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Esther Gonzalez Faces Backlash After Joining Saudi Women’s Club

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Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has faced criticism after signing for Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al Qadsiah. The 33-year-old left NWSL champions Gotham FC in July after mutually terminating her contract, with the club saying she was stepping away temporarily for personal reasons. Al Qadsiah later announced her signing, prompting backlash from Gotham supporters and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The criticism comes amid concerns over Saudi Arabia’s laws, where same-sex relationships and sexual activity are illegal. Fans on social media have questioned Gonzalez’s decision and expressed concerns about her safety, while Gotham supporters have also criticised the circumstances surrounding her departure and the club’s loss of a potential transfer fee. Reports in Spanish media also claim Gonzalez removed photos featuring her wife and child from her social media accounts following the move.

Gonzalez is a 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner and was part of Spain’s squad that finished runners-up at Euro 2025. She previously enjoyed a successful spell with Gotham FC, winning two NWSL titles, the NWSL Challenge Cup and the Concacaf W Champions Cup. Her move follows similar controversy surrounding footballers who have transferred to Saudi Arabia, including former England midfielder Jordan Henderson.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodríguez

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Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, model and influencer Georgina Rodríguez, in a civil ceremony in Portugal. Portuguese media reported that the couple married on August 11 in the coastal town of Cascais near Lisbon, with their five children attending the ceremony.

Ronaldo appeared to confirm the marriage on Instagram by sharing a photograph of two hands wearing wedding rings. The post quickly attracted millions of likes. The couple have been together for around 10 years after meeting at a Gucci store in Madrid, where Rodríguez worked while Ronaldo was playing for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo and Rodríguez share two daughters and have raised a family of five children together. The couple announced their engagement in August 2025. Ronaldo, 41, is currently captain of Portugal and plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, while continuing a record-breaking football career that includes five Ballon d’Or awards.

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Infantino Apologises, Stays FIFA President

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Gianni Infantino has apologised for mistakes linked to FIFA’s controversial proposal to sell stakes in major tournaments to private investors. After an emergency meeting in Rabat, Morocco, FIFA’s management board reaffirmed its full support for Infantino, allowing him to remain president despite growing criticism.

The proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan faced backlash from UEFA and several football officials, who criticised the lack of transparency. FIFA acknowledged errors in handling the proposal and its communication after the plans were leaked, while insisting all actions complied with its regulations and promising stronger governance.

Although Infantino retains strong backing from many member associations in Asia and Africa, opposition from UEFA continues to grow ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election. Critics, including former Portugal star Luis Figo, have called for his resignation, while FIFA says reforms will help restore confidence in the organisation.

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Pirlo Withdraws from Italy Coach Race

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Andrea Pirlo has announced that he is no longer a candidate to become Italy’s national football coach after facing criticism over his links to Russian betting company Fonbet. Although his appointment had not been officially confirmed, he was widely expected to take the role before political and public backlash intensified.

Several Italian politicians opposed Pirlo’s candidacy, citing his position as a global ambassador for Fonbet and his participation in events held in Russia alongside pro-Kremlin figures. In response, Pirlo said his involvement was purely commercial and sporting, rejecting claims that it reflected any political stance or personal beliefs.

The controversy has created uncertainty within the Italian Football Federation as it searches for a new head coach following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure. Italian media report that Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are now among the leading candidates, while questions also surround the future of technical director Paolo Maldini.

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Chile-DR Congo Friendly Called Off as Ebola Outbreak Triggers Health Concerns

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A planned international friendly between DR Congo and Chile in Spain has been cancelled after local authorities raised concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo. The mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion signed a decree preventing the match from taking place on 9 June, citing recommendations from regional and municipal health officials as a precautionary measure.

Although DR Congo’s squad is currently training in Belgium and consists largely of players based outside the country, authorities expressed concerns over support staff and fans who have recently travelled from the affected region. The team had already cancelled a planned training camp in Kinshasa due to the outbreak and remains scheduled to play Denmark in a friendly match in Liege.

The Ebola outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has prompted international travel restrictions, including entry bans by the United States for certain travellers from DR Congo and neighbouring countries. Despite the disruption, DR Congo is continuing preparations for its first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974, with group-stage matches scheduled in the United States and Mexico later this month.

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Arrieta Wins Rain-Soaked Giro Thriller as Eulalio Takes Pink Jersey

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Spain’s Igor Arrieta claimed a dramatic victory on stage five of the Giro d’Italia after an intense breakaway battle with Portugal’s Afonso Eulalio in torrential rain. The duo broke away from the peloton with around 50km remaining and rode through dangerous, waterlogged roads before both suffering heavy crashes on slippery corners late in the race.

Arrieta crashed first with 14km left and briefly lost significant time while changing bikes, but Eulalio also slid into the barriers just a few kilometres later. Despite cuts, ripped jerseys, and chaotic conditions, both riders pushed on towards Potenza. Arrieta nearly lost control again entering the city and even took a wrong turn before recovering to chase down an exhausted Eulalio in the final metres for an emotional win.

While Arrieta celebrated the stage victory in tears, Eulalio secured the overall race lead and took the iconic pink jersey thanks to the huge gap over the peloton. Race favourite Jonas Vingegaard finished safely with the main contenders more than six minutes behind, though the mountain stages ahead are expected to reshape the general classification battle.

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Alcaraz Awaits Crucial Wrist Test Ahead of French Open Defense

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Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz says an upcoming wrist test will be decisive in determining his participation in the French Open. The world number two recently withdrew from both the Barcelona Open and the Madrid Open after suffering a right wrist injury, which he admitted is more serious than initially expected. With the tournament approaching, his recovery timeline remains uncertain.

Alcaraz has emphasized patience during his rehabilitation, noting that several medical tests in the coming days will guide his next steps. Despite his eagerness to return, the Spaniard is prioritizing long-term fitness over rushing back into competition. He has consistently performed well in Paris, reaching at least the semi-finals in recent years and securing consecutive titles, making his potential absence a major talking point.

Meanwhile, rival Jannik Sinner has regained the world number one ranking, increasing the pressure on Alcaraz in the rankings race. However, the young star remains focused on recovery, stating that returning fully fit is more important than risking further damage. His decision in the coming days will not only impact his title defense but also shape the competitive landscape of the clay-court season.

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Cardiff to Host Euro 2028 Opener, Wembley to Stage Semis and Final

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Cardiff’s Principality Stadium will host the opening match of Euro 2028, while London’s Wembley Stadium will stage the semi-finals and final, UEFA confirmed at the tournament’s official launch in London. The 24-team championship will be played across nine venues in four nations — England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland — after Belfast’s Casement Park was dropped due to funding issues.

Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney called it a “historic moment” for Welsh football, marking the first time Wales will host a major international tournament. He said the event would unite communities, inspire young players, and showcase Welsh culture on a global stage.

The quarter-finals will be shared among Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow, and Wembley, while other English venues include Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Villa Park, Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, and St James’ Park. The qualifying draw will take place in Belfast in December 2026, with organizers pledging to deliver the “best-ever” European Championship.

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Serbian Football Mourns Coach Mladen Zizovic After Sudden Pitchside Collapse

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Serbian football has been left in shock following the sudden death of FK Radnicki 1923 head coach Mladen Zizovic, who collapsed during his team’s Serbian SuperLiga match against Mladost Lucani on Monday. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to hospital, the 44-year-old’s passing was confirmed before half-time, leading to players breaking down in tears and the match being abandoned.

Zizovic, a former Bosnia and Herzegovina international, had only taken charge of Radnicki 1923 last month, but quickly earned respect for his leadership and character. His club paid tribute, describing him as not only a talented professional but also a “good man and friend” who left a deep impact on everyone around him.

The football community across Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina has expressed profound grief, with national associations and leading clubs such as Red Star Belgrade offering heartfelt condolences. Tributes praised Zizovic’s rich playing career—including stints with top Bosnian clubs—and his dedication to coaching, marking his passing as a significant loss to regional football.

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Paris Prepares for Its First Olympics in a Century

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The Paris Olympics, with the motto “Games Wide Open,” officially begin on Friday with a historic opening ceremony featuring a 6km procession along the River Seine, accommodating 300,000 spectators. This marks the first time in a century that Paris has hosted the summer Games, showcasing events in and around the city’s iconic landmarks.

The artistic director, Thomas Jolly, aims to highlight France’s diversity, with speculation surrounding performances by stars like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga. The Games will also achieve gender parity for the first time, with equal participation from 5,250 male and 5,250 female athletes.

Despite the excitement, concerns linger over overcrowding, inflation, and transportation challenges. A major security presence, including 5,000 police and soldiers, will be deployed to ensure safety. Local businesses along the Seine have expressed frustrations due to restrictions, though authorities assure that barriers will be removed post-ceremony.

The anticipated cost for the Games is around 9 billion euros, with organizers pledging to make it the greenest Olympics yet. While only two new venues have been built, iconic locations such as the Stade de France and Roland Garros will host various events.

One of the primary concerns leading up to the Games was the water quality of the Seine, particularly for swimming events. Regular testing will ensure safety after a century-long ban on swimming in the river.

The opening ceremony will be a groundbreaking event, taking place outside a traditional stadium. It will feature a parade of nations and culminate in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. The event will be broadcast live, marking an exciting start to the Games, with some events already underway, including men’s rugby and football.

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