List of All Articles with Tag 'foot'

Twenty-one of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad have issued a statement saying the resignation of Luis Rubiales is “not enough” to trigger their return to national team duty. A group of 81 players, including all 23 members of the World Cup squad, released a statement last month indicating they would not play for Spain again while Rubiales remained in post. He finally announced his resignation as the Spanish federation (RFEF) president last Sunday after weeks of criticism over his behaviour at the World Cup final, where he kissed Spain player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal presentation. Hermoso insists she did not consent to the kiss. However, the large majority of the victorious squad remain unavailable for this month’s Nations League matches against Sweden and Switzerland, saying they are not yet “in a safe place” to return and that the problems at the RFEF run far deeper than Rubiales. The statement, which includes the signatures of star names such as Hermoso, Alexia Putellas, Olga Carmona and former Manchester United player Ona Batlle, said: “Today, as we have transmitted to the RFEF, the changes that have occurred are not enough for the players to feel in a safe place, where women are respected, where there is a commitment to women’s football and where we can give our maximum performance. “The players of the Spanish team are professional players, and what fills us most with pride is wearing the shirt of our team and always leading our country to the highest positions. “For this reason, we believe that it is time to fight to show that these situations and practices have no place in our football or in our society and that the current structure needs changes. We do it so that the next generations can have a much more equal game that we all deserve.” The statement calls for a restructuring of the women’s football department, the RFEF’s presidential cabinet and general secretariat, the communications department and the integrity department. The statement is also signed by a number of players who withdrew from the Spain squad last year over conditions within the national team set-up, including Mapi Leon and Patricia Guijarro. In all, 39 players were signatories to the statement. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Mikel Arteta admitted he has an emotional connection with Everton and expects his former side to put up a battle when Arsenal travel to Goodison Park in the Premier League on Sunday. Arsenal reignite their Premier League bid with a trip to Merseyside where they face Sean Dyche’s Everton, who are unbeaten at home against the Gunners since 2017. Arteta praised his former side’s attributes and highlighted the special connection between himself and the Toffees. “I’m really excited about it, the last six years we have not won there so we are going to have to earn it,” Arteta said. “We know we are going to have to be at our best to beat them there and that’s something we haven’t managed to do so that’s where we are going to start. “It is a big emotional connection I have to that football club with many years I spent there, the incredible memories that I have so I’m always grateful. It’s a big part of my playing career and as a coach I have to play against them and we have to beat them. “We’ve been here and we’ve been to grounds before where we haven’t won before and we’ve done it so it’s about understanding the importance and knowing what we lacked in those games and putting it right. “Sometimes you cannot avoid a battle (with Everton), the style of play they have is very clear and they’re very good at that. “We have a different one and it’s about trying to impose your way of playing and the tactic is just to make sure your opponent’s strengths are hiding and that ours are coming out every single time to fulfill the potential of your players, and that’s what I think both managers and players will try to do.” Arsenal’s Champions League opener against PSV next week is their first time back in the competition since the 2016-17 season. The Spaniard embraced the challenge of a difficult schedule alongside another battle with Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League this season. “We played three games a week last year, but the Champions League is obviously different with the expectations and that we’ve been away from it for seven years,” he added. “It’s excitement, this is where we want to be and when you look at the fixtures and the games we are going to have to play, I think everyone is really looking forward to it.” Arsenal terminated Nicolas Pepe’s contract on Saturday after the Ivorian failed to hold down a starting role at the Emirates since his reported £72 million move – then a club-record fee – in 2019. Arteta said: “What I can say is that he’s a phenomenal boy, he trained really hard, it’s not his fault that the amount of money we paid at the time. “When things aren’t working out you have to move on and there’s no point when things aren’t working either way. “The decisions has been made and I think it’s in the benefit of both parties.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham will give support to troubled Richarlison Ireland braced for ‘big step up’ ahead of facing Tonga’s ‘serious threats’ Erik ten Hag says he inherited Manchester United with ‘no good culture’

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he inherited a club with “no good culture” after Jadon Sancho was told to train away from the first team. Sancho is being disciplined after claiming on social media that he had been made a “scapegoat” following his omission from the Arsenal defeat before the international break. Ten Hag declined several opportunities to discuss the winger when he was asked ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton at Old Trafford. Sancho’s misstep is the latest in a long line of off-field disciplinary issues that the Dutchman has had to deal with since his appointment last summer and he said part of his brief was to instil better discipline at the club. Ten Hag said: “Strict lines is what the club asked me because there was no good culture before I entered last season, so to set good standards, that is what I did and it is my job to control the standards. “Of course, it is never someone only makes one mistake, it is a whole process before you come to a certain outcome about strict lines. “If staff or players or whoever, there is a structure to cross lines so you have to be strong.” Despite Sancho’s long-term future at the club appearing to be up in the air and Antony currently away from the club while he deals with allegations of being violent towards women, Ten Hag claims the United squad is in good fettle. “I think everything is said. So the squad is strong, the squad is in good spirits and good mood going into the game,” he said. “You have sometimes setbacks in seasons, players are injured or for other reasons are not available, so you construct a squad and the squad is very good and the players who are available are very motivated to give a good performance.” Asked whether he knew how long Antony would be away, he replied: “I have no idea. Of course he is disappointed, but he is OK.” Ten Hag has also leapt to the defence of defender Harry Maguire, who was on the end of abuse from Scotland fans during England’s midweek friendly win. Maguire, who could have left United in the summer, described it as “banter” but his mother came out in support of him on social media. And Ten Hag added: “I have said many times, it is disrespectful, he doesn’t deserve it, he is a great player, gives great performances. It’s crazy but it’s how it works and Harry has to block this by performances. “It’s unjustified when you see his career, it’s a great career and it has a lot to come but he has to block it by good performances.” Ten Hag revealed Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are fit to face the Seagulls, but Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Raphael Varane are still injured. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Scorer who racially abused umpire Majid Haq handed lifetime ban Wales taking heed of France-Uruguay battle as they prepare for minnows Portugal England will gain full value with Nat Sciver-Brunt as an all-rounder – Jon Lewis

Spanish prosecutors have issued a restraining order against ex-football boss Luis Rubiales, barring him from going within 500 metres of player Jenni Hermoso. She has made complaints of sexual assault and coercion over a kiss following the team’s Women’s World Cup final victory. The former president of the country’s football federation was ordered to appear before Spain’s National Court to answer questions after prosecutors asked the judge to summon him to give preliminary testimony. The proceedings could lead to a formal court investigation that will end with a recommendation for the case to either be dismissed or go to trial. In a preliminary hearing on Friday he denied the claims, the prosecutor leading the case said. Rubiales, 46, has insisted the kiss was consensual. Hermoso has denied that in statements issued by her and her players’ union. According to a sexual consent law passed last year, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty of sexual assault. He was suspended from his post by Fifa on 27 August, a day after he refused to step down when he delivered a defiant speech to the general assembly of his federation in which he said he was victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists”. A government legal panel overseeing sports has opened a probe to determine if he abused his authority by kissing Hermoso or tainted the image of Spain with his conduct. On Friday the football federation said the cup-winning players were still refusing to play for the women’s national team – just hours before new coach Montse Tomé was set to announce her first squad. When Rubiales refused to quit amid uproar over the kiss, the squad announced that they would not be playing for Spain again unless deep reforms including new leadership, were carried out at the federation. Tomé must now decide whether to still call up the striking players or select a completely different team for Nations League games against Sweden and Switzerland beginning a week today. Additional reporting by Reuters Read More Watch Luis Rubiales arrive at Spanish court over Jenni Hermoso kiss at Women’s World Cup Spanish women’s football league calls off strike after wage agreement

To fire Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M would have to pay him $76.8 million.

Demi Lovato opened up about her overdose, the Deion Sanders-Jay Norvell feud escalated, the Red Sox fired Chaim Bloom and more in the Roundup.

By Lori Ewing When Carter Hogg's brother F.J. suffered a concussion that ended his football career and then

Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain’s soccer federation, has arrived at a court in Madrid to give testimony on Friday to a Spanish judge investigating his kiss of a player at the Women’s World Cup. Judge Francisco de Jorge issued the order earlier this week for Rubiales to answer his questions at Spain’s National Court. Rubiales kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the awards ceremony after Spain beat England to win the title on 20 August in Sydney, Australia. He said she had consented to the kiss, but Hermoso has denied that repeatedly. Rubiales did not speak before entering the courthouse with his lawyer. Spanish state prosecutors formally accused Rubiales last week of alleged sexual assault and an act of coercion when, according to Hermoso, he pressured her to speak out in his defense immediately after the scandal erupted. Rubiales announced on Sunday that he was resigning from his post, from which he had already been provisionally suspended by Fifa. De Jorge is carrying out the preliminary investigation into the accusations against Rubiales, and will then decide whether the case should go to trial. According to a sexual consent law passed in Spain last year, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty of sexual assault. The new law eliminated the difference between “sexual harassment” and “sexual assault,” sanctioning any non-consentual sexual act. AP

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has signed an agreement with 777 Partners for the American investment firm to acquire his controlling stake in the club. The Toffees, who are currently 18th in the Premier League table, have had Moshiri as a shareholder since 2016 and majority shareholder since 2018, with his stake accounting for 94.1 per cent. He said in a statement from the club: “The nature of ownership and financing of top football clubs has changed immeasurably since I first invested in Everton over seven years ago. “The days of an owner/benefactor are seemingly out of reach for most and the biggest clubs are now typically owned by well-resourced PE firms, specialist sports investors or state backed companies and funds. “I have been open about the need to bring in new investment and complete the financing for our iconic new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, on the banks of the Mersey, which I have predominantly financed to date. I have spoken to a number of parties and considered some strong potential opportunities. “However, it is through my lengthy discussions with 777 that I believe they are the best partners to take our great club forward, with all the benefits of their multi-club investment model. “As a result of this agreement, we have an experienced and well-connected investor in football clubs who will help maximise the commercial opportunities, and we have secured the complete financing for our new stadium, which will be the critical element in the future success of Everton. Today is an important next step in the successful development of Everton and I look forward to closely following as our club goes from strength to strength. It is through my lengthy discussions with 777 that I believe they are the best partners to take our great club forward, with all the benefits of their multi-club investment model. Farhad Moshiri “Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the hard work of everyone at the club. From our team at the training ground, our commercial and support teams through to matchday employees, I extend my sincerest gratitude. “And to our fans, the last few years have been challenging but you have supported the club through it all and consistently been our 12th man. You are the best fans and deserve success.” Everton said closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2023 and remains subject to regulatory approval, including from the Premier League, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority. 777 currently own, or part own, Genoa, Standard Liege, Hertha Berlin, Vasco de Gama and Melbourne Victory and the London Lions basketball team and British Basketball League. The group had been in talks earlier this summer over a partial investment in Everton, only for rivals MSP Sports Capital to enter into an exclusivity agreement with Moshiri. With that agreement ending after that potential investment fell through over repayments to existing lenders – although a £100million loan to help finalise the completion of a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock was agreed – 777 re-entered the picture and are now set to make a full takeover. 777 founder and managing partner Josh Wander said: “We are truly humbled by the opportunity to become part of the Everton family as custodians of the club, and consider it a privilege to be able to build on its proud heritage and values. “Our primary objective is to work with fans and stakeholders to develop the sporting and commercial infrastructure for the men’s and women’s teams that will deliver results for future generations of Everton supporters. “As part of this, we are committed to partnering with the local community over the long-term, working on important projects such as the development of Bramley-Moore Dock as a world class stadium venue, allowing thousands more Evertonians to attend our home matches and contribute to the economic and cultural regeneration of Merseyside.” Friday’s announcement means that Bill Kenwright’s tenure as Everton chairman – a role he has had for 19 years – is likely to come to an end. In June chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief finance officer Grant Ingles and non-executive director and former striker Graeme Sharp departed the club in the wake of numerous supporter protests, but Kenwright, a target for fans’ anger, accepted Moshiri’s request to remain. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Callum Wilson extends Newcastle deal Warrington favourites ‘schooled’ in ‘frightening’ wheelchair rugby league clash Talking points as Wales face Portugal looking to secure another bonus-point win

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has agreed a one-year contract extension with the Premier League club. The 31-year-old, who has been the Magpies’ top scorer for the past three seasons, is now committed to the Magpies until 2025. The England international has scored 40 goals in 79 league games since arriving from Bournemouth in 2020. That places him fifth on the club’s record Premier League goalscorers chart and with just eight more he would move up into second, behind only Alan Shearer. Wilson told the club’s website: “I’m delighted to extend my time here. “It’s a fantastic football club, I’ve been welcomed ever since I came through the door and now the club’s going in a fantastic direction and on a journey so it’s nice to commit my future to being a part of that. “We’ve got some great things to look forward to and I think being around here, the city, fanbase, is what players dream of so I can’t wait to be around for the next few years. “When I first joined the club, I had ambitions to come back to the Premier League having been relegated with Bournemouth and over the first few interviews I mentioned Europe and I mentioned getting to 100 Premier League goals. “They were ambitions of mine and they still are. I’m close to get into the ‘100 club’ and also becoming the second all-time Premier League scorer for Newcastle would be an amazing achievement, having looked up to Shearer for many years. “There’s so many fantastic names that have been before me at Newcastle – goalscorers who have worn the number nine – and it’d be nice to join them in the record books during my time here.” Wilson’s contributions helped Newcastle finish fourth in the Premier League and reach the Carabao Cup final last season. Manager Eddie Howe, who previously worked with Wilson at Bournemouth, said: “We’re very pleased because Callum has been an integral part of our success. “He’s an outstanding person, an outstanding footballer and I’m delighted he’s going to be with us for longer. “He’s an incredibly motivated person and I’ve never seen Callum not motivated to score goals. I think that’s a great thing for a striker.”

Farhad Moshiri has agreed a deal to sell Everton to American investment firm 777 Partners. The British-Iranian businessman, who owns 94.1 per cent of the shares, will sell his entire stake to 777, who have also invested in Sevilla, Hertha Berlin, Genoa, Vasco da Gama, Standard Liege, Red Star and Melbourne Victory. It will bring an end to Moshiri’s disastrous reign in charge at Goodison Park in which Everton have spent around £700m on players in seven years, only just avoided relegation in the last two seasons and are winless in the Premier League now. Moshiri, who has seemed short of funds since his long-time business partner, Alisher Usmanov, was sanctioned after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, had been searching for investors to help fund Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, which will cost £500m and is due to open in 2024. He was in talks with American firm MSP Sports Capital and real estate tycoon Maciek Kaminski, but his initial plan was to sell a minority share. Moshiri plans to write to the club’s minority shareholders to seek their support for the deal, which Everton are confident will be ratified by the Premier League and should be completed in the calendar year. Moshiri said: “The nature of ownership and financing of top football clubs has changed immeasurably since I first invested in Everton over seven years ago. The days of an owner/benefactor are seemingly out of reach for most, and the biggest clubs are now typically owned by well-resourced PE [private equity] firms, specialist sports investors or state-backed companies and funds. “I have been open about the need to bring in new investment and complete the financing for our iconic new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, on the banks of the Mersey, which I have predominantly financed to date. I have spoken to a number of parties and considered some strong potential opportunities. “However, it is through my lengthy discussions with 777 that I believe they are the best partners to take our great club forward, with all the benefits of their multi-club investment model. As a result of this agreement, we have an experienced and well-connected investor in football clubs who will help maximise the commercial opportunities, and we have secured the complete financing for our new stadium, which will be the critical element in the future success of Everton.” Josh Wander, founder and managing partner of 777 Partners, said: “We are truly humbled by the opportunity to become part of the Everton family as custodians of the club, and consider it a privilege to be able to build on its proud heritage and values. “Our primary objective is to work with fans and stakeholders to develop the sporting and commercial infrastructure for the men’s and women’s teams that will deliver results for future generations of Everton supporters. As part of this, we are committed to partnering with the local community over the long-term, working on important projects such as the development of Bramley-Moore Dock as a world-class stadium venue, allowing thousands more Evertonians to attend our home matches and contribute to the economic and cultural regeneration of Merseyside.” Read More Are Everton the first crisis club of the season? Demarai Gray gets his wish as he leaves Everton for Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq Everton boss Sean Dyche responds to Demarai Gray’s ‘respect’ comment Football rumours: Martin Odegaard tight lipped about Arsenal contract extension US investment firm 777 Partners considering Everton majority purchase – reports Football rumours: Jadon Sancho looking to leave Manchester United

The best FPL assets not playing in UEFA competitions ahead of Gameweek 5 as picked by AI, including James Maddison and Nicolas Jackson. Powered by Fantasy Football Hub.