Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 11, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Premier League Relegation & Controversy

Tottenham Hotspur’s fight for Premier League survival was prolonged after they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Leeds United, leaving manager Roberto De Zerbi to claim the referee, Jarred Gillett, was "not calm" amid VAR controversy. The result leaves Spurs just two points clear of the drop zone with two fixtures remaining, sparking debate over whether the draw was a missed opportunity and whether David Raya was fouled. Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, West Ham United continues to dispute their disallowed equalizer against Arsenal, with the club planning to formally contact the referees' body after pundit Jamie Carragher asserted only rivals would disagree with the VAR decision to rule out the Hammers' goal. Furthermore, observers suggest the Premier League faces a "clear and obvious problem with holding" during set-piece situations, exemplified by the chaotic corner leading to the controversial call at the London Stadium on Sunday.

Championship Play-Off Drama

Hull City secured their passage to the Championship play-off final at Wembley after producing a clinical 2-0 second-leg victory over Millwall, a moment manager Sergej Jakirovic described as "maybe the best thing that happened in football in my life" after reaching the final. A key catalyst for Hull's success was winger Mohamed Belloumi, whose late contribution turned manager Jakirovic's initial displeasure over his lack of match preparedness into outright delight. Elsewhere in the promotion picture, Rochdale celebrated earning promotion via the play-offs after a dramatic Wembley win, renewing calls from National League chiefs for three promotion spots to be granted to the EFL following their 106-point season.

Managerial & Transfer Rumours

Several clubs are reportedly monitoring West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, with newspapers suggesting three Premier League sides are targeting the forward's signature, while Juventus is said to be considering a loan move for Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Liverpool eyeing Monaco duo Maghnes Akliouche and Lamine Camara in transfer gossip. In managerial movements, Chelsea has begun contacting prospective head coaches including Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola, while Jose Mourinho is increasingly viewed as the probable successor to the Real Madrid head coach role. In Scottish football, manager Danny Rohl faces a significant summer rebuild after Rangers finished third, while Hearts and Celtic are reportedly locked in a transfer tussle to secure midfielder Leonard.

Player News & Personal Stories

Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky marked a stunning return for Tottenham, making one of the saves of the season two months after facing career uncertainty to salvage a point. In positive off-field news, Newcastle defender Dan Burn stated that therapy worked "quite well" for him as he advocates for mental health support. In contrast, Arsenal forward Beth Mead emotionally announced that her departure at the end of the season "breaks her heart" as her contract expires. On a unique note, former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko is poised to join the exclusive list of players aged over 40 competing in a World Cup.

Scottish Football & International Updates

Manchester United Under-21 captain Jacob Devaney is making an impact on loan with St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership during the second half of the season. Separately, an SFA inquiry found an allegation of racist abuse by Aberdeen's Jack Milne against Livingston's Jeremy Bokila "not proven". In international management news, Dick Advocaat may make a surprise return as Curacao boss after his successor, Fred Rutten, resigned just a month before their World Cup debut prompting the change. Furthermore, Newcastle defender Rory Finneran received his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad for the friendly against Grenada.

Other Sports Briefings

In tennis, Iga Swiatek demolished Naomi Osaka 6-2 6-1 to book her quarter-final spot at the Italian Open. In boxing, Shane Mosley Jr announced his middleweight return by securing a sixth-round stoppage victory against the favored Serhii Bohachuk. Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff expressed confidence that George Russell "won't leave a stone unturned" in the Formula 1 title race, anticipating a strong response in Montreal. Finally, in cricket, Ben Duckett smashed an unbeaten double century as Nottingham and Surrey settled for a draw in the County Championship.