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Xavi: Barcelona manager to leave at end of season

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Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has announced that he will step down from his position at the end of the season. The decision comes after a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, leaving Barcelona 10 points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Despite winning the Spanish title in his first full season in charge, Xavi believes the club needs a change in dynamic for the benefit of both the players and the board of directors.

Xavi, a former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, has been a loyal figure for the club, but he feels it’s time to prioritize his mental health. The 44-year-old, who won 25 honors during his playing career at Barcelona, will officially leave on June 30, even though he has a year left on his contract. Xavi stated that the demanding nature of the club, combined with the pressure of the job, has taken a toll on him, and he believes it’s the right moment to step back.

The decision comes after Xavi had previously mentioned that he would “pack his bags” if his players lost faith in him. Despite a response with back-to-back wins, recent defeats in the Copa del Rey and La Liga have led to his departure announcement. Xavi hopes that by revealing his decision now, it will de-escalate tensions and provide a solution for the rest of the season.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague suggests that Xavi, being a true Barcelona fan and having won the league, may not manage any other team. Balague raises questions about Xavi’s readiness for the Barcelona job, as the club’s president, Joan Laporta, did not initially choose him. The loss of key personnel within the club and the lack of a defined playing style have contributed to the challenges faced by Xavi during his tenure. Balague concludes that Xavi will need to reflect on whether the conditions were right for him to succeed or if his own readiness for the role played a part in the challenges faced.

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Luis Rubiales: Fifa uphold three-year ban against ex-Spanish football federation chief

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Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, has been unsuccessful in his appeal against a three-year ban from football-related activities imposed by FIFA. This decision follows an incident where Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory against England. Hermoso later filed a legal complaint, alleging that the kiss was not consensual.

FIFA stated that Rubiales violated the principles of fair play and displayed offensive behavior, citing Article 13 of the FIFA disciplinary code. The governing body’s appeal committee expressed satisfaction that Rubiales behaved contrary to these principles during and after the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The ban could potentially be contested before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

A Spanish judge has proposed that Rubiales should stand trial over the incident, describing the kiss as “not consensual and… a unilateral and surprising initiative.” Prosecutors had previously charged Rubiales with sexual assault and coercion. Despite Rubiales maintaining that the kiss was a “consensual peck,” the controversy led to his resignation as the president of the Spanish football federation, sparking a global conversation about sexism in women’s sports.

The incident also had repercussions in the coaching staff, as World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda was sacked in September and is under investigation as part of the criminal case against Rubiales. Jenni Hermoso, who claimed her image was tarnished by the kiss, made a return to the national side in October, scoring a crucial 89th-minute winner against Italy.

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Bellingham inspires Real comeback win over Almeria

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Jude Bellingham played a crucial role in inspiring Real Madrid to a comeback victory against Almeria, who initially took a surprising 2-0 lead at the Bernabeu with goals from Largie Ramazani and Edgar Gonzalez. Bellingham scored a penalty in the 57th minute, and Vinicius Jr equalized 10 minutes later. In the ninth minute of added time, Bellingham’s header set up Dani Carvajal for the winning goal.

The dramatic win briefly put Real Madrid at the top of the table, but Girona reclaimed the summit with a 5-1 win over Sevilla. Both Bellingham and Artem Dovbyk of Girona now share the top scorer spot in La Liga with 14 goals each.

Almeria’s midfielder Gonzalo Melero expressed frustration, claiming his team was “robbed” due to several VAR decisions going against them. Goalscorer Gonzalez also emphasized the need for fairness in the competition. Despite Real Madrid being expected to dominate against Almeria, the visitors shocked the hosts with an early goal and extended their lead in the 43rd minute.

Real Madrid’s debatable penalty, awarded after VAR intervention, allowed Bellingham to score from the spot. Controversial goals, including one from Vinicius Jr initially ruled out for handball, further fueled Almeria’s discontent. Almeria boss Gaizka Garitano was sent off for dissent as Real secured the victory in the ninth minute of injury time.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged Almeria’s frustration but defended the VAR decisions, describing the game as strange and citing fatigue in his team during the first half.

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Mario Zagallo: Brazil’s four World Cup-winning player and coach dies aged 92

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Brazilian football icon Mario Zagallo, renowned for winning four World Cups as both a player and coach, has passed away at the age of 92. Zagallo, a winger, played a crucial role in Brazil’s consecutive World Cup victories in 1958 and 1962, featuring in both finals.

In 1970, he managed what is often considered the greatest international team, guiding legends like Pele, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto to another World Cup triumph. Zagallo’s coaching success continued as he served as assistant coach in 1994, securing his fourth World Cup title. Despite reaching the 1998 final as Brazil’s manager, they were defeated by hosts France.

Mario Zagallo holds the distinction of being the first individual to achieve World Cup victories as both a player and a manager, a feat later matched by Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer and France’s Didier Deschamps. With Zagallo’s passing, there are no surviving members from the Brazil team that contested the 1958 final.

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Spain’s Hermoso testifies World Cup kiss was not consensual

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Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso, a World Cup winner, has testified in a Madrid court that a kiss from former football federation president Luis Rubiales was not consensual. The incident occurred after the World Cup final last year when Rubiales allegedly grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips. The judge will now decide whether Rubiales should face trial for sexual assault and coercion. Hermoso, Spain’s top scorer, emphasized that the kiss was unexpected and non-consensual during her two-and-a-half-hour testimony, reiterating her previous statements leaked to Spanish TV. The court is examining evidence, including CCTV footage, to determine if the case should go to trial.

The kiss, which took place during the medal ceremony in Sydney after Spain’s victory over England, initially seemed consensual based on a statement attributed to Hermoso shortly after the final. However, she later claimed that she was pressured by Spanish football federation officials to endorse the statement. Rubiales, who denies the allegations, is also being investigated for possible coercion related to the pressure on Hermoso. Other figures under investigation include the coach Jorge Vilda, federation executives Albert Luque and Rubén Rivera.

Hermoso stated that she did not want the kiss and felt like a victim of assault, highlighting that, under Spanish law, a kiss without consent can be considered a form of sexual assault. Despite Rubiales asserting it was a consensual peck, he resigned as president of the Spanish football federation following the incident. An investigation was initiated, and he was prohibited from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters by an investigating judge. The case has drawn attention beyond football, making Hermoso a notable figure in discussions about equality and solidarity.

On New Year’s Eve, Hermoso expressed gratitude for the positive changes in terms of equality and solidarity and congratulated her Spain teammates for the empowerment achieved. At 33, she announced a club change, leaving Pachuca in Mexico, where she played since 2022, for Tigres UANL, the country’s most successful women’s team.

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European Super League: Fans and clubs can be convinced to back new plans, says organiser

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The head of A22, the organization behind the revived European Super League (ESL), believes that fans and clubs can be persuaded to support the new proposal. In 2021, the original ESL, involving 12 teams, faced strong opposition and collapsed within 72 hours. However, the European Court of Justice recently ruled against banning clubs from joining such leagues, leading to the announcement of a revamped ESL.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin dismissed the new proposals, stating that football is not for sale and jokingly looking forward to a two-team tournament. Five of the six Premier League teams that initially supported the breakaway plans in 2021 expressed commitment to Uefa competitions.

A22’s new proposal suggests a league system with 64 men’s clubs and 32 women’s clubs, featuring an annual promotion and relegation system with no permanent members. A22 CEO Bernd Reichart stated that the proposal addresses the concerns raised by critics of the original ESL, focusing on an open, accessible, and meritocratic league system alongside domestic leagues.

Reichart refrained from naming interested clubs but emphasized the importance of convincing both clubs and fans. The proposal aims to prioritize players’ health by aligning with the current football calendar, without increasing the number of matchdays.

Domestic leagues, including the Premier League, swiftly condemned the new project, reiterating their rejection of any breakaway concept. Despite the ECJ ruling, Uefa sees it as an opportunity to improve regulations, and Ceferin highlighted the need to maintain the connection between domestic and European football.

Champions League holders Manchester City and other previously involved Premier League clubs affirmed their commitment to Uefa competitions. The ESL saga, which began in 2021, faced criticism and opposition, leading to the withdrawal of several clubs. Ceferin mocked the new proposal, expressing skepticism about its closed nature and comparing it to the rejected 2021 version.

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European Super League: Uefa and Fifa rules banning breakaway league unlawful, says court

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The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that banning football clubs from joining a European Super League (ESL) was unlawful, asserting that UEFA and FIFA were “abusing a dominant position.” The case was brought by the ESL and its supporters, who argued that UEFA and FIFA were violating competition law by threatening sanctions against those participating in the breakaway league.

The ECJ, the highest court in the European Union, found against UEFA and FIFA, stating that this did not automatically approve a breakaway league. This decision is perceived as a setback to the authority of UEFA and FIFA in governing the game.

UEFA expressed confidence in the strength of its rules implemented since the ESL proposal, assuring compliance with relevant European laws. They trust that football’s existing structure will be protected against breakaway threats by European and national laws.

Barcelona, one of the original ESL clubs, sees the verdict as paving the way for a new competition. ESL backers A22 have released revised proposals, including a women’s European tournament with a league system involving promotion and relegation for both men’s and women’s competitions.

The initial ESL, designed as a midweek competition with 12 founding clubs, faced backlash for exclusive privileges and perceived greed, leading to widespread protests. The ECJ report emphasizes that FIFA and UEFA must ensure transparent, objective, non-discriminatory, and proportionate powers when new competitions potentially enter the market.

The report states that FIFA and UEFA, lacking such criteria, are abusing a dominant position, and their rules on approval, control, and sanctions are unjustified restrictions on the freedom to provide services. However, the ruling does not specifically address the approval of the Super League project.

Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22, claims the ESL has won the right to exist, asserting that UEFA’s monopoly is over, and clubs are now free from sanctions and able to determine their future. Real Madrid, still interested in the ESL, welcomed the ruling, stating that clubs are now the “masters of their own destiny.”

The ESL controversy began in April 2021, involving 12 teams, including English giants. Despite initial fines by UEFA, the plans collapsed within 72 hours due to widespread condemnation. Real Madrid and Barcelona remain interested in the ESL, while La Liga emphasizes the need for an open format in European football.

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Erling Haaland injury: Manchester City striker being assessed ‘day by day’

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Manchester City’s leading striker, Erling Haaland, is currently facing uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming Club World Cup as he deals with a foot injury. The 23-year-old Norwegian has been absent from City’s recent matches and will not be available for the upcoming game against Crystal Palace. Manager Pep Guardiola provided reassurance that Haaland’s injury is stress-related rather than a fracture. Guardiola emphasized the need for a day-by-day assessment by the medical team to gauge Haaland’s recovery and expressed optimism about his potential inclusion in the squad for the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

As City prepares to face Crystal Palace this weekend and potentially contend with Club Leon or Urawa Red Diamonds in the Club World Cup semi-finals, Guardiola acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Haaland’s availability. The prolific striker has been instrumental for City this season, leading the team in goals with 19 across all competitions and topping the Premier League scoring charts with 14 goals in 15 appearances. Guardiola, known for his meticulous approach, highlighted the importance of monitoring Haaland’s progress and indicated that the decision on his involvement in the tournament would be made based on the striker’s fitness and recovery.

Despite City’s recent challenges in the Premier League, where they currently sit fourth, four points behind leaders Liverpool, Guardiola’s tenure since 2016 has been marked by consistent success. The club achieved a historic Treble last season and secured their maiden Champions League title. Now, with the opportunity to compete in the Club World Cup for the first time, City aims to add another prestigious trophy to their collection. The outcome of Haaland’s recovery will play a crucial role in City’s pursuit of success on the global stage.

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Referee punched: Turkish FA halts league football after club president hits Super Lig official

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Turkish football authorities have decided to suspend all leagues following an incident where referee Halil Umut Meler was punched by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca. The assault occurred after Ankaragucu conceded a late equalizer in a Super Lig match against Caykur Rizespor. Turkish FA chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi announced the indefinite postponement of all league matches, calling the attack a “night of shame for Turkish football.”

Meler, a respected referee, suffered injuries, including a minor fracture, after being punched and receiving blows from others on the pitch. The chaotic scenes led to the suspension of all matches, and Koca, who required hospital treatment, will face detention procedures. Several others involved in the incident have been arrested.

Turkey’s minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, strongly condemned the attack and assured that detention procedures would be carried out. Meler and Koca both received medical attention, with Meler’s injuries reported as non-life-threatening.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, emphasizing that violence has no place in sports and expressing wishes for Meler’s speedy recovery. MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor issued apologies and messages of support for Meler, while the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) vowed to take strict action against Ankaragucu and its officials.

TFF chairman Buyukeksi stressed that football matches are not a war and urged everyone to take responsibility, announcing severe punishments for Ankaragucu and its management. The incident prompted Galatasaray, a prominent club, to call for an emergency meeting to address growing issues in Turkish football. Referee associations and football clubs expressed solidarity against violence, with the TFF aiming to make Turkish football a safer environment.

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Spanish La Liga Match Abandoned After Fan Dies in Stands

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On Monday, Granada’s La Liga match at Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium against Athletic Bilbao is set to resume after being interrupted on Sunday due to a tragic incident. The game was halted after 17 minutes following a cardiac arrest suffered by a Granada season ticket holder, leading to its eventual abandonment an hour later. La Liga has now confirmed that the match will recommence from the 17th minute, with Athletic Bilbao holding a 1-0 lead from Inaki Williams’ earlier goal. The restart is scheduled for 20:00 GMT, and attendees with tickets from the original match will be permitted entry.

Granada expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased supporter and extended sympathies to the entire Granada community. The incident prompted a display of sportsmanship, with Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon earning applause from Granada supporters for alerting officials to the situation in the stands. Subsequently, players from both teams left the pitch 20 minutes after the initial suspension of the match.

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