Sports

FIFA is expected to launch an investigation into a 'white supremacy' hand signal made by an Australian VAR official ahead of Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao. Referee Shaun Evans was 'support VAR' for Germany's victory over Curacao when he was shown staring into the camera before kick-off, as has become customary at World Cup matches. The Australian A-League official appeared to make an upside-down 'OK' hand gesture, which can be interpreted as a symbol linked to white supremacy. Soccer fans who were glued to the televisions awaiting the start of the match immediately noticed Evans’ actions and uploaded the footage to social media, accusing the Football Australia referee of promoting white supremacy. The symbol is also used in Australia as part of the commonly known “Circle ...

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has declared that merely qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not the ultimate goal for the Pharaohs, stressing that his side is determined to make a significant impact on the global stage. The former Egypt international, who featured at the 1990 World Cup, believes the current squad possesses the talent and determination needed to achieve a historic breakthrough and elevate Egypt’s status in world football. Speaking ahead of Egypt’s opening World Cup fixture against Belgium, Hassan reflected on his experiences as a player and outlined his ambitions for the national team. “Participating in the World Cup as both a player and a coach is a remarkable achievement,” Hassan said. “Egypt deserves to be among football’s elite nations. In 1990, we showed...

Mehdi Taremi has admitted that the political issues surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup have affected the team’s preparations and dampened the excitement usually associated with the tournament. The Iranian forward spoke ahead of his side’s opening Group G fixture against New Zealand in Los Angeles, revealing that the squad has faced a challenging buildup amid heightened tensions involving Iran and the United States. According to Taremi, the pressure and uncertainty began long before the team arrived at the tournament. “This kind of tension takes away from the joy of the World Cup,” he said, adding that the atmosphere had been noticeable from the outset of their journey. Iran’s preparations were further complicated by the decision to move their training camp from T...

A friendly football match between teams from Eniwari and Opuama communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State reportedly ended in tragedy after a young man was allegedly killed following the game. The victim, identified as Thomas Ogbianawei, an indigene of Eniwari, was said to have been attacked after tensions erupted during the match held on Saturday, June 13, 2026. According to community sources, a disagreement among players from both teams escalated into a confrontation on the pitch, though spectators and match officials were not involved in the clash. Reports indicate that after the match, some members of the visiting Opuama team allegedly encountered Ogbianawei along the route between Eniwari and Fonibiri communities and attacked him after identifying hi...

FIFA has officially named Côte d’Ivoire as the youngest squad at the ongoing 2026 World Cup. “Introducing Côte d’Ivoire… Youngest squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” with “Average age: 25.8,” FIFA wrote on its official World Cup X handle. FIFA made the announcement on Sunday, June 14, as the Elephants prepared for their first match in the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, born on November 14, 2006, is the youngest player in the Ivorian squad. He is part of an exciting generation that includes Bazoumana Touré (TSG Hoffenheim), Christ Inao Oulai (Trabzonspor), Evann Guessand (Crystal Palace), Guela Doué (Strasbourg), Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi), Oumar Diakité (Cercle Brugge)...

Egypt will play their FIFA World Cup matches in kits not bearing the stars commemorating their seven Africa Cup of Nations victories, following a reminder from FIFA, according to the Egyptian Football Association. The Pharaohs typically boast seven stars above their national-team crest on their football kits to recognise each of their continental triumphs, but were already reminded earlier this year that their Puma designs must be adapted to meet FIFA guidelines. Egypt have also changed the colour of the numbers on their kit from gold to white to be clearer. EFA Media Officer Mohamed Morad Thabet told ESPN: "It was a routine procedure: four months ago, FIFA notified the Football Association regarding the issue of not displaying the Africa Cup of Nations stars on the national ...

    They won the title after drawing goalless with Bayelsa Queens in the final round of NWFL Premiership Super Six fixtures at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday. They won the title after drawing goalless with Bayelsa Queens in the final round of NWFL Premiership Super Six fixtures at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday. This is their second NWFL title in three years for coach Moses Aduku’s team. Before the game, Adaaa Edo Queens were on nine points, needing only one point to be crowned champions. “Edo Queens have been dropping chart-toppers all season, and the final track is gold! NWFL 2025/2026 secured — the victory anthem is loud, proud, and unstoppable. Adaaa Edo Quee...

Real Madrid have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella in a transfer worth €60 million (£51.7 million), ending the Spanish defender’s four-year spell at Stamford Bridge. The agreement is said to include an initial fee of €55 million, with an additional €5 million in performance-related bonuses. Although the final documents are yet to be signed, the transfer is expected to be completed early next week. Cucurella, 27, is currently with the Spanish national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, but reports indicate that all parties have already reached a verbal agreement. The defender joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 for £63 million and made 150 appearances for the London club. During his time with the Blues, he helped the...

Arsenal football legend Thierry Henry has cleared the air following social media reactions to a viral video from the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match, insisting he has nothing but “mad respect” and love for Nigeria. The controversy began during the tournament opener, where popular American streamer IShowSpeed met football icons Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry. A viral video captured them questioning Speed’s decision to pair a United States national team jersey with Nigerian national team shorts. Spotting the mixed outfit in the stands, Ibrahimović said, “You have an American shirt, you have Nigerian shorts.” Henry added, “I love Nigeria, but today is US for you.” When IShowSpeed asked what was wrong with mixing Nigeria and America, Henry explained that breaking up ...

Rabat, Morocco – Moroccan football authorities have reportedly decided not to bid for or host future African football tournaments following the controversy that surrounded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The decision comes amid growing frustration over criticism, disputes, and logistical challenges that emerged before, during, and after the continental competition hosted by the North African nation. According to reports, Moroccan officials believe the country invested heavily in infrastructure, stadium upgrades, security, and hospitality to ensure a successful tournament but felt that their efforts were overshadowed by controversies and negative reactions from some stakeholders. The AFCON 2025 tournament attracted millions of viewers across Africa and beyond, with Morocco ...