Sports

Manchester City have reportedly engaged in encouraging discussions with Enzo Maresca about the possibility of him taking over from Pep Guardiola. Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium continues to generate widespread speculation, as the Spanish tactician approaches the final phase of his current contract with the club. In response, City’s management are said to be preparing a contingency plan, which could involve bringing back a familiar figure to the club. According to reports from The Guardian, Maresca has now emerged as one of the top candidates to succeed Guardiola, especially amid growing rumours that the long-serving manager could step down at the end of the season. Despite this, Manchester City remain hopeful that Guardiola will honour his contract, which runs until 2...

FIFA has dismissed suggestions to substitute Iran with Italy at this year’s World Cup, following a proposal reportedly put forward by a special envoy to Donald Trump. Although concerns had been raised about Iran’s participation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel, football’s global governing body has made it clear that Iran will remain in the tournament, according to reports. The proposal came from U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli, who said he had recommended the idea to both Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Zampolli argued that Italy, a four-time World Cup winner, has the pedigree to justify inclusion. However, FIFA declined to directly address the suggestion and instead reiterated Infantino’s earlier stance that Iran will participate. T...

Barcelona have confirmed that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury. In an official medical update, the club revealed that tests showed damage to the biceps femoris muscle in his left leg. The statement added that Yamal will undergo conservative treatment and is expected to return in time for the World Cup. The injury occurred shortly after the young winger scored from the penalty spot in a hard-fought victory over Celta Vigo. He later went down on the pitch and signaled to the bench before being substituted. Further assessments confirmed the setback, with reports indicating he will miss key fixtures, including the upcoming El Clásico, and likely the rest of the campaign. While the win over Celta Vigo kept Bar...

There is growing optimism that something special is taking shape, with Cristiano Ronaldo spearheading Al-Nassr’s push toward a historic turnaround. After a period marked by missed opportunities and frustration, the club now finds itself within touching distance of a remarkable treble. What once seemed like a transitional campaign has evolved into a serious title charge. Al-Nassr has hit top form at the right moment, turning earlier inconsistencies into a surge that has placed multiple trophies firmly within reach. AFC Champions League path In continental competition, the numbers tell a clear story. Al-Nassr is just one victory away from clinching the West region title in the AFC Champions League Two. A semifinal clash against Al-Ahli (Qatar) stands as the immediate hurdle. Prog...

An envoy for US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup this summer. The Financial Times reported that the plan is an effort to repair the relationship between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which soured after the former’s comments against Pope Leo XIV regarding the war with Iran. United States special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested the idea to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament," Zampolli told the outlet. "With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion." Italy had a chance to be in the World Cup already, b...

AS Monaco midfielder Paul Pogba has suggested that Bruno Fernandes would be a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or if he played for a dominant team like Manchester City. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former Manchester United star praised Fernandes’ abilities but noted that greater team success could elevate his global recognition. “Bruno Fernandes, in other top clubs, would be in the top three for the Ballon d’Or,” Pogba said. He added that placing Fernandes in a more dominant system like Manchester City would significantly boost his chances of winning the prestigious individual award. Fernandes has been one of Manchester United’s key performers this season, recording 18 Premier League assists and nearing the single-season assist record jointly held by Thi...

Manchester City climbed back to the summit of the Premier League standings after securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor. Despite the narrow scoreline, the encounter reflected the intensity of a tight title race, with City dominating play but facing strong resistance from Burnley’s goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka. The decisive moment came early, as Erling Haaland found the back of the net just five minutes into the match. A well-delivered pass from Jeremy Doku split Burnley’s defence, allowing Haaland to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner and silence the home crowd. City continued to press forward, having already threatened through Rayan Cherki, whose earlier effort struck the woodwork and tested Dubravka. Under manager Pep Guardiola, City maintained contr...

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have been drawn into Group B for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, where they will face France, Hungary, and South Korea.   The draw, held in Berlin, places the reigning African champions against some of the globe's most formidable teams. France, currently ranked second in the world, enter the tournament as favorites to lead the group. Nigeria, holding steady at eighth in the global rankings, will look to capitalize on their recent continental dominance to secure a spot in the knockout stages.   Rounding out Group B are South Korea, ranked 15th, and Hungary, ranked 19th. Both teams are known for tactical discipline, making the group one of the most competitive in the opening round.   Rena Wakama’s side secured their world cup ticket by winning ...

Real Madrid and Barcelona are preparing for a major transfer battle over Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer 2026 window. Both La Liga giants have intensified their interest in the Nigerian forward, who has maintained exceptional form at Galatasaray since making his move to Turkey permanent. Osimhen has been a force this season, contributing significantly to Galatasaray’s domestic and European campaigns. His physical presence and clinical finishing have reaffirmed his status as one of the most elite strikers in world football. According to reports from Fotomaç, Real Madrid views Osimhen as the ideal traditional number nine to lead their attack. The strategic goal is to utilize the Nigerian international as a central focal point, which would allow Kylian Mbappé ...

Chelsea have sacked head coach Liam Rosenior with immediate effect after four months at the club . Rosenior signed a five-and-a-half-year deal after arriving from French club Strasbourg, also owned by Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. He managed just 11 wins in 23 matches across all competitions, and Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at Brighton was Chelsea's fifth consecutive league defeat without scoring, the club's worst scoreless run since 1912. Rosenior described the performance as "indefensible" and "unacceptable" after facing angry chants from Chelsea's travelling supporters on the south coast. The defeat led to the Blues slipping to seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind Liverpool, who occupy the fifth and final Champions League spot. Calum McFarlan...