MADRID (AFP) -- Jenni Hermoso was summoned on Wednesday, Nov. 22, by the judge investigating the events surrounding the then Spanish federation chief Luis Rubiales kissing her at the Women's World Cup final trophy ceremony. Spain's Jenni Hermoso (AFP) Rubiales eventually resigned over the issue --...
NEW YORK (AFP) -- A set of six jerseys that Lionel Messi wore during Argentina's victorious 2022 World Cup run will be auctioned in December, Sotheby's announced on Monday, Nov. 20, estimating their value at more than $10 million. This undated photo courtesy of Sotheby's shows Lionel Messi's set of...
TOKYO (AFP) -- Japan suffered a blow on the eve of World Cup qualifying as Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma ruled out with injury, the football association said on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Brighton's Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma (AFP) The 26-year-old has scored seven goals in 18 appearances for his country...
SYDNEY (AFP) -- "Matilda" was picked as Australia's word of the year on Wednesday, Nov. 15, after the national football team's historic run to the semifinals of their home Women's World Cup. Australia's Matildas (AFP) Nicknamed the "Matildas", the team were front- and back-page news in Australia in...
PORT OF SPAIN (AFP) -- Jack Warner, a former FIFA vice-president banned for life by the governing body, was ordered to repay more than $220,000 to a businessman by the Trinidadian justice system on Monday, Nov. 13. Former FIFA vice president Jack Warner (AFP) "The Board... orders the defendants...
JOHANNESBURG (AFP) -- Prolific Liverpool scorer and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah will be among the stars in action this week when 2026 World Cup qualifying in Africa kicks off with two matchdays. Prolific Liverpool scorer and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah (AFP) His two Premier League goals against...
TOKYO (AFP) -- Japan, Australia and Jurgen Klinsmann's South Korea will launch their qualifying campaigns on Thursday, Nov. 16, for the 2026 World Cup, with Palestine also among the 36 teams in action in Asia. Brighton's Japanese Kaoru Mitoma (AFP) A record eight direct spots and one...
DOHA (AFP) -- Saudi Arabia is prepared to host the 2034 World Cup in summer or winter, its football chief told AFP, after the oil giant became the sole bidder for the tournament. Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser al-Misehal (AFP) "Of course, we are ready for all possibilities,"...
RIYADH (AFP) -- Saudi Arabia was named as the lone bidder for the 2034 World Cup on Tuesday, Oct. 31, a major success that follows a string of high-profile sports acquisitions. Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (AFP) The conservative Gulf monarchy, often criticized over its human rights...
SYDNEY (AFP) -- Australia on Tuesday, Oct. 31, decided against bidding for the 2034 football World Cup, strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as favorite to host the event. Football Australia pulled its bid on the Oct. 31 deadline after the Asian Football Confederation threw its weight behind Saudi...
LONDON (AFP) -- FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sent "support and prayers" to Liverpool forward Luis Diaz following the kidnapping of his parents in Colombia. FIFA president Gianni Infantino (AFP) Diaz's mother has been rescued but dozens of soldiers, backed by police, are searching for...
GENEVA (AFP) -- FIFA on Monday, Oct. 30, imposed a three-year ban on former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales after his forced kiss on the lips of World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso shocked the world of football. Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales (AFP) The sport's governing body...
