Football

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed reports that Kylian Mbappé is being investigated for rape, stating that the allegations have not affected the player's performance.Swedish media outlets had reported that Mbappé was the subject of an investigation following an alleged incident at a Stockholm hotel during the international break. However, Mbappé's representatives have vehemently denied the claims, calling them "false and irresponsible."Ancelotti has defended Mbappé's right to travel during his time off, emphasizing that the player is not affected by the allegations. He also praised Mbappé's fitness and readiness to play, stating that the break has benefited him.Mbappé has been in impressive form for Real Madrid this season, scoring 12 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions. He has played a key role in the team's success, helping them to the top of the La Liga standings and into the knockout stages of the Champions League.Despite the allegations, Mbappé has remained focused on his football. He has trained with Real Madrid this week and is expected to start in Saturday's match against Celta Vigo.The allegations against Mbappé have raised concerns about the handling of sexual assault cases in sports. Critics have argued that the lack of transparency and accountability in such cases can create a culture of silence and impunity.It is important to note that Mbappé has not been charged with any crime and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, the allegations have cast a shadow over his reputation and raised questions about the need for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of sexual assault cases in sports.

Gary Neville Inspires Young Footballers in IndiaFormer Manchester United legend Gary Neville recently visited India as part of the United We Play initiative, a collaboration between Apollo Tyres and Manchester United. The initiative aims to provide young footballers with access to world-class coaching and facilities.During his visit, Neville interacted with young players selected from Thailand, Nepal, and 18 cities across India. He shared his insights on the key elements for success in football, emphasizing the importance of skill, work ethic, and determination.Neville also stressed the value of education and personal growth beyond sports. He encouraged the young players to pursue their studies and develop as well-rounded individuals. "There is a life beyond sports," he said. "It's important to have options and to grow as great human beings."The United We Play initiative has grown significantly since its inception, with the number of participating players increasing from 5,000 in the first edition to 12,000 in the fourth edition. The organizers are committed to sustaining their efforts at the grassroots level to strengthen Indian football."We are committed to grow the game of football and help young emerging talent to express themselves," said Rajesh Dahiya, vice president of Apollo Tyres.Five boys selected from the program will have the opportunity to travel to Old Trafford for a match-day experience, training sessions with Manchester United soccer school coaches, and a chance to interact with the legends.Neville's visit and the United We Play initiative are a testament to the growing interest in football in India. By providing young players with access to expert guidance and facilities, these initiatives are helping to nurture the next generation of Indian football stars.

Thomas Tuchel's appointment as England's head coach has sparked a debate about the role of foreign coaches in international football. While some believe that only native coaches should lead their national teams, others argue that the best coach should be appointed regardless of nationality.Tuchel, a German, is the third foreign coach to lead England, following in the footsteps of Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson and Italian Fabio Capello. His appointment has been met with mixed reactions, with some fans expressing concerns about his lack of experience in English football. However, the English Football Association (FA) believes that Tuchel is the best coach available and that his experience in the Champions League with Chelsea will be invaluable.The trend of appointing foreign coaches is not unique to England. In recent years, several other top football nations have turned to overseas coaches, including Spain, Portugal, and Brazil. This suggests that the traditional belief that the national team must be led by one of their own is gradually being abandoned.There are several reasons why foreign coaches are becoming increasingly popular. First, they often bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the team. They are not bound by the same traditions and expectations as native coaches, which can allow them to make bold decisions. Second, foreign coaches often have experience working with players from different cultures and backgrounds, which can be beneficial in a globalized sport like football.However, there are also some potential drawbacks to appointing foreign coaches. One is that they may not be as familiar with the local culture and footballing landscape. This can make it difficult for them to connect with the players and fans. Additionally, foreign coaches may be more likely to leave their post if they receive a better offer from another country.Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to appoint a foreign coach is a complex one. There are both pros and cons to consider, and each country must decide what is best for them. In the case of England, the FA has decided that Tuchel is the best man for the job, and they will be hoping that he can lead the team to success in the years to come.

Paul Pogba, the French World Cup winner, has expressed his unwavering desire to return to Juventus despite facing a reduced doping ban. In an exclusive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba revealed his willingness to sacrifice financial gains for the opportunity to don the Bianconeri jersey once again."I'm ready to give up money to play for Juve again. I want to come back with this club," Pogba declared. "I'm a Juve player, and I'm preparing to play for Juve."Pogba's current contract with Juventus, which expires in June 2026, reportedly earns him eight million euros annually. However, during his suspension, he has been receiving only the minimum salary stipulated in the Serie A collective agreement, amounting to just over €2,000 per month.Despite the financial implications, Pogba remains adamant about his return. "It will be a new Pogba, a hungrier, wiser, and stronger one," he asserted. "I just want to play football. I want to be ready to train and play for Juve. That's all that matters to me right now."Pogba's four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in October 2023. He will be eligible to return to action on March 11, 2024, just days before his 32nd birthday.The midfielder tested positive for testosterone in August 2023 after a match between Juventus and Udinese. He was provisionally suspended in September and subsequently banned for four years by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal in February 2024.Pogba's representatives have maintained that the testosterone originated from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor he consulted in the United States.Juventus are reportedly considering terminating Pogba's contract despite the reduced ban. However, Pogba remains resolute in his desire to return to the club. "I'm a Juve player, and I'm preparing to play for Juve," he reiterated. "That's all there is at the moment."

The Indian Super League (ISL) has unveiled the highly anticipated schedule for its 2024-25 season, featuring a thrilling lineup of matches, including the iconic Kolkata Derby. The second leg of the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC will take center stage on January 11 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The rivalry will continue with Mohammedan SC facing Mohun Bagan SG on February 1 and East Bengal FC on February 16, completing the Derby round-up.The season kicks off on January 4 with Bengaluru FC traveling to Jamshedpur for a clash at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. Punjab FC will host Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on January 5. The clash between Odisha FC and FC Goa on January 4 promises to be a tactical battle, with the Spanish flair of Sergio Lobera and Manolo Marquez on display.NorthEast United FC will make their debut at their new home, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, on February 7 against Mumbai City FC. The Highlanders will also host Bengaluru FC on February 21 and East Bengal FC on March 8 in the Meghalaya capital.Kerala Blasters FC will face arch-rivals Chennaiyin FC on January 30 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Chennaiyin FC will take on Bengaluru FC in a much-anticipated fixture on February 25 at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. These matches will be crucial in the race for the playoffs.The league phase will conclude on March 12 at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad, with a contest between Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters. The ISL 2024-25 season promises to deliver intense rivalries, tactical battles, and unforgettable moments for football fans across India.

French soccer star Kylian Mbappé's representatives have vehemently denied allegations of a rape investigation against him in Sweden, labeling the reports as "false and irresponsible."Swedish media outlets, including Expressen and Aftonbladet, reported that the Real Madrid striker was the subject of a rape claim following a visit to Stockholm last week. However, Swedish prosecutors have since issued a brief statement confirming a rape report but refraining from naming any suspects.Mbappé's communications team has condemned the Swedish media for spreading "slanderous" rumors. They emphasized that Mbappé "will under no circumstances tolerate his integrity, reputation, and honor being sullied by unfounded insinuations."The French star himself took to social media to dismiss the allegations as "FAKE NEWS!!!!" and linked to a French article covering the Swedish reports. He also hinted at a possible connection between the reports and a legal hearing in Paris regarding unpaid wages from his former club, Paris Saint-Germain.Swedish media had previously reported on Mbappé's brief stay in Stockholm, publishing photographs of him and his entourage. The French star had been granted permission to skip international duty due to a minor thigh injury.Mbappé's lawyers have expressed bewilderment over the allegations, stating that they are unaware of any specific complaint against their client. They emphasized that a complaint does not constitute proof of guilt.The allegations have sparked widespread attention and concern, given Mbappé's status as one of the world's most prominent soccer players. His representatives have vowed to take legal action against any media outlets that continue to spread false information.

Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as the new head coach of the England national football team, according to Sky Sports News. The German tactician has signed a contract to take over the reins from interim boss Lee Carsley, who had been in charge since Gareth Southgate's resignation following England's defeat in the European Championship final in July.Tuchel's appointment marks a significant moment for English football, as he becomes the third foreign manager to lead the Three Lions, after Sweden's Sven-Goran Eriksson and Italy's Fabio Capello. The 51-year-old German has a proven track record of success, having guided Chelsea to the Champions League title in 2021 and winning the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund in 2017.Tuchel's arrival is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the England team, which has struggled to deliver major silverware since winning the World Cup on home soil in 1966. The German is known for his innovative tactical approach and his ability to get the best out of his players.However, Tuchel will face a number of challenges in his new role. The England team has been criticized for its lack of consistency and its inability to perform under pressure. Tuchel will also have to deal with the intense scrutiny that comes with managing one of the most high-profile teams in world football.Despite the challenges, Tuchel is confident that he can lead England to success. He said: "I am very excited to be the new manager of England. It is a great honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead this team. I believe that we have a talented squad and I am confident that we can achieve great things together."Tuchel's appointment has been met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits. Some believe that he is the right man to lead England to glory, while others are concerned about his lack of experience in international management. However, there is no doubt that Tuchel is a world-class coach and he will be given the time and resources to succeed.

Lionel Messi returned to the Argentina national team with a bang, scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists in a 6-0 home win over Bolivia in a South American World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.The superstar, who missed the two rounds of the competition in October due to a right ankle injury, played from start to finish on Tuesday in front of raucous fans at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium, who chanted his name after he opened the scoring in the 19th minute.Messi's first goal came after a mistake by a Bolivian defender, who missed a pass and allowed the 37-year-old Messi to run freely and finish unchallenged in front of goalkeeper Billy Viscarra.The result kept the World Cup champions as leaders of the round-robin competition with 22 points after 10 matches, three points clear of second-place Colombia, who earlier beat Chile 4-0. Uruguay is in third position with 16 points after a goalless draw with Ecuador.Messi's second goal came in the 42nd minute, assisted by Lautaro Martínez. He then provided a decisive pass once again in added time on a goal by Julián Álvarez.Argentina appeared to slow its pace after the break, but scored again with Thiago Almada in the 69th minute. The striker scored from close range after a low cross by Nahuel Molina.Messi's show had two great finishing touches from the edge of the box, the first in the 84th and the second in the 86th minute."We enjoyed this, we are happy to be here playing in Argentina," said Messi, who once again refused to say whether he will play in the next World Cup in 2026. "This could be one of the last (matches in front of the Argentinian crowd)."Bolivia, which is seeking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 30 years, remains in contention with 12 points.Chile's loss to Colombia has placed the job of coach Ricardo Gareca at risk. Davinson Sánchez, Luis Díaz, Jhon Durán, and Luis Sinistierra scored the goals for Colombia. Chile is in last place in the qualifying group with only five points.Paraguay beat Venezuela 2-1 and moved into a qualifying position in the standings. Jon Aramburo opened the scoring for the visitors in the 25th minute, but striker Antonio Sarabia came from the bench to win it for the hosts with goals in the 59th and 74th minutes.Two more rounds of South American World Cup qualifying will be played in November.

Benjamin Mendy, the former Manchester City defender, has filed a claim for unpaid wages amounting to £11.5 million ($15 million) against the Premier League champions. Mendy's legal battle stems from his arrest and subsequent charges of rape and sexual assault in 2021.After being charged, Manchester City suspended Mendy's wages, citing his bail conditions and Football Association suspension. However, Mendy claims that a senior City official assured him that he would receive his unpaid wages once he was cleared of the charges.In January 2023, Mendy was found not guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. However, the jury could not reach a verdict on another count of rape and one count of attempted rape. A retrial was held, and Mendy was acquitted of both charges.Mendy's financial situation deteriorated rapidly after his wages were withheld. He was forced to sell his Cheshire mansion to cover legal fees, bills, and child support payments. In a witness statement, Mendy revealed that he had to borrow money from teammates Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez to support his family.Mendy's employment tribunal is expected to last for two days. He argues that he is entitled to the unpaid wages he would have earned if he had not been falsely arrested. Manchester City, on the other hand, maintains that they were not obligated to pay Mendy's wages due to his suspension and inability to perform his duties as a player.Mendy's case highlights the complex legal and financial challenges faced by athletes who are accused of serious crimes. The outcome of the tribunal will have implications for both Mendy and Manchester City, as well as for other clubs and players who may find themselves in similar situations in the future.