England’s preparations for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland have been dealt a blow with the absence of key players Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins, and Phil Foden due to injury and illness.
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The first round of qualifiers for the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has begun, with several top teams looking to defend their titles and qualify for the tournament in Morocco in December 2025. Egypt, the record seven-time winner, starts its journey against Cape Verde, while defending champion Ivory Coast faces Zambia. Morocco, who automatically qualified as hosts, will also compete in the qualifiers for match practice, facing Gabon in its opening match.
Influencer Carolina Portaluppi shared a heartwarming moment with her father, renowned football coach Renato Gaúcho, on Instagram. While inviting him to watch a movie, Renato fell asleep, showcasing a lighthearted and endearing side of their father-daughter relationship.
Bolivia is hoping to gain an edge in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers by hosting matches in El Alto, a city with an altitude of 4,150 meters (13,615 feet), significantly higher than their usual venue in La Paz. This move has raised concerns among some experts, as there is limited research on the effects of playing at such extreme heights. Despite the controversy, Bolivia believes the high altitude will give them a psychological and physical advantage.
Belgian forward Charles De Ketelaere has defended his teammates, stating that players bear responsibility for Belgium’s disappointing performance at Euro 2024, despite the team’s struggles under coach Domenico Tedesco. De Ketelaere insists that despite limited playing time, he’s ready to contribute and is focused on the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
India’s national football team, led by new head coach Manolo Marquez, faces Mauritius in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup. This match marks the Blue Tigers’ return to competitive play after a three-month break and will be a chance to see how Marquez’s vision takes shape.
Miroslav Pelta, the former head of the Czech Football Association, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for fraud. This comes after a retrial following previous convictions in 2021 and 2023. Pelta’s alleged involvement in influencing state subsidies for soccer clubs, including FK Jablonec, is at the heart of the case. Simona Kratochvilova, a former deputy education minister, was also sentenced to six years for her role in the scandal.
Netherlands midfielders Joey Veerman and Micky van de Ven have both been ruled out of the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Germany due to injuries. Justin Kluivert and Jan Paul van Hecke have been called up as replacements.
UEFA has implemented a cap on ticket prices for away fans in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, aiming to make attending matches more affordable for supporters. The move comes alongside the introduction of a new tournament format for the Champions League, featuring a single league with 36 teams and more matches.
Etihad Airways has announced a multi-year agreement to become the Official Front of Shirt Sponsor for Mumbai City FC, marking a significant investment in the Indian market and showcasing the growing influence of football in the country. This partnership coincides with Etihad’s 20th anniversary of service to India and underscores the airline’s commitment to the region.