Brazilians mourn the death of Pele’s pioneering mother
June 24 – Celeste Arantes, the mother of the late Pelé, has died at the age of 101.
News
Belgium back Lukaku to come good against Ukraine
June 23 – Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco is not worried by his side’s profligacy in front of goal at Euro 2024, and is keeping faith in Romelu Lukaku to come good.
Austria’s Rangnick focussed on Dutch decider
June 22 – Poland were put to the sword against Austria as the bottom-placed sides clashed in Group D, giving Ralf Rangnick’s side a lifeline headed into the final game versus Netherlands on Tuesday.
Chechia’s Ivan Hašek says they are ready for Georgia’s Kvaratskhelia
June 21 – Czechia are eyeing their first points of their Euro 2024 campaign against Georgia on Saturday afternoon after their last-second loss to Portugal left a bitter taste in an otherwise encouraging opening performance.
Belgium’s Tedesco relying on proven returnees for crucial Romania clash
June 21 – Counting on reinforcing their defence, Belgium will need a result in their second Group E encounter against Romania after a shock 1-0 defeat to Slovakia.
UEFA opens multiple investigations as Balkan nationalist fervour boils over
June 21 – The complex and fever-pitch intensity and rivalry among the various Balkan neighbours at Euro 2024 continues to take centre stage with UEFA now opening an investigation into Serbian claims that fans of Albania and Croatia chanted ‘kill, kill, kill the Serb’ during their Group B game on Wednesday.
Montagliani says Copa America in the US is preparation for Concacaf’s 2026 competitiveness
June 20 – Much has been made of the Copa America in the US being a test event for the 2026 World Cup, but there has not been so much comment about the importance of the event for six Concacaf nations competing as they build their teams towards 2026.
Copa America kicks off in Atlanta with Messi-mania driving Argentina past Canada
June 21 – The chants of ‘Mes-si! Mes-si! Mes-si!’ started more than an hour before kickoff and kept up throughout Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada in the Copa America opening game in Atlanta.
Moroccan legend Nourredine Naybet says co-hosting 2030 will be transformational
June 21 – Moroccan legend Noureddine Naybet has added his support to the country’s joint World Cup 2030 bid with Spain and Portugal.
UEFA mourns passing of guiding force Gerhard Aigner, 80
June 21 – There was a moment of silence ahead of the Spain-Italy Group B match on Thursday in honour of former UEFA general secretary and chief executive Gerhard Aigner, who has died aged 80.
Cooper takes charge at Leicester City for their Premier League return
June 21 – Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has been appointed Leicester’s new manager on a three-year contract.
Spalletti licks his wounds after Spanish schooling, De La Fuente says they will get even better
June 21 – Italy manager Luciano Spalletti admitted that his side were outplayed by Spain in a 1-0 defeat, but said that the humbling reality check must prompt his side to improve.
Southgate says England have work to do and have to improve, really?… no-one noticed
June 21 – England manager Gareth Southgate says the country must improve after suffering a barrage of criticism for failing once again to get the best out of his talented side.
Macedonians and Serbs demand sanctions for Albania’s Daku offensive chanting
June 21 – The North Macedonia FA has demanded a public apology from Albanian international Mirlind Daku for his offensive chants after Wednesday’s Euro 2024 match between Croatia and Albania.
Freidkin closing in on Everton deal as Moshiri grants him deal exclusivity
June 21 – Dan Freidkin has taken a step closer to the acquisition of Premier League club Everton having agreed a period of exclusivity agreement with club owner Farhad Moshiri.