Dismal England slump to first ever defeat to Fiji
England's dismal build-up to the World Cup reached its lowest ebb as they collapsed to their first defeat to a current tier-two nation by losing 30-22 to Fiji at Twickenham.
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FIFA Suspends Spanish FA Chief Following 'Kiss' Row In Women's World Cup Final
FIFA has suspended Spanish football association chief Luis Rubiales after his involvement in the 'kiss' controversy at the end of the Women's World Cup final. According to reports, he has been handed a 90-day suspension and he has also been barred from contacting Jenni Hermoso in any way, "(We) decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level," said world football's governing body in a statement, explaining it would last 90 days, pending their disciplinary proceedings. Rubiales kissed Hermoso after Spain's victory over England but Hermoso made it clear that the Spanish FA chief did not have her consent.
Spanish FA Threatens Legal Action Over Jenni Hermoso 'Lies'
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) on Saturday threatened to take legal action over Women's World Cup player Jenni Hermoso's "lies" about her kiss with its president Luis Rubiales. The RFEF and Rubiales said they would "demonstrate each of the lies that have been spread, whether in the name of the player, if that is the case, or by the player herself". It would take "as many legal actions as necessary to defend the honour of the President of the RFEF." Hermoso said on Friday she did not consent to being kissed on the lips following Spain's World Cup triumph against England, as Rubiales had claimed. The 33-year-old, along with 80 other Spain players, including the entire World Cup winning squad, said they were striking from the national team until the "leadership" changed.
Hermoso part of mass strike after denying she consented to Rubiales kiss
Spanish midfielder Jenni Hermoso joined a mass strike of women players on Friday after saying she did not consent to being kissed by the country's football federation chief Luis Rubiales after Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup final.
"I Will Not Resign": Spanish FA Chief On 'Kiss' Row In FIFA Women's World Cup Final
Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales refused to resign on Friday after a week of widespread criticism for his unsolicited kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso following Spain's Women's World Cup triumph. Rubiales, 46, had been expected to step down as president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) after government ministers and figures within sport demanded his resignation and world football's governing body FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against him. But he was defiant in a speech at an emergency meeting of the football federation. "I will not resign, I will not resign, I will not resign," shouted Rubiales "A consensual 'peck' is enough to get me out of here? I will fight until the end," he added.
Ajax cruise and Aberdeen battle back in Europa League
PARIS: Four-time European champions Ajax cruised to a 4-1 victory in Bulgaria in Europa League qualifying on Thursday while Aberdeen returned to the scene of their European triumph and fought back for a draw.
Spanish international Laporte joins Al-Nassr from Man City
LONDON: Aymeric Laporte joined the Premier League exodus to Saudi Arabia on Thursday as the Manchester City defender moved to Al-Nassr in a deal worth a reported £23 million ($29 million). Spain center-back Laporte won 12 major honors during his successful spell with City. However, he fell out of favor at times during City’s treble-winning campaign and the close-season signing of Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol further restricted his chances of regular action. The 29-year-old is the latest City star to accept a lucrative switch to the Gulf State after Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez recently joined Al-Ahli. Laporte made 180 appearances for City after arriving from Athletic Bilbao for a then club record £57 million in January 2018. “I am proud to have represented Manchester City over the last six seasons,” Laporte said. “When I first joined, I was excited about the prospect of winning trophies.
Messi into another final after inspiring Miami comeback
MIAMI: Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami to come back from two goals down to beat Cincinnati 5-4 on penalties after their thrilling US Open Cup semifinal ended 3-3 after extra time.