Off-Pitch & Press

Torabi Visa Issue Resolved for Iran

Mehdi Torabi, Iran, FIFA, U.S. State Department
17 June 2026

Iran forward Mehdi Torabi has received a new multiple-entry visa and is available for the rest of the World Cup. His previous single-entry visa had expired after Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles.

The U.S. State Department said the issue was resolved once authorities became aware of it, while Iran’s federation credited coordination with FIFA. The fix avoids another squad disruption after Iran’s tense travel and visa-heavy tournament build-up.

Rohl Leaves Rangers for Red Bull Salzburg

Danny Rohl, Rangers, Red Bull Salzburg, Derek McInnes
17 June 2026

Danny Rohl has left Rangers to become Red Bull Salzburg manager, ending his Ibrox spell after 40 matches. Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh thanked him for his work, while Hearts boss Derek McInnes is widely expected to succeed him.

Rohl had revived Rangers after replacing Russell Martin, but a post-split collapse left them third and trophyless. His move back into the Red Bull network forces Rangers into another quick managerial search before pre-season and Europa League qualifiers.

Mbappe Penalty Rejection Sparks VAR Anger

Kylian Mbappe, Sadio Mane, Alireza Faghani, France, Senegal
16 June 2026

France’s win over Senegal included a major VAR controversy after referee Alireza Faghani rejected a penalty despite reviewing Sadio Mane’s challenge on Kylian Mbappe. Several pundits and former officials called the explanation confusing and difficult to support.

Faghani appeared to signal a penalty before awarding a goal-kick and saying Mbappe initiated contact. France still won 3-1, but the decision drew immediate criticism and added another refereeing debate to the World Cup.

Martinez to Leave Portugal After World Cup

Roberto Martinez, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo
16 June 2026

Roberto Martinez will step down as Portugal manager after the World Cup, with his contract expiring in late July. The decision comes before Cristiano Ronaldo begins another push for the only major trophy missing from his career.

Portugal’s federation is reportedly aware of Martinez’s plan, allowing the search for a successor to begin quietly. His exit would close a successful spell that included UEFA Nations League glory and one final tournament with Ronaldo.

Amorim Confirmed as AC Milan Head Coach

Ruben Amorim, AC Milan, Manchester United, Massimiliano Allegri
16 June 2026

AC Milan have appointed Ruben Amorim as head coach on a two-year contract after Massimiliano Allegri’s dismissal. Amorim returns to management after being sacked by Manchester United in January following a difficult 14-month spell.

Milan missed Champions League qualification and are betting on Amorim’s tactical profile after his title-winning work at Sporting. His first pre-season fixtures include Celtic and a reunion with Manchester United in Wroclaw.

Partey Visa Appeal Rejected Before Ghana Opener

Thomas Partey, Ghana, Canada, Carlos Queiroz
16 June 2026

Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama after a Canadian federal court rejected an appeal over his visa denial. The ruling said he failed to disclose criminal charges connected to ongoing UK proceedings.

Canada’s immigration authorities said World Cup hosting does not change normal entry laws, while Ghana’s government had sought temporary permission for Partey to enter. The decision leaves Carlos Queiroz without a senior midfielder in Toronto.

Tuchel England Deal Includes Performance Clauses

Thomas Tuchel, Mark Bullingham, England, Football Association
16 June 2026

FA chief Mark Bullingham says Thomas Tuchel’s England contract extension includes performance clauses, despite running until Euro 2028. Tuchel was originally hired to win the World Cup, and England begin their campaign against Croatia in Arlington.

Bullingham defended the early extension, saying the FA wanted certainty before the tournament and considered Tuchel too in demand to leave waiting. He said England can hold Tuchel to the deal, although performance protections remain in place.

Tunisia Sack Lamouchi and Turn to Renard

Sabri Lamouchi, Tunisia, Herve Renard, Sweden
16 June 2026

Tunisia have sacked Sabri Lamouchi after their 5-1 World Cup defeat by Sweden, making him the first manager dismissed after one match at the tournament. Herve Renard has been appointed until the end of Tunisia’s campaign.

Lamouchi had only taken charge in January and won one of five games, with heavy defeats to Belgium and Sweden increasing pressure. Renard now inherits a damaged Group F campaign before matches against Japan and the Netherlands.

Crystal Palace Confirm Sage as New Manager

Pierre Sage, Crystal Palace, Lens, Oliver Glasner, Steve Parish
16 June 2026

Crystal Palace have confirmed Pierre Sage as their new first-team manager on a three-year contract after his impressive season with Lens. The appointment is pending final visa confirmation and follows Oliver Glasner’s successful spell at Selhurst Park.

Chairman Steve Parish praised Sage’s trophy-winning season and second-place Ligue 1 finish, while Sage said he wants to continue Palace’s positive dynamic. The move gives Palace a highly rated coach before another European campaign and deeper domestic expectations.

Watford Appoint Dionisi as Head Coach

Alessio Dionisi, Watford, Ed Still, Gianluca Nani
16 June 2026

Watford have appointed Alessio Dionisi as head coach on a two-year contract, replacing Ed Still after another turbulent Championship season. Dionisi becomes the club’s 24th head coach since the Pozzo family took over in 2012.

Watford reached an agreement with Empoli, where Dionisi remained under contract after being sacked in March. Sporting director Gianluca Nani said the club wanted an experienced coach with promotion credentials, league-winning history and a stronger training structure.

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