Category Other

John Cena calls Haaland, and other times soccer and WWE met

It doesn’t happen often but the distinctly different worlds of football and professional wrestling collided this week after Manchester City striker Erling Haaland teamed up with wrestler and actor John Cena for a lighthearted skit to promote the Premier League club’s upcoming preseason tour. Fresh from an extremely revealing comic cameo at the Oscars, Cena was again at his jovial best as he video-called Haaland from Florida, posing as the…

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March 21, 2024

Why European friendlies are crucial for Brazil and other South American teams

International friendlies have undoubtedly fallen greatly in prestige, and the fans of European clubs football might understandably be irritated that this month’s FIFA dates are getting in the way of the closing stages of title races across the continent. Even so, there is a special reason to treasure — if not at least tolerate — the action that is taking place over the next few days. Brazil’s last World Cup…

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March 21, 2024

Spanish fed backs ref over Madrid’s Vini complaint

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has offered its “total and unconditional support” to a referee accused of negligence by Real Madrid for failing to report insulting chants aimed at Vinícius Júnior. Referee Juan Martinez Munuera did not include chants from the crowd of “Vinícius, die” in his official match report after Madrid’s 4-2 win over Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday, in which the Brazil forward scored twice. On Monday,…

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March 20, 2024

UK gov’t plans for independent football regulator

The British government is planning to establish an independent football regulator to oversee the sport and encourage financial stability via a bill introduced in parliament on Tuesday. The regulator will be independent of government and football authorities with the power to fine clubs up to 10% of their turnover for non-compliance with financial regulations, the government said in a press release. The legislation will strengthen tests of the suitability for…

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March 20, 2024

Madrid complaint: Ref ‘negligent’ on Vini abuse

Real Madrid have filed a complaint with the Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] calling the referee in their 4-2 LaLiga win at Osasuna “negligent” for failing to include insulting chants aimed at Vinícius Júnior in his match report. Television cameras picked up part of the crowd singing “Vinicius, die” during Saturday’s game at El Sadar, with Madrid teammate Dani Carvajal then gesturing towards referee Juan Martinez Munuera. Vinicius scored twice in…

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March 19, 2024

Transfer Talk: Bayern open Musiala talks as City, Liverpool circle

We still have some time before the summer transfer window reopens in Europe, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip is swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

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March 19, 2024

Pochettino’s subs silence his critics as Chelsea reach Wembley again

LONDON — Mauricio Pochettino’s stoppage-time celebration felt pointed for a reason. As Carney Chukwuemeka slotted in a low 92nd-minute finish to finally break Leicester City’s resistance, the Chelsea coach turned to shake his right arm in the direction of those Blues supporters located near the dugout. Noni Madueke later added gloss to the score line with a fine strike, sealing a 4-2 FA Cup quarterfinal victory (stream a replay on…

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March 18, 2024

Trabzonspor fans charge pitch, players after loss

Fans of Turkey’s Trabzonspor stormed the pitch and brawled with security forces and players from visiting Fenerbahce after their team lost 3-2 on Sunday, in the latest incident in a league that has been marred by controversy this season. Brazilian midfielder Fred scored twice in the first period to give Fenerbahce, who are second in the Super Lig two points behind rivals Galatasaray, a half-time lead over Trabzonspor. Macedonian midfielder…

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March 18, 2024

FIFA gives Infantino 33% pay rise worth $4.6m

FIFA raised president Gianni Infantino’s base salary by 33% last year to make his total pay package worth more than $4.67 million, world football’s governing body said in its financial report released Friday. Infantino was re-elected unopposed in March 2023 to extend his presidency to 11 years before FIFA staged the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and picked preferred candidates to host two future men’s World Cups,…

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March 17, 2024

Transfer Talk: Man City interested in Guimarães, Luiz and Kimmich

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March 17, 2024

PSG’s Dembélé shows Arsenal what they’re missing: a clinical forwardApril 30, 2025
LONDON — Ousmane Dembélé handed Paris Saint-Germain a crucial UEFA Champions League advantage by scoring the only goal in a 1-0 semifinal first-leg win against Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday. Dembélé, who gave PSG an injury scare by limping off in the second half, now has 45 goal involvements in 45 games this season,… Read more: PSG’s Dembélé shows Arsenal what they’re missing: a clinical forward
Sources: Ancelotti to coach Brazil for June gamesApril 29, 2025
The Brazil Football Federation (CBF) expects Carlo Ancelotti to be coach of the national team in time to manage a pair of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers in June, sources have told ESPN’s Pedro Ivo Almeida and Victoria Leite. Although no official agreement is in place between Real Madrid manager Ancelotti and Brazil, discussions in recent… Read more: Sources: Ancelotti to coach Brazil for June games
How Arne Slot, Liverpool won the Premier League in 2024-25April 29, 2025
LIVERPOOL, England — With seconds remaining in Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, Arne Slot turned on the touchline and blew a kiss to his family in the stands. It was a quiet, understated gesture from the man who has, in that same manner, achieved the unthinkable in his debut season at Anfield. If… Read more: How Arne Slot, Liverpool won the Premier League in 2024-25
Wrexham plan ‘no superstars’ policy – ParkinsonApril 28, 2025
Wrexham will operate a “no superstars and no egos” policy when they target new signings for their Premier League push next season after being linked with Jamie Vardy and Kevin De Bruyne, manager Phil Parkinson said after clinching a record-breaking third promotion. Saturday’s 3-0 win against Charlton Athletic at Stok Cae Ras sealed promotion to… Read more: Wrexham plan ‘no superstars’ policy – Parkinson
Pep: City ‘machine’ not good despite FA Cup finalApril 28, 2025
Pep Guardiola said reaching the FA Cup final doesn’t come close to making up for Manchester City’s poor season. City beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at Wembley on Sunday to set up a final against Crystal Palace next month. But after failing short in the Premier League, Guardiola insists securing Champions League qualification and winning the… Read more: Pep: City ‘machine’ not good despite FA Cup final
More than just the ‘Burrito Boys’: How a Bay Area taqueria built an amateur soccer team with Open Cup loreApril 27, 2025
JUST OFF THE corner of 24th and Mission streets in San Francisco sits a distinctive piece of domestic American soccer’s past and present. The past perches inconspicuously over El Farolito’s bar, where the 1993 U.S. Open Cup trophy sits tucked among an array of championship hardware. The present lies on the sign announcing the taqueria’s… Read more: More than just the ‘Burrito Boys’: How a Bay Area taqueria built an amateur soccer team with Open Cup lore
Wrexham’s latest promotion is a miracle. The next will be even harderApril 27, 2025
WREXHAM, Wales — Wrexham are one step away from the Premier League. The club with the Hollywood owners is now writing a script way beyond the most extraordinary plots in Tinseltown, but after achieving a historic third successive promotion, they are potentially one year away from joining Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal in football’s most… Read more: Wrexham’s latest promotion is a miracle. The next will be even harder
Ter Stegen back in Barça squad for Copa finalApril 26, 2025
Marc-André ter Stegen has been included in Barcelona’s squad for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid after recovering from a knee injury ahead of schedule. Ter Stegen, 32, ruptured the patella tendon in his right knee in a LaLiga game in September and was expected to miss the remainder of the season. However,… Read more: Ter Stegen back in Barça squad for Copa final
Transfer rumors, news: Contract delay opens door to Barcelona exit for Raphinha?April 26, 2025
Raphinha is struggling to agree a new contract with Barcelona as Saudi Pro League clubs watch on, while Manchester United are keen on signing Atalanta midfielder Éderson. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe. Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s January grades | Women’s January grades –… Read more: Transfer rumors, news: Contract delay opens door to Barcelona exit for Raphinha?
Macarthur FC taking Football Australia to courtApril 25, 2025
Football Australia is set for a legal showdown with Macarthur FC amid claims soccer’s governing body misled club owners when they applied for entry into the A-League. Documents filed in the Federal Court claim FA breached consumer law and adopted unfair tactics when expanding Australia’s top-flight competition to 12 teams. A southwestern Sydney team was… Read more: Macarthur FC taking Football Australia to court