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Fabio Grosso: Lyon manager ‘seriously injured’ as team bus attacked in Marseille

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Lyon has cautioned about the possibility of a more severe disaster following an assault on their team bus in Marseille, where manager Fabio Grosso and assistant Raffaele Longo were reportedly injured by projectiles. The incident occurred before the scheduled Ligue 1 match between Marseille and Lyon.

In response to the situation, Lyon expressed their concern, emphasizing that such incidents have been recurring in Marseille annually. They urged the authorities to address the seriousness and frequency of such attacks before a more catastrophic event takes place.

Initially intending to proceed with the match, Lyon reconsidered following news of Grosso and Longo’s injuries and the impact on the players’ mental state. Lyon president John Textor expressed his frustration, highlighting the dangerous objects, including beer bottles, that caused Grosso’s injuries.

Marseille, while deploring the unacceptable incidents, denounced the violence and emphasized that it has no place in football or society. They wished for a swift recovery for Grosso and hoped for a prompt resolution to the situation, acknowledging the disappointment of the fans who were unable to attend the match.

The game was ultimately postponed, prompting widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the French sports minister and FIFA president, who both stressed the need to eradicate such acts of violence in football. French football expert Julien Laurens also expressed dismay, labeling the incident as a detrimental portrayal of French football.

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Women’s Champions League: Chelsea visit Real Madrid in group stage opener

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Chelsea FC is set to kick off their Champions League journey with an away match against Real Madrid on 15 November. This is the second consecutive year that Emma Hayes’ team has been grouped with Real Madrid, having secured a draw away and a victory at home in the previous season. Following their group stage triumph, Chelsea advanced to the 2022-23 semi-finals, whereas Real Madrid failed to progress after finishing third in their group.

Uefa released the group-stage fixture dates on Saturday following Friday’s draw, scheduling matches to take place between 14 November and 31 January. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages. As the sole British representative in this season’s group stages, Chelsea’s first home game is against Paris FC on 23 November, with subsequent fixtures against BK Hacken, both home and away on 14 and 20 December respectively. The team will then host Real Madrid on 24 January and conclude their group stage campaign with an away match against Paris FC on 30 January.

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Mainz Suspends Anwar El Ghazi for Controversial Israel-Gaza Post

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Mainz, the Bundesliga club, has suspended Dutch winger Anwar El Ghazi from both training and games due to a social media post concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict. The club deemed the post “unacceptable” and emphasized that El Ghazi had taken a stance on the ongoing conflict that did not align with the club’s values.

El Ghazi, who joined Mainz this summer after stints at Aston Villa and Everton, has participated in three league games since his transfer.

In response to the incident, Bayern Munich has reportedly planned to hold a detailed meeting with full-back Noussair Mazraoui after the player shared a pro-Palestinian video on Instagram.

Similarly, French prosecutors are investigating Nice defender Youcef Atal for allegedly posting an antisemitic video on social media regarding the Israel-Gaza situation. Both Mainz and Bayern Munich have been contacted for further comment on the matter.

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Hermoso Expresses Concern Over Image After World Cup Kiss by Rubiales in Spain

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Spanish World Cup-winning footballer Jenni Hermoso has disclosed that the former chief of Spain’s football federation, Luis Rubiales, kissed her on the lips without her consent following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory in Sydney, Australia. In her statement to prosecutors, Hermoso expressed feeling disrespected by Rubiales’ actions and stated that her image had been tarnished by the Spanish Football Federation. Rubiales, who denied any wrongdoing, eventually resigned from his position amid the controversy.

An investigating judge is now assessing whether the allegations should proceed to trial, and the scope of the inquiry has expanded to include other officials in the Spanish football federation. Hermoso’s statement also highlighted the pressure she faced and her reluctance to steal the limelight during the initial incident. This revelation has brought renewed attention to the issue of consent and boundaries in the sporting world.

Furthermore, Hermoso recounted her experience of the pressure she faced after the incident, including being asked to sign a press statement indicating that the kiss was mutual. She felt coerced by football federation officials to comply with their narrative. Despite discussing the incident with her teammates, she found it challenging to address the situation without overshadowing the team’s victory celebrations.

The former team coach, Jorge Vilda, has also appeared before a judge, who is investigating whether he was part of an attempt to pressure Hermoso into stating that the kiss was consensual. Vilda denied trying to coerce Hermoso and claimed he did not witness the kiss as he was at the back of the group receiving their winners’ medals. However, he acknowledged speaking with her brother during their flight back to Madrid when he realized Hermoso was unhappy.

The pressure from federation figures continued even after the team returned to Spain, with additional officials attempting to use Hermoso’s family and a friend to communicate with her. The RFEF’s marketing director, Rubén Rivera, has also appeared before the judge and denied trying to persuade Hermoso or her brother to absolve Luis Rubiales from any blame. These revelations highlight the complexities of power dynamics and consent within the realm of professional sports.

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UEFA Confirms UK and Ireland as Hosts for Euro 2028 Tournament

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In an announcement by UEFA, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland have been confirmed as the hosts for the 2028 European Championship. This joint bid became the sole contender after Turkey withdrew to concentrate on a joint bid with Italy for Euro 2032, which was also approved.

The choice of the UK and Ireland for Euro 2028 followed their decision to step away from being Europe’s preferred candidate for the 2030 World Cup. Key venues for Euro 2028 are expected to include London’s Wembley Stadium, which is slated to host the final, and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for the opening match.

While England has hosted major football tournaments before, this marks the first time that the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales will host such an event. Matches are planned at various stadiums, including Glasgow’s Hampden Park and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

With this decision, Europe continues its tradition of sharing hosting duties, ensuring football’s reach and impact across the continent.

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Paul Pogba: Second Sample Validates Positive Drug Test Result for Juventus Midfielder

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Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has faced confirmation of his failed drug test, as his B sample also tested positive. The 30-year-old was provisionally suspended following elevated testosterone levels in his initial sample after Juventus’ game against Udinese on August 20, where he was an unused substitute. If found guilty of doping, he could face a suspension ranging from two to four years.

Nado Italia, the anti-doping body, stated that Pogba had violated rules with the presence of prohibited non-endogenous testosterone metabolites, suggesting an external source. Testosterone is known to enhance athletes’ endurance. Athletes have the option to have their B sample analyzed if the first sample returns adverse results.

Pogba intends to clear his name, asserting that any potential banned substance use was unintentional. His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, emphasized Pogba’s lack of intention to break any rules. Pogba rejoined Juventus on a four-year contract in July 2022, following the end of his contract at Manchester United. However, his return to Turin has been marred by recurring injury issues, including a recent minor back problem mentioned by Juventus boss Massimo Allegri.

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2030 FIFA World Cup: A Global Tournament Spanning Six Nations on Three Continents

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FIFA has confirmed that the 2030 World Cup will be hosted across six countries spanning three continents. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are set to co-host the tournament, with the opening matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to commemorate the World Cup’s centenary. This decision is expected to be ratified at a FIFA congress next year.

The choice of co-hosting the tournament across multiple continents has drawn criticism, with concerns raised about its impact on fans, the environment, and human rights. FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, emphasized the unique global footprint this approach would create, uniting Africa, Europe, and South America.

This proposal signifies a significant change for the World Cup, as teams may find themselves playing in two different seasons due to the hemisphere switch. If approved, Morocco will become only the second African nation to host a World Cup. Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will also qualify automatically as co-hosts.

In addition to the World Cup announcement, FIFA revealed that only bids from countries within the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation would be considered for the 2034 finals. This led to Saudi Arabia announcing its bid for the 2034 tournament. The deadline for prospective hosts to express interest is October 31.

FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup across three continents has raised concerns about sustainability and climate impact, given the significant air travel and emissions associated with such a large-scale event.

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Spain’s National Team Resumes Participation in Nations League Matches After Boycott Agreement

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The majority of Spain’s national football team members have agreed to end their boycott, as confirmed by the Secretary of State for Sports, Victor Francos. This decision was reached after over seven hours of discussions that concluded at 05:00 local time on Wednesday.

Francos stated that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has committed to implementing immediate and significant reforms. Out of the 23 players initially selected for this month’s Nations League matches, two, Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, have chosen to leave the squad.

The boycott began when the former RFEF president, Luis Rubiales, kissed forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory over England on August 20. This incident led to Rubiales’ resignation and the dismissal of Spain’s manager, Jorge Vilda.

The Spanish team is scheduled to play against Sweden and Switzerland in their upcoming matches. Francos expressed relief that the team would participate with assurances.

He mentioned that the decision was the result of “amicable” discussions in Valencia involving players, RFEF officials, the CSD (Spanish government’s national sports agency), and the women’s players’ union Futpro. A joint commission will be established to oversee the agreed-upon changes, with the signing set to take place soon.

Leon and Guijarro will not face penalties for their decision to leave, which Francos described as “fully respectable.” They had previously boycotted the national team along with 15 other players before the World Cup, citing issues with Coach Vilda. They did not participate in this year’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

Regarding the situation, Leon stated, “We already knew this was not the right way to return, and we are not in the right state,” and Guijarro added, “It’s quite difficult and quite hard. Mentally we are not right to be here.”

The new head coach, Montse Tome, included 15 players from the World Cup squad in her selection for the Nations League games, but the players reaffirmed their boycott in a statement, expressing their reluctance to participate and exploring potential legal implications.

Tome excluded Hermoso from the squad “to protect her,” but Hermoso argued that this decision indicated that “nothing has changed” at the RFEF.

The CSD announced the establishment of a commission to oversee the agreed-upon changes, focusing on equality policies, equal pay advancements, and improvements to women’s sports infrastructure.

Furthermore, the RFEF confirmed plans to merge the men’s and women’s Spanish national teams under a single logo and branding known as “Seleccion Espanola de Futbol” (Spanish national team). This move aims to promote equality in football.

Amanda Gutierrez, the president of Futpro, stated that most players had chosen to stay in the interest of the agreement, calling it the beginning of a long journey.

The Spain players arrived at their training camp in Valencia on Tuesday. When asked about her feelings regarding the situation, midfielder Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, responded, “Well, bad.”

Rubiales has been ordered to stay at least 200 meters away from Hermoso after she filed a legal complaint against him. In his first court appearance, Rubiales denied the allegations of sexual assault.

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Spanish Restraining Order Issued to Luis Rubiales Following World Cup Kiss Incident

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A Spanish court has issued a restraining order against Luis Rubiales, the former head of Spain’s football federation, preventing him from approaching footballer Jenni Hermoso within 200 meters.

The order came as the court considers allegations of sexual assault and coercion against Rubiales after he kissed Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory. Rubiales denies the accusations, insisting the kiss was consensual.

He recently resigned from his position, and this incident has cast a shadow over the national team, leading to ongoing disputes and a potential boycott. Prosecutors have submitted charges of sexual assault and coercion, citing pressure on Hermoso to defend Rubiales after the incident.

The case’s outcome may be influenced by Spain’s recent legal reforms regarding consent. Hermoso is set to provide testimony, and videos from the event will be crucial in determining if the case goes to trial.

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Medvedev Triumphs, Alcaraz Clinches US Open 2023 Titles

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In hot and humid conditions at the US Open 2023, Daniil Medvedev secured his spot in the semi-finals by defeating Andrey Rublev, expressing concerns about the extreme weather. Despite apparent breathing difficulties, the third seed managed to beat his fellow Russian with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.

Medvedev, who won the 2021 US Open, is set to face Carlos Alcaraz next after the defending champion defeated Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. The semi-finals for both men will take place at Flushing Meadows on Friday.

The match between Medvedev and Rublev occurred under a partially closed roof due to a heatwave, with temperatures reaching around 35C. Both players struggled with the extreme conditions, taking extended breaks between sets and using various methods to cool down.

Medvedev compared the conditions to the challenging weather he experienced during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and emphasized that both players were affected. Rublev, who has yet to reach a major semi-final, was a break up early in each set, but Medvedev managed to shift the momentum each time.

Medvedev secured the victory and the semi-final spot despite facing challenges with his breathing, using an inhaler, and taking medical timeouts. He highlighted the resilience of both players, acknowledging Rublev’s determination never to give up.

In another semi-final match, last year’s champion, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic are expected to compete for a place in the final. Djokovic, aiming for his 24th major title, will face young American Ben Shelton in the first match. Both Alcaraz and Djokovic are considered strong contenders for the championship.

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