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    Saliba Surgery Option Considered

    William Saliba, Arsenal and France
    Thursday after France’s semi-final defeat

    Arsenal will assess William Saliba’s back injury when he returns from World Cup duty, with surgery among the possible options. The France centre-back had carried the issue for weeks before being forced off against Spain.

    An operation would likely mean a long-term lay-off, making the decision significant for Arsenal’s new season. Saliba played 50 club games last season and admitted he had been gritting his teeth through several months of niggles.

    Pele Jersey Sells for $4.9m

    Pele, Brazil and Sotheby’s
    Thursday

    The jersey Pele wore in Brazil’s 1958 World Cup final win over Sweden has sold at Sotheby’s for $4.88m. It is the highest price paid for a Pele collectible, surpassing a private rookie-card sale from 2022.

    The shirt was worn when the 17-year-old scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 victory and became the youngest World Cup final scorer. It was photo-matched and last sold at auction in 2004 for $105,600.

    FIFA Reviews Argentina Banner

    FIFA, Argentina, UK government and Falkland Islands officials
    Thursday after Argentina’s semi-final win

    FIFA says its independent disciplinary committee is assessing match reports before deciding whether to punish Argentina over a Falklands banner shown after beating England. Players held a message reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” during post-match celebrations.

    The UK government and Falkland Islands officials called for action, while Argentina’s president said the gesture was understandable but separate from diplomacy. FIFA rules ban political messages, and Argentina were fined for similar banner conduct in 2014.

    Coventry Complete Amenda Signing

    Coventry City, Eintracht Frankfurt and Aurele Amenda
    Thursday

    Coventry City have signed Switzerland defender Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth more than £17m. The 22-year-old centre-back has agreed a four-year contract with the newly promoted Premier League club.

    Amenda becomes Coventry’s third summer signing after Loum Tchaouna and Frank Onyeka, as Frank Lampard builds for the club’s first top-flight campaign in 25 years. Coventry remain interested in adding a goalkeeper before the season.

    Palace Sign Lexi Lloyd-Smith

    Crystal Palace and Lexi Lloyd-Smith
    Thursday

    Crystal Palace have signed England Under-23 striker Lexi Lloyd-Smith on a three-year deal. The 23-year-old was WSL2’s top scorer last season for Bristol City, scoring 23 goals in 48 appearances.

    Lloyd-Smith will play in the Women’s Super League for the first time after Palace secured promotion. Her arrival continues Jo Potter’s rebuild after the club also signed Lionesses striker Bethany England earlier this week.

    Trump to Attend World Cup Final

    Donald Trump, FIFA and the White House
    Sunday at the World Cup final

    The White House has confirmed Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium. He is also expected to take part in the post-match trophy ceremony with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

    Trump will travel to New York before the final and attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower. His presence follows past World Cup precedent, where host-country leaders have joined FIFA officials for the trophy presentation.

    Watt Gets Four-Match Ban

    Motherwell, Elliot Watt and the Scottish FA
    Thursday

    Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt has received an immediate four-match suspension after admitting charges linked to post-match comments following May’s defeat by Celtic. Motherwell were also fined £5,000 over their own social media post after the match.

    Watt criticised a late VAR penalty decision on X, calling it the worst VAR decision in history. The Scottish FA ruled the comments breached discipline rules on criticising officials, while Motherwell are considering possible next steps.

    US Soccer Talks Pochettino Extension

    U.S. Soccer, Mauricio Pochettino and JT Batson
    Thursday after the USMNT’s World Cup exit

    U.S. Soccer remains in active talks over extending Mauricio Pochettino’s contract despite the USMNT’s round-of-16 World Cup exit. Chief executive JT Batson said discussions with Pochettino and his staff are ongoing.

    Batson said Pochettino’s group has been involved in long-term planning from youth development to the senior side. The talks suggest the federation still wants continuity after Belgium ended the host nation’s tournament with a heavy defeat.

    Arsenal Agree Tzolis Transfer

    Arsenal, Club Brugge and Christos Tzolis
    Thursday

    Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement worth about £34m with Club Brugge to sign Greece winger Christos Tzolis. The move follows Leandro Trossard’s transfer to Besiktas and is separate from Arsenal’s interest in other attacking targets.

    Tzolis is viewed as a specific tactical fit for Mikel Arteta’s frontline after producing 22 goals and 29 assists last season. Arsenal are now finalising the move as they refresh their attacking depth before the new campaign.

    Air Quality Alert Hits Final

    FIFA, New York officials, Spain and Argentina
    Thursday before Sunday’s World Cup final

    New York and New Jersey officials have issued an air quality health alert because of Canadian wildfire smoke days before the World Cup final. The open-air New York New Jersey Stadium will host Spain against Argentina on Sunday.

    Spain trained outdoors on Thursday while Argentina were due to arrive for Friday training. Officials expect conditions to improve, but smoke has already forced extra breaks in an NWSL game and postponed Chicago Fire’s MLS match.

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