LONDON — “I’ve been heroic / I’ve been criminal / I’ve been angelic / I’ve been infernal/ You hate me/ You love me/ I’m only judged by myself.” Manchester United legend Eric Cantona is back performing in front of a crowd, re-modelled as a world-weary troubadour, and the lyrics he sings at the start of his live show are exactly as you would expect. A stripped-back version of the autobiographical…
LONDON — The result didn’t really matter for Arsenal on Wednesday but the performance does. The Carabao Cup was never going to define the Gunners’ season, yet a dreadful 3-1 defeat at West Ham raises questions that will linger beyond their fourth-round exit. Before this game, Mikel Arteta tasked his players with showing the mindset required to maintain a high level impervious to switching competitions. It was a challenge they…
The chief executive of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has ruled out broadcasting the audio of VAR decisions live during games, believing it would be “a chaotic experience.” There have been growing calls for the discussions between officials to be played out during matches, but it remains outlawed by IFAB. There are also fears that live VAR audio could create “an unsafe environment for referees.” – Stream on ESPN+:…
The summer transfer window has closed throughout Europe, but there are still moves in the works and plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has been banned from all football-related activities for three years because of his behaviour after the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, FIFA announced Monday. FIFA’s disciplinary committee had earlier suspended Rubiales for 90 days after his actions — kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips, grabbing his crotch, and throwing another player over his shoulder — marred Spain’s 1-0 win over England in…
Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior vowed to keep speaking out against racism in world soccer after receiving the Socrates Award on Monday at the Ballon d’Or ceremony for his contribution off the field. Vinícius, who has been racially abused repeatedly in LaLiga games over the last two seasons, was recognized for starting a foundation that is building schools in impoverished areas and investing in education in Brazil. “I will remain…
Ilkay Gündogan said Barcelona must show more emotion and more anger if they are to compete in the biggest games after losing Saturday’s El Clásico 2-1 to Real Madrid at the Olympic Stadium. Barça took the lead in the first half through Gündogan, but a brace from Jude Bellingham after the break, including the 92nd-minute winner, helped Madrid return to the top of LaLiga, level on points with Girona and…
MANCHESTER, England — The endless takeover saga at Manchester United that is about to enter its 12th month has provided useful cover for Erik ten Hag’s shortcomings. The Glazers’ deliberations can only divert attention for so long, though, and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City might just have put the full spotlight onto the Old Trafford manager with Sunday’s 3-0 victory. Two Erling Haaland goals and a late Phil Foden strike left…
LaLiga is investigating racist abuse aimed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during his side’s 2-1 El Clásico win over Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday. The league have been in contact with Vinícius’ camp, sources told ESPN, and is working with the police to identify the perpetrators. “LaLiga has been working from the outset to identify the individuals involved in making racist insults and will file the relevant…
The Jamaica Football Federation said on Friday it had paid the members of their Women’s World Cup squad after players said they had opted out of a pair of Gold Cup qualifiers in protest. The Jamaican women’s team that reached the knockout phase for the first time in Australia this year announced last week that they would withdraw from the Gold Cup qualifiers due to “constant mistreatment” from the national…