Pep Guardiola misses Man City press conference for ‘personal reason’
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola missed media duties ahead of his side’s trip to Tottenham for personal reasons on Friday.
Palestine Sport News
Head of Palestinian football not granted US visa to attend World Cup
RAMALLAH: The head of the Palestinian Football Association is waiting in Mexico City for permission to enter the United States with other federation heads attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jibril Rajoub went to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday. But he is among several people accredited to attend the World Cup who have been denied visas or have yet to receive them from the United States. “I don’t believe that it’s fair to use or to abuse and deny the right of all footballers all over the world to attend,” the veteran Palestinian political figure said in an interview with The Associated Press. The Palestinian team did not qualify for the World Cup, but FIFA typically invites the heads of football associations from around the world to the event every four years, which it frames as a celebration of global unity. “Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup next year.
Ireland v Israel to be held behind closed doors at neutral venue after UEFA approve FAI request
Ireland's home Nations League fixture with Israel will be held overseas and behind closed doors, the Irish Examiner reports.
Football fans urge red card for coach who led Israeli club
LONDON: The Israel-Palestine conflict has spread to the most unlikely of arenas — Scottish football.
New York mayor Zohran Mamdani references Bohemians in video message
League of Ireland club Bohemians have an unlikely supporter in New York mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Ireland's McGrath calls for resolution to Israel fixture controversy
May 29 : Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath said the team do not want to get embroiled in the controversy surrounding their Nations League games against Israel after their friendly win over Qatar in Dublin on Thursday was disrupted by protests.
Hattan Alsaif set for professional debut in main event at PFL MENA in Jeddah
JEDDAH: The Professional Fighters League has announced the card for its upcoming PFL MENA event on Friday, June 19, live from the King Abdullah Sports City Indoor Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
USM beat Zamalek on penalties to win CAF Confederation Cup
JOHANNESBURG: Algerian club USM Alger beat Egyptian hosts Zamalek 8-7 on penalties in Cairo on Saturday to win the CAF Confederation Cup for a second time. Zamalek won the second leg of the final 1-0 through a fifth-minute penalty from Palestinian Oday Dabbagh to level the aggregate score at 1-1. USM had won the first leg 1-0 last weekend, also through a penalty, converted by Ahmed Khaldi eight minutes into added time. In the penalty shootout, each team successfully converted their first seven kicks, then stand-in Zamalek captain Mohamed Shehata blazed over. Before taking his kick, Shehata struggled to place the ball on the penalty spot, then USM goalkeeper Oussama Benbot came forward from his goalline to further delay the kick. The next USM penalty fell to Congolese substitute Glody Likonza, and he scored with a kick into the left corner that goalkeeper Mohamed Awad got his fingertips to, but could not stop. USM also won the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League in 2023, pipping Young Africans of Tanzania on away goals. It was the first Confederation Cup final failure for Zamalek after two triumphs over Moroccans Renaissance Berkane. The first in 2019 was won on penalties and the second in 2024 on away goals. USM became the first club to win a final in the second-tier African competition after taking a 1-0 lead into the second leg. Dolphins of Nigeria, Club Africain of Tunisia and Berkane were unable to defend the slender advantage in previous title deciders. The return match between Zamalek and USM was often a scrappy affair with many delays for injuries and arguments with the excellent Gabonese referee over his decisions. Less than two minutes had elapsed when Cameroonian Che Malone fouled Palestinian Adam
Israel’s defense minister accuses Barca’s Lamine Yamal of inciting hate against Israeli soldiers
BEIRUT: Israel’s defense minister on Thursday accused Barcelona’s superstar Lamine Yamal of inciting hate against Israeli soldiers after he waved a Palestinian flag while his club celebrated winning the La Liga title. “Lamine Yamal chose to incite against Israel and foment hatred while our soldiers are fighting the terrorist organization Hamas … I will not remain silent in the face of incitement against Israel and against the Jewish people,” Israel Katz wrote on X. On Monday, the 18-year-old Spanish right winger was spotted waving a Palestinian flag during an open-top bus parade as the team celebrated winning the Spanish 2025/2026 title. Yamal, who is already widely regarded as one of the best soccer players in the world, held the flag as the team bus toured across Barcelona. He also posted pictures of himself holding it on his Instagram account. Lashing out at the player, Katz further wrote on his X handle: “Whoever supports this type of message should ask themselves: Does he consider this humanitarian? Is this moral? … I expect a great and respected club like Barcelona to distance itself from these statements and make it unequivocally clear that there is no place for incitement or for support of terrorism.” Barcelona’s German coach Hansi Flick told a press conference when questioned about the incident: “This I don’t normally like … I spoke with him.