SPORTING

Spanish football is bracing for an unprecedented showdown off the pitch, as Real Madrid are reportedly considering a shock boycott of the Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals FC Barcelona. This explosive development comes after the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) denied Madrid’s request to replace match referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. ‎ ‎Real Madrid threaten Copa del Rey boycott after RFEF rejects referee change request. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The controversy erupted on Thursday when Real Madrid TV, the club's affiliated media channel, aired a damning segment targeting Bengoetxea. The video accused the 39-year-old of past decisions favoring Barcelona, implying a lack of neutrality and hinting at deeper biases. The content sparked immediate backlash, culminating in an emotional press conference from the official, during which he revealed that his son was taunted at school and called his father "a thief." ‎ ‎In the wake of the broadcast and the...

‎Karim Benzema reaffirmed his team-first mindset after Al Ittihad’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Al Ettifaq on Sunday, pushing the Jeddah-based club another step closer to their first Saudi Pro League (SPL) title since 2009. The French striker, who found the net in the high-stakes clash, brushed aside questions about the league's top scorer race with a pointed and memorable response. ‎ ‎ Karim Benzema snubs Golden Boot race, eyes Saudi Pro League title with Al Ittihad. ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎“I don’t care about this, my friend. The most important thing is the trophy,” Benzema said in the mixed zone, emphasizing his focus on team silverware rather than personal accolades. ‎ ‎With 68 points from 29 matches, Al Ittihad now sit six points clear of second-placed Al Hilal, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr trailing further behind on 58. The win puts Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in pole position as the season nears its dramatic conclusion. ‎ ‎The Golden Boot race remains tightly con...

‎Arsenal and Manchester United have received encouraging developments in their summer transfer pursuits of Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons, with RB Leipzig reportedly ready to sanction the sales of both players to meet financial targets. ‎ ‎Arsenal and Manchester United receive transfer boost in race for RB Leipzig duo Sesko and Simons. ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎According to German outlet Bild, RB Leipzig are under pressure to raise funds and have identified Sesko and Simons as high-value assets who could help the club reach their target of €100 million (£85m/$114m) in player sales. Both Premier League giants are said to be keen on securing deals for the two rising stars, with United showing particular interest in 22-year-old Dutch midfielder Simons, while both clubs are monitoring the availability of 21-year-old Slovenian striker Sesko. ‎ ‎Leipzig had previously struck a gentleman’s agreement with Simons, who joined permanently from Paris Saint-Germain in January, allowing him t...

‎Manchester United have reportedly struck an "agreement in principle" with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of a high-profile summer move, according to Tuttosport. The Red Devils are believed to be ready to activate the Nigerian forward's €75 million (£64m/$86m) release clause in an ambitious attempt to revamp their struggling attack. ‎ ‎Manchester United reach 'agreement in principle' with Victor Osimhen for summer transfer. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The 26-year-old goal machine, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has reignited his career with a sensational run of form—netting 30 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions this season. Galatasaray have expressed interest in making the move permanent, but the lure of Premier League football and a leading role at Old Trafford could prove decisive. ‎ ‎Osimhen was the subject of strong interest from several English clubs last summer, notably Manchester United and Chelsea, but Napoli...

‎The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to make history—not just with its expanded format of 32 teams, but with an unprecedented prize money pool of $1 billion. This monumental leap in financial rewards signals a major shift in global club football, positioning the tournament as a formidable rival to UEFA’s Champions League. ‎ ‎' L. Messi. ' ‎Imago ‎ ‎Breaking Down the $1 Billion Pool ‎ ‎FIFA’s strategic partnership with DAZN for global broadcast rights is the financial engine behind this massive prize pool. The total $1 billion is split into two primary components: ‎ ‎ • Participation Pool ($525 million): Divided based on continental affiliation and club rankings. ‎ ‎ • Performance Pool ($425 million): Awarded based on clubs' progress in the tournament stages. ‎ ‎This dual structure ensures that every participating club benefits financially, while also rewarding sporting success. ‎ ‎Stage-by-Stage Performance Prizes ‎ ‎ • Group Stage (Win): $2 million ‎ ‎ • Rou...

‎Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has turned down a staggering €1 billion offer from the Saudi Pro League and is poised to sign a new contract with Los Blancos, according to reports from Cadena SER. The deal is expected to be formally announced at the end of the 2024-25 season. ‎ ‎ Vinicius Junior rejects Saudi mega-deal, set to sign new Real Madrid contract. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The Brazilian winger, 24, remains committed to his long-term future in the Spanish capital despite the allure of Middle Eastern riches. The renewed contract will reportedly extend his stay by an additional two or three years beyond his current terms, which run until 2027. ‎ ‎Vinicius’ decision comes at a pivotal moment for both club and player. Real Madrid, fresh off a disappointing campaign that saw them exit the UEFA Champions League and potentially miss out on the La Liga title, are in a period of reflection and recalibration. Nevertheless, the club views Vinicius as a cornerstone for the...

‎Real Madrid may soon be without one of their brightest stars, as Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior is under formal investigation for a serious breach of FIFA’s Code of Ethics. If found guilty, the 24-year-old could face a ban of up to two years — a sanction that could dramatically alter the trajectory of his career. ‎ ‎ Vinicius Jr under FIFA investigation for ethics breach, faces career-defining two-year ban. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Since joining the Spanish giants from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has grown into one of football’s most electrifying talents. With 14 major trophies to his name — including two UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns — he has become a cornerstone of Carlo Ancelotti’s attacking force. This season alone, he has contributed 21 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, underlining his indispensable role at the Santiago Bernabéu. ‎ ‎However, controversy now threatens to derail his meteoric rise. According to reports from Gianluc...

‎Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has spoken out in defense of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is reportedly set to leave Liverpool this summer, slamming the backlash from fans as excessive and unfair. ‎ ‎' Trent Alexander-Arnold. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎The Liverpool-born right-back, whose contract expires at the end of June, has reportedly agreed in principle to join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer. The potential move has triggered a strong emotional response from sections of the Liverpool fanbase, with some accusing the 25-year-old of betraying his boyhood club. ‎ ‎Banners criticizing Alexander-Arnold were spotted near Anfield in recent days, reflecting the disappointment and anger felt by many supporters. Some fans have gone as far as labeling him a "snake"—a term often reserved for those seen as disloyal. ‎ ‎Aguero, however, urged for greater understanding and respect for player autonomy. Speaking to Stake.com, the former Argentine striker st...

‎Chelsea FC are set to deepen their strategic partnership with Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, as two of the Premier League club’s brightest young prospects—Mathis Amougou and Kendry Paez—are primed for season-long loan moves to the French outfit for the 2025–26 campaign. ‎ ‎' Mathis Amougou. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The potential transfers come on the back of a highly productive loan spell for Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, who flourished under the guidance of Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior during the 2024–25 season. Santos' development and contributions in midfield have not gone unnoticed at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca eager to integrate him into the senior squad ahead of this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. ‎ ‎According to reports from L'Équipe, 19-year-old Amougou, a French youth international, is among the next wave of young Blues heading to Stade de la Meinau. The promising centre-back arrived at Chelsea from Saint-Étienne in J...

‎Chelsea are once again preparing for a dramatic squad overhaul—regardless of whether they secure a top-five finish and qualify for the Champions League. Despite spending over £1 billion under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, the Blues remain a work in progress. ‎ ‎ Chelsea set for another squad overhaul—Champions League or not. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Although Sunday's win over Fulham halted a slide in form, the performance did little to inspire confidence. The second half of the season has exposed significant shortcomings within the squad, and calls for change are growing louder. ‎ ‎While the future of under-pressure manager Enzo Maresca is uncertain, one thing is increasingly clear: this team needs more than just tweaks. A comprehensive summer clear-out is on the horizon, with up to 15 players potentially heading for the exit. ‎ ‎Goalkeepers Under Review ‎ ‎Robert Sanchez has been a liability between the posts, leading the Premier League in errors directly resulti...

‎Manchester City edged a dramatic 2-1 victory over Aston Villa thanks to a last-gasp goal from converted right-back Matheus Nunes, keeping their Champions League ambitions firmly alive while dealing a blow to Villa’s hopes. ‎ Matheus Nunes' stoppage-time winner lifts Man City over Aston Villa in crucial UCL clash. ‎Getty Images Sport (3) ‎ ‎The match, held at the Etihad Stadium, exploded into life within seconds as Marcus Rashford rattled the post just 18 seconds after kickoff, sending an early warning to the hosts. However, City responded in style, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Omar Marmoush carved through the Villa defence to tee up Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese playmaker's shot, though not perfectly struck, evaded Emiliano Martinez and nestled into the back of the net. ‎ ‎Villa drew level 11 minutes later under controversial circumstances. A clumsy challenge by Ruben Dias on Jacob Ramsey was penalized after a prolonged VAR review. Despite City’s pro...

‎Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo could reportedly be liable to pay Georgina Rodriguez a staggering £85,000 per month in the event of a separation, according to a recent report by Portugal’s TV GUIA magazine. The alleged arrangement, dubbed a “pension for life,” is said to have been established following the birth of their daughter, Alana Martina, in November 2017. ‎ ‎Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported £85K-a-month 'pension for life' deal with Georgina Rodriguez draws attention. ‎ georginagio/Instagram (2) ‎ ‎The details, though unconfirmed by Ronaldo’s camp, have sparked widespread interest due to the scale of the financial commitment and the couple's high-profile status. Georgina, who is the mother of two of Ronaldo’s five children, would also reportedly retain ownership of their luxury Madrid mansion—purchased by Ronaldo in 2010 during his time at Real Madrid—should the couple ever part ways. ‎ ‎Despite these reported legal safeguards, there is currently ...

‎Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will be absent from the touchline for the Blues’ next Premier League fixture after receiving a one-match suspension. The ban follows his exuberant celebrations during Chelsea’s thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Fulham at Craven Cottage. ‎ ‎' Enzo Maresca. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The west London derby delivered late drama, with Chelsea turning the game on its head in the final moments. Trailing with under ten minutes remaining, the Blues levelled through Tyrique George before Pedro Neto netted a 93rd-minute winner, sparking wild scenes among the Chelsea contingent. ‎ ‎Maresca, unable to contain his emotions, left the technical area and joined in the celebrations that spilled onto the pitch. The passionate reaction earned him a yellow card from referee Anthony Taylor—his third of the season—triggering an automatic one-match suspension under Premier League rules. ‎ ‎“It was a beautiful moment,” Maresca explained post-match. “We fough...

‎Vinícius Júnior has become one of the brightest stars in world football, and his financial position at Real Madrid reflects his prominence. As of the 2024/25 season, the Brazilian winger is one of the highest-paid players at the club, with a weekly wage of £342,000 and an annual salary of £17.8 million . This places him alongside teammates like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, who also earn £342,000 per week. ‎ ‎' Vinicius Jr. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Vinícius signed a progressive contract with the club in 2022, guaranteeing him €75 million net over five years, with his salary set to increase to €20 million net annually in the final two years of the deal. The extension, running through 2027, also includes a massive €1 billion release clause, underlining the club's commitment to keeping their star player. ‎ ‎His contract extension and wage boost come as a reflection of his growing importance to Real Madrid. In the 2024/25 season, Vinícius contributed signifi...

‎Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly begun the search for a long-term replacement for Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson, who continues to struggle with a persistent groin injury. Since joining City in 2017, Ederson has played a pivotal role in the club’s domestic and European success, securing multiple Premier League titles and the elusive UEFA Champions League crown. ‎ ‎' Ederson. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎However, his recurring fitness issues this season have cast doubt over his reliability between the posts, prompting Guardiola and City’s management to explore alternatives. According to a report from The Mirror, FC Porto’s Diogo Costa has emerged as the leading candidate. The Portuguese international, widely regarded as one of Europe’s top young goalkeepers, has a €75 million (£63m) buy-out clause in a contract that runs until 2027. ‎ ‎' Diogo Costa. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎While the release clause is viewed as steep by the City hierarchy, the...

‎Manchester City are positioning themselves at the front of the pack to sign Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, with the Premier League champions identifying the midfielder as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne. ‎ ‎ Manchester City target Morgan Gibbs-White as De Bruyne successor amid growing transfer race. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎De Bruyne, who has played a pivotal role in City’s dominance over the past nine years, is expected to depart the Etihad this summer, prompting Pep Guardiola and the club’s recruitment team to search for a creative midfielder capable of filling the Belgian's sizable boots. ‎ ‎While Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has long been on City's radar, The Daily Mail reports that attention has now turned more decisively toward Gibbs-White, whose performances under Nuno Espirito Santo have caught the eye across Europe. ‎ ‎The 24-year-old England international has been central to Nottingham Forest’s surprise push for Champions League qualific...

‎Barcelona could be on the verge of losing one of their brightest La Masia prospects, as Guille Fernandez draws significant interest from top European clubs including Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, and FC Porto. ‎ ‎' Guille Fernandez. ' ‎FC Barcelona  ‎ ‎According to a report by The Daily Briefing, Borussia Dortmund are the latest club to join the pursuit of the highly-rated 16-year-old, whose potential has turned heads across the continent. However, Dortmund’s pursuit of Fernandez may hinge on their qualification for European competition next season, which remains in the balance. ‎ ‎Further insights from SPORT suggest that Fernandez is still focused on establishing himself within Barcelona's ranks. The teenager reportedly hopes to emulate Fermin Lopez's pathway into the senior squad. Yet, with Barcelona Atletic facing potential relegation to Spain’s fourth tier and no clear route into the first team guaranteed, Fernandez is open to a loa...

‎Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has identified AC Milan’s Mike Maignan as the top candidate to replace under-fire goalkeeper André Onana, according to an exclusive report from Caught Offside. However, the Red Devils face stiff competition from Chelsea and Aston Villa, both of whom have also shown interest in the France international. ‎ ‎Ruben Amorim eyes Mike Maignan as Onana replacement amid Chelsea and Villa interest. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎Onana, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2023 with high expectations, has endured a turbulent two seasons marked by inconsistent performances and high-profile errors. His omission from United’s squad in last weekend’s 4-1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle United has further intensified speculation around his future. Although Amorim confirmed Onana will return between the posts for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon, he hinted at long-term change. ‎ ‎“We need to improve every position on the field – the ...

‎As Manchester United prepare for a crucial Europa League second leg against Lyon, all eyes will inevitably fall on their most scrutinised figure—Andre Onana. Once hailed for his ball-playing ability and composure under pressure, the Cameroonian goalkeeper has become a lightning rod for criticism, controversy, and costly mistakes. His return to the starting XI at Old Trafford marks a pivotal moment—not just for United’s season, but potentially for Onana’s future at the club. ‎ ‎' André Onana. ' ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎The past week has only intensified the spotlight. After a post-Manchester derby interview in which Onana confidently claimed United were "way better" than Lyon, his words were thrown back at him—most notably by former Red Devil Nemanja Matic, who labelled him "one of the worst goalkeepers in the history of Manchester United." Onana’s social media response added fuel to the fire, and a blundering performance in the 2-2 draw in France ensur...

‎Wayne Rooney has suggested that Marcus Rashford would be eager to return to Manchester United, following a promising resurgence in form during his loan spell at Aston Villa. ‎ ‎ Wayne Rooney claims Rashford eyes Manchester United return after Villa revival. ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎The 27-year-old forward moved to the Midlands club in January on a temporary deal, which includes a £40 million option to buy. Since arriving at Villa Park, Rashford has rediscovered his rhythm, netting three times and displacing England international Ollie Watkins from the central striking role. ‎ ‎Speaking on Amazon Prime’s coverage of Aston Villa’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Rooney, who remains a legendary figure at Old Trafford, claimed Rashford’s heart still lies in Manchester. ‎ ‎“Marcus Rashford wants to play for Manchester United, 100 per cent,” said Rooney. “He is a Manchester lad, a United fan. The last couple of years have been tough for him. He needed t...