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Ronald Koeman edging closer to staying at Barcelona – report

Ronald Koeman, head coach of Barcelona reacts during the La Liga Santander match between SD Eibar and FC Barcelona at Estadio Municipal de Ipurua on May 22, 2021 in Eibar, Spain.This week, club president Joan Laporta will affirm that Ronald Koeman will remain in charge as FC Barcelona’s manager, according to a new report.Laporta had refused to publicly commit to Koeman, who was hired by Josep Maria Bartomeu, the previous president. Koeman still has a contract with a significant buy-out clause.There is talk of a meeting between the president and manager in which Laporta insisted Koeman should play a more attractive and more attacking style of play. Laporta reportedly brought up Barcelona’s women’s section, which recently won the treble while playing a very stylish brand of football. Esto es...
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Gareth Southgate announces England squad for Euro 2020

Gareth Southgate, Manager of England talks during a Press Conference after announcing his Squad for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2020 on June 01, 2021 in Middlesbrough, England.Jesse Lingard, James Ward-Prowse and Ollie Watkins were among the six names cut from Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad as Trent Alexander-Arnold got the nod.The Three Lions boss last week made the decision to name a provisional 33-man squad rather than his final 26-strong selection due to players’ injury concerns and continental cup final commitments.Southgate has now finalised his Euro 2020 selection, trimming six players after Mason Greenwood withdrew through injury on the morning of the announcement.Lingard, Ward-Prowse and Watkins missed out along with the uncapped trio of Aaron Ramsdale, Ben Godfrey and Ben White.Euro 2...
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Real, Barca, Juventus defend Super League in face of UEFA ‘threats’

A view of the UEFA logo during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Qualifying Group Stage draw at the UEFA headquarters, The House of European Football on April 30, 2021, in Nyon, Switzerland.Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus on Saturday defended the aborted Super League project after the nine other clubs were given a financial penalty by UEFA for their involvement.The three clubs said they had received "unacceptable" threats from UEFA and FIFA since the project collapsed just two days after it was announced last month, when six Premier League clubs and three other teams pulled out.In a joint statement, Real, Barcelona and Juventus said the Super League had been launched "with the aim of providing solutions to the current unsustainable situation in the football industry".They argued that the...
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Europa League: Manu Trigueros, Raul Albiol on target to clinch bittersweet win for Unai Emery’s Villareal against 10-man Arsenal

Manu Trigueros of Villarreal celebrates with teammates Gerard Moreno and Alfonso Pedraza after scoring their team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League Semi-final First Leg match between Villareal CF and Arsenal at Estadio de la Ceramica on April 29, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain.Madrid: Unai Emery won his big reunion with Arsenal but 2-1 might prove a small reward for Villarreal, who failed to take advantage of Dani Ceballos being sent off in a frantic Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday.Manu Trigueros and Raul Albiol gave Villarreal a dream start at La Ceramica and the tie looked to be slipping away from Arsenal when Ceballos was shown a second yellow card early in the second half.But 10-man Arsenal rallied and grabbed an away goal when Nicolas Pepe converted a penalty in the...
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Ed Woodward: Manchester United executive vice-chairman to stand down at end of 2021

Manchester United Chief Executive Ed Woodward looks on during the Barclays FA Women's Super League match between Manchester United Women and West Ham United Women at Old Trafford on March 27, 2021 in Manchester, England.Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will step down from his role at the end of 2021.The announcement came before Manchester United, along with the other five Premier League sides involved in the proposed European Super League (ESL),withdrew from the competition.The planned breakaway league has received widespread condemnation.Woodward, 49, joined United in 2005 and has been in his current role since 2012.He was set to leave at the end of the year but the decision to announce his departure has been brought forward."I am extremely proud to have served United...
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PSG president becomes head of European Club Association

Brazilian superstar Neymar (R) poses with his jersey next to Paris Saint Germain's (PSG) Qatari president Nasser Al-Khelaifi during a press conference at the Parc des Princes stadium on August 4, 2017 in Paris.Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) president Nasser Al-Khelaifi became the new chairman Wednesday of the European Club Association (ECA). "The ECA Executive Board has today appointed Nasser Al-Khelaifi as the new Chairman of ECA," the association said in a statement.The ECA is a Swiss-based football body that was founded in 2008 to protect the interests of professional football clubs in Europe.It has 234 member clubs from UEFA's 55 member associations in the 2020-21 season.Qatari businessman Al-Khelaifi replaced Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, who quit the ECA's top post after Juventu...
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European Super League: Fifa boss Gianni Infantino ‘strongly disapproves’ of breakaway league

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the 45th Ordinary UEFA Congress at 2m2c Montreux Music & Convention Centre on April 20, 2021, in Montreux, Switzerland.Fifa president Gianni Infantino "strongly disapproves" of the breakaway European Super League and says the 12 clubs will have to "live with the consequences" of their decision to join. Respect and dialogue needed to restore normality as breakaway league is strongly disapproved: https://t.co/xejRpsDeqx— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) April 20, 2021 Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are part of the proposed league."There is a lot to throw away for maybe a short-term financial gain for some," said Infantino."Either you are in or you are out."Meanwhile, UK Prime Ministe...
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Messi fires Barca to Cup final win over Athletic Bilbao

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona holds the trophy after winning the Copa del Rey Final match between Athletic Club and Barcelona at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 17, 2021 in Seville, Spain.Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona thrashed Athletic Bilbao 4-0 in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday to win the trophy for a record-extending 31st time with all the goals coming in the last half an hour.Antoine Griezmann put a dominant Barca side ahead on the hour when he turned in a cross from Frenkie de Jong, who doubled the Catalans' lead three minutes later.Messi suffered some rough tackles from Athletic but got his revenge with a spectacular goal in the 68th, tearing his way through the defence down the right wing and combining with De Jong before dancing around another defender to slot home.Barca...
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England’s Mount doubt to face Poland

Mason Mount of England reacts during a training session ahead of an upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier against Poland at Pennyhill Park on March 29, 2021 in Bagshot, England.Mason Mount is a doubt for England's World Cup qualifier against Poland after sitting out training on Tuesday.Midfielder Mount, 22, has started seven straight matches for his country and scored in Sunday's 2-0 win in Albania.Poland's Grzegorz Krychowiak and Kamil Piatkowski tested positive for Covid-19 in the latest round of testing before Wednesday's match at Wembley.Robert Lewandowski is injured, while Mateusz Klich and Lukasz Skorupski previously tested positive for Covid. The #ThreeLions are out at training this morning with 23 players involved, while @masonmount_10 is working indoors with the medical and...
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Fans to be allowed into matches in Copenhagen at Euro 2020

In this photo illustration the UEFA Euro 2020 logo seen displayed on a smartphone.COPENHAGEN -- At least 11,000 fans will be allowed into soccer matches staged in Copenhagen during this year's European Championship, the Danish government said Thursday.The country's culture ministry said more fans will be allowed inside Parke Stadium "if health conditions allow'' amid the coronavirus pandemic.Copenhagen is scheduled to host four matches in June, three in the group stage and another in the round of 16."The European Football Championship is a unique and historic event in Denmark,'' Culture Minister Joy Mogensen said in a statement. "The government has therefore decided to allow at least 11,000-12,000 spectators for the four matches held in the Park.''Mogensen said an "expert group'' has been ...
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Chelsea made to battle against Sheff Utd but move into FA Cup semis

(L-R) Christian Pulisic, Ben Chilwell and Emerson of Chelsea celebrate their sides first goal, an own goal by Oliver Norwood of Sheffield United during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Chelsea FC and Sheffield Untied at Stamford Bridge on March 21, 2021 in London, England.Eight-time winners Chelsea moved into the FA Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought home win against Sheffield United.The Blues, beaten finalists last season, went ahead in fortunate circumstances as Ben Chilwell's low cross was steered into his own net by Blades midfielder Oliver Norwood. And that's full-time, we're off to the semi-final!#CHESHU @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/RPqQyqOzfC— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 21, 2021 Christian Pulisic was twice denied by away goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Callum Huds...
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PSG shuts down youth academy amid coronavirus outbreak

Paris Saint-Germain closed its youth academy training facility on Wednesday following a COVID-19 outbreak.The French club said several new coronavirus cases were recently detected following a testing campaign at the training centre. The club said the academy will be closed until Monday "as a precautionary measure'' and that a new round of testing will take place Friday.Meanwhile, PSG's women's team did not travel to the Czech Republic for its Champions League match against Sparta Prague because of several positive tests within the squad. PSG won the first leg 5-0 and would qualify even if UEFA hands Sparta a 3-0 forfeit victory.UEFA said the issue will be discussed by its disciplinary body.
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Platini gives evidence to Swiss prosecutor in corruption case

Former head of European football's governing body UEFA, Michel Platini arrives to the building of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland for a hearing over the corruption case that shattered his dream of taking over the FIFA on March 15, 2021 in Bern. - Michel Platini will face Swiss prosecutors on three consecutive days next week as he answers questions in two of the raft of cases that still beset global football and its leaders, past and present.Former UEFA president Michel Platini spent six hours in front of a Swiss prosecutor as a suspect in a corruption case on Monday, before he testifies as a witness on Wednesday in a separate case against FIFA president Gianni Infantino.The 65-year-old was questioned in Bern by prosecutor Thomas Hildbrand, who is suing him over the corrup...
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German Cup: RB Leipzig through to semis with victory over Wolfsburg; Holstein Kiel also reach last-four

Yussuf Poulsen of RB Leipzig is challenged by Xaver Schlager of VfL Wolfsburg during the DFB Cup quarter final match between RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg at Red Bull Arena on March 03, 2021 in Leipzig, Germany.Berlin: Yussuf Poulsen and Hwang Hee-chan netted second-half goals as RB Leipzig beat Wolfsburg 2-0 in the German Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, while second-tier Holstein Kiel also reached the last four.After Poulsen opened the scoring, South Korea striker Hwang came off the bench to hit a late second goal and seal a semi-final berth alongside Borussia Dortmund and Kiel.The other quarter-final tie was postponed on Tuesday as Bundesliga 2 club Jahn Regensburg were quarantined after a COVID-19 outbreak before their home tie against Werder Bremen.Hosts Leipzig, who are second in the ...
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Ex-Barcelona president released from custody after ‘Barcagate’ arrest

Josep Maria Bartomeu, Former Barcelona President, during the match between FC Barcelona and CSKA Moscow, corresponding to the week 1 of the Euroleague, played at the Palau Blaugrana, on 01st October 2020, in Barcelona, Spain.Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu was conditionally released on Tuesday after appearing before a judge looking into last year's "Barcagate" scandal, just days before the club holds presidential elections.Bartomeu and his former advisor Jaume Masferrer exercised their right not to speak when they were questioned by the judge following a night in jail, the Barcelona court said in a statement.Police arrested the pair along with two other club officials, and searched Barcelona's stadium, on Monday as part of a probe into allegations the club carried out a def...
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Henry steps down as Montreal manager

Thierry Henry of the Montreal Impact walks off the field during a game between Montreal Impact and D.C. United at Audi Field on November 8, 2020 in Washington, DC.Former Arsenal, Barcelona and France striker Thierry Henry has stepped down as manager of Major League Soccer side CF Montreal for personal reasons.The 43-year-old, who was recently on the shortlist to become the new manager of Championship club Bournemouth, had been in charge since November 2019.Henry said it was "with a heavy heart" that he was leaving after "an extremely difficult" period away from his family."Due to the worldwide pandemic I was unable to see my children," he said ."Unfortunately due to the ongoing restrictions and the fact that we will have to relocate to the US again for several months (at least) [the situat...
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Father of Liverpool’s Alisson drowns in Brazil

Alisson of Liverpool warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC at Puskas Arena on February 16, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary.The father of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker drowned in a lake near his holiday home in southern Brazil on Wednesday, local police said.Jose Becker, 57, had been swimming at a dam on his property near the town of Rincao do Inferno and was declared missing around 5 p.m. on Wednesday.The Fire Department of Cacapava do Sul sent a team to assist in the search and it located the body at 11:59 p.m., authorities told ESPN Brazil. No foul play was suspected.Alisson joined Liverpool in 2018 from Roma and was voted FIFA Best Men's Goalkeeper in 2019. His younger brother Muriel is a goalkeeper for Brazilian side Fluminens...
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Europa League: Fernandes scores twice as Man Utd thrash Real Sociedad

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Real Sociedad and Manchester United at Allianz Stadium on February 18, 2021 in Turin, Italy.Bruno Fernandes continued his magnificent season with a goal in each half as Manchester United took firm control of their Europa League last-32 tie with Real Sociedad.Fernandes took advantage of hesitant defending to open the scoring in Turin and then stroked in from the edge of the area for a second - which was awarded by VAR after he was initially flagged offside.Marcus Rashford and Daniel James - who both missed several chances - then scored on the counter to leave next week's return leg looking a formality.Sociedad were top of La Liga when the draw was mad...
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UEFA have cancelled this season’s Youth League

UEFA’s Executive Committee have decided to cancel this season’s UEFA Youth League due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the staging of the competition.UEFA had initially decided to amend the competition’s format, ditching the orginal group stage for a straight 64 team knockout tournament. However, in an announcement released today, UEFA have said that the travelling restrictions affecting participating clubs create major difficulties for organizing matches and that two clubs (one being Irish U-19 champions, Waterford United) have already withdrawn from the competition.The UEFA Executive Committee stressed that there is no possibility to further postpone the start of the competition and that the health and safety of youth players must be given highest possible priority.Given that ...
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Besiktas winger Ghezzal suffers hip injury

Rachid Ghezzal (bottom) of Besiktas lies on the ground after an injury during Turkish Super Lig match between Genclerbirligi and Besiktas at Eryaman Stadium in Ankara, Turkey on February 15, 2021.Turkish football club Besiktas winger Rachid Ghezzal had a hip injury, the Istanbul side confirmed on Wednesday.Ghezzal, 28, has been suffering from iliopsoas muscle stretch and bleeding -Grade 2 strain-, the Black-Eagles said in a statement. Rachid Ghezzal’ın Sağlık Durumu Hakkında Bilgilendirmehttps://t.co/Na6gYUr5r6— Beşiktaş JK (@Besiktas) February 17, 2021 The club added that Algerian player's treatment has begun.Joining Besiktas from England's Leicester City in October 2020, Ghezzal produced one goal and 10 assists in 19 games.
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