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“Today, this subject obviously came up,” Boquete told The Associated Press when asked if the Rubiales controversy was on the agenda. Rubiales, who said the kiss was consensual, is suspended by world soccer body FIFA during its disciplinary case against him and also accused of sexual assault by Spanish prosecutors. UEFA was silent on Rubiales, one of its six vice presidents each paid 250,000 euros ($270,000) annually, for 10 days after the final in Australia. "We have the opportunity here,” said Boquete, whose 38 goals for Spain is second on its all-time women’s list behind Hermoso. She also has been educated with UEFA’s help on its Masters course to help players build careers in the industry.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, “, Rubiales, Ballon, Alexia Putellas, Jenni Hermoso, Hermoso, Veró Boquete, ” Boquete, Aleksander Ceferin, Rubiales ’, Ceferin, Boquete, ”, Jorge Vilda, Vilda, ___ Organizations: Spanish, UEFA, “, Associated Press, Football Board, FIFA, “ UEFA, AP, Spain, Women’s Champions Locations: NYON, Switzerland, Spain, UEFA’s, Spanish, Portugal, Morocco, Ukraine, Australia, United States, Russia, China, Europe

☆ Saudi Arabia soccer spending ranks second in the world as it bids to become global powerhouse
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Matthew Ward-Perkins | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

watch nowThe Saudi Arabian soccer transfer window has slammed shut, marking the end of a historic summer of spending from clubs based in the Gulf state. Saudi clubs outspent four of the "big five" soccer leagues, the first time another league has outspent any members of the dominant European grouping since 2016. However, human rights groups and activists have criticized the high levels of soccer investment from Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East, with accusations of "sportswashing" leveled at the country. The European Club Association, which represents 220 soccer clubs from across Europe, discussed the impact of Saudi Arabia's investment in the sport at its General Assembly this month. "We believe in ourselves … we have the best competition in the world, the biggest clubs in the world, the best players in the world.

Persons: Mohamed Salah, Hilal, spender, CNBC's David Faber, Yasir Al, Rumayyan, Glazer, Nasser Al, Khelaifi, Karim Benzema Organizations: Saudi Arabia's Pro League, English Premier League, Liverpool, country's Public Investment Fund, Chelsea FC outspent, Public Investment, Manchester United Saudi, Manchester United, Saudi, European Club Association, Assembly, Champions League, Afp, Getty Locations: Saudi, Gulf, Al, Ittihad, Ahli, Hilal, Saudi Arabia, Europe

☆ Champions League draw: Paris Saint-Germain in ‘group of death’ and Harry Kane to return to England
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —It’s time for Europe’s biggest soccer clubs to go head-to-head again and the draw for this season’s Champions League group stages didn’t disappoint in producing some mouthwatering fixtures. Jurij Kodrun/Getty ImagesIndividual awardsFollowing the Champions League draw, individual awards were handed out for the 2022-23 season. The Spaniard led Manchester City to a historic treble as the club picked up silverware in the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League. Bonmatí also had a brilliant season for club team Barcelona, where she was influential as it won a league and Champions League double. Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland were awarded for their part in helping Manchester City to a historic treble of trophies.

Persons: CNN —, Germain, Mbappé, Charly Triballeau, Harry Kane, Jurij Kodrun, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, Haaland, Sarina Wiegman, Wiegman, Aitana Bonmatí, Bonmatí, Franck Fife Organizations: CNN, Europe’s, Champions League, Paris Saint, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle, PSG, Getty, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Galatasaray, League, Manchester City, G, Arsenal, Gunners, Real, Napoli, Braga, Union Berlin, UEFA, Spaniard, Premier League, FA, Manchester, England, Barcelona, Galatasaray Group B – Sevilla, PSV Eindhoven, Lens, Real Madrid, Union Berlin Group, Benfica, Inter Milan, RB Salzburg, Real Sociedad Group E – Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Celtic, Saint, RB Leipzig, Crvena zvezda, Star, Young Boys, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Locations: Paris, Newcastle, AFP, England, Copenhagen, Europe, Real Madrid, Spain, Manchester, Braga, Lazio, Barcelona, Porto, Royal Antwerp

☆ Saudi binge is fiscal free kick for European clubs
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Streisand Neto | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Saudi binge may help European teams raise funds and meet tough new financial rules. The Roshn Saudi League is a top scorer in the football transfer market. UEFA, the governing body for European football, has introduced new rules limiting clubs’ spending on wages, transfers and agent fees to 70% of revenue. European clubs should take the money before the referee's whistle blows. Saudi clubs have spent over 550 million euros buying players from European clubs in the 2023/2024 transfer season, according to Transfermarkt.

Persons: Al Hilal's, Neymar, Fahd bin Saad Al, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, Germain, Rúben Neves, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Len Blavatnik, China’s, Oscar, Marouane, Hilal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neil Unmack, Thomas Shum, Pranav Kiran Organizations: Soccer, Al, Saudi Pro League, REUTERS Acquire, Reuters, Paris Saint, Saudi, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Britain’s Premier League, Premier League, Deloitte’s Sports Business, UEFA, Deloitte, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Bloomberg, BBC, Thomson Locations: Al Hilal, Paris, France, Saudi, Hilal, Saudi League, Al, Ittihad, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Kingdom, Saudi Arabian

☆ UEFA Super Cup: Manchester City wins title for first time in its history after penalty shootout victory over Sevilla
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Manchester City struggled but ultimately won the UEFA Super Cup for first time in its history on Wednesday night after a penalty shootout victory over Spanish club Sevilla. The win continues the club’s remarkable success over the past 18 months, having won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season. Manchester City players celebrate on the podium after winning the UEFA Super League. However, City was made to work for the Super Cup victory, struggling to break down a stout Sevilla defense. The manager made it so clear to us before the game how much he wants this trophy,” City midfielder Grealish said.

Persons: –, Youssef En, Nesyri, Cole Palmer, Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj, I’ve, Pep Guardiola, Palmer, Claudio Villa, Erling Haaland, Julian Álvarez, Mateo Kovačić, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Grealish, “, They’ve, We’ve, ” City’s Organizations: CNN, Manchester City, UEFA, Spanish, Sevilla, The Premier League, League, Europa League, City, Premier League, FA, Arsenal, FIFA Club, UEFA Super League, Aris Messinis, Getty, Croatia, ”, Premier Leagues, Newcastle United, La Liga, Alavés Locations: Athens, Greece, Saudi Arabia, AFP, City, Sevilla, Rodri, ” City

☆ Sleeping giants Spain awaken at Women's World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

On Tuesday, "La Roja" shrugged off that record of underachievement with a rousing 2-1 win over Sweden to reach the final of the Women's World Cup for the first time. Having failed to even qualify for the World Cup until Canada in 2015, Spain have electrified Australia and New Zealand with 17 goals and a lively, attacking game. Their rise has mirrored the revival of European football at a tournament once dominated by the United States. Yet La Rojas' trip to this World Cup final has generated headlines in Spain and sent fans into a frenzy on social media. Spain have momentum on their side, and not only at the World Cup.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Amanda Perobelli, who’s, La Rojas, Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmati, Salma Paralluelo, Mapi Leon, Vilda, Peter Gerhardsson, Ian Ransom, Robert Birsel Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, Rights MELBOURNE, Canada, Sweden, England, Spanish, Liga, Barcelona, League, Spain, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, Australia, United States, Sydney, Barcelona, Netherlands, Vilda, Melbourne

☆ De Bruyne sidelined for up to four months - Guardiola
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

We have to decide surgery or no surgery but he will be out for a few months," Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. GUARDIOLA WARY OF 'DANGEROUS' SEVILLACity will play Europa League winners Sevilla in Athens in their first-ever appearance in the UEFA Super Cup. The Premier League champions qualified for the Super Cup after clinching their maiden Champions League title in June following years of heartbreak on Europe's biggest stage. Asked how he felt about finally winning the Champions League with the Manchester club, Guardiola said: "It is a relief for the club. "You cannot imagine how happy that we are to play the Super Cup because we won the Champions League.

Persons: Kevin De Bruyne, Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne, Guardiola, De, GUARDIOLA, It's, Aadi Nair, Ed Osmond, Pritha Organizations: Premier League, UEFA Super, Sevilla, Belgium international, Burnley, Champions League, SEVILLA City, Europa League winners Sevilla, UEFA, League, Manchester, Europa League, Thomson Locations: SEVILLA, Athens, Spanish, Bengaluru

☆ Bayern sign England striker Kane from Tottenham on four-year deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MUNICH, Germany, Aug 12 (Reuters) - England captain Harry Kane has joined Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich from Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur on a four-year deal, the German club said on Saturday. They did not disclose the transfer fee, which media reports have put at around 100 million euros ($109 million). That would be a Bundesliga record, smashing the 80 million euros paid by Bayern to sign Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid in 2019. "The fans can look forward to Harry Kane and the new season," said club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. Bayern kick off their Bundesliga season against Werder Bremen next week.

Persons: Harry Kane, Lucas Hernandez, Christian, Harry, Kane, Alan Shearer, Robert Lewandowski, Karolos Grohmann, Trevor Stynes, Ken Ferris, Mark Potter Organizations: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern, RB Leipzig, Atletico Madrid, Tottenham, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen, Spurs, Thomson Locations: MUNICH, Germany, England

☆ Barcelona bank on Gundogan, Lewandowski experience
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BARCELONA, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Barcelona claimed their 27th LaLiga title and first for four years last season led by coach Xavi Hernandez, relying on a mixture of young talent and seasoned veterans like striker Robert Lewandowski who was the league's top scorer. They recruited experienced midfielder Ikay Gundogan, who captained Manchester City to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble last season, ending a successful seven-year stint in England during which he won 12 major trophies. Gundogan will help mentor a young Barca squad as they try to retain the LaLiga crown and get back to winning ways in the Champions League after years of European disappointments. A Barcelona court has agreed to take on the case and UEFA has provisionally cleared the club to compete in this season's Champions League despite ongoing investigations. Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Xavi Hernandez, Robert Lewandowski, Ikay Gundogan, Gundogan, Lionel Messi, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, Marc, Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, Luuk De Jong, Jules Kounde, Ousmane Dembele, Fernando Kallas, Ed Osmond Organizations: Manchester City, Premier League, FA, League, Champions League, Europa League, Manchester United, Barcelona, UEFA, Nou, Paris St Germain, Getafe, Thomson Locations: BARCELONA, Barcelona, England, Spanish

☆ Why US sporting stars like Tom Brady, LeBron James, and JJ Watt are piling into English soccer
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( Joseph Wilkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Brady joins the likes of Jordan Spieth, JJ Watt, and LeBron James by buying into English football. Former NFL star Watt bought a minority stake in Burnley FC, in May. Now, legendary quarterback Brady has unveiled a minority stake in Birmingham City. The rise of across-the-pond partnerships raises a question: what is it about British clubs that has suddenly captured celebrities' imagination? The rewards for success in the English Premier League can be astronomical.

Persons: Tom Brady, Brady, Jordan Spieth, JJ Watt, LeBron James, Watt, Spieth, Michael B Jordan, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney's, Simon Chadwick, Reynolds, Ralph Lauren –, Christina Philippou, we've, Philippou, it's, Chadwick, That's, We've, they're, there's Organizations: Service, NFL, Burnley FC, Leeds United, Liverpool FC, Fenway Sports Group, AFC Bournemouth, Disney, Birmingham, Knighthead Capital Management, Wrexham, L'Oreal, English Premier League, Sky, BT, Amazon Prime, Premier League, Manchester City, Portsmouth University, Wrexham AFC, Premier League –, European Locations: Birmingham City, Wall, Silicon, British, Wrexham, Birmingham, United States

☆ Colombia hope to keep party going at World Cup as last-16 beckons
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

It's very positive for us and for women's football in our country," Colombia's Leicy Santos told reporters. "People come to me and say that it's a party in our matches that you can't see anywhere else. Morocco may be their easiest opponents on paper but Colombia coach Nelson Abadia warned his squad to exercise caution with five players at risk of suspension and missing their next game if they are booked. Colombia also received criticism for their physicality against Germany but Santos said that has only encouraged them to reinforce their playing style. "They don't press very often but... Colin is a fantastic coach and he might surprise us," Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg said.

Persons: Colombia's Leicy Santos, Nelson Abadia, Santos, Marina Hegering, Colin Bell, Colin, Martina Voss, Tecklenburg, Rohith Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: AUCKLAND, South American, debutants, South, Thomson Locations: Colombia, South Korea, Germany, debutants Morocco, Australia, Morocco, South American, Korea, Bengaluru

☆ Defender Colwill signs long-term deal with Chelsea
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Soccer Football - Under 21 International Friendly - England v France - King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain - March 25, 2023 England's Levi Colwill celebrates after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File PhotoAug 2 (Reuters) - Defender Levi Colwill has signed a new six-year contract with Chelsea with an option of another year, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday. "As I've grown up, all I've known is Chelsea. I've spoken with the manager and he's given me reassurance, that trust I needed. He's spoken with me not just as a player but a person. The highly-rated youngster was linked with a move to several European clubs before extending his stay at Chelsea.

Persons: England's Levi Colwill, Andrew Boyers, Levi Colwill, Roberto De Zerbi's, It's, Colwill, Levi, Chelsea's, Laurence Stewart, Paul Winstanley, Mauricio Pochettino, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer, King Power, Chelsea, Premier League, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brighton, England, UEFA, Tottenham Hotspur, Thomson Locations: England, France, Leicester, Britain, Southampton, Chelsea, Bengaluru

☆ Investors still see blue sky ahead for Europe travel stocks as boom abates
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Danilo Masoni | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"For many people, the pandemic is now over, and this is time now for travelling far from home," said Corinne Martin, fund manager at Ofi Invest in Paris. The point at which China announced the end of health restrictions in 2022 was probably the best moment to jump into travel stocks. They remain buyers, noting how at 11 times 2024 earnings, the stock displays an unjustified discount and prices no growth. "Now, vacation budget is no more a variable families adjust," said Jerome Schupp, fund manager at Prime Partners in Geneva. European travel and leisure earnings are seen rising 63% this year and 23% in 2024, according to Refinitiv Datastream.

Persons: Corinne Martin, Ofi's Martin, Martin, Goldman Sachs, Jerome Schupp, Schupp, Cristina Matti, Andrea Scauri, Lastminute, Refinitiv, Lucy Raitano, Conor Humphries Organizations: MILAN, Ofi Invest, Paris . Airlines, Royce, World Tourism Organization, China, Traders, Paris Olympics, UEFA European Football, Ryanair, Europe's, Prime Partners, Visa, Air, Thomson Locations: Paris, Europe, Germany, Geneva, Air France, Lemanik, London

☆ Women’s World Cup 2023: Some of the game’s top players are absent. And it’s because of the same injury issue
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Hannah Ryan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Fast-forward to the upcoming Women’s World Cup, which starts on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand, and a host of the game’s best players will also be absent because of an injury which appears to be endemic in the women’s game. But why are so many female soccer players suffering from the same injury? “At elite clubs in the men’s game, players have access to exceptional academies and training facilities from a very young age. Beth Mead starred for England in its Euro 2022 victory but will be missing the Women's World Cup. According to the findings, 34% of women players reported discomfort specifically in their heel and the majority use specialized insoles.

Persons: Simone Magill, Magill, “, ” Magill, Leah Williamson, Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead, Macario, Giulia Gwinn, Iman Beney –, Leah Abucayan Sarah Milner, doesn’t, Féminin, Ballon, Katrine Okholm, Kryger, ” Kryger, that’s, aren’t ‘, they’ve, Rachel Williams, Williams, Jacques Feeney, Kyrger, England, Sarina Wiegman, Luna, Crystal Dunn, we’re, haven’t, –, Miedema, ”, ’ Milner, ” Milner, Catarina Macario, Jeffrey McWhorter, Milner Organizations: CNN, Northern Ireland, CNN Sport, England, US, National, Europe’s, of Sports Medicine, –, St Mary’s University, FIFA, Manchester United, Super, Sports Medicine, European Club Association, Nike, UEFA Locations: Norway, Northern, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Twickenham , London, England, plastering, Europe, Paris, Northern Ireland, France

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo says Saudi league is better than MLS following Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the Saudi Arabian soccer league is better than Major League Soccer (MLS) just a day after long-time rival Lionel Messi completed his move to the US to play for Inter Miami. “The Saudi league is better than MLS,” Ronaldo said following Al Nassr’s 5-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Celta Vigo, Reuters reported. The 38-year-old said last month that any new signings for Saudi clubs would be “very welcome” to join him in the league. Since then, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino have been among the star names to move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL). Ronaldo also said he would never return to Europe to play soccer as the strength of the leagues are diminishing.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Messi, Germain, “, ” Ronaldo, Al Nassr’s, Al Nassr, Karim Benzema, N’Golo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Ronaldo, ”, Mike Ehrmann Organizations: CNN, Saudi Arabian, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Paris Saint, Saudi, MLS, Celta Vigo, Reuters, Manchester United, Saudi Pro League, ESPN, Premier League, SPL, Al Locations: Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Al Ittihad

☆ No going back, Ronaldo closes door on return to Europe
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

"I'm 100% sure I won't return to any European club. Ronaldo's long-time rival Messi was also linked with a move to Saudi Arabia before the Argentine World Cup winner completed a transfer to MLS side Inter Miami, signing a deal until 2025. "The Saudi league is better than MLS," Ronaldo said. Several high-profile players have followed Ronaldo to the Saudi league, including Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema from Real Madrid and N'Golo Kante from Chelsea, who both joined champions Al-Ittihad. ($1 = 0.8892 euros)Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Al Nassr's, Messi, Ballon, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Rohith Nair, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Saudi, Major League Soccer, Manchester United, Celta Vigo, ESPN, Premier League, Argentine, MLS, Inter Miami, Real Madrid, Al, Thomson Locations: Europe, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Real, Chelsea, Ittihad, Bengaluru

☆ A North Korean stunned world soccer when he scored in Serie A. Then Han Kwang Song went missing
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-01 | by ( Gawon Bae | Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +20 min

But the Covid-19 pandemic led to North Korea fully sealing its borders, making it impossible for Han and fellow repatriated North Korean nationals to return home. PyongyangHan was born in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in 1998. The opening of North Korea through sport seemed like a door that would not be closed any time soon. They followed the Olympics and soccer,” former North Korean men’s soccer national team head coach Jørn Andersen told CNN Sport, adding that he had limited contact with the North Korean public during his time in Pyongyang between 2016 and 2018. Holding a North Korean passport, Han was no exception to these sanctions, despite his preternatural soccer talent.

Persons: Han Kwang, Qatar’s, Han, –, Hahn, hea, Kim Jong, Pyongyang Han, Kim Jong Un’s, Kim, Alberto Mier, Jørn Andersen, ” Andersen, Han Kwang Song, Enrico Locci, YuMi, Rome –, Choe, “, Mario Berreta, ” Cagliari’s, Max Canzi, ” Canzi, ‘ Tell Mario, ”, Canzi, Nicholas Pennington, Tullio M, Pennington, ” Han, Juventus –, Duhail, Sandro Stemperini, Qatar Han’s, Andersen, hasn’t, he’s, ” Anderson, regretfully Organizations: CNN, Juventus, Little North, South, CNN Sport, United Nations Security Council, North, Pyongyang International Football School, CNN North Korea, Korean, soccer, team, North Korean, Bundesliga, Liga, KCTV, FIFA, Cagliari's Serie, Chievo Verona, Academy, ISM Academy, AC Perugia Calcio, Cagliari, Canzi, Serie A, Perugia, Getty, AC Perugia, Juventus ’, Serie, ISM International Scouting Center, UNSC, North Korea, DPRK, Democratic People’s, Al, Qatar’s, Qatar Stars, Qatar, UN, Fiorentina, Sport, Qatar Stars League, “, Qatar Airways, – Locations: Korean, Italian, Pyongyang, South Korean, North Korea, Qatar, London, South Korea, Germany, Italy, England, Spain, Perugia –, Italy’s, Umbria, Rome, Europe, “, Cagliari, Puglia, Seoul, North Korean, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Qatari, Korea, North, Ahli, ”, Doha, China, Russia

☆ Summer transfer window: The biggest moves so far as Saudi Arabia becomes major factor
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —European soccer’s summer transfer window is in full swing, with several household names already moving to pastures new. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid to Al-IttihadIn the first major coup of the summer for the Saudi Pro League, Karim Benzema has agreed to join Al-Ittihad once his contract expires with Real Madrid. After a disappointing season, Real Madrid will be hopeful that Bellingham will be a star midfielder for years to come once the ageing Luka Modric and Toni Kroos depart. The 32-year-old midfielder has signed a contract worth around £86 million ($109.8 million) a year, according to UK media. Rice, who was in the youth ranks at Chelsea and then West Ham, was voted Conference League player of the season.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo’s, Al Nassr, Karim Benzema –, Karim Benzema, Ittihad, Benzema, Frenchman, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid Jude Bellingham, Florencia Tan Jun, Bellingham, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, N’Golo Kanté, Ittihad N'Golo Kanté, Justin Tallis, Kanté, Christopher Nkunku –, Chelsea Christopher Nkunku, Annegret Hilse, Germain, Chrisopher Nkunku, Nkunku, Todd Boehly, Kai Havertz, Germany's, Maja Hitij, Kai Kavertz, Mikel Arteta, Havertz, Boehly, Declan Rice –, Declan Rice, Richard Heathcote, Rice, West Ham’s, Mateo Kovačić –, Mateo Kovačić, Pep Guardiola’s, İlkay Gündoğan, Bernardo Silva, Alexis Mac Allister, Alex Pantling, Lionel Messi, Mac Allister, Jurgen Klopp, Mac, Roberto Firmino’s, Rúben Neves, Al Hilal Rúben Neves, Naomi Baker, Al Hilal, Neves Organizations: CNN, Super League, CNN Sport, Saudi Pro League, Al, Real Madrid, League, La Liga, Real, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, Birmingham City, English, Ittihad N'Golo, France, Getty, Benzema, Chelsea, Premier League, FA, Europa League, UEFA Super, Leicester, Leipzig, RB Leipzig, Bundesliga, Reuters, Paris Saint, Arsenal, Ukraine, Gunners, Manchester City, football’s, Europa Conference League, Gent, Manchester United, Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Manchester, Argentina, Brighton, Liverpool, Anfield, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wolves, Everton, Molineux, Portugal Locations: England, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Portuguese, Saudi Arabian, Karim Benzema – Real Madrid, Al, Ittihad, Bellingham, Dortmund, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Leicester, Paris, Leipzig, Bremen, Germany, Declan Rice – West Ham, West Ham, Mateo Kovačić – Chelsea, Madrid, Spain, Croatian, Brighton, Argentina, Qatar, Barcelona

☆ Windrush Day: Manchester United great Andy Cole opens up about Jamaican roots and racism
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Darren Lewis | James Oware | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

On one of the first voyages, 492 Caribbean islanders onboard the HMT Empire Windrush arrived in the UK on June 22, 1948. That generation of immigrants became the namesake of that ship, and their arrival date is now celebrated as Windrush Day. However, Cole says racist abuse and a lack of acknowledgement for his achievements meant that in adulthood, he recognized his father was right. Speaking on the inevitability of racist abuse that Black footballers face when missing penalties Andy outlined, “I think we’re just waiting, okay, what’s happening on social media? A clinical striker in his playing career, maybe one day Andy can transfer his wealth of knowledge to the boardroom.

Persons: Andy Cole, “, Darren Lewis, Cole reminisced, ” Andy, Windrush, Cole’s, Cole, Douglas Miller, ” Cole, Norma Gregory, Lincoln, ”, Caribbeans, Mark Leech, Andy, Devante, George Wood, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Vinícius, Romelu, Tom Jenkins, Vinicius Organizations: CNN, League, Champions League, CNN’s, Commonwealth, Caribbean, Hulton, Coal Miners, Heritage, English League, Barnsley, English, England, Inter Milan, FIFA, UEFA, Italy, Real Locations: Britain, Nottingham, Jamaica, Commonwealth, Runnymede, British, England, Real Madrid, Italian, Brazil, European

☆ Monchi leaves Sevilla to become Aston Villa's President of Football Operations
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 16 (Reuters) - Monchi has left his role as Sevilla sporting director to be President of Football Operations at Aston Villa where he will be reunited with coach Unai Emery, the two clubs said on Friday. Under Monchi's direction, Sevilla won a record seven Europa League titles, the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) twice and the European Super Cup. "I am very excited to join Aston Villa... I am also delighted and can't wait to work with Unai Emery again, one of the best managers in football," Monchi said in a statement. He left Sevilla in 2017 to become AS Roma's sporting director before returning to the Spanish side in 2019.

Persons: Monchi, Unai Emery, Emery, Angelica Medina, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Sevilla, Football Operations, Aston Villa, Europa League, Copa del, Sevilla FC, AS Roma's, Villa, Premier League, Thomson Locations: Spanish, Mexico City

☆ Jubilant Man City overcome Inter to complete the treble
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-10 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

[1/17] Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Manchester City v Inter Milan - Manchester City fans at Manchester's 4TheFans Fan Park for the Champions League Final - Manchester, Britain - June 10, 2023 Manchester City fans celebrate after winning the Champions League final Action Images via... Read moreSummary City beat Inter 1-0 to win club's first Champions LeagueRodri scores 68th minute winner for Guardiola's sideVictory completes treble with FA Cup and Premier LeagueISTANBUL, June 10 (Reuters) - Manchester City finally expanded their domestic domination across the continent as they beat Inter Milan 1-0 with a second-half Rodri goal to win the Champions League for the first time and complete a rare treble on a nervous Saturday evening. An eruption of joy greeted the final whistle with City's players sprinting towards their fans in the Ataturk Stadium. It belongs to us," said City manager Pep Guardiola. City may have experienced a horrible sense of deja vu as chief playmaker De Bruyne also failed to finish the final two years ago when City fell short against Chelsea. It was City's night, and the celebrations will be long and loud, while for Inter there was no repeat of their surprise 2010 win over Bayern Munich.

Persons: club's, Ederson, Pep Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne, De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Rodri, Guardiola, City's, Sheikh Mansour, Noel, Liam Gallagher, jinx, Simone Inzaghi's, Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, Haaland, Andre Onana, Manuel Akanji, Lautaro Martinez, selfishly, Romelu, Bernardo Silva, Federico Dimarco, Edin Dzeko, Lukaku, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer Football, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Champions, League, City, Inter, FA Cup, Premier League ISTANBUL, Premier League, FA, Champions League, Manchester, Chelsea, BT Sport, Oasis, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Roma, Sevilla, Europa League, Fiorentina, West Ham United, Europa Conference, Thomson Locations: Manchester, Britain, Spanish, Barcelona, Real, Liverpool, Porto, Brazilian

"I made the decision that I'm going to go to Miami," Messi said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo and Sport newspapers. Inter Miami are co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, who was one of the first major European stars to move to the United States to play in the MLS, winning the MLS Cup twice with Los Angeles Galaxy. PSG EXITOnce the crown jewel of European football, Messi has effectively been let go by two super clubs in two years -- for free. His move away from PSG, however, is of his own volition as he felt the French club lacked a project for the future while fan unrest only hastened his exit. The highs after winning Argentina's first World Cup in 36 years were quickly offset by the lows he experienced in Paris.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Paris St Germain, Messi, I'm, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Karim Benzema, David Beckham, Phil Neville, Rory Carroll, Rohith Nair, Amy Tennery, Janina Nuño Rios, Angelica Medina, Ed Osmond, Toby Davis Organizations: Wednesday, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Paris St, PSG, Spanish, Mundo Deportivo, Sport, Ligue, French, U.S, Reuters, Adidas, Apple, MLS, Al, Los Angeles Galaxy, Eastern, Barcelona, Qatar Sports Investments, League, Thomson Locations: ANGELES, snubbing, Saudi Arabia, Barcelona, Miami, Europe, South Florida, Argentine, Spanish, Argentina, Qatar, Barca, Saudi Arabian, Al, Hilal, Al Ittihad, United States, Paris, Los Angeles, Bengaluru, New York, Mexico City

☆ Szymon Marciniak: Champions League final referee to remain in role after apologizing for appearance at event organized by hardline nationalist party leader in Poland
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Referee Szymon Marciniak will officiate next weekend’s UEFA Champions League final after apologizing for his appearance at an event organized by a hardline right-wing Polish politician, the European football governing body confirmed in a statement on Friday. According to the Guardian, Marciniak was a keynote speaker at an event entitled “Everest” organized by Slawomir Mentzen, the leader of the nationalist Confederation party in Katowice, Poland on Monday. The party is known for its slogan, “We stand against Jews, gays, abortion, taxation and the European Union,” the Guardian reports. Marciniak officiated the World Cup final between Argentina and France in December, 2022. Marciniak, who refereed the World Cup final between Argentina and France in December, said he was “gravely misled and completely unaware” of the event’s affiliation.

Persons: Szymon Marciniak, Marciniak, Slawomir Mentzen, Hannah Mckay, Mentzen, “, ” Marciniak, ” Organizations: CNN, UEFA Champions League, Guardian, Confederation, European Union, UEFA, Reuters, Champions League, Manchester City, Inter Milan Locations: Polish, Katowice, Poland, Argentina, France, Istanbul, Turkey

☆ José Mourinho: What next for Portuguese manager after Roma's Europa League final loss to Sevilla?
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

And Wednesday’s Europa League final in Budapest was a great example of just that. Mourinho leaves the pitch at the end of the Europa League final. The lads gave absolutely everything this season.”Mourinho (middle) embraces Roma defender Roger Ibañez (right) at the end of the Europa League final. Montiel scores the decisive penalty in the Europa League final against Roma. He has helped guide the team away from relegation and now secured its seventh Europa League title, cementing its title as the ‘King’ of the competition.

Persons: José Mourinho, “, ” Mourinho, Mourinho, Odd Andersen, Germain, Roma’s, “ We’re, Roger Ibañez, tiredness, Mourinho didn’t, it’s, –, Gonzalo Montiel, Montiel, Rui Patrício, José Luis Mendilibar, Marvin Ibo, GES Sportfoto, Yassine Bounou, Bounou, Sevilla, ’, Mendilibar, ”, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, Europa League, Sevilla, Roma, Spanish, Sky Sports Italia, Reuters, Portuguese national, Champions League, Europa League –, UEFA, Getty, Real Madrid, Paris Saint, Tottenham, Premier League, Europa Conference League –, Rome, Mourinho, France, Mendilibar Locations: Budapest, Paris, Madrid, Argentina, Argentine

☆ Everton survive as Leicester and Leeds are relegated on dramatic final day
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The Merseyside club's 69-year stay in the top flight was in peril at halftime as they were drawing 0-0 and 2016 champions Leicester were ahead against West Ham United. That combination of results meant Everton were in the relegation zone but Abdoulaye Doucoure's stunning 57th minute right-foot strike from outside the area earned Everton the victory they required. The final whistle prompted a pitch invasion with smoke from blue flares drifting across the old stadium that will host top-flight football again after another Everton escape. Everton ended in 17th place on 36 points after 38 games, with Leicester in 18th on 34 and Leeds on 31. EVERTON RELIEFThe celebrations at Everton were more of relief than pride as the famous old club once again found itself battling not for silverware but to avoid relegation.

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