Soccer – Winnipeg Free Press

Canada's women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman leaves the field after team practice in Vancouver, on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Priestman names her pre-tournament roster for a camp in Australia prior to next month's FIFA Women's World Cup. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Canada's Priestman names pre-tournament roster

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Updated: 3:15 PM CDT

The fight for places on the Canadian women's World Cup team is going to go down to the wire in some cases.

Canada coach Bev Priestman has chosen 25 players for a camp in Australia before next month's tournament, including several players who have been racing to get fit.

The camp starts June 28 on the Gold Coast, with the sixth-ranked Canadians playing a final tune-up game against No. 4 England on July 14 behind closed doors.

The two teams could meet again in the round of 16 at the tournament.

Advertise With Us

Weather

This evening:

25°c Chance of thundershowers Tonight:

18°c Cloudy periods

Winnipeg MB
25°C, Overcast

Full Forecast

Lloyd a Fox studio analyst for Women’s World Cup, Dellacamera lead broadcaster

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Lloyd a Fox studio analyst for Women’s World Cup, Dellacamera lead broadcaster

The Associated Press 3 minute read 10:40 AM CDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two-time FIFA Player of the Year Carli Lloyd will work as a studio analyst for Fox's Women's World Cup coverage and JP Dellacamera will be lead play-by-play commentator for the third straight tournament.

Dellacamera will be paired with former U.S. national team midfielder Aly Wagner for the second straight Women’s World Cup, Fox said Thursday. They are among three crews on site in Australia and New Zealand for the tournament, which runs from July 20 to Aug. 20.

Rob Stone will be the studio host for Fox’s third straight Women’s World Cup along with two men’s World Cups. The set will have the Sydney Opera House as a backdrop.

Fox is broadcasting its third straight Women’s World Cup under a deal with FIFA through the 2026 men’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Read

10:40 AM CDT

FILE - United States' forward Carli Lloyd salutes fans after a soccer friendly match against South Korea, Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in St. Paul, Minn. JP Dellacamera will be Fox’s lead play-by-play commentator for the third straight Women’s World Cup and two-time FIFA Player of the Year Carli Lloyd will work as a studio analyst, Fox said Thursday, June 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King, File)

Messi mural to cover student dormitory in Tirana, make Albanians happy

Llazar Semini, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Messi mural to cover student dormitory in Tirana, make Albanians happy

Llazar Semini, The Associated Press 3 minute read 11:17 AM CDT

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — One side of a dormitory for medical students in downtown Tirana has been covered by a mural of Lionel Messi.

Argentine painter Maximiliano Bagnasco is taking part in the Tirana MuralFest 2023 and decided to go with the soccer great, his idol.

The 25x10-meter mural of a bearded and smiling Messi, wearing Argentina’s white-and-blue national team jersey with the No. 10, will cover part of a building at a crossroad near the capital city's main hospitals.

“It is a source of pride for me … that my work has become known for painting them, our idols,” the 41-year-old Bagnasco told The Associated Press.

Read

11:17 AM CDT

Argentinian street artist Maximiliano Bagnasco looks at a picture of Argentinian soccer superstar Lionel Messi, in front of Messi's mural that he is painting, in Tirana, Albania, on Monday, June 5, 2023. The 25x10 meters Messi's mural part of the Tirana MuralFest 2023. (AP Photo/Llazar Semini)

German soccer league finds 2 more men to replace 2 men who replaced female CEO

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

German soccer league finds 2 more men to replace 2 men who replaced female CEO

The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: 10:16 AM CDT

BERLIN (AP) —

The German soccer league will appoint two more men to take over as chief executive officers from the two men who took over from a woman last year.

Marc Lenz and Steffen Merkel are to assume duties as co-CEOs on July 1, taking over from Axel Hellmann and Oliver Leki, the league, known as the DFL, said in a statement on Thursday.

Hellmann and Leki took over on an interim basis from Donata Hopfen last December when she stepped down from the role as head of Germany’s top two soccer divisions after less than a year in charge.

Read

Updated: 10:16 AM CDT

Man City, Inter Milan meet in Champions League final of contrasting club history

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Man City, Inter Milan meet in Champions League final of contrasting club history

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 1:07 PM CDT

ISTANBUL (AP) — Manchester City will enter the Champions League final on Saturday as a modern soccer and financial heavyweight compared to Inter Milan.

That is a new twist in the European history of two clubs who have rarely operated at the same level and whose respective status, on and off the field, flipped about 12 years ago.

Inter had the aristocratic, storied tradition and trophies while City was an English third-tier team when crosstown rival Manchester United lifted the iconic European Cup trophy in 1999.

“One is a kind of old nobility,” European soccer consultant Olivier Jarosz told The Associated Press about Inter, “and one comes from a working-class family that has made a nice marriage with money.”

Read

Updated: 1:07 PM CDT

Champions League trophy is shown at Besiktas' Vodafone park stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Manchester City will play Inter Milan in the final of the Champions League on Saturday June 10 in Istanbul. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Budweiser brewer renews with FIFA to 2026 despite World Cup stadium beer ban in Qatar

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Budweiser brewer renews with FIFA to 2026 despite World Cup stadium beer ban in Qatar

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 2 minute read 7:19 AM CDT

GENEVA (AP) — Budweiser will still be the official World Cup beer through the 2026 tournament in the United States, after brewer AB InBev renewed with FIFA on Thursday despite a troubled time with men’s 2022 World Cup host Qatar.

Two days before the tournament began in Qatar, World Cup organizers withdrew a longstanding promise to let fans at stadiums buy beer with alcohol.

The move blindsided the brewer whose Budweiser brand has been the World Cup beer since the 1986 tournament.

FIFA seemed unable to protect AB InBev under pressure from Qatar in a dispute which seemed a potential breach of contract issue for soccer’s world body. The conservative Muslim nation signed up to honor FIFA's commercial partners when it started bidding to be host in 2009.

Read

7:19 AM CDT

FILE FIFA President Gianni Infantino meets the media at the FIFA World Cup closing press conference in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Dec. 16, 2022.. An advertising regulator says FIFA made false claims about last year's World Cup in Qatar being carbon neutral. The Swiss Commission for Fairness says FIFA was “not able to provide proof that the claims were accurate.” (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

Police say 23 Fiorentina, West Ham soccer fans detained around Europa Conference League final

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Police say 23 Fiorentina, West Ham soccer fans detained around Europa Conference League final

The Associated Press 2 minute read 7:13 AM CDT

PRAGUE (AP) — Czech police detained 23 West Ham and Fiorentina soccer fans for their behaviour in connection with the Europa Conference League final in Prague, authorities said Thursday.

One person is suspected of attacking a police officer, two others of hooliganism. The rest are suspected of committing various misdemeanours, including using flares and other pyrotechnics at various places in the Czech capital, police said.

Police didn’t give details about the detained fans. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan said only that as far their numbers the Italians “won.”

Police previously said Fiorentina fans attacked West Ham supporters in a bar in downtown Prague ahead of Wednesday’s final. Three West Ham fans and one police officer were injured in the incident while 16 people were detained.

Read

7:13 AM CDT

PRAGUE (AP) — Czech police detained 23 West Ham and Fiorentina soccer fans for their behaviour in connection with the Europa Conference League final in Prague, authorities said Thursday.

One person is suspected of attacking a police officer, two others of hooliganism. The rest are suspected of committing various misdemeanours, including using flares and other pyrotechnics at various places in the Czech capital, police said.

Police didn’t give details about the detained fans. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan said only that as far their numbers the Italians “won.”

Police previously said Fiorentina fans attacked West Ham supporters in a bar in downtown Prague ahead of Wednesday’s final. Three West Ham fans and one police officer were injured in the incident while 16 people were detained.

Big clubs in Germany’s second division taking attention away from Bundesliga

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Big clubs in Germany’s second division taking attention away from Bundesliga

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 5 minute read 6:18 AM CDT

BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s second division threatens to take attention away from the Bundesliga next season with several heavyweights competing at the lower level.

Hertha Berlin and Schalke were relegated from the top flight, joining the likes of Hamburger SV, Nuremberg, Kaiserslautern, Hannover and Fortuna Düsseldorf — all teams playing in stadiums with a capacity of at least 50,000.

Only five of 18 teams in the Bundesliga next season can boast such numbers. Promoted Heidenheim will play its first season in Germany’s top flight at the 15,000-capacity Albstadion. Union Berlin plays at the 22,000-capacity Stadion An der Alten Försterei and may have to move for Champions League games after clinching a spot in Europe’s top club competition.

When Hertha hosts Hamburg in its 75,000-capacity Olympiastadion, or Schalke hosts Kaiserslautern in front of 62,000 fans in Gelsenkirchen, the games will draw more attention than many first-division matches.

Read

6:18 AM CDT

Hertha's goal scorer Lucas Tousart, center, and his teammates Florian Niederlechner, left, and Marton Dardai, right, react after the German Bundesliga soccer match between Hertha BSC Berlin and VfL Bochum in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, May 20, 2023. It had been expected but Hertha Berlin’s relegation from the Bundesliga was a shock when it came. The “Old Lady” was winning deep into injury time against Bochum when Keven Schlotterbeck scored the goal that sent Hertha down to the second division on Saturday. (Soeren Stache/dpa via AP)

Declan Rice set to leave West Ham after winning European trophy, club chairman says

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Declan Rice set to leave West Ham after winning European trophy, club chairman says

The Associated Press 2 minute read 5:31 AM CDT

LONDON (AP) — England midfielder Declan Rice looks to have played his final match for West Ham.

Rice, who captained West Ham in its victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday, has been promised he can leave the club and wants to go, chairman David Sullivan said.

“You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there,” Sullivan told British radio station Talksport on Thursday.

Rice has been linked with some of Europe’s top teams, including Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

Read

5:31 AM CDT

West Ham's Declan Rice lifts the trophy after winning the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Fiorentina and West Ham at the Eden Arena in Prague, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. West Ham won 2-1. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister joins Liverpool from Brighton

James Robson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister joins Liverpool from Brighton

James Robson, The Associated Press 2 minute read 5:25 AM CDT

Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister signed for Liverpool for a reported initial fee of 35 million pounds ($43.6 million) on Thursday to mark the start of an expected rebuild by the club.

Mac Allister, part of Argentina's World Cup-winning team last year, completed a move from Brighton on what Liverpool described as a “long-term deal.”

“Since I won the World Cup, I said that I want to win more trophies and I think that this club will help me to do that," the 24-year-old Mac Allister said. “That’s the aim and when you are in a big club like this one you have to win trophies. So, that’s what I want.”

Mac Allister helped Brighton secure its highest-ever Premier League finish of sixth place, which was one spot below Liverpool

Read

5:25 AM CDT

Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister signed for Liverpool for a reported initial fee of 35 million pounds ($43.6 million) on Thursday to mark the start of an expected rebuild by the club.

Mac Allister, part of Argentina's World Cup-winning team last year, completed a move from Brighton on what Liverpool described as a “long-term deal.”

“Since I won the World Cup, I said that I want to win more trophies and I think that this club will help me to do that," the 24-year-old Mac Allister said. “That’s the aim and when you are in a big club like this one you have to win trophies. So, that’s what I want.”

Mac Allister helped Brighton secure its highest-ever Premier League finish of sixth place, which was one spot below Liverpool

Haaland looks set to replace Messi and Ronaldo as soccer’s next global superstar

James Robson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Haaland looks set to replace Messi and Ronaldo as soccer’s next global superstar

James Robson, The Associated Press 5 minute read 5:02 AM CDT

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — With Lionel Messi on his way to Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo already in Saudi Arabia, it's time for soccer's next global superstar to step forward.

Say hello to Erling Haaland, whose record-breaking first season at Manchester City has seen the Norwegian establish himself as probably the most lethal goal-scorer in the sport.

On Saturday he could fire Pep Guardiola's City to its first Champions League title and a historic treble of trophies after winning the Premier League and FA Cup this season.

Perhaps only Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior can challenge Haaland to the title of the world's best in the post-Messi and Ronaldo era.

Read

5:02 AM CDT

Manchester City's Erling Haaland, left, greets Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior at the end of the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Guzan secures 50th career clean sheet; Atlanta, LAFC play to scoreless draw

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Guzan secures 50th career clean sheet; Atlanta, LAFC play to scoreless draw

The Associated Press 1 minute read 12:04 AM CDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Brad Guzan made eight saves in the 50th clean sheet of his career to help Atlanta United play LAFC to a scoreless draw on Wednesday night.

Atlanta (6-4-8) has not won an away match against a Western Conference opponent since the 2019 season against Portland. LAFC (7-1-6) has yet to lose a match at home this season. The home side had won the three previous meetings between Atlanta and Los Angeles.

LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy earned his fifth clean sheet of the season.

Atlanta, which extended its unbeaten streak to five games, hosts D.C. United on Saturday. LAFC plays at the Houston Dynamo on Saturday.

Read

12:04 AM CDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Brad Guzan made eight saves in the 50th clean sheet of his career to help Atlanta United play LAFC to a scoreless draw on Wednesday night.

Atlanta (6-4-8) has not won an away match against a Western Conference opponent since the 2019 season against Portland. LAFC (7-1-6) has yet to lose a match at home this season. The home side had won the three previous meetings between Atlanta and Los Angeles.

LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy earned his fifth clean sheet of the season.

Atlanta, which extended its unbeaten streak to five games, hosts D.C. United on Saturday. LAFC plays at the Houston Dynamo on Saturday.

Ferreira scores 10th goal, FC Dallas beats St. Louis in rescheduled game

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Ferreira scores 10th goal, FC Dallas beats St. Louis in rescheduled game

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 8:35 PM CDT

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Jesús Ferreira scored in the 80th minute for his 10th goal of the season and FC Dallas beat St. Louis 2-0 on Wednesday night in a rescheduled game.

The game originally started on May 6, but it was postponed after 50 minutes of play due to inclement weather with the score 0-0.

Ferreira is tied with LAFC's Dénis Bouanga and Nashville's Hany Mukhtar for the league lead in goals. Ferreira is the first player to reach double-digit goals with no penalties this season.

Dallas defender Marco Farfan added a goal in the 89th minute after being left alone at the far post.

Read

Yesterday at 8:35 PM CDT

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Jesús Ferreira scored in the 80th minute for his 10th goal of the season and FC Dallas beat St. Louis 2-0 on Wednesday night in a rescheduled game.

The game originally started on May 6, but it was postponed after 50 minutes of play due to inclement weather with the score 0-0.

Ferreira is tied with LAFC's Dénis Bouanga and Nashville's Hany Mukhtar for the league lead in goals. Ferreira is the first player to reach double-digit goals with no penalties this season.

Dallas defender Marco Farfan added a goal in the 89th minute after being left alone at the far post.

Canada's Lawrence confirms departure from PSG

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Canada's Lawrence confirms departure from PSG

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 5:29 PM CDT

Canadian international Ashley Lawrence has confirmed she is leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

"It's time for me to say goodbye after 6 1/2 years with this very special club," the 27-year-old fullback/midfielder from Caledon, Ont., said in a social media post. "A club for which I have a deep respect and a great deal for gratitude.

"It's been a magical ride. I've been proud to wear this jersey, to represent it in France and in Europe."

Lawrence is reportedly headed to England's Chelsea to join Canadian teammates Jessie Fleming and Kadeisha Buchanan.

Read

Yesterday at 5:29 PM CDT

PSG's Ashley Lawrence, right, and Bayern's Viviane Assey fight for the ball during the women's quarterfinal Champions League first leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain in Munich, Germany, Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Canadian international Ashley Lawrence has confirmed she is leaving Paris Saint-Germain.THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Matthias Schrader

Uruguay beats Israel 1-0 to reach Under-20 World Cup final

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Uruguay beats Israel 1-0 to reach Under-20 World Cup final

The Associated Press 1 minute read 3:12 PM CDT

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Uruguay beat Israel 1-0 on Thursday to advance to its third Under-20 World Cup final.

Target man Anderson Duarte scored the only goal of the match in the Argentinian city of La Plata in the 61st minute from close range.

Uruguay’s opponent in Sunday's final will be known later Thursday, when Italy and South Korea face off.

The semifinal was decided by one of the few opportunities either team had during the match.

Read

3:12 PM CDT

Fans of Israel cheer prior a FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match against Uruguay at the Diego Maradona stadium in La Plata, Argentina, Thursday, June 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

No homecoming for Messi as Barcelona again fails to do enough to lure him back

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

No homecoming for Messi as Barcelona again fails to do enough to lure him back

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 7:36 AM CDT

MADRID (AP) — Once again, Barcelona couldn't do enough to entice Lionel Messi.

Nearly two years after the club was forced to let Messi go against his will because of its financial struggles, Barcelona again missed out on a chance to bring the World Cup winner back.

The 35-year-old Messi announced Wednesday he would not return to Spain and instead said he was going to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

There had been hopes of a reunion between the Argentina great and the Spanish club where he thrived for nearly two decades before leaving to join Paris Saint-Germain, but in the end there was only more disappointment for both sides.

Read

Updated: 7:36 AM CDT

FILE - Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina, right, duels for the ball with Real Madrid's Pepe from Portugal, left, Sergio Ramos and Fabio Coentrao of Portugal, center right, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium, in Barcelona on April 21, 2012. Lionel Messi says he is coming to Inter Miami and joining Major League Soccer. After months of speculation, Messi announced his decision Wednesday, June 7, 2023,to join a Miami franchise that has been led by another global soccer icon in David Beckham since its inception but has yet to make any real splashes on the field. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza, File)

Bowen ends West Ham’s 58-year wait for European title with late winner against Fiorentina

Karel Janicek, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Bowen ends West Ham’s 58-year wait for European title with late winner against Fiorentina

Karel Janicek, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:44 PM CDT

PRAGUE (AP) — West Ham ended a 58-year wait for a European trophy after Jarrod Bowen scored in the 90th minute to secure a 2-1 win over Fiorentina on Wednesday in the Europa Conference League final.

Bowen ran onto a through ball by Lucas Paqueta before beating goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano with a left-foot shot to complete a quick attack at Eden Arena.

Fiorentina couldn't answer despite nearly eight minutes of injury time being played, setting off wild celebrations among the West Ham players as they danced in front of their fans after winning the London club's second ever European title and first since the old European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965.

“It’s what you always say, you want to score in the last minute a winner. And to do it in front of these fans, I thought I was going to cry,” Bowen told British broadcaster BT Sport. “We’ve had a dream. We haven’t had the best season, myself included. But to do what we’ve done tonight for these fans …. to give them this moment, I’m over the moon.”

Read

Updated: Yesterday at 5:44 PM CDT

West Ham's Nayef Aguerd vies for the ball with Fiorentina's Giacomo Bonaventura, left, during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Fiorentina and West Ham at the Eden Arena in Prague, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Fiorentina captain Biraghi left bleeding from head by objects thrown by West Ham fans during final

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Fiorentina captain Biraghi left bleeding from head by objects thrown by West Ham fans during final

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 3:12 PM CDT

PRAGUE (AP) — Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi was hit in the head by objects thrown from the stands by West Ham supporters during the first half of the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday, leaving him bleeding from a gash in his scalp.

The game was briefly held up after Biraghi was struck by empty beer cups and other objects as he was about to take a corner. He needed to have his head bandaged to stop the bleeding, while a stadium announcer urged supporters to stop throwing objects.

Some West Ham players also went over to urge their fans to stop, before play resumed.

The game was still scoreless at halftime.

Read

Yesterday at 3:12 PM CDT

Fiorentina's Cristiano Biraghi bleeds after being hit by an object thrown from the stands during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Fiorentina and West Ham at the Eden Arena in Prague, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

All players at Women’s World Cup to get at least $30,000 in prize money; winners to get $270,000

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

All players at Women’s World Cup to get at least $30,000 in prize money; winners to get $270,000

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 2:55 PM CDT

GENEVA (AP) — Every player at the Women’s World Cup will be paid at least $30,000 by FIFA, and the 23 players in the title-winning team will each get $270,000.

The details confirmed Wednesday by FIFA fulfils a promise made in March to financially reward the 732 players taking part in the July 20-Aug. 20 tournament hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

It means more than half of FIFA’s total prize money fund of $110 million must be paid to the players in the 32 team squads.

Players from the 16 teams which do not advance from the group stage are still guaranteed to get $30,000 -– more than the annual salary many get from their clubs.

Read

Updated: Yesterday at 2:55 PM CDT

FILE - Team USA celebrates after winning the Women's World Cup soccer final against the Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Sunday, July 7, 2019. The United States will be playing for an unprecedented three-peat at the Women's World Cup this summer. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

Herdman says Messi to MLS is an 'absolute coup'

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Herdman says Messi to MLS is an 'absolute coup'

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 3:26 PM CDT

Canada coach John Herdman calls Lionel Messi coming to North America an "absolute coup" for Major League Soccer.

Messi, who spent the last two years with Paris Saint-Germain, had been linked to Inter Miami CF, a return to Barcelona and a big-money offer to play in Saudi Arabia.

After reports surfaced Wednesday that the move to Miami was a done deal, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas tweeted out a photo of a darkly silhouetted Messi jersey. The Argentine star then confirmed the move himself in interviews with Spanish news outlets Mundo Deportivo and Sport.

MLS then issued a brief statement.

Read

Updated: Yesterday at 3:26 PM CDT

PSG's Lionel Messi reacts during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Clermont at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, Saturday, June 3, 2023. Canada coach John Herdman says signing Lionel Messi would be an

Condition of PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico improving after accident with horse in Spain

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Condition of PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico improving after accident with horse in Spain

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 10:46 AM CDT

SEVILLE, Spain (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico is improving after a head injury sustained when he was hit by a horse in Spain 10 days ago, doctors said Wednesday.

Rico remained in serious condition in an intensive unit, but doctors said the injury was progressing favorably.

The 29-year-old Spanish goalkeeper, who previously played for Sevilla and is a reserve at PSG, got injured in Seville when he was headed to a mass with his relatives and was struck by a loose horse.

___

Read

Yesterday at 10:46 AM CDT

FILE - PSG's goalkeeper Sergio Rico holds the ball during the Champions League semifinal soccer match between RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico has been hospitalized with a head injury after a horse-riding accident in Spain. (David Ramos/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FIFA made false claims about ‘carbon-neutral’ World Cup in Qatar, Swiss regulator says

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

FIFA made false claims about ‘carbon-neutral’ World Cup in Qatar, Swiss regulator says

The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:42 AM CDT

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA made false claims about last year's World Cup in Qatar being carbon neutral, an advertising regulator in Switzerland said Wednesday.

FIFA was “not able to provide proof that the claims were accurate,” the federally recognized Swiss Commission for Fairness said in its judgment into complaints filed from five countries.

The commission said it “advised FIFA to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims in the future. Particularly the claim that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was climate- or carbon-neutral.”

FIFA said in a statement it would analyze the recommendations and had the right of appeal. The ruling is not legally binding.

Read

Updated: Yesterday at 11:42 AM CDT

FILE - A general view of the stadium prior to the start of the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. An advertising regulator says FIFA made false claims about last year's World Cup in Qatar being carbon neutral. The Swiss Commission for Fairness says FIFA was “not able to provide proof that the claims were accurate.” (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

Herdman says Canada's goal now is to lift trophies

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Preview

Herdman says Canada's goal now is to lift trophies

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 3:31 PM CDT

After making the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, the Canadian men are looking to lift trophies this year, according to coach John Herdman.

But Herdman also signalled several times in Wednesday's virtual availability that Canada's ability to compete is being challenged by a lack of resources.

The hunt for hardware starts next week when 47th-ranked Canada takes on No. 58 Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal in Las Vegas. The 13th-ranked United States takes on No. 15 Mexico in the other June 15 semifinal at Allegiant Stadium.

The final and third-place game go June 18.

Read

Updated: Yesterday at 3:31 PM CDT

Canada coach John Herdman looks on during second half group F World Cup soccer action against Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar on December 1, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Czech police: Fiorentina fans attack West Ham supporters ahead of Europa Conference League final

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Czech police: Fiorentina fans attack West Ham supporters ahead of Europa Conference League final

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 10:07 AM CDT

PRAGUE (AP) — Fiorentina fans attacked West Ham supporters in a bar in downtown Prague ahead of the Europa Conference League final, Czech police said on Wednesday.

Three West Ham fans and one police officers were injured in the incident while 16 people were detained, police said.

An investigation was ongoing and no more details were immediately provided.

Thousands of West Ham and Fiorentina fans have arrived in Prague for the final of the third-tier European competition at Slavia Prague's Eden Arena.

Read

Yesterday at 10:07 AM CDT

A replica a of the trophy is displayed hours before the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Fiorentina and West Ham United, in downtown Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Jude Bellingham set to move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Jude Bellingham set to move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:27 AM CDT

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid has reached an agreement to sign Jude Bellingham for a fee that could reach more than 130 million euros ($139 million), Borussia Dortmund said Wednesday.

The German club said the fixed fee will be 103 million euros ($110 million), plus variables that could reach more than 30 million euros ($32 million) in total over the next six seasons.

The fixed fee for Bellingham would be the second biggest sale by a German club, not including add-ons, after Barcelona signed forward Ousmane Dembélé from Dortmund for 105 million euros (currently $112 million) in 2017.

Dortmund said in a statement to the stock exchange that the contract details still have to be "coordinated and completed," and the transfer is subject “to the proper and timely processing in accordance with the provisions” of FIFA.

Read

Updated: Yesterday at 10:27 AM CDT

June 8, 2023

Notification Settings

Breaking News

Recommended Reads