Football

FIFA Faces Legal Challenge from European Leagues and Player Unions over Match CalendarThe European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe have joined forces to file a formal complaint with the European Commission against FIFA over the international match calendar. The complaint alleges that FIFA's actions violate EU competition law and constitute an abuse of dominance.The joint statement released by the organizations highlights the unsustainable nature of the current match calendar, which has become saturated with fixtures. The new UEFA Champions League format and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup will further increase the burden on players, who are already facing a high risk of injuries.The complaint argues that FIFA's dual role as both a global regulator and a competition organizer creates a conflict of interest. The organizations contend that FIFA has neglected its responsibilities as a governing body and prioritized its own commercial interests.The statement emphasizes that legal action is necessary to protect the football ecosystem and the welfare of players. The complaint will seek to demonstrate that FIFA's conduct infringes EU competition law by abusing its dominant position.The European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe believe that FIFA's actions have harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the health of players. They call for a transparent, objective, and proportionate approach to the regulation of the international match calendar.

The 133rd Durand Cup, India's oldest football tournament, is set to kick off the 2024-25 season on July 27 in Kolkata. Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face Downtown Heroes FC in the opening match.The tournament will feature 24 teams competing in a round-robin league format, with six group winners and two best second-placed teams advancing to the knockout round. Group A includes two record-holding title winners: Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC.Mohun Bagan SG, the reigning champions, have bolstered their squad with notable foreign signings, including Jamie Maclaren, Greg Stewart, Alberto Rodriguez, and Tom Aldred. They will aim to retain their title and continue their trophy-winning spree.East Bengal FC, the other Kolkata giant, has also built a formidable squad, acquiring the services of last season's standout performers, including Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, and Jeakson Singh. They will aim to close the gap and secure their 17th Durand Cup win, leveling the tally with their arch-rivals.Group A also includes Downtown Heroes FC, a relatively new club founded in 2020, and Indian Air Force FT, representing the armed forces from India. Their participation could add an element of surprise to the group stage.The two finalists from the 2023 Durand Cup, Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC, are once again pitted in the same group for the third consecutive time. The result of their high-stakes encounter could determine which Kolkata-based team advances to the knockout rounds.The Durand Cup is a prestigious tournament that has been won by some of India's most famous clubs, including Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, and Bengaluru FC. It is a major event in the Indian football calendar and provides a platform for young players to showcase their talent.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, is currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation in Florida with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and Inter Miami teammate, Luis Suarez. The trio has been spotted on a boat, soaking up the sun and sharing smiles for the camera.Messi's vacation comes after Argentina's triumph at the Copa America 2024, where he played a pivotal role in securing the team's third consecutive major title. However, the 37-year-old is still recovering from a right ankle injury sustained during the final match against Colombia.Due to the injury, Messi will miss Wednesday's Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game, along with Suarez, who is experiencing knee discomfort. The MLS roster for the match against Mexico's Liga MX All-Stars has been updated to reflect their absence.Inter Miami has provided details on the injuries, stating that Messi is still sidelined after missing two MLS matches last week. Suarez, who recently returned from international duty, will also sit out the All-Star Game due to knee discomfort.This would have been Messi's first MLS All-Star appearance since joining Inter Miami last July. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been instrumental in Miami's success, leading them to the inaugural Leagues Cup crown last year.However, Messi and Suarez's availability for Saturday's home match against Mexico's Puebla remains uncertain. Inter Miami has stated that their status will be determined by their "daily recovery process."Despite the injuries, Messi remains a key figure for Inter Miami and Argentina. His presence on the field has been a major boost for both teams, and fans eagerly await his return to action.

Emami East Bengal, the Kolkata football giant, has unveiled a star-studded squad ahead of the upcoming season, aiming for greater success after finishing ninth in the previous Indian Super League (ISL) edition. The team has significantly reinforced its roster with the addition of Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos, French playmaker Madih Talal, India international Jeakson Singh, and emerging talent David Lalhlansanga.Coach Carles Cuadrat expressed optimism about the team's prospects, acknowledging the challenges faced last season due to injuries and suspensions. "We hope we can put up a better challenge and performance as we have a bigger squad with bigger names," he said.The team's immediate focus is on the Durand Cup and the AFC Champions League preliminary stage match against Turkmenistan's FC Altyn Asyr on August 14. Cuadrat emphasized the importance of depth in the squad, which he believes will be crucial for success in both competitions.Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has strengthened its foreign contingent by signing Australian World Cupper Jamie Maclaren, a five-time A-League Golden Boot winner. Maclaren's arrival adds firepower to Bagan's attack, which already boasts the likes of Dimitri Petratos, Greg Stewart, and Jason Cummings.

Kylian Mbappé's childhood dream of playing for Real Madrid is set to become a reality in the 2024-2025 season. The French superstar has signed a lucrative deal with the La Liga giants, ending his bitter-sweet stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).Mbappé's unwavering belief in his destiny at Real Madrid led him to take Spanish classes at school. His grand unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu last week was a testament to the unwavering support of the Real Madrid faithful.Donning the iconic No.9 jersey, previously worn by his idol Cristiano Ronaldo and club legend Karim Benzema, Mbappé is already making waves before his official debut. His jersey has become a hot commodity, outselling that of England's Jude Bellingham by a staggering five times.Mbappé's jersey sales have exceeded all expectations, with fans facing lengthy waiting times to secure their own. The Madrid club is struggling to meet the overwhelming demand for the French captain's jersey.Mbappé's arrival at Real Madrid has created a formidable attacking trio alongside Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham. The 25-year-old is expected to make his debut in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta on August 15.Mbappé's move to Real Madrid is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. His unwavering belief in his abilities and his determination to achieve his dreams have made him one of the most sought-after players in world football.

Inter Miami extended their lead atop the MLS standings with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire on Saturday, despite the absence of star forward Lionel Messi.Matias Rojas gave Miami an early lead in the sixth minute, but Rafael Czichos equalized for the Fire in the 73rd minute. Just two minutes later, former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba netted the game-winning goal for Inter Miami.The win marked Inter Miami's 16th in 25 games, taking their points tally to 53. They now hold a five-point advantage over second-placed FC Cincinnati, who suffered a 3-1 defeat at New York Red Bulls.In New York, Lewis Morgan's brace and Kyle Duncan's strike gave the Red Bulls a commanding 3-0 lead after 59 minutes. Corey Baird pulled one back for Cincinnati in the 67th minute, but it proved to be a mere consolation.Meanwhile, Daniel Gazdag's hat-trick propelled Philadelphia Union to a 3-0 victory over Nashville. Gazdag's goals in the 10th, 39th, and 89th minutes kept Philadelphia within one point of Atlanta United for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.Atlanta United came from behind to defeat Columbus 2-1, thanks to Stian Gregersen's brace in the 60th and 77th minutes. Richie Laryea's 38th-minute goal earned Toronto a 1-0 triumph over Montreal.

Legendary Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia has resigned from the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) technical committee, alleging that the panel was "bypassed" in the appointment of the national men's team head coach.Bhutia, a co-opted member of the executive committee as a former player, attended Saturday's meeting where Spaniard Manolo Marquez was named India head coach. He claimed that under normal practice, the technical committee recommends the head coach of the national team."It is the job of the technical committee to shortlist the candidates who have applied and recommend the suitable person to become coach. But this time, there was not even a single technical committee meeting to appoint successor of Stimac," Bhutia told PTI.He added that a special committee under AIFF vice president NA Haris was dealing with the matter of finding a successor to Stimac, which he opposed."I completely opposed the constitution of the special committee. There is a technical committee already in place and how come you formed a special committee to discuss the appointment of the coach."Bhutia said that the process of hiring, firing, and extending coaches by the executive committee without consulting the technical committee devalued the panel's role."The president proposes one or two names and the executive committee agrees to one," he said.The AIFF said that technical committee chairman IM Vijayan was consulted in the coach appointment process. However, Bhutia maintained that the technical committee was not involved in the decision-making."Since the technical committee was not involved, there was no value of technical committee, then why are we for. So, I said I am resigning from technical committee membership," he said.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently held its annual awards ceremony after a seven-year hiatus, recognizing the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams in Indian football. Indumathi Kathiresan and Lallianzuala Chhangte emerged as the top honorees, while Khalid Jamil was acknowledged for his exceptional coaching skills.Indumathi, a 30-year-old midfielder from Tamil Nadu, became the first player from her state to win the Women's Player of the Year award. Her impressive performances with Gokulam FC and Odisha FC in the Indian Women's League, as well as her contributions to the national team, earned her the prestigious recognition.Chhangte, a 2023-24 ISL winner with Mumbai City FC, retained his Player of the Year title for the second consecutive year. The 25-year-old forward scored 11 goals and provided assists during the season, making him the highest-scoring Indian in the ISL. He also found the net against Qatar in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.Khalid Jamil, the coach of Jamshedpur FC, was named the Best Men's Coach. Despite taking charge of the club mid-season, he guided them to their first-ever semifinal appearance in the Kalinga Super Cup.Other award winners included Sukla Dutta (Best Women's Coach), David Lalhlansanga (Promising Men's Player), Neha (Promising Women's Player), Ramachandran Venkatesh (Best Referee), and Ujjal Halder (Best Assistant Referee).The event was graced by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and AIFF officials. It marked a significant milestone in Indian football, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the sport's top performers.

Spaniard Manolo Marquez, currently the head coach of Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men's football team. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee made the announcement on July 20, replacing Igor Stimac, who was sacked on June 17 after India failed to qualify for the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.Marquez, 55, has a wealth of experience in Indian football, having led FC Goa to the ISL League Winners' Shield in 2021 and the Super Cup in 2019. He is known for his attacking style of play and his ability to develop young players."The Committee, in the first order of the day, deliberated on the appointment of the new head coach for the Senior Men's National Team, and selected Manolo Marquez for the job, effective immediately," the AIFF said in a statement."During the 2024-25 season, Mr. Marquez will continue his role as the head coach of first team at FC Goa, handling both responsibilities concurrently before assuming the national coaching role on a full-time basis."The tenure of Marquez was not disclosed by the AIFF.Marquez's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans and pundits believe that he is the right man for the job, given his experience and success in Indian football. Others, however, are concerned about his ability to manage the national team while also being in charge of FC Goa.Despite these concerns, Marquez is confident that he can succeed in both roles. "I am very happy and proud to be appointed as the head coach of the Indian national team," he said. "I know that it is a big responsibility, but I am confident that I can help the team achieve success."Marquez's first task will be to prepare the team for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, which will be held in June 2023. India will be looking to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2019.