Sevenoaks Town · FA Cup · Defender · #0 · England · 0 yrs
Fox will not face any sanction from Fifa for breaking the governing body’s advertising rules during the opening game of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa last week. The US broadcaster broke Fifa’s strict guidelines for showing commercials during hydration breaks on the first occasion they were in operation by returning to the live action 10 seconds after play had resumed during the second half at Mexico City Stadium. Fifa’s tournament regulations, which were given to all rights holders two months ago, state that while broadcasters can show ads during hydration breaks they must return to the match 30 seconds before play resumes.
Mark Pougatch acknowledged the controversies surrounding the tournament, while capturing the excitement of football fansDon’t mention the war. Mark Pougatch mentioned it, right at the start of ITV’s World Cup coverage, but I think he got away with it. He also, to his credit, highlighted the outrageous ticket prices, as well as the disgraceful treatment of the teams, fans and officials who now find themselves persona non grata in the US. Even Donald J Trump, the first (and quite possibly last) holder of the Fifa Peace Prize, got a mention. Pougatch also gave a visibly emotional Ian Wright the chance to suggest that the US has “no idea of the spirit of the game”. All unexpectedly and encouragingly feisty.Of course, it was no Gary Lineker, railing against the hosts’ human rights record while launching the BBC’s coverage of Qatar 2022. But Lineker is a corporation ghost now – no longer at the Beeb but podcasting for Netflix. The BBC have, on the grounds of cost, opted to present this World Cup from an austerity bunker in Salford. The Telegraph derided this as a “work from home” operation. ITV are already having some fun with it too. Continue reading...
Sources say it would have breached regulations to tell WSL or team details of safeguarding investigation into SullivanNeither the Women’s Super League nor West Ham United women’s team were aware of the restrictions placed on David Sullivan’s interaction with the team, the Guardian has learned. Sullivan, who is West Ham’s largest shareholder, has faced restrictions on his contact with the women’s team and their youth teams since 2023 because of a safeguarding investigation.The Football Association opened an inquiry in the same year after receiving a complaint, which the Guardian understands was an allegation of sexual misconduct unrelated to football. In a joint investigation by the BBC and the Times, seven women accused the 77-year-old of predatory behaviour, with alleged incidents dating back to the 1980s. Through his lawyers, Sullivan has said he denies the allegations. Sources close to the playing squad at West Ham’s women’s side have said the team are appalled by the allegations, which they were not aware of before the story broke this week. Continue reading...
Fifa still to confirm length of show despite requestsDelay is causing issues for advertising teamsWorld Cup TV rights holders are growing increasingly frustrated at Fifa’s failure to confirm the length of the half-time show at next month’s final.Madonna, Shakira and the K-pop boyband BTS have been booked to perform at the MetLife Stadium in the first half-time spectacle at a World Cup final, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who put in a surprise performance at last year’s Club World Cup final at the same venue when the break in play lasted 24 minutes. Continue reading...
Fifa has found its tournament squarely caught up in the second Trump administration’s aggressive border restrictionsFor successive men’s World Cup tournaments Fifa has managed to bulldoze its way through costly immigration and entry requirements. In 2014 Brazil passed a law granting free temporary visas to ticket holders, and for Russia and Qatar, the respective autocracies bypassed traditional border friction using Fan IDs and Hayya cards as makeshift visa entry documents that also provided free public transport. Not so in 2026, where Fifa has found its tournament squarely caught up in the second Trump administration’s aggressive border restrictions. Here are some of the people that have been affected. Continue reading...
Fans will now be allowed one sealed bottle at matchesKeir Starmer among critics of previous U-turn on policyFifa has again amended its water bottle policy for the World Cup in North America, allowing fans to bring in one sealed, disposable 20-ounce (590ml) bottle into stadiums.Ticket holders had previously been permitted an empty, transparent and reusable bottle up to one litre but an update earlier this week confirmed reusable bottles were no longer permitted. Continue reading...
Spain 4-0 EnglandGuijarro 19, Putellas 37 55, Pina 78Only a minor miracle will save European champions England from having to come through World Cup qualifying playoffs after they suffered an utterly humiliating 4-0 defeat to the World Cup holders Spain in Mallorca.A loss by only a one-goal deficit would have been enough to keep their hopes of topping their qualifying group alive after an immaculate campaign prior to this. However, because the head-to-head record between the top two sides will come into play if they finish level on points, Spain’s emphatic win, with talismanic Alexia Putellas scoring twice, means they need only beat Iceland on Tuesday to secure top spot at England’s expense. Continue reading...
Hansi Flick has become the central axis of Barcelona's project. Despite this, he has raised doubts about whether he will renew beyond 2028, as he has stated that he wants to be with his family. After this, the Blaugranas are reportedly pointing towards Cesc Fàbregas as his ideal successor. Hansi Flick has managed to turn Barcelona into one of the best teams in the world, betting on young talents as the central base of the sporting project. Because of this, he extended his contract until 2028, making his commitment clear. However, he has raised doubts about his future retirement due to family concerns. Following this, the Blaugranas are reportedly pointing towards Cesc Fàbregas as their ideal long-term successor. With Pep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City, Hansi had some very kind words for the Spanish manager, praising his excellent handling of the project. However, he cast doubt on whether he would stay at Barcelona for 10 years: “To spend 10 years at the same club at this level… It’s incredible… I don’t think you’ll see me here for a decade.” With this in mind, the Blaugranas have already target Cesc Fabregas. According to Javi Miguel, via Catalunya Ràdio, the Blaugranas have already started planning the future of the project in case Hansi Flick decides not to renew his contract in 2028. They have pointed towards Cesc Fàbregas as the ideal candidate, as he is not only from La Masia but also has a clause in Como 1907 that allows him to leave for the Spanish side. In addition, he has very good relationships with Joan Laporta, Deco, and Alejandro Echevarria. Despite not having extensive experience as a coach, Cesc Fàbregas has impressed in Serie A. After arriving in the top division in 2024, he has managed to turn them into one of the most eye-catching sporting projects in Italy. Not only does his style of play stand out, but he also has solid results. They have even managed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the 2026–27 season, attracting the attention of Barcelona. Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas reacts salutes the fans at the end of the Serie A match. Cesc Fàbregas not rushing a Como 1907 exit benefits Barcelona After becoming a shareholder of Como 1907 in 2022, Cesc Fàbregas did not take long to become part of the club’s sporting structure. In 2023, he became the coach of the U-19 team, later becoming the assistant coach in December of that same year, as he did not have a UEFA Pro license. However, he managed to become head coach in the 2024–25 season and has made it clear that he is in no hurry to leave the club, benefiting Barcelona. Having Hansi Flick until 2028, the Blaugranas are not looking to change coaches in the short term, as the German is a standard-bearer for the team. As Cesc is a shareholder of Como 1907, he has a strong sense of belonging and does not want to leave the club in the short term. With his contract also expiring in June 2028, the Spaniard manager could be tempted to return to Barcelona, where he also managed to shine as a player. Both Hansi Flick and Cesc Fàbregas share a similar playing style, aiming for an attractive playing style with high pressing. In addition, both rely on young players, something Hansi has already implemented successfully with numerous talents. For this reason, he emerges as the ideal candidate for the future of the sporting project.
