Football News - Page 18

After empty seats and extreme heat, US faces fresh criticism over poor pitches at FIFA Club World Cup

Top players including Achraf Hakimi and Jude Bellingham have criticised pitch conditions at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the US. PSG head coach Luis Enrique said that the ball bounces like a rabbit on these pitches.

Explained: How FIFA could prevent Iran from playing in US during 2026 World Cup

While the US has called for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, FIFA now faces a new concern: how to keep Iran from playing in the US during the 2026 World Cup. Here's how they could do it.

Football transfer gossip: Arsenal to pull out from Sesko race; Man United show interest in Kean

Transfer buzz is heating up ahead of the new European season with Arsenal reportedly pulling out of the race for Benjamin Sesko and Manchester United eyeing a new forward.

Man City underline squad depth with 6-0 victory vs Al-Ain, reach FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage with Juventus

Manchester City and Juventus will now meet in their final FIFA Club World Cup group match to decide which of them progresses to the round of 16 as group winners.

'Everybody in the world wants to play with...': Marcus Rashford expresses desire to play with Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal

Marcus Rashford has revealed his admiration for Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and expressed a desire to play alongside him in the future. However, Rashford's next move is currently uncertain with several top clubs interested to get the Manchester United forward.

Watch: Fight erupts in England-Spain U-21 Euro quarter-final, with players having to be dragged off pitch

The Anton Malatinsky Stadium in Trnava, Slovakia witnessed heated scenes on the pitch after England defeated Spain 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the ongoing U-21 European Championship, with coaches from both teams and match officials having to separate players.

Madrid coach Alonso provides update on Mbappe ahead of Club World Cup game against Pachuca: 'We're optimistic about...'

Kylian Mbappe had missed Real Madrid's opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup against Al-Hilal and was admitted to a hospital on Thursday for a bout of gastroenteritis.

Kalyan Chaubey responds to Bhaichung Bhutia's 'circus' remark, invites him to AIFF meeting

Indian football is witnessing internal tensions as AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has responded strongly to Bhaichung Bhutia’s criticism of the federation. Chaubey called Bhutia’s allegations baseless and invited him to the upcoming Executive Committee meeting.

'We’re not friends': Messi clears the air on relationship with Ronaldo after his 'I have affection for him' remark

Lionel Messi has opened up on his relationship with longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo. His comments come weeks after Ronaldo expressed affection for Messi.

Kylian Mbappe hospitalised after missing Real Madrid's opening game of FIFA Club World Cup; here's why

Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Mbappe was in “rough shape” and hadn't been able to train for days. The French forward's hospitalization now casts doubt over what part he might be able to play in the monthlong tournament in the United States.

Cristiano Ronaldo is not part of the action at the FIFA Club World Cup; here's why

FIFA would have hoped to have both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in action at the 32-team Club World Cup in the US. However, while Messi's Inter Miami is playing through the host nation's slot, Ronaldo's is absent from the tournament. Here's why.

Watch: Donald Trump makes Juventus players uncomfortable with dig at trans athletes during their White House visit

Juventus players were left puzzled when US President Donald Trump asked if women could be part of their team during a White House visit.

Chelsea's $62 million player charged with doping offences, risks four-year ban

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with anti-doping rule violations by the FA after a banned substance was found in his sample from last year. The 24-year-old may face a potential four-year ban if found guilty.

Premier League Fixtures 2025-26: Full list of 380 matches, venues, dates and timings

The English Premier League fixtures for 2025-26 season were announced on Wednesday (18 June). Here's all you need to know about the Premier League fixtures for the 2025-26 season.

US heatwave raises alarm for FIFA World Cup 2026 as players, fans suffer during Club World Cup

The FIFA Club World Cup in the US has already offered a clear glimpse of the climate challenges that teams, players and fans may face during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal issues statement after reported luxury trip with 30-year-old flight attendant

Barcelona's 17-year-old star Lamine Yamal has caused a stir on social media after rumours of him dating 30-year-old flight attendant Fati Vazquez emerged. Both Yamal and Vazquez have responded to the recent speculations.

FIFA lifts transfer ban on ISL champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant over unpaid dues

FIFA has lifted Mohun Bagan Super Giant's transfer ban after the club resolved a dues dispute with Central Coast Mariners. The ISL club can now sign new players ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Auckland City at FIFA Club World Cup: A group of amateur footballers on unpaid leaves

Auckland City FC, an amateur team from New Zealand, is making headlines at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the USA. Despite a heavy 10-0 loss to Bayern Munich, the team's underdog story has captured global attention as some of their players have taken unpaid leaves from their jobs to play the tournament.

CAS rules in favour of Inter Kashi over ineligible player controversy in I-League

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld Inter Kashi FC's appeal, reversing a prior decision by the AIFF Appeals Committee and awarding a 3-0 win against Namdhari FC for fielding an ineligible player in I-League 2024-25. This decision is set to impact I-League standings and ISL qualification.

Fans criticise FIFA after empty seats at Club World Cup: 'Embarrassing look for football'

The swathes of empty seats during the FIFA Club World Cup match between Chelsea and Los Angeles FC have been criticised by fans, who blamed the governing body for ‘screwing up’ the tournament.

Why Italy feel 2006 World Cup-winner Gennaro Gattuso is the right man to lead Azzurri

Italy appointed former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, who has managed leading clubs such as AC Milan and Napoli in the past, as their new coach after Luciano Spalletti was sacked following a 0-3 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

FIFA Club World Cup: PSG lay down marker with Atletico thrashing, Bayern beat Auckland

Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain sent another reminder of their prowess as they began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a massive win.

England and Manchester United legend David Beckham receives knighthood: 'Truly humbling honour'

Beckham, who played 115 times for England as well as for some of the world's most high-profile clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid, will now be known as "sir" and his wife Victoria, a former member of the Spice Girls pop group, will be known as Lady Beckham.

Arsenal spring into action after top target Viktor Gyokeres snubs Man Utd transfer

Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly handed a major boost to Arsenal by rejecting Manchester United. The London club is now planning to move quickly and secure the deal.

Lionel Messi fails to deliver as fans turn up in big numbers for FIFA Club World Cup opener

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami were held to a goalless draw by Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opener but the match witnessed over 60,000 fans filling up the stands at the Hard Rock Stadium.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Live streaming, format, schedule and everything else you need to know ahead of Match 1

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami face Egyptian club Al Ahly in the opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup, which has been expanded to a 32-team event this year and will be hosted in the United States from 14 June to 13 July.

Indian football fans slam AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey over 'crash course' plan for strikers: 'Is this a school summer vacation?'

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey’s crash course plan for strikers sparked outrage among Indian football fans on X, who accused the federation of trivialising a serious crisis and revealing its lack of direction.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Why are Barcelona not part of the football showpiece event?

The new-look FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will include 32 football clubs from across the globe but there will be no FC Barcelona in the competition. We explain why the La Liga champions Barcelona are not a part of the tournament.

Kalyan Chaubey Press Conference: Bhaichung Bhutia slammed, OCI issue discussed but Indian football's main problems ignored

After Bhaichung Bhutia accused AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey of "destroying Indian football" following the Blue Tigers' 0-1 loss at the hands of Hong Kong, the latter responded by targeting the legendary striker's football academies at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025: New rules, teams, groups, venues; all you need to know

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will feature 32 teams for the first time and will take place in the USA from 15 June to 14 July. Know about the new rules, venue details, prize money, group breakdowns, and the full list of qualified clubs.