<p>Napoli paid tribute on Tuesday to Hugo Maradona, younger brother of the Italian club’s former great Diego, following his death from a heart attack at the age of 52.<br />
<br />
The Argentine, who was also a professional footballer and joined Diego at Napoli in 1987 aged 18, died at his home near Naples, Italian news agency ANSA reported.<br />
<br />
Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died at the age of 60 in November, 2020 due to a cardiac arrest.</p>

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<p>"The thoughts of club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, vice president Edoardo De Laurentiis, officials, coaching staff, the players and the whole SSC Napoli family are with the Maradona family after the sad passing of Hugo," Napoli said in a statement.<br />
<br />
Hugo Maradona failed to make an impact at Napoli and went on to represent clubs including Ascoli and Rayo Vallecano during a nomadic playing career across Europe, South America and Japan.</p>


Napoli paid tribute on Tuesday to Hugo Maradona, younger brother of the Italian club’s former great Diego, following his death from a heart attack at the age of 52.

Napoli paid tribute on Tuesday to Hugo Maradona, younger brother of the Italian club’s former great Diego, following his death from a heart attack at the age of 52. The Argentine, who was also a professional footballer and joined Diego at Napoli in 1987 aged 18, died at his home near Naples, Italian news agency ANSA reported. Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died at the age of 60 in November, 2020 due to a cardiac arrest. ALSO READ | Barcelona sign Spanish forward Ferran Torres from Manchester City "The thoughts of club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, vice president Edoardo De Laurentiis, officials, coaching staff, the players and the whole SSC Napoli family are with the Maradona family after the sad passing of Hugo," Napoli said in a statement. Hugo Maradona failed to make an impact at Napoli and went on to represent clubs including Ascoli and Rayo Vallecano during a nomadic playing career across Europe, South America and Japan.

Diego Maradona's brother Hugo passes away a year after soccer legend's demise

<p>COVID-19 has led to a massive disruption in the ongoing English Premier League (EPL) as several matches had to be postponed last week and earlier this month due to a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases across major clubs. A number of top players have been infected by the contagious virus which has once again started to wreak havoc on countries across the globe.</p>

<p>Premier League clubs met on Monday (December 20) to decide if the game week 20 which gets underway from Tuesday (December 28) can be postponed in the wake of COVID-19 chaos in the league. However, the majority of clubs were in favour of continuing with the fixtures despite the recent surge in cases. The games will be played as per schedule, as per a report in&nbsp;the <em>BBC</em>.</p>

<p>The report further states that the clubs have been advised to go ahead with their respective fixtures if they have at least 13 fit players available for the game. A lot of managers including Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp had recently raised concerns over playing next week due to COVID-19 cases in the team.</p>

<p>Ten matches have been postponed so far in the Premier League this month due to COVID-19. Several top clubs including the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have been affected as a number of players are down with the virus.</p>

<p>Last week, a total of 42 COVID-19 cases were detected in the Premier League which led to many teams calling for a postponement to break the chain. Liverpool and Chelsea, who played on Sunday were without a number of first-team players for their respective fixtures.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-conference-league-rennes-awarded-3-0-win-after-uefa-fails-to-reschedule-spurs-game-438516">Europa Conference League: Rennes awarded 3-0 win after UEFA fails to reschedule Spurs game</a></p>

<p>Manchester United's game against Brentford had to be postponed as both clubs had several players down with COVID-19 ahead of the fixture. Aston Villa's clash against Burnely was also called off at the last moment due to COVID-19.</p>

<p>It remains to be seen if the competition will come to a standstill at some point amid rising&nbsp;cases or will the teams manage to pull through the difficult and busy festive period.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


COVID-19 has led to a massive disruption in the ongoing English Premier League (EPL) as several matches had to be postponed last week and earlier this month due to a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases across major clubs.

COVID-19 has led to a massive disruption in the ongoing English Premier League (EPL) as several matches had to be postponed last week and earlier this month due to a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases across major clubs. A number of top players have been infected by the contagious virus which has once again started to wreak havoc on countries across the globe. Premier League clubs met on Monday (December 20) to decide if the game week 20 which gets underway from Tuesday (December 28) can be postponed in the wake of COVID-19 chaos in the league. However, the majority of clubs were in favour of continuing with the fixtures despite the recent surge in cases. The games will be played as per schedule, as per a report in the BBC. The report further states that the clubs have been advised to go ahead with their respective fixtures if they have at least 13 fit players available for the game. A lot of managers including Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp had recently raised concerns over playing next week due to COVID-19 cases in the team. Ten matches have been postponed so far in the Premier League this month due to COVID-19. Several top clubs including the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have been affected as a number of players are down with the virus. Last week, a total of 42 COVID-19 cases were detected in the Premier League which led to many teams calling for a postponement to break the chain. Liverpool and Chelsea, who played on Sunday were without a number of first-team players for their respective fixtures. Also Read: Europa Conference League: Rennes awarded 3-0 win after UEFA fails to reschedule Spurs game Manchester United's game against Brentford had to be postponed as both clubs had several players down with COVID-19 ahead of the fixture. Aston Villa's clash against Burnely was also called off at the last moment due to COVID-19. It remains to be seen if the competition will come to a standstill at some point amid rising cases or will the teams manage to pull through the difficult and busy festive period.

Premier League to continue despite COVID-19 chaos as clubs decide to fulfil fixture list

<p>The Premier League has lifted its ban on clubs striking sponsorship agreements with firms linked to their owners -- a move which will allow Newcastle United to sign deals with Saudi Arabian companies. The Premier League confirmed on Tuesday that the temporary ban, introduced in October after the sale of Newcastle United to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia`s Public Investment Fund (PIF), had been lifted.</p>

<p>But any `associated party` sponsorship deals will be subject to a process designed to ensure the deals reflect a "fair market value" and are not a means of distorting revenue to allow for greater spending under Financial Fair Play rules. The Premier League said that such deals will be subject to scrutiny from a special board which will take advice from an independent, external assessor. A data bank, created by the league, will also be used to create comparative assessment based on previous commercial deals.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pierre-emerick-aubameyang-removed-as-arsenal-captain-after-disciplinary-breach-436865"><strong>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang removed as Arsenal captain after disciplinary breach</strong></a></p>

<p>Newcastle had been critical of the rule which they felt could limit their ability to strike deals, as their owners look to improve and develop the club and its squad. Newcastle are currently next to bottom in the Premier League but are expected to use the January transfer window to bring in new players.</p>

<p>The takeover of the club by the Saudi-led consortium, faced a lengthy approval process from the Premier League amid concerns that the Saudi government was, in effect, becoming a club owner. The Premier League, who came under pressure to block the deal, said it had received “legally binding” assurances that there was clear separation between PIF and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, despite PIF being chaired by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.</p>


The Premier League has lifted its ban on clubs striking sponsorship agreements with firms linked to their owners -- a move which will allow Newcastle United to sign deals with Saudi Arabian companies.

The Premier League has lifted its ban on clubs striking sponsorship agreements with firms linked to their owners -- a move which will allow Newcastle United to sign deals with Saudi Arabian companies. The Premier League confirmed on Tuesday that the temporary ban, introduced in October after the sale of Newcastle United to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia`s Public Investment Fund (PIF), had been lifted. But any `associated party` sponsorship deals will be subject to a process designed to ensure the deals reflect a "fair market value" and are not a means of distorting revenue to allow for greater spending under Financial Fair Play rules. The Premier League said that such deals will be subject to scrutiny from a special board which will take advice from an independent, external assessor. A data bank, created by the league, will also be used to create comparative assessment based on previous commercial deals. ALSO READ | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang removed as Arsenal captain after disciplinary breach Newcastle had been critical of the rule which they felt could limit their ability to strike deals, as their owners look to improve and develop the club and its squad. Newcastle are currently next to bottom in the Premier League but are expected to use the January transfer window to bring in new players. The takeover of the club by the Saudi-led consortium, faced a lengthy approval process from the Premier League amid concerns that the Saudi government was, in effect, becoming a club owner. The Premier League, who came under pressure to block the deal, said it had received “legally binding” assurances that there was clear separation between PIF and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, despite PIF being chaired by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Huge relief! Newcastle United cleared to make Saudi deals if 'fair value'

<p>Manchester United`s Premier League match at Brentford on Tuesday has been postponed due to a number of COVID-19 cases at the Old Trafford club, the league announced on Monday.</p>

<p>United had reported a "small number" of cases discovered among first-team staff and players on Sunday, with the squad who travelled to Norwich City for their Premier League clash on Saturday kept apart from those who had the virus.</p>

<p>"The decision (to postpone the Brentford-United game) was taken following guidance from medical advisers due to the exceptional circumstances of an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak within Manchester United`s squad," the league said in a statement.</p>

<p>"First team operations at the club’s Carrington Training Complex were closed down today to help control the outbreak and minimise risk of further infection among players and staff."</p>

<p>Discussions took place with the Premier League as to whether it would be safe to fulfil Tuesday`s fixture, with United deferring their travel to London until a decision had been made.</p>

<p>The Premier League found a record 42 cases of COVID-19 among players and staff at various clubs over the past week.</p>

<p>The 42 positive tests from over 3,800 individuals is more than the tally from the previous seven weeks combined and a record in the English top flight in a single week.</p>

<p>"The League has reverted to its Emergency Measures, and will increase the frequency of both Lateral Flow and PCR COVID-19 testing of players and staff," it said in a statement.</p>

<p>Brentford said they welcomed the decision to postpone Tuesday`s match.</p>

<p>"We appreciate that there will be many fans who will be inconvenienced with the fixture postponement and we apologise for the disruption, which was out of our control," the club said.</p>

<p>"We respect the Premier League`s decision and acknowledge that the health and safety of both clubs` players and staff must always come first.</p>

<p>"We wish everyone affected a speedy recovery and look forward to hosting Manchester United at the Brentford Community Stadium in the new year."</p>


Manchester United`s Premier League match at Brentford on Tuesday has been postponed due to a number of COVID-19 cases at the Old Trafford club, the league announced on Monday.

Manchester United`s Premier League match at Brentford on Tuesday has been postponed due to a number of COVID-19 cases at the Old Trafford club, the league announced on Monday. United had reported a "small number" of cases discovered among first-team staff and players on Sunday, with the squad who travelled to Norwich City for their Premier League clash on Saturday kept apart from those who had the virus. "The decision (to postpone the Brentford-United game) was taken following guidance from medical advisers due to the exceptional circumstances of an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak within Manchester United`s squad," the league said in a statement. "First team operations at the club’s Carrington Training Complex were closed down today to help control the outbreak and minimise risk of further infection among players and staff." Discussions took place with the Premier League as to whether it would be safe to fulfil Tuesday`s fixture, with United deferring their travel to London until a decision had been made. The Premier League found a record 42 cases of COVID-19 among players and staff at various clubs over the past week. The 42 positive tests from over 3,800 individuals is more than the tally from the previous seven weeks combined and a record in the English top flight in a single week. "The League has reverted to its Emergency Measures, and will increase the frequency of both Lateral Flow and PCR COVID-19 testing of players and staff," it said in a statement. Brentford said they welcomed the decision to postpone Tuesday`s match. "We appreciate that there will be many fans who will be inconvenienced with the fixture postponement and we apologise for the disruption, which was out of our control," the club said. "We respect the Premier League`s decision and acknowledge that the health and safety of both clubs` players and staff must always come first. "We wish everyone affected a speedy recovery and look forward to hosting Manchester United at the Brentford Community Stadium in the new year."

Man United's league game at Brentford postponed due to COVID-19

<p>Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been dropped as the team's captain following a disciplinary breach last week, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. The Gabon international will also be not considered for selection for Wednesday`s league game at home to West Ham United, the club added.</p>

<p>"We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed," Arsenal said in a statement. "We are fully focused on tomorrow`s match." Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta dropped Aubameyang from the squad that beat Southampton 3-0 at the weekend due to a disciplinary breach, but the Spanish boss had declined to reveal exactly what the striker had done.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-uniteds-league-game-at-brentford-postponed-due-to-covid-19-436737">Man United's league game at Brentford postponed due to COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>The Athletic reported that Aubameyang was dropped after returning late from a trip abroad. Alexandre Lacazette led the team against Southampton in Aubameyang`s absence. Aubameyang, who signed a new three-year contract with the north London club last year, has struggled this season, scoring only four Premier League goals -- the last of which was in October against Aston Villa. The 32-year-old had been dropped before for disciplinary reasons, with Arteta excluding the striker from their 2-1 derby win over north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur last season.<br />
Arsenal are sixth in the league standings on 26 points after 16 matches, two points outside the top four.</p>


Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been dropped as the team's captain following a disciplinary breach last week, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been dropped as the team's captain following a disciplinary breach last week, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. The Gabon international will also be not considered for selection for Wednesday`s league game at home to West Ham United, the club added. "We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed," Arsenal said in a statement. "We are fully focused on tomorrow`s match." Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta dropped Aubameyang from the squad that beat Southampton 3-0 at the weekend due to a disciplinary breach, but the Spanish boss had declined to reveal exactly what the striker had done. ALSO READ | Man United's league game at Brentford postponed due to COVID-19 The Athletic reported that Aubameyang was dropped after returning late from a trip abroad. Alexandre Lacazette led the team against Southampton in Aubameyang`s absence. Aubameyang, who signed a new three-year contract with the north London club last year, has struggled this season, scoring only four Premier League goals -- the last of which was in October against Aston Villa. The 32-year-old had been dropped before for disciplinary reasons, with Arteta excluding the striker from their 2-1 derby win over north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur last season. Arsenal are sixth in the league standings on 26 points after 16 matches, two points outside the top four.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang removed as Arsenal captain after disciplinary breach

<p>Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said the club could discuss the vaccine status of signing targets when they look to bolster their squad during the January transfer window, as rising COVID-19 cases at clubs raised fears of a rash of postponed games.<br />
<br />
The Premier League said on Monday it found a record 42 cases of COVID-19 among players and staff at clubs over the past week, shortly before Manchester United`s game against Brentford was called off due an outbreak at the Old Trafford club.<br />
<br />
England`s top-flight is in the midst of its busiest time of the season, with teams involved in the League Cup playing at least twice a week until the first week of January, and further cancellations could leave it facing an unwelcome fixture pile-up.<br />
<br />
United`s game against Brentford was the second game to be postponed this season due to a COVID-19 outbreak after Tottenham Hotspur`s game at Brighton &amp; Hove Albion over the weekend was called off.<br />
<br />
From Wednesday, fans will also need to show proof of double vaccination under England's "plan B" of measures to slow the spread of the Omicron variant that are being voted on by legislators on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Clubs have been enjoying full stadiums again this season after playing for months in front of empty or restricted capacity stands from the start of the pandemic in March 2020.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-uniteds-league-game-at-brentford-postponed-due-to-covid-19-436737">Man United's league game at Brentford postponed due to COVID-19</a></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>VACCINE STATUS</strong><br />
<br />
Gerrard, whose side also have had players and staff test positive this week, told British media on Monday their thorough recruitment process meant vaccine status could be considered when they speak to potential recruits.<br />
<br />
"We look at everything. So I`m sure it will come up," Gerrard said.<br />
<br />
"But we`ll obviously make decisions as and when we decide a certain person is the one who could come in and make us better," he said. "But I don`t think it`s right for me to comment on if I would or wouldn`t in that situation. But it would certainly come into conversations in the background."<br />
<br />
Villa, who are 13th, travel to bottom side Norwich City in the league later on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
<strong>BOOSTER SHOTS</strong><br />
<br />
Watford manager Claudio Ranieri had urged players to get vaccinated against COVID-19 while Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said booster shots were necessary with cases steadily on the rise again.<br />
<br />
People aged 30 and over residing in England are eligible for a booster shot three months after the second dose as concerns grow over the spread of the Omicron variant.<br />
<br />
England manager Gareth Southgate had said in October that some players were not vaccinated because their opinions may have been swayed by conspiracy theories on social media.<br />
<br />
Later that month, the league said 81% of its players have had at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose while 68% of them were fully vaccinated.</p>


Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said the club could discuss the vaccine status of signing targets when they look to bolster their squad during the January transfer window, as rising COVID-19 cases at clubs raised fears of a rash of postponed games.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said the club could discuss the vaccine status of signing targets when they look to bolster their squad during the January transfer window, as rising COVID-19 cases at clubs raised fears of a rash of postponed games. The Premier League said on Monday it found a record 42 cases of COVID-19 among players and staff at clubs over the past week, shortly before Manchester United`s game against Brentford was called off due an outbreak at the Old Trafford club. England`s top-flight is in the midst of its busiest time of the season, with teams involved in the League Cup playing at least twice a week until the first week of January, and further cancellations could leave it facing an unwelcome fixture pile-up. United`s game against Brentford was the second game to be postponed this season due to a COVID-19 outbreak after Tottenham Hotspur`s game at Brighton & Hove Albion over the weekend was called off. From Wednesday, fans will also need to show proof of double vaccination under England's "plan B" of measures to slow the spread of the Omicron variant that are being voted on by legislators on Tuesday. Clubs have been enjoying full stadiums again this season after playing for months in front of empty or restricted capacity stands from the start of the pandemic in March 2020. ALSO READ | Man United's league game at Brentford postponed due to COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS Gerrard, whose side also have had players and staff test positive this week, told British media on Monday their thorough recruitment process meant vaccine status could be considered when they speak to potential recruits. "We look at everything. So I`m sure it will come up," Gerrard said. "But we`ll obviously make decisions as and when we decide a certain person is the one who could come in and make us better," he said. "But I don`t think it`s right for me to comment on if I would or wouldn`t in that situation. But it would certainly come into conversations in the background." Villa, who are 13th, travel to bottom side Norwich City in the league later on Tuesday. BOOSTER SHOTS Watford manager Claudio Ranieri had urged players to get vaccinated against COVID-19 while Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said booster shots were necessary with cases steadily on the rise again. People aged 30 and over residing in England are eligible for a booster shot three months after the second dose as concerns grow over the spread of the Omicron variant. England manager Gareth Southgate had said in October that some players were not vaccinated because their opinions may have been swayed by conspiracy theories on social media. Later that month, the league said 81% of its players have had at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose while 68% of them were fully vaccinated.

Aston Villa could consider vaccine status of transfer targets, says manager Steven Gerrard

<p>Tottenham Hotspur have had a second match postponed this week after the Premier League agreed on Thursday to call off Sunday`s game at Brighton &amp; Hove Albion due to a number of COVID-19 cases at the London club. Spurs had their Europa Conference League game at home to Stade Rennais on Thursday called off by UEFA on Wednesday after the club said they had 13 positive coronavirus cases -- eight players and five members of staff.<br />
"The Premier League Board has taken the decision to postpone the game following guidance from medical advisers, with the health of players and staff the priority," the league said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The postponed fixture will be rescheduled in due course and the Premier League wishes a quick recovery to those with COVID-19." Rennes criticised the decision to postpone the Europa League game, saying it was taken unilaterally by Tottenham and that they reserved the right to appeal to UEFA.</p>

<p>"UEFA can confirm that the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match, Tottenham Hotspur v Stade Rennais FC, which was due to be played on 9 December in London, will not be taking place as scheduled," the governing body said in a statement. It is unclear whether other Spurs games will be affected. They are due to play at Leicester City in the league on Dec. 16 and at home to Liverpool on Dec. 19.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-manchester-united-held-by-young-boys-1-1-in-their-last-group-encounter-435397"><strong>Champions League: Manchester United held by Young Boys 1-1 in their last group encounter</strong></a></p>

<p>Vitesse Arnhem, level with Tottenham in Europa Conference League Group G on seven points from five games, were due to host Mura on Thursday at the same time (2000GMT) as the Spurs-Rennes match.<br />
The Dutch side said in a statement that they had asked UEFA to postpone their clash as well as they were concerned about the fairness of the matches taking place separately. Vitesse and Spurs are vying to finish second and secure a spot in a playoff round before the last 16.</p>

<p>Rennes have reached the last 16 as Group G winners on 11 points after five matches. Spurs are above Vitesse on goal difference, with Slovenian side Mura out of contention on three. "Vitesse has not (yet) received an official message from UEFA about the consequences of the cancellation in London for Vitesse vs NS Mura," Vitesse said in a statement.</p>

<p>"If Tottenham Hotspur vs Stade Rennais FC is moved to a later date that will be a significant disadvantage for Vitesse from a sporting point of view because both teams are highly dependent on each other`s result."<br />
UEFA said on Thursday the match would go ahead as scheduled.</p>


Tottenham Hotspur have had a second match postponed this week after the Premier League agreed on Thursday to call off Sunday`s game at Brighton & Hove Albion due to a number of COVID-19 cases at the London club.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a second match postponed this week after the Premier League agreed on Thursday to call off Sunday`s game at Brighton & Hove Albion due to a number of COVID-19 cases at the London club. Spurs had their Europa Conference League game at home to Stade Rennais on Thursday called off by UEFA on Wednesday after the club said they had 13 positive coronavirus cases -- eight players and five members of staff. "The Premier League Board has taken the decision to postpone the game following guidance from medical advisers, with the health of players and staff the priority," the league said in a statement. "The postponed fixture will be rescheduled in due course and the Premier League wishes a quick recovery to those with COVID-19." Rennes criticised the decision to postpone the Europa League game, saying it was taken unilaterally by Tottenham and that they reserved the right to appeal to UEFA. "UEFA can confirm that the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match, Tottenham Hotspur v Stade Rennais FC, which was due to be played on 9 December in London, will not be taking place as scheduled," the governing body said in a statement. It is unclear whether other Spurs games will be affected. They are due to play at Leicester City in the league on Dec. 16 and at home to Liverpool on Dec. 19. ALSO READ | Champions League: Manchester United held by Young Boys 1-1 in their last group encounter Vitesse Arnhem, level with Tottenham in Europa Conference League Group G on seven points from five games, were due to host Mura on Thursday at the same time (2000GMT) as the Spurs-Rennes match. The Dutch side said in a statement that they had asked UEFA to postpone their clash as well as they were concerned about the fairness of the matches taking place separately. Vitesse and Spurs are vying to finish second and secure a spot in a playoff round before the last 16. Rennes have reached the last 16 as Group G winners on 11 points after five matches. Spurs are above Vitesse on goal difference, with Slovenian side Mura out of contention on three. "Vitesse has not (yet) received an official message from UEFA about the consequences of the cancellation in London for Vitesse vs NS Mura," Vitesse said in a statement. "If Tottenham Hotspur vs Stade Rennais FC is moved to a later date that will be a significant disadvantage for Vitesse from a sporting point of view because both teams are highly dependent on each other`s result." UEFA said on Thursday the match would go ahead as scheduled.

Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton match postponed due to Covid-19

<p>FC Barcelona's struggles over the past few years have been well documented with the club struggling with their finances and failing to make an impact in the Champions League as well as the La Liga. Lionel Messi's departure from the Spanish club this year has further worsened their woes as they have been relegated to the Europa League after failing to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League this season.</p>

<p>Barcelona were in a must-win situation in their final Champions League group game against Bayern on Friday. However, they were thrashed 3-0 by the German champions. Barcelona finished third in Group E behind Bayern and Benfica as they were sent to the Europa League.</p>

<p>Frenkie de Jong, who is one of the most talented players in the Barcelona squad at present, has been advised by former Dutch star Ron Vlaar to leave the Spanish club. De Jong has been a pale shadow of his own self at Barca and has struggled to deliver consistently in the midfield.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Netherlands defender Vlaar believes De Jong is under immense pressure at Barcelona and plays like someone who is carrying the weight of fifty kilos of potatoes on his back. The Dutchman wants De Jong to leave Barcelona and move to a team like Bayern Munich where he can thrive.</p>

<p>"De Jong now plays football like he has fifty kilos of potatoes on his back. You know what he can bring, but on this team it just doesn't show. I think he's totally out of place right now. A change? To another club? I think Frenkie would play football differently for a team like Bayern," Vlaar said on TV station RTL 7.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-clubs-approve-cvcs-21-billion-euro-capital-injection-despite-barcelona-real-madrid-opposing-deal-435880">&nbsp;La Liga clubs approve CVC's 2.1 billion euro capital injection despite Barcelona, Real Madrid opposing deal</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>While they are out of the Champions League, Barcelona have also struggled in the La Liga so far this season. They are currently placed seventh on the points table with 23 points from 15 games. Arch-rivals Real Madrid are on the top spot with 39 points from 16 matches so far this season.</p>


FC Barcelona's struggles over the past few years have been well documented with the club struggling with their finances and failing to make an impact in the Champions League as well as the La Liga.

FC Barcelona's struggles over the past few years have been well documented with the club struggling with their finances and failing to make an impact in the Champions League as well as the La Liga. Lionel Messi's departure from the Spanish club this year has further worsened their woes as they have been relegated to the Europa League after failing to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League this season. Barcelona were in a must-win situation in their final Champions League group game against Bayern on Friday. However, they were thrashed 3-0 by the German champions. Barcelona finished third in Group E behind Bayern and Benfica as they were sent to the Europa League. Frenkie de Jong, who is one of the most talented players in the Barcelona squad at present, has been advised by former Dutch star Ron Vlaar to leave the Spanish club. De Jong has been a pale shadow of his own self at Barca and has struggled to deliver consistently in the midfield. Former Netherlands defender Vlaar believes De Jong is under immense pressure at Barcelona and plays like someone who is carrying the weight of fifty kilos of potatoes on his back. The Dutchman wants De Jong to leave Barcelona and move to a team like Bayern Munich where he can thrive. "De Jong now plays football like he has fifty kilos of potatoes on his back. You know what he can bring, but on this team it just doesn't show. I think he's totally out of place right now. A change? To another club? I think Frenkie would play football differently for a team like Bayern," Vlaar said on TV station RTL 7. Also Read: La Liga clubs approve CVC's 2.1 billion euro capital injection despite Barcelona, Real Madrid opposing deal While they are out of the Champions League, Barcelona have also struggled in the La Liga so far this season. They are currently placed seventh on the points table with 23 points from 15 games. Arch-rivals Real Madrid are on the top spot with 39 points from 16 matches so far this season.

Former Dutch star wants Frenkie De Jong to leave Barcelona: 'Plays like he has 50 kilos potatoes on his back'

<p>Argentina captain Lionel Messi achieved another historic feat in his illustrious career while representing Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League Group stage encounter versus Club Brugge on Tuesday (December 7). Messi and Kylian Mbappa's twin strikes each took PSG to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Club Brugge as Messi broke Brazilian great Pele's record.</p>

<p>Pele, who has been one of the most prolific goal-scorer in South America, is sitting on 757 career goals for both club and country. However, the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi moved past his tally after his splendid performance versus Club Brugge. The 34-year-old took his career goal tally to 758 and moved past Pele's record.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-midfielder-mateo-kovacic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-of-zenit-clash-in-champions-league-434924"><strong>Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Zenit clash in Champions League</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed,&nbsp;Messi's overall tally (758) takes him&nbsp;to the second spot in the list of most career goals in professional football. He&nbsp;has 678 club goals to his name (majorly for Barcelona) and has scored a total of 80 goals for his country.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">According to the RSSSF, Lionel Messi has overtaken Pele in football’s all-time scorer’s list 🚨 <a href="https://t.co/dJaXjPT3Ml">pic.twitter.com/dJaXjPT3Ml</a></p>
— International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/IntChampionsCup/status/1468309326456623105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/demarai-gray-bags-stoppage-time-winner-as-everton-beat-arsenal-2-1-in-premier-league-434817"><strong>Demarai Gray bags stoppage-time winner as Everton beat Arsenal 2-1 in Premier League</strong></a></p>

<p>Messi now has his eyes set on surpassing arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo's tally (801), who occupies the top spot in the list. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has also been in top form for the Manchester United and achieved his 800th as well as 801st goal during the Red Devils' recent encounter versus Arsenal in the Premier League, where Man Utd beat Arsenal 3-2.</p>

<p>Mbappa, on the other hand, also became the youngster to 30 Champion League goals following PSG's encounter versus Club Brugge.</p>


Argentina captain Lionel Messi achieved another historic feat in his illustrious career while representing Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League Group stage encounter versus Club Brugge on Tuesday (December 7).

Argentina captain Lionel Messi achieved another historic feat in his illustrious career while representing Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League Group stage encounter versus Club Brugge on Tuesday (December 7). Messi and Kylian Mbappa's twin strikes each took PSG to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Club Brugge as Messi broke Brazilian great Pele's record. Pele, who has been one of the most prolific goal-scorer in South America, is sitting on 757 career goals for both club and country. However, the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi moved past his tally after his splendid performance versus Club Brugge. The 34-year-old took his career goal tally to 758 and moved past Pele's record. ALSO READ | Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Zenit clash in Champions League For the unversed, Messi's overall tally (758) takes him to the second spot in the list of most career goals in professional football. He has 678 club goals to his name (majorly for Barcelona) and has scored a total of 80 goals for his country. According to the RSSSF, Lionel Messi has overtaken Pele in football’s all-time scorer’s list 🚨 pic.twitter.com/dJaXjPT3Ml — International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) December 7, 2021 × ALSO READ | Demarai Gray bags stoppage-time winner as Everton beat Arsenal 2-1 in Premier League Messi now has his eyes set on surpassing arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo's tally (801), who occupies the top spot in the list. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has also been in top form for the Manchester United and achieved his 800th as well as 801st goal during the Red Devils' recent encounter versus Arsenal in the Premier League, where Man Utd beat Arsenal 3-2. Mbappa, on the other hand, also became the youngster to 30 Champion League goals following PSG's encounter versus Club Brugge.

Lionel Messi surpasses Pele with twin strikes vs Club Brugge, eyes arch-rival CR7's goal tally

<p>Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has welcomed new manager Ralf Rangnick to the club with a post on Instagram. Rangnick was present in the stands as United defeated Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford to go seventh on the points table. The win against Arsenal was the final game in charge of caretaker manager Michael Carrick.</p>

<p>Carrick had taken charge of the club after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking earlier this month. Carrick led United in a total of three games, guiding them to two wins and a draw. However, he announced his resignation as the first-team coach of the club. Carrick was part of former United managers Jose Mourinho and Soskjaer's support staff.</p>

<p>Ronaldo took to Instagram to post a farewell message for Carrick while also welcoming German Rangnick to the club. Rangnick will be taking charge for the remainder of the season before United appoint a permanent manager. However, he will continue to serve in a consultancy role for the next two years after the conclusion of the ongoing season.</p>

<p>"Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well. Nothing is impossible for this guy. Personally, I’m proud to have played with him by my side as well as with him as a manager on our bench. But now it’s time to welcome Mister Ralf Rangnick to the wheel… Let’s get started," Ronaldo wrote in a post on Instagram.</p>

<p>Rangnick couldn't be on the sidelines for United's game against Arsenal on Friday but is all set to take charge in his first game when the club take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on December (05) Sunday. Rangnick will also bring in some of his own coaching staff to United hoping to turn around the Red Devils' season.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-scores-a-double-to-surpass-800-goal-mark-as-manchester-united-beat-arsenal-3-2-433768">Cristiano Ronaldo scores a double to surpass 800-goal mark as Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2</a></p>

<p>On Friday, Ronaldo bagged a brace and went past 800 career goals as United came from behind to beat Arsenal 3-2 at home and bag much-needed three points. United have been unbeaten in their last three games and will be looking to extend the streak against Palace on Sunday.</p>


Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has welcomed new manager Ralf Rangnick to the club with a post on Instagram. Rangnick was present in the stands as United defeated Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford to go seventh on the points table.

Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has welcomed new manager Ralf Rangnick to the club with a post on Instagram. Rangnick was present in the stands as United defeated Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford to go seventh on the points table. The win against Arsenal was the final game in charge of caretaker manager Michael Carrick. Carrick had taken charge of the club after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking earlier this month. Carrick led United in a total of three games, guiding them to two wins and a draw. However, he announced his resignation as the first-team coach of the club. Carrick was part of former United managers Jose Mourinho and Soskjaer's support staff. Ronaldo took to Instagram to post a farewell message for Carrick while also welcoming German Rangnick to the club. Rangnick will be taking charge for the remainder of the season before United appoint a permanent manager. However, he will continue to serve in a consultancy role for the next two years after the conclusion of the ongoing season. "Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well. Nothing is impossible for this guy. Personally, I’m proud to have played with him by my side as well as with him as a manager on our bench. But now it’s time to welcome Mister Ralf Rangnick to the wheel… Let’s get started," Ronaldo wrote in a post on Instagram. Rangnick couldn't be on the sidelines for United's game against Arsenal on Friday but is all set to take charge in his first game when the club take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on December (05) Sunday. Rangnick will also bring in some of his own coaching staff to United hoping to turn around the Red Devils' season. Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo scores a double to surpass 800-goal mark as Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2 On Friday, Ronaldo bagged a brace and went past 800 career goals as United came from behind to beat Arsenal 3-2 at home and bag much-needed three points. United have been unbeaten in their last three games and will be looking to extend the streak against Palace on Sunday.

Rangnick at the wheel: Cristiano Ronaldo welcomes new Manchester United manager, bids farewell to Carrick

<p>Paris St Germain`s Brazil forward Neymar faces six to eight weeks on the sidelines with an ankle sprain sustained in Sunday`s 3-1 Ligue 1 comeback victory at 10-man St Etienne, the French club said in a statement on Monday.</p>

<p>The 29-year-old twisted his ankle in the dying seconds of the match after treading on the leg of St Etienne`s Yvann Macon which left him screaming in agony before he was carried off. Neymar was later pictured leaving the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard stadium on crutches.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-appoint-ralf-rangnick-as-interim-manager-after-ole-gunnar-solskjaers-sacking-432774"><strong>Manchester United appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking</strong></a></p>

<p>"The examinations carried out last night confirm that Neymar Jr suffers from a sprained left ankle with ligament injuries. An unavailability of six to eight weeks is to be expected," PSG said, adding his injury will be evaluated again in 72 hours. Neymar had earlier said in an Instagram post that setbacks were part of an athlete`s life and vowed to "come back better and stronger."</p>

<p>PSG`s Lionel Messi set up all three goals in the game as they stretched their lead at the top to 12 points.</p>


Paris St Germain`s Brazil forward Neymar faces six to eight weeks on the sidelines with an ankle sprain sustained in Sunday`s 3-1 Ligue 1 comeback victory at 10-man St Etienne, the French club said in a statement on Monday.

Paris St Germain`s Brazil forward Neymar faces six to eight weeks on the sidelines with an ankle sprain sustained in Sunday`s 3-1 Ligue 1 comeback victory at 10-man St Etienne, the French club said in a statement on Monday. The 29-year-old twisted his ankle in the dying seconds of the match after treading on the leg of St Etienne`s Yvann Macon which left him screaming in agony before he was carried off. Neymar was later pictured leaving the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard stadium on crutches. ALSO READ | Manchester United appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking "The examinations carried out last night confirm that Neymar Jr suffers from a sprained left ankle with ligament injuries. An unavailability of six to eight weeks is to be expected," PSG said, adding his injury will be evaluated again in 72 hours. Neymar had earlier said in an Instagram post that setbacks were part of an athlete`s life and vowed to "come back better and stronger." PSG`s Lionel Messi set up all three goals in the game as they stretched their lead at the top to 12 points.

PSG's Brazil forward Neymar ruled out of action for up to eight weeks with ankle injury

<p>Manchester United have announced the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as the new interim manager of the club for the remainder of the season. United had sacked club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the manager earlier this month following a string of poor results in the English Premier League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rangnick has left his role as the manager of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow to join United as an interim manager. He will continue to remain at Manchester United in a consultancy role for a further two years after the conclusion of the ongoing season.</p>

<p>Rangnick is a well-respected figure in German football and is credited to have played a massive role in the rise of the likes of Schalke and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. He had begin his coaching career in 1983, at the age of 25 and has since managed a host of clubs in Germany.</p>

<p>He was one of the favourites of the United board for the position of interim manager and has been backed by the club hierarchy to change their fortunes this season after a shaky start to their campaign in the Premier League. United's 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday means they are currently placed 8th on the points table with 18 points from 13 matches.</p>

<p>“Ralf is one of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football. He was our number one candidate for interim manager, reflecting the invaluable leadership and technical skills he will bring from almost four decades of experience in management and coaching," said United's Football Director John Murtogh.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ballon-dor-2021-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-ballon-dor-award-ceremony-in-india-432703">Ballon d'Or 2021 Live streaming: When and where to watch Ballon d'Or award ceremony in India?</a></p>

<p>Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, who was the part of Solskjaer's coaching group, was in charge of United's last two games, leading them to a win and a draw against Villarreal and Chelsea in the Champions League and the Premier League respectively.</p>

<p>Carrick is expected to remain in charge when Manchester United face Arsenal in the Premier League on Friday as Rangnick's work visa is yet to be finalised. The German will be on the sidelines for United's home game against Crystal Palace on Sunday (December 05).</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Manchester United have announced the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as the new interim manager of the club for the remainder of the season. United had sacked club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the manager earlier this month following a string of poor results in the English Premier League.

Manchester United have announced the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as the new interim manager of the club for the remainder of the season. United had sacked club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the manager earlier this month following a string of poor results in the English Premier League. Rangnick has left his role as the manager of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow to join United as an interim manager. He will continue to remain at Manchester United in a consultancy role for a further two years after the conclusion of the ongoing season. Rangnick is a well-respected figure in German football and is credited to have played a massive role in the rise of the likes of Schalke and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. He had begin his coaching career in 1983, at the age of 25 and has since managed a host of clubs in Germany. He was one of the favourites of the United board for the position of interim manager and has been backed by the club hierarchy to change their fortunes this season after a shaky start to their campaign in the Premier League. United's 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday means they are currently placed 8th on the points table with 18 points from 13 matches. “Ralf is one of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football. He was our number one candidate for interim manager, reflecting the invaluable leadership and technical skills he will bring from almost four decades of experience in management and coaching," said United's Football Director John Murtogh. Also Read: Ballon d'Or 2021 Live streaming: When and where to watch Ballon d'Or award ceremony in India? Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, who was the part of Solskjaer's coaching group, was in charge of United's last two games, leading them to a win and a draw against Villarreal and Chelsea in the Champions League and the Premier League respectively. Carrick is expected to remain in charge when Manchester United face Arsenal in the Premier League on Friday as Rangnick's work visa is yet to be finalised. The German will be on the sidelines for United's home game against Crystal Palace on Sunday (December 05).

Manchester United appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking

<p>Manchester United caretaker Michael Carrick was coy on reports of Ralf Rangnick taking over as interim manager at the Premier League club, but said on Friday that the squad would quickly absorb ideas from their next head coach.</p>

<p>Carrick was put in charge of United after the club sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last Sunday, and after guiding them to a midweek Champions League win at Villarreal, he will remain in the dugout for Sunday`s league trip to Chelsea.</p>

<p>"From my point of view, there`s a lot of speculation and reports, but as I`m sitting here now I`m preparing the team for the game," Carrick told reporters when asked if Rangnick was taking over.</p>

<p>"I think (the new manager) can get ideas across quickly, history shows that. Sometimes it`s not just about ideas, it`s just a different voice, a freshness.</p>

<p>"There`s a lot of different styles and there`s a good group of players here. Whoever comes in and whatever is implemented, I`m sure they can adapt. There`s some real good talent within the squad, I`m sure they`ll look forward to what`s ahead."</p>

<p>United could face a familiar foe in Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who played for the Old Trafford club for two seasons before finding success with Inter Milan in Italy.</p>

<p>However, he is returning from injury and may not start.</p>

<p>"It`ll be good to see Rom again. He`s a terrific footballer, scored goals wherever he has been. If Rom plays, we`re well aware of what he brings," Carrick said.</p>

<p>Carrick said he was "hugely impressed" with Thomas Tuchel`s Chelsea, who are top of the standings -- 12 points ahead of eighth-placed United.</p>

<p>"They`re super intense, well organised, really good movement across our backline and their frontline," he said. "Very good at connecting with the midfield, with the back three building up... narrowing up and giving you problems with the wing-backs."</p>


Manchester United caretaker Michael Carrick was coy on reports of Ralf Rangnick taking over as interim manager at the Premier League club, but said on Friday that the squad would quickly absorb ideas from their next head coach.

Manchester United caretaker Michael Carrick was coy on reports of Ralf Rangnick taking over as interim manager at the Premier League club, but said on Friday that the squad would quickly absorb ideas from their next head coach. Carrick was put in charge of United after the club sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last Sunday, and after guiding them to a midweek Champions League win at Villarreal, he will remain in the dugout for Sunday`s league trip to Chelsea. "From my point of view, there`s a lot of speculation and reports, but as I`m sitting here now I`m preparing the team for the game," Carrick told reporters when asked if Rangnick was taking over. "I think (the new manager) can get ideas across quickly, history shows that. Sometimes it`s not just about ideas, it`s just a different voice, a freshness. "There`s a lot of different styles and there`s a good group of players here. Whoever comes in and whatever is implemented, I`m sure they can adapt. There`s some real good talent within the squad, I`m sure they`ll look forward to what`s ahead." United could face a familiar foe in Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who played for the Old Trafford club for two seasons before finding success with Inter Milan in Italy. However, he is returning from injury and may not start. "It`ll be good to see Rom again. He`s a terrific footballer, scored goals wherever he has been. If Rom plays, we`re well aware of what he brings," Carrick said. Carrick said he was "hugely impressed" with Thomas Tuchel`s Chelsea, who are top of the standings -- 12 points ahead of eighth-placed United. "They`re super intense, well organised, really good movement across our backline and their frontline," he said. "Very good at connecting with the midfield, with the back three building up... narrowing up and giving you problems with the wing-backs."

Beyond pressing, Ralf Rangnick will bring Manchester United cutting edge experience

Indian women's national football team is all set for their historic game against Brazil, here's what the players have to say! The Indian team will play in a four-nation international tournament in Manaus, Brazil and this is the first time that any senior Indian football team will play against Brazil. During their tour, the Indian team will lock horns with Brazil, Chile, and Venezuela in their three matches. The matches are part of the preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022.

Indian women's team excited for the historic football match against Brazil

<p>Argentina striker Lionel Messi and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo headlined the nominations for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2021 revealed the governing body. The winners of awards will be revealed at an online ceremony on January 17 2022. The candidates have been selected by two expert panels - one for women`s football and one for men`s football. Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has also been shortlisted for the awards following his incredible form this year.Magdalena Eriksson, Pernille Harder and Ji Soyun are some of the prominent names shortlisted for the awards.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cuban-woman-claims-argentinas-great-late-diego-maradona-raped-her-as-teenager-stole-my-childhood-431335"><strong>Cuban woman claims Argentina's great late Diego Maradona raped her as teenager, ''stole my childhood''</strong></a></p>

<p>"Public voting is open on FIFA.com and will run until 23:59 CET on 10 December 2021," FIFA said in a statement. The apex body of football will announce the three finalists in each of the seven categories listed above in early January 2022.</p>


Argentina striker Lionel Messi and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo headlined the nominations for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2021 revealed the governing body.

Argentina striker Lionel Messi and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo headlined the nominations for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2021 revealed the governing body. The winners of awards will be revealed at an online ceremony on January 17 2022. The candidates have been selected by two expert panels - one for women`s football and one for men`s football. Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has also been shortlisted for the awards following his incredible form this year.Magdalena Eriksson, Pernille Harder and Ji Soyun are some of the prominent names shortlisted for the awards. ALSO READ | Cuban woman claims Argentina's great late Diego Maradona raped her as teenager, ''stole my childhood'' "Public voting is open on FIFA.com and will run until 23:59 CET on 10 December 2021," FIFA said in a statement. The apex body of football will announce the three finalists in each of the seven categories listed above in early January 2022.

Superstar duo Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi headline nominees for FIFA Best Men's Player award

<p>Mavys Alvarez, a Cuban woman who had a relationship with late soccer star Diego Maradona two decades ago, told a news conference on Monday that the Argentine player had raped her when she was a teenager and "stolen her childhood."</p>

<p>Alvarez, now 37, gave testimony last week to an Argentine Ministry of Justice court that is investigating her allegations of trafficking against Maradona`s former entourage, linked to events when she was 16.<br />
Maradona, widely considered one of the greatest ever soccer stars, died a year ago on Nov. 25, 2020. The complaint relates to a journey Alvarez took to Argentina with Maradona in 2001, when he was around 40 and she was 16.</p>

<p>Alvarez said that she first met the soccer star shortly before the trip, when he was in Cuba to undergo drug addiction treatment. At a news conference in Buenos Aires, Alvarez said Maradona had raped her in the clinic in Havana where he was staying, while her mother was in the next room.</p>

<p>"He covers my mouth, he rapes me, I don`t want to think about it too much," Alvarez said. "I stopped being a girl, all my innocence was stolen from me. It`s hard. You stop living the innocent things that a girl of that age has to experience."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-pays-heartfelt-tribute-to-ole-gunnar-solskjaer-after-manchester-united-sacking-431223"><strong>Cristiano Ronaldo pays heartfelt tribute to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Manchester United sacking</strong></a></p>

<p>Matias Morla, Maradona`s lawyer before his death, did not respond to a request for comment. Reuters could not identify other legal representatives for Maradona in the case. Alvarez has previously described the relationship in media interviews as consensual, but also said that Maradona had at least on one occasion forced himself upon her.<br />
She said that her family had only allowed a relationship with the star to happen, despite the large age gap, because of Maradona`s friendship with the late Cuban President Fidel Castro.</p>

<p>"My family would never have accepted it if the Cuban government had not been involved," she said. "They were forced in another way to accept a relationship that was not good for them, or for anyone."<br />
Cuba`s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Alvarez said she had filed the complaint "in order to help all women, all victims of trafficking, of crime," she said. "To be able to help them in whatever way I can. That`s my idea."</p>

<p>She said it was hard to be back in Argentina, where Maradona remains a hero to many. "It`s hard to be in his country, to see that he is everywhere, he is an idol and at the same time everything I remember about him as a person feels ugly," she said.</p>


Mavys Alvarez, a Cuban woman who had a relationship with late soccer star Diego Maradona two decades ago, told a news conference on Monday that the Argentine player had raped her when she was a teenager and "stolen her childhood.

Mavys Alvarez, a Cuban woman who had a relationship with late soccer star Diego Maradona two decades ago, told a news conference on Monday that the Argentine player had raped her when she was a teenager and "stolen her childhood." Alvarez, now 37, gave testimony last week to an Argentine Ministry of Justice court that is investigating her allegations of trafficking against Maradona`s former entourage, linked to events when she was 16. Maradona, widely considered one of the greatest ever soccer stars, died a year ago on Nov. 25, 2020. The complaint relates to a journey Alvarez took to Argentina with Maradona in 2001, when he was around 40 and she was 16. Alvarez said that she first met the soccer star shortly before the trip, when he was in Cuba to undergo drug addiction treatment. At a news conference in Buenos Aires, Alvarez said Maradona had raped her in the clinic in Havana where he was staying, while her mother was in the next room. "He covers my mouth, he rapes me, I don`t want to think about it too much," Alvarez said. "I stopped being a girl, all my innocence was stolen from me. It`s hard. You stop living the innocent things that a girl of that age has to experience." ALSO READ | Cristiano Ronaldo pays heartfelt tribute to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Manchester United sacking Matias Morla, Maradona`s lawyer before his death, did not respond to a request for comment. Reuters could not identify other legal representatives for Maradona in the case. Alvarez has previously described the relationship in media interviews as consensual, but also said that Maradona had at least on one occasion forced himself upon her. She said that her family had only allowed a relationship with the star to happen, despite the large age gap, because of Maradona`s friendship with the late Cuban President Fidel Castro. "My family would never have accepted it if the Cuban government had not been involved," she said. "They were forced in another way to accept a relationship that was not good for them, or for anyone." Cuba`s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Alvarez said she had filed the complaint "in order to help all women, all victims of trafficking, of crime," she said. "To be able to help them in whatever way I can. That`s my idea." She said it was hard to be back in Argentina, where Maradona remains a hero to many. "It`s hard to be in his country, to see that he is everywhere, he is an idol and at the same time everything I remember about him as a person feels ugly," she said.

Cuban woman claims Argentina's great late Diego Maradona raped her as teenager, ''stole my childhood''

<p>Manchester United are reportedly getting closer to appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager after sacking Ole Gunnar Soskjaer. Club legend Solskjaer was asked to step down from the manager's post last week following Manchester United's 4-1 defeat against Watford in the Premier League.</p>

<p>Solskjaer was on the verge of being sacked after United's shattering defeat against arch-rivals Liverpool earlier this season. However, he survived the humbling but a string of poor results saw Solskjaer lose the faith of the United board, who were earlier willing to give him a chance to spark a turnaround in terms of results this season.</p>

<p>Solskjaer ended his three-year stint at the club trophyless and is likely to be replaced by former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur manager Pochettino. As per a report in the Manchester Evening News, United are confident of hiring the Argentine as their next manager despite him managing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at present.</p>

<p>Pochettino had joined PSG in January this year, replacing Thomas Tuchel at the helm. However, he is reportedly not happy with the structure at the club and is willing to join United. As per Manchester Evening News, Pochettino will head to United straight away but PSG are demanding&nbsp;£10million in compensation for the Argentine, who they hired in January this year.</p>

<p>Manchester United have a number of admirers of Pochettino in the club's hierarchy with the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson also keen on bringing the Argentine in after Solskjaer's departure. Pochettino failed to win silverware during his five-year stint with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League but was credited to have made the club a regular in the top four while managing with limited resources.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zidane-to-reunite-with-ronaldo-3-contenders-who-can-replace-solskjaer-as-new-manchester-united-manager-431003">Zidane to reunite with Ronaldo? 3 contenders who can replace Solskjaer as new Man Utd&nbsp;manager</a></p>

<p>He also inspired Spurs to their first-ever Champions League final in the 2018-19 season when they lost against Liverpool. United have not yet made an approach for Pochettino but are likely to make a move fast to bring him in as he has already made his intentions clear of joining the club immediately.</p>

<p>The likes of Zinedine Zidane, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers and Ajax head coach Erik Ten Hag are the others names who have also been linked with the United manager's post.</p>


Manchester United are reportedly getting closer to appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager after sacking Ole Gunnar Soskjaer. Club legend Solskjaer was asked to step down from the manager's post last week following Manchester United's 4-1 defeat against Watford in the Premier League.

Manchester United are reportedly getting closer to appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager after sacking Ole Gunnar Soskjaer. Club legend Solskjaer was asked to step down from the manager's post last week following Manchester United's 4-1 defeat against Watford in the Premier League. Solskjaer was on the verge of being sacked after United's shattering defeat against arch-rivals Liverpool earlier this season. However, he survived the humbling but a string of poor results saw Solskjaer lose the faith of the United board, who were earlier willing to give him a chance to spark a turnaround in terms of results this season. Solskjaer ended his three-year stint at the club trophyless and is likely to be replaced by former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur manager Pochettino. As per a report in the Manchester Evening News, United are confident of hiring the Argentine as their next manager despite him managing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at present. Pochettino had joined PSG in January this year, replacing Thomas Tuchel at the helm. However, he is reportedly not happy with the structure at the club and is willing to join United. As per Manchester Evening News, Pochettino will head to United straight away but PSG are demanding £10million in compensation for the Argentine, who they hired in January this year. Manchester United have a number of admirers of Pochettino in the club's hierarchy with the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson also keen on bringing the Argentine in after Solskjaer's departure. Pochettino failed to win silverware during his five-year stint with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League but was credited to have made the club a regular in the top four while managing with limited resources. Also Read: Zidane to reunite with Ronaldo? 3 contenders who can replace Solskjaer as new Man Utd manager He also inspired Spurs to their first-ever Champions League final in the 2018-19 season when they lost against Liverpool. United have not yet made an approach for Pochettino but are likely to make a move fast to bring him in as he has already made his intentions clear of joining the club immediately. The likes of Zinedine Zidane, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers and Ajax head coach Erik Ten Hag are the others names who have also been linked with the United manager's post.

Mauricio Pochettino likely to leave PSG as Manchester United confident of appointing him as new manager

<p>Manchester United on Saturday confirmed the sacking of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a string of poor results for the Red Devils in the Premier League. Despite boasting of one of the best squads in the Premier League this season, United are currently sitting at the eighth spot on the points table with only 17 points from 12 matches in what has been a woeful season so far.</p>

<p>Manchester United were humiliated 4-1 by Watford in the Premier League on Saturday which led to Solskjaer getting sacked by the club after a trophyless stint of three years. Solskjaer had joined United as an interim manager in December 2019 before being appointed permanently in March 2019.<br />
<br />
On his departure, Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo took to social media to pay tribute to Solskjaer and called him an 'outstanding human'. Ronaldo recalled the time he had played with Solskjaer for United when the Norweigan was plying his trade for United as a striker and wished him luck for his future.</p>

<p>"He’s been my striker when I first came to Old Trafford and he’s been my coach since I came back to Man. United. But most of all, Ole is an outstanding human being. I wish him the best in whatever his life has reserved for him. Good luck, my friend! You deserve it," Ronaldo wrote in a social media post.</p>

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<p>Manchester United finished third in Solskjaer's first full season in charge of the club before finishing second behind title winners Manchester City last season. However, Solskjaer, who had often been criticised for not being a tactical manager, lost the plot in his third full season and struggled to turn it around after a string of poor defeats against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City among others.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zidane-to-reunite-with-ronaldo-3-contenders-who-can-replace-solskjaer-as-new-manchester-united-manager-431003">Zidane to reunite with Ronaldo? 3 contenders who can replace Solskjaer as new Man Utd manager</a></p>

<p>Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, who was Solskjaer's assistant during his tenure, is likely to be the interim manager for their upcoming game against Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday. United are looking for a permanent option with a number of big names like Zinedine Zidane, Erik Ten Hag and Brendan Rodgers among others in contention for the top post.</p>


Manchester United on Saturday confirmed the sacking of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a string of poor results for the Red Devils in the Premier League. Despite boasting of one of the best squads in the Premier League this season, United are currently sitting at the eighth spot on the points table with only 17 points from 12 matches in what has been a woeful season so far.

Manchester United on Saturday confirmed the sacking of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a string of poor results for the Red Devils in the Premier League. Despite boasting of one of the best squads in the Premier League this season, United are currently sitting at the eighth spot on the points table with only 17 points from 12 matches in what has been a woeful season so far. Manchester United were humiliated 4-1 by Watford in the Premier League on Saturday which led to Solskjaer getting sacked by the club after a trophyless stint of three years. Solskjaer had joined United as an interim manager in December 2019 before being appointed permanently in March 2019. On his departure, Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo took to social media to pay tribute to Solskjaer and called him an 'outstanding human'. Ronaldo recalled the time he had played with Solskjaer for United when the Norweigan was plying his trade for United as a striker and wished him luck for his future. "He’s been my striker when I first came to Old Trafford and he’s been my coach since I came back to Man. United. But most of all, Ole is an outstanding human being. I wish him the best in whatever his life has reserved for him. Good luck, my friend! You deserve it," Ronaldo wrote in a social media post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) × Manchester United finished third in Solskjaer's first full season in charge of the club before finishing second behind title winners Manchester City last season. However, Solskjaer, who had often been criticised for not being a tactical manager, lost the plot in his third full season and struggled to turn it around after a string of poor defeats against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City among others. Also Read: Zidane to reunite with Ronaldo? 3 contenders who can replace Solskjaer as new Man Utd manager Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, who was Solskjaer's assistant during his tenure, is likely to be the interim manager for their upcoming game against Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday. United are looking for a permanent option with a number of big names like Zinedine Zidane, Erik Ten Hag and Brendan Rodgers among others in contention for the top post.

Cristiano Ronaldo pays heartfelt tribute to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Manchester United sacking

The Saudi football federation on Saturday said it was launching the first edition of a women's league later this month. Women's sport was long frowned upon in conservative Saudi Arabia. But the November 22 launch is part of a program set up by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation in 2017 to support women's football

Saudi Arabia: Riyadh launches league to support women's football

Saudi Arabia is launching the first edition of a women's football league. Women's sport was long frowned upon in the kingdom. So what does this change mean for the women of Saudi Arabia? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Saudi Arabia launches its first women's football league

<p>Barcelona said on Saturday they had named former midfielder and captain Xavi Hernandez as head coach on a contract until 2024, following the sacking of Ronald Koeman. The LaLiga club received the green light on Friday to sign the 41-year-old after they paid the release clause in his contract with Qatari side Al-Sadd.</p>

<p>Xavi played for Barcelona for 17 years, making 767 appearances and winning 25 trophies, including four Champions League wins and eight league titles.</p>

<p>"FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Xavi Hernandez for him to become first team coach for the rest of the current season and two more seasons," the club said in a statement headlined "WELCOME BACK HOME, XAVI!"</p>

<p>"Xavi Hernandez, a youth team product at Barca, has left his current club, Al-Sadd of Qatar, after talks held over the last few days with the owners of the club."</p>

<p>Dutch coach Koeman was sacked&nbsp;after a 1-0 defeat by Rayo Vallecano last month which left Barca ninth in LaLiga.<br />
The club are still ninth after Sergi Barjuan was appointed as caretaker coach and sit nine points behind leaders Real Sociedad with a game in hand.</p>

<p>Barjuan is set to remain in charge for their league match at Celta Vigo on Saturday, with Xavi arriving in Barcelona this weekend before his presentation on Monday.</p>

<p>"It wasn`t goodbye, it was `see you soon`. The Camp Nou has always been my home," Xavi said in a video addressed to the fans.</p>

<p>"You`re my fans, my people, the club that I love the most. And now, I`m coming home. See you soon, Culers. Forca Barca!"</p>

<p>Xavi`s first game would be a local derby against Espanyol on Nov. 20, after the international break.</p>

<p>A former Spain international, Xavi joined Al-Sadd as a player in 2015, becoming head coach after hanging up his boots in 2019. In April, he led his side to the Qatari domestic league title with the team unbeaten.</p>

<p>He turned down the chance to coach Barca in January 2020 after Ernesto Valverde was sacked, but remained linked with the job even after Koeman succeeded Quique Setien in August of last year.</p>


Barcelona said on Saturday they had named former midfielder and captain Xavi Hernandez as head coach on a contract until 2024, following the sacking of Ronald Koeman.

Barcelona said on Saturday they had named former midfielder and captain Xavi Hernandez as head coach on a contract until 2024, following the sacking of Ronald Koeman. The LaLiga club received the green light on Friday to sign the 41-year-old after they paid the release clause in his contract with Qatari side Al-Sadd. Xavi played for Barcelona for 17 years, making 767 appearances and winning 25 trophies, including four Champions League wins and eight league titles. "FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Xavi Hernandez for him to become first team coach for the rest of the current season and two more seasons," the club said in a statement headlined "WELCOME BACK HOME, XAVI!" "Xavi Hernandez, a youth team product at Barca, has left his current club, Al-Sadd of Qatar, after talks held over the last few days with the owners of the club." Dutch coach Koeman was sacked after a 1-0 defeat by Rayo Vallecano last month which left Barca ninth in LaLiga. The club are still ninth after Sergi Barjuan was appointed as caretaker coach and sit nine points behind leaders Real Sociedad with a game in hand. Barjuan is set to remain in charge for their league match at Celta Vigo on Saturday, with Xavi arriving in Barcelona this weekend before his presentation on Monday. "It wasn`t goodbye, it was `see you soon`. The Camp Nou has always been my home," Xavi said in a video addressed to the fans. "You`re my fans, my people, the club that I love the most. And now, I`m coming home. See you soon, Culers. Forca Barca!" Xavi`s first game would be a local derby against Espanyol on Nov. 20, after the international break. A former Spain international, Xavi joined Al-Sadd as a player in 2015, becoming head coach after hanging up his boots in 2019. In April, he led his side to the Qatari domestic league title with the team unbeaten. He turned down the chance to coach Barca in January 2020 after Ernesto Valverde was sacked, but remained linked with the job even after Koeman succeeded Quique Setien in August of last year.

Xavi Hernandez back at FC Barcelona, named head coach until 2024

<p>Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and former UEFA president Michel Platini have been indicted over unlawfully arranging a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.19 million), the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) of Switzerland said on Tuesday. Swiss prosecutors have been probing Blatter, 85, over accusations he arranged the payment from world soccer`s governing body FIFA to Platini in February 2011.<br />
<br />
The OAG accused Blatter and Platini of "fraud, in the alternative of misappropriation, in the further alternative of criminal mismanagement as well as of forgery of a document." Platini, who captained France to victory in the 1984 European Championship, was also charged as an accomplice.<br />
<br />
Blatter and Platini were both banned in 2016 from soccer for six years over the payment, made with Blatter's approval for work done a decade earlier. Both had denied any wrongdoing. Blatter's lawyer declined to comment on the charges while Platini did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<br />
<br />
The OAG said its investigation revealed that Platini worked as a consultant for then FIFA president Blatter between 1998-2002 and that an annual compensation of 300,000 Swiss francs was agreed upon in a written contract.<br />
<br />
The OAG said Platini had invoiced the contract and had been paid in full but the 66-year-old former France international continued to demand payment.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-striker-sergio-aguero-sidelined-for-three-months-following-chest-discomfort-426076"><strong>Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero sidelined for three months following chest discomfort</strong></a></p>

<p>"Over eight years after the termination of his advisory activity, Platini demanded a payment in the amount of two million Swiss francs," the OAG said. "With Blatter`s involvement, FIFA made a payment to Platini in said amount at the beginning of 2011. The evidence gathered by the OAG has corroborated that this payment to Platini was made without a legal basis.<br />
<br />
"This payment damaged FIFA`s assets and unlawfully enriched Platini. In the view of the OAG, the accused have committed the offences listed."</p>


Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and former UEFA president Michel Platini have been indicted over unlawfully arranging a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and former UEFA president Michel Platini have been indicted over unlawfully arranging a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.19 million), the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) of Switzerland said on Tuesday. Swiss prosecutors have been probing Blatter, 85, over accusations he arranged the payment from world soccer`s governing body FIFA to Platini in February 2011. The OAG accused Blatter and Platini of "fraud, in the alternative of misappropriation, in the further alternative of criminal mismanagement as well as of forgery of a document." Platini, who captained France to victory in the 1984 European Championship, was also charged as an accomplice. Blatter and Platini were both banned in 2016 from soccer for six years over the payment, made with Blatter's approval for work done a decade earlier. Both had denied any wrongdoing. Blatter's lawyer declined to comment on the charges while Platini did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The OAG said its investigation revealed that Platini worked as a consultant for then FIFA president Blatter between 1998-2002 and that an annual compensation of 300,000 Swiss francs was agreed upon in a written contract. The OAG said Platini had invoiced the contract and had been paid in full but the 66-year-old former France international continued to demand payment. ALSO READ | Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero sidelined for three months following chest discomfort "Over eight years after the termination of his advisory activity, Platini demanded a payment in the amount of two million Swiss francs," the OAG said. "With Blatter`s involvement, FIFA made a payment to Platini in said amount at the beginning of 2011. The evidence gathered by the OAG has corroborated that this payment to Platini was made without a legal basis. "This payment damaged FIFA`s assets and unlawfully enriched Platini. In the view of the OAG, the accused have committed the offences listed."

Blatter, Platini indicted by Swiss authorities over 2 million Swiss francs payment

<p>Manchester City are completely focused on Wednesday`s Champions League group game against Club Brugge and will not have the weekend`s Manchester derby in the Premier League on the back of their minds, manager Pep Guardiola said. Last season`s finalists City are second in Group A, a point behind unbeaten Paris St Germain at the halfway stage of the phase. City, who are reigning Premier League champions, play neighbours United at Old Trafford on Saturday.</p>

<p>Guardiola`s side sit five points behind league leaders Chelsea but the Spaniard said, unlike the Champions League, they would have plenty of games to catch up in the title race. "This game is much more important than the United game. It gives us an incredible step forward to qualify for the last 16," Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. "In the Premier League there are many games, here just six (in the group stage) -- now three left. The third and fourth games are the most important games and we need to take it seriously. "Tomorrow we have a chance, every year is more difficult. It`s just six games, lose more than one or two (and) it`s difficult. We already lost in Paris."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-striker-sergio-aguero-sidelined-for-three-months-following-chest-discomfort-426076"><strong>Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero sidelined for three months following chest discomfort</strong></a></p>

<p>City beat Brugge 5-1 in the reverse fixture and Guardiola said he expects a backlash when the Belgian side visit the Etihad. "Of course, I`m pretty sure they will adjust things to punish us. We have to adjust to get better. It`s normal, it will be a completely different game," Guardiola added. City have lost two games in a row in all competitions but Guardiola said he was not thinking too much about the results.</p>

<p>"You win or lose but I`m only concerned with the way we play. The defeat was tough, you know the calendar how demanding it is," he said. "What we have done the last month, we want to finish this run well after the United game, before the international break."</p>

<p>Guardiola also sent a message of support to his former player Sergio Aguero who has been ruled out for three months following cardiac evaluation. Aguero, City`s all-time top scorer with 260 goals, moved to Barcelona in the close season. "It was difficult news for everyone, especially him and his family. We wish him a safe recovery, doesn`t matter the time (it takes)," Guardiola said. "Life is much more important than anything else."</p>


Manchester City are completely focused on Wednesday`s Champions League group game against Club Brugge and will not have the weekend`s Manchester derby in the Premier League on the back of their minds, manager Pep Guardiola said.

Manchester City are completely focused on Wednesday`s Champions League group game against Club Brugge and will not have the weekend`s Manchester derby in the Premier League on the back of their minds, manager Pep Guardiola said. Last season`s finalists City are second in Group A, a point behind unbeaten Paris St Germain at the halfway stage of the phase. City, who are reigning Premier League champions, play neighbours United at Old Trafford on Saturday. Guardiola`s side sit five points behind league leaders Chelsea but the Spaniard said, unlike the Champions League, they would have plenty of games to catch up in the title race. "This game is much more important than the United game. It gives us an incredible step forward to qualify for the last 16," Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. "In the Premier League there are many games, here just six (in the group stage) -- now three left. The third and fourth games are the most important games and we need to take it seriously. "Tomorrow we have a chance, every year is more difficult. It`s just six games, lose more than one or two (and) it`s difficult. We already lost in Paris." ALSO READ | Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero sidelined for three months following chest discomfort City beat Brugge 5-1 in the reverse fixture and Guardiola said he expects a backlash when the Belgian side visit the Etihad. "Of course, I`m pretty sure they will adjust things to punish us. We have to adjust to get better. It`s normal, it will be a completely different game," Guardiola added. City have lost two games in a row in all competitions but Guardiola said he was not thinking too much about the results. "You win or lose but I`m only concerned with the way we play. The defeat was tough, you know the calendar how demanding it is," he said. "What we have done the last month, we want to finish this run well after the United game, before the international break." Guardiola also sent a message of support to his former player Sergio Aguero who has been ruled out for three months following cardiac evaluation. Aguero, City`s all-time top scorer with 260 goals, moved to Barcelona in the close season. "It was difficult news for everyone, especially him and his family. We wish him a safe recovery, doesn`t matter the time (it takes)," Guardiola said. "Life is much more important than anything else."

Manchester City's game against Club Brugge more important than United, says Pep Guardiola

<p>Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out for three months following cardiac evaluation, the Spanish club said on Monday.</p>

<p>The Argentine international received medical assistance on the pitch after he complained of chest pain during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Alaves in La Liga and had to be taken to hospital.</p>

<p>Barca said he now faces a lengthy spell out.</p>

<p>“Aguero&nbsp;has been subjected to a diagnostic and therapeutic process by Dr Josep Brugada,” Barcelona said in a statement.</p>

<p>“He is unavailable for selection and during the next three months the effectiveness of treatment will be evaluated in order to determine his recovery process.”</p>

<p>The 33-year-old joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Manchester City in July.<br />
He has made five appearances in all competitions so far, scoring one goal, after starting the season with a calf problem.</p>

<p>“I talked to him and he is calm. He is confined to his room but considering the situation he is calm,” Barca caretaker manager Sergi Barjuan said earlier on Monday.</p>

<p>Barcelona, who sacked manager Ronald Koeman last week following a La Liga defeat to Rayo Vallecano, travel to Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League on Tuesday.</p>


Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out for three months following cardiac evaluation, the Spanish club said on Monday. The Argentine international received medical assistance on the pitch after he complained of chest pain during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Alaves in La Liga and had to be taken to hospital.

Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out for three months following cardiac evaluation, the Spanish club said on Monday. The Argentine international received medical assistance on the pitch after he complained of chest pain during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Alaves in La Liga and had to be taken to hospital. Barca said he now faces a lengthy spell out. “Aguero has been subjected to a diagnostic and therapeutic process by Dr Josep Brugada,” Barcelona said in a statement. “He is unavailable for selection and during the next three months the effectiveness of treatment will be evaluated in order to determine his recovery process.” The 33-year-old joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Manchester City in July. He has made five appearances in all competitions so far, scoring one goal, after starting the season with a calf problem. “I talked to him and he is calm. He is confined to his room but considering the situation he is calm,” Barca caretaker manager Sergi Barjuan said earlier on Monday. Barcelona, who sacked manager Ronald Koeman last week following a La Liga defeat to Rayo Vallecano, travel to Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero sidelined for three months following chest discomfort

<p>Out-of-favour Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav showed up in Paris to watch the UEFA Champions League match between Lionel Messi-starrer Paris Saint Germain and&nbsp;RB Leipzig, on October 20 (Wednesday)&nbsp;at the Parc des Princes. The match lived upto expectations as it went down the wire where Lionel Messi starred for PSG to take them to a thrilling 3-2 win, overcoming a 2-1 deficit at the start of the final half.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PSG got off to a flier as Kylian Mbappe scored the first goal within ten minutes of the start of play. Andre Silva, of RB Leipzig, levelled the scores before the first-half whereas Nordi Mukiele made it 2-1 in favour of RB Leipzig. Messi, however, came to his usual best in the end moments of the clash and his twin strikes saved Neymar-less PSG as they bounced back in style to claim the match 3-2, on matchday 3 of the group stage in UEFA Champions League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kuldeep, who is a football fanatic like most of the Team India players, shared pictures from his visit to the stadium -- where he witnessed an absolute thriller. He captioned the post, "Paris est magique #PSGRBL". Here's what he posted:</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inzamam-ul-haq-explains-why-virat-kohli-led-india-have-great-chance-of-winning-t20-wc-422675">Inzamam-ul-Haq explains why Virat Kohli-led India have 'great chance of winning T20 WC'</a></strong></p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVPw6-PPwzL/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Kuldeep yadav 🇮🇳 (@kuldeep_18)</a></p>
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<p>Talking about Kuldeep, he wasn't part of the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) playing XI in the first leg of IPL 2021, played in India. The wrist-spinner got injured and returned back to India during the second and final leg, in the UAE, of the recently-concluded 14th edition. He underwent a knee surgery last month and will be looking to make a strong comeback&nbsp;in India's XI across formats.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/el-clasico-lionel-messis-departure-puts-spotlight-on-rising-stars-ansu-fati-and-vinicius-jr-422628"><strong>El Clasico: Lionel Messi's departure puts spotlight on rising stars Ansu Fati and Vinicius Jr</strong></a></p>

<p>Team India, on the other hand, is currently in the UAE and gearing up for their tournament-opener in the T20 World Cup 2021.</p>


Out-of-favour Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav showed up in Paris to watch the UEFA Champions League match between Lionel Messi-starrer Paris Saint Germain and RB Leipzig, on October 20 (Wednesday) at the Parc des Princes.

Out-of-favour Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav showed up in Paris to watch the UEFA Champions League match between Lionel Messi-starrer Paris Saint Germain and RB Leipzig, on October 20 (Wednesday) at the Parc des Princes. The match lived upto expectations as it went down the wire where Lionel Messi starred for PSG to take them to a thrilling 3-2 win, overcoming a 2-1 deficit at the start of the final half. PSG got off to a flier as Kylian Mbappe scored the first goal within ten minutes of the start of play. Andre Silva, of RB Leipzig, levelled the scores before the first-half whereas Nordi Mukiele made it 2-1 in favour of RB Leipzig. Messi, however, came to his usual best in the end moments of the clash and his twin strikes saved Neymar-less PSG as they bounced back in style to claim the match 3-2, on matchday 3 of the group stage in UEFA Champions League. Kuldeep, who is a football fanatic like most of the Team India players, shared pictures from his visit to the stadium -- where he witnessed an absolute thriller. He captioned the post, "Paris est magique #PSGRBL". Here's what he posted: ALSO READ | Inzamam-ul-Haq explains why Virat Kohli-led India have 'great chance of winning T20 WC' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kuldeep yadav 🇮🇳 (@kuldeep_18) × Talking about Kuldeep, he wasn't part of the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) playing XI in the first leg of IPL 2021, played in India. The wrist-spinner got injured and returned back to India during the second and final leg, in the UAE, of the recently-concluded 14th edition. He underwent a knee surgery last month and will be looking to make a strong comeback in India's XI across formats. ALSO READ | El Clasico: Lionel Messi's departure puts spotlight on rising stars Ansu Fati and Vinicius Jr Team India, on the other hand, is currently in the UAE and gearing up for their tournament-opener in the T20 World Cup 2021.

Kuldeep Yadav turns up in Paris to watch UEFA Champions League match between Lionel Messi's PSG & RB Leipzig

<p>Following Newcastle United being taken over by the new Saudi owners, the club locked horns with the Harry Kane-led Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League face-off on Sunday (October 17). While the clash went down to the wire, where Tottenham beat Newcastle by 3-2, the Newcastle fans are now likely to go through 'educational sessions' on&nbsp;cultural offensiveness and stereotypes after they greeted their new Saudi owners with imitation headdresses.</p>

<p>Before the eventual result on Sunday, the exuberant fans of the top-flight club, which is now controlled by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), were seen dancing and rejoicing outside the St James’ Park along with waving the Saudi national flag; not pleasing a section.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excessive-make-up-restricted-dressing-saudi-arabias-dress-code-for-formula-1-sparks-controversy-422060">No excessive make-up, restricted dressing: Saudi Arabia's dress code for Formula 1 sparks controversy</a></strong></p>

<p>It is believed that while the fans were ecstatic at the long-awaited stepping down of the unpopular former chairman Mike Ashley, some viewers put forward their concerns about cultural appropriation. On the other hand,&nbsp;others were apprehensive and left unimpressed to see the club's followers consuming beer along with adopting the iconography of a country.</p>

<p>As per reports in Sky Sports, the famous equality group <em>Kick it Out</em> is now contemplating "urgent talks" with the club due to the choice of attire being spotted around the stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-approves-as-saudi-led-consortium-completes-ps305-million-deal-to-gain-control-of-newcastle-418996"><strong>Premier League approves as Saudi-led consortium completes £305 million deal to gain control of Newcastle</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed, the English Premier League (EPL) had&nbsp;given its nod to the stunning and long-awaited takeover of Newcastle United, earlier this month,&nbsp;as the club is now officially under the Saudi ownership post Ashley's agreement to a whopping £305 million deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The under-performing club will hope to start a new era under the new owners and revive their fortunes going ahead in the EPL history. At present, the club finds itself at the 19th position following the 3-2 loss at the hands of Tottenham. They remain winless in eight encounters, with five draws.</p>


Following Newcastle United being taken over by the new Saudi owners, the club locked horns with the Harry Kane-led Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League face-off on Sunday (October 17).

Following Newcastle United being taken over by the new Saudi owners, the club locked horns with the Harry Kane-led Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League face-off on Sunday (October 17). While the clash went down to the wire, where Tottenham beat Newcastle by 3-2, the Newcastle fans are now likely to go through 'educational sessions' on cultural offensiveness and stereotypes after they greeted their new Saudi owners with imitation headdresses. Before the eventual result on Sunday, the exuberant fans of the top-flight club, which is now controlled by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), were seen dancing and rejoicing outside the St James’ Park along with waving the Saudi national flag; not pleasing a section. ALSO READ | No excessive make-up, restricted dressing: Saudi Arabia's dress code for Formula 1 sparks controversy It is believed that while the fans were ecstatic at the long-awaited stepping down of the unpopular former chairman Mike Ashley, some viewers put forward their concerns about cultural appropriation. On the other hand, others were apprehensive and left unimpressed to see the club's followers consuming beer along with adopting the iconography of a country. As per reports in Sky Sports, the famous equality group Kick it Out is now contemplating "urgent talks" with the club due to the choice of attire being spotted around the stadium. ALSO READ | Premier League approves as Saudi-led consortium completes £305 million deal to gain control of Newcastle For the unversed, the English Premier League (EPL) had given its nod to the stunning and long-awaited takeover of Newcastle United, earlier this month, as the club is now officially under the Saudi ownership post Ashley's agreement to a whopping £305 million deal. The under-performing club will hope to start a new era under the new owners and revive their fortunes going ahead in the EPL history. At present, the club finds itself at the 19th position following the 3-2 loss at the hands of Tottenham. They remain winless in eight encounters, with five draws.

'Education sessions' likely to be held for fans who welcomed Saudi owners with imitation headdresses

<p>India men`s football team coach Igor Stimac on Tuesday mentioned that togetherness, energy, positive attitude and a great mindset have been the biggest takeaways as Indian Football moved forward together towards the final qualification process of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023. India convincingly defeated Nepal 3-0 at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives, on Saturday to clinch the SAFF Championship trophy for a record eighth time.</p>

<p>"The feelings are special, and it`s all for the players. I`m happy for them. They worked really hard in very difficult circumstances as there was a lot of criticism. Some two and a half years back when we started the process, we started with a certain knowledge about what we need to do, how long it will take, and how patient we need to be in the course of time," said Stimac during a virtual press conference. "No national team coach has the budget to buy players, and every national team coach works with players that come out of the leagues. To reiterate myself - on the very first day I had mentioned that suffering will be part of the way, but that`s the only way to go where we are heading to," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saff-championship-india-lift-eighth-title-beat-nepal-3-0-in-final-421409"><strong>SAFF Championship: India lift eighth title, beat Nepal 3-0 in final</strong></a></p>

<p>Talking about the takeaways from the SAFF Championship, Stimac said: "The togetherness, the energy, the positive attitude and a great mind set. I know we were favourites going in this tournament, and we had certain problems at the beginning. We also did not get time to prepare much in comparison to other teams. If you look at Nepal, they were in preparation for this tournament for nearly two and a half months. "We had only seven or eight days before prior to the tournament. The manner in how the lads stood out, stayed positive, fought together, and how much energy they brought on to the pitch was amazing," he added. When asked about the impact of Sunil Chhetri, Stimac said: "It`s not just the goals he scores, but it`s his leadership on the pitch that is special. He is a role model, and he is the most passionate one in the dressing room. At this age, that`s quite unbelievable. His fitness is unbelievable and we wait for someone to step forward together with a better fitness condition, and with a better scoring ability to replace him."</p>

<p>Stimac also expressed his views on his coaching stint with the Blue Tigers so far. "Two and a half years ago I agreed upon taking this job because I understood that the AIFF Technical Committee, comprising of former players and captains, will understand the process, and what it takes, and how long it might take. I`m grateful to them for their support. We started reconstructing the team from the very first day because we opted for more technical football. We opted for more ball possession football, and opted for more technical players," said Stimac.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-feels-good-for-all-of-them-sunil-chhetri-lauds-youngsters-in-indian-team-for-saff-championship-triumph-421640">'It feels good for all of them': Sunil Chhetri lauds youngsters in Indian team for SAFF Championship triumph</a></strong></p>

<p>"Looking back at the results, I`d say that the match where we didn`t fulfil the expectations was against Bangladesh in Kolkata. All the rest was done in very difficult circumstances. If we look back, we will see that we played only two home games instead of five in the recent Qualifiers. Our first aim was to make sure we qualify for the third round. We secured third place in the group, and from there on to qualify for the final stages of AFC Asian Cup China 2023," he added.</p>


India men`s football team coach Igor Stimac on Tuesday mentioned that togetherness, energy, positive attitude and a great mindset have been the biggest takeaways as Indian Football moved forward together towards the final qualification process of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

India men`s football team coach Igor Stimac on Tuesday mentioned that togetherness, energy, positive attitude and a great mindset have been the biggest takeaways as Indian Football moved forward together towards the final qualification process of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023. India convincingly defeated Nepal 3-0 at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives, on Saturday to clinch the SAFF Championship trophy for a record eighth time. "The feelings are special, and it`s all for the players. I`m happy for them. They worked really hard in very difficult circumstances as there was a lot of criticism. Some two and a half years back when we started the process, we started with a certain knowledge about what we need to do, how long it will take, and how patient we need to be in the course of time," said Stimac during a virtual press conference. "No national team coach has the budget to buy players, and every national team coach works with players that come out of the leagues. To reiterate myself - on the very first day I had mentioned that suffering will be part of the way, but that`s the only way to go where we are heading to," he added. ALSO READ | SAFF Championship: India lift eighth title, beat Nepal 3-0 in final Talking about the takeaways from the SAFF Championship, Stimac said: "The togetherness, the energy, the positive attitude and a great mind set. I know we were favourites going in this tournament, and we had certain problems at the beginning. We also did not get time to prepare much in comparison to other teams. If you look at Nepal, they were in preparation for this tournament for nearly two and a half months. "We had only seven or eight days before prior to the tournament. The manner in how the lads stood out, stayed positive, fought together, and how much energy they brought on to the pitch was amazing," he added. When asked about the impact of Sunil Chhetri, Stimac said: "It`s not just the goals he scores, but it`s his leadership on the pitch that is special. He is a role model, and he is the most passionate one in the dressing room. At this age, that`s quite unbelievable. His fitness is unbelievable and we wait for someone to step forward together with a better fitness condition, and with a better scoring ability to replace him." Stimac also expressed his views on his coaching stint with the Blue Tigers so far. "Two and a half years ago I agreed upon taking this job because I understood that the AIFF Technical Committee, comprising of former players and captains, will understand the process, and what it takes, and how long it might take. I`m grateful to them for their support. We started reconstructing the team from the very first day because we opted for more technical football. We opted for more ball possession football, and opted for more technical players," said Stimac. ALSO READ | 'It feels good for all of them': Sunil Chhetri lauds youngsters in Indian team for SAFF Championship triumph "Looking back at the results, I`d say that the match where we didn`t fulfil the expectations was against Bangladesh in Kolkata. All the rest was done in very difficult circumstances. If we look back, we will see that we played only two home games instead of five in the recent Qualifiers. Our first aim was to make sure we qualify for the third round. We secured third place in the group, and from there on to qualify for the final stages of AFC Asian Cup China 2023," he added.

Sunil Chhetri is a role model and most passionate one in dressing room, says Igor Stimac

<p>Washington State University fired football coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants Monday for failing to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. He became one of the nation’s highest-profile employees to lose a job because of a refusal to be vaccinated.</p>

<p>Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert has been named the interim coach.</p>

<p>Rolovich, the state’s highest-paid employee, applied for a religious exemption this month from the mandate, among the strictest in the country. The status of the exemption request was unclear when the firings occurred.</p>

<p>Monday was the deadline Gov. Jay Inslee set for state workers to be fully vaccinated or to receive a religious or medical exemption allowing them to keep their jobs. A state agency report from earlier this month showed that about 90% of state employees who would be affected by the mandate had already been vaccinated.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, a Superior Court judge rejected a request by hundreds of Washington State Patrol troopers, corrections officers, ferry workers and other public employees for a temporary injunction to block Inslee’s mandate, though the lawsuit they have filed can still go forward.</p>

<p>Rolovich, who was in the second year of a five-year, $15.6 million contract, had become the public face of the showdown with Inslee, who repeatedly said there would be no exceptions. Rolovich was counselled by June Jones, whom he played quarterback for and coached under at Hawaii, to get vaccinated. And Jack Thompson, a Washington State star quarterback from the late 1970s, had several heart-to-heart talks with him.</p>

<p>Rolovich’s resistance frustrated campus leaders, including President Kirk Schulz, who has strongly encouraged students to get vaccinated. Fans at the last two home games have been required to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test in order to be admitted, a policy the school developed in conjunction with the University of Washington and the Seattle Seahawks.</p>

<p>Also, Washington State students who are unvaccinated by next month will not be allowed to register for classes in the spring semester.</p>

<p>As Monday approached, the drama around the deadline intensified — fueled in part by the Cougars’ three-game winning streak, which gave them a 4-3 overall record with five games left and kept them in contention for the Pac-12 North Division title. Players have firmly backed Rolovich, particularly quarterback Jayden de Laura, who gave an impassioned defense of his coach. Several Cougars doused Rolovich with a vat of sports drink after a stirring comeback win Saturday night against Stanford.</p>

<p>“Overall, we have no problem with Rolo,” de Laura said after a win over Oregon State. “I love him. I love him to death. I’d do anything for him.”</p>

<p>The players were informed of the firings Monday night when they were summoned to a mandatory meeting by athletic director Pat Chun. Also losing their jobs were offensive line coach Mark Weber, defensive line coach Ricky Logo, cornerbacks coach John Richardson and quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann. Stutzmann’s brother, Billy Ray, was fired as an assistant coach at Navy last month for refusing to get vaccinated. Richardson is Washington State’s recruiting coordinator.</p>

<p>“This is a disheartening day for our football program,” Chun said in a statement. “Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team.”</p>

<p>With five coaches gone, it was not immediately clear if they would all be replaced.</p>

<p>Rolovich said in July that he would not get vaccinated, calling it a personal decision and declining repeatedly over the past three months to elaborate on his decision.</p>

<p>He maintained his stance even after Inslee, a Democrat serving his third term as governor, issued his decree in mid-August, giving state workers nearly two months to comply. After the Cougars beat Oregon State on Oct. 9, Rolovich confirmed a USA Today report that he had applied for a religious exemption.</p>

<p>Asked then if the approaching mandate deadline made him uncomfortable, Rolovich said: “You think it’s been a fun time? Of course it’s been difficult for everybody. Players are going through some of the same things. I think it’s an incredible stress, especially the young people. For them to be able to keep their focus and continue to give to each other, and to this program has been pretty special.”</p>


Washington State University fired football coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants Monday for failing to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

Washington State University fired football coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants Monday for failing to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. He became one of the nation’s highest-profile employees to lose a job because of a refusal to be vaccinated. Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert has been named the interim coach. Rolovich, the state’s highest-paid employee, applied for a religious exemption this month from the mandate, among the strictest in the country. The status of the exemption request was unclear when the firings occurred. Monday was the deadline Gov. Jay Inslee set for state workers to be fully vaccinated or to receive a religious or medical exemption allowing them to keep their jobs. A state agency report from earlier this month showed that about 90% of state employees who would be affected by the mandate had already been vaccinated. Earlier in the day, a Superior Court judge rejected a request by hundreds of Washington State Patrol troopers, corrections officers, ferry workers and other public employees for a temporary injunction to block Inslee’s mandate, though the lawsuit they have filed can still go forward. Rolovich, who was in the second year of a five-year, $15.6 million contract, had become the public face of the showdown with Inslee, who repeatedly said there would be no exceptions. Rolovich was counselled by June Jones, whom he played quarterback for and coached under at Hawaii, to get vaccinated. And Jack Thompson, a Washington State star quarterback from the late 1970s, had several heart-to-heart talks with him. Rolovich’s resistance frustrated campus leaders, including President Kirk Schulz, who has strongly encouraged students to get vaccinated. Fans at the last two home games have been required to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test in order to be admitted, a policy the school developed in conjunction with the University of Washington and the Seattle Seahawks. Also, Washington State students who are unvaccinated by next month will not be allowed to register for classes in the spring semester. As Monday approached, the drama around the deadline intensified — fueled in part by the Cougars’ three-game winning streak, which gave them a 4-3 overall record with five games left and kept them in contention for the Pac-12 North Division title. Players have firmly backed Rolovich, particularly quarterback Jayden de Laura, who gave an impassioned defense of his coach. Several Cougars doused Rolovich with a vat of sports drink after a stirring comeback win Saturday night against Stanford. “Overall, we have no problem with Rolo,” de Laura said after a win over Oregon State. “I love him. I love him to death. I’d do anything for him.” The players were informed of the firings Monday night when they were summoned to a mandatory meeting by athletic director Pat Chun. Also losing their jobs were offensive line coach Mark Weber, defensive line coach Ricky Logo, cornerbacks coach John Richardson and quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann. Stutzmann’s brother, Billy Ray, was fired as an assistant coach at Navy last month for refusing to get vaccinated. Richardson is Washington State’s recruiting coordinator. “This is a disheartening day for our football program,” Chun said in a statement. “Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team.” With five coaches gone, it was not immediately clear if they would all be replaced. Rolovich said in July that he would not get vaccinated, calling it a personal decision and declining repeatedly over the past three months to elaborate on his decision. He maintained his stance even after Inslee, a Democrat serving his third term as governor, issued his decree in mid-August, giving state workers nearly two months to comply. After the Cougars beat Oregon State on Oct. 9, Rolovich confirmed a USA Today report that he had applied for a religious exemption. Asked then if the approaching mandate deadline made him uncomfortable, Rolovich said: “You think it’s been a fun time? Of course it’s been difficult for everybody. Players are going through some of the same things. I think it’s an incredible stress, especially the young people. For them to be able to keep their focus and continue to give to each other, and to this program has been pretty special.”

Washington State University fires football coach over vaccine refusal

<p>Offside calls could be "automated by 2022", when the World Cup will be held in Qatar, Arsene Wenger, director of the development of world soccer at the FIFA, said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The former Arsenal manager also said he understood the opposition of many in football to his recommendation, which FIFA has embraced, to stage the World Cup every two years.</p>

<p>Speaking to the press in Paris on Tuesday, Wenger said he could not give details of how the technology would work.</p>

<p>"There is a strong chance that the offside will be automated in 2022," Wenger said. "I'm bound to secrecy, but it will be the next big development in refereeing."</p>

<p>Close offside calls are currently decided by video-assisted refereeing (VAR), but FIFA has been working to develop "advanced offside technology".</p>

<p>The governing body of world football said in August that "the goal is to develop a supportive tool similar to goal-line technology: Not designed to make the decision, but to provide evidence instantly to the referees".</p>

<p>Wenger, talking ahead of the French multisport Refereeing Days, of which he is the figurehead, suggested that the timetable could be accelerated in the run-up to the World Cup in Qatar, which starts on November 21 2022.</p>

<p>Wenger has already suggested changing the offside rule so that players are onside if any part of their body that can score a goal is behind or level with the relevant defender.</p>

<p>His proposal last month that the World Cup should be staged twice as often was met with a storm of opposition from leading football figures.</p>

<p>He said that he understood the reluctance to change "because there is an emotional aspect" but, he added, the plan was part of a wider reform.</p>

<p>"The reform I am proposing is part of a reform of the calendar. I want to reduce the number of qualifying matches," Wenger said.</p>

<p>"We could have a big competition every year," he said, with the World Cup alternating with continental tournaments like the Euro or the Copa America, "with 25 days of rest guaranteed afterwards" for players.</p>

<p>"If prestige is linked to the gap between the competitions, it would be necessary to organise the World Cup every eight years," he added.</p>

<p>FIFA plans to publish a report in November, before a "global summit" by the end of the year.</p>


Offside calls could be "automated by 2022", when the World Cup will be held in Qatar, Arsene Wenger, director of the development of world soccer at the FIFA, said on Tuesday.

Offside calls could be "automated by 2022", when the World Cup will be held in Qatar, Arsene Wenger, director of the development of world soccer at the FIFA, said on Tuesday. The former Arsenal manager also said he understood the opposition of many in football to his recommendation, which FIFA has embraced, to stage the World Cup every two years. Speaking to the press in Paris on Tuesday, Wenger said he could not give details of how the technology would work. "There is a strong chance that the offside will be automated in 2022," Wenger said. "I'm bound to secrecy, but it will be the next big development in refereeing." Close offside calls are currently decided by video-assisted refereeing (VAR), but FIFA has been working to develop "advanced offside technology". The governing body of world football said in August that "the goal is to develop a supportive tool similar to goal-line technology: Not designed to make the decision, but to provide evidence instantly to the referees". Wenger, talking ahead of the French multisport Refereeing Days, of which he is the figurehead, suggested that the timetable could be accelerated in the run-up to the World Cup in Qatar, which starts on November 21 2022. Wenger has already suggested changing the offside rule so that players are onside if any part of their body that can score a goal is behind or level with the relevant defender. His proposal last month that the World Cup should be staged twice as often was met with a storm of opposition from leading football figures. He said that he understood the reluctance to change "because there is an emotional aspect" but, he added, the plan was part of a wider reform. "The reform I am proposing is part of a reform of the calendar. I want to reduce the number of qualifying matches," Wenger said. "We could have a big competition every year," he said, with the World Cup alternating with continental tournaments like the Euro or the Copa America, "with 25 days of rest guaranteed afterwards" for players. "If prestige is linked to the gap between the competitions, it would be necessary to organise the World Cup every eight years," he added. FIFA plans to publish a report in November, before a "global summit" by the end of the year.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says offside calls could be automated by next year

<p>Countries interested in hosting the 2028 European Championship must confirm their bid by March next year, Europe`s soccer governing body UEFA said on Tuesday as it announced the bidding process for the quadrennial tournament.<br />
UEFA said joint bids from member associations would be permitted as long as the two countries are "geographically compact" while automatic qualification as hosts would not be guaranteed if more than two countries submit a joint bid.<br />
The bidders will be announced in April while the hosts will be appointed in September 2023.</p>

<p>Minimum requirements include having 10 stadiums available, with one having a capacity of at least 60,000 and two venues with at least 50,000 seats.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nations-league-france-clinch-title-after-karim-benzema-kylian-mbappe-shine-in-comeback-against-spain-419861">Nations League: France clinch title after Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe shine in comeback against Spain</a></strong></p>

<p>Euro 2020, postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held across 11 cities in Europe in June-July, with Italy beating England in the final at Wembley Stadium. The 2024 edition will be hosted by Germany, who beat Turkey in a vote by UEFA`s Executive Committee in 2018.</p>


Countries interested in hosting the 2028 European Championship must confirm their bid by March next year, Europe`s soccer governing body UEFA said on Tuesday as it announced the bidding process for the quadrennial tournament.

Countries interested in hosting the 2028 European Championship must confirm their bid by March next year, Europe`s soccer governing body UEFA said on Tuesday as it announced the bidding process for the quadrennial tournament. UEFA said joint bids from member associations would be permitted as long as the two countries are "geographically compact" while automatic qualification as hosts would not be guaranteed if more than two countries submit a joint bid. The bidders will be announced in April while the hosts will be appointed in September 2023. Minimum requirements include having 10 stadiums available, with one having a capacity of at least 60,000 and two venues with at least 50,000 seats. ALSO READ | Nations League: France clinch title after Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe shine in comeback against Spain Euro 2020, postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held across 11 cities in Europe in June-July, with Italy beating England in the final at Wembley Stadium. The 2024 edition will be hosted by Germany, who beat Turkey in a vote by UEFA`s Executive Committee in 2018.

UEFA announces bidding process for Euro 2028 hosts

<p>Serie A club Venezia FC on Tuesday announced the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero, 34, on a free transfer. Romero is Argentina`s all-time most-capped goalkeeper and last played for Manchester United. Romero came through the youth academy of Racing Club, and he would make his Primera Division debut for the club in February 2007, just shy of his 20th birthday. The following month, he would sign with Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar." Romero spent four seasons at AZ, highlighted by winning the Eredivisie in 2008/09. During the title run, Romero kept a 950-minute clean sheet from November 2008 to February 2009.</p>

<p>In total, Romero would make 90 Eredivisie appearances with 40 clean sheets plus six UEFA Champions League appearances and five UEFA Europa League appearances while playing for AZ," stated Venezia in an official statement. In August 2011, Romero joined Sampdoria. The Blucerchiati had just been relegated to Serie B the previous season, but they earned immediate promotion back to the top flight with Romero in goal.</p>

<p>In his first Serie A season, Romero would make 32 appearances with 10 clean sheets, helping guide Sampdoria to safety with a 12th-place finish in the league. Romero would spend the following season on loan at AS Monaco, before returning to Sampdoria and making another 10 Serie A appearances for the club in 2014/15.Romero`s next move was to Manchester United, reuniting with his former AZ manager Louis van Gaal in July 2015. The Argentine stopper would spend the next six seasons at Old Trafford through 2020/21, typically backing up David de Gea and playing as the first choice in cup competitions. Romero made his Premier League debut in August 2015, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Tottenham. In this first season with the club, Romero would go on to make four Premier League appearances, one FA Cup appearance, and two Europa League appearances.</p>

<p>In 2016/17, under Jose Mourinho, Romero played a starring role in Europe, as Manchester United won the Europa League. Romero made 12 appearances during the campaign, including a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Ajax in the final.In 2019/20, under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Romero kept seven clean sheets in nine appearances in United`s run to the semi-finals of the Europa League, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Sevilla. Across all competitions, Romero would make 61 total appearances with 39 clean sheets in his time with Manchester United.</p>

<p>At the international level, Romero has earned 96 caps for Argentina between his debut in September 2009 and his most recent appearance in October 2018. He was a member of the Albiceleste teams that finished runners-up at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2015 Copa America, and the 2016 Copa America Centenario.</p>


Serie A club Venezia FC on Tuesday announced the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero, 34, on a free transfer. Romero is Argentina`s all-time most-capped goalkeeper and last played for Manchester United.

Serie A club Venezia FC on Tuesday announced the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero, 34, on a free transfer. Romero is Argentina`s all-time most-capped goalkeeper and last played for Manchester United. Romero came through the youth academy of Racing Club, and he would make his Primera Division debut for the club in February 2007, just shy of his 20th birthday. The following month, he would sign with Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar." Romero spent four seasons at AZ, highlighted by winning the Eredivisie in 2008/09. During the title run, Romero kept a 950-minute clean sheet from November 2008 to February 2009. In total, Romero would make 90 Eredivisie appearances with 40 clean sheets plus six UEFA Champions League appearances and five UEFA Europa League appearances while playing for AZ," stated Venezia in an official statement. In August 2011, Romero joined Sampdoria. The Blucerchiati had just been relegated to Serie B the previous season, but they earned immediate promotion back to the top flight with Romero in goal. In his first Serie A season, Romero would make 32 appearances with 10 clean sheets, helping guide Sampdoria to safety with a 12th-place finish in the league. Romero would spend the following season on loan at AS Monaco, before returning to Sampdoria and making another 10 Serie A appearances for the club in 2014/15.Romero`s next move was to Manchester United, reuniting with his former AZ manager Louis van Gaal in July 2015. The Argentine stopper would spend the next six seasons at Old Trafford through 2020/21, typically backing up David de Gea and playing as the first choice in cup competitions. Romero made his Premier League debut in August 2015, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Tottenham. In this first season with the club, Romero would go on to make four Premier League appearances, one FA Cup appearance, and two Europa League appearances. In 2016/17, under Jose Mourinho, Romero played a starring role in Europe, as Manchester United won the Europa League. Romero made 12 appearances during the campaign, including a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Ajax in the final.In 2019/20, under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Romero kept seven clean sheets in nine appearances in United`s run to the semi-finals of the Europa League, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Sevilla. Across all competitions, Romero would make 61 total appearances with 39 clean sheets in his time with Manchester United. At the international level, Romero has earned 96 caps for Argentina between his debut in September 2009 and his most recent appearance in October 2018. He was a member of the Albiceleste teams that finished runners-up at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2015 Copa America, and the 2016 Copa America Centenario.

Former Man Utd goalkeeper Sergio Romero joins Serie A club Venezia

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