Football/Soccer 3 Hours

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

European Football Governance & Club Management

Real Madrid lost its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after UEFA upheld a fine levied against the club stemming from supporters directing anti-gay chants toward Pep Guardiola during a Champions League fixture versus Manchester City. This legal setback contrasts sharply with the rumored return of Jose Mourinho to the club, an appointment Spanish football expert Guillem Balague suggests is an attempt to impose "an iron fist" on a fractured dressing room environment. Meanwhile, in the English Football League, West Bromwich Albion confirmed they will forgo any appeal against the EFL's two-point deduction imposed for breaching financial regulations, stating the process was "not in their best interests" as the club seeks to shift focus forward. Scottish side Motherwell FC also issued a firm denial regarding reports linking manager Jens Berthel Askou to a potential move to French side Toulouse, insisting they have received no official approach for the Dane.

International Tournaments & Management Shifts

The administrative side of international qualification saw Curaçao rehire manager Dick Advocaat, who is set to become the oldest coach at the upcoming World Cup cycle, though the nation's president publicly disputed claims that his predecessor Fred Rutten departed due to internal "friction." Separately, regarding US-hosted events, the Trump administration is suspending visa bonds requirement—which previously mandated deposits up to $15,000—for confirmed foreign visitors holding World Cup tickets, easing entry logistics for international attendees.

English Domestic Football & Player Futures

Former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy admitted surprise that the club found itself embroiled in a relegation battle shortly after his departure, stating such a scenario was unimaginable "not in a million years." In team selection news, England selector Rob Key suggested Crawley's omission from the national Test squad could serve as a catalyst for the opener's development, leaving the door open for a significant return after the post-Ashes shake-up. Further down the pyramid, fans are awaiting the outcome of the League One play-off race, with anticipation building over whether Bradford or Bolton will secure the final spot to contest the promotion final.

Other Sports News

In cricket, England’s pursuit of a one-day international series victory against New Zealand was paused as Wednesday's second ODI was washed out by persistent rain in Northampton, preventing an early series clinch. In horse racing, Legacy Link secured her place in the prestigious Betfred Oaks after a hard-fought victory over Felicitas in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York. Separately, the Rugby Football Union outlined plans to increase events at the Allianz Stadium, seeking approval to host 15 non-sporting events annually, up from the current limit of three.