FOOTBALL

Dortmund Appoint Ole Book as New Sporting Director After Kehl Exit

Borussia Dortmund
March 2026

Borussia Dortmund have appointed Ole Book as their new sporting director following Sebastian Kehl’s departure. The former Elversberg executive arrives with a strong reputation for squad building and player development, and now steps into a major rebuild at one of Germany’s biggest clubs. Dortmund confirmed Book will replace Kehl after the club parted ways with their former sporting director. Book’s rise at Elversberg, where he helped drive rapid progress up the German pyramid, made him Dortmund’s preferred candidate for the role.

Gattuso Sends Chiesa Home Before Italy’s World Cup Playoff With Northern Ireland

Gennaro Gattuso
March 2026

Gennaro Gattuso confirmed Federico Chiesa left Italy’s camp before the playoff against Northern Ireland after reporting minor physical issues and doubts over his readiness. The decision removes one of Italy’s most experienced wide options from a match carrying huge pressure and qualification stakes. Gattuso said Chiesa’s condition and mindset did not justify keeping him with the squad, adding that the choice was taken together. Italy are now focusing fully on the playoff, with the coach stressing calmness, positivity and the need to avoid another World Cup qualifying collapse

Ben White Returns to England Squad as Tuchel Replaces Injured Pair

Ben White
March 2026

Ben White has been recalled to the England squad for the first time since 2022, with Harvey Barnes also brought in after injuries forced changes. White replaces Jarell Quansah, while Barnes comes in for Eberechi Eze ahead of the March friendlies. Eze was ruled out with a calf problem after missing Arsenal’s cup final defeat, while British media reported White and Barnes were chosen as replacement options. The recalls hand both players a fresh chance to impress Tuchel before the 2026 World Cup squad is finalised.

Saliba Pulls Out of France Squad as Lacroix Earns First Senior Call-Up

William Saliba
March 2026

William Saliba has withdrawn from the France squad because of recurring pain in his left ankle, forcing him out of the upcoming friendlies in the United States. Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix has been called up as his replacement for a first senior international selection. Saliba played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat before the French federation decided the issue required treatment and at least 10 days of rest. Lacroix’s call-up rewards a strong club season and gives France a fresh defensive option before the World Cup.

Watkins Admits England Omission Did Not Surprise Him

Ollie Watkins
March 2026

Ollie Watkins said he expected to be left out of England’s squad for the March friendlies after an inconsistent season. The Aston Villa striker has fallen behind Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke in Thomas Tuchel’s current centre-forward pecking order. Watkins has not featured for England since October 2025 and missed the latest camp after a dip in form and previous knee issues. Tuchel’s expanded squad left him out, with recent reporting indicating the England manager wanted different backup options behind Kane for the Uruguay and Japan matches.

Tudor Misses Media Duties After Tottenham Loss Because of Family Bereavement

Igor Tudor
March 2026

Igor Tudor did not take Tottenham’s post-match media duties after the Nottingham Forest defeat because of a family bereavement. Croatian media reports identified the loss as the death of his father, though the club itself publicly confirmed only an immediate family bereavement. Tottenham were beaten 3-0 at home, deepening the pressure around the club’s league position and form. In Tudor’s absence, assistant Bruno Saltor faced the media and said the squad’s focus was on supporting the manager while trying to help the players through a difficult stretch.

O’Reilly Double Fires Manchester City Past Arsenal in Carabao Cup Final

Nico O’Reilly
March 2026

Nico O’Reilly scored twice in four second-half minutes as Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 to win the League Cup. The academy product’s breakout display delivered City’s ninth title in the competition and gave Pep Guardiola another major domestic trophy. Reuters reported that O’Reilly’s first goal followed a Kepa Arrizabalaga error, then Matheus Nunes supplied the cross for his second soon after. Arsenal had entered as strong contenders but failed to respond once City seized control after the break.

Beye Rages Over Greenwood Injury and Refereeing in Marseille Loss to Lille

Habib Beye
March 2026

Habib Beye strongly criticised the officiating after Mason Greenwood was forced off injured early in Marseille’s loss to Lille. The coach argued that the physical treatment of his forward crossed the line and said the refereeing decisions changed the entire game. Beye singled out the sequence involving Calvin Verdonk and Hakon Haraldsson, describing the contact as uncontrolled and violent after Greenwood was hurt during a counterattack. He said a harsher punishment was warranted and that Marseille paid the price once their attacker had to leave the pitch.

Molina Strikes Another Screamer but Atletico Fall Short in Madrid Derby

Nahuel Molina
March 2026

Nahuel Molina scored a spectacular long-range equaliser for Atletico Madrid, continuing his recent run of eye-catching goals from distance. The strike briefly pulled Atletico level, but Real Madrid still went on to win a dramatic 3-2 derby at the Bernabeu. Reuters reported that Molina thundered in a 30-metre effort to make it 2-2 before Vinicius Junior restored Real Madrid’s lead soon after. The goal reinforced Molina’s growing value as an attacking outlet from full-back, even in a losing cause.

Zidane Reportedly in Line to Succeed Deschamps as France Plan Post-World Cup Transition

Zinedine Zidane
March 2026

Zinedine Zidane is being widely reported as the leading choice to take over France after the 2026 World Cup, though there is still no official federation confirmation of a signed appointment. Didier Deschamps is set to leave after the tournament, making the succession plan a major national talking point. Reports say Zidane has a verbal agreement in place, while federation president Philippe Diallo has indicated that the next coach is effectively decided. Until an official announcement is made, the situation remains advanced but not formally completed.