Football Australia chief executive James Johnson says “all eyes will be on football” during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, and he believes the tournament will change the direction of the sport in Australia. New Zealand host Norway in the opening game of the tournament at Eden Park in Auckland on Thursday, before the Matildas play Republic of Ireland at a sold-out Stadium Australia in Sydney. Australia and New Zealand then…
Mexico interim manager Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano said it would be a “dream” to maintain his position with the national team after helping it claim a title in the 2023 Gold Cup with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Panama in Sunday’s final in Inglewood, California. Substitute Santiago Gimenez scored the late winner at SoFi Stadium to push Mexico past a resilient Panama side and lift a Concacaf-record ninth Gold Cup title…
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said Saudi Pro League’s rapid growth and spending won’t threaten the U.S. league’s potential expansion into emerging viewing markets. “You know, it’s not just about Europe, right? It’s about here. So I’m not threatened by that at all,” Garber told reporters Sunday night during a ceremony to present Lionel Messi as the newest player for Inter Miami CF. – Saudi Arabia transfer tracker: Done…
The owners of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers have assumed control of the English soccer club Leeds United. Leeds United announced on Monday that the English Football League had approved the sale of the club to 49ers Enterprises, allowing for “an immediate transition of ownership.” Leeds was relegated from the Premier League to the second-tier Championship for next season. “This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are…
Luis Suarez had a nice line in gentle mischief, many a true word said in jest and with a little bit of edge. Delivered with the Galician accent he never lost over 60 years living within a short stroll of Milan’s San Siro, that fit somehow. An understated dignity, a kind of reserved irony, supposedly defines people from the wet northwest of Spain which faces the Atlantic, a place apart,…
The transfer window across Europe’s top leagues is in full swing and already there have been some huge moves made. But while the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool have spent over €100 million ($111.6m) to sign world-class players already, there have been a few bargain deals too. Here, we look at six of the best value-for-money transfers so far, as well as six players clubs could pick up…
Harry Maguire said he has been removed as Manchester United captain by manager Erik ten Hag. Maguire, 30, has been out of favour at United under Ten Hag, making just 16 appearances in the Premier League last season, including just eight starts. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) “After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me…
Arsenal have smashed their transfer record to complete the signing of England midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham, the club announced on Saturday. The Premier League runners-up agreed a fee for Rice worth £100 million ($131m) plus £5m ($6.5m) in add-ons, sources told ESPN. The amount easily eclipses Arsenal’s previous record fee — the £72m paid to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille in 2019. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga,…
Arsenal have smashed their transfer record to complete the signing of England midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham, the club announced on Saturday. The Premier League runners-up agreed a fee for Rice worth £100 million ($131m) plus £5m ($6.5m) in add-ons, sources told ESPN. The amount easily eclipses Arsenal’s previous record fee — the £72m paid to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille in 2019. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga,…
Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw has said her players “feared for their bodies” during a Women’s World Cup warm-up match with Colombia that was called off after 20 minutes following a series of robust challenges. The Irish Football Association confirmed midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital for treatment on a shin injury during the friendly at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia, but was found not to have suffered…