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Haaland wins PFA Player of the Year award

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year on Tuesday. The 23-year-old was voted ahead of team mates Kevin de Bruyne and John Stones, as well as Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and former Tottenham player Harry Kane, who is now with Bayern Munich. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Haaland’s remarkable performance saw him netting 52 goals in 53…

What’s next for Luis Rubiales, Spain national team, RFEF after World Cup kiss

Luis Rubiales is fighting to remain the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) despite increasing pressure to resign from various sporting bodies and the government following his behaviour after the Women’s World Cup final earlier this month. Rubiales, 46, finally lost the RFEF’s support this week after FIFA provisionally suspended him from all football activity for 90 days. That left a committee of the federation’s regional presidents in…

Why Jenni Hermoso, Spain’s bravery could forever change soccer

The fallout from Luis Rubiales’ unacceptable actions between Spain winning the Women’s World Cup final on Aug. 20 and today will continue for a long time to come. So too will the accusations and counter-accusations. But the way in which Spain’s World Cup-winning women, their colleagues and union representatives have acted, and what they’ve already gained, might well be the single most important, impressive and impactful group action by footballers…

Spain row: Rubiales’ mum declares hunger strike

The mother of embattled Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has locked herself in a church and said she is on hunger strike in protest at her son’s treatment, Rubiales’ cousin confirmed on Monday. Ángeles Béjar shut herself inside the church of the Divine Shepherdess in Rubiales’ hometown of Motril, Andalusia, on Monday, EFE reported. She said her protest would continue until the “inhuman, bloodthirsty witch hunt which my…

Champions League campaign too much, too soon for Newcastle?

Eddie Howe has done a remarkable job as Newcastle United manager since taking charge at St James’ Park in November 2021, but his over-achievement in the role is only going to make his life more difficult this season. Credit in the bank counts for little where Newcastle are now operating. Three games into the new Premier League season and Newcastle have already suffered two defeats, albeit against Manchester City and…

RFEF regional presidents ask Rubiales to resign

The regional presidents of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) have demanded the resignation of president Luis Rubiales and called for a “profound and immediate restructuring” at the organisation as it tries to manage the fallout surrounding his unsolicited kiss of Spain forward Jenni Hermoso. A committee consisting of the presidents of the RFEF’s regional federations met for five hours on Monday to discuss next steps after FIFA hit Rubiales with…

Saudi Arabia name Mancini new manager

Former Italy boss Roberto Mancini said he aims to make history after being named the new head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team by the country’s football federation on Sunday. The Saudi FA gave no further details, but Italian media reported Mancini would leave for Riyadh on Monday to attend a presentation event and sign a contract until 2027 worth €25 million ($27 million) net per year. He will…

Spain coach condemns FA chief after staff resign

Spain coach Jorge Vilda hit out at Luis Rubiales for his “improper behaviour” following his unsolicited kiss of forward Jenni Hermoso after members of his coaching staff stepped down from their roles. Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), has been under pressure since the incident during the team’s celebration following their Women’s World Cup final victory over England on Aug. 20, but he refused to resign Friday,…

Ten Hag praises Utd comeback after ‘horror start’

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised his team for overcoming a horror start to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 in an Old Trafford thriller in the Premier League on Saturday. The hosts were 2-0 down and in disarray inside five minutes with Taiwo Awoniyi scoring a solo effort on the break and Willy Boly heading in a second goal for the visitors. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)…

Arteta backs Havertz display amid fan complaints

Mikel Arteta has backed Kai Havertz to win over Arsenal supporters after another subdued showing in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Fulham. The £67.5 million summer signing from Chelsea had the fewest touches (22) of any Arsenal outfield player in the first half and was substituted on 56 minutes with his side trailing 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Arteta’s side responded to Andreas…