FIFA has hit out at what it called “a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” world football’s governing body and its president Gianni Infantino. The statement comes after UEFA confirmed on Friday a “departure payment” was made to a female employee alleged to have been in a relationship with Infantino when he was the European governing body’s general secretary. – Norway calls on Infantino to quit amid backing…
Udinese beat Spanish champions Barcelona and Premier League side Nottingham Forest on Saturday to win the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup. Vakoun Issouf Bayo struck a last-minute winner as the Italian team won 1-0 against Barça after both sides had earlier beaten Forest by the same scoreline. The triangular tournament was played in an irregular format of three 45-minute matches back-to-back at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy. The round-robin…
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick said he had to be “careful” with Mason Mount after the England midfielder handed United an injury scare in their friendly draw with Paris Saint-Germain. Mount has had a torrid time with injuries since signing from Chelsea in a £55 million deal three years ago, starting only 25 Premier League games for United in that time. – Sources: Rashford to join Man Utd preseason…
Conor Gallagher scored Tottenham’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Getafe in preseason on Saturday. A shortened match of 35 minutes per half was played behind closed doors at Tottenham’s training ground. Alberto Risco gave Getafe a 55th-minute lead but Gallagher scored five minutes later to ensure the Premier League side maintained their unbeaten preseason run, having previously won four in a row. Roberto De Zerbi named new boys Sandro…
LA Galaxy have confirmed the signing of former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto. He has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third, the MLS club announced on Saturday. Sergi Roberto spent 18 years at boyhood club Barcelona and has spent the past two seasons playing for Italian side Como, who are coached by Cesc Fabregas. “Sergi brings a combination of leadership, technical quality, tactical intelligence, and championship experience…
Moisés Caicedo‘s brilliant volley helped Chelsea beat AC Milan 3-0 in a preseason friendly on Saturday. Caicedo struck with the outside of his boot, meeting a corner from Romeo Lavia, for the pick of goals in Indonesia. Caicedo had set up the opener from a corner which João Pedro headed home in first-half added time. Joao Pedro added a second a minute into the second half before Caicedo sweetly scored…
Ferran Torres has told Barcelona he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain this summer after agreeing personal terms with the French club, a source has told ESPN. Torres, 26, has just one year to run on his contract with Barça and the source added that the Spanish champions will not stand in his way if a fee can be agreed with PSG. Talks are now expected to begin between the two…
Bruno Guimarães said he had “differences in ideas” with Newcastle United which led him to join Arsenal. The Premier League champions have unveiled Guimarães after a £75 million ($101m) transfer. He has a penned a contract for four years with the option of a fifth. Guimarães captained Newcastle and won a Carabao Cup with the club, as well as leading them into the Champions League twice. “This farewell comes down…
Gianni Infantino has denied that UEFA paid off his alleged lover while he was the organization’s general secretary. The Daily Telegraph reported Friday night that the woman received a six-figure sum following the alleged relationship with Infantino, who is the current FIFA president. In a statement, UEFA confirmed a payment was made along with covering the fees for an MBA course, which it said was “in line” with regulations at…
Manchester City value Rodri at more than €70 million (£60m / $81m) amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, sources have told ESPN. Barcelona have had an offer of €45m rejected for the midfielder. An agreement with Barcelona is still not close but there are ongoing talks, sources told ESPN. Sources have told ESPN that City are aware of Rodri’s desire to return to Spain, but will not sanction a…