
Spain’s Women’s World Cup winners refuse to play until Luis Rubiales is removed
The Spanish women’s team have released a joint statement on Friday saying they will not play until the federation leadership is changed, mere hours after president of the Spanish FA, Luis Rubiales, comfirmed his intention to remain at the head of Spain’s football federation. Rubiales has faced increasingly fierce criticism after he grabbed fooballber Jenni Hermoso by the head and kissed on her lips during the Women’s World Cup final trophy presentation on Sunday. Video later emerged of Rubiales grabbing his crotch in celebration in close proximity to the Queen of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter. Speaking to media on Friday morning Rubiales doubled down on his position saying that he would fight to clear his name in court if necessary and refused to resign. The statement published by players’ union Futpro included Hermoso’s rebuttal of Rubiales’ earlier assertion that the kiss was consensual. “I want to clarify that, as was seen in the images, at no time did I consent to the kiss he gave me,” Hermoso said. “I do not tolerate my word being questioned and much less the invention of words I have not said.” Hermoso and her teammates called for “real change to help the national team to keep growing, to be able to bring this great success to the generations to come”. The joint statement, signed by 56 players including all 23 from the World Cup winning squad, says that the World Cup champions will not return to play for Spain while “the current management” remains at the Rfef. It read: “As a result of the events that occurred this morning and given the perplexity of the speech delivered by the president…the players of the senior team, recent world champions, in support of Jennifer Hermoso, want to express their firm and resounding condemnation of conduct that has violated the dignity of women, “In view of the statements made by the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Jennifer Hermoso wants to flatly deny that she consented to the kiss that Luis Rubiales gave her in the World Cup final. “After everything that happened during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony, we want to state that all the players who sign this letter will not return to a call for the national team if the current leaders continue.” Elsewhere, Spain’s government has started the legal proceedings seeking to suspend the soccer federation chief with Victor Francos, head of the state-run National Sports Council telling a news conference: “The government starts today the procedure so that Mr Rubiales has to give explanations before the Sport Court and if the Sport Court agrees, I can announce that we will suspend Mr Rubiales from his functions.” The secretary of sport also added that he hoped this incident would become “Spanish football’s Me Too moment”. Spain’s acting labour minister Yolanda Diaz said: “What we have seen today in the Federation Assembly is unacceptable. The Government must act and take urgent measures. Impunity for macho actions is over. Rubiales cannot continue in office.” Fifa also opened its own investigation on Thursday and released this statement: “The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code. The Fifa disciplinary committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter. Fifa reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.” The sections of the disciplinary code referenced in the Fifa statement cover “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play”. Read More It’s tragic this World Cup will only be remembered for one thing Spanish government starts legal proceedings to sack Luis Rubiales Spain striker boycotts national team in protest against FA president Luis Rubiales Jenni Hermoso slams Spanish football federation after Luis Rubiales incident Spain’s world champions refuse to play while Luis Rubiales is RFEF president Spain’s women’s football committee president resigns over Luis Rubiales controversy
1970-01-01 08:00

Performance against Tottenham ‘not acceptable’ for Man Utd – Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag told his players that their drop-off in the defeat at Tottenham was unacceptable as the Manchester United boss accused some of the team of not running or sticking to their jobs. Having finished third in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup during a promising first season in charge, Ten Hag began the new campaign with a 1-0 win against Wolves but United were fortunate to get anything from the game. The Red Devils were then beaten 2-0 at Spurs after a fine start faded in the capital last Saturday, but the manager hit back at suggestions his midfield was to blame. “You also have to make clinical analysis and that assessment is not right,” Ten Hag said. “It’s not about the midfield. “It was about the back and the front. That’s why we were open.” Pressed on what those areas of the team were not doing, the United boss retorted: “They didn’t run, or they run in the wrong moment, too late, especially the front, didn’t recover. “It happened, you can’t turn it around. But it’s a demand here, if you want to win games. “First 35 minutes, we were so good and we dominated the game totally. We should have scored minimum once, but I think two. “They were nowhere, nothing, and then things happen in the game and they got distracted, not doing their jobs anymore. That’s not a demand from a Manchester United player and from our team. “I am not used to it from this team because they always do (it). The demand for Manchester United is you do it 90 minutes and you do it every game, no matter what.” The 53-year-old’s frustration was made clear in the press conference previewing Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest, just as it had been to the players in the build-up. “I told them, I gave them the feedback that this is not acceptable,” Ten Hag said. “We have to work as a team, we have to do it with togetherness. Every individual has to take responsibility.” Asked if they are big enough to take that responsibility and accept criticism, the United boss said: “Oh, yes. We are in the same boat. I am responsible for it, me as well. “We have to do that in togetherness and we have to face the first two games were not good enough, but still one we won. “From the other we can take the positives. If we do the right things in the first 35 minutes, we have a very good team and we will win games if everyone is doing their job.” The loss at Spurs also saw Bruno Fernandes face some criticism, particularly the recently appointed captain’s appeals for a first-half penalty and comments about the decision afterwards. “Of course I back him and I think he has also to make his point,” Ten Hag said. “It’s justified and it was a clear penalty, so then you can express it. “But also don’t get distracted by it. You have to keep focusing on your job. “Last season when he (was captain), he did already brilliant. Now as well. “He’s an inspiration, he’s an example for the team, he has the personality, so he’s a very good captain.” Fernandes and United will attempt to right the ship at Old Trafford, where fans are planning to protest against the Glazers with a sit-in after Saturday’s match. The club have lost their place at the top of English football during their ownership and look short, in terms of a quality and depth, of a title bid ahead of next Friday’s transfer deadline. Ten Hag ruled out signing a striker but is understood to be keen to bring in a midfielder, while Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has undergone a medical ahead of a potential move. United may now also move for a left-back after Luke Shaw suffered an injury, with back-up Tyrell Malacia also absent and Brandon Williams departing on loan. “It can be, because I think always we have to anticipate on situations,” Ten Hag said. “If there are good opportunities, yes, but it has to be the right player otherwise we have to deal with the current squad.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Dina Asher-Smith upbeat about Olympics after worlds bid hit by mystery problem Jenni Hermoso labels Luis Rubiales kiss ‘sexist’ as Spain squad refuse to play Keely Hodgkinson out for revenge in bid for 800m title at World Championships
1970-01-01 08:00

Jenni Hermoso labels Luis Rubiales kiss ‘sexist’ as Spain squad refuse to play
Jenni Hermoso has accused the Spanish Football Federation of a “manipulative, hostile and controlling culture” as the World Cup-winning squad refused to play while president Luis Rubiales remains in post. A total of 81 players signed a letter stating they will not accept national team call-ups while Rubiales refuses to resign after kissing Hermoso – who has stressed she did not consent – following the country’s Women’s World Cup final win over England. He claimed it was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual” but Hermoso, who previously suggested comments playing down the incident attributed to her by the federation were false, has hit back with an attack on the organisation as a whole. “I have to state that I have been under continuous pressure to come up with a statement that could justify the act of Mr. Luis Rubiales,” she said in a statement on Twitter. “Not only that, but in different ways and through different people, the RFEF has pressured those around me (family, friends, colleagues, etc.) to give testimony that had little or nothing to do with my feelings. “It is not up to me to evaluate communication and integrity practices, but I am sure that as the world champion national team we do not deserve such a manipulative, hostile and controlling culture. “This type of incident joins a long list of situations that we players have been denouncing in recent years, so this event, in which I have been involved, is just the straw that breaks the camel’s back and what everyone has been able to see. “But attitudes like this have been part of the day-to-day life of our team for years. “For all these reasons, I want to reinforce the position I took from the beginning, considering that I do not have to support the person who has committed this action against my will, without respecting me, at a historic moment for me and for women’s sport.” Hermoso said the incident had made her feel “vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part”, adding: “I have ZERO TOLERANCE for these behaviours.” The Spanish government will push for the suspension of Rubiales but the players – including all members of the victorious squad – have taken matters into their own hands by effectively going on strike while he remains in position. A joint statement released by players’ union Futpro said they “want to express their firm and resounding condemnation of behaviours that have violated the dignity of women”. “After everything that happened during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony, we want to state that all the players who sign this letter will not return to a call for the national team if the current leaders continue,” it read. Spain’s next scheduled fixture is on September 22 against Sweden. On Thursday FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales, who also grabbed his crotch in celebration despite being just metres away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter in the stadium VIP area. Rubiales apologised for his behaviour in the VIP area but insisted in his speech on Friday he had been the target of a “social assassination” and repeatedly and emphatically stated “I will not resign”, words that drew applause from the gathered delegates at an extraordinary general assembly of the Spanish federation. World players’ union FIFPRO said it had written to UEFA urging it to open disciplinary proceedings. “Any lack of action by authorities in addressing the conduct of Mr Rubiales would send an entirely unacceptable and damaging message to the football industry and wider society,” it said in a statement. European football’s governing body has yet to issue any comment on the Rubiales case. The players, however, have escalated things themselves. “From our union we want to emphasize that no woman should feel the need to respond to the forceful images that everyone has seen and of course, they should not be involved in non-consensual attitudes,” they added in their statement. “The players of the Spanish Soccer Team, current world champions, expect forceful answers from the public powers so that actions such as those contained do not go unpunished. “We want to end this statement by asking for real structural changes that help the national team to continue growing, in order to transfer this great success to later generations. “It fills us with sadness that such an unacceptable event is managing to tarnish the greatest sporting success of Spanish women’s football.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Keely Hodgkinson out for revenge in bid for 800m title at World Championships Spain’s world champions refuse to play until RFEF president Luis Rubiales leaves Fury fighting talk and remembering Stokes century – Friday’s sporting social
1970-01-01 08:00

Navy vs Notre Dame matchup history: Previous meetings, records
The Navy Midshipmen will take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Dublin over the weekend, as one of the biggest games of college football's Week 0 slate.
1970-01-01 08:00

How All 32 NFL Teams Got Their Names
Here are the stories behind the nicknames of the NFL’s 32 teams—and what they were almost called.
1970-01-01 08:00

Chelsea vs Luton LIVE: Premier League teams news, line-ups and more as Ross Barkley starts
Chelsea take on Luton tonight hoping to bounce back from their defeat to West Ham in the Premier League last time out. Mauricio Pochettino’s side dominated possession at the London Stadium but an inspired performance from James Ward-Prowse helped the Hammers to a 3-1 win. That defeat continued a tricky start to the season for Chelsea who have also lost Reece James, newly installed as captain, to injury as well as midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka and winger Mykhailo Mudryk. Meanwhile, Luton had their fixture against Burnley postponed last weekend while Kenilworth Road - their home stadium - is brought up to Premier League standard. Luton were hammered 4-1 by Brighton in their opening fixture and a fortnight to resst could prove valuable to Rob Edwards’ team. The newly promoted side arrive at Stamford Bridge this evening hoping to cause a shock in and collect their first top-flight points of the season. Follow along as Chelsea host Luton and get all the latest football betting sites offers here: Read More Premier League clubs take summer spending to nearly £2billion with week to go Chelsea and Luton face a chance they can’t afford to miss Mauricio Pochettino confident of rapid Chelsea improvement after West Ham defeat
1970-01-01 08:00

Italian woman explains why you should never drink a cappuccino after lunch
Need a pick-me-up after lunch? An Italian woman has argued that there’s one coffee choice you should avoid. Italian social media entertainer, The Pasta Queen, has advised her followers to stop ordering a cappuccino in the middle of the day. The popular foodie, whose real name is Nadia Caterina Munno, took to social media to explain why most Italians don’t drink the hot beverage past noon. In her video, an individual behind the camera asked Munno if she would like a cappuccino, to which she firmly replied: “No.” “Why do Italians not drink cappuccinos past 12?” she rhetorically asked. Then, she slammed her hand down on the counter before answering: “Because it’s a breakfast drink.” But that’s not the only reason why. Munno explained how coffee has the ability to “awaken your senses”, which is why cappucinos should only be consumed before 10 in the morning. “If you really want to push it till 11, but not 12,” she added. Munno also said that consuming a copious amount of food in the middle of the day shouldn’t be washed down with a cappuccino, because there’s already “enough going on”. While after lunch may not be the proper time to drink a cappuccino, other coffee options are not off the table. Munno suggested an espresso for the perfect energy boost, but regular drip coffee works fine, too. “When you’re eating a meal, you have enough going on with all those calories and cheeses,” she remarked. “All you need is a quick espresso.” The passionate pasta lover pointed out how drinking a cappucino would elicit the same reaction from Italians that Americans would display if someone chose to eat a hot dog for breakfast. Thousands of her 2.2m followers flooded the comments with their food etiquette suggestions. Some admitted they had tried to order a cappuccino in Italy, but their server refused to give them one. Other individuals refuted Munno’s message, adding that they also ate hot dogs for breakfast. “The delicious thing to do in Italy is let them believe they can control your food. Then drink and eat what you want, where you want, and when you want,” one critic commented, while another added: “I’ll drink my cappuccino when I want. To me, it’s like a dessert.” “Filipino here with our hot dogs with garlic rice and egg,” a viewer wrote. Meanwhile, another skeptic said: “If it is in my cup, I can drink at 8 pm too. 3 am too. My cup, my rules.” One experienced asserted: “I can vouch for this... I am Italian and know of this ‘rule’ yet it did not phase me… I still ordered my cappuccinos in the afternoon and watched several natives enjoying one as well.” “It’s just steamed milk with espresso? Not sure what the big deal is? I say drink what you want, when you want. Respectfully,” she continued, while another Instagram user agreed: “I’m Italian and I love drinking cappuccino in the afternoon.” The Independent has reached out to Munno for a comment. Read More Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte turns 20, beloved by millions and despised by some Starbucks releases new fall menu with two brand-new drinks: ‘Pure joy’ Should I give up Diet Coke? With aspartame under suspicion, an addict speaks Dorshi, Dorset, restaurant review: Funky dumplings are a hit on the south coast National Burger Day 2023: Where to eat the best burgers in London In-N-Out owner reveals where ‘animal style’ name comes from
1970-01-01 08:00

Roma officials fly to London for talks with Chelsea over Romelu Lukaku loan deal
Roma officials are attending Chelsea’s home match with Luton Town on Friday night, to discuss a prospective move for Romelu Lukaku. The talks will centre on whether it is a loan or permanent deal, with the Stamford Bridge club preferring the latter. If they do agree to a temporary move, Chelsea would want a significant loan fee. That is understood to be the main sticking point, as a temporary move currently looks likeliest. Lukaku himself is deliberating on the situation as he carefully considers the next step of his career, but it is understood he is leaning towards going to Rome. The Belgian already signalled his reluctance to return to Everton this week, as the Goodison Park club also broached the possibility of a loan move. Read More Chelsea transfer news: Balogun, Olise, Lukaku, Chalobah and more Football rumours: Manchester City turn attention to Palace’s Eberechi Eze Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea and Romelu Lukaku must share blame for standoff
1970-01-01 08:00

Martha Stewart’s Surprising Twist on Baked Potatoes Is As Simple As It Is Delicious
One small swap will take your baked potato game to the next level.
1970-01-01 08:00

Juanma Lillo in ‘continuous contact’ with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola
Manchester City assistant boss Juanma Lillo says he will be in continuous contact with absent manager Pep Guardiola this weekend. Lillo is set to take charge of the champions’ next two fixtures – starting with Sunday’s trip to Sheffield United – as Guardiola recovers from back surgery in Spain. Guardiola underwent the procedure earlier this week and is not due to return until after next month’s international break. However, Lillo – who rejoined the City backroom staff this summer after a year away – insists all his direction will still come from his fellow Spaniard. The 57-year-old, who took the club’s pre-match press conference, said: “The contact is continuous. Telephone, video call – everything. “He is watching Sheffield United right now. What’s important is his health – that’s what matters – but that doesn’t keep him from being who he is. “He’s fully focused on the team, fully focused on the match. “We’re not going to do a video conference because he doesn’t want that. He wants us to have a face to face here but he is within the messages that are going to be relayed.” Lillo says Guardiola is in good spirits after what the club described as an “emergency” but “routine” operation. “What he is telling us is that the surgery has been successful, but that his recovery has to take the necessary time,” Lillo said. “He feels fine and I’m happy to see him. He’s recovering correctly.” After winning the treble last season and starting the new campaign with back-to-back Premier League wins, the set-up Guardiola has left in Lillo’s hands seems well-tuned. The experienced Lillo, whose coaching career has taken him to countries including Mexico, Colombia, Mexico, Japan and China, said: “If Pep is here he directs the sessions, he is focused and there are certain habits but plenty of the staff have been working here for a while and we’re trying. “Nevertheless whenever Pep is here it’s so much better.” City have bolstered their squad this week with the signing of highly-rated Belgium winger Jeremy Doku but Lillo is wary of expecting too much of the 21-year-old too soon. He said: “Every time a new player arrives we think that they’re going to bring something, they’re going to help the team. “But right now it’s not about him and placing responsibility upon him.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ange Postecoglou keen to trim Tottenham squad after James Maddison fitness boost ‘This is unacceptable’ – Alexia Putellas after Luis Rubiales refuses to resign Mikel Arteta: Saudi Pro League transfer window should shut same time as Europe’s
1970-01-01 08:00

Iker Casillas slams Luis Rubiales after Spanish FA president refuses to resign
World Cup winning Spain captain Iker Casillas has slammed the president of the Spanish football association (RFEF) after Luis Rubiales refused to resign at an extraordinary press conference. Rubiales has been widely condemned after appearing to forcefully kiss midfielder Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s Women’s World Cup final triumph in Australia. The RFEF president had been expected to announce he would be stepping away from his role after Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings against him on Thursday. But, after media had been briefed on a potential replacement, Rubiales refused to resign, insisting that the kiss had been “mutual, euphoric and consensual”. Casillas, who captained Spain’s men to World Cup victory in 2010, has led the renewed criticism of the RFEF president. “I’m ashamed for you,” the former goalkeeper tweeted. “We should have spent these 5 days talking about our girls! Of the joy they gave us all! To boast of a title that we did not have in women’s football, but...” Rubiales also appeared to grab his crotch in celebration during Spain’s final win while stood close to the Queen of Spain in the Stadium Australia stands. “I want to apologize unreservedly for something that happened in the presidential box, when in a moment of euphoria I grabbed a part of my body,” Rubiales said, before continuing to explain that he had got “very excited” and “lost control”. “I have to apologise to the royal family because it is a very unedifying gesture.” Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, believes that the behaviour of his Spanish FA counterpart is indicative of the 46-year-old ex-professional’s character. “I must admit that it has been very difficult to explain what is happening with Luis Rubiales during these years,” Tebas said on social media. “I have the feeling that many people, until now, did not understand what the members of the football organisations have to leave withdealing with him as president of the RFEF. “The misogynistic gestures, the profane expressions, the protocol disaster and the insults of this latest global embarrassment are not a surprise...The list of women and men aggrieved by Luis Rubiales these years is too long and this must stop.” Meanwhile, the Second Deputy Prime Minister of Spain has urged the government to step in. “What we have seen today in the Federation Assembly is unacceptable,” Yolanda Diaz said. “The Government must act and take urgent measures: impunity for macho actions is over. Rubiales cannot continue in office.” Read More Spanish FA president kissing midfielder at World Cup final ‘ruined’ celebration, says Lioness Jess Carter Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales Spanish FA chief blames player for World Cup kiss and shouts ‘I am not resigning!’ in chaotic press conference Juanma Lillo in ‘continuous contact’ with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola Erik ten Hag evades Mason Greenwood questions and gives injury updates Ange Postecoglou keen to trim Tottenham squad after James Maddison fitness boost
1970-01-01 08:00

Kirby Smart comically jabs at notion he told Georgia they’d finish 7-5 last season
Kirby Smart made it abundantly clear that when he told his Georgia football players that they were going 7-5, it was meant as a joke. Truth be told, it was an incredible motivating tactic.
1970-01-01 08:00