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FIFA urged to pay Somali referee $100,000 after US visa ban sparks widespread outrage
Omar Artan, who would have been the first Somali referee at a World Cup, has been barred from entering the United States for this summer's tournament. Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett is calling on FIFA to pay Artan the $100,000 he would have earned.
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Pereira dismisses Vakhitov's role in Gane camp ahead of interim heavyweight title fight
Alex Pereira has shrugged off news that Artem Vakhitov — the last man to beat him in kickboxing — is working with Ciryl Gane ahead of their interim UFC heavyweight title clash at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14.
MMA -
Ospreys sign former Wallabies captain Liam Wright to replace departing Jac Morgan
The Ospreys have recruited Australia international Liam Wright, 28, from the Queensland Reds to fill the back-row void left by Wales captain Jac Morgan, who is joining Gloucester this summer.
Rugby -
Jo Yapp makes history as first Women's Lions coach ahead of 2027 New Zealand tour
Jo Yapp has been appointed the first-ever Women's British & Irish Lions head coach, taking up the role full-time in January. She has already begun scouting potential squad members for the 2027 tour of New Zealand.
Rugby -
Kai Rooney's gym transformation fuels first-team hopes at Manchester United
Wayne Rooney's 16-year-old son Kai has sparked excitement among Manchester United supporters after sharing images of a notable physical transformation ahead of pre-season, raising hopes of a first-team breakthrough under new manager Michael Carrick.
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Iran fans barred and African referee turned away as World Cup entry crisis deepens
With the 2026 World Cup two days from kick-off, Iran's ticket allocation for its fans has been revoked and Somalian referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was refused entry at Miami after an 11-hour immigration interview, adding to a growing list of visa and border casualties.
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Real Madrid open talks to sign Arsenal's Calafiori after Champions League final defeat
Real Madrid have contacted Arsenal to register interest in Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori, according to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio. The 22-year-old, valued at over £45m, is reportedly among José Mourinho's highest summer priorities alongside Manchester City's Joško Gvardiol.
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England retrospectively cap 47 players for matches spanning 1971 to 1993
Forty-seven former players, including ex-Leicester flanker and England forwards coach John Wells, have been awarded retrospective England caps at a ceremony held at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, recognising previously uncapped post-war internationals.
Rugby -
Why Manchester United are unlikely to sign a centre-back despite persistent injury concerns
Manchester United have been linked with defensive reinforcements this summer, but the club's plan is to work with their existing five centre-backs — Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven — despite a troubling injury record across the group.
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Manchester City sell Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to FC Köln in €7.5m permanent deal
Manchester City have agreed to sell 20-year-old centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to FC Köln on a permanent basis from July 1, converting his loan spell into a deal worth up to €7.5 million.
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Dugarry accuses M6 of asking him to hide France's poor performances
Sidelined from the 2026 World Cup coverage on M6 after his Euro 2024 stint, Christophe Dugarry reveals that the channel's sports director criticized him for being too critical and asked him to only comment on positive aspects.
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Makhachev backs Topuria to stop Gaethje but refuses to count out the veteran
Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has predicted Ilia Topuria will defeat Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, citing an eight-year age advantage — though he insists the fight will not go the distance and that Gaethje remains dangerous.
MMA -
Former Lions star Jared Payne joins Munster as defence coach on two-year deal
Munster have completed their coaching staff for next season by appointing former Ulster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions back Jared Payne as defence coach. Mossy Lawler has also signed a two-year contract extension to work alongside Payne in overseeing the backline and attack.
Rugby -
Philip Browne, IRFU chief executive who shaped modern Irish rugby, dies aged 66
Philip Browne, who served as IRFU chief executive for 23 years and oversaw four Six Nations titles, two Grand Slams, and the redevelopment of the Aviva Stadium, has died at the age of 66.
Rugby -
Olise's hat-trick against Northern Ireland: a first for France since 1934
Michael Olise scored a hat-trick Monday evening against Northern Ireland (3-1), becoming the first French player to achieve this feat in World Cup preparation since Jean Nicolas in 1934.
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Wembley Stadium Foundation opens free Nike kit scheme for grassroots youth clubs across the UK
The Wembley Stadium Foundation National Kit Scheme, delivered with Team Grassroots, is offering fully customised Nike kits to eligible youth clubs at no cost, prioritising new teams where kit expenses are a barrier to participation.
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Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro make surprise cameos in Madonna's new short film
Chelsea forwards Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro appear alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Benedict Cumberbatch in Madonna's 14-minute Confessions II film, which premiered on 8 June ahead of her 3 July album release.
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Saracens target first PWR title since 2022 as Blacklock eyes life beyond rugby
Saracens host Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Women's Rugby semi-final this Sunday, chasing a first league title since 2021/22. Centre Beth Blacklock, who retired from Scotland duty earlier this year, is balancing her push for a place in the matchday squad with two new roles in the tech industry.
Rugby -
Alonso finds 'zero positives' in Monaco as Aston Martin's weaknesses mount in 2026
Fernando Alonso scored Aston Martin's first point of the 2026 season with a 10th-place finish in Monaco, yet warned the race exposed fresh chassis problems on top of existing engine, energy and gearbox deficiencies that have left the team rooted at the back of the grid.
Formula 1 -
Liverpool confirm Salah, Robertson and Konate among 12 players leaving this summer
Liverpool have officially confirmed that 12 players will depart the club, headlined by Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, whose contract talks broke down despite late hopes of an extension.
Football
