to sign the defender. The deal was made…
Spain winger Lamine Yamal has described the World Cup semifinal against France as “the most important match” in his career. A Euro 2024 champion, Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, is looking forward to Tuesday’s big game in Arlington, Texas. “Without a doubt, this is the most important match I’m going to play,” the Barcelona star said. “We’re all very excited, especially me. I’m certain it’s going to be a…
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has said that his decision to join Chelsea over Liverpool was “about timings.” The Spaniard, who spent five seasons as a Liverpool player between 2004 and 2009, was appointed as Chelsea boss in May and took charge of his first training session at the club last week. In an interview with BBC Sport, Alonso was asked why he joined Chelsea over Liverpool, who sacked head coach…
United States forward Folarin Balogun has signed with LeBron James’ agency Klutch Sports following a breakout World Cup that elevated his profile on and off the pitch. Klutch, founded by James’ longtime business partner Rich Paul, announced on Monday that Balogun had joined its roster. The agency represents James, Anthony Davis, Jalen Hurts and A’ja Wilson, among a host of elite athletes. Balogun emerged as one of the United States’…