Cristiano Ronaldo has called on the Saudi Pro League to issue lifetime stadium bans to any supporter found to have been involved in the taunting of Rúben Neves by chants about the late Diogo Jota during a match on Saturday. Jota was killed alongside his brother when the car they were in crashed in Zamora, Spain, in July 2025. Both Neves and Ronaldo were international teammates of Jota. Footage circulating on social media on Saturday shows Neves standing next to his Al Hilal teammate Crysencio Summerville preparing to take a free kick amid audible chants of "Jota, Jota, Jota" at the home stadium of Al Taawoun. Neves appears to react by sarcastically applauding and giving a thumbs up to the supporters before pointing to the sky and his own eye before then pointing in the direction from which the chanting is coming from. After the match, the midfielder walked through the mixed zone, saying to reporters: "I just hope they don't go to pray later after what they did." Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr but has earned a host of Portugal caps while playing alongside Neves and Jota, called on the Saudi Pro League to punish supporters found to have participated in the chanting about Jota. "The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behavior. This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again," he wrote in a comment on an Instagram post showing footage of the incident. Neves and Jota grew close after playing together in youth teams for Portugal and Porto before becoming teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Neves was a pallbearer at Jota's funeral. Neves inherited Jota's Portugal No. 21 shirt last year. Al Hilal retained top spot in the Saudi Pro League with a 6-0 win over Al Taawoun as Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat trick and England's Ollie Watkins netted a brace.
BREAKING: FIFA president Gianni Infantino did not inform the FIFA Council that he was soliciting investment proposals from outside investors to finance a proposed Under-15 ‘World Cup’ for children. Infantino held talks over the past year to commercialize an Under-15 festival inspired by baseball’s Little League World Series which would include all 211 FIFA nations. Under the plans, opening and closing ceremonies would have been held at Disney World resorts and ESPN was on board to broadcast the tournament in the United States. Reports have now reveal that the proposal had more than $250million of financial commitments from investors, despite Infantino not telling the Council that he was seeking external investment for the project.
BREAKING: UEFA has made a request for the disclosure of documents in advance of potentially launching “criminal proceedings” against Gianni Infantino in Switzerland over his abandoned World Cup sell-off plan. In a legal document filed in the United States District Court, seen by The Athletic, European football’s governing body has accused FIFA’s president of “promoting” a “fraudulently off-market price for his own benefit” when proposing to sell a stake in world soccer governing body’s commercial and event operations to Thrive Eternal — a U.S. investment fund run by Joshua Kushner.
REAKING: Inter Miami have appointed Cristian “Kily” González as their new first-team head coach. González, 52, will replace Guillermo Hoyos, a decades-long ally and close family friend of club captain Lionel Messi. A statement from Inter Miami issued on Thursday confirmed that Hoyos will “provisionally continue in charge of the team until the arrival of the new head coach and his coaching staff”, once González receives a work permit. Hoyos, 63, has been in caretaker charge of Miami since April, when he replaced Javier Mascherano. González becomes the latest Inter Miami head coach to have previously worked with or played alongside Messi, joining the likes of Gerardo “Tata” Martino and Mascherano. Messi and González played two World Cup qualifying matches together for Argentina in October 2005 — the year Messi made his senior Argentina debut and González played his final game for the national team. Earlier on Thursday, before Miami confirmed the appointment of González, Major League Soccer suspended Hoyos for one game and fined him an undisclosed amount for repeatedly violating the league’s late kickoff policy. Hoyos will serve that ban during Miami’s home game against CF Montréal on Saturday, August 29. Hoyos became Inter Miami’s Director of Development in August 2023 before becoming sporting director in January 2025. The Argentine then replaced Javier Mascherano as head coach in April 2026, going on to take charge of 17 games. During his 18-year playing career, González represented the likes of Rosario Central, Boca Juniors, Valencia and Inter Milan. The former left midfielder was an Argentina international who scored ten goals in 56 appearances for the national team, where he played with Messi. His coaching career has seen him take charge of three sides in his native Argentina: Rosario Central, Club Atletico Union and Club Atletico Platense. Inter Miami are second in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference and ten points behind first-place Nashville SC, a team they were beaten by 4-1 on Aug. 15.
BREAKING: Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have confirmed the sale of a minority stake in the Premier League club to a consortium including U.S. billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The agreement, announced Friday, follows talks that were first reported in July. The move represents Bezos’ first foray into sports after many years of links to investment in a number of north American sports franchises. The size of the stake was not disclosed but is expected to be in the range of approximately 30 per cent to one-third, per sources with knowledge of the investment, not authorised to speak publicly because of the confidentiality of the process. Bezos’ involvement comes via the K5 Sports fund. The lead partner in the deal though is Amit Bhatia, the former Queens Park Rangers co-owner, who has led and managed the 1892 Holdings consortium. They are joined by the family office of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and his wife Elaine. Bhatia will take up the position of vice chairman and will be joined on the club’s board by Elaine Saverin and Bryan Baum of K5 Sports. Bezos will not have a seat on the board, sources with knowledge of the plans going forward say. It is the first external minority investment in the club since Dynasty Equity purchased a three per cent stake in Liverpool for approaching $200million back in September 2023. FSG will continue to retain majority ownership and operational control of the club, a release confirming the sale on Friday said. Sources with knowledge of the investment, speaking anonymously as they weren’t authorised to do so publicly, indicate there will be no change to the leadership or day-to-day operation of the club.
BREAKING: Kevin Lamour has left his position as chief operating officer at FIFA. Lamour’s departure comes after the FIFA executive released a statement to the Associated Press on July 31 criticising Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, amid the fallout from the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. Lamour told AP that staff had been “deceived” by Infantino regarding the FFE plan, which would have seen world soccer’s governing body make stakes in the World Cup available for private investment. A FIFA spokesperson said in a statement to The Athletic: “FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026. “FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future. “No further comment will be made on the matter.” Lamour, who previously worked with Infantino at UEFA, the governing body for European football, told AP in July: “It is the project of one person “Not only must this project not go ahead … but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.” Lamour also said that we was prepared to lose his job over speaking out publicly. “If that means I lose my job, then so be it,” his statement to AP added. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.” Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA’s secretary general, informed staff at FIFA via email that Lamour would be leaving the organisation and also thanked him for his service. Lamour’s departure follows that of Infantino’s senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro, who resigned in July due to his opposition to the FFE plans.
BREAKING: EFCC and ICPC are reportedly investigating the utilisation of the ₦12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the NFF for outstanding players’ wages, bonuses and other national-team obligations. The NFF reportedly confirmed the investigation in a letter dated August 18, stating that all documents relating to the fund are currently with the two anti-corruption agencies. The development comes amid growing scrutiny of the NFF and the management of public funds allocated to Nigerian football.
BREAKING: FIFA has given out suspensions following post Argentina-Spain clash, including 10 games ban for Paredes, 7 for Nahuel Molina and 1 for Pablo Gavi. Paredes: 10-game ban + $90,000 fine Molina: 7-game ban + $90,000 fine Almada: 1-game ban + $30,000 fine Ayala: 3-game ban + $30,000 fine Gavi: 1-game ban + $30,000 fine Suspensions are confirmed to be for the national team games.
BREAKING: Vinicius Junior has reached an agreement to renew his contract at Real Madrid with the Spanish club preparing to announce the forward’s new deal by the end of the week. Madrid and Vinicius Jr met on Wednesday to discuss the Brazil international’s future and sources with knowledge of the talks, granted anonymity to protect relationships, indicated a package was proposed that reflects his importance to the club and their project. Vinicius Jr had to then decide whether to renew, enter free agency next summer when his current deal expires or pursue the opportunity provided by Arsenal, who were ready to launch an ambitious move should he choose not to remain in Madrid. Sources, though, have told reporters that it is anticipated that Vinicius Jr will finally commit his future at the Bernabeu, ending Arsenal’s pursuit, after initially beginning talks over a new deal in January 2025. Arsenal’s ownership were fully behind pushing ahead with a move for the 26-year-old in the event he was available and had made him their top target to bolster their forward line following their Premier League title win last season. Vinicius Jr was open to joining Arsenal if he chose not to renew his Madrid terms. "Vinicius Jr opting to stay at Madrid would add some stability to what has been a summer of change in the Spanish capital. Jose Mourinho has returned as head coach while Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Carlos Espi and Denzel Dumfries have all arrived as new signings. The club have also confirmed the signing of winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig and have been working on a deal for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, though the Spain captain appears now to prefer a move to rivals Barcelona. Vinicius Jr has made 375 appearances for Madrid, registering 128 goals and 100 assists. He has helped the club to three La Liga titles and won the Champions League twice."
BREAKING: FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom has told staff at world football’s governing body that “individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go” as pressure mounts on Gianni Infantino following his failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan. Grafstrom is second in rank only to Infantino at the organisation and was yet to comment on what has unfolded over the last week. But in a letter sent to staff at FIFA on Tuesday morning, Grafstrom described the scrapped FFE plans as a “sad and reproachable series of events — which were thankfully concluded with the FFE project permanently abandoned”. As earlier reported that Grafstrom was not aware of the FFE scheme, which had been drawn up by Infantino. “The last week has been both extraordinary and challenging for all the members of FIFA staff in our offices around the world,” his internal memo to staff read. “This is why I wanted that you were the first ones to hear from me. “We have all been thrown into the middle of a turmoil, which is difficult to comprehend and accept. “I assure you that you as members of the administration, you will be defended and safeguarded from the political context we currently experience. You do not need to worry. “Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue, and that is why we should always keep our professionalism, sense of perspective and composure.” Although Grafstrom’s comments were sent internally, he joins Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer, in criticizing the plans drawn up by Infantino. In a statement to the Associated Press last week, Lamour said staff at the organisation had been “deceived” and described FFE as “the project of one person”. Infantino’s senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro also resigned last week due to his opposition to the plans.
BREAKING: Egyptian winger Mohammed Salah will be joining Trabzonspor, the Club confirms the agreement is in place for the Egyptian striker. Salah joins on two year deal as free agent after leaving Liverpool. The Egyptian initially had a verbal agreement with Besikats before changing his mind.
BREAKING: Gianni Infantino has summoned FIFA’s senior leadership staff to a meeting in Morocco on Wednesday in the wake of fierce internal criticism following his failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan. Infantino was last week forced to scrap a proposal to make stakes in world soccer governing body’s commercial and event operations available for private investment after an overwhelming global backlash that is now threatening his position as president.
BREAKING: Mykhailo Mudryk is clear to play again after doping accusations. Case settled. Mudryk is expected to join Chelsea in Hong Kong for pre-season tour. He’s gonna be available immediately. He is now eligible to return to competitive action with immediate effect after a resolution was reached between the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Football Association (FA) over an anti-doping violation.
BREAKING: Hugo Broos has stepped down from his role as South Africa head coach following the expiration of his contract. South Africa Faa said on social media on Friday that Broos, 74, would be departing from the role he has held for more than five years, a tenure which saw the Belgian coach lead the nation to their first-ever appearance in a World Cup knockout stage match this summer. The former Cameroonian head coach took over in 2021 and ha led to a 3rd place finish at the 2023 AFCON tournament as well as qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup where they were eliminated in the Round of 32 by Co-host Canada.
BREAKING: Emerse Faé and Ivory Coast will part ways as the coach’s contract has not been extended. The Federation has started process to find a new head coach. The former Ivorian international who took over during the 2024 AFCON tournament after the firing of Jean-Louise Gasset led the team to the AFCON title at home during the tournament against all odds. He also led the team to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup before losing to Norway.
BREAKING: FIFA and Gianni Infantino have performed a U-turn on his plot to sell a stake in its commercial and event operations after widespread condemnation of the plans. According to a statent released by Infantino; "The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for further strengthening our FIFA Member Associations and our sport worldwide, especially in those countries where support is most needed. And more so, as we said from the outset, to do this only if a majority of the FIFA Member Associations were in support and always subject to a consultation process with them, the FIFA Council, the Confederations and wider stakeholders. Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place. Our purpose has always been - and will always be - to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed. Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in our game, and with the objective to continue growing football everywhere, particularly in those countries that mostly need our support.
BREAKING: Newcastle have reached a verbal agreement with Matthias Jaissle to become new head coach. The agreement will be valid until June 2030 and it’s expected to be signed in the next days, with Al Ahli informed. The German coach who is the current coach of Saudi side Al-Ahli led RB Salzburg to 2 Austrian Championship as well as 1 Austrian Cup. He also led Al-Ahli to the AFC Champions League Elite in 2026.
BREAKING: CONCACAF, the confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean, says it rejects FIFA’s plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. All 41 members of CONCACAF met on Thursday to discuss the proposals. One source with knowledge of the meeting, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, said the feeling and discussion expressed among the vast majority of CONCACAF members was that they are losing confidence, or have lost confidence altogether in Gianni Infantino as FIFA President. A second person considered that to be a slightly stronger description of the meeting than they took away from it, but acknowledged widespread concerns over the current FIFA approach to leadership and transparency.
BREAKING: Sad news from Italy as legendary Italy and AC Milan defender Franco Baresi has passed away this morning at 66 years old. An absolute legend of the game with AC Milan and Italy, marking an era for different generations. Thoughts and prayers with the family and the friends. Rest in peace, Franco. . One of the game's greatest defenders, Baresi won three European Cups and two UEFA Super Cups, representing Italy on 81 occasions. Baresi played 719 games for Milan across 20 consecutive seasons, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups.
BREAKING: Roberto Mancini has agreed to become new Italy head coach, the new project is set to start after president Malagò stopped Andrea Pirlo deal at signatures due to his collaboration with Russian brands. The former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager who led Italy to a UEFA Championship in 2020 beating England on penalties will be takes with taking Italy to the UEFA European Championship in 2028 as well as qualifying for 2030 World Cup after Italy have failed to qualify for the last 3 World Cup. Italy have also appointed Claudio Ranieri as new technical director. Ranieri will be the new strong man of the Federation, decision has been made. He will be replacing AC Milan great Paolo Maldini who resigned over the debacle that followed the appointment of Andrea Pirlo and the subsequent backlash over his relationship with a Russian betting company. The Premier League winning manager who led Leicester to a PL title in 2016 last managed AS Roma in 2025 before taking up an advisory role till his appointment as the Technician Director of the Italian Football Federation. He'll be expected to work with Claudio Ranieri to help move the Italian national team forward. Roberto Mancini new head coach. Claudio Ranieri new technical director.
BREAKING: FIFA has announced plans to sell a large minority stake in a new company that will run its main events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup, as part of a plan to triple the amount of development money it dishes out to its 211 member associations. Under the proposals — which are subject to approval by a majority of those national associations and FIFA’s 37-member council — a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE) will take over all commercial operations, while FIFA remains the game’s global governing body and retains a majority stake in FFE. UEFA has released a statement condemning the proposals claiming that "None of us are the owners of football. It's not FIFA to sell" UEFA has rejected the FIFA plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors after president Gianni Infantino unveiled a proposal on Tuesday to create a $20 billion company running the World Cup. Part of the proposal is that the World Ccup would be held every 2 years,
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUARTER FINALS By: Babatunde Ajibade (World Cup correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 As the tournament draws closer to its end, the excitement just keeps growing. The biggest players continue to show up on the biggest stage with brilliant goals, crunching tackles and unbelievable saves. The quarter-finals were no different. This World Cup may have been longer than previous editions, but one thing is certain—it has delivered. France took on Morocco in the opening quarter-final, and for me, Morocco gave France far too much respect. From the way the coach set up the team, it looked like they were more concerned about stopping France than hurting them. France, on the other hand, came out like a team on a mission. Mbappé missed a penalty in the first half, but that didn't stop him. He responded with a brilliant finish after the break to put France ahead. It was his eighth goal of the tournament, drawing him level at the top of the Golden Boot race. He has now scored 20 goals in World Cup history. At this rate, I honestly believe he will surpass Messi's record before he retires. Dembélé also got on the scoresheet to seal a 2-0 victory and send France into their third semi-final in the last three World Cups. You can already see they have one eye on another final, and I'm sure they'll be hoping for another meeting with Argentina to get revenge for that unforgettable defeat in the 2022 World Cup final. But before dreaming about that, they must first get past Spain. The 2010 World Cup winners, Spain, faced Belgium in the second quarter-final, and what a game it was. It started at a frantic pace, then slowed down for a while before bursting back into life again. Fabian Ruiz, a surprise starter with Pedri beginning on the bench, gave Spain the lead. Belgium responded just 11 minutes later through De Ketelaere. The second half belonged largely to Spain, but the biggest turning point came when Thibaut Courtois picked up an injury and had to be substituted. Lammens came on in goal, while Spain introduced their own game changer, Mikel Merino. Once again, just like he did against Portugal in the Round of 16, Merino delivered when his country needed him most. He reacted quickest after Cubarsí's effort slipped through Lammens' hands to score the winner and send Spain into their first World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 2010. Can Spain go all the way again? One thing is worth remembering. Spain have beaten France in their last two meetings, including that memorable victory at the European Championship. So, I definitely wouldn't rule them out. But who do you think reaches the final? Let me know in the comments. Norway against England had all the ingredients of a classic. Haaland versus Kane. Ødegaard versus Bellingham. Everywhere you looked, those were the headlines, and thankfully, the match lived up to the hype. England controlled possession early on but struggled to break down Norway's disciplined defence. Everything changed after the hydration break. Norway became the better side, and they got their reward when Schjelderup's cross—well, I'm still not sure whether it was a cross or a shot—completely fooled Jordan Pickford and found the back of the net. I was just as confused as Pickford. Norway should have doubled their lead moments later, but Sørloth chose not to square the ball to Haaland. The Manchester City striker was unusually quiet for long spells and looked like he might produce another late moment of magic like he did against Brazil. Instead, it was his friend Jude Bellingham who stole the spotlight. Bellingham drove into the box from midfield, collected Gordon's cross and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner to level the score. Both goalkeepers then produced outstanding saves to force the game into extra time, but football can be cruel. The same man who rescued Norway against Brazil, goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, became the villain. He spilled a straightforward effort from substitute Morgan Rogers, and Bellingham reacted quickest to fire home his second goal of the match. That took his tally to six goals at this World Cup. No English player has ever scored more non-penalty goals in a single World Cup than Jude Bellingham. Can the Three Lions finally win their second World Cup? The final quarter-final saw Argentina take on Switzerland in a match that was much tighter than many expected. The Swiss started brightly and looked the better side early on, but Argentina reminded everyone why they are the reigning world champions. Alexis Mac Allister, one of the shortest players on the pitch, rose highest to head home from a Lionel Messi corner and give La Albiceleste the lead. That assist was Messi's second of the tournament and his 10th in FIFA World Cup history. To Switzerland's credit, they never stopped believing. They continued to control large spells of the game and got the equaliser they deserved through Dan Ndoye early in the second half. However, the turning point came just minutes later when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation after a VAR mistaken-identity review. I honestly couldn't understand that decision from Embolo. Your team had Argentina under pressure, pushing for a winner, and you chose that moment to go down looking for a foul. For a player of his experience, it was a needless mistake that completely changed the game. With neither side able to separate themselves after 90 minutes, the match went into extra time. Switzerland gave everything, but Argentina's quality finally told in the second half of extra time. Julián Álvarez produced a stunning strike before Lautaro Martínez added the killer goal with a calm finish to seal a 3-1 victory. The reigning world champions are through to the semi-finals, where England now stand in their way. The Golden Boot race is becoming even more fascinating. At this rate, don't be surprised if the winner finishes with double figures. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé lead the standings with eight goals each. Erling Haaland follows with seven, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are right behind on six. In the assist rankings, Michael Olise still leads the way with five assists. Semi-final Fixtures 🇫🇷 France 🆚 🇪🇸 Spain 🏴 England 🆚 🇦🇷 Argentina Who do you think will qualify for the final? Who has scored the best goal of the tournament so far? And which goalkeeper has produced the save of the tournament? We've seen some absolutely incredible stops throughout this competition. Overall, what has been your impression of the quarter-finals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Which moment stood out the most for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
It is the year 2025, and the frontrunner to win the Ballon d'Or is Ousmane Dembele, forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team. The road to this point has been far from smooth, but this is the end point nonetheless. PSG are the undisputed and unquestionable kings of Europe, winning the European Cup in any format for the first time in their history - a significant feat not just for a team only founded in 1970, but one for the Qatari Sports Investment project which has been hell-bent on continental domination since their takeover in 2011. Luis Enrique's side will be remembered for years to come for their tiki taka-lite style based on fluidity and slick possession football, and at the forefront of their success has been Dembele. With the Ballon d'Or now judged on a seasonal basis - as should have always been the case, thank you, France Football - it is a campaign that should end with Dembele lifting the prestigious Golden Ball in his home country.
Historic Exchange Under Istanbul Agreement In the largest prisoner swap since the full-scale war began, Russia and Ukraine have each released 390 prisoners—comprising 270 military personnel and 120 civilians—as part of an overall 1,000-for-1,000 agreement negotiated during direct talks in Istanbul earlier in May. BBC+4www.ndtv.com+4Deutsche Welle+4Anadolu Ajansı+15Reuters+ Departures and Arrivals Ukrainian returnees arrived in the Chernihiv region, many visibly frail with shaved heads and draped in national flags, greeted by emotional reunions with relatives amid cheers and tears. Reuters+4 The Washington +4 The Daily Star +4. Some had been held in captivity for nearly two years. Russian returnees, including soldiers and civilians captured during a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk region, were first transported to Belarus for medical and psychological evaluation before being repatriated ussia. BBC+3Reuters+3 The Guardian +3. Emotional Homecomings and Lingering Uncertainty Families crowded the exchange sites, clutching photographs of missing loved ones, hoping for a clue from those stepping off the buses. One Ukrainian newly freed veteran, held for more than 830 days, encouraged others not to lose hope: “In every prison there are many guys who had no contact with their relatives. I was the same,” he said The Guardian+10The Washington Post+10The Guardian+10. But for many, the reunion came with heavy uncertainty about family members still unaccounted for. Political Messages and Future Prospects President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the swap as the only tangible outcome of the Istanbul talks and emphasized continued efforts to bring all detainees home. Hromadske The Washington PostThe Guardian. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov promised that Moscow would submit a draft peace proposal following the exchange but reiterated refusal of a ceasefire unless certain conditions were met—terms Ukraine has rejected, according to Reuters The Guardian. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped push for the Istanbul negotiations, congratulated both parties via his social media platform, calling the swap a possible step toward broader peace, though no ceasefire has been agreed upon, according to Reuters and the New York Post. Humanitarian Milestone Amid Ongoing Conflict This first phase swap underscores a rare moment of cooperation in a conflict that has otherwise deepened across Ukraine’s eastern and southern regions. While a few hundred lives have been restored to families, thousands remain in captivity, and both sides show no signs of halting hostilities. Negotiations may continue in coming days as both governments prepare for the next instalment of releases under the "1,000-for-1,000" agreement. For now, the tranche of 390 each represents the largest exchange of its kind since the war began.
Crystal Palace Vs Manchester United Preview By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 Manchester United head to Selhurst Park under heavy pressure and even heavier scrutiny after a disastrous showing at Old Trafford against Everton. The boos that echoed around the stadium said it all. Losing 1–0 to a 10-man Everton side — and conceding after they went a man down — was embarrassing on every level. From the touchline to the pitch, it was shambolic. Many fans are asking the same question: How much more can the board tolerate before admitting the Amorim experiment has failed? United have not scored against Crystal Palace in their last four meetings — and after the lifeless performance against Everton, confidence isn’t exactly flowing. Starting a match with five defenders against a team reduced to ten men was baffling. Shifting Amad into unfamiliar positions didn’t help either. The tactical confusion is becoming a weekly theme, and now they travel to a stadium where their recent record is terrible. The international break may have come at the worst possible time. United had built momentum with 11 points from five Premier League games, but that form now looks like it was papering over deeper cracks — cracks that were fully exposed on Monday night. The Red Devils are barely hanging on to a top-half spot. They’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in five straight matches and continue to struggle away from home. Their London record is even worse: 16 losses in their last 26 Premier League games in the capital — the worst of any top-flight side during that period. A painful stat surfaced recently: Amorim: 9 wins in 35 Premier League games, Ten Hag (same period last year): 23 wins. The numbers speak for themselves. Poor in-game management. Poor structure. Poor identity. United ended the Everton defeat with 25 attempts — but scored none — while conceding from the only shot they faced. Their xG tells the same story: xG For: 20.1 → actual goals: 19 (two were own goals) Conversion rate: 10.4% — 7th worst in the league They create chances, but they can’t finish them. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are flying. Only Arsenal have conceded fewer Premier League goals this season. Oliver Glasner’s side sit fifth and have kept three straight clean sheets against Wolves, Brentford, and Brighton. Their defensive confidence is sky-high, and recent history backs it up: Three wins in their last four league games vs Man United (D1) Two wins in their last four at Selhurst Park vs Man United Opta supercomputer predictions says Palace to win is 54.1% United aren’t just underdogs, they’re clear underdogs. So here we are again, asking what has become a weekly question for Manchester United supporters: Will this team finally show 90 minutes of concentration and courage or will they crumble, invite pressure, and rely on another desperate comeback attempt? Comment below with your score predictions! Manchester United record against Crystal Palace: Games won: 41 Games drawn: 14 Games lost: 13 Team News: (As of today 29/11/2025,) Crystal Palace: Caleb Kporha, Borna Sosa, Cheick Doucoure , Chadi Riad and Rio Cardines are out for this game. Manchester United: Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Harry Maguire are out for this game. Prediction: United sometimes deliver when everyone has written them off, and they should have more energy than Palace. But this team has a habit of sleeping through the first half, and Selhurst Park is a brutal place for a team low on confidence. Crystal Palace 1-1 Manchester United.
Arsenal and Manchester City played out a dramatic 1-1 draw on Sunday, with the two Premier League rivals unable to be separated through 98 or so minutes. Erling Haaland had given the visitors an early lead, before Pep Guardiola remarkably decided to park the bus to try and sneak the win. Those efforts went up in smoke in added time as Gabriel Martinelli scored to clinch a point for the Gunners. Having both slipped up domestically already this season, this wasn't quite a 'must win' affair for either side, but definitely more of a 'must not lose'. In the end, perhaps a draw in which neither team showed much attacking endeavour will please both parties. City seemed content to sit in and create chances on the break, while Arsenal didn't exactly throw the kitchen sink at their visitors in order to force the leveller. It was a pretty just outcome and neither can really have any complaints about how it ended.
