Relocating World Cup matches unlikely despite Trump rhetoric, current and former officials say
Senior figures behind the 2026 World Cup dismissed concerns that U.S. president Donald Trump could move matches from cities he does not deem "safe".
Republican president Trump said last month that he would consider moving games from Democrat-controlled San Francisco and Seattle if they did not cooperate with his immigration and crime initiatives, Reuters reported.
He raised the issue again this week, this time targeting Boston and its Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu, suggesting he could appeal directly to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans not allowed to attend Europa League match at Aston Villa
No away supporters will be allowed to attend Aston Villa's home Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6 after police raised public safety concerns about potential protests, the Premier League club said on Thursday, Reuters reported.
The move comes after there were protests at the Israel national team's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy, with police using tear gas on protesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Osloand Udine.
Villa said they were following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), who are responsible for issuing safety certificates for games at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors, according to Reuters.
LaLiga match in United States a reward for fans, says RFEF president
LaLiga's decision to stage a match in Miami later this year is good for football and a reward for the international supporters who pay to watch the league from afar, the Spanish soccer federation's (RFEF) president Rafael Louzan said, Reuters reported.
European governing body UEFA has approved a LaLiga match and a Serie A game to be played abroad, with a fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal taking place in Miami, while AC Milan's meeting with Como will be held in Perth, Australia.
The LaLiga match, scheduled for December 20 at Hard Rock Stadium, will mark the first time that an official European league match will be played abroad, according to Reuters.
Qatari side Al-Sadd sack Sanchez after slump; Alegre named interim coach
Qatar champions Al-Sadd have parted ways with coach Felix Sanchez by mutual agreement, the club announced on Wednesday, ending a tenure that began with high expectations but delivered mixed results, Reuters reported.
Assistant coach Sergio Alegre will assume interim charge starting today, the club said in a statement posted on X.
Sanchez, 49, took over in July 2024 after several years with the Qatar national team, overseeing their historic 2019 Asian Cup title win and their debut World Cup campaign on home soil in 2022, according to Reuters .
