Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged by England's Football Association with violating ...

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged by England's Football Association with violating anti-doping rules after failing a drugs test.Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since Nov. 28 following his provisional suspension by the FA for an "adverse finding in a routine urine test" in December.The Ukraine international at the time said he was in "complete shock" and he "never knowingly used any banned substances."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But Mudryk could face a potential ban of up to four years under FA rules.Confirming the 24-year-old has been charged with the offence, an FA statement on Wednesday said: "We can confirm that Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with anti-doping rule violations alleging the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance, in terms of regulations three and four of the FA's anti-doping regulations."As this is an ongoing case, we are not in a position to comment further at this time."Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, Mudryk was reported to have had the prohibited performance enhancing substance meldonium in his positive test.Chelsea launched their own investigation into the doping allegation last year and had been waiting for the results of the "B" sample test to support or contradict the initial 'A' results.Earlier this month, Mudryk's No. 10 shirt was given to Cole Palmer for next season, leaving the Ukraine international without a squad number at Stamford Bridge.The positive test was returned shortly after he had been away on international duty with Ukraine in November.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca initially said the winger was ill when asked to explain the four-game period he was absent from the team prior to the suspension being made public.Mudryk last featured in the Chelsea squad as an unused substitute for their 3-0 Premier League win against Aston Villa on Dec. 1.His time at Chelsea has been dogged by inconsistency, with erratic performances only occasionally off-set by flashes of his ability.Mudryk has scored just 10 goals in 73 appearances in all competitions for the Blues.He made only one Premier League start last season in a win over Wolves in August.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Mykhailo Mudryk of Chelsea reacts during the UEFA Europa Conference League Play-Off 1st leg match between Chelsea v Servette FC at Stamford Bridge on August 22, 2024 in London, England.

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Chelsea's Mudryk faces 4-year ban after being charged for doping

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola suggested Tuesday that the dropped Jack Grealish needed to red...

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola suggested Tuesday that the dropped Jack Grealish needed to rediscover his love for playing football after being left out of the squad for the Club World Cup in the United States."Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason he didn't play last season was of course my decisions," Guardiola told reporters in Philadelphia, where City will play Wydad Casablanca in their opening game on Wednesday, without the England international winger."We decided it was best that he stays and has a place where he can get back to what he was in the year of the treble or all his career at Aston Villa."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Grealish joined City in 2021 and was a standout on their run to Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup glory in 2023. However, he started only 10 Premier League games in the following season and only 16 times across all competitions in this campaign."Without him it would have been more difficult to achieve what we did in the treble season, but the fact is that the last two seasons he has not played much minutes," Guardiola added."He has to get back to playing and having the butterflies in his stomach that he needs to play every three days."However, the former Barcelona coach appeared to suggest that the player's future did not necessarily lie away from the Etihad Stadium."No, no. I don't know, but for now we decided don't come here," he said.City, who finished third in the Premier League, added four new signings in the recent transfer window to freshen up their squad for the Club World Cup.They brought in Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, exciting French creator Rayan Cherki, left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and back-up goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli."We are really pleased because all of them have huge quality," Guardiola said."With this incredible amount of games we have until the end of the season, 11 months, every three or four days, everyone is going to play."<h3>Time to turn the page</h3>The last season was one of the hardest of Guardiola's coaching career and he sees the Club World Cup as the first tournament of the new campaign, and therefore a chance to turn the page."It is the beginning of the season. In sport, what happened in the past, good or bad, is forgotten so we feel like we are starting the season," he said.City are expected to ease through to the last 16 from Group G, in which they will also meet Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates and Italian giants Juventus.First up at Lincoln Financial Field is Morocco's Wydad, a leading name in North African football who qualified for the Club World Cup as a recent winner of the CAF Champions League."Football has grown up a lot all around the world. All these teams have individual quality," said Guardiola, refusing to take Wednesday's opponents lightly."A good example is Riyad Mahrez from Algeria, Oh my God, what a player. They have incredible players."We have huge, huge respect. We saw what we could see of them. We have a game plan, we are here to make a good tournament and tomorrow we start."

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 20: Jack Grealish of Manchester City acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and AFC Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on May 20, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Guardiola says axed Grealish needs to get 'butterflies back in his stomach'

Real Madrid could be without striker Kylian Mbappe for their Club World Cup opener against Saudi ...

Real Madrid could be without striker Kylian Mbappe for their Club World Cup opener against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after the Frenchman missed training due to illness.New head coach Xabi Alonso will make his debut on the Real bench for the Group H match at Hard Rock Stadium and could be without several regulars.Defender Antonio Rudiger and the versatile Eduardo Camavinga are also likely to miss out against the Saudi team.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Kylian was feeling a little better this morning, but not enough. It’s very hot and it was better that he didn't train. But we will wait until the last moment. Tomorrow morning we will decide," said Alonso."Rudiger made a brutal effort this season and I don't know if he will be called up tomorrow, but he is progressing well and will be the first to return. Camavinga is also improving quickly, but he needs time," he added.Al-Hilal will also have a new coach on the bench with Italian Simone Inzaghi having joined after leading Inter Milan to the Champions League final.Alonso said the change of coach means that it is difficult to know what to expect from Wednesday's opponents."We have to prepare for the game in the best possible way. They will be a tough opponent, without a doubt. But it's time to focus on ourselves. They haven't made their debut with Inzaghi yet, so we don't know how they will play."We have to have hunger to win, to compete, to want to play well. We have to mix a lot of things, but that self-love, that feeling of team, that defending the badge… The team already has it, but we have to work on it. We must be a team," he said.Alonso was asked about the right-back position where Dani Carvajal faces competition from new arrival Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has joined from Liverpool."It is a privilege to have such top players. Trent is more flexible in positions, but Carva has a lot of personality and competitiveness. The initial impact of Trent has been very good."Alonso was quizzed for his opinions on several players and unsurprisingly was upbeat about his squad, suggesting that England's Jude Bellingham may be more effective in a central midfield role than in the more advanced position he has sometimes operated in."Jude has the ability to cover a lot of the pitch. He has the soul of a midfielder, he likes to participate, but he has the great quality to arrive. The important thing is the starting point. Finding him in the right places is going to help us because he has impressive qualities," he said.Alonso will get a brief spell to enjoy working with Croatian midfielder Luka Modric before the 39-year-old leaves the club."It's easy with him. We always had a great relationship, friends and now coach-player. I like his relationship with the younger ones, he is a very good influence. We want to enjoy him in these weeks. He’s a player of the era, being able to squeeze him a little more will be a luxury," he said.

MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 25: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts to a missed chance during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 25, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Mbappe could miss Madrid's Club World Cup opener with illness

Borussia Dortmund were held to a 0-0 draw by Fluminense at the Club World Cup on Tuesday, as Braz...

Borussia Dortmund were held to a 0-0 draw by Fluminense at the Club World Cup on Tuesday, as Brazilian teams maintained their unbeaten record so far in the competition.Rio de Janeiro powerhouses Fluminense were the more dangerous team throughout the Group F game played at the Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, just outside New York City.However, Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel turned a Jhon Arias shot around the post in the first half, before Matheus Martinelli drilled an effort narrowly wide.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Fluminense -- captained by 40-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea defender Thiago Silva -- were a threat on the break throughout and should have scored at the end of a counter midway into the second half, but Agustin Canobbio shot straight at Kobel.The Dortmund goalkeeper then produced a fine save low down to deny Everaldo as the match ended in stalemate."We saw it was a tough game as we expected. Fluminense is a top team, very ball-possession based," Dortmund coach Niko Kovac told broadcaster DAZN."They played very good. We had some difficulties, especially in the first half. In the second half I would say it was better but overall it was a lucky point for us."Fluminense qualified for the tournament by virtue of their triumph in the Copa Libertadores in 2023.Their performance against a European heavyweight, UEFA Champions League finalists last year, is further evidence that Brazilian teams can hope to make a real impact in FIFA's new-look competition.Their great rivals Flamengo beat Esperance of Tunisia 2-0 on Monday and face Chelsea next.Palmeiras drew 0-0 with Porto in their opening game while Botafogo, the reigning Brazilian and South American champions, defeated Seattle Sounders of MLS 2-1 on Sunday.Dortmund, who gave a debut off the bench to teenage English midfielder Jobe Bellingham following his recent arrival from Sunderland, did not seriously threaten until a late Niklas Suele long-ranger.Kovac, whose team finished fourth in the Bundesliga, insisted the conditions had a significant impact on the game."The pitch isn't so easy for us. I think the humidity also wasn't so easy for all the players, although the Brazilians are more used to it," he said."It was hard for us, we were running a lot, but overall we can live with a point."The Germans will hope to get their first win when they play Mamelodi Sundowns next.Sundowns, of South Africa, take on Ulsan HD of South Korea in the day's other Group F match in Orlando.

Borussia Dortmund's English midfielder #77 Jobe Bellingham and Fluminense's Brazilian forward #09 Everaldo vie for the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group F football match between Brazil's Fluminense and Germany's Borussia Dortmund at the MetLife stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on June 17, 2025.

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Dortmund held by Fluminense at Club World Cup

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca labelled the atmosphere in his team's opening Club World Cup game on M...

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca labelled the atmosphere in his team's opening Club World Cup game on Monday "strange" after the Blues triumphed in front of nearly 50,000 empty seats.The UEFA Conference League winners defeated Los Angeles FC 2-0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with only 22,000 fans present at the 71,000-capacity arena."The environment was a bit strange, the stadium was almost empty, not full," Maresca told reporters.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We are professional, we have to adapt to the situation, to the environment..."It's important the behaviour of the players, the attitude, and once again they showed how professional they are."The Chelsea coach said his team had expected a larger crowd, but were hopeful they would get that in their second game against Flamengo of Brazil in Philadelphia."We prepared this game also thinking that the environment was a bit different, but no doubt that the next one will be a nice one, because we know that the Brazilian teams, they always bring many, many fans," he added.Over 60,000 spectators attended the opening match between Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Al Ahly on Saturday, while 80,000 were present at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Sunday for the clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris-Saint Germain and Atletico Madrid.Plenty of Boca Juniors fans created a raucous atmosphere later on Monday for their match against Benfica at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.With Chelsea playing at 3:00 pm local time on a working Monday, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was under a third full.MLS side Atlanta United average nearly 45,000 fans at their matches and are the best supported US team."PSG against Atletico, in front of a big crowd at the Rose Bowl...so I don't know if there's just more fans in Los Angeles who are into this tournament than here, or if it's the pairing tonight," said LA coach Steve Cherundolo.However the American said it was too early to judge FIFA's new expanded competition on the basis of just one match."Regarding crowds I think it's kind of different each game you look at, so I don't think we should be talking about this right now," he added."I think we should wait until the end of the tournament...(to make) an opinion about it as a whole, as opposed to one game."

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 16: Enzo Maresca manager / head coach of Chelsea during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Chelsea FC and Los Angeles Football Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 16, 2025 in Atlanta, United States.

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Chelsea's Maresca: 'Strange' to play in front of sparse crowd

Chelsea kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC on ...

Chelsea kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC on Monday in Group D, although there were nearly 50,000 empty seats in the stadium in Atlanta.Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez's goals got the Blues off to a good start in a competitive clash against one of the three qualified MLS teams.New signing Liam Delap made his debut as a substitute and helped set up Fernandez's strike, with Chelsea hoping to reestablish themselves among the elite after their UEFA Conference League triumph and Champions League qualification.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said it was a "very good result" and was happy with Delap's display."The good thing about Liam is he knows the way we want to play, so the process is quite quick," said the Italian.After a solid start to the tournament regarding attendance numbers over the opening weekend, a sparse crowd of just over 22,000 settled in at the stylish 71,000 capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium."The environment was a bit strange, the stadium was almost empty, not full," Maresca told reporters.Behind former Tottenham Hotspur stopper Hugo Lloris' goal in the first half, a couple of hundred LAFC 'ultras' helped provide an atmosphere with a drum beat and constant song.The closed stadium roof offered refuge from the Georgia humidity and mid-afternoon summer sun which Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid stars roasted under on Sunday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.However, the attendance suffered badly because of the 3:00 pm local time kick-off.Despite regular strong crowds for MLS side Atlanta United, the best supported US team, few locals decided to take a Monday off work for the tournament's first weekday afternoon game, seemingly chosen to suit a British television audience.After beating Club America in a play-off to qualify for the competition as late as May, LAFC took the place of the banned Mexican side Club Leon, and play none of their three group games at home in California.The top ring of the stadium was entirely shut and other levels were only partly filled, despite ticket prices dropping in the days ahead of the game.It was the first real blow for organisers FIFA's expanded competition, which is also being viewed as a trial run ahead of the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.Chelsea took control from the start, with Lloris saving from Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, while Cole Palmer whistled a strike narrowly over.With new signing Delap looking on from the bench, Jackson played like a man determined to keep his starting spot.The striker was instrumental in Neto's opener, releasing the Portuguese winger with an excellent through ball.Neto chopped in the box to leave LA defender Ryan Hollingshead stumbling helplessly out of sight and then buried a powerful strike past Lloris low at the near post.<h3>Delap debut</h3>Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud came on at half-time for the Americans and Steve Cherundolo's team improved in the second half.Jackson came close with a header and LA almost levelled but Sanchez made a fine save with his outstretched leg to thwart 2023 MLS golden boot winner Denis Bouanga after he shook off Neto.Maresca brought on 22-year-old striker Delap for his Chelsea debut after the hour mark, having begun the game with all of the club's new faces on the bench.The forward drove into space and tried to tee up Fernandez with a promising first move in a Chelsea shirt since his arrival from relegated Ipswich Town.Chelsea star Palmer, who had shown occasional flashes of brilliance, hammered over before Fernandez grabbed Chelsea's second.Running into the six-yard box, the Argentine midfielder controlled Delap's cross from the right and beat Lloris to put the game to bed."Regarding crowds I think it's kind of different each game you look at so I don't think we should be talking about this right now," said LA coach Cherundolo."I think we should wait until the end of the tournament...(to make) an opinion about it as a whole, as opposed to one game."Elsewhere in Group D Esperance Tunis face Brazil's Flamengo later on Monday.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 16: Enzo Fernandez #8 of Chelsea FC celebrates scoring his team's second goal with Liam Delap #9 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Chelsea FC and Los Angeles Football Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Delap impresses on debut as Chelsea beat LAFC at Club World Cup

The English Women's Super League (WSL) is set expand to 14 teams from 12 for the start of the 202...

The English Women's Super League (WSL) is set expand to 14 teams from 12 for the start of the 2026/27 season after the proposal was voted through by clubs on Monday.The changes still require the approval of the English Football Association but are expected to pass with a promotion/relegation play-off as part of the shake up to the women's game.Currently just one club is relegated and one promoted each season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Next season the top two from the second tier WSL2 will be automatically promoted.Additionally, third-place in the WSL2 will face the team that finishes bottom in the top tier in a play-off.From the 2026/27 campaign, the one automatic relegation and promotion place will return with a play-off between second bottom in the WSL and second top in the second tier."Subject to the approval from the FA board, expanding the WSL to 14 teams will stimulate movement between leagues and through the pyramid which increases opportunities," said Nikki Doucet, chief executive of Women's Professional Leagues Limited."The introduction of a promotion/relegation play-off creates distinction for the women's game and introduces a high-profile, high-stakes match."Expansion is part of a 10-year plan to raise standards across the top two tiers of English women's football, focused on improved facilities, staffing and academies.According to financial experts Deloitte, collective revenues in the WSL rose 34 percent to £65 million ($88 million) in 2023/24 and are projected to reach £100 million in the upcoming season.However, Deloitte also found that average attendances across the league dipped by 10 percent last season to 6,642 as the surge in interest generated by England's Euro 2022 success faded.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 10: Millie Bright of Chelsea lifts the trophy as the team celebrate after the Barclays Women's Super League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on May 10, 2025 in London, England.

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Women's Super League in England to expand from 12 to 14 teams

Bayern Munich showed no mercy to amateurs Auckland City at the Club World Cup on Sunday, beating ...

Bayern Munich showed no mercy to amateurs Auckland City at the Club World Cup on Sunday, beating the minnows from New Zealand 10-0 in their opening game as Jamal Musiala came off the bench to score a second-half hat-trick.Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise and Thomas Muller all netted twice, while Sacha Boey was on target too for the German champions in the game in Group C, which also features Boca Juniors and Benfica.Harry Kane started but didn't get on the scoresheet before being replaced just after the hour mark by Musiala, who netted his three goals in the space of 18 minutes towards the end.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We have to remain modest but it was important to be able to say that we took the game seriously," said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany."It was a good first match at the tournament, but of course challenges are going to grow and it's going to become more difficult."It was a stroll in the park in the midday sun in Cincinnati for Kompany's side, with France winger Coman scoring twice in the opening 21 minutes either side of goals by compatriots Boey and Olise.Coman's sixth-minute breakthrough goal was the first of the tournament following the 0-0 draw between Inter Miami and Al Ahly in Saturday's opening game.Muller got the fifth and Olise's second of the afternoon made it 6-0 in first-half stoppage time for the Bundesliga heavyweights.Olise's strike for the sixth was the pick of the day's goals, as he came in from the right before curling a shot on his left foot into the far corner.<h3>Super sub Musiala</h3>Auckland City managed to stem the tide for much of the second half before Musiala came on and took centre stage, his three goals including one from the penalty spot after he had been fouled.Muller, who will leave Bayern after the tournament, made it 10-0 in the 89th minute with his 250th goal for the club.The result confirmed the enormous gulf between one of Europe's giants and an Auckland side who have won the Oceania Champions League 13 times but whose amateur players had to take unpaid leave to travel to the United States for the tournament."This is the reality of football against one of the world's top teams," admitted City's interim coach, Ivan Vicelich."It is a dream for players coming from an amateur level to play in this environment."We knew it was going to be a very difficult game, playing against one of the top teams in the world, potentially one of the favourites for the Club World Cup, so we are just really proud of the players' efforts."However, the result made it an ideal start for Bayern, who won the Club World Cup twice in its former seven-team guise, in 2013 and 2020.They have recorded bigger victories in the past in the German Cup, but the 10-goal winning margin equals their best ever in the Bundesliga, when they beat Borussia Dortmund 11-1 in 1971.Bayern, who gave new signing Jonathan Tah a debut in central defence following his recent arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, play Boca in their next match in Miami on Friday.Auckland City take on Benfica earlier the same day in Orlando.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 15: Kingsley Coman #11 of FC Bayern Munchen celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with Aleksandar Pavlovic #45 and Harry Kane #9 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group C match between FC Bayern München and Auckland City FC at TQL Stadium on June 15, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Bayern blow out Auckland City 10-0 in record-breaking Club World Cup win

Gennaro Gattuso was named Italy's new coach on Sunday and will be tasked with helping the Azzurri...

Gennaro Gattuso was named Italy's new coach on Sunday and will be tasked with helping the Azzurri qualify for the 2026 World Cup after replacing Luciano Spalletti.The 47-year-old was part of the 2006 World Cup-winning side and won 73 caps for the national team as a player.The Italian football federation (FIGC) said Gattuso would be presented to the media on Thursday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football," said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina."The blue shirt is like a second skin for him. His motivation, his professionalism and his experience will be essential."(He is) aware of the importance of the objective we want to achieve. I thank him for the total dedication with which he has accepted this challenge."Four-time champions Italy have failed to qualify for the past two World Cups and started their bid to reach next year's tournament in North America with a 3-0 loss to Norway last week.Gattuso is an experienced coach and was last in charge of Croatian club Hajduk Split, helping them qualify for next season's UEFA Conference League.His other former clubs include AC Milan, for whom he made 468 appearances as a player, as well Napoli, Valencia and Marseille.Italy are next in action in Group I of qualifying with games against Estonia and Israel in September.Spalletti was sacked after the Norway defeat, and Monday's win over Moldova was his last match in charge.Italy missed out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia after losing a playoff to Sweden and then also failed to qualify for the 2022 finals in Qatar, suffering a shock exit from the playoffs at the hands of North Macedonia.Gattuso has had a mixed coaching career since retiring as a player in 2013.His only major trophy as a head coach was the 2019-20 Italian Cup with Napoli.He lasted only 22 and 24 matches in charge of Valencia and Marseille respectively, while an announced deal with Fiorentina was rescinded just two weeks before his contract was due to begin in 2021.According to Italian media, former Italy defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci will join his coaching staff.Former boss Cesare Prandelli is expected to take over the youth teams.The FIGC had been turned down by both Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli before appointing Gattuso.

Marseillle's Italian head coach Gennaro Gattuso reacts during the French L1 football match between Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at the Francis-Le Ble stadium in Brest, western France, on February 18, 2024.

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2006 World Cup winner Gattuso named Italy's new coach

Igor Tudor has signed a new contract with Juventus which will keep the Croatian coach in Turin fo...

Igor Tudor has signed a new contract with Juventus which will keep the Croatian coach in Turin for another two seasons, the Serie A club said on Friday.In a statement, Juve said that Tudor "will lead the men's first team until 30 June, 2027, with an option to extend by another year until 30 June, 2028".Juve's new general manager Damien Comolli had already confirmed earlier this week that Tudor, 47, would stay on as coach after the club failed to snatch Antonio Conte from Serie A champions Napoli.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Juve had pushed to bring back club icon Conte, who won three straight league titles as coach of the Turin giants between 2011 and 2014.But Conte decided to stay at Napoli and defend the Scudetto, leading Juve to decide to stick with Tudor who replaced sacked Thiago Motta in March and guided the club to next season's Champions League.Tudor will lead Juve at the upcoming Club World Cup in the USA where the Italians face Al Ain, Wydad AC and Manchester City in the group stage.Juve are one of a minority of Serie A clubs to stick with their coach, with a host of changes already made less than three weeks after the end of last season.

TURIN, ITALY - JUNE 13: Juventus head coach Igor Tudor signing a contract extension with Dean Comolli at Juventus headquarters on June 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy.

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Juventus hand Tudor new 2-year deal before Club World Cup

Liverpool have agreed a club-record deal worth up to £116 million ($157 million) to sign attackin...

Liverpool have agreed a club-record deal worth up to £116 million ($157 million) to sign attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, it was widely reported on Friday.British media reported that the Premier League champions would pay an initial £100 million, comfortably surpassing their own record outlay, but the performance-related add-ons, if achieved, would make it a potential British record.Reports in Germany suggested the potential fee could rise to 150 million euros (£127 million, $172 million).<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Liverpool's total spend on the 22-year-old Germany international could surpass the £115 million Chelsea agreed to pay Brighton in 2023 for Moises Caicedo, who turned down Anfield.Midfielder Caicedo cost Chelsea an initial £100 million fee, which could rise to £115 million.Striker Darwin Nunez was Liverpool's previous record signing in 2022, although they have not paid the full £85 million as he has not met all the requirements for certain add-ons to be due.Manchester City had been keen on Wirtz but pulled out, reportedly due to the spiralling costs of the whole package.Wirtz has been hailed as one of the "best in the world" by former Bayer Leverkusen coach and ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is the new boss of Real Madrid.After largely keeping their powder dry in the transfer market during Arne Slot's first season in charge, the Reds are splashing out to strengthen a side that romped to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.Wirtz's Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong has already joined Liverpool while a deal for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is understood to be well-advanced.Wirtz was played a crucial role in Leverkusen's greatest season as they claimed a first-ever Bundesliga title and the German Cup in 2023/24 without losing a single game under Alonso.Their only defeat that season, during which Wirtz was crowned Bundesliga player of the year, came in the Europa League final to Atalanta, denying the Werkself a memorable treble.Bayern Munich restored their grip on the German game last season, with Leverkusen a distant second, and Wirtz is joining an exodus from the BayArena.Where Liverpool's record signing fits into Slot's plans remains to be seen.Wirtz largely played behind a central striker at Leverkusen and has operated from a wider role for Germany.A return of 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 games for Leverkusen is evidence that he carries a threat both as a creator and a goalscorer.Liverpool are already blessed with an abundance of forward options, with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo all offering a goal threat.However, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa now face even stiffer competition and Liverpool might sell to free up further transfer resources, with suggestions they could sign a specialist striker.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 11: Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen gestures during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund at BayArena on May 11, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany.

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Report: Liverpool close to completing record deal for Leverkusen's Wirtz

USA captain Christian Pulisic has hit back at former players who have criticised his decision to ...

USA captain Christian Pulisic has hit back at former players who have criticised his decision to miss this month's CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament being held a year out from the World Cup.The USA will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico but Pulisic, 26, opted to rest during June rather than play in two friendly games and up to six matches against regional opponents.Former USA star Landon Donovan was one of those who heavily criticised Pulisic's decision comparing it unfavourably with Cristiano Ronaldo playing in the Nations League at the age of 40.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"You can talk about my performances, whatever you want, but to question my commitment, especially towards the national team? In my opinion, that's way out of line," said the AC Milan winger.Donovan was just one of a cast of former USA players, appearing on talk shows and podcasts, criticising Pulisic and questioning his commitment but Pulisic said some were saying different things in private."It is tough, because I looked up to those guys growing up. Some of those guys were my idols, and I respect them so much as players. It's tough, especially when — some of them, as well, privately, the way they talk to me and clearly want to show support and be your friend and everything. And then it goes, and they say something slightly different publicly. That's fine. It doesn't hurt me," he said.Pulisic, who has made 72 appearances for his country, said his decision had been based on an evaluation of his physical condition at the end of the Serie A season."It sucks for me to miss out with the team. I want to be a part of the team always. But to be honest, towards the second half and the end of the season, my body just started talking to me," he said. "I started to think, you know, what's going to be best for me leading into next year and going into the World Cup. Is that to play eight more games, get no rest at all, go straight into preseason and then grind another year, and go straight into the World Cup? That's not what I felt was best for my body," he added.Pulisic has played 120 games for club and country in the past two seasons.<h3>Absentees</h3>The winger isn't the only regular starter for the USA who will be missing for the Gold Cup where Mauricio Pochettino's side will face Trindidad and Tobago, Haiti and Saudi Arabia in the group stage.Fulham defender Antonee Robinson also has time off to recover from injuries and Milan midfielder Yunus Musah is absent for personal reasons. Weston McKennie and Tim Weah are on Club World Cup duty for Juventus with Giovanni Reyna also in that tournament for Borussia Dortmund.But Pulisic said he had offered to line up for the USA in the recent friendly matches against Turkey and Switzerland -- which both ended up in defeat with the Swiss providing a 4-0 hammering."The only point I would make with that is that I did want to be part of at least the two friendlies," he said. "I did speak with the coaches, and I asked and I wanted to be part of the team in whatever capacity I could. They said no; they said they only wanted one roster, and that's a coach's decision. I fully respect that. I didn't understand it, but it is what it is," he said. "I wanted to be a part of that, but that's just the way things went. I had to make the best decision for myself, and also, in the long run, my team, although, clearly, some people haven’t seen it that way," he said.Pulisic said he hoped that fans and pundits who have turned against him would change their views when he returns fit and fresh."You know how it is: people forget really quickly. Once I'm back with the national team — I hope — once I'm back with the national team and can play again, score a goal and win a game, people will forget all about this quickly," he added.

SAN SIRO STADIUM, MILAN, ITALY - 2025/05/24: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on during Serie A 2024/25 football match between AC Milan and AC Monza at San Siro Stadium AC Milan 2 - 0 AC Monza.

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Pulisic: Ex-U.S. players questioning my commitment are 'way out of line'

Germany winger Leroy Sane has joined Galatasaray on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, the Turki...

Germany winger Leroy Sane has joined Galatasaray on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, the Turkish champions announced on Thursday.The 29-year-old has signed a three-year deal and will be paid an annual salary of €9 million ($10.4 million), plus a "loyalty bonus" of €3 million a season, the club said."I've played here before. There was an incredible atmosphere," said Sane after arriving in Istanbul.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Honestly, the fans were very loud. Now that they're behind me, I'm very happy, and I'm very excited to play my first match here."Sane, who has played 70 times for the German national team, won four Bundesliga titles at Bayern after signing from Manchester City, with whom he lifted the Premier League twice.He scored 13 goals in all competitions last season, helping Bayern win back the Bundesliga trophy from Bayer Leverkusen.

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE- JUNE 12: Galatasaray fans welcome German winger Leroy Sané with chants upon his arrival at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul, Türkiye, following his transfer to the club on June 12, 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

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Sane signs 3-year deal with Galatasaray worth up to €12M per season

Kevin De Bruyne has signed for Napoli as a free agent after being released by Manchester City, th...

Kevin De Bruyne has signed for Napoli as a free agent after being released by Manchester City, the Serie A champions' president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed on Thursday.Film mogul De Laurentiis posted a picture of himself shaking hands with De Bruyne on social media with the message "welcome Kevin!"Belgium midfielder De Bruyne has reportedly signed a two-year deal with an option for a third at Napoli, where he will join up with international teammate Romelu Lukaku and former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 33-year-old left City at the end of this past season after a trophy-packed decade in Manchester, where under Pepe Guardiola he won six Premier League titles and in 2023 the Champions League.He has however suffered from a series of physical problems in recent seasons, with two hamstring injuries causing him to miss significant chunks of the last two campaigns.Napoli have brought in one of Europe's top midfielders as the Italians try to bolster a squad which next season will defend the Scudetto while also having the extra fixture pressure of the expanded Champions League.Antonio Conte's Napoli beat Inter Milan to the Serie A title on the final day of the season, their second league crown in three years.But they had no European football clogging up their calendar, unlike Inter who got to the Champions League final only to be thumped 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain.

NAPLES, ITALY - JUNE 12: Kevin De Bruyne shakes hands with SSC Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis during his official presentation as a new Napoli player on June 12, 2025 in Rome, Italy.

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De Bruyne joins Napoli after leaving Man City

Sampdoria will have a chance to avoid their first ever relegation to Italy's third division after...

Sampdoria will have a chance to avoid their first ever relegation to Italy's third division after a play-off with Salernitana was confirmed by Serie B.The former Italian champions fell to a historic low last month when a goalless draw at Juve Stabia on the final day of the regular season led to an 18th-placed finish in the 20-team division.The bottom three in Serie B are directly relegated to the third tier, while the teams in 16th and 17th place face off in a two-legged play-off.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But Brescia dropped down to 18th after being deducted eight points for accounting and administrative infractions, four of which were applied to this past season and the remaining points to their next league campaign.Brescia did not appeal the ruling and are set to go out of existence after 114 years following owner Massimo Cellino's decision not to honour a debt of three million euros ($3.4 million).Cellino had until Friday to pay part of Brescia's eight million euros in tax arrears and other overdue tax, and failure to do so has resulted in the club losing the right to take part in the Italian league system.That has given Sampdoria a lifeline, with a showdown with Salernitana deciding the final team to be relegated to Serie C alongside Brescia, Cittadella and Cosenza.One of seven Italian clubs who have played all their football in the top two divisions, Sampdoria will host Salernitana on Sunday, with the second leg in Salerno in southern Italy the following Friday.Sampdoria were relegated to Serie B in 2023 and close to going bust before being saved by current president Matteo Manfredi and former Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani, who has since exited the club.The club's majority shareholder is Singaporean businessman Joseph Tey.Club icons Alberico Evani and Attilio Lombardo were hired as coaches in April in an attempt to save Sampdoria from the drop after significant transfer market activity both last summer and in January.Evani is Sampdoria's fourth head coach of the season after Andrea Pirlo, Andrea Sottil and Leonardo Semplice.

GENOA, ITALY - MAY 9: Alberico Evani, head coach of Sampdoria (center), issues Rémi Oudin and M'Baye Niang some instructions during the Serie B match between UC Sampdoria and US Salernitana 1919 at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 9, 2025 in Genoa, Italy.

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Sampdoria must beat Salernitana to avoid 1st season in Serie C

Cagliari announced on Wednesday that novice Fabio Pisacane had been picked as the Serie A club's ...

Cagliari announced on Wednesday that novice Fabio Pisacane had been picked as the Serie A club's new coach following the sacking of Davide Nicola.Pisacane, who spent six seasons with Cagliari as a player, has signed a one-year contract which will be automatically renewed should unspecified "sporting criteria" be satisfied.The 39-year-old has been promoted from Cagliari's youth team which in April won the youth Italian Cup by beating AC Milan 3-0. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cagliari finished 15th in Serie A under Nicola last season, five points above the relegation zone.The close season in Italy has already brought numerous coaching changes, including at some of the country's biggest clubs like AC Milan, Inter Milan, Roma and Atalanta.

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 09: Fabio Pisacane of Cagliari celebrates win at the end of the Coppa Italia Primavera final match between AC Milan and Cagliari on April 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

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Cagliari promote Fabio Pisacane to head coach

Ecuador qualified for the World Cup for the fifth time in their history on Tuesday after a 0-0 dr...

Ecuador qualified for the World Cup for the fifth time in their history on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw with Peru in Lima.The Ecuadorians, who were eliminated in the group stage of the Qatar World Cup in 2022, grabbed the solitary point needed to qualify despite being reduced to 10 men when Alan Franco was sent off in the 75th minute.The result left Ecuador in second place in South America's 10-team standings with 25 points from 16 games, assuring them of an automatic qualifying spot.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sebastian Beccacece's team has now recorded three straight goalless draws, and has conceded just five goals in its 16 qualifying matches, the best defensive record in CONMEBOL.Brazil also qualified on Tuesday, joining defending champion Argentina.Three automatic berths for next year's 48-team World Cup remain up for grabs in South America.

Ecuador players celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Peru and Ecuador at the National stadium in Lima, on June 10, 2025. Ecuador qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in their history on June 10, 2025, after a 0-0 draw with Peru in Lima.

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Ecuador rides stout defense to World Cup place

England slumped to a 3-1 home friendly defeat by Senegal on Tuesday to ramp up the scrutiny on bo...

England slumped to a 3-1 home friendly defeat by Senegal on Tuesday to ramp up the scrutiny on boss Thomas Tuchel one year out from the World Cup.Goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra and Cheikh Sabaly inflicted England's first ever defeat against African opposition at Nottingham Forest's City Ground after Harry Kane had given the hosts an early lead."Not good enough. We had moments, but with and without the ball things aren't clicking, we're not finding the right tempo," said England captain Kane.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We've lost that aggressive nature that we had."Tuchel was scathing in his criticism of his side's dreary display in beating minnows Andorra just 1-0 in World Cup qualifying on Saturday.The German, who was appointed with the task of ending England's wait since 1966 for a major tournament win, has so far failed to spark a star-studded squad into looking like contenders for the World Cup, even if this was his first defeat in four games.Tuchel responded by making 10 changes, with Kane the only player to retain his place.It took just seven minutes for the England captain to maintain his record of scoring in every game since Tuchel took charge.Former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy should have done better when he could only parry Anthony Gordon's shot into the path of Kane, who tapped in his 73rd international goal.Dean Henderson was given a rare chance to impress in the England goal as Jordan Pickford was relegated to the bench.The Crystal Palace stopper made impressive saves from his club team-mate Sarr and Idrissa Gana Gueye.But he was helpless when Sarr made the most of a lack of concentration from Kyle Walker to meet Nicolas Jackson's cross and fire into the bottom corner.England had never lost to African opposition in 22 previous matches but Senegal had been beaten just once from open play since losing to the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup.Diarra was afforded acres of room to run in behind the England defence and slot between the legs of Henderson to put the visitors in front just after the hour mark.Mendy made amends for his role in the opening goal with fine saves to deny Bukayo Saka and Morgan Gibbs-White a swift equaliser.England thought they had levelled late on when Jude Bellingham smashed home from a corner.But the goal was ruled out for a handball by Levi Colwill before the ball broke to the Real Madrid midfielder.Senegal made the most of that reprieve to seal a famous win in stoppage time when Sabaly rounded off a slick counter-attack.Boos rained down from the disgruntled home support to leave Tuchel with plenty to ponder before England are next in action in September.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 10: Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England reacts during the international friendly match between England and Senegal at City Ground on June 10, 2025 in Nottingham, England.

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Tuchel under pressure as Senegal hands England 1st-ever loss to African team

Kevin De Bruyne spared Belgium's blushes after blowing a 3-0 lead to beat Wales 4-3 and kickstart...

Kevin De Bruyne spared Belgium's blushes after blowing a 3-0 lead to beat Wales 4-3 and kickstart the Red Devils' 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday.Goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku inside half an hour had given Belgium a dream start.Wales, though, rallied through a Harry Wilson penalty, Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson to stun the side ranked eighth in the world.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But De Bruyne rode to his nation's rescue, as he has so often in a stellar career, by steering in Tielemans' perfect cross in the 88th minute.Defeat was Craig Bellamy's first as Wales manager as they fell just short of a national record of 10 matches unbeaten.However, there remains plenty of positives for Wales' hopes of reaching next year's World Cup.They sit second in Group J, one point behind North Macedonia, and three in front of Belgium, who have two games in hand.Only one side will automatically qualify with second earning a place in the play-offs.After a 1-1 draw at North Macedonia on Friday to begin their qualifying campaign, Rudi Garcia recalled three of his Premier League stars in Leandro Trossard, Amadou Onana and Tielemans and Belgium clicked into gear.De Bruyne's shot struck the arm of Johnson inside the area to give Lukaku the chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot for his 89th international goal.Tielemans rounded off a brilliant team move for the home side's second moments later as he turned in Maxime De Cuyper's low cross.A dazzling solo effort from Doku compounded Wales' woes as they seemed set for a second half of damage limitation.However, Harry Wilson's penalty reduced the visitors' deficit in first half stoppage time after Matz Sels was controversially penalised for a clash with Chris Mepham.Bellamy's men were right back in the game when Wilson brilliantly picked out Thomas to slot home Wales' second six minutes into the second period.Johnson's header completed the comeback 21 minutes from time, but the visitors were unable to hold out against Belgium's superior firepower.Lukaku had a second goal controversially ruled out for the ball being out of play in the build-up after a lengthy VAR review.That proved to be a mere reprieve for Wales as moments later Tielemans' cross picked out the unmarked De Bruyne to volley in at the back post.

Belgium's midfielder #07 Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after scoring Belgium's fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J European qualification football match between Belgium and Wales at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, on June 9, 2025.

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De Bruyne fires Belgium to win over Wales in 7-goal thriller

Italy got off the mark in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with Monday's 2-0 win over Mol...

Italy got off the mark in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with Monday's 2-0 win over Moldova, Luciano Spalletti's last game as Italy coach.Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso scored in each half for the Azzurri who sit third in Group I, trailing leaders Norway by nine points, and are at risk of missing a third straight World Cup.Only top spot in the group gives direct qualification for next year's finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico and even having played two games fewer than Norway, Italy's best chance looks to the be finishing second and reaching the play-offs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However Italy were denied a place at the last two World Cups after being beaten in the play-offs and are in the midst of an identity crisis following their disastrous title defeat at last year's European Championship.Spalletti, who presided over a dismal last-16 exit at the Euros, coached Italy on Monday having already been told that he was to be sacked after the 3-0 thumping dished out by Norway in their opening qualifier on Friday."When you're the national team coach you have no excuses, it's you who selects the squad," said Spallett to public broadcaster Rai."It's the coach who has to make the difference and unfortunately I wasn't able to do that."Spallettti goes out after another uninspiring match played in a flat atmosphere in Reggio Emilia, where Italy got the three points needed but did little to inspire confidence in the future whoever replaces Spalletti.Claudio Ranieri is widely reported as being the Italian Football Federation's preferred candidate to replace Spalletti and guide Italy towards the World Cup, even though he retired from coaching after performing a near miracle with Roma this past season.Ranieri is 73 years old and working as a consultant for the American owners of his boyhood team Roma who he dragged from near Serie A's relegation zone to fifth place.But that hasn't stopped a media campaign practically begging the man nicknamed "Sir" to come out of retirement for the second time to take control of a national team at possibly its lowest ebb.

Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy hugs Andrea Cambiaso during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier match between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium on June 09, 2025 in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

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Italy beats Moldova as troubled Spalletti era comes to an end

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