FOOTBALL

Serbian Pundit Apologises for Racist World Cup Remarks

Rade Bogdanovic, RTS, Nathan Ngoy
Monday

Former Yugoslavia striker Rade Bogdanovic and Serbian broadcaster RTS have apologised after racist comments about black players during World Cup coverage on Monday. The remarks came while discussing Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy’s red card against Iran.

Bogdanovic questioned the concentration and stamina of black players during a live broadcast, drawing immediate criticism online. RTS said he is not an employee but apologised as broadcaster, while Bogdanovic issued a separate apology to Reuters.

Turkey FA Backs Montella After World Cup Exit

Vincenzo Montella, Turkey
Monday

Turkey’s football federation has backed Vincenzo Montella despite the national team’s early World Cup elimination in North America. Defeats to Australia and Paraguay ended Turkey’s knockout hopes before their final group match against the United States.

TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu said the federation will stand by Montella and the players, arguing continuity matters more than another reset. Turkey will now use the USA match as damage control before turning toward Euro 2028.

Alvarez Says Atletico Transfer Is Best

Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid
Monday

Julian Alvarez has told ESPN that he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, saying a transfer would be best for everyone. Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal and Real Madrid have all been linked with the Argentina forward.

Alvarez did not name his preferred destination publicly, but ESPN reports Barcelona are his favoured option. Atletico have pushed back strongly against interest from their LaLiga rivals, including after Real Madrid’s reported €150 million bid.

Demichelis Appointed RB Leipzig Head Coach

Martin Demichelis, RB Leipzig
Monday

RB Leipzig have confirmed Martin Demichelis as their new head coach after sacking Ole Werner. The former Manchester City and Bayern Munich defender joins from Mallorca and has signed a contract running until June 2028.

Leipzig triggered Demichelis’ release clause and moved quickly with Jurgen Klopp’s backing inside the Red Bull structure. Club officials praised his pressing style, international experience and ability to develop young players in a refreshed sporting project.

Schlotterbeck Ruled Out of Germany’s World Cup

Nico Schlotterbeck, Germany
Monday

Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the World Cup with medial ligament damage in his left ankle, ending his tournament. The Borussia Dortmund centre-back suffered the injury during Germany’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.

Schlotterbeck tried to continue but was forced off at half-time before scans confirmed a tournament-ending injury. He will remain with Germany’s squad in the United States, while Julian Nagelsmann praised his influence off the pitch.

Messi Breaks World Cup Scoring Record

Lionel Messi, Argentina
Monday

Lionel Messi became the outright leading scorer in men’s World Cup history with two goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria. He moved to 18 tournament goals, passed Miroslav Klose, and sent Argentina into the round of 32.

Messi missed an early penalty but recovered with a first-half finish from Facundo Medina’s cutback and a stoppage-time second. Argentina now have six points from two games, with Messi scoring all five of their tournament goals so far.

Man City Close In on Maresca Appointment

Manchester City, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
Monday

Manchester City are closing in on Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor after agreeing compensation with Chelsea. The Italian is expected to take a three-year deal, with the package reportedly worth more than £10 million.

City identified Maresca as their preferred candidate because of his previous spell inside Guardiola’s staff and familiarity with the club. Chelsea had pushed for compensation because Maresca remained tied to his Stamford Bridge contract after leaving in January.

West Ham Sign Riesen From Frankfurt

West Ham United, Nadine Riesen
Monday

West Ham United have signed Switzerland defender Nadine Riesen on a three-year contract after her Eintracht Frankfurt exit. The 26-year-old becomes Rita Guarino’s fourth summer signing as the club continues rebuilding for the new WSL season.

Riesen brings Champions League experience, 42 Switzerland caps and attacking quality at full-back. West Ham believe her pace, work rate and international experience will suit Guarino’s plans after earlier arrivals Katie Zelem, Constance Picaud and Laia Codina.

Pulisic Returns to Full USMNT Training

Christian Pulisic, United States
Monday

Christian Pulisic has returned to full United States training for the first time since aggravating a calf injury before the World Cup opener. His comeback boosts Mauricio Pochettino before the dead-rubber group finale against Turkey.

Pulisic missed the Australia win after several modified sessions, but trained with teammates on Monday. The USMNT have already secured top spot, while Cristian Roldan is now day-to-day with a muscle strain before rotation decisions.

Iran Leave Peace Message After Belgium Stalemate

Iran
After their 0-0 World Cup draw with Belgium

Iran left a handwritten dressing-room note in Los Angeles calling for peace, respect and friendship after a tense Group G stalemate with Belgium. The message came amid visa limits, ticket disputes and strict travel rules affecting their campaign.

The team thanked Los Angeles and Iranian supporters before heading back to its Mexico base under restricted movement rules. Iran now face Egypt in Seattle knowing victory would send them into the knockout rounds despite off-field disruption.