Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Premier League & FA Cup Drama
Spurs bbc.com interim manager Igor Tudor admitted he is more confident of avoiding relegation despite the 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace bbc.com manager Oliver Glasner praised his team's "great reaction" as they fought back from a goal down to beat Spurs 3-1, with all goals coming in the first half. Wolves bbc.com defender Andy Robertson acknowledged Liverpool must play better in Friday's FA Cup tie than they did in Tuesday's Premier League defeat by the same opposition. Wolves bbc.com manager Rob Edwards emphasized the FA Cup's importance ahead of Friday evening's fifth-round tie against Liverpool. Wrexham espn.com manager Phil Parkinson wants to draw on the club's FA Cup history when they face Chelsea in the fifth round on Saturday.
European Football Updates
Morocco espn.com coach Walid Regragui has quit the team just months before the World Cup, confirming his departure at a late-night news conference. Real Madrid espn.com star Kylian Mbappé's injury recovery is progressing well according to coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who called the news "all good." Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha said it would be "foolish" to consider leaving the Ligue 1 giants amid reported interest from Real Madrid. Bayern Munich espn.com striker Harry Kane will miss the game against Borussia Monchengladbach with a calf injury, impacting his Bundesliga record chase. LAFC espn.com has added three new minority investors including Carlos Vela, with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai selling his stake.
Scottish Football
Scotland skysports.com head coach Gregor Townsend has made five changes to the team facing France in the Six Nations. Celtic bbc.com are reportedly interested in Motherwell's Elijah Just and Hibernian's Miguel Chaiwa, while Rangers allegedly entered talks about extending Mikey Moore's loan from Tottenham. Dundee United bbc.com striker Johnny Russell says his return "just felt right" as he aims to make his mark in the Scottish Cup. The Old Firm Scottish Cup quarter-final could provide Premiership momentum, with Kenny Dalglish and Peter Lovenkrands previewing the clash.
Women's Football & International
The Confederation of African Football espn.com confirmed the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations will not take place in Morocco as planned on March 17, drawing swift criticism. Brazil espn.com defender Rodrigo Caio received a 12-match ban for sexist remarks about a female referee after a Sao Paulo state match. The Portland Thorns espn.com announced striker Sophia Wilson has been removed from maternity leave and is available for selection ahead of the 2026 NWSL season.
Transfer Market & Rumors
Manchester City bbc.com are closing in on Fulham's Samuel Amissah, while Newcastle bbc.com striker William Osula - who won a Manchester United skills contest at 11 - scored the winner against United. Arsenal espn.com must offload a first-team player this summer to balance their books, though the identity remains unclear. Nottingham Forest bbc.com global head of football Edu has been asked to stay away from the training ground.
Controversies & Off-field Issues
Former Scotland skysports.com rugby captain Stuart Hogg has been stripped of his MBE by King Charles after pleading guilty to domestic abuse charges. Iran bbc.com players sang and saluted their anthem in a match, with an Australia-based correspondent suggesting they were under instruction to do so. The Saudi Pro League espn.com is pressing ahead with its schedule including Thursday's match and Friday's Jeddah derby despite regional security concerns.
Other Football News
Carlos Vela is among three new investors purchasing a minority stake in LAFC. The 2026 Leagues Cup espn.com will see Liga MX teams host phase one matches for the first time since the tournament's modern format debuted. Wales bbc.com will host World Cup-bound Ghana in a friendly at Cardiff City Stadium in June. Forest Green Rovers bbc.com defender Jili Buyabu returned to help his side's promotion push just two days after delivering his own baby.
Player Spotlights
Wayne Rooney bbc.co.uk discussed his playing career for Everton, England, and Arsenal, along with his honest regrets. Mateus Mane bbc.com has been a rare bright light in Wolves' season as BBC Sport charts his journey from Portugal to the Premier League. Gareth Bale bbc.com revealed he carried a secret back injury throughout his career, which eventually led to his early retirement at.