UEFA will hold an emergency meeting of its 55 members on Thursday, sources have told ESPN, to discuss plans, including a potential World Cup boycott, as it coordinates its response to FIFA’s proposal to sell a stake in the tournament to private investors. FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed the proposal on Tuesday to raise $20 billion from a sale of equity to outside investors, saying that the plan will “unleash…
Eddie Howe is set to leave his role as Newcastle head coach, sources have told ESPN, bringing an end to his five years in charge. Howe’s exit comes just 25 days before Newcastle’s first game of the new Premier League season when they host Liverpool at St James’ Park on Aug. 23. Howe has been in place for Newcastle’s first three preseason games this summer — a win over Darlington,…
Bournemouth’s plans for the new season have been dealt a blow after forward Junior Kroupi was ruled out for around three months with a foot injury. Kroupi, who has been chased by a number of clubs this summer, sustained the problem during the Cherries’ ongoing pre-season tour of Austria and underwent successful surgery on Wednesday after he returned to England, the Press Association understands. The highly-rated French prospect is expected…
MELBOURNE, Australia — Football Australia says it was unaware of FIFA’s plans to sell stakes in tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, but, as discontent around the globe continues to rise over the proposal, says it will not form a position until further information and consultation are provided. Reported by The Times and then confirmed in a hurried press release by FIFA, a near-footballing civil war was sparked on…
United States Soccer Federation president Cindy Parlow Cone said that conversations with Mauricio Pochettino to extend his contract as U.S. men’s national team manager are going well, teasing a potential announcement in the coming days. Pochettino first joined U.S. Soccer in 2024 on a two-year contract that expired following the 2026 World Cup. He replaced former manager Gregg Berhalter. “Like we’ve said already, the conversations with Maurício and his staff…
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he received an approach to coach his native Italy but said he turned down the role because he remains committed to leading Brazil. Italy’s then-technical director Paolo Maldini, who played with Ancelotti and was later coached by him from 2001 until 2009 at AC Milan, told reporters last week that he approached Ancelotti about taking charge following the team’s failure to qualify for a third successive…
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings for “assault” against Argentina players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala over clashes with Spain players following the World Cup final in New Jersey earlier this month. Following a week-long investigation into the scenes that marred the postmatch celebrations at MetLife Stadium, FIFA has also opened a catalogue of proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) for alleged breaches…
Tottenham veteran Ben Davies has spoken glowingly of his younger teammates — some of whom he coached in Spurs’ very own academy a few years ago — after a “good test” against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday. The Spurs defender was one of the only starters over the age of 30 for their penultimate friendly in Sydney, playing at centre-back alongside two 18-year-olds in Malachi Hardy and Tye…
Danny Welbeck has agreed to join Chelsea from Brighton and is set to have a medical at Stamford Bridge, the Press Association understands. The 35-year-old will then fly to Hong Kong to join his new team-mates on the second leg of their pre-season tour, having agreed a two-year deal. The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker emerged on Monday as a surprise candidate to bolster the Blues’ forward line after…