The 78-year-old exercised his right not to testify during a brief appearance in the Barcelona investigation court after several of the Catalan club's former directors, including Joan Laporta, were charged with bribery for alleged payments to Negreira.
German Football Federation Launches Campaign to Tackle Racism at Amateur Level Ahead of Euro 2024
A new pilot project taking anti-racist measures to amateur clubs in the Northeast German Football Association was launched. The pilot project will run through 2025 before being extended to other areas.
Can you name the top scorers for these 25 European nations?
This is a tough one. The post Can you name the top scorers for these 25 European nations? appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every team to win promotion to the Premier League?
Now *this* is a challenge. The post Can you name every team to win promotion to the Premier League? appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name the 35 players with 50+ Premier League goals and assists?
This is a pretty select group of players. The post Can you name the 35 players with 50+ Premier League goals and assists? appeared first on Planet Football .
FIGC to Probe Francesco Acerbi Over Alleged Racist Comments Targeting Juan Jesus
After examining the referee's report, the Italian Football Federation considered it necessary for the federation's public prosecutor to investigate what happened between Napoli's Jesus and Inter Milan's Acerbi during their sides 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Bruno Fernandes gave his all during a thrilling 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool FC recently.
Real Madrid Want Manchester United Rising Star Alejandro Garnacho: Report
Alejandro Garnacho has caught Real Madrid supremo Florentino Perez's eye thanks to a series of excellent performances for Manchester United in the ongoing season.
The 10 Under-21 players with the most goals & assists in 2023-24: Bellingham, Palmer
The future looks bright for these stars. The post The 10 Under-21 players with the most goals & assists in 2023-24: Bellingham, Palmer appeared first on Planet Football .
9 of the craziest moments in Turkish Super Lig history: Guns, brawls, kidnappings
A strong contender for the most bonkers league in world football. The post 9 of the craziest moments in Turkish Super Lig history: Guns, brawls, kidnappings appeared first on Planet Football .
Spurs ace Son back on road to World Cup after turbulent Asian Cup
HONG KONG, CHINA: Son Heung-min and South Korea must move on from their turbulent Asian Cup when they return to World Cup qualifying Thursday, while Japan face North Korea in a double-header that sees them travel to Pyongyang. Asian football is back on the road to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, a month after Qatar retained the continental crown on home soil with a 3-1 victory over Jordan. Much has happened since South Korea were dumped out 2-0 by unfancied Jordan in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup, including the sacking of coach Jurgen Klinsmann. It emerged that skipper Son and Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Lee Kang-in had been involved in a fracas on the eve of the match, leaving the Tottenham attacker with a dislocated finger. Legendary German striker Klinsmann was dismissed after having promised to take South Korea to their first Asian title in 64 years. He was replaced on an interim basis by Hwang Sun-hong. Son and Lee have since made up, andHwang included the duo in his squad for the home game with Thailand on Thursday and the return fixture five days later. Lee Kang-in wanted an opportunity to apologise to fans and his team-mates from the bottom of his heart, and Son Heung-min said we should all embrace Kang-in and move forward, Hwang, South Korea's under-23 coach, said. Based on my experience as a national team player, I think issues like this can end up making the team even tighter, he added. Before Klinsmann's departure, South Korea thrashed Singapore 5-0 and won 3-0 in China to top Group C and will be fully expected to collect six more points against Thailand. Japan are also eager to move on from the Asian Cup, where they went out 2-1 to Iran in the quarter-finals and never justified their tag as pre-tournament favourites. Hajime Moriyasu remained coach despite the disappointment and Japan face two matches against North Korea, travelling into the unknown on March 26 when they play at Kim Il-sung Stadium in Pyongyang. Moriyasu will have to make do without Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who looks set to miss the rest of the Premier League season with a back injury. Winger Junya Ito has been left out of the squad after an allegation of sexual assault. He denies the claim and is suing for 200 million yen ($1.3 million) in damages. Japan have a perfect six points from two games with 10 goals scored and none conceded. Qatar skipper bows out China's Asian Cup was also a letdown, bundled out in the group stage with two points and no goals. The Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic took over from Aleksandar Jankovic and China travel to Singapore for his first game in charge. Of the Asian Cup finalists, Qatar will be expected to make it four wins from four in Group A when they play Kuwait home and away. They will do it without Hassan Al-Haydos, who captained them to a second Asian Cup crown in a row last month but retired at the weekend from international duty aged 33. He made a record 183 appearances for his country, scoring 41 goals. While Qatar are on course for the next round of World Cup qualifying, Asian Cup runners-up Jordan sit third behind Roberto Mancini's Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan in Group G on one point from two matches. With only the top two progressing, Jordan need to pick up six points in back-to-back games against basement side Pakistan.
Napoli's Jesus accuses Italy defender Acerbi of racist abuse
MILAN, ITALY: Napoli defender Juan Jesus on Monday blasted Francesco Acerbi for denying he dished out racist abuse after the Italy international was forced to leave the Azzurri's training camp ahead of two friendlies in the United States. Jesus had initially played down the incident following Napoli's 1-1 draw at Inter Milan on Sunday, telling DAZN what happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch after accepting Acerbi's on-field apology for unspecified insults. Brazilian Jesus, who headed home Napoli's late equaliser at the San Siro, had been seen protesting to match referee Federico La Penna, pointing to the Keep Racism Out badge on his shirt and apparently saying that (Acerbi) called me a negro. Acerbi left Italy's training camp after reports that he will be investigated for the alleged abuse, and was replaced by Roma centre-back Gianluca Mancini in the 28-man squad selected before matches against Venezuela and Ecuador in the build-up to Italy's European title defence. He insisted on his return to Milan that he didn't say anything racist, echoing what his agent Federico Pastorello had said to broadcaster Radio Sportiva earlier on Monday. That sparked an angry reaction from Jesus on Instagram: I thought that the incident was done with on the pitch and frankly I was hoping not to have to come back to something so despicable. However today I read Acerbi's comments which conflict completely with what happened, with what he himself said on the pitch which is backed up by video footage of him asking me for forgiveness, Jesus added. I'm not having it, racism is going to be fought here and now. Acerbi said to me 'get lost black, you're just a negro'... now he's changed tack and claims that there was no racism. Jesus' reaction is bad news for Acerbi as Italian Football Federation (FIGC) regulations say that if he is found guilty of racially abusing the Brazilian he will be banned for at least 10 matches. And authorities can ask for an even longer ban if they feel his behaviour warrants it. A guilty verdict would be guaranteed to end his club season with Inter, who are set to win their 20th league title as they lead AC Milan by 14 points with nine fixtures remaining. And disciplinary authorities will likely insist that any eventual ban be extended worldwide with the Euro starting on June 14. Serie A told AFP that the regular report from the division's sporting judge Gerardo Mastrandrea will be released on Tuesday. That document, which is usually published the day after the end of each round of matches, should confirm whether Acerbi will be investigated for the incident. In a brief statement Inter said that theywill meet with the player as soon as possible to shed light on the exact details of what happened.
Can you name Man Utds 25 youngest goalscorers since 2000?
Some head-scratchers are included here. The post Can you name Man Utds 25 youngest goalscorers since 2000? appeared first on Planet Football .
Organisers Start Ticket Refund Process for Messi's No-show in Hong Kong
Lionel Messi outraged fans in Hong Kong when he failed to make an appearance as his club Inter Miami defeated a Hong Kong League XI 4-1 on February 4.
Four Argentine Top Division Footballers Detained in Rape Probe
Velez Sarsfield, from Buenos Aires, said in a statement Monday it had suspended the four players and ordered an internal investigation.
Antoine Griezmann's Record Streak of 84 Consecutive Matches for France Ends With Ankle Sprain
Antoine Griezmann has appeared on the pitch for France in every match since a friendly against England in June 2017, when the forward was an unused sub.
Lionel Messi Out of Argentina Friendlies Due to Hamstring Injury
Lionel Messi, who was substituted just after half-time in the win over Nashville, missed Inter Miami's win over D.C. United in Washington on Saturday.
6 Man Utd players that Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to build the clubs future around
A spine for years to come. The post 6 Man Utd players that Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to build the clubs future around appeared first on Planet Football .
Premier League Side Nottingham Forest Docked Four Points for Financial Breaches
Forest was found to have breached the league's profitability and sustainability regulations, which typically allow clubs to lose a maximum of 105 million pounds over a three-year period. As a result they fell from 17th to 18th, into a relegation spot, and onto 21 points with nine games remaining.
The top 10 dribblers in Europes five major leagues in 2023-24: Kudus, Musiala, Sane
Some surprise names among the usual suspects. The post The top 10 dribblers in Europes five major leagues in 2023-24: Kudus, Musiala, Sane appeared first on Planet Football .
Barcelona outclass Atletico Madrid in 3-0 win to climb second
Lewandowski extended the advantage two minutes into the second half as Raphinha stole the ball from Atletico's Rodrigo de Paul to set up the Pole for his 13th league goal of the season
Reliance Foundation Development League: Mohun Bagan Super Giant Thrash East Bengal FC 5-1
Suhail Ahmad Bhat netted a brace as Sibajit Singh, Taison Singh and Dippendu Biswas scored one each as Mohun Bagan SG defeated East Bengal FC 5-1.
Five legendary managers who had their farewell parties spoiled ft. Ferguson, Guardiola
These ones must have stung. The post Five legendary managers who had their farewell parties spoiled ft. Ferguson, Guardiola appeared first on Planet Football .
The USMNTs next superstar has come up clutch for PSV & were boarding the hype train
Pepi might become America's first world-class footballer. The post The USMNTs next superstar has come up clutch for PSV & were boarding the hype train appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every team Kylian Mbappe has scored 5+ goals against?
Mbappe has scored five or more against 23 different opponents. The post Can you name every team Kylian Mbappe has scored 5+ goals against? appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every team to be relegated from the Premier League?
Can you remember them all in 15 minutes? The post Can you name every team to be relegated from the Premier League? appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every player that Xavi has used at Barcelona?
He's used a lot of players over two and a half years. The post Can you name every player that Xavi has used at Barcelona? appeared first on Planet Football .
The striking La Liga table since Xavi announced hes leaving Barcelona
The moment their season turned around? The post The striking La Liga table since Xavi announced hes leaving Barcelona appeared first on Planet Football .
Amad Diallo's breakaway goal in added time of extra-time won a chaotic tie in the 121st minute and could prove to be a turning point in Ten Hag's reign.
The 10 players with the most goals & assists across Europes major leagues in 2023-24: Mbappe, Kane
An interesting mix of names. The post The 10 players with the most goals & assists across Europes major leagues in 2023-24: Mbappe, Kane appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every Man Utd player to score under Erik ten Hag?
You should be getting full marks on this one. The post Can you name every Man Utd player to score under Erik ten Hag? appeared first on Planet Football .
9 times Jurgen Klopp was the sorest loser in football: Personal insults, Des Kelly, God
There are times when Klopp's mask can slip. The post 9 times Jurgen Klopp was the sorest loser in football: Personal insults, Des Kelly, God appeared first on Planet Football .
Jurgen Klopp Blasts Reporter's Physique Following Liverpools FA Cup Exit
Klopp maintained his cool when speaking with most members of the media following his sides loss, but he was displeased with a reporter from a Scandinavian TV network who asked why Liverpool seemed to lose their focus in extra time.
Violence Breaks Out Between Fans and Players in Turkish SuperLig Fixture
In images on social media, a fan can be seen to threaten a visiting player with a corner flag and Fenerbahce's goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic receives a punch to the face.
Bayer Leverkusen Go 38 Games Unbeaten With 3-2 Win Over Freiburg as Bundesliga Title Nears
Wirtz, one of Leverkusen's key performers this season, got things moving in style. The Germany forward cut in from the left and unleashed a perfect shot with his right foot, chalking up his seventh league goal of the campaign.
Barcelona moved two points clear of third-placed Girona, while Atletico are now fifth, after Athletic Bilbao moved above them on Saturday.
Manchester United Triumph in Classic 4-3 Comeback Win Against Liverpool to Reach FA Cup Semi-Finals
United trail Liverpool by 17 points in the Premier League and having made an early exit from both the Champions League and League Cup, the pressure was on Ten Hag if he is to remain in charge for a third season.
2023-24 European Golden Shoe race: Harry Kane absolutely obliterating the competition
A new era begins without Messi and Ronaldo. The post 2023-24 European Golden Shoe race: Harry Kane absolutely obliterating the competition appeared first on Planet Football .
10 insane stats from Man Utds absolutely incredible 4-3 FA Cup victory over Liverpool
A seven-goal thriller for the ages. The post 10 insane stats from Man Utds absolutely incredible 4-3 FA Cup victory over Liverpool appeared first on Planet Football .
FA Cup: Chelsea Edge Past Leicester City 4-2 With Stoppage Time Strikes from Chukwuemeka and Madueke
Chelsea have managed to progress through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a dramatic 4-2 win over Leicester City.
Can you name Man Utds XI from the 1996 FA Cup final victory vs Liverpool?
A ridiculous XI. The post Can you name Man Utds XI from the 1996 FA Cup final victory vs Liverpool? appeared first on Planet Football .
Breaking down Mohamed Salahs sensational record for Liverpool vs. Man Utd
The stats speak for themselves. The post Breaking down Mohamed Salahs sensational record for Liverpool vs. Man Utd appeared first on Planet Football .
The 6 times in the Premier League era that Man Utd & Liverpool have met in the FA Cup
Manchester United have a very strong FA Cup record against their old rivals. The post The 6 times in the Premier League era that Man Utd & Liverpool have met in the FA Cup appeared first on Planet Football .
Bayern Munich to 'Take No Risks' With Harry Kane Injury
Kane, who scored on Saturday to extend his league goal tally to 31 this season, was subbed off late in Saturday's 5-2 win over Darmstadt after clattering into the goalpost while trying to reach a ball.
Can you name all 11 clubs that Robbie Keane played for?
The striker scored over 300 goals for 11 clubs. The post Can you name all 11 clubs that Robbie Keane played for? appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name the top 30 Irish goalscorers in Premier League history?
Some of the Premier Leagues greatest servants have been from Ireland but can you name the top 30 Irish goalscorers in the competitions history? Given their proximity to England, its no surprise that the cream of Irish talent has migrated across the border to represent Premier League clubs. Players from the republic have generally [] The post Can you name the top 30 Irish goalscorers in Premier League history? appeared first on Planet Football .
Coventry's Ellis Simms' second goal of the match levelled in the 97th minute before he teed up Haji Wright to fire into the corner three minutes later.
Can you name the 30 Irish players with the most Premier League appearances?
We've given you the clubs & you'll still struggle. The post Can you name the 30 Irish players with the most Premier League appearances? appeared first on Planet Football .
Every 2024 Copa America kit released & leaked so far: USMNT, Argentina, Brazil
Featuring some absolute beauties. The post Every 2024 Copa America kit released & leaked so far: USMNT, Argentina, Brazil appeared first on Planet Football .
Luis Suarez Nets Brace Off Bench as Lionel Messi-less Inter Miami Beat DC United
Of the four ex-Barcelona stars available to Martino, only Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets started at Audi Field and the home side sensed the chance for an upset.
La Liga: Vinicius Jr Brace Helps Real Madrid Build Dominant Lead at Top of League Table
Madrid were without top goalscorer Jude Bellingham, completing a two-match suspension but, with Vinicius in full flow, barely missed the England international at El Sadar in Pamplona.
La Liga: Vinicius Junior Brace Helps Real Madrid Extend Lead at Top With 4-2 Rout of Osasuna
The Brazilian netted Madrids opener and added a fourth goal to complete the rout. Dani Carvajal and Brahim Diaz also scored for the visitors, which picked apart Osasuna's high defensive line to take their lead at the top of the table.
Bundesliga: Harry Kane Breaks Record as Bayern Munich Thrash Darmstadt 5-2
Kane's header against Darmstadt before the break set the record for goals in a debut Bundesliga season as the Englishman brought up his 31st league goal of the campaign. Kane also eclipsed his previous best mark of 30 league goals in a season achieved with Tottenham in the Premier League.
The best player in each American state with an MLS team: Pulisic, Dempsey, Friedel
Theres nothing like a local hero. Theres a lad in our office who mentions Bobby Robson, Lewis Miley, Jackie Milburn, or George Camsell at least once a day. Its insane, but we get it. Hometown heroes are worth their weight in gold. It feels just that little bit better when they succeed, theres real communal [] The post The best player in each American state with an MLS team: Pulisic, Dempsey, Friedel appeared first on Planet Football .
5 players Pep Guardiola has whispered sweet nothings to in a post-match embrace
Guardiola has form for praising opposition players at strange times. The post 5 players Pep Guardiola has whispered sweet nothings to in a post-match embrace appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every player with 10+ Premier League assists for Tottenham?
Thirty-two names to get here. The post Can you name every player with 10+ Premier League assists for Tottenham? appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Newcastle?
No prizes for getting No.1. The post Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Newcastle? appeared first on Planet Football .
FIFA President Gianni Infantino Handed 33 Percent Pay Raise
FIFA confirmed in its financial reports that the 53-year-old's total pay package was lifted to more than 4.13 million Swiss francs.
FIFA gives president Infantino 33% raise in pay deal worth $4.6 million in Women's World Cup year
GENEVA: FIFA raised president Gianni Infantino's base salary 33% last year to lift his total pay package to more than 4.13 million Swiss francs ($4.67 million), soccer's governing body said in its financial report. Infantino was re-elected unopposed in 2023 to extend his presidency to 11 years before FIFA staged the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and picked preferred candidates to host two future men's World Cups, including the 2034 edition in Saudi Arabia. Infantino's pre-tax base salary payment rose by more than 500,000 Swiss francs ($565,000) last year to reach more than 2.46 million Swiss francs ($2.78 million). His annual bonus was 1.65 million Swiss francs ($1.87 million), the same as in 2022 when the men's World Cup was played in Qatar. The previous FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, had a contracted bonus of $12 million for the 2014 World Cup on top of a $3 million basic salary and annual bonuses. Infantino had a home in Qatar to oversee preparations for the 2022 tournament and now spends time in Florida, where FIFA has offices at Coral Gables, ahead of the United States co-hosting the next men's World Cup with Canada and Mexico. Florida does not have a state income tax. FIFA has budgeted for total revenue of $11 billion in the four-year financial cycle from 2023 through 2026 with Saudi sponsors including state oil firm Aramco expected to join longtime partners Coca-Cola, Adidas and Visa. The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams and include 104 games. FIFA's typically conservative projection did not include income for the 32-team men's Club World Cup that launches next year in the U.S. FIFA paid its CEO-like secretary general Fatma Samoura the same 1.9 million Swiss francs ($2.15 million) package in her final year in the job as in 2022. She got a salary of 1.3 million Swiss francs ($1.47 million) and 600,000 Swiss francs ($670,000) bonus before leaving in December. Infantino has operated as an executive leader despite recommendations by a reforms panel of which he was a member created after corruption scandals in 2015 that the FIFA president should have a more figurehead role. That reform group also insisted on publishing details of management pay. FIFA pay is set up by a compensation panel chaired by Mukul Mudgal, a retired judge from India who oversees governance and compliance at the soccer body, for which he was paid $250,000 last year. Payments to the 37-member FIFA Council stayed the same. The six vice presidents who lead continental soccer bodies got a net amount of $300,000 plus expenses. Other members got $250,000 plus expenses annually. Saudi Arabia formally launches bid for 2034 FIFA World Cup The president of European soccer body UEFA, Aleksander eferin, also was paid a gross salary without bonus of almost 2.9 million Swiss francs ($3.26 million), according to its financial report published last month. In comparison, chief executive Richard Masters of the English Premier League, the most lucrative domestic soccer competition, had a salary of 1.8 million pounds ($2.3 million) in 2022. Most of FIFA's commercial income is tied to the men's World Cup and will be booked in the accounts for 2026. In 2023, the Women's World Cup year, FIFA said it had revenue of $1.17 billion with $456 million from marketing deals and $267 million from broadcasting. Ticket and hospitality sales for the 32-team, 64-game women's tournament were $43 million. FIFA said it spent and invested almost $1.75 billion in 2023, with $499 million going toward the Women's World Cup. Payments to participating teams, players and their clubs who released them rose to $152 million. FIFA now pays each of its 211 member federations up to $8 million every four years, and that program was worth $470 million in soccer development funding last year. Financial reserves fell slightly to almost $3.6 billion, FIFA said, describing the total as a very solid level. It should fall in each of the next two years then rise again in 2026. AIFF plans country-wide structure for talent scouting for its FIFA-AIFF Academy
Can you name every player to play for Real Madrid & Barcelona since 1990?
We'd be impressed with double figures here. The post Can you name every player to play for Real Madrid & Barcelona since 1990? appeared first on Planet Football .
Every Euro 2024 released & leaked so far: Germany, Scotland, Italy
We're getting seriously excited about the tournament. The post Every Euro 2024 released & leaked so far: Germany, Scotland, Italy appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every club to appear in an FA Cup quarter-final since 2000?
This is ridiculously tough. The post Can you name every club to appear in an FA Cup quarter-final since 2000? appeared first on Planet Football .
English Womens Premier League Showdown Delayed by Teams Wearing Matching Socks
Arsenal Women ended up going into the Chelsea megastore at Stamford Bridge and buying black socks. They used tape to try and hide the Chelsea and Nike logos. Arsenals kit is made by adidas.
'He Should Be Part of This Project': Erik Ten Hag on Manchester United Retaining Marcus Rashford
Mbappe will leave PSG at the end of the season when his contract expires and various reports claim the French champions have identified Rashford as a target when the transfer window opens.
In the UEL, Qarabag FK was left embarrassed as his yellow card was overturned to a red card in a hilarious turn of events.
The 2023-24 Premier League injury table: Liverpool 2nd behind relegation strugglers
No squad is unscathed... The post The 2023-24 Premier League injury table: Liverpool 2nd behind relegation strugglers appeared first on Planet Football .
Liverpool face Atalanta in Europa League quarters in Klopp's farewell season
PARIS: Liverpool will play Italian outfit Atalanta in the quarter-finals of this season's Europa League after the teams were paired together in Friday's draw, which left open the possibility of the Anfield side meeting Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen in the final. Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, who are still in contention to win a quadruple this season, will entertain Atalanta at Anfield on April 11 and go to Italy a week later for the return. The Reds hammered Sparta Prague 11-2 on aggregate on the last 16 and will be favourites to beat Atalanta, who currently lie sixth in Serie A. The clubs met in the group stage of the Champions League in 2020/21, with Liverpool winning 5-0 away in Bergamo and Atalanta winning 2-0 at Anfield. Leverkusen are enjoying a remarkable season under former Liverpool midfielder Alonso, who is one of the leading contenders to replace Klopp as manager at Anfield when the German steps down at the end of the campaign. Holders Manchester City to face Real Madrid in Champions League quarters Winners of the UEFA Cup, the Europa League's predecessor, in 1988, Leverkusen have not lost a game all season and are currently 10 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga with nine matches left. Their unbeaten record very nearly ended on Thursday, when they trailed 2-1 in injury time at home to Qarabag before a stunning comeback to win 3-2 against the side from Azerbaijan. That allowed them to win their last-16 tie 5-4 on aggregate. Leverkusen will face West Ham United -- last season's Europa Conference League winners -- in the quarter-finals, with the English side having beaten another German club in Freiburg in the last round. Of course we know West Ham, a Premier League team, Alonso said on Friday. Last year they had a huge success in the Conference League. (They have) top players. It's exciting to be in the quarter finals against a very good opponent. The winners of that tie will advance to a semi-final against either AC Milan or Roma, who will face off in an all-Italian last-eight tie. Asked about his side not being able to face Liverpool until the final, Alonso added: I wish Liverpool the best of course, but we will see. There's a long way until the final in Dublin. The other quarter-final brings together two former European champions, with Marseille taking on Benfica. Whoever wins that will play either Liverpool or Atalanta in the last four. This season's Europa League final will be played in Dublin on May 22.
Holders Manchester City to face Real Madrid in Champions League quarters
PARIS: Holders Manchester City will come up against record 14-time winners Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals after being paired together in Friday's draw, meaning the sides will meet in a third consecutive season in the competition. Arsenal will face Harry Kane's Bayern Munich, while Paris Saint-Germain meet Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will take on Borussia Dortmund in the other ties. Pep Guardiola's City will travel to the Spanish capital for the first leg on April 9 or 10, with the return in Manchester a week later. City beat Madrid in the semi-finals last season on the way to winning the Champions League for the first time, following a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu with a stunning 4-0 victory at home in the second leg. Real came out on top when the teams met in the last four a year earlier, before going on to defeat Liverpool in the final. The Spanish giants also won a semi-final clash between the teams in 2016, while City emerged victorious in the last 16 in 2020. They are the champions and we know each other perfectly, so I don't need to explain the virtues of City, Emilio Butragueno, the former Real player who is now the club's director of institutional relations, told Spanish broadcaster Movistar+. Two tremendous games await us, he added. The draw threw up a set of mouthwatering ties with Arsenal being rewarded with a clash against German champions Bayern after beating Porto on penalties to qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010. The Gunners will host the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, which will see former Tottenham Hotspur talisman Kane -- who has so far scored 36 goals in his first season at Bayern -- return to London. All-English semi-final? There is the prospect of an all-English semi-final, with the winners of the tie between Arsenal and Bayern facing either City or Real in the last four. PSG's meeting with Barcelona will be the latest instalment in the rivalry between those sides, as the French club aim to win the Champions League for the first time in their final season before Kylian Mbappe departs when his contract expires in June. Five-time champions Barcelona knocked PSG out in the quarter-finals in 2013 and 2015, before their spectacular victory in the last 16 in 2017, when they recovered from losing 4-0 away in the first leg with a 6-1 win in the return at the Camp Nou. The Barcelona coach then was Luis Enrique, now in charge of Paris. PSG avenged that defeat in the last 16 in 2021, when Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the away leg to help his side triumph 5-2 on aggregate. It is going to be a great tie. PSG have a very young side and a coach who we know very well, but we also have a great team and they will help us to go through, Rafael Yuste, the Barcelona vice-president, told Movistar+. Atletico will host Dortmund in the first leg of their quarter-final, with the winners of that taking on PSG or Barcelona in the last four. We're looking forward to a trip to Madrid, said Dortmund coach Edin Terzic at a press conference on Friday. Our clear goal is to take on a tough opponent who are a bit of a monster in knockout games and to defeat them ahead of the home game where we want to experience a magical evening in Dortmund. This season's Champions League final will take place at Wembley in London on June 1.
UEFA Europa League Quarterfinals Draw: Liverpool to Take on Atalanta, Milan vs Roma and More
UEFA have announced the Europa League for the quarter-finals. Here are the list of matches that are set to take place to decide who goes to the semis.
UEFA have announced the Champions League draw for the quarter-finals. Here are the list of matches that are set to take place to decide who goes to the semis.
Can you name these 20 forgotten Champions League players?
We reckon 15/20 would make a very respectable score here. The post Can you name these 20 forgotten Champions League players? appeared first on Planet Football .
9 forgotten ballers who randomly returned to world-class form in 2023-24
Age is but a number... The post 9 forgotten ballers who randomly returned to world-class form in 2023-24 appeared first on Planet Football .
Manchester United Employees to Sue Club Over Leak of Personal Information
The Reds of Manchester are being sued for up to 100,000 for accidentally emailing 167 staff their wage slips and those of everyone else in the pool.
Mohamed Salah Creates Liverpool History With Goal Against Sparta Praha in Europa League
With his goal in the Europa League, Salah has now become the first and only Liverpool player to score 20+ goals across all competitions for the club for seven seasons straight.
Come to see Cristiano?: Ronaldo, Riyadh & the Saudi Pro League experience
Watching Ronaldo is akin to a religious experience to his devoted followers. The post Come to see Cristiano?: Ronaldo, Riyadh & the Saudi Pro League experience appeared first on Planet Football .
The last 7 times Arsenal went deep in Europe & how it effected their league campaign
Featuring some very painful memories for Arsenal fans. The post The last 7 times Arsenal went deep in Europe & how it effected their league campaign appeared first on Planet Football .
WATCH: Lionel Messis Perfect Response To Nashville FC Fans Chanting Ronaldo Mid-Game
In the second leg of their tie, Messi was hurled at with several Ronaldo chants by Nashville fans to catch the Argentine off-guard.
Jurgen Klopp shattered hearts, not just of Liverpool fans but fans of football alike, with his announcement that he will be stepping down from his role as manager of Liverpool at the end of the current season.
Where are they now? The 6 players Arsenal signed alongside Ben White in 2021
It's a mixed bag. The post Where are they now? The 6 players Arsenal signed alongside Ben White in 2021 appeared first on Planet Football .
Sportword: Play daily football word game on Planet Sport
Play Planet Football's answer to Wordle. The post Sportword: Play daily football word game on Planet Sport appeared first on Planet Football .
The Spanish football league told AFP that it was going to lodge a complaint for these lamentable racist chants, even if the incidents occurred during a European match, rather than the league, and outside the stadium.
Belgium's New National Kit Designed As An Ode to Comic Book Legend Tintin
But the away kit is a tribute to Belgian cartoonist Herg and the character that made his fame: Tintin, the intrepid reporter. It is composed of a blue jersey with a white collar, brown shorts, and white socks.
Qatar and Morocco to Host FIFA U-17 World Cups From 2025 to 2029
FIFA said the decision to choose a single host nation for multiple editions centred on the ability to make use of existing footballing infrastructure in the interest of tournament efficiencies and sustainability.
AC Milan, Marseille, Roma and West Ham were among the other sides to also book their place in Friday's quarter-final draw.