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World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic has retired just a week on from the tournament’s conclusion. The Slovenian received widespread criticism for allowing Argentina’s physical approach as they were beaten 1-0 by Spain in extra-time. Vincic sent off Argentina’s Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández in stoppage time at the end of the regulation 90 minutes. A statement from the Slovenian Football Association read: “A week after the World Cup final in…

Real Madrid expect to complete a deal to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in the coming hours, sources have told ESPN. Winger Diomande, 19, is one of football’s top young prospects after excelling in the Bundesliga last season — scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists — and starring for Ivory Coast at the World Cup. A source told ESPN that Madrid were set to seal the teenager’s signing…

Xabi Alonso has said he is sure Morgan Rogers will have an “almost instant impact” at Chelsea after his record move from Aston Villa. Rogers recently signed for £117 million ($156m) after playing a significant role in England’s World Cup campaign. Chelsea are currently in Sydney as part of a preseason tour of Australia and Asia, but Rogers will not report for duty until the club is back in London…

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Xabi Alonso has asked for patience as his new coaching era at the helm of Chelsea kicks off in Sydney this week. As he was for most of his playing career, Xabi Alonso is in no rush. The former Liverpool midfielder became an icon for his metronomic style of play, his calm and considered passes, and his patient reading of space, time, and angles. 17 years on,…

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched a scathing attack on critics of the 2026 World Cup, accusing them of being “consumed by hate” and saying they should “reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match.” In a lengthy message published after the tournament, Infantino defended FIFA’s handling of the World Cup, claimed critics had “missed all that joy and togetherness” and said they had been “spreading hate and false rumours”…

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed captain Granit Xhaka will stay at the club this summer, insisting the saga linking him to a potential move to Chelsea is “closed.” Xhaka joined Sunderland in a £17.2million ($22.9m) deal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and was their standout performer as they qualified for the Europa League. Last month, sources told ESPN that Chelsea were exploring a deal to sign the…

NASHVILLE — Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has admitted losing defender Joe Gomez to injury in Saturday’s 4-2 preseason victory over Sunderland is “the worst news,” but has backed new signing Jérémy Jacquet to feature during the club’s tour of the United States. Jacquet, who joined the club this summer in a £55 million move from Rennes, was ruled of Liverpool’s win as a precautionary measure before kick-off after missing…

SANTIAGO, Chile — One of the breakout stars at the World Cup has a new home in Chile — Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has signed a contract with Colo Colo, the South American country’s biggest soccer team. The 40-year-old Vozinha became one of the most talked-about players at the World Cup with a string of remarkable saves against top teams such as eventual champion Spain and defending champion Argentina. “Welcome.…

Barcelona have pledged to support the family of a worker who died during renovations at their Camp Nou stadium. The accident occurred on Friday during the ongoing work to raise the venue’s capacity to 105,000. A club statement read: “FC Barcelona deeply regrets the death of the worker who lost his life yesterday in the workplace accident that occurred during the renovation works at Spotify Camp Nou. “The club wishes…

Eddie Howe has said that he is unsure whether Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimarães will remain at the club next season. The Newcastle manager spoke amidst rumours linking the Brazilian midfielder with a move to Arsenal. Sources told ESPN in early July that the north London club were set to step up their interest in Guimarães but that a fee remained a significant stumbling block. “We’ve had some really good…