Sports

UEFA has directed its Video Assistant Referees (VAR) not to apply the newly introduced mistaken identity rule to incidents involving simulation, distancing itself from an interpretation that generated controversy during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The guidance was issued to match officials ahead of the opening qualifying rounds of this season's European competitions following concerns over how the updated VAR protocol was implemented at the World Cup. Earlier this summer, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) amended the Laws of the Game to allow VAR to intervene when a referee mistakenly identifies the player responsible for an offence, including correcting yellow and red card decisions. The revised law was invoked twice during the World Cup. In one instance, United St...

The winners of Sunday's 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will make history by becoming the first team to receive specially designed FIFA championship rings. The rings, inspired by a tradition commonly seen in major American sports such as the NFL's Super Bowl, will be presented to the victorious squad after the tournament. FIFA will award 30 rings to players and officials, while an additional 1,996 replica versions will be produced for supporters. Each ring will feature a miniature FIFA World Cup trophy along with a custom-engraved inner band. United States President Donald Trump is also expected to attend the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he will present the World Cup trophy to the champions. Although Trump has not attended any of the tournament'...

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has confirmed that the widely circulated photographs of Lionel Messi bathing an infant Lamine Yamal are authentic, dismissing speculation that the images were digitally manipulated. The photos, which have gone viral across social media in recent days, have generated widespread discussion, with some users questioning their authenticity. UNICEF clarified that the images were taken more than 18 years ago during a charity fundraising photoshoot featuring Messi, baby Yamal and his mother, Sheila. In a statement, UNICEF said the photographs were genuine and formed part of a campaign organised to support children. "Yes, the photos you've seen are real," the organisation stated. UNICEF explained that over 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yam...

FIFA has confirmed that Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, will be in charge of Sunday’s 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The world football governing body appointed the officiating team on Friday. Vinčić will be assisted by his fellow Slovenians, Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, who will serve as first and second assistant referees respectively. Jordan’s Adham Makhadmeh has been named fourth official, while Mohammad Alkalaf will serve as reserve assistant referee. The World Cup final will be played at the 80,663-capacity stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m. local time (EDT). Spain secured their place in the final after defeating France in the semi-finals, while Argentina booked a second successive appearance in the title decider by overcoming Egyp...

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has reportedly informed five senior players they are free to leave the club as he begins reshaping the squad ahead of the new season. The Spaniard, who officially began pre-season preparations at Cobham last week, is said to have identified goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, defenders Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile, winger Alejandro Garnacho and striker Liam Delap as surplus to requirements. According to Portuguese publication A Bola, the five players have been granted permission to seek moves away from Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window. The group is estimated to have a combined market value of about £160 million. Speaking at his first press conference as Chelsea manager earlier this week, Alonso outlined the standards he expects from his...

Argentina could be investigated by FIFA after members of the national team celebrated their dramatic 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England with a banner proclaiming, "The Falkland Islands are Argentinian." Lionel Messi and his teammates booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after staging a late comeback against England in Atlanta. England had looked on course for victory after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, but Enzo Fernández equalised with a spectacular long-range effort in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez headed in a stoppage-time winner to seal Argentina's place in the final. However, the post-match celebrations have attracted attention for reasons beyond the result. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso was seen carrying the politically charged banner...

An attempted burglary at the home of Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was foiled just hours after he helped Spain book only the second FIFA World Cup final appearance in the nation's history. Yamal, 19, played the full game as Spain beat France 2-0 in their semi-final in Dallas on Tuesday, and Catalan news outlet La Vanguardia reported that early on Wednesday morning two masked individuals tried to enter his property. La Vanguardia reported the individuals were spotted perched on a wall of the property by private security guards, and that they fled when challenged by the guards, who then notified local police. "There was an attempted" burglary "at a home in Esplugues de Llobregat" in Barcelona's outskirts, a spokesperson for Catalan regional police told AFP. ...

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has rejected claims that his upcoming fight against Kristian Prenga is simply a tune-up for a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, stressing that he is approaching the contest with complete focus. Joshua is scheduled to face the unbeaten Albanian at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia on July 25, with many boxing observers viewing the bout as a stepping stone to a long-awaited clash with Fury. Prenga enters the fight with an impressive 20-1 professional record, having secured all 20 of his victories by knockout. The Albanian has also expressed confidence that he can derail Joshua's future plans with a surprise victory. Despite the speculation surrounding a possible Fury fight, Joshua insisted his attention remains firmly on Prenga. ...

Scottish champions, Celtic, have offered Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho a new two-year contract. The 29-year-old’s previous deal with Celtic expired at the end of last month, leaving the forward technically a free agent. The proposed contract is understood to include a weekly salary of £35,000, with performance-related bonuses worth up to £780,000 over the duration of the agreement. Speaking to the Daily Record, Celtic coach Martin O'Neill provided an update on the situation: “There’s an offer there to him at this minute. So we’ll see how that develops.” The offer comes after an impressive campaign by the Super Eagles striker, who played a key role in Celtic’s successful 2025/2026 Scottish Premiership title-winning season. Iheanacho scored seven league goals during the c...

Nigeria's Flying Eagles have been drawn in Group B of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, where they will face long-time rivals Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Togo. The draw, conducted on Wednesday, July 15, placed Aliyu Zubairu's team in a competitive group as they begin their quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations. Defending champions and tournament hosts Côte d'Ivoire will compete in Group A alongside Niger and the Benin Republic. One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament will be the group-stage showdown between Nigeria and Ghana, two traditional West African football rivals with a rich history in youth competitions. The WAFU B U20 Championship serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 U20 AFCON, which Ghana will host. The continental championship...