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JUST IN : Italy Sports Minister dismisses calls to replace Iran at World Cup
FIFA WORLD CUP, Sports

JUST IN : Italy Sports Minister dismisses calls to replace Iran at World Cup

Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has dismissed a suggestion of Italy replacing Iran at the World Cup calling it "not appropriate." US special envoy for global partnerships appointed by Donald Trump, Paolo Zampolli, had reportedly raised the issue with the President and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. In a statement to Sky News, Abodi said, "Italy's possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which US President Donald Trump's envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has reportedly proposed to FIFA, is firstly not possible, and secondly, not appropriate. I don't know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch". Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President Luciano Buonfiglio says that he would not be happy if Italy were given Iran's place at t...
The stars that will miss the World Cup through injury – and who might {FULL LIST}
FIFA WORLD CUP, Sports

The stars that will miss the World Cup through injury – and who might {FULL LIST}

Spain: Lamine Yamal, Mikel Merino Yamal is "expected to be available for the World Cup" according to Barcelona despite being ruled out of the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.  Merino had surgery on his right foot in February and hasn't returned for Arsenal since. Boss Mikel Arteta recently couldn't answer whether he would return before the end of the season.  Egypt: Mohamed Salah Salah was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury last weekend and could have played his last game for Liverpool. Germany: Serge Gnabry, Marc-Andre ter Stegen  Gnabry said he would be "supporting the boys from home" after being ruled out of the tournament with an adductor muscle tear in his right leg. Goalkeeper Ter Stegen suffered a serious hamstring injury in Februa...
FIFA Mulls Yellow Card Amnesty Ahead of Expanded FIFA World Cup
FIFA WORLD CUP, Sports

FIFA Mulls Yellow Card Amnesty Ahead of Expanded FIFA World Cup

FIFA is reportedly reviewing a significant change to its disciplinary rules as it prepares for the expanded World Cup, with a proposal aimed at reducing player suspensions caused by accumulated yellow cards. According to reports, the plan would introduce an additional amnesty point during the tournament. Under the proposal, yellow cards would be cleared at the end of the group stage and again after the quarter-finals. Currently, players face suspension after receiving two yellow cards across matches—a rule that has often led to key players missing crucial knockout games due to earlier minor infractions. The push for reform comes as the World Cup expands from 32 to 48 teams, resulting in more matches on the path to the semi-finals. With players potentially competing in up to six ga...
JUST IN: Anthony Joshua set for first fight since car accident
Sports

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua set for first fight since car accident

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to make his return to boxing on July 25, when he faces Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the upcoming bout will be Joshua’s first fight since a serious car accident in Nigeria in December, which left him injured and tragically resulted in the deaths of two members of his team. His most recent fight was earlier that same month against Jake Paul. Joshua has confirmed that he has signed a multi-fight agreement ahead of his comeback. He explained that he has spent recent months recovering and rebuilding, and now feels ready to return to competition, starting with the July 25 fight in Saudi Arabia. He also expressed confidence about resuming his career and making an impact in the division again. The announce...
Xavi Simons Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup After ACL Injury
Sports

Xavi Simons Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup After ACL Injury

Xavi Simons has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a ruptured ACL, bringing his season with Tottenham Hotspur to an abrupt end. The Dutch midfielder sustained the injury during Spurs’ 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers following a collision with Hugo Bueno. He initially tried to continue but was later stretchered off. Tottenham confirmed he will undergo surgery and begin rehabilitation afterward, with recovery expected to sideline him for several months. Reacting to the setback, Simons expressed heartbreak, noting that the injury has not only ended his season but also dashed his hopes of representing the Netherlands national football team at the tournament. The midfielder, who joined Spurs from RB Leipzig last summer, made 28 league appearances this sea...
Chelle Addresses Contract Talks with NFF Ahead of Unity Cup
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Chelle Addresses Contract Talks with NFF Ahead of Unity Cup

Éric Chelle has acknowledged that negotiations over the financial terms of his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are ongoing, but insists his main focus remains on managing the Super Eagles. The head coach, whose current contract runs until January 2027, disclosed that his agent is handling discussions with the federation while he concentrates on team duties, following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco earlier this year. Speaking to journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Chelle confirmed that talks are ongoing but stressed that his priority is on-field performance. He explained that while financial matters still need to be resolved, he has delegated those discussions to his representative in order to stay focused on the task ahead. Ami...
Chelsea beat Leeds 1–0, set up FA Cup final with Man City
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Chelsea beat Leeds 1–0, set up FA Cup final with Man City

Enzo Fernández’s first-half header sent Chelsea into the FA Cup final after a hard-fought 1–0 win over Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday. The midfielder struck in the 23rd minute, meeting Pedro Neto’s cross with a firm header beyond goalkeeper Lucas Perri, in a scrappy semi-final that swung on missed chances and key saves. Leeds created the first clear opening when Brenden Aaronson raced onto Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s flick-on, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez made a crucial save with his legs to deny the early breakthrough. Chelsea responded decisively and nearly doubled their lead when João Pedro struck the foot of the post before the break. The match marked a response to recent managerial instability at Chelsea following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior. Calum McFarl...
NBA star Anthony Edwards’ baby mamas unite to take him to court
Sports

NBA star Anthony Edwards’ baby mamas unite to take him to court

A legal dispute involving Anthony Edwards has taken a new turn, with one of his former partners submitting evidence from another in an ongoing child support case, according to court documents. Filings show that Ayesha Howard, who shares a daughter with the Minnesota Timberwolves star, presented a declaration from Alexandria Desroches, who also has a child with him. Howard is seeking to have child support determined in Los Angeles County, while Edwards has argued the matter should be handled in Georgia. In her declaration, Desroches stated that Edwards had been making voluntary monthly child support payments to her, allegedly via wire transfers from a bank account based in Beverly Hills. Howard’s legal team argues that this indicates the player has sufficient ties to California, contr...
Man City beat Southampton 2-1 to reach FA Cup final
Sports

Man City beat Southampton 2-1 to reach FA Cup final

Nico Gonzalez’s stunning strike fired Manchester City into the FA Cup final as Pep Guardiola’s men produced a late fightback to beat Southampton 2-1 on Saturday. The Saints appeared heading towards a first FA Cup final since 2003 when Finn Azaz’s brilliant finish put the Championship side in front 11 minutes from time. However, City avoided the same fate that Arsenal suffered in the quarter-finals to remain on course for a domestic treble. Jeremy Doku’s deflected effort quickly levelled before Gonzalez rifled in from long range three minutes from time. The defeat ends Southampton’s 20-game unbeaten run that has propelled them into contention for an immediate return to the Premier League. The Saints also knocked out City’s title rivals Arsenal in the previous round and wi...
David Haye says a showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury would be the defining fight of their careers.
Sports

David Haye says a showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury would be the defining fight of their careers.

Former heavyweight champion David Haye has emphasized the necessity of a showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, calling it the most significant matchup available for both fighters.Interest in the potential bout surged earlier this month after the two heavyweights exchanged words at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a moment that reignited a rivalry that has seen several previously scheduled matches fall through. The renewed tension followed Joshua's appearance at Fury’s recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov, further stoking public demand for the clash.Speaking to Sky Sports, Haye noted that the timing might actually benefit the fighters financially, admitting, “Maybe they will earn more money now than they would have done when it was first talked about.”Beyond the financial incentives,...