Football

Barcelona's injury woes continue to mount as star winger Ansu Fati has been ruled out for four weeks with a hamstring injury. The 22-year-old Spanish international suffered the setback during training on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.Fati has endured a string of injury problems since bursting onto the scene as a teenager in 2019. The latest setback is a major blow for Barcelona, who are already without several key players."Ansu Fati has suffered a muscle injury (to his right hamstring) during training on Wednesday. He is expected to be out for around four weeks," the Catalan club said in a statement.Fati's absence will be a significant loss for Barcelona, who are currently leading La Liga. The winger has been in impressive form this season, scoring five goals in 12 appearances.He is set to miss the club's Champions League match against French side Brest on November 26, as well as La Liga matches against Celta Vigo, Las Palmas, Mallorca, and Real Betis.Winger Lamine Yamal, who broke Fati's record as the youngest ever Barcelona player and goalscorer, is also out injured for around three weeks with an ankle problem.Veteran Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has a minor back issue, while Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and others are also sidelined.Barcelona's injury crisis is a major concern for manager Xavi Hernandez, who is already under pressure to deliver results. The club has spent heavily in the transfer market in recent years, but they have yet to win a major trophy under Xavi's leadership.

France, Italy, and Portugal are poised to secure their spots in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, while England's hopes of promotion have been dampened by a string of withdrawals.Italy and Portugal need only a point to advance, while France is well-positioned ahead of their match against Israel on Thursday. However, the fixture has been overshadowed by security concerns following clashes in Amsterdam during a match between Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax.Israel has urged fans to avoid the Nations League tie due to fears of anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim abuse amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. France defender Dayot Upamecano expressed understanding for the fans' decision but emphasized his focus on the game.Kylian Mbappe is once again absent from the France squad, with coach Didier Deschamps stating that the decision is "for the best." Mbappe has been under investigation for an alleged rape, which he has denied.After the Israel match, France will face Group A leaders Italy in Milan on Sunday. Italy needs only to avoid defeat against Belgium to secure a quarter-final berth.Portugal will host Poland and then travel to Croatia in Group A1, where Scotland is struggling at the bottom of the table. The Netherlands and Hungary will meet in a crucial A3 showdown, while Germany can wrap up top spot by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina.Denmark and Serbia will battle it out for the other qualifying spot in Group A4 alongside Spain. The Danes host Spain and Serbia go to Switzerland before a potentially decisive clash in Leskovac on November 18.England must beat Greece in Athens to stay in contention for promotion back to the top tier. Greece has a perfect record in League B and won 2-1 at Wembley last month. Interim England boss Lee Carsley will be without several key players for the match.Georgia can become the first team to climb from League D to League A since the Nations League began in 2018 if they beat Ukraine and Czech Republic in Group B1. San Marino, who earned their first-ever competitive win in September, could make the leap to League C by defeating Gibraltar on Friday.Teams finishing third in League A and second in League B will face off in relegation/promotion play-offs, with identical play-offs between Leagues B and C. The Nations League also has an impact on World Cup qualifying, with the 12 group winners in European qualifying going to the World Cup and another four places going to winners of play-offs.

Qatar's human rights record came under scrutiny at the United Nations' Human Rights Council on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. While the country was praised for improving labor laws ahead of the 2022 World Cup, it was urged to fully abolish its employment system for migrant workers.Qatar's senior diplomat in Geneva highlighted the progress made in recent years, including the introduction of a minimum wage, freedom to change employers, and measures to combat forced labor and trafficking. However, the country was urged by France and Sierra Leone to pursue further reforms and consider abolishing the kafala system, which ties migrant workers to their employers.The Netherlands delegation commended Qatar's efforts but emphasized the need for more effective enforcement and implementation of labor laws. Other countries, including Brazil, Ireland, Italy, and New Zealand, called for the abolition of the death penalty and the decriminalization of same-sex relations.In response to criticism of Qatar's record on women's rights, the country's representative pointed to the increased number of women in diplomatic roles. However, Sweden and Iceland recommended further reforms in areas such as divorce, child custody, and inheritance. Iceland also urged the decriminalization of abortion and access to reproductive health services without the need for male guardian approval.Qatar's delegation highlighted the country's rise in the global press freedom index. Norway recommended ensuring that civil society, human rights defenders, and journalists can operate freely without fear of reprisals.Despite the progress made, Qatar is expected to face continued scrutiny as it prepares to host the 2036 Olympics. The country's sports ministry official emphasized the importance of sports as a platform for cooperation and empowerment, stating that Qatar will continue its efforts in the field of sport and empowerment.

Deportivo Riestra, an Argentinian football club, has sparked outrage within the country's football community after fielding an influencer with no professional experience in its starting lineup for a top-flight match. The move has been widely condemned as disrespectful to the sport and its players.The influencer, known as "Spreen," is a popular streamer with millions of followers on social media. He was selected for Riestra's match against Primera Division leaders Velez Sarsfield on Monday, but was substituted off after just 78 seconds without touching the ball.Riestra's decision to field Spreen has been met with widespread criticism from football figures in Argentina. Juan Sebastian Veron, the former Manchester United and Argentina midfielder and current president of Estudiantes de La Plata, condemned the move as a "total lack of respect for football and footballers."Velez striker Braian Romero also spoke out against the decision, saying it showed a "lack of respect towards football" and sent a "bad message to society, to children, to those who try until the end" to break into the sport.Riestra captain Milton Celiz defended the decision, saying that Spreen was a friend of the club and that he should be allowed to enjoy the experience. However, he also acknowledged the criticism, saying that it was "not our responsibility (as players), it's a matter for the owners (of the club)."Riestra released a statement saying that it had informed Velez of its intention to field Spreen a week before the match. The club also stated that its objective was to attract new audiences to football and build bridges between different worlds.The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) has asked its ethics committee to investigate the incident, citing "possible conduct that could damage Argentinian football's reputation for integrity."

Hector Sanchez, a Chilean automobile salesman, has triumphed over adversity to become an international football champion. Diagnosed with a liver disease in his youth, Sanchez was advised against playing football. However, after two liver transplant operations, he joined a team of 20 other organ donor recipients and emerged victorious at the Transplant Football World Cup in September.Sanchez's victory is a testament to the power of organ donation. He credits his "second chance at life" to the transplant he received. Now, he is dedicated to promoting organ donation through sports.Despite progressive legislation in Chile, organ donation rates remain low. The law presumes all adults as donors unless they opt out, but many people still refuse. Chile's transplant rate of 10 per 1 million people is significantly lower than the regional leader, Uruguay, and the European Union.Cultural factors also contribute to the low donation rate. Some families believe that organ donation desecrates the body. Ruth Leiva, head of the transplant unit at San Jose Hospital, explains that "there are many people who believe that (the corpse) will have its eyes gouged out."Sanchez's story challenges these misconceptions. He emphasizes that organ donors are "normal people" who can live full and active lives. On the field, his team does not use any special protection or rules.Sanchez's victory at the Transplant Football World Cup is a powerful reminder of the importance of organ donation. He hopes to inspire others to consider becoming donors and to give others a "second chance at life."

Former England football captain Gary Lineker is set to leave his role presenting the BBC's flagship Match of the Day highlights show at the end of the season, according to BBC News. The 63-year-old has hosted the Saturday night program since 1999.Lineker's departure comes after a series of controversies surrounding his political views. In March 2023, he was briefly taken off air after comparing the language used to launch a British government asylum policy to the rhetoric of Nazi-era Germany on social media. This sparked a row about BBC presenters expressing political opinions.In solidarity with Lineker, several fellow presenters and pundits, including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright, refused to appear on the program, resulting in an episode being reduced to 20 minutes and airing without its host, pundits, and commentary. Lineker was reinstated just over a week later.The former Leicester, Everton, Tottenham, and Barcelona forward has been an outspoken critic of government policies, particularly on immigration. He has also hosted refugees in his home.The BBC launched an independent review of its social media guidelines, which recommended that high-profile presenters should be able to express views on political issues but should stop short of campaigning on party politics or for activist organizations.Speculation about Lineker's future had been mounting since an interview with BBC Breakfast in August, in which he said he looked forward to "another year doing it, at least." Last week, Lineker admitted he would "have to slow down at some point" and hinted to Esquire magazine that he may seek to focus full-time on his successful podcast business.Lineker topped the BBC's pay list in the 2023-24 financial year, earning more than £1.35 million ($1.74 million). In August 2016, he made good on an earlier promise to present the show in his underpants after his boyhood club Leicester won the Premier League.

England's interim manager Lee Carsley has been forced to make significant changes to his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Ireland due to a string of withdrawals. Eight players, including key figures from the top four Premier League clubs, have pulled out, leaving Carsley with a depleted squad.Among the absentees are Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden. Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has also withdrawn.To bolster his squad, Carsley has called up five new players: Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, Southampton's Tino Livramento, and Manchester United's James Trafford.Rogers, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder, has impressed for Unai Emery's Villa side this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists. He has earned his first senior call-up as a reward for his performances.Carsley will be overseeing his final two fixtures before handing over the reins to Thomas Tuchel in January. Defeat in Athens would end England's chances of automatic promotion from the second tier of the Nations League.

Manchester United's players are eagerly anticipating the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim, who is expected to take charge of the struggling club on Monday, November 11, 2024. The Portuguese coach is highly regarded for his success with Sporting Lisbon, where he won multiple titles and transformed the club's fortunes.Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder, expressed his excitement about working with Amorim, praising his loyalty and proven track record as a coach who has won numerous trophies. He believes that Amorim's arrival will bring a positive template for growth and learning, helping United climb the Premier League table.Amorim's first match in charge will be a trip to Ipswich on November 24, giving him limited time to implement his ideas and expected 3-4-3 formation. However, he will be able to meet with United's interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, to discuss plans and strategies.Van Nistelrooy's four-match reign as United boss ended with a 3-0 Premier League victory against Leicester on Sunday, November 10, 2024. The win marked United's third victory in four matches since Erik ten Hag was sacked.Amorim's arrival has been met with optimism by United fans, who hope that his tactical acumen and ability to develop young players will revive the club's fortunes. The Portuguese coach has a reputation for playing attacking football and getting the best out of his players.However, Amorim faces a challenging task at United, who have struggled for consistency and results in recent seasons. The club has not won a major trophy since 2017 and has failed to qualify for the Champions League in the past two seasons.Amorim will need to quickly assess the squad and identify areas that need strengthening. He will also need to build a strong relationship with the players and create a positive and winning atmosphere at the club.If Amorim can replicate his success at Sporting Lisbon at United, he could be the man to lead the club back to the top of English football. However, he will need time and support from the board and the fans to achieve his goals.

Super League Kerala: A Resounding Success, Auguring Well for Kerala FootballThe inaugural edition of Super League Kerala has proven to be a resounding success, injecting a much-needed boost into the State's football scene. The league's well-attended matches, high-quality football, and positive reception from fans and viewers alike have set the stage for a promising future for Kerala football.Despite the already crowded football calendar, the Super League Kerala has carved out a niche for itself. The league's organizers successfully sold the concept to prospective owners, recognizing the potential for growth in a State where football has traditionally taken a backseat to other sports.The league's debut season has been marked by enthusiastic crowds, particularly in Kozhikode and Manjeri, where capacity crowds have witnessed thrilling matches. The final between Calicut FC and Forca Kochi drew a staggering 36,000 spectators to the Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode.The league has also garnered significant interest in Thiruvananthapuram, a city not typically known for its love of football. The absence of home grounds for three clubs is an issue that the organizers must address before the next season, as fans are eager to see their teams play on their home turf.The quality of football on display has been impressive, thanks to the recruitment of talented domestic and overseas players, as well as capable coaches. The league has provided a valuable platform for young Kerala footballers, offering them an additional avenue to showcase their skills and aspire to greater heights.The league's success has raised expectations for its future. To ensure its sustainability, it must strive to break even financially. If the organizers and club owners can achieve this, Kerala football and professional sport in India as a whole will reap the benefits.