Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: March 30, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Tottenham Hotspur Managerial Search & Tudor Exit

Tottenham Hotspur are aggressively pursuing Roberto De Zerbi to take over as head coach immediately, with sources indicating the club is pushing to convince the former Brighton boss to take the helm before the season concludes Sources: Spurs pushing for De Zerbi this season. This intense pursuit comes just days after the club sacked Igor Tudor following a disastrous six-week stint where the former firefighter was perceived as having used "gasoline instead of water" in his attempt to steady the ship, leaving Spurs even closer to relegation. The urgency reflects that the club views this managerial appointment as their "final roll of the dice" necessary to secure their Premier League standing One final roll of the dice.

England National Team Updates & Player Selection

England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed no disappointment regarding player withdrawals ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Japan, while simultaneously managing fitness concerns for key World Cup hopefuls Tuchel not angry over England withdrawals. Specifically, Tuchel intends to give injury-hit Manchester City defender John Stones "every chance" to make the final World Cup squad, emphasizing the centre-back remains "a key player," though he stressed Stones "has to" prove his fitness Credit in the bank. Meanwhile, excitement surrounds the continued rise of Elliot Anderson, whose development from helping Bristol Rovers achieve League Two promotion four years ago might see him become a key player for England this summer Shades of Gascoigne.

International Friendlies & Defensive Prowess

As Scotland prepares for their friendly clash against the Ivory Coast, experts are examining what lessons can be drawn from their recent loss to Japan What lessons can Scots learn. Scotland's opponents, the Ivory Coast, present a formidable challenge, having qualified for the World Cup without conceding a single goal and boasting several players with Premier League experience Premier League experience & miserly defence. Additionally, France secured a convincing 3-1 friendly victory over Colombia, powered by Désiré Doué, who scored his first senior goals for the national team in the win Doué double sees France down Colombia.

Fan Sentiment & VAR Controversy

A recent survey conducted by the Football Supporters' Association revealed widespread opposition to the Video Assistant Referee system within the English top flight, with three-quarters of Premier League fans actively campaigning against its use 75% of fans oppose VAR. Supporters believe VAR is actively detrimental to the match-day experience, specifically citing that the technology is "ruining goal celebrations" and has failed to improve the quality of football since its introduction Survey: Matchgoing fans opposed to VAR.

Legal & Financial Fallout in Football

Cardiff City's extensive attempt to secure financial redress following the tragic death of player Emiliano Sala has been definitively dismissed by a commercial court in France French court dismisses compensation claim. The club, which was seeking compensation exceeding £100 million, must now bear approximately £400,000 in associated costs related to the claim Cardiff City damages claim over Emiliano Sala death dismissed. Separately, Celtic has reportedly paid out a five-figure settlement to a sexual abuse victim who claimed he was attacked by former coach Frank Cairney at the Celtic Boys Club in 1989 Celtic pay out five-figure sum.

Managerial Moves & Transfer Speculation

In the Scottish Premiership, former Celtic and Scotland midfielder Scott Brown has stood down as Ayr United manager "by mutual consent," marking the end of his tenure at the club Manager Brown exits Ayr United. Meanwhile, gossip suggests Rangers are nearing an agreement to sign Dundee's Luke Graham for the upcoming season Rangers far down line on signing Dundee's Graham. Across Europe, speculation continues that Atlético Madrid is exploring a potential move for Arsenal forwards Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli Transfer rumors, news.

Women's Football & Emerging Talent

Teenage Bohemians midfielder Aoibhe Brennan has received her inaugural call-up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad for their April World Cup 2027 qualifying fixtures against Poland Bohs' Brennan earns first Republic of Ireland call-up. In England, Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter offered an analysis of current WSL talking points, including the optimal role for Arsenal's Russo What is Russo's best role for Arsenal?. Furthermore, former World Junior 100m champion Adam Gemili is set to transition into coaching, taking up a role instructing Chelsea academy players following his retirement from athletics British sprinter Gemili to coach Chelsea academy players.

Rugby League & Other Sports Notes

In Betfred Super League action celebrating its 30th birthday, Leeds Rhinos managed a narrow 26-22 victory over Warrington Wolves Sivo hat-trick helps Leeds to narrow win, while Hull FC secured consecutive wins by holding off a spirited second-half comeback from Catalans Dragons, concluding 24-20 Hull hold off Catalans fightback. In boxing news, Mikaela Mayer is confirmed to attend Chantelle Cameron's fight this weekend as speculation mounts regarding a potential future world title showdown between the two fighters Mayer flying in for Cameron fight.