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Fan groups across Europe urge UEFA and FIFA to block plans for Barcelona and Milan games abroad

NYON: Soccer fans from more than 400 club supporter groups in Europe urged FIFA and UEFA on Wednesday to block requests from the Spanish and Italian leagues to play games abroad. The Spanish football federation has approved plans for Barcelona to play Villarreal in Miami in December, and Serie A wants AC Milan to host Como in February in Perth, Australia. Ahead of UEFA’s executive committee meeting next week in Albania, its officially recognized fan liaison group Football Supporters Europe aimed to show the scale of opposition to “out-of-territory” games — including from a fan group at Villarreal. “We call on UEFA, FIFA, and all national associations to stand firm, play their role as regulators of the game,” the FSE group said Wednesday, with support from fan groups in 25 countries, “and ensure that football remains rooted in our communities, where it belongs.” “Clubs are neither entertainment companies nor traveling circuses.

Spanish Vuelta stage cut short because of disruption by pro-Palestinian protesters near finish line

BILBAO, Spain: The 11th stage of the Spanish Vuelta was cut short and finished without a winner because of a disruption by pro-Palestinian protesters near the finish line in the Basque Country city of Bilbao on Wednesday. The protesters appeared to be targeting riders from the Israel Premier Tech team. Some attempted to invade the road when the riders of the Israeli team crossed in front of them, prompting organizers and security staff to rush in to try to contain them behind the security fences. Police were called in to contain the protesters, many of whom carried Palestine flags and pro-Palestine signs. Race officials made an announcement to the teams as the riders had about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to go in the 157.4-kilometer (98-mile) stage that also started in Bilbao. “Due to some incidents at the finish line, we have decided to take the time at 3 kilometers before the line.

France to Scotland to Romania all in a week's work for Canadian soccer player Derek Cornelius

Chris Jones is in Bucharest with Canada's men's soccer team ahead of Friday's game vs. Romania as it continues preparations for next year's FIFA World Cup.

Alcaraz, Pegula ease into US Open semifinals

NEW YORK: Carlos Alcaraz powered into the US Open semifinals to set up a potential showdown with Novak Djokovic on Tuesday as Jessica Pegula punched her ticket to the last four. Alcaraz needed just one hour and 56 minutes to seal a convincing 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 defeat of Czech 20th seed Jiri Lehecka on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court. The Spanish second seed could now face a blockbuster semifinal against 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, who takes on American fourth seed Taylor Fritz in Tuesday’s other quarter-final. Alcaraz could reclaim the world number one ranking with a victorious campaign in New York, a fact he is trying not to dwell on. “Every time I step onto the court I try not to think about it,” he said.

Gundogan joins Galatasaray after ‘unforgettable moments’ at Man City

MANCHESTER: Ilkay Gundogan completed a move from Manchester City to Galatasaray on Tuesday, bringing an end to his second spell with the Premier League club. The former Germany international signed a two-year contract with Turkish champion Galatasaray and is the Istanbul club’s latest high-profile recruit during this transfer window after Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane. Gundogan helped City win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four English League Cups and the Champions League in his first spell with the club before leaving to join Barcelona in 2023. He returned a year later but was unable to prevent City from enduring their first trophyless season in eight years. “Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart,” Gundogan said in City’s announcement.

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FIFA Sport News

Fan groups across Europe urge UEFA and FIFA to block plans for Barcelona and Milan games abroad

Spanish Vuelta stage cut short because of disruption by pro-Palestinian protesters near finish line

France to Scotland to Romania all in a week's work for Canadian soccer player Derek Cornelius

Alcaraz, Pegula ease into US Open semifinals

Gundogan joins Galatasaray after ‘unforgettable moments’ at Man City

In rare meeting, Canadian men to face Ecuador in November friendly at Toronto's BMO Field

Soccer's Most Expensive Transfers: Isak Joins Neymar, Mbappé in Top 5

FIFA silence on sanction for errant South Africa a mystery