Category: FOOTBALL

Argentina has named a 29-man squad led by Lionel Messi for their final friendlies before the Copa America, but Paulo Dybala misses out due to injuries. Coach Lionel Scaloni has included youngsters like Leonardo Balerdi, Valentin Barco, Alejandro Garnacho, and Valentin Carboni alongside World Cup winners. Argentina will face Ecuador on June 9 and Guatemala on June 14 before trimming the squad to 26 for the Copa America, which starts on June 20. PHOTO: AFP

Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen has been voted the Bundesliga Player of the Season after his stellar performances helped the club win their first-ever league title. Leverkusen completed the season unbeaten, with Wirtz contributing 18 goals in 47 games. The 21-year-old midfielder’s form also earned him a spot in Germany’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad, having scored the winner against France in a recent friendly. Photo: Reuters

Brazil have expanded their Copa America squad to 26 players, adding Bremer, Ederson, and Pepe. Goalkeeper Ederson has been replaced by Rafael due to an eye injury. Despite calling up 17-year-old Endrick, coach Dorival Junior omitted experienced players like Casemiro, Richarlison, and Gabriel Jesus from the initial 23-man squad. Brazil will face Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Colombia in the Copa America, preceded by friendlies against Mexico and the US.. PHOTO: REUTERS

Jurgen Klopp bid an emotional farewell to Liverpool fans after his final match as manager ended in a 2-0 win over Wolves at Anfield. Klopp hailed the fans as the “superpower of world football” and urged them to support the new manager Arne Slot. The German led Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2019 and their first Premier League title in 30 years in 2020, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s greatest managers. Photo: AFP

FIFA announced new measures to crack down on racism in football, including a “crossed hands” gesture for players to signal racist abuse to referees. Racism will become a specific offense in the disciplinary codes of all 211 FIFA members, with severe penalties like match forfeits. The move follows consultations with players who have suffered racist insults, such as Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. FIFA’s five-pillar plan also includes criminalizing racism, anti-racism education, and creating a dedicated players’ anti-racism panel to monitor implementation. The governing body aims to make a global stand against discrimination. Photo: Reuters

UEFA has announced that only team captains will be allowed to speak to referees and discuss decisions during matches at the upcoming European Championship. This move aims to facilitate clearer communication and prevent situations where multiple players surround and confront the referee. Any player other than the captain who approaches the referee disrespectfully will be shown a yellow card. The initiative, explained by UEFA’s Roberto Rosetti, has been welcomed by coaches and players, aiming to maintain respect and prevent breakdowns in communication during the high-pressure tournament. Photo: Twitter

Brazil’s coach Dorival Junior named his squad for the upcoming Copa America, including teen sensation Endrick but excluding Neymar due to injury. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo were included, along with newcomer Evanilson from FC Porto. Notable omissions were Casemiro, Thiago Silva, and Neymar, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained in October. The squad features a mix of experienced and young talents as Brazil aims to reclaim the Copa America title. PHOTO: REUTERS

FIFA has been urged by global players’ union FIFPRO and the World Leagues Association to review plans for a 32-team Club World Cup next year, citing concerns over an overcrowded calendar and player welfare. They have threatened legal action if FIFA doesn’t address the issues before its council meeting on May 17, claiming the expanded competitions are “inherently abusive” and jeopardizing national leagues and players’ health.  Photo: Reuters

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti hailed their “magical” 2-1 comeback win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinals. Trailing 3-2 on aggregate, substitute Joselu scored two late goals to send Real to their sixth final since 2013-14. Ancelotti praised the team’s never-say-die spirit and the impact of Joselu, who remained professional despite limited playing time. Real will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1.  Photo: Reuters

Despite the “unfair” 2-0 aggregate defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique insisted he was “proud” of his team’s performance. Despite hitting the woodwork six times across the two legs, PSG failed to score, with Enrique acknowledging the result was not a fair reflection of the tie. The Spaniard now shifts focus to the French Cup final against Lyon, where PSG aim to complete a domestic treble. PHOTO: REUTERS

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is confident the club is well-positioned for continued success after his departure at the end of the season. He expects Dutchman Arne Slot to take over a squad bolstered by recent signings like Mac Allister and Szoboszlai. Klopp felt he couldn’t give 100% energy for another year, prompting his decision to leave after nine years at the helm. Photo: Reuters