Real Madrid have €150m offer rejected for Julian Alvarez
Real Madrid have revealed a €150 million bid for striker Julian Alvarez has been rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid.
International Sport News
Bangladesh stun Australia in rain-affected 1st ODI
(Corrects Dhaka to Mirpur in first paragraph)
Lord's pitch rated 'unsatisfactory' after England-New Zealand test
June 9 : Lord’s has been handed an “unsatisfactory” pitch rating for the first test between England and New Zealand after the hosts sealed a 115-run win inside four days of a rain-hit, bowler-dominated match.
Somalia backs referee Omar Artan’s ‘integrity’ after US denies him entry
MOGADISHU: Somalia has defended its referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals. In a statement on Tuesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Sports expressed “deep regret” over Artan’s denial of entry, saying that despite diplomatic engagement with US authorities and world football governing body FIFA, it was “not possible to achieve a positive outcome.” Artan, an award-winning referee, was barred from entering the US on Saturday after arriving at Miami International Airport. A spokesperson for the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said he was denied entry following a routine inspection. He was among the 52 referees announced by FIFA for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Somali reaffirmed “its unwavering support” for Artan adding it “has full confidence in his integrity, professionalism, and continued contribution to the advancement of football both in Somalia and internationally.” “Artan represents the very best of Somali talent,” reads the statement. FIFA confirmed to AFP that Artan will not be participating in the World Cup set to start on Thursday. “FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” a FIFA spokesperson said. A source at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) told AFP on Tuesday that the continental body could not intervene, but added: “We certainly feel sorry for Artan.” Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
Warwickshire RFU chair Smith quits over comments about player-turned-pundit Alphonsi
June 9 : England Rugby Football Union Council member Matt Smith has resigned from his role as chair of Warwickshire RFU after posting discriminatory comments about former England international Maggie Alphonsi, the organisation said.
Team Qatar to make Le Mans 24 Hours debut with big ambitions
June 9 : Team Qatar will make their Le Mans 24 Hours endurance debut this weekend in a significant step for a small country with big motorsport ambitions.
Two newcomers to Scotland squad for Nations Championship
EDINBURGH, June 9 : Scotland on Tuesday named two uncapped players in their 36-man squad for next month’s inaugural Nations Championship tests against Argentina, South Africa and Fiji.
Denmark coach Riemer hails 'unity' after Eriksen's collapse in friendly
June 9 : Denmark coach Brian Riemer said he would remember the "beautiful unity" shown by those at the stadium in Odense after midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed in a friendly against Ukraine at the weekend.