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      Fifa president Gianni Infantino sets deadline to rid football of racism after shocking rise in vile incidents

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      FIFA president Gianni Infantino has given football THREE MONTHS to find a way of booting racism out of the game.The world football boss used an address to the Uefa Congress in Paris to call for a defining moment in the battle over racial discrimination.
      Fifa chief Gianni Infantino has set a deadline for football to give racism the bootCredit: AP
      Birmingham City star Juninho Bacuna claimed he had been racially abused by a West Brom fanCredit: Rex
      And Infantino has set May 17 at the Fifa Congress in Bangkok as his D-Day for football associations across the globe to get their act together.
      He has demanded point deductions for teams whose games are abandoned due to racist incidents, as well as criminal charges for those who commit racism.
      It follows abuse suffered by Coventry’s Kasey Palmer at Sheffield Wednesday while Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has regularly been racially taunted.
      AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan walked off the pitch after being targeted by Udinese fans in January and Brentford striker Ivan Toney was the subject of “vile harassment” online this week.
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      A man has also been arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Birmingham midfielder Juninho Bacuna in their 1-0 defeat at West Brom last weekend.
      Infantino said: “In the last few months we have witnessed a lot of racist incidents. This is not acceptable any more.
      “We have to stop this and do whatever we can to stop it. Racism is a crime. It is something terrible and we have to eradicate it.”
      Fifa has a three-stage protocol, so a referee can stop a match when racist behaviour is heard from the stands.
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      A second incident sees a game suspended and a third means abandonment.
      Infantino says combating racism is his “top priority” and wants “joined up, global action” insisting “concrete” measures were now necessary, with the FA ready to step up and take more action.
      Watch Brazilian sides SIT for first 30 seconds of match in support of Vinicius Jr following racism storm
      He added: “The consequences have to be a forfeit against the team responsible for the abandonment.
      “We have to start criminal charges against those who act in a racist way and ban them from stadiums. But that is not enough.
      “In the next three months we must work together, before the Fifa Congress in Bangkok on May 17, to come together with a strong, united resolution for the fight against racism.
      “Let’s stop racism. Let’s stop it now.”
      Meanwhile, a fan who racially abused Forest Green’s Jordan Garrick has been jailed for nine months.
      Ryan Ferguson, 24, of Liverpool pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment, failing to  comply with a football banning order and resisting a police constable at Rovers’ League One clash with Fleetwood in April last year.
      Brentford’s Ivan Toney was the subject of ‘vile harassment’ online this weekCredit: PA
      Coventry’s Kasey Palmer suffered racist abuse at Sheffield WednesdayCredit: Rex More

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      FIFA cult hero and ‘career mode legend’ Luis Muriel joins ninth club of his career in £2million transfer

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      IT’S a done deal for FIFA legend Luis Muriel, who has joined Orlando City in a £2million transfer from Atalanta. The MLS club has signed him in an permanent transfer which kicks in immediately, and the Colombian will soon travel for his medical.
      Luis Muriel has joined Orlando City in a £2m transfer.Credit: Getty
      Muriel was a star of FIFA 13,but he’s still going strong
      Orlando City will be the ninth club of Muriel’s long career, which has included Sevilla, Fiorentina, Lecce and Granada. 
      At 32 years old, he has 45 caps for his country and is not looking like slowing down, having more than proved himself in recent years in Serie A with Atalanta. 
      In his overall 184 appearances for the club, he’s scored 68 goals and registered 28 assists. 
      40 of these goals and 10 of his assists came in just his first two seasons from 2019-2021.
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      The arrival of such a high class player in the MLS has sparked huge excitement among fans, who raved about the move on X, formerly known as Twitter.
      One referring to him as a ‘career mode legend’.
      Another said: “Massive signing.
      “Before, players like this would be going to Brazil, Mexico, or Argentina if they’re leaving Europe.
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      “Now they’re coming to MLS.
      “Seems like times are really changing.”
      Brighton reach £19.5m transfer deal to sign Ibrahim Osman from Nordsjaelland with forward arriving in summer
      Muriel became a FIFA 13 cult legend after his card showed some seriously impressive stats, with 89 for pace and 86 for dribbling.
      He was called a ‘cheap beast’ and ‘FIFA legend’ and some even reckoned he was the best FIFA 13 player out there.
      His strength as a centre forward is an exciting prospect for Orlando, who already have Uruguayan international Facundo Torres up front.  More

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      ‘Their worst scandal yet’ – Fans spot Fifa’s major gaffe in World Cup 2026 final announcement

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      FIFA were left red-faced after footie fans discovered a major gaffe in their 2026 World Cup final announcement.Footie bigwigs announced last week that the final of the tournament – which will be played across North America – will take place at the stunning MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
      Fifa revealed the venue for the 2026 World Cup final last weekendCredit: GETTY
      The finale of the tournament will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New JerseyCredit: GETTY
      In a trivia segment on their website, Fifa claimed Bruce Springsteen was from New York
      But it’s a well-known fact that ‘The Boss’ is from New JerseyCredit: GETTY
      Fifa copped a bunch of flak from Americans for their official social media announcement, in which they claimed the final would take place in “New York New Jersey.”
      And they received even more pelters after fans spotted a huge error in their “Did you know?” page.
      After receiving backlash for claiming NBA legend Michael Jordan is a New Yorker – which is factually correct because he was born there – Fifa decided to remove him and actress Scarlett Johansson from their list of favourite New Yorkers.
      They replaced them with rapper and businessman Jay-Z and rock star Bruce Springsteen.
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      But whoever made the adjustment clearly didn’t do their research as Springsteen hails from New Jersey.
      In fact, ‘The Boss’ has sung many a song about hailing from ‘The Garden State’.
      The error spread like wildfire among New Jersey natives, who were far from happy to see Fifa claim that arguably their most famous ever resident came from across the Hudson River.
      One wrote on X: “This made me laugh out loud for real.”
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      The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City will host the first match of the 2026 World CupCredit: REUTERS
      Another said: “Up next FIFA will refer to Taylor Ham as a pork roll.”
      And another said: “They said WWIII would start with Russia invading Ukraine, but this is a Franz Ferdinand moment for the state of New Jersey.”
      Fifa World Cup 2026 final stadium revealed as raging fans say it was ‘the worst possible option’
      One sarcastically remarked: “Congratulations to Brooklyn’s favourite son, Bruce Springsteen, on being part of the FIFA campaign.”
      Another chimed in: “We riot at dawn.”
      One astounded person said: “[This is] their worst scandal yet.”
      The 2026 World Cup will commence on June 11, with co-hosts Mexico kicking off the tournament at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City
      Fellow co-hosts Canada and the United States, meanwhile, will play their first matches of the competition at the BMO Field in Toronto and the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles respectively. More

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      Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho among legends lined up for over-35s World Cup in England this summer

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      FOOTBALL legends Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho and Michael Owen are among those set to feature in a star-studded over-35s World Cup this year.According to the Daily Mail, an eight-team tournament is set to be held in England over the summer.
      Thierry Henry is set to represent FranceCredit: PA
      Ronaldinho is also expected to playCredit: AFP
      Steve McManaman (R) is expected to captain EnglandCredit: Getty
      It will involve past FIFA World Cup champions – England, Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Uruguay.
      The tournament is being organised by the Elite Players Group (EPG) and will be known as the EPG Cup.
      Only players who are over the age of 35 and have been capped by their country or made 100 top-flight appearances will be eligible to play.
      The captains of each country are founders of the EPG – a group of elite former footballers and sports businessmen.
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      Steve McManaman is set to skipper England with Ballon d’Or winner Owen also expected to take part.
      Additionally, the Three Lions have allegedly enlisted Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, David James, Frank Lampard and Robbie Fowler.
      Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Kaka, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo are set to form a deadly line-up for Brazil, while Germany captain Kevin Kuranyi is determined to enlist ex-Real Madrid stars Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira.
      Rumours suggest David Villa and Carles Puyol will join Michel Salgado in the Spanish squad, with Diego Forlan set to reunite with Diego Lugano for Uruguay.
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      How England could line up at the EPG CupLegends set to play at EPG Cup 2024

      England:

      Steve McManaman (C)
      Michael Owen
      Ashley Cole
      Joe Cole
      Rio Ferdinand
      David James
      Frank Lampard
      Robbie Fowler

      Argentina:

      Esteban Cambiasso (C)
      Hernan Crespo
      Pablo Zabaleta

      Brazil:

      Emerson (C)
      Kaka
      Ronaldinho
      Rivaldo
      Cafu
      Roberto Carlos

      France:

      Christian Karembeu (C)
      Thierry Henry
      Marcel Desailly

      Germany:

      Kevin Kuranyi (C)
      Mesut Ozil
      Sami Khedira

      Italy

      Marco Materazzi (C)
      Fabio Cannavaro
      Francesco Totti

      Spain

      Michel Salgado (C)
      David Villa
      Carles Puyol 

      Uruguay

      Diego Lugano (C)
      Diego Forlan

      Christian Karembeu is in line to captain France and will be helped by Chelsea icon Marcel Desailly and Arsenal legend Henry.
      Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi and Francesco Totti are down to represent Italy, with Esteban Cambiasso, Hernan Crespo and Pablo Zabaleta expected to play for Argentina.
      Thierry Henry fights back tears as Arsenal legend reveals depression battle, crying ‘every day’ and traumatic childhood
      Seven matches are scheduled to take place at the beginning of June between the Champions League final and the start of Euro 2024.
      Games will be 11-a-side but over 70 minutes and with rolling substitutes.

      A venue for the competition is yet to be confirmed, but the Mail claims talks have taken place with some of the Premier League’s top Northern clubs. More

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      Fans say they are ‘already packing their bags’ with iconic stadium set to host first game of 2026 Fifa World Cup

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      FANS joked they are “already packing the bags” for the opening game of the 2026 World Cup.The bumper tournament will be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico in two years’ time.
      The iconic Estadio Azteca will host the opening match of the 2026 World CupCredit: Reuters
      It holds 87,523 fans to make it among the biggest football grounds in the worldCredit: Reuters
      With a record 48 teams, a whopping 16 venues across 16 cities are needed for the next World Cup.
      And things will kick off at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico on June 11.
      The stadium, opened in 1966, boasts an enormous rich history in football – particularly in the World Cup.
      Mexico hosted both the 1970 and 1986 editions.
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      They were won by Brazil and Argentina respectively, with two of football’s GOATs Pele and Diego Maradona on the winning teams.
      It was also the sight of Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England.
      An eye-watering 132,247 spectators flocked into the Azteca to watch local hero Julio Cesar Chavez box against Greg Haugen in 1993 – the record attendance.
      These days, the ground hosts Club America and Mexico national team matches and holds 87,523, making it one of the biggest football stadiums in the world.
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      And plenty of fans reacted to the news about the 2026 World Cup curtain raiser with unbridled excitement – 858 days before the opening match.
      One said: “Packing my bags. this a once in a lifetime opportunity right here.”
      Another wrote: “I pray to be there.”
      A third added: “Ayee, can’t wait to rock the World Cup vibes! Isn’t it cray-cray how we’re all already planning our sick leave for it?”
      And a final user commented: “Fantastic stadium – brilliant choice to be fair.”
      Fifa also announced the 2026 World Cup final will be played on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New York – with the third-place play-off at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
      Bizarrely, Kim Kardashian was the one given the honour of confirming the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles will host the USA’s first group game.
      Pele and Brazil won the 1970 World Cup at the AztecaCredit: Getty More

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      Fifa World Cup 2026 final stadium revealed as raging fans say it was ‘the worst possible option’

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      THE 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.During a live broadcast from Miami, Fifa revealed the venues schedule for the bumper 48-team tournament.
      MetLife Stadium will host the 2026 World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      The stadium holds 82,500 fans at NFL gamesCredit: AP
      The US, Mexico and Canada will host the expanded tournament, which will take place over 39 days.
      Cases were made for alternative final venues, including Texas’ AT&T Stadium.
      But it will be MetLife Stadium that hosts the showpiece occasion on July 19, 2026.
      The 82,500-seater venue is one of seven that will need to have artificial surfaces replaced by grass for the tournament.
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      Fans have been left less than enthused by today’s announcement, particularly given the surface.
      MetLife Stadium is the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
      Earlier in this NFL season, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a ruptured Achilles while playing at MetLife.
      Upon the final venue announcement, one fan wrote on social media: “This was literally the worst possible option…”
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      While a second commented: “MetLife turf is an injury monster. Hope they install real grass or a different surface.”
      A third moaned: “Arghhhh. Thought Dallas would be the pick!”
      And a fourth said: “Wait until they see that turf.”
      Another added: “Have fun trying to get back to Manhattan after this game.”
      Some were more positive, however, with one saying: “If you think about it. The travel hub of nyc, and the public transportation system of NYC and Nj makes this the ideal choice to host a final.”
      And another posted: “East Coast fans rejoice.”
      The opening match of the tournament will be hosted by Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on June 11.
      The iconic venue previously hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986.
      Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca will host the opening game of the 2026 World Cup on June 11Credit: Alamy More

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      Euro 2024 could be plunged into chaos as Fifa and Uefa are urged to kick Israel out of football

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      FIFA and Uefa have been urged to kick Israel out of football over the situation in Gaza.Such a move would disrupt the Euro 2024 play-offs with Israel due to face Iceland on March 21.
      Uefa and Fifa have been urged to boot Israel out of Euro 2024Credit: Martin Silva Cosentino/NurPhoto
      It is expected neither will bow to the demand, led by ex-Fifa presidential candidate Prince Ali of Jordan.
      The head of Jordan’s FA and president of the West Asian Football Federation said in an open letter: “We call upon Fifa, the Football Confederations and Member Associations to join us in a stand against the atrocities.
      “That means condemning the killing of innocent civilians . . . and taking a united front isolating the Israeli FA from all football-related activities until acts of aggression cease.”
      Israel finished third in Group I, two points behind Switzerland with 15.
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      Alon Hazan’s side won their final match of the group stages 2-0 against Andorra thanks to an own-goal from Joan Cervos and a strike from Gadi Kinda.
      The Israelis face Iceland in a ‘home’ play-off tie by virtue of winning their Uefa Nations League group two years ago.
      However, the fixture will be held in Budapest due to the ongoing war with Hamas.
      The winner will then face either Bosnia in Sarajevo or another tie on neutral ground against Ukraine, who are playing in Poland due to the Russian invasion of their country.
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      Euro 2024 finals will start on June 14 and the tournament will run until July 14 later this year.
      Germany will play in the opening match against Scotland in Munich as they are the host nation.
      Italy will be hoping to retain their crown having won the tournament in 2021 by beating England in the final at Wembley Stadium.
      Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has previously described the scenes in Israel and Gaza as “disturbing”.
      He said: “In my lifetime it’s one of the most complex situations in the world. And I think everybody is grappling with how best to deal with that.
      “I don’t know what it’s like to walk in the shoes of people on either side of that conflict.” More

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      Inside 2026 World Cup final stadium set to make history with world’s largest HDTV screen and retractable roof

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      THE 2026 Fifa World Cup will likely be one of the most extravagant tournaments in the history of the competition.Not least because it is being held across North America and Mexico, but also due to the spectacular stadiums that will play host to football’s biggest stars.
      The AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is set to play host to the World Cup final in 2026Credit: Getty
      The breathtaking stadium holds 80,000 spectatorsCredit: Getty
      The USA, Mexico and Canada will share the stage in the summer of 2026 with the best stadiums in all three countries hosting games.
      But it’s the US who are set to host the final with the incredible AT&T Stadium in Texas in line to entertain fans for football’s biggest game.
      The 80,000 seat stadium is the home of NFL team the Dallas Cowboys and is located in Arlington, Texas.
      And it has got a stunning set of features that will leave football fans in awe when they watch the world’s best battle it out on the pitch.
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      AT&T stadium boasts the world’s largest HDTV which measures a whopping 160 feet wide and 72 feet tall.
      The record breaking screen cost a small fortune with the city of Arlington forking out £31.5MILLION for the oversized TV.
      The giant screen isn’t the only TV in the stadium either with 3,000 televisions dotted around the ground.
      The venue also features a retractable roof to allow for events to take place no matter the weather.
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      And with temperatures reaching 35°C in the summer, players may be grateful for some shade from the Texas sun.
      If the final was to be played with the roof on then it would become the first World Cup final in the history of the competition to played indoors.
      The stadium can also be reconfigured to increase its capacity to 100,000 people.
      And it’s safe to say it wasn’t a cheap endeavour to build with the 2009 construction costing around £1.3bn in today’s money.
      On top of that it’s reported that on a single game day, AT&T Stadium uses more electricity than the entire country of Liberia.
      AT&T Stadium has a retractable roofCredit: Getty
      The stadium has previously hosted a number of football gamesCredit: Getty
      It boasts the largest HDTV in the world inside itCredit: Getty
      The venue was used for the 2023 Concacaf Gold CupCredit: Getty
      The stadium is the home of the Dallas CowboysCredit: Getty More