![\"Goh](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bcdbc4a5-goh-sze-fei-nur-izzuddin-rumsani-bernama-220526.webp\")
PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were made to work hard for a victory over a new Taiwanese pair in the opening round of the Singapore Open this evening.
\nThe world No 8 pair needed 51 minutes to overcome Taiwan’s 235th-ranked Chen Cheng Kuan-Liu Kuang Heng in three games of 21-18, 10-21, 21-19 to set up a last 16 clash with another Malaysian pair.
\nThey will next face compatriots and world No 17 pair Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King, who beat Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami-Takumi Nomura 21-12, 21-19 in 31 minutes.
\nThis means Malaysia is assured of a quarter-final slot in the men’s doubles.
\nOther Malaysians in the second round are men’s doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing, and women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah.
\nIn mixed doubles, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Yin are also in the second round.
\n","content_text":"PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were made to work hard for a victory over a new Taiwanese pair in the opening round of the Singapore Open this evening.\nThe world No 8 pair needed 51 minutes to overcome Taiwan’s 235th-ranked Chen Cheng Kuan-Liu Kuang Heng in three games of 21-18, 10-21, 21-19 to set up a last 16 clash with another Malaysian pair.\nThey will next face compatriots and world No 17 pair Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King, who beat Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami-Takumi Nomura 21-12, 21-19 in 31 minutes.\nThis means Malaysia is assured of a quarter-final slot in the men’s doubles.\nOther Malaysians in the second round are men’s doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing, and women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah.\nIn mixed doubles, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Yin are also in the second round.","date_published":"2026-05-27T15:12:14.000Z","author":{"name":"K. Parkaran"},"tags":["Highlight","Top News","Malaysia","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","Goh Sze Fei","men's doubles","Nur Izzuddin Rumsani","Singapore Open","Wan Arif Wan Junaidi","Yap Roy King"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bcdbc4a5-goh-sze-fei-nur-izzuddin-rumsani-bernama-220526.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bcdbc4a5-goh-sze-fei-nur-izzuddin-rumsani-bernama-220526.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/05/27/giant-messi-statue-in-india-to-be-removed-over-safety-concerns","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/05/27/giant-messi-statue-in-india-to-be-removed-over-safety-concerns","title":"Giant Messi statue in India to be removed over safety concerns","summary":"Workers have scrambled up the 21m golden-coloured statue, which was swaying in the wind, and thrown ropes around its shoulders to secure it.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/10e16ec9-afp__20260527__b46d7fg__v1__highres__indiafblmessistatue_cropped_1.webp\")
KOLKATA: A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi erected in India to mark his visit last year is “swaying in the wind” and will be removed, a lawmaker told AFP today.
\nWorkers have scrambled up the 21m golden-coloured statue in the eastern city of Kolkata in West Bengal, throwing ropes around its shoulders to secure it.
\nThe sculpture showing the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami star raising the World Cup trophy was unveiled during Messi’s so-called GOAT Tour of India in December.
\nHowever, West Bengal state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee said it was no longer safe.
\n“The statue of the Argentine football legend in the city of Kolkata was found unsafe by engineers of the West Bengal government,” he said.
\n“We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind,” he added.
\nWorkers on Wednesday used ropes to attempt to secure the statue, which looms over a busy road.
\nMukherjee said it was not clear when it would be brought down.
\n“Removal has proved easier said than done,” he said. “We are planning to remove the statue at the earliest opportunity,” he added.
\nHe did not say whether the statue would be re-erected at another site.
\nArgentina is set to begin its World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.
\nMessi has not formally confirmed his plans to play in the World Cup, but is widely expected to return for what would be a record-matching sixth appearance at the tournament.
\nHe remains the side’s talisman for the defence of the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
\nIndia – a nation of 1.4 billion – is a cricket powerhouse, but struggles on the football pitch and is 142nd on the Fifa rankings.
\nFootball, however, is the country’s second favourite sport, according to research by data company Nielsen released today.
\n","content_text":"KOLKATA: A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi erected in India to mark his visit last year is \"swaying in the wind\" and will be removed, a lawmaker told AFP today.\nWorkers have scrambled up the 21m golden-coloured statue in the eastern city of Kolkata in West Bengal, throwing ropes around its shoulders to secure it.\nThe sculpture showing the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami star raising the World Cup trophy was unveiled during Messi's so-called GOAT Tour of India in December.\nHowever, West Bengal state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee said it was no longer safe.\n\"The statue of the Argentine football legend in the city of Kolkata was found unsafe by engineers of the West Bengal government,\" he said.\n\"We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind,\" he added.\nWorkers on Wednesday used ropes to attempt to secure the statue, which looms over a busy road.\nMukherjee said it was not clear when it would be brought down.\n\"Removal has proved easier said than done,\" he said. \"We are planning to remove the statue at the earliest opportunity,\" he added.\nHe did not say whether the statue would be re-erected at another site.\nArgentina is set to begin its World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.\nMessi has not formally confirmed his plans to play in the World Cup, but is widely expected to return for what would be a record-matching sixth appearance at the tournament.\nHe remains the side's talisman for the defence of the title they won in Qatar four years ago.\nIndia - a nation of 1.4 billion - is a cricket powerhouse, but struggles on the football pitch and is 142nd on the Fifa rankings.\nFootball, however, is the country's second favourite sport, according to research by data company Nielsen released today.","date_published":"2026-05-27T12:59:08.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["World","Top World","Sports","Football","Top Sports","Argentina","India","Kolkata","Lionel Messi","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/10e16ec9-afp__20260527__b46d7fg__v1__highres__indiafblmessistatue_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/10e16ec9-afp__20260527__b46d7fg__v1__highres__indiafblmessistatue_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/swiatek-sees-off-bejlek-to-reach-third-round-at-french-open","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/swiatek-sees-off-bejlek-to-reach-third-round-at-french-open","title":"Swiatek sees off Bejlek to reach third round at French Open","summary":"Iga Swiatek reached the French Open third round with a 6-2, 6-3 win over world number 35 Sara Bejlek.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/8d8576f3-afp__20260527__b46v44a__v1__highres__tennisfraopen2026_cropped_1.webp\")
PARIS: Iga Swiatek navigated her way into the third round of the French Open on Wednesday with a 6-2, 6-3 success over world number 35 Sara Bejlek.
\nThe four-time Roland Garros champion is seeking to reclaim the title she won three times consecutively between 2022 and 2024, before losing out at the semi-final stage to top seed Aryna Sabalenka last season.
\nSwiatek, 24, has recently teamed up with Rafael Nadal’s former coach Francisco Roig and has been preparing for the clay-court Grand Slam at the Spanish great’s tennis academy in Mallorca.
\n“I spent a week in Mallorca, which is amazing, because starting the clay-court season there gave me a lot of motivation,” Swiatek said on court.
\nAfter a comfortable opening win in Paris against Australian wildcard Emerson Jones, the Pole faced a tougher challenge in the round of 64 against Abu Dhabi winner Bejlek.
\n“She has a tricky style of game… she mixes up the rhythm quite well,” Swiatek added of her 20-year-old opponent, who she played for the first time.
\nWith a slight blustering wind creeping across centre court, which the sun-drenched spectators doubtless appreciated, both players struggled on serve initially with three consecutive breaks in the early exchanges.
\nSwiatek then looked to have firmly gained the upper hand from the baseline but Bejlek battled to stay with the former world number one and saved a set point to break back to 5-2 – Swiatek finishing that game with back-to-back double faults.
\nHowever, the diminutive Czech’s own service problems came back to bite her as Swiatek broke for the fourth time to claim the opener.
\nSwiatek held serve to claim a mammoth opening game in the second frame as both women found their range with their groundstrokes.
\nBut Swiatek proved the more powerful of the two as she broke in the next game before moving through the rest of the set to book her last-32 berth, despite dropping serve two times.
\nThere she will meet either fellow former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko or compatriot Magda Linette.
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Iga Swiatek navigated her way into the third round of the French Open on Wednesday with a 6-2, 6-3 success over world number 35 Sara Bejlek.\nThe four-time Roland Garros champion is seeking to reclaim the title she won three times consecutively between 2022 and 2024, before losing out at the semi-final stage to top seed Aryna Sabalenka last season.\nSwiatek, 24, has recently teamed up with Rafael Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig and has been preparing for the clay-court Grand Slam at the Spanish great's tennis academy in Mallorca.\n\"I spent a week in Mallorca, which is amazing, because starting the clay-court season there gave me a lot of motivation,\" Swiatek said on court.\nAfter a comfortable opening win in Paris against Australian wildcard Emerson Jones, the Pole faced a tougher challenge in the round of 64 against Abu Dhabi winner Bejlek.\n\"She has a tricky style of game... she mixes up the rhythm quite well,\" Swiatek added of her 20-year-old opponent, who she played for the first time.\nWith a slight blustering wind creeping across centre court, which the sun-drenched spectators doubtless appreciated, both players struggled on serve initially with three consecutive breaks in the early exchanges.\nSwiatek then looked to have firmly gained the upper hand from the baseline but Bejlek battled to stay with the former world number one and saved a set point to break back to 5-2 - Swiatek finishing that game with back-to-back double faults.\nHowever, the diminutive Czech's own service problems came back to bite her as Swiatek broke for the fourth time to claim the opener.\nSwiatek held serve to claim a mammoth opening game in the second frame as both women found their range with their groundstrokes.\nBut Swiatek proved the more powerful of the two as she broke in the next game before moving through the rest of the set to book her last-32 berth, despite dropping serve two times.\nThere she will meet either fellow former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko or compatriot Magda Linette.","date_published":"2026-05-27T12:41:50.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","French Open","Iga Swiatek","Roland Garros","Sara Bejlek"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/8d8576f3-afp__20260527__b46v44a__v1__highres__tennisfraopen2026_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/8d8576f3-afp__20260527__b46v44a__v1__highres__tennisfraopen2026_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/frustrated-tottenham-owners-promise-improvement","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/frustrated-tottenham-owners-promise-improvement","title":"‘Frustrated’ Tottenham owners promise improvement","summary":"The majority owners of Tottenham Hotspur, the Lewis family said they were 'bitterly disappointed' but promised that a rebuild had started under manager Roberto De Zerbi.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/dcf4960c-afp__20260524__b3wp6jj__v1__highres__fblengprtottenhameverton_cropped_1.webp\")
LONDON: The majority owners of Tottenham Hotspur have vowed to restore the club’s fortunes after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League in successive seasons.
\nSunday’s 1-0 win at home to Everton on the final day of the campaign enabled Spurs to finish in 17th position – one place above the relegation zone – for the second straight season as they beat the drop by two points.
\nHowever, a 2025/2026 season of struggle where they appointed three managers was met with fury by fans of the north London club.
\nSupporters have often directed their anger at majority owners ENIC, which are run by the Lewis family, along with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.
\nIn September, long-serving chairman Daniel Levy was invited to step down, having been the key decision-maker at Spurs for almost 25 years.
\nIn a letter to Tottenham supporters released on Wednesday, the Lewis family acknowledged that they were “bitterly disappointed” but promised that a rebuild had started under current boss Roberto De Zerbi.
\n“To the fans, as owners of 25 years, we have lived the highs and lows of Spurs with you,” said a statement from the Lewis family to Britain’s Press Association.
\n“Finishing 17th this and last season does not reflect the stature or potential of this football club. We are bitterly disappointed and share your frustration.
\n“You, and we, expect more than this. We know this must never happen again,” it said.
\nThe statement added: “We also take responsibility for rebuilding Spurs. Our ambition is to recapture the spirit of the club and bring back the excitement, the fearlessness and the bold football we have always felt defined us.
\n“That means football comes first… This will require investment – in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more – and we are fully committed to this.
\n“We are not selling the club. We are all in. We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months… We know that actions will speak louder than words,” it added.
\nVenkatesham joined Spurs from arch-rivals Arsenal, who rubbed salt in Tottenham’s wounds by winning this season’s Premier League.
\nTottenham, by contrast, were last crowned champions of England back in the 1960/61 season – when the club also won the FA Cup to complete a celebrated ‘Double’ success.
\nVenkatesham endured a tough first season at Spurs but he told the BBC: “The club had some serious challenges that it needs to address on the football side. We know what those are. We are addressing them. We are fixing them”.
\n","content_text":"LONDON: The majority owners of Tottenham Hotspur have vowed to restore the club's fortunes after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League in successive seasons.\nSunday's 1-0 win at home to Everton on the final day of the campaign enabled Spurs to finish in 17th position - one place above the relegation zone - for the second straight season as they beat the drop by two points.\nHowever, a 2025/2026 season of struggle where they appointed three managers was met with fury by fans of the north London club.\nSupporters have often directed their anger at majority owners ENIC, which are run by the Lewis family, along with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.\nIn September, long-serving chairman Daniel Levy was invited to step down, having been the key decision-maker at Spurs for almost 25 years.\nIn a letter to Tottenham supporters released on Wednesday, the Lewis family acknowledged that they were \"bitterly disappointed\" but promised that a rebuild had started under current boss Roberto De Zerbi.\n\"To the fans, as owners of 25 years, we have lived the highs and lows of Spurs with you,\" said a statement from the Lewis family to Britain's Press Association.\n\"Finishing 17th this and last season does not reflect the stature or potential of this football club. We are bitterly disappointed and share your frustration.\n\"You, and we, expect more than this. We know this must never happen again,\" it said.\nThe statement added: \"We also take responsibility for rebuilding Spurs. Our ambition is to recapture the spirit of the club and bring back the excitement, the fearlessness and the bold football we have always felt defined us.\n\"That means football comes first... This will require investment - in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more - and we are fully committed to this.\n\"We are not selling the club. We are all in. We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months... We know that actions will speak louder than words,\" it added.\nVenkatesham joined Spurs from arch-rivals Arsenal, who rubbed salt in Tottenham's wounds by winning this season's Premier League.\nTottenham, by contrast, were last crowned champions of England back in the 1960/61 season - when the club also won the FA Cup to complete a celebrated 'Double' success.\nVenkatesham endured a tough first season at Spurs but he told the BBC: \"The club had some serious challenges that it needs to address on the football side. We know what those are. We are addressing them. We are fixing them\".","date_published":"2026-05-27T12:07:17.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","ENIC","fans","Lewis family","Premier League","supporters","Tottenham Hotspur","Vinai Venkatesham"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/dcf4960c-afp__20260524__b3wp6jj__v1__highres__fblengprtottenhameverton_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/dcf4960c-afp__20260524__b3wp6jj__v1__highres__fblengprtottenhameverton_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/05/27/pearly-thinaah-win-in-comeback-from-injury-at-spore-open","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/05/27/pearly-thinaah-win-in-comeback-from-injury-at-spore-open","title":"Pearly-Thinaah win in comeback from injury at S’pore Open","summary":"World mixed-doubles champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and men's doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are also through to the second round.","content_html":"![\"Pearly](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/77e2417e-pearly-tan-thinaah-muralitharan-bernama-pic-160426.webp\")
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan-M Thinaah, entered the second round of the Singapore Open in their return to the World Tour circuit two months after Pearly sustained an injury.
\nThe world No 2 pair had an early scare after losing the first game to Taiwan’s 26th-ranked Hu Ling Fang-Jheng Yu Chieh, before prevailing 20-22, 21-16, 21-15 in 51 minutes at the Singapore Indoor Stadium today.
\nIn the second round tomorrow, Pearly-Thinaah will take on either Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn Aimsaard of Thailand or Canadian pair Jackie Dent-Crystal Lai.
\nPearly skipped the Uber Cup finals and last week’s Malaysia Masters because of a recurring back injury.
\nMen’s doubles shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik also won their opening match, defeating France’s Christo Popov-Toma Junior Popov to book a place in the last 16.
\nThe world No 2 pair beat the 21st-ranked French brothers 21-17, 21-15 in 37 minutes.
\nThe Malaysians, who lost in the semi-final stage at last week’s Malaysia Masters, are still on the hunt for their first title this year.
\nIn the second round tomorrow, Aaron-Wooi Yik will take on Japan’s Kakeru Kumagai-Hiroki Nishi or Ben Lane-Sean Vendy of England.
\nAlso through to the second round are 26th ranked men’s doubles pair Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing, who upset their world No 23 compatriots, Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong, 21-15, 21-17 in 30 minutes.
\nTheir second-round clash will be against Indonesia’s world No 7 duo Sabar Karyaman Gutama-Reza Pahlevi Isfahani tomorrow.
\nSecond seeds and world No 4 mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei had an easier opening round against newly paired compatriots Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing, winning 21-15, 21-16 in 35 minutes.
\nHusband-and-wife duo Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jemie Lai lost to Korea’s Kim Jae Hyeon-Jang Ha Jeong 21-14, 13-21, 14-21 in 56 minutes.
\nMalaysia’s singles shuttlers in both the men’s and women’s categories were all knocked out in the opening round yesterday.
\n","content_text":"PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan-M Thinaah, entered the second round of the Singapore Open in their return to the World Tour circuit two months after Pearly sustained an injury.\nThe world No 2 pair had an early scare after losing the first game to Taiwan's 26th-ranked Hu Ling Fang-Jheng Yu Chieh, before prevailing 20-22, 21-16, 21-15 in 51 minutes at the Singapore Indoor Stadium today.\nIn the second round tomorrow, Pearly-Thinaah will take on either Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn Aimsaard of Thailand or Canadian pair Jackie Dent-Crystal Lai.\nPearly skipped the Uber Cup finals and last week's Malaysia Masters because of a recurring back injury.\nMen’s doubles shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik also won their opening match, defeating France's Christo Popov-Toma Junior Popov to book a place in the last 16.\nThe world No 2 pair beat the 21st-ranked French brothers 21-17, 21-15 in 37 minutes.\nThe Malaysians, who lost in the semi-final stage at last week’s Malaysia Masters, are still on the hunt for their first title this year.\nIn the second round tomorrow, Aaron-Wooi Yik will take on Japan’s Kakeru Kumagai-Hiroki Nishi or Ben Lane-Sean Vendy of England.\nAlso through to the second round are 26th ranked men’s doubles pair Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing, who upset their world No 23 compatriots, Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong, 21-15, 21-17 in 30 minutes.\nTheir second-round clash will be against Indonesia's world No 7 duo Sabar Karyaman Gutama-Reza Pahlevi Isfahani tomorrow.\nSecond seeds and world No 4 mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei had an easier opening round against newly paired compatriots Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing, winning 21-15, 21-16 in 35 minutes.\nHusband-and-wife duo Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jemie Lai lost to Korea’s Kim Jae Hyeon-Jang Ha Jeong 21-14, 13-21, 14-21 in 56 minutes.\nMalaysia’s singles shuttlers in both the men’s and women’s categories were all knocked out in the opening round yesterday.","date_published":"2026-05-27T11:10:35.000Z","author":{"name":"K. Parkaran"},"tags":["Highlight","Top News","Malaysia","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","aaron chia","aaron-wooi yik","Chen Tang Jie","M Thinaah","Pearly Tan","Pearly-Thinaah","Singapore Open","soh wooi yik","Tang Jie-Ee Wei","toh ee wei"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/77e2417e-pearly-tan-thinaah-muralitharan-bernama-pic-160426.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/77e2417e-pearly-tan-thinaah-muralitharan-bernama-pic-160426.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/juventus-to-retain-yildiz-but-plan-additional-sale-says-ceo-comolli","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/juventus-to-retain-yildiz-but-plan-additional-sale-says-ceo-comolli","title":"Juventus to retain Yildiz but plan additional sale, says CEO Comolli","summary":"CEO Damien Comolli says Juventus will not sell Kenan Yildiz or Dusan Vlahovic but may offload an additional player to balance finances.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cdba4d0b-13640755_cropped_2.webp\")
TORINO: Juventus will not sell winger Kenan Yildiz and want to retain forward Dusan Vlahovic but may need to offload an additional player to balance their finances, CEO Damien Comolli said in an interview published today.
\nJuve finished sixth in Serie A and will compete in the Europa League next season after missing out on Champions League qualification.
\nComolli said the club would have to adjust their transfer plans following a disappointing campaign but insisted he was aligned with owner John Elkann and coach Luciano Spalletti on the changes required.
\n“We will have to sell one more player than we had planned. Both agreed that it makes sense,” the Frenchman told Italian daily la Repubblica.
\n“This does not mean we will weaken: every player sold will be replaced by one of equal level, if not higher,” he said.
\nAsked about selling highly rated youngster Yildiz, Comolli was unequivocal: “Certainly not,” he said.
\nHe conceded uncertainty remained over Vlahovic’s future.
\n“We would like to continue, how I don’t know. He told us, let’s meet at the end of the season. That’s it,” Comolli said.
\nComolli took responsibility for the club’s underwhelming performances but stressed that his relationship with Spalletti remained strong, dismissing speculation of tension between the pair.
\n“It is false. My relationship with Luciano is constant and positive, also on a personal level,” he said.
\n“We have been working together for just seven months, we didn’t know each other before, but I am the one who recommended his name because I am convinced he is the right person.
\n“That is why I insisted on extending his contract without waiting for the end of the season,” he said.
\nHe outlined a three-to-five-year rebuild, saying Juve were committed to a long-term project but faced pressure to deliver results sooner.
\nFinancially, missing out on the Champions League has had a significant impact.
\nAccording to Calcio e Finanza, Juve are expected to earn around €14.6 million (US$16.99 million) from the Europa League, compared to an estimated €42.6 million from Europe’s top competition.
\nThe shortfall, coupled with squad adjustments ahead of next season, means immediate success cannot be guaranteed.
\n“Our objective is to put the team in a position to win,” he said.
\n“We do not know when that will be, it cannot be in five years, but I cannot say whether it will be next year or the year after, it also depends on competitors’ plans,” he added.
\n","content_text":"TORINO: Juventus will not sell winger Kenan Yildiz and want to retain forward Dusan Vlahovic but may need to offload an additional player to balance their finances, CEO Damien Comolli said in an interview published today.\nJuve finished sixth in Serie A and will compete in the Europa League next season after missing out on Champions League qualification.\nComolli said the club would have to adjust their transfer plans following a disappointing campaign but insisted he was aligned with owner John Elkann and coach Luciano Spalletti on the changes required.\n\"We will have to sell one more player than we had planned. Both agreed that it makes sense,\" the Frenchman told Italian daily la Repubblica.\n\"This does not mean we will weaken: every player sold will be replaced by one of equal level, if not higher,\" he said.\nAsked about selling highly rated youngster Yildiz, Comolli was unequivocal: \"Certainly not,\" he said.\nHe conceded uncertainty remained over Vlahovic's future.\n\"We would like to continue, how I don't know. He told us, let's meet at the end of the season. That's it,\" Comolli said.\nComolli took responsibility for the club's underwhelming performances but stressed that his relationship with Spalletti remained strong, dismissing speculation of tension between the pair.\n\"It is false. My relationship with Luciano is constant and positive, also on a personal level,\" he said.\n\"We have been working together for just seven months, we didn't know each other before, but I am the one who recommended his name because I am convinced he is the right person.\n\"That is why I insisted on extending his contract without waiting for the end of the season,\" he said.\nHe outlined a three-to-five-year rebuild, saying Juve were committed to a long-term project but faced pressure to deliver results sooner.\nFinancially, missing out on the Champions League has had a significant impact.\nAccording to Calcio e Finanza, Juve are expected to earn around €14.6 million (US$16.99 million) from the Europa League, compared to an estimated €42.6 million from Europe's top competition.\nThe shortfall, coupled with squad adjustments ahead of next season, means immediate success cannot be guaranteed.\n\"Our objective is to put the team in a position to win,\" he said.\n\"We do not know when that will be, it cannot be in five years, but I cannot say whether it will be next year or the year after, it also depends on competitors' plans,\" he added.","date_published":"2026-05-27T09:45:00.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Champions League","Damien Comolli","Dusan Vlahovic","Europa league","Juventus","Kenan Yildiz"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cdba4d0b-13640755_cropped_2.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cdba4d0b-13640755_cropped_2.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/05/27/game-over-for-malaysias-singles-shuttlers-at-singapore-open","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/05/27/game-over-for-malaysias-singles-shuttlers-at-singapore-open","title":"Game over for Malaysia’s singles shuttlers at Singapore Open","summary":"All four men’s and women’s singles players have been knocked out in the opening rounds.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2c043c5e-letshanaa-karupathevan-bernama-270526-1.webp\")
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian singles shuttlers suffered a disastrous campaign at the Singapore Open with all four representatives knocked out in the first round of the World Tour Super 750 championships.
\nThis morning, the nation’s top women’s singles player, K Letshanaa, and men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh lost their opening round matches at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
\nYesterday, men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao and women’s singles player Wong Ling Ching were shown the exit.
\nLetshanaa, who is world No 30, gave China’s fourth-ranked Chen Yu Fei a run for her money by taking the first game before losing 21-19, 15-21, 17-21 in 66 minutes.
\nWorld No 47 men’s singles shuttler Justin started off against the world No 4 Frenchman Christo Popov by taking the first game, but the latter eventually won 13-21, 21-18, 21-14 in a match that lasted about an hour.
\nYesterday, Jun Hao lost to the lower-ranked Lee Chia Hao of Taiwan 21-18, 20-22, 8-21 while Ling Ching lost to Japan’s Riko Gunji 20-22, 17-21.
\nMalaysian players in all three doubles categories will be playing their opening matches later today.
\n","content_text":"PETALING JAYA: Malaysian singles shuttlers suffered a disastrous campaign at the Singapore Open with all four representatives knocked out in the first round of the World Tour Super 750 championships.\nThis morning, the nation's top women’s singles player, K Letshanaa, and men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh lost their opening round matches at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.\nYesterday, men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao and women’s singles player Wong Ling Ching were shown the exit.\nLetshanaa, who is world No 30, gave China’s fourth-ranked Chen Yu Fei a run for her money by taking the first game before losing 21-19, 15-21, 17-21 in 66 minutes.\nWorld No 47 men's singles shuttler Justin started off against the world No 4 Frenchman Christo Popov by taking the first game, but the latter eventually won 13-21, 21-18, 21-14 in a match that lasted about an hour.\nYesterday, Jun Hao lost to the lower-ranked Lee Chia Hao of Taiwan 21-18, 20-22, 8-21 while Ling Ching lost to Japan's Riko Gunji 20-22, 17-21.\nMalaysian players in all three doubles categories will be playing their opening matches later today.","date_published":"2026-05-27T04:55:58.000Z","author":{"name":"K. Parkaran"},"tags":["Highlight","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","Justin Hoh","K. Letshanaa","lost","Singapore Open","singles"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2c043c5e-letshanaa-karupathevan-bernama-270526-1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2c043c5e-letshanaa-karupathevan-bernama-270526-1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/buoyant-japan-coach-targets-world-cup-glory-despite-mitoma-blow","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/buoyant-japan-coach-targets-world-cup-glory-despite-mitoma-blow","title":"Buoyant Japan coach targets World Cup glory despite Mitoma blow","summary":"Japan have never gone beyond the last 16 at a World Cup but they were the first team to qualify and their soaring confidence has been boosted by impressive recent results.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/13981703-Hajime-Moriyasu.webp\")
TOKYO: Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu believes his team can win the World Cup after historic friendly wins over Brazil and England, despite the loss of Kaoru Mitoma dampening the mood.
\nBrighton winger Mitoma will miss the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury less than a week before Moriyasu named his squad.
\nJapan have never gone beyond the last 16 at a World Cup but they were the first team to qualify and their soaring confidence has been boosted by impressive recent results.
\nThey have been drawn with the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F and they start their campaign against the Dutch in Dallas on June 14.
\nMitoma’s injury deprives Moriyasu of one of his most dangerous attackers but the coach still has a squad packed with European club experience.
\n“Last year we played Brazil in a friendly and we beat them for the first time, and Mitoma wasn’t available to play in that game,” Moriyasu said.
\n“That reflects the team concept, that anyone can come into the line-up and the team still performs.”
\nJapan came back from two goals down at half-time to beat Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil 3-2 in a friendly in Tokyo last October.
\nIt was Japan’s first win over the five-time world champions.
\nThey then became the first Asian team to beat England when they claimed a 1-0 victory at Wembley in March.
\nJapan started both games with entirely Europe-based line-ups and their World Cup squad features only three players from the domestic J. League.
\nMoriyasu believes they have greater strength in depth than ever, and the tactical nous to adapt to any opponent.
\n“Of course the players were happy when we beat Brazil and England, two teams we had never beaten before,” he said.
\n“But I sensed an atmosphere where the players quickly shifted their focus to a bigger goal ahead.”
\nMitoma’s absence is a major blow, with the 28-year-old hitting peak form just before his injury heartbreak.
\nHe scored the winner against England, dispossessing Cole Palmer before launching a counter-attack that he finished himself.
\nMonaco’s Takumi Minamino will also miss the tournament after tearing knee ligaments in December.
\nLiverpool’s Wataru Endo and Ajax’s Takehiro Tomiyasu both recovered in time after long injury absences.
\nFeyenoord striker Ayase Ueda is a reliable source of goals, while Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo are key men.
\nBig ambitions
\nHalf of the players in the squad were also at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Japan stunned Germany and Spain, beating both 2-1, before losing on penalties to Croatia in the last 16.
\n“We have more players with World Cup experience and that will help us in terms of the team’s composure,” said Moriyasu.
\n“It will help us perform effectively in a variety of situations.”
\nJapan breezed through qualifying, winning seven out of 10 games and only losing after they had clinched their place at the tournament.
\nIt will be their eighth straight World Cup appearance, having made their debut in 1998.
\nJapan have never reached the quarter-finals despite advancing to the last 16 four times.
\nMoriyasu has set their sights significantly higher this time, insisting that they have the quality to go all the way and win the tournament.
\nThe loss of Mitoma has done nothing to temper his ambitions.
\n“The target doesn’t change,” he said.
\n“But it’s not just about that target, it’s about raising our level as individuals and as a team.”
\nMoriyasu is Japan’s longest-serving coach, having taken over after the 2018 World Cup.
\nHe won the J. League three times with Sanfrecce Hiroshima and he has led his country at a World Cup, two Asian Cups, an Olympics and a Copa America.
\n“It’s not just about my own experience. The managers that have gone before me, both foreign and Japanese, and my staff also have experience of the World Cup,” Moriyasu said.
\n“I want to use that experience and knowledge to increase our chances, no matter how slightly.”
\n","content_text":"TOKYO: Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu believes his team can win the World Cup after historic friendly wins over Brazil and England, despite the loss of Kaoru Mitoma dampening the mood.\nBrighton winger Mitoma will miss the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury less than a week before Moriyasu named his squad.\nJapan have never gone beyond the last 16 at a World Cup but they were the first team to qualify and their soaring confidence has been boosted by impressive recent results.\nThey have been drawn with the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F and they start their campaign against the Dutch in Dallas on June 14.\nMitoma's injury deprives Moriyasu of one of his most dangerous attackers but the coach still has a squad packed with European club experience.\n\"Last year we played Brazil in a friendly and we beat them for the first time, and Mitoma wasn't available to play in that game,\" Moriyasu said.\n\"That reflects the team concept, that anyone can come into the line-up and the team still performs.\"\nJapan came back from two goals down at half-time to beat Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil 3-2 in a friendly in Tokyo last October.\nIt was Japan's first win over the five-time world champions.\nThey then became the first Asian team to beat England when they claimed a 1-0 victory at Wembley in March.\nJapan started both games with entirely Europe-based line-ups and their World Cup squad features only three players from the domestic J. League.\nMoriyasu believes they have greater strength in depth than ever, and the tactical nous to adapt to any opponent.\n\"Of course the players were happy when we beat Brazil and England, two teams we had never beaten before,\" he said.\n\"But I sensed an atmosphere where the players quickly shifted their focus to a bigger goal ahead.\"\nMitoma's absence is a major blow, with the 28-year-old hitting peak form just before his injury heartbreak.\nHe scored the winner against England, dispossessing Cole Palmer before launching a counter-attack that he finished himself.\nMonaco's Takumi Minamino will also miss the tournament after tearing knee ligaments in December.\nLiverpool's Wataru Endo and Ajax's Takehiro Tomiyasu both recovered in time after long injury absences.\nFeyenoord striker Ayase Ueda is a reliable source of goals, while Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada and Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo are key men.\nBig ambitions\nHalf of the players in the squad were also at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Japan stunned Germany and Spain, beating both 2-1, before losing on penalties to Croatia in the last 16.\n\"We have more players with World Cup experience and that will help us in terms of the team's composure,\" said Moriyasu.\n\"It will help us perform effectively in a variety of situations.\"\nJapan breezed through qualifying, winning seven out of 10 games and only losing after they had clinched their place at the tournament.\nIt will be their eighth straight World Cup appearance, having made their debut in 1998.\nJapan have never reached the quarter-finals despite advancing to the last 16 four times.\nMoriyasu has set their sights significantly higher this time, insisting that they have the quality to go all the way and win the tournament.\nThe loss of Mitoma has done nothing to temper his ambitions.\n\"The target doesn't change,\" he said.\n\"But it's not just about that target, it's about raising our level as individuals and as a team.\"\nMoriyasu is Japan's longest-serving coach, having taken over after the 2018 World Cup.\nHe won the J. League three times with Sanfrecce Hiroshima and he has led his country at a World Cup, two Asian Cups, an Olympics and a Copa America.\n\"It's not just about my own experience. The managers that have gone before me, both foreign and Japanese, and my staff also have experience of the World Cup,\" Moriyasu said.\n\"I want to use that experience and knowledge to increase our chances, no matter how slightly.\"","date_published":"2026-05-27T03:02:04.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Group F","Hajime Moriyasu","Japan","Kaoru Mitoma","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/13981703-Hajime-Moriyasu.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/13981703-Hajime-Moriyasu.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/germany-raring-to-go-as-nagelsmann-declares-world-cup-ambitions","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/germany-raring-to-go-as-nagelsmann-declares-world-cup-ambitions","title":"Germany ‘raring to go’ as Nagelsmann declares World Cup ambitions","summary":"Coach Julian Nagelsmann emphasises his desire to make Germany world champions once more.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/3c1d279f-julian-nagelsmann-30_03_26.webp\")
BERLIN: Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has declared his side’s ambition to win the World Cup and end more than a decade of bitter disappointment in the competition.
\nThe four-time champions are among the most successful nations in World Cup history but have endured a terrible run by their standards.
\nEliminated at the group stage in Russia in 2018 and in Qatar four years ago, the last knockout match Germany won in the competition was the 2014 World Cup final.
\nBut Nagelsmann said the Germans were ready to take on the world’s best in the US, Canada and Mexico this summer and emphasised his desire to make Germany world champions once more.
\n‘A kind of family’
\nNagelsmann knows Germany may lack the big names of generations past, or of tournament favourites Spain, France and England.
\nTo try and bridge the gap, Nagelsmann has focused on building a team capable of more than the sum of its parts.
\nSince taking over as Germany manager in 2023, the 38-year-old has spoken of the need to pick the right mix of players, rather than simply the best available.
\n“We want to be a type of family. Everyone must be aware of their role and must possess the qualities to integrate into the group,” Nagelsmann said in an interview with the German FA.
\n“It is crucial to look at how the group has functioned over the past two-and-a-half to three years. Who has gelled well together?”
\nWith a potential seven-week stay in the United States on the cards, the coach has lent on his sports science background to pursue the intangibles.
\n“Who stays seated a little longer at dinner instead of heading straight to their room?
\n“Who is capable of engaging in conversation, thereby developing that ‘gene’ to give their absolute all for the teammate beside them?”
\nThe coach wants to build on the foundation established at Euro 2024.
\nThe Germans were eliminated in extra-time by Spain in the quarter-finals, but they formed a cohesive unit which pushed the eventual champions harder than anyone else.
\n‘Raring to go’
\nMinutes after their elimination, Nagelsmann told reporters Germany “want to win the World Cup” in 2026, a comment which raised more than a few eyebrows.
\nThe coach doubled down on that statement.
\n“We’re ready (for the best teams). The situation before the Euros wasn’t massively different to now, and we weren’t second best against Spain either.
\nNagelsmann said “we want to win the World Cup — the emphasis is on ‘wants’ — and that takes good performances and also a bit of luck.
\n“Every player must show that desire every day and do everything they can for the team.”
\nLike Toni Kroos in 2024, fellow 2014 World Cup winner Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement for one last dance on the big stage.
\nNeuer’s addition, along with veteran picks Antonio Rudiger, Pascal Gross and Leon Goretzka contribute to this being the oldest Germany World Cup squad since 2002.
\nAt that tournament, an unheralded group led by Michael Ballack in his prime and veteran ‘keeper Oliver Kahn made a run to the final.
\nWhile Kroos remains irreplaceable — a problem club side Real Madrid know too well — Bayern midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic has established himself as Germany’s midfield anchor and will be one of the first picked if fit.
\nJamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz emerged alongside Kai Havertz as Germany’s youthful attacking core in 2024 and will be motivated to rebound this summer after difficult club seasons.
\nWirtz has struggled to adapt in his first year at Liverpool, while both Musiala and Havertz have missed more games than they played with injury this season.
\n“Football is the most important of life’s less important things,” Nagelsmann said, recognising but qualifying the significance of the game in football-mad Germany.
\n“It will be a huge challenge, but we’ll face up to it. We’re raring to go.”
\n","content_text":"BERLIN: Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has declared his side's ambition to win the World Cup and end more than a decade of bitter disappointment in the competition.\nThe four-time champions are among the most successful nations in World Cup history but have endured a terrible run by their standards.\nEliminated at the group stage in Russia in 2018 and in Qatar four years ago, the last knockout match Germany won in the competition was the 2014 World Cup final.\nBut Nagelsmann said the Germans were ready to take on the world's best in the US, Canada and Mexico this summer and emphasised his desire to make Germany world champions once more.\n'A kind of family'\nNagelsmann knows Germany may lack the big names of generations past, or of tournament favourites Spain, France and England.\nTo try and bridge the gap, Nagelsmann has focused on building a team capable of more than the sum of its parts.\nSince taking over as Germany manager in 2023, the 38-year-old has spoken of the need to pick the right mix of players, rather than simply the best available.\n\"We want to be a type of family. Everyone must be aware of their role and must possess the qualities to integrate into the group,\" Nagelsmann said in an interview with the German FA.\n\"It is crucial to look at how the group has functioned over the past two-and-a-half to three years. Who has gelled well together?\"\nWith a potential seven-week stay in the United States on the cards, the coach has lent on his sports science background to pursue the intangibles.\n\"Who stays seated a little longer at dinner instead of heading straight to their room?\n\"Who is capable of engaging in conversation, thereby developing that 'gene' to give their absolute all for the teammate beside them?\"\nThe coach wants to build on the foundation established at Euro 2024.\nThe Germans were eliminated in extra-time by Spain in the quarter-finals, but they formed a cohesive unit which pushed the eventual champions harder than anyone else.\n'Raring to go'\nMinutes after their elimination, Nagelsmann told reporters Germany \"want to win the World Cup\" in 2026, a comment which raised more than a few eyebrows.\nThe coach doubled down on that statement.\n\"We're ready (for the best teams). The situation before the Euros wasn't massively different to now, and we weren't second best against Spain either.\nNagelsmann said \"we want to win the World Cup - the emphasis is on 'wants' - and that takes good performances and also a bit of luck.\n\"Every player must show that desire every day and do everything they can for the team.\"\nLike Toni Kroos in 2024, fellow 2014 World Cup winner Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement for one last dance on the big stage.\nNeuer's addition, along with veteran picks Antonio Rudiger, Pascal Gross and Leon Goretzka contribute to this being the oldest Germany World Cup squad since 2002.\nAt that tournament, an unheralded group led by Michael Ballack in his prime and veteran 'keeper Oliver Kahn made a run to the final.\nWhile Kroos remains irreplaceable - a problem club side Real Madrid know too well - Bayern midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic has established himself as Germany's midfield anchor and will be one of the first picked if fit.\nJamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz emerged alongside Kai Havertz as Germany's youthful attacking core in 2024 and will be motivated to rebound this summer after difficult club seasons.\nWirtz has struggled to adapt in his first year at Liverpool, while both Musiala and Havertz have missed more games than they played with injury this season.\n\"Football is the most important of life's less important things,\" Nagelsmann said, recognising but qualifying the significance of the game in football-mad Germany.\n\"It will be a huge challenge, but we'll face up to it. We're raring to go.\"","date_published":"2026-05-27T02:51:47.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Germany","Julian Nagelsmann","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/3c1d279f-julian-nagelsmann-30_03_26.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/3c1d279f-julian-nagelsmann-30_03_26.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/south-koreas-son-feeling-great-for-world-cup-despite-goal-drought","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/south-koreas-son-feeling-great-for-world-cup-despite-goal-drought","title":"South Korea’s Son ‘feeling great’ for World Cup despite goal drought","summary":"The 33-year-old skipper has scored only two goals since leaving Premier League Tottenham for Los Angeles FC in the MLS in August last year.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/13247551-Son-Heung-min.webp\")
SEOUL: Son Heung-min said he was “feeling great” ahead of the World Cup and backed himself to perform despite suggestions that South Korea’s talismanic captain’s powers are on the wane.
\nThe 33-year-old skipper has scored only two goals since leaving Premier League Tottenham for Los Angeles FC in the MLS in August last year.
\nHe has also struggled with South Korea, who head to the World Cup on the back of a dismal run of results and will face the Czech Republic, South Africa and co-hosts Mexico in Group A.
\nSouth Korea lost 4-0 to the Ivory Coast and 1-0 to Austria in recent friendlies.
\nSon tried to lift the mood as he spoke to reporters at the team’s training camp in Salt Lake City on Tuesday.
\n“A lot of people are worried, but I’m only worried if I’m not playing well,” he said.
\n“I don’t think it’s the case now. Physically, I am feeling great.”
\nSouth Korea face the Czechs in Guadalajara on June 11, the opening day of the tournament which is being co-hosted by Mexico, the US and Canada.
\nThey reached the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before being sent packing 4-1 by Brazil.
\nSon, who will be playing at his fourth World Cup, said the players “need to know where our team-mates are with our eyes closed”.
\n“Of course we want to get to a higher place this time and do better than the last World Cup,” he said.
\n“But we can’t predict the future. Other teams will be preparing just as hard.”
\nSon has scored 54 goals in 143 games for his country and been their inspiration for more than 15 years.
\nHe has scored three World Cup goals to give him a share of South Korea’s record with Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan.
\n“Obviously, it’s impossible not to be hearing about these records. People have been talking about them, and fans have taken great interest in them,” Son said.
\n“But I’ve just not been thinking too much about them.
\n“If I put the team above all else and worry about how I can help the team first, then goals will naturally follow.”
\n","content_text":"SEOUL: Son Heung-min said he was \"feeling great\" ahead of the World Cup and backed himself to perform despite suggestions that South Korea's talismanic captain's powers are on the wane.\nThe 33-year-old skipper has scored only two goals since leaving Premier League Tottenham for Los Angeles FC in the MLS in August last year.\nHe has also struggled with South Korea, who head to the World Cup on the back of a dismal run of results and will face the Czech Republic, South Africa and co-hosts Mexico in Group A.\nSouth Korea lost 4-0 to the Ivory Coast and 1-0 to Austria in recent friendlies.\nSon tried to lift the mood as he spoke to reporters at the team's training camp in Salt Lake City on Tuesday.\n\"A lot of people are worried, but I'm only worried if I'm not playing well,\" he said.\n\"I don't think it's the case now. Physically, I am feeling great.\"\nSouth Korea face the Czechs in Guadalajara on June 11, the opening day of the tournament which is being co-hosted by Mexico, the US and Canada.\nThey reached the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before being sent packing 4-1 by Brazil.\nSon, who will be playing at his fourth World Cup, said the players \"need to know where our team-mates are with our eyes closed\".\n\"Of course we want to get to a higher place this time and do better than the last World Cup,\" he said.\n\"But we can't predict the future. Other teams will be preparing just as hard.\"\nSon has scored 54 goals in 143 games for his country and been their inspiration for more than 15 years.\nHe has scored three World Cup goals to give him a share of South Korea's record with Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan.\n\"Obviously, it's impossible not to be hearing about these records. People have been talking about them, and fans have taken great interest in them,\" Son said.\n\"But I've just not been thinking too much about them.\n\"If I put the team above all else and worry about how I can help the team first, then goals will naturally follow.\"","date_published":"2026-05-27T02:42:48.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Son Heung-min","South Korea","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/13247551-Son-Heung-min.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/13247551-Son-Heung-min.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/luis-enriques-psg-eye-greatness-with-back-to-back-champions-leagues-in-sight","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/luis-enriques-psg-eye-greatness-with-back-to-back-champions-leagues-in-sight","title":"Luis Enrique’s PSG eye greatness with back-to-back Champions Leagues in sight","summary":"Twelve months after crushing Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich to take the trophy with the biggest win in the final in European Cup history, PSG head to Budapest to face Premier League champions Arsenal.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/e1ae496f-luis-enrique-14042026.webp\")
PARIS: If Paris Saint-Germain’s maiden triumph last year allowed the French club to break their Champions League hoodoo, winning the title again this season would allow them to be remembered as one of Europe’s all-time great teams.
\nTwelve months after crushing Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich to take the trophy with the biggest win in the final in European Cup history, PSG head to Budapest to face Premier League champions Arsenal.
\nStopping Luis Enrique’s thrilling PSG side has proven impossible for everyone over the last 18 months, from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to Bayern Munich in their recent semi-final clash.
\nArsenal tried, and failed, in last season’s semis, and the Parisians are the favourites to retain their title this time.
\n“We understand that we are the reigning champions and we can win again,” Khvicha Kvaratskhelia said in an interview with UEFA.
\n“Of course this will be difficult, but we’ve proved once more that we can beat any team as long as we play our way and give our all on the pitch,” added the Georgian winger, surely the best player in this season’s Champions League with seven goals and three assists in the knockout rounds.
\nWhen Luis Enrique, a Champions League winner with Barcelona in 2015, arrived in 2023, PSG were transitioning away from the era of splashing vast sums on superstar players.
\nLionel Messi and Neymar left that same summer, ending underwhelming spells in the French capital. Kylian Mbappe departed a year later.
\nPSG had been completely transformed since the Qatari takeover of the club in 2011 but -– one run to the final in 2020 and a semi-final in 2021 apart — they had become associated with frequent disappointment in the Champions League, and occasional humiliation.
\nLuis Enrique has overseen a radical change, completely altering perceptions of the club outwith France.
\nPSG were almost once seen as a little bit of a joke in Europe due to their enormous spending and lack of continental success.
\nNow they are taken very seriously and have won admirers for the breathtaking football played by an exciting young team, built with the transfer market nous of their “football advisor” Luis Campos and coached by Luis Enrique.
\n“He is a top-class coach with clear ideas. He is full of energy. He is exceptional and we hope he will stay for a very long time,” said Ousmane Dembele.
\nThe France forward has been transformed from dazzling but often wasteful winger into a prolific striker.
\nHe scored 35 times last season and won the Ballon d’Or. This season his minutes have been carefully managed amid numerous fitness scares, but he has still scored 19 goals and set up 11 more in just 24 starts.
\nDembele, at 29, is the fourth-oldest player in the squad, behind only Fabian Ruiz, Lucas Hernandez (both 30) and 32-year-old captain Marquinhos.
\nThe youthful energy all over the team allows them to play with a terrifying intensity that has blown away most opponents.
\nThings might not be so easy against Arsenal but PSG have already reached three consecutive semi-finals under Luis Enrique. Before his arrival they had got to the semis three times in their history.
\nGetting to consecutive Champions League finals is incredibly hard, but retaining the title is almost impossible.
\nZinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid side that won three on the bounce from 2016-18 is the only side to have gone back-to-back in the modern Champions League era -– before them you have to go back to Arrigo Sacchi’s AC Milan in 1989 and 1990.
\nWithin a French context, the country had only ever produced one Champions League winner before last season, with Marseille in 1993.
\nThis is not a fairytale story for a club backed by the wealth of Qatar and with the fourth-highest revenue in world football last year according to the Deloitte Football Money League, behind only Real, Barcelona and Bayern.
\nBut it shows they did the right thing in abandoning the old superstar project, even if plenty of their current squad -– Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi –- should really be considered as superstars.
\nThe true superstar now is the coach, and Luis Enrique can become just the fifth manager to win three European Cups after Carlo Ancelotti, Bob Paisley, Zidane and Guardiola.
\n“When I came to the club I said my objective was to make history,” he told UEFA.com
\n“We want to keep writing history because we feel there are still things to be achieved.”
\n","content_text":"PARIS: If Paris Saint-Germain's maiden triumph last year allowed the French club to break their Champions League hoodoo, winning the title again this season would allow them to be remembered as one of Europe's all-time great teams.\nTwelve months after crushing Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich to take the trophy with the biggest win in the final in European Cup history, PSG head to Budapest to face Premier League champions Arsenal.\nStopping Luis Enrique's thrilling PSG side has proven impossible for everyone over the last 18 months, from Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to Bayern Munich in their recent semi-final clash.\nArsenal tried, and failed, in last season's semis, and the Parisians are the favourites to retain their title this time.\n\"We understand that we are the reigning champions and we can win again,\" Khvicha Kvaratskhelia said in an interview with UEFA.\n\"Of course this will be difficult, but we've proved once more that we can beat any team as long as we play our way and give our all on the pitch,\" added the Georgian winger, surely the best player in this season's Champions League with seven goals and three assists in the knockout rounds.\nWhen Luis Enrique, a Champions League winner with Barcelona in 2015, arrived in 2023, PSG were transitioning away from the era of splashing vast sums on superstar players.\nLionel Messi and Neymar left that same summer, ending underwhelming spells in the French capital. Kylian Mbappe departed a year later.\nPSG had been completely transformed since the Qatari takeover of the club in 2011 but -– one run to the final in 2020 and a semi-final in 2021 apart - they had become associated with frequent disappointment in the Champions League, and occasional humiliation.\nLuis Enrique has overseen a radical change, completely altering perceptions of the club outwith France.\nPSG were almost once seen as a little bit of a joke in Europe due to their enormous spending and lack of continental success.\nNow they are taken very seriously and have won admirers for the breathtaking football played by an exciting young team, built with the transfer market nous of their \"football advisor\" Luis Campos and coached by Luis Enrique.\n\"He is a top-class coach with clear ideas. He is full of energy. He is exceptional and we hope he will stay for a very long time,\" said Ousmane Dembele.\nThe France forward has been transformed from dazzling but often wasteful winger into a prolific striker.\nHe scored 35 times last season and won the Ballon d'Or. This season his minutes have been carefully managed amid numerous fitness scares, but he has still scored 19 goals and set up 11 more in just 24 starts.\nDembele, at 29, is the fourth-oldest player in the squad, behind only Fabian Ruiz, Lucas Hernandez (both 30) and 32-year-old captain Marquinhos.\nThe youthful energy all over the team allows them to play with a terrifying intensity that has blown away most opponents.\nThings might not be so easy against Arsenal but PSG have already reached three consecutive semi-finals under Luis Enrique. Before his arrival they had got to the semis three times in their history.\nGetting to consecutive Champions League finals is incredibly hard, but retaining the title is almost impossible.\nZinedine Zidane's Real Madrid side that won three on the bounce from 2016-18 is the only side to have gone back-to-back in the modern Champions League era -– before them you have to go back to Arrigo Sacchi's AC Milan in 1989 and 1990.\nWithin a French context, the country had only ever produced one Champions League winner before last season, with Marseille in 1993.\nThis is not a fairytale story for a club backed by the wealth of Qatar and with the fourth-highest revenue in world football last year according to the Deloitte Football Money League, behind only Real, Barcelona and Bayern.\nBut it shows they did the right thing in abandoning the old superstar project, even if plenty of their current squad -– Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi –- should really be considered as superstars.\nThe true superstar now is the coach, and Luis Enrique can become just the fifth manager to win three European Cups after Carlo Ancelotti, Bob Paisley, Zidane and Guardiola.\n“When I came to the club I said my objective was to make history,\" he told UEFA.com\n\"We want to keep writing history because we feel there are still things to be achieved.\"","date_published":"2026-05-27T00:36:56.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","baack-to-back","Champions League","Luis Enriquen","PSG"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/e1ae496f-luis-enrique-14042026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/e1ae496f-luis-enrique-14042026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/reyna-included-in-us-world-cup-squad","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/reyna-included-in-us-world-cup-squad","title":"Reyna included in US World Cup squad","summary":"Giovanni Reyna remains one of the most technically gifted attacking players available to Mauricio Pochettino as the US prepares for their World Cup Group D opener against Paraguay.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3e086b30-afp__20241215__36qg3ug__v1__midres__fblgerbundesligadortmundhoffenheim_5_cropped_1.webp\")
NEW YORK: US coach Mauricio Pochettino named Giovanni Reyna in his 26-strong for the World Cup on Tuesday, four years after the midfielder was almost sent home from the 2022 tournament in Qatar following a bust-up with former coach Gregg Berhalter.
\nBorussia Monchengladbach attacking midfielder Reyna appeared as a substitute in the USA’s friendly defeats to Belgium and Portugal in March after impressing Pochettino during last November’s international window.
\nReyna has played only a handful of games at club level since the turn of the year, making only eight appearances in the Bundesliga as a substitute for Monchengladbach.
\nHowever the 23-year-old remains one of the most technically gifted attacking players available to Pochettino as the Argentine coach prepares for the USA’s World Cup Group D opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12.
\nReyna was at the center of an explosive controversy in Doha four years ago, when it emerged after the tournament he had almost been kicked out of the camp by then coach Berhalter over his attitude in training.
\nThat in turn led to Reyna’s mother informing US Soccer of a physical altercation in 1991 between Berhalter and his then girlfriend, and now wife, which triggered an investigation by US Soccer.
\nPochettino’s squad was announced at a roster reveal event in New York on Tuesday.
\n“I think we were seeing, analyzing, assessing all the situations and we decided the 26 players of the roster,” Pochettino told a briefing Tuesday.
\nHe added that he was seeking the “best balance in the 26” picks.
\nThe US coach declined to comment on high-profile figures like Lyon’s Tanner Tessmann who were left out of the roster while relying heavily on the likes of Tyler Adams.
\n“I think we cannot talk about the players that are not in the roster, because it’s very respectful to the players that made the roster,” he said.
\n“I know what it means to be out of the roster, in 1994, the World Cup in the US I was out… finally I made the roster. That is why I know it’s so painful, but that is my job.”
\nLittle suspense surrounded the event, with details of Pochettino’s selection leaking out in US media reports for several days leading up to Tuesday’s formal announcement.
\nAs expected, Europe-based players make up the bulk of Pochettino’s squad with the likes of AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, Juventus’s Weston McKennie and Monaco’s Folarin Balogun all included alongside English Premier League players Adams (Bournemouth), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) and Antonee Robinson (Fulham).
\nAmong the Major League Soccer players included in the roster are former coach Berhalter’s son, Sebastian, the Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder.
\nSquad:
\nGoalkeepers
\nChris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
\nDefenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Alex Freeman (Villarreal/ESP), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach/GER), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO)
\nMidfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA), Gio Reyna (Borussia Monchengladbach/GER), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Tim Weah (Marseille/FRA), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America/MEX)
\nForwards: Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG)
\n","content_text":"NEW YORK: US coach Mauricio Pochettino named Giovanni Reyna in his 26-strong for the World Cup on Tuesday, four years after the midfielder was almost sent home from the 2022 tournament in Qatar following a bust-up with former coach Gregg Berhalter.\nBorussia Monchengladbach attacking midfielder Reyna appeared as a substitute in the USA's friendly defeats to Belgium and Portugal in March after impressing Pochettino during last November's international window.\nReyna has played only a handful of games at club level since the turn of the year, making only eight appearances in the Bundesliga as a substitute for Monchengladbach.\nHowever the 23-year-old remains one of the most technically gifted attacking players available to Pochettino as the Argentine coach prepares for the USA's World Cup Group D opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12.\nReyna was at the center of an explosive controversy in Doha four years ago, when it emerged after the tournament he had almost been kicked out of the camp by then coach Berhalter over his attitude in training.\nThat in turn led to Reyna's mother informing US Soccer of a physical altercation in 1991 between Berhalter and his then girlfriend, and now wife, which triggered an investigation by US Soccer.\nPochettino's squad was announced at a roster reveal event in New York on Tuesday.\n\"I think we were seeing, analyzing, assessing all the situations and we decided the 26 players of the roster,\" Pochettino told a briefing Tuesday.\nHe added that he was seeking the \"best balance in the 26\" picks.\nThe US coach declined to comment on high-profile figures like Lyon's Tanner Tessmann who were left out of the roster while relying heavily on the likes of Tyler Adams.\n\"I think we cannot talk about the players that are not in the roster, because it's very respectful to the players that made the roster,\" he said.\n\"I know what it means to be out of the roster, in 1994, the World Cup in the US I was out... finally I made the roster. That is why I know it's so painful, but that is my job.\"\nLittle suspense surrounded the event, with details of Pochettino's selection leaking out in US media reports for several days leading up to Tuesday's formal announcement.\nAs expected, Europe-based players make up the bulk of Pochettino's squad with the likes of AC Milan's Christian Pulisic, Juventus's Weston McKennie and Monaco's Folarin Balogun all included alongside English Premier League players Adams (Bournemouth), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) and Antonee Robinson (Fulham).\nAmong the Major League Soccer players included in the roster are former coach Berhalter's son, Sebastian, the Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder.\nSquad:\nGoalkeepers\nChris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)\nDefenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Alex Freeman (Villarreal/ESP), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach/GER), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO)\nMidfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA), Gio Reyna (Borussia Monchengladbach/GER), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Tim Weah (Marseille/FRA), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America/MEX)\nForwards: Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG)","date_published":"2026-05-26T23:23:02.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Doha","drama","Reyna","Squad","US","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3e086b30-afp__20241215__36qg3ug__v1__midres__fblgerbundesligadortmundhoffenheim_5_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3e086b30-afp__20241215__36qg3ug__v1__midres__fblgerbundesligadortmundhoffenheim_5_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/sabalenka-osaka-bring-style-to-paris","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/sabalenka-osaka-bring-style-to-paris","title":"Sabalenka, Osaka bring style to Paris","summary":"Dressed in a black-and-red mesh outfit and wearing a diamond necklace, Aryana Sabalenka dismissed Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4 6-2.","content_html":"![\"Tennis](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/da1530b8-aryana-sabalenka-reuters-27_05_26.webp\")
PARIS: World number one Aryna Sabalenka sealed a stylish win to make the second round of the French Open, while Naomi Osaka brought runway flair to Roland Garros.
\nReigning Paris champion Coco Gauff recovered from a sluggish start to outclass Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-0 with several Americans also progressing despite a heat wave in the French capital making conditions challenging for players and fans.
\nDressed in a black-and-red mesh outfit and wearing a diamond necklace, Sabalenka dismissed Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4 6-2 before brushing off concerns about the added flourish by saying she was completely at ease.
\n“I like to challenge myself,” the Belarusian told reporters.
\n“But at the same time, the dress is super light … I don’t feel the dress on me. I was thinking it’s going to be super hot wearing black, but it doesn’t feel like black colour on me, I feel really comfortable.
\n“And the diamonds, I don’t really feel the heaviness of it, but I can imagine how it looks from the outside … for me, it’s important to look good. If I feel good looks-wise, I perform better and I feel great.”
\nWhile Sabalenka set the tone, former world number one Osaka added a touch of Parisian flair as she walked onto Court Suzanne Lenglen in a sequined blouse and a black mesh floor-length train before unveiling a layered yellow-brown and gold match dress.
\nThe tennis was equally sparkling as the 16th seed overcame tricky German Laura Siegemund 6-3 7-6(3) before hinting at the inspiration behind her match outfit.
\n“I feel like … you know the Eiffel Tower at night when it’s sparkly? I think I look like that a bit,” Osaka said.
\nAmerican Learner Tien dished out the bagels during his 6-0 2-6 6-0 6-2 win over Cristian Garin, while compatriots Zachary Svajda, Emma Navarro, Iva Jovic, Claire Liu, Ann Li all went through with little trouble.
\nA day after French favourite Gael Monfils went out of his home Grand Slam for the final time, Parisian fans were given a glimpse of the future as teenager Moise Kouame downed 2014 U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6(4) 6-2 6-1.
\nVictory meant the 17-year-old wildcard became the youngest man to win a Grand Slam main draw match in 17 years.
\n“It’s a lot of emotion, it’s exceptional,” Kouame said.
\n“Coming into this tournament, I didn’t know what to expect. The team and I worked hard to be as ready as possible.”
\nAmerican fifth seed Jessica Pegula became the biggest casualty in the women’s draw when she was beaten 1-6 6-3 6-3 by Australian Kimberly Birrell.
\n","content_text":"PARIS: World number one Aryna Sabalenka sealed a stylish win to make the second round of the French Open, while Naomi Osaka brought runway flair to Roland Garros.\nReigning Paris champion Coco Gauff recovered from a sluggish start to outclass Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-0 with several Americans also progressing despite a heat wave in the French capital making conditions challenging for players and fans.\nDressed in a black-and-red mesh outfit and wearing a diamond necklace, Sabalenka dismissed Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4 6-2 before brushing off concerns about the added flourish by saying she was completely at ease.\n\"I like to challenge myself,\" the Belarusian told reporters.\n\"But at the same time, the dress is super light ... I don't feel the dress on me. I was thinking it's going to be super hot wearing black, but it doesn't feel like black colour on me, I feel really comfortable.\n\"And the diamonds, I don't really feel the heaviness of it, but I can imagine how it looks from the outside ... for me, it's important to look good. If I feel good looks-wise, I perform better and I feel great.\"\nWhile Sabalenka set the tone, former world number one Osaka added a touch of Parisian flair as she walked onto Court Suzanne Lenglen in a sequined blouse and a black mesh floor-length train before unveiling a layered yellow-brown and gold match dress.\nThe tennis was equally sparkling as the 16th seed overcame tricky German Laura Siegemund 6-3 7-6(3) before hinting at the inspiration behind her match outfit.\n\"I feel like ... you know the Eiffel Tower at night when it's sparkly? I think I look like that a bit,\" Osaka said.\nAmerican Learner Tien dished out the bagels during his 6-0 2-6 6-0 6-2 win over Cristian Garin, while compatriots Zachary Svajda, Emma Navarro, Iva Jovic, Claire Liu, Ann Li all went through with little trouble.\nA day after French favourite Gael Monfils went out of his home Grand Slam for the final time, Parisian fans were given a glimpse of the future as teenager Moise Kouame downed 2014 U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6(4) 6-2 6-1.\nVictory meant the 17-year-old wildcard became the youngest man to win a Grand Slam main draw match in 17 years.\n\"It's a lot of emotion, it's exceptional,\" Kouame said.\n\"Coming into this tournament, I didn't know what to expect. The team and I worked hard to be as ready as possible.\"\nAmerican fifth seed Jessica Pegula became the biggest casualty in the women's draw when she was beaten 1-6 6-3 6-3 by Australian Kimberly Birrell.","date_published":"2026-05-26T23:06:14.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Medvedev","Osaka","Paris","Sabalenka","style"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/da1530b8-aryana-sabalenka-reuters-27_05_26.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/da1530b8-aryana-sabalenka-reuters-27_05_26.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/sinner-eases-into-french-open-second-round","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/sinner-eases-into-french-open-second-round","title":"Sinner eases into French Open second round","summary":"Jannik Sinner, favourite for the title after Carlos Alcaraz’s injury withdrawal, overwhelmed Clement Tabur with relentless baseline power on Court Philippe-Chatrier.","content_html":"![\"Jannik](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/085ce2ba-clement-tabur-epa-27_05_26.webp\")
PARIS: World number one Jannik Sinner started his campaign for a maiden French Open title in merciless fashion, beating Frenchman Clement Tabur 6-1 6-3 6-4 to reach the second round on Tuesday.
\nThe Italian, the overwhelming favourite for the title in the absence of injured two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, was all business on Court Philippe-Chatrier’s night session, suffocating Tabur with relentless depth and pace from the baseline.
\nBy the time the Paris sun finally dipped below the western stands, Sinner was already one game away from a two-set lead.
\nThe 24-year-old came into Roland Garros on a 29-match winning streak in which he had dropped only three sets, having also completed his full set of Masters 1000 titles earlier this month.
\nAgainst Tabur, there was little sign of vulnerability.
\nSinner broke immediately to open a 2-0 lead and snatched the Frenchman’s serve again to go ahead 4-1 in a blistering start. A booming forehand sealed the opening set before the Italian raced through the second almost without breaking sweat.
\nSweating heavily and backed loudly by the Chatrier crowd, Tabur — making only his second Grand Slam main-draw appearance — showed greater freedom in the third set.
\nThe world number 171 produced some fine shot-making that drew roars from the stands and briefly irritated Sinner, who flashed occasional signs of frustration after a handful of missed returns and baseline errors.
\nBut the Italian quickly restored order, his superior weight of shot and relentless precision eventually suffocating the resistance.
\n“I’m happy to be back here, where I have great memories. Overall the first round matches are never easy,” Sinner said before addressing the crowd directly.
\n“Thanks for coming, thanks for the support and thanks for being fair to me. I know I was playing a Frenchman.”
\n","content_text":"PARIS: World number one Jannik Sinner started his campaign for a maiden French Open title in merciless fashion, beating Frenchman Clement Tabur 6-1 6-3 6-4 to reach the second round on Tuesday.\nThe Italian, the overwhelming favourite for the title in the absence of injured two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, was all business on Court Philippe-Chatrier’s night session, suffocating Tabur with relentless depth and pace from the baseline.\nBy the time the Paris sun finally dipped below the western stands, Sinner was already one game away from a two-set lead.\nThe 24-year-old came into Roland Garros on a 29-match winning streak in which he had dropped only three sets, having also completed his full set of Masters 1000 titles earlier this month.\nAgainst Tabur, there was little sign of vulnerability.\nSinner broke immediately to open a 2-0 lead and snatched the Frenchman’s serve again to go ahead 4-1 in a blistering start. A booming forehand sealed the opening set before the Italian raced through the second almost without breaking sweat.\nSweating heavily and backed loudly by the Chatrier crowd, Tabur — making only his second Grand Slam main-draw appearance — showed greater freedom in the third set.\nThe world number 171 produced some fine shot-making that drew roars from the stands and briefly irritated Sinner, who flashed occasional signs of frustration after a handful of missed returns and baseline errors.\nBut the Italian quickly restored order, his superior weight of shot and relentless precision eventually suffocating the resistance.\n“I’m happy to be back here, where I have great memories. Overall the first round matches are never easy,” Sinner said before addressing the crowd directly.\n“Thanks for coming, thanks for the support and thanks for being fair to me. I know I was playing a Frenchman.”","date_published":"2026-05-26T22:10:21.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","eases","French Open","round","second","sinner"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/085ce2ba-clement-tabur-epa-27_05_26.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/085ce2ba-clement-tabur-epa-27_05_26.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/europa-league-demotion-fueling-palaces-european-run-says-glasner","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/europa-league-demotion-fueling-palaces-european-run-says-glasner","title":"Europa League demotion fueling Palace’s European run, says Glasner","summary":"Oliver Glasner, who will leave the club after Wednesday's game, said victory would return Crystal Palace to a competition they 'deserved' to play in this season.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/f3127609-oliver-glasner-30042026.webp\")
LEIPZIG: Oliver Glasner on Tuesday called on his Crystal Palace side to atone for their Europa League demotion by beating Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday and returning to the competition.
\nSpeaking ahead of the final in Leipzig, Germany, Glasner, who will leave the club after Wednesday’s game, said victory would return Palace to a competition they “deserved” to play in this season.
\nPalace qualified for a debut Europa League campaign when Glasner guided them to last season’s FA Cup, the first title in their history.
\nBut UEFA stripped Palace’s right to play in the competition due to multi-club ownership rules and they started in the Conference League instead.
\n“For me, the best thing would be winning tomorrow, but not just for winning tomorrow, but because then they play European football in the Europa League next year,” Glasner said.
\n“Then we get next year what we should have got this year.”
\nThe coach promised to follow Palace’s journey next season, even if he was no longer in the dugout.
\n“I would like to watch on TV that they start the Europa League with the desire and the confidence that they can win the Europa League as well.
\n“This would make me really happy, because then I see you can create a mindset together.”
\nThe Austrian said his side “fully embraced” the Conference League from the moment the decision became clear.
\n“For teams accustomed to playing in the Champions League, it might not be the most glamorous European competition.
\n“But when you are a club participating in a European competition for the very first time in your history, it is simply an outstanding experience.”
\nGlasner, who won the Europa League as Eintracht Frankfurt manager in 2022, will sign off from Palace having overseen a level of success unprecedented in the club’s history.
\nIn addition to last year’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City, Palace beat defending Premier League champions Liverpool in the Charity Shield to open this season.
\nGlasner said he told his players to relax and embrace the week.
\n“It’s quite relaxed… We’ll go to dinner. I don’t know what the players are doing, but they’re all adults. I hope nobody goes into a bar or something.”
\nGlasner said injured duo Adam Wharton and Chris Richards trained on Tuesday but a call on their inclusion will be made on match day.
\n“I’ll only nominate a starting XI who is 100 percent fit… Of course, they’ve still got some pain but I think many players are feeling pain after such a long season.
\n“Everybody wants to participate, but a final decision will be made tomorrow.”
\nOpponents Rayo are also on a fairytale run and could win a first major trophy in their history by winning on Wednesday.
\nMidfielder Oscar Trejo said his team wanted to repay the faith of their fans who have supported them on a “magical” run to a first European final.
\n“It’s something magical,” said Trejo, who will leave the south Madrid club after a decade after Wednesday’s game.
\n“It’s something we dreamed of. It’s been a tough process. We will go out all guns blazing tomorrow and we’ll try and enjoy it to the very last moment.”
\n","content_text":"LEIPZIG: Oliver Glasner on Tuesday called on his Crystal Palace side to atone for their Europa League demotion by beating Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday and returning to the competition.\nSpeaking ahead of the final in Leipzig, Germany, Glasner, who will leave the club after Wednesday's game, said victory would return Palace to a competition they \"deserved\" to play in this season.\nPalace qualified for a debut Europa League campaign when Glasner guided them to last season's FA Cup, the first title in their history.\nBut UEFA stripped Palace's right to play in the competition due to multi-club ownership rules and they started in the Conference League instead.\n\"For me, the best thing would be winning tomorrow, but not just for winning tomorrow, but because then they play European football in the Europa League next year,\" Glasner said.\n\"Then we get next year what we should have got this year.\"\nThe coach promised to follow Palace's journey next season, even if he was no longer in the dugout.\n\"I would like to watch on TV that they start the Europa League with the desire and the confidence that they can win the Europa League as well.\n\"This would make me really happy, because then I see you can create a mindset together.\"\nThe Austrian said his side \"fully embraced\" the Conference League from the moment the decision became clear.\n\"For teams accustomed to playing in the Champions League, it might not be the most glamorous European competition.\n\"But when you are a club participating in a European competition for the very first time in your history, it is simply an outstanding experience.\"\nGlasner, who won the Europa League as Eintracht Frankfurt manager in 2022, will sign off from Palace having overseen a level of success unprecedented in the club's history.\nIn addition to last year's FA Cup victory over Manchester City, Palace beat defending Premier League champions Liverpool in the Charity Shield to open this season.\nGlasner said he told his players to relax and embrace the week.\n\"It's quite relaxed... We'll go to dinner. I don't know what the players are doing, but they're all adults. I hope nobody goes into a bar or something.\"\nGlasner said injured duo Adam Wharton and Chris Richards trained on Tuesday but a call on their inclusion will be made on match day.\n\"I'll only nominate a starting XI who is 100 percent fit... Of course, they've still got some pain but I think many players are feeling pain after such a long season.\n\"Everybody wants to participate, but a final decision will be made tomorrow.\"\nOpponents Rayo are also on a fairytale run and could win a first major trophy in their history by winning on Wednesday.\nMidfielder Oscar Trejo said his team wanted to repay the faith of their fans who have supported them on a \"magical\" run to a first European final.\n\"It's something magical,\" said Trejo, who will leave the south Madrid club after a decade after Wednesday's game.\n\"It's something we dreamed of. It's been a tough process. We will go out all guns blazing tomorrow and we'll try and enjoy it to the very last moment.\"","date_published":"2026-05-26T21:44:02.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","demotion","Europa league","European","Glasner","Palace","run"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/f3127609-oliver-glasner-30042026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/f3127609-oliver-glasner-30042026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/at-sweltering-french-open-fans-and-players-try-to-keep-cool","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/at-sweltering-french-open-fans-and-players-try-to-keep-cool","title":"At sweltering French Open, fans and players try to keep cool","summary":"France set a May temperature record on Monday, with temperatures forecast to exceed 34°C again on Tuesday in what is described as an unusually early and prolonged heatwave.","content_html":"![\"Spectators](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/748ad67f-roland-garros-heat-afp-27_05_26.webp\")
PARIS: Fans, players and staff at the French Open on Tuesday toughed it out under the heat dome that has swept western Europe.
\nFrance set a May temperature record on Monday and temperatures were forecast to pass 34 degrees celsius (93 Fahrenheit) again on Tuesday in what Meteo France called “a heatwave, notable for its early onset and prolonged duration.”
\n“Well, it’s warm,” said French player Arthur Rinderknech after he won on Monday. “We’re not used to that warmth in Paris at the French Open.”
\nRoland-Garros’s first-aiders treated 25 people on on Monday and about 15 by the middle of Tuesday afternoon, fire and safety officer Michel Franco Durand told AFP.
\n“We were expecting worse,” he added.
\nIn the early rounds at Roland Garros, the first match starts at 11am (0900GMT) and even fans without show-court tickets can watch matches on the mostly unshaded outer courts until after sunset.
\nOut on court 14, Corinne and Ray from Victoria, in Canada, had avoided sitting as they watched Iva Jovic beat Alexandra Eala in Tuesday’s midday sun.
\n“The seats are so hot,” Corinne said. “So we stood at the rail.”
\n“We’re not used to this heat, but who is?”
\nA few yards away Mike Lipschutz from Boca Raton in Florida said he was.
\n“It was great,” he said. “It felt like home.”
\nHis friend Jim, a New Yorker who did not want to give his surname, was less happy.
\n“I was freaking out. I had a towel on my head. I had a hat. I was hid behind those lights.”
\nMike’s wife Risa said they had come an hour early to chose their seats.
\n“We’re from South Florida. So we’re used to the heat,” she said.
\nNoah from Charleston was downing a cool drink in the shade of a concession stand.
\n“It’s tough, but you know, I think it’s something that we all sort of expected,” he said.
\n“It’s worse than it normally is in Paris, but there’s plenty of areas to find shade, drinking plenty of water. Great tennis to enjoy.
\n“It’s brutal. I’ve seen a couple of people look like they’re more tired than others.”
\nHe said he had learned to cope with extreme heat growing up in the American south.
\nIt was a point echoed by American player Ben Shelton, who said the conditions “would help the US Group in this tournament”.
\n“All of us live in Florida, so that physical part becomes less of a factor,” he said.
\n“The heat is a factor and is going to help us.
\nNorwegian Casper Ruud found it a challenge as he beat Roman Safiullin on Monday in a five set marathon saying he had “a kind of heat-stroke feeling”.
\n“In the fourth set I felt, at times really dizzy and just really tired and walking around like a zombie,” he said.
\n– ‘We ran out of ice cream’ –
\nSome are happy to see the sun beat down.
\nFlo Rannou works at a stand selling the official sunscreen of Roland Garros outside the main show court Philippe Chatrier. It opened during the chilly qualifying tournament last week.
\n“It was a rough start,” she said. “It was rainy for three days and it was hard to sell. People didn’t need sunscreen. Then we sold a lot when it became super-sunny and super hot.”
\nAlia at a large ice cream concession outside the other show court Suzanne Lenglen said sales had been so good that on Monday she could not see the end of the queue and had not left her till for nine hours.
\nIt could have been worse.
\n“On Sunday we ran out of ice cream,” she said.
\nStaff, fans and players have strategies.
\nOn Court Simonne-Mathieu, when the groundskeepers watered the court they would lift their hose and spray spectators.
\n“Stay hydrated,” women’s number one seed Aryna Sabalenka called to fans at Chatrier after her win on Tuesday.
\nSafety chief Durand said organisers were adding more free water fountains. “We noticed that the queues were long,” he said.
\nNot all fans feel the need to test their stamina.
\nRisa Lipschutz said her group only planned “to hang out for a few hours today”.
\nCorinne from Victoria said she was picking her matches and “might not come for the whole day tomorrow”.
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Fans, players and staff at the French Open on Tuesday toughed it out under the heat dome that has swept western Europe.\nFrance set a May temperature record on Monday and temperatures were forecast to pass 34 degrees celsius (93 Fahrenheit) again on Tuesday in what Meteo France called \"a heatwave, notable for its early onset and prolonged duration.\"\n\"Well, it's warm,\" said French player Arthur Rinderknech after he won on Monday. \"We're not used to that warmth in Paris at the French Open.\"\nRoland-Garros's first-aiders treated 25 people on on Monday and about 15 by the middle of Tuesday afternoon, fire and safety officer Michel Franco Durand told AFP.\n\"We were expecting worse,\" he added.\nIn the early rounds at Roland Garros, the first match starts at 11am (0900GMT) and even fans without show-court tickets can watch matches on the mostly unshaded outer courts until after sunset.\nOut on court 14, Corinne and Ray from Victoria, in Canada, had avoided sitting as they watched Iva Jovic beat Alexandra Eala in Tuesday's midday sun.\n\"The seats are so hot,\" Corinne said. \"So we stood at the rail.\"\n\"We're not used to this heat, but who is?\"\nA few yards away Mike Lipschutz from Boca Raton in Florida said he was.\n\"It was great,\" he said. \"It felt like home.\"\nHis friend Jim, a New Yorker who did not want to give his surname, was less happy.\n\"I was freaking out. I had a towel on my head. I had a hat. I was hid behind those lights.\"\nMike's wife Risa said they had come an hour early to chose their seats.\n\"We're from South Florida. So we're used to the heat,\" she said.\nNoah from Charleston was downing a cool drink in the shade of a concession stand.\n\"It's tough, but you know, I think it's something that we all sort of expected,\" he said.\n\"It's worse than it normally is in Paris, but there's plenty of areas to find shade, drinking plenty of water. Great tennis to enjoy.\n\"It's brutal. I've seen a couple of people look like they're more tired than others.\"\nHe said he had learned to cope with extreme heat growing up in the American south.\nIt was a point echoed by American player Ben Shelton, who said the conditions \"would help the US Group in this tournament\".\n\"All of us live in Florida, so that physical part becomes less of a factor,\" he said.\n\"The heat is a factor and is going to help us.\nNorwegian Casper Ruud found it a challenge as he beat Roman Safiullin on Monday in a five set marathon saying he had \"a kind of heat-stroke feeling\".\n\"In the fourth set I felt, at times really dizzy and just really tired and walking around like a zombie,\" he said.\n- 'We ran out of ice cream' -\nSome are happy to see the sun beat down.\nFlo Rannou works at a stand selling the official sunscreen of Roland Garros outside the main show court Philippe Chatrier. It opened during the chilly qualifying tournament last week.\n\"It was a rough start,\" she said. \"It was rainy for three days and it was hard to sell. People didn't need sunscreen. Then we sold a lot when it became super-sunny and super hot.\"\nAlia at a large ice cream concession outside the other show court Suzanne Lenglen said sales had been so good that on Monday she could not see the end of the queue and had not left her till for nine hours.\nIt could have been worse.\n\"On Sunday we ran out of ice cream,\" she said.\nStaff, fans and players have strategies.\nOn Court Simonne-Mathieu, when the groundskeepers watered the court they would lift their hose and spray spectators.\n\"Stay hydrated,\" women's number one seed Aryna Sabalenka called to fans at Chatrier after her win on Tuesday.\nSafety chief Durand said organisers were adding more free water fountains. \"We noticed that the queues were long,\" he said.\nNot all fans feel the need to test their stamina.\nRisa Lipschutz said her group only planned \"to hang out for a few hours today\".\nCorinne from Victoria said she was picking her matches and \"might not come for the whole day tomorrow\".","date_published":"2026-05-26T21:31:29.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","cool","fans","players","Roland Garros","sweltering"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/748ad67f-roland-garros-heat-afp-27_05_26.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/748ad67f-roland-garros-heat-afp-27_05_26.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/hakimi-diaz-headline-moroccos-world-cup-squad","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/hakimi-diaz-headline-moroccos-world-cup-squad","title":"Hakimi, Diaz headline Morocco’s World Cup squad","summary":"Mohamed Ouahbi, who took charge of Morocco three months ago, has retained most of the squad from the African Cup of Nations.","content_html":"![\"Morocco's](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6f92676a-mohamed-wahbi-epa27_05_26.webp\")
RABAT: Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz headline the Morocco squad for the World Cup unveiled Tuesday by coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
\nOuahbi, who took up the Moroccan coaching role three months ago, has kept faith with the majority of the squad that took part in the African Cup of Nations.
\nNew names include Fulham defender Issa Diop, Strasbourg midfielder Samir El Mourabet and Franco-Moroccan Ayoub Bouaddi, the Lille midfielder who opted for the North African nation over France earlier this month.
\nMorocco kicks off its World Cup campaign against Brazil, before taking on Scotland and Haiti in Group C.
\nMorocco squad
\nGoalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal/KSA), Munir El Kajoui (Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (AS FAR)
\nDefenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United/ENG), Anas Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Youssef Bellammari (Al Ahly/EGY), Achraf Hakimi (PSG/FRA), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Gent/BEL), Nayef Aguerd (Marseille/FRA), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace/ENG), Redouane Halhal (Mechelen/BEL), Issa Diop (Fulham/ENG)
\nMidfielders: Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg/FRA), Ayoub Bouaddi (Lille/FRA), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma/ITA), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis/ESP), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona/ESP), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart/GER), Ismael Saibari (Eindhoven/NED)
\nForwards: Abdesamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis/ESP), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland/ENG), Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Ain/UAE), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiakos/GRE), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/ESP), Yassine Gessim (Strasbourg/FRA), Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER)
\n","content_text":"RABAT: Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz headline the Morocco squad for the World Cup unveiled Tuesday by coach Mohamed Ouahbi.\nOuahbi, who took up the Moroccan coaching role three months ago, has kept faith with the majority of the squad that took part in the African Cup of Nations.\nNew names include Fulham defender Issa Diop, Strasbourg midfielder Samir El Mourabet and Franco-Moroccan Ayoub Bouaddi, the Lille midfielder who opted for the North African nation over France earlier this month.\nMorocco kicks off its World Cup campaign against Brazil, before taking on Scotland and Haiti in Group C.\nMorocco squad\nGoalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal/KSA), Munir El Kajoui (Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (AS FAR)\nDefenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United/ENG), Anas Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Youssef Bellammari (Al Ahly/EGY), Achraf Hakimi (PSG/FRA), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Gent/BEL), Nayef Aguerd (Marseille/FRA), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace/ENG), Redouane Halhal (Mechelen/BEL), Issa Diop (Fulham/ENG)\nMidfielders: Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg/FRA), Ayoub Bouaddi (Lille/FRA), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma/ITA), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis/ESP), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona/ESP), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart/GER), Ismael Saibari (Eindhoven/NED)\nForwards: Abdesamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis/ESP), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland/ENG), Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Ain/UAE), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiakos/GRE), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/ESP), Yassine Gessim (Strasbourg/FRA), Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER)","date_published":"2026-05-26T21:17:14.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Diaz","hakimi","Morocco","Squad","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6f92676a-mohamed-wahbi-epa27_05_26.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6f92676a-mohamed-wahbi-epa27_05_26.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/medvedev-rules-out-skipping-french-open-despite-cruel-deja-vu","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/27/medvedev-rules-out-skipping-french-open-despite-cruel-deja-vu","title":"Medvedev rules out skipping French Open despite cruel deja vu","summary":"Daniil Medvedev’s defeat extended his Grand Slam struggles, though he said he can still compete despite changes in the game.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/63785812-afp__20260227__998c6th__v1__midres__tennisuaeatp_cropped_2.webp\")
PARIS: Daniil Medvedev was left to digest a seventh first-round defeat in 10 appearances at the French Open after a bruising five-set loss to Australian Adam Walton on Tuesday, but the Russian said he would never consider skipping the claycourt Grand Slam.
\nMedvedev fell to a topsy-turvy 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 defeat on Court Suzanne Lenglen and added that the latest setback in Paris might however force him to reconsider his schedule a week before the claycourt major.
\n“I want to play Grand Slams. I know that I’m in good shape and I can play well at Roland Garros, as well. I can. It’s just tougher for me … I’ll always come here,” Medvedev said.
\n“Maybe I should consider playing a tournament before. I usually don’t do (that) before Grand Slams, but when it doesn’t work, why not?
\n“So that’s the only thing I will consider next year.”
\nMedvedev’s defeat also extended his struggles on the biggest stage following three opening exits at the majors last year, but he said he was still good enough to compete, even if the game has changed in recent years.
\nPlayers like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have led the way to show greater baseline intensity and physicality, making it harder for others like Medvedev to find their rhythm, especially on slower claycourts.
\n“I think I’m still usually good in Grand Slams,” Medvedev insisted.
\n“Yes I can lose (in the) first round, but I don’t think I’ve lost the ability to perform in Grand Slams. So I do think it can come back any moment, meaning at Wimbledon, for example.
\n“But again, if we talk in general about all the four Grand Slams, I think if we compared all four Grand Slams to five years ago, the game is different in these Grand Slams, and I don’t think it suits me well.
\n“It’s very tough for me to get the rhythm going. First round is the toughest one, and once I get through it, maybe I can do better.”
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Daniil Medvedev was left to digest a seventh first-round defeat in 10 appearances at the French Open after a bruising five-set loss to Australian Adam Walton on Tuesday, but the Russian said he would never consider skipping the claycourt Grand Slam.\nMedvedev fell to a topsy-turvy 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 defeat on Court Suzanne Lenglen and added that the latest setback in Paris might however force him to reconsider his schedule a week before the claycourt major.\n\"I want to play Grand Slams. I know that I'm in good shape and I can play well at Roland Garros, as well. I can. It's just tougher for me ... I'll always come here,\" Medvedev said.\n\"Maybe I should consider playing a tournament before. I usually don't do (that) before Grand Slams, but when it doesn't work, why not?\n\"So that's the only thing I will consider next year.\"\nMedvedev's defeat also extended his struggles on the biggest stage following three opening exits at the majors last year, but he said he was still good enough to compete, even if the game has changed in recent years.\nPlayers like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have led the way to show greater baseline intensity and physicality, making it harder for others like Medvedev to find their rhythm, especially on slower claycourts.\n\"I think I'm still usually good in Grand Slams,\" Medvedev insisted.\n\"Yes I can lose (in the) first round, but I don't think I've lost the ability to perform in Grand Slams. So I do think it can come back any moment, meaning at Wimbledon, for example.\n\"But again, if we talk in general about all the four Grand Slams, I think if we compared all four Grand Slams to five years ago, the game is different in these Grand Slams, and I don't think it suits me well.\n\"It's very tough for me to get the rhythm going. First round is the toughest one, and once I get through it, maybe I can do better.\"","date_published":"2026-05-26T21:02:09.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","cruel","Deja vu","French Open","Medvedev","skipping"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/63785812-afp__20260227__998c6th__v1__midres__tennisuaeatp_cropped_2.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/63785812-afp__20260227__998c6th__v1__midres__tennisuaeatp_cropped_2.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/dominant-sabalenka-moves-into-roland-garros-second-round","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/dominant-sabalenka-moves-into-roland-garros-second-round","title":"Dominant Sabalenka moves into Roland Garros second round","summary":"The world number one overcame the sweltering conditions to book her spot in the round of 64 in just over 75 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.","content_html":"![\"Aryna](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2aa1a6f1-sabalenka-paris-epa26_05_26.webp\")
PARIS: Aryna Sabalenka opened her Roland Garros campaign with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Tuesday.
\nThe world number one overcame the sweltering conditions to book her spot in the round of 64 in just over 75 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.
\nThe only blip for the four-time Grand Slam champion as she returned to winning ways on clay after a surprise early exit from the Italian Open was her failure to serve out the win, but she promptly broke the world number 50 in the next game before rubbing an ice bag over her face and exiting the court.
\n“Happy to be back, thank you for the support. It’s a hot day, thank you so much for staying and don’t forget guys, stay hydrated,” Sabalenka told the spectators on centre court as a heatwave continues to roll over Paris for the start of the tournament.
\n“I think we all feel pressure… But I’m used to it so I know how to ignore (it),” the Belarusian top seed added as she began her latest attempt at winning a first title at the French Open.
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Aryna Sabalenka opened her Roland Garros campaign with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Tuesday.\nThe world number one overcame the sweltering conditions to book her spot in the round of 64 in just over 75 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.\nThe only blip for the four-time Grand Slam champion as she returned to winning ways on clay after a surprise early exit from the Italian Open was her failure to serve out the win, but she promptly broke the world number 50 in the next game before rubbing an ice bag over her face and exiting the court.\n\"Happy to be back, thank you for the support. It's a hot day, thank you so much for staying and don't forget guys, stay hydrated,\" Sabalenka told the spectators on centre court as a heatwave continues to roll over Paris for the start of the tournament.\n\"I think we all feel pressure... But I'm used to it so I know how to ignore (it),\" the Belarusian top seed added as she began her latest attempt at winning a first title at the French Open.","date_published":"2026-05-26T12:10:54.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","dominant","Roland Garros","round","Sabalenka","second"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2aa1a6f1-sabalenka-paris-epa26_05_26.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2aa1a6f1-sabalenka-paris-epa26_05_26.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/de-la-fuente-says-spain-come-before-club-loyalty","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/de-la-fuente-says-spain-come-before-club-loyalty","title":"De la Fuente says Spain comes before club loyalty","summary":"The manager said this after naming a World Cup squad dominated by Barcelona players and no Real Madrid representatives.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/721d1601-luis-de-la-fuente-17112025.webp\")
MADRID: Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente stressed that Spain’s badge outranks any club crest on Tuesday after naming a World Cup squad with a distinctly Barcelona hue and, for the first time, no Real Madrid player in sight.
\nThe European champions head into next month’s tournament among the favourites, with De la Fuente’s 26-man squad built around eight Barcelona players and none from the Spanish capital’s biggest club, bringing the fierce El Clasico rivalry into the national team’s debate.
\nDefenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were among the Real Madrid names to miss out on a team chasing Spain’s second World Cup title after their 2010 triumph in South Africa.
\nDe la Fuente dismissed the idea that the decision could cost him support among Real Madrid fans.
\n“For me, the greatest team there is – the very greatest – is the Spanish national team,” De la Fuente said during a breakfast with media representatives organised by Spanish public broadcaster RTVE and news agency EFE.
\n“I don’t look at where players come from or their background. What matters are Spanish players who are proud to represent their country’s national team and to be part of a united nation.”
\nYamal ‘raring to go’ as he recovers from injury
\nBarcelona’s contingent comprises Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, while seven players called up are based in the Premier League.
\nThe manager said sporting considerations alone guided his selection, even if squad decisions inevitably carried a subjective element.
\n“The day I make a mistake, fail to make the right choice, or act in a way that might be beneficial just to get a result, I’m putting my job on the line,” he said.
\nSpain open Group H against Cape Verde before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, but De la Fuente may yet take a cautious approach with Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Mikel Merino, who are all recovering from fitness concerns.
\n“We’re in contact with all the clubs,” he said. “We know that these players are in good physical shape; each one is making good progress in their recovery process. I’m very optimistic; I think they’ll be available for the first match.”
\nStill, De la Fuente said Spain’s view stretched beyond the opener.
\n“If we have to take a risk, mate, we’ll take it in a World Cup,” he said. “But… our view goes beyond the first match and also the second. So, if we have to wait a little longer, we’ll wait.”
\nOn Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger expected to carry much of Spain’s attacking threat, De la Fuente said youth had not dimmed his sense of occasion.
\n“Yamal is absolutely thrilled and raring to go,” he said. “He’s a very young lad, just 18, but he has a remarkable sense of maturity and knows that this is his moment.
\n“You have to seize the moment. And he knows this is his moment.”
\n","content_text":"MADRID: Spain's manager Luis de la Fuente stressed that Spain's badge outranks any club crest on Tuesday after naming a World Cup squad with a distinctly Barcelona hue and, for the first time, no Real Madrid player in sight.\nThe European champions head into next month's tournament among the favourites, with De la Fuente's 26-man squad built around eight Barcelona players and none from the Spanish capital's biggest club, bringing the fierce El Clasico rivalry into the national team's debate.\nDefenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were among the Real Madrid names to miss out on a team chasing Spain's second World Cup title after their 2010 triumph in South Africa.\nDe la Fuente dismissed the idea that the decision could cost him support among Real Madrid fans.\n\"For me, the greatest team there is – the very greatest – is the Spanish national team,\" De la Fuente said during a breakfast with media representatives organised by Spanish public broadcaster RTVE and news agency EFE.\n\"I don't look at where players come from or their background. What matters are Spanish players who are proud to represent their country's national team and to be part of a united nation.\"\nYamal 'raring to go' as he recovers from injury\nBarcelona's contingent comprises Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, while seven players called up are based in the Premier League.\nThe manager said sporting considerations alone guided his selection, even if squad decisions inevitably carried a subjective element.\n\"The day I make a mistake, fail to make the right choice, or act in a way that might be beneficial just to get a result, I'm putting my job on the line,\" he said.\nSpain open Group H against Cape Verde before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, but De la Fuente may yet take a cautious approach with Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Mikel Merino, who are all recovering from fitness concerns.\n\"We're in contact with all the clubs,\" he said. \"We know that these players are in good physical shape; each one is making good progress in their recovery process. I'm very optimistic; I think they'll be available for the first match.\"\nStill, De la Fuente said Spain's view stretched beyond the opener.\n\"If we have to take a risk, mate, we'll take it in a World Cup,\" he said. \"But... our view goes beyond the first match and also the second. So, if we have to wait a little longer, we'll wait.\"\nOn Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger expected to carry much of Spain's attacking threat, De la Fuente said youth had not dimmed his sense of occasion.\n\"Yamal is absolutely thrilled and raring to go,\" he said. \"He's a very young lad, just 18, but he has a remarkable sense of maturity and knows that this is his moment.\n\"You have to seize the moment. And he knows this is his moment.\"","date_published":"2026-05-26T09:31:01.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Barcelona players","El Clásico","Lamine Yamal","Luis de la Fuente","Mikel Merino","Nico Williams","Real Madrid","Spain squad","Spain World Cup","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/721d1601-luis-de-la-fuente-17112025.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/721d1601-luis-de-la-fuente-17112025.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/dechambeau-didnt-see-saudis-stopping-liv-funding","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/dechambeau-didnt-see-saudis-stopping-liv-funding","title":"DeChambeau ‘didn’t see’ Saudis stopping LIV funding","summary":"Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced this month that it would cease bankrolling LIV after the 2026 season.","content_html":"![\"BRITAIN](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/24910368-10812518.webp\")
SEOUL: Bryson DeChambeau admitted on Tuesday he had been caught unawares when LIV Golf’s Saudi backers pulled their funding of the breakaway circuit, saying “we didn’t really see that coming”.
\nSaudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced this month that it would cease bankrolling LIV after the 2026 season.
\nPIF had reportedly ploughed more than US$5 billion dollars into the breakaway circuit since it was founded in 2021.
\nTwo-time major champion DeChambeau remains one of LIV’s biggest drawcards along with Jon Rahm, with both teeing up in this week’s LIV Korea.
\n“We were surprised that they pulled out as quickly as they did,” DeChambeau told reporters at Asiad Country Club in Busan.
\n“We didn’t really see that coming. But that’s OK. One door closes, another opens. I think that’s the way a lot of us are looking at it.”
\nPIF’s abrupt withdrawal, announced on May 1, plunged LIV into uncertainty, with executives scrambling to create a new business plan to attract investors and sponsors.
\nCEO Scott O’Neil is reportedly seeking US$250 million to keep the league afloat.
\n“I think we all have optimism that there is a business plan that makes sense for team golf,” DeChambeau said.
\n“I’m very optimistic with the business plan of team golf compared to other models, in my opinion,” he said.
\n“We’ll see if investors like it or not. I’m giving all I can to make it happen, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t happen.”
\nThere have also been reports that LIV was laying the groundwork for potential bankruptcy in the United States.
\n“In the background, yeah, we’re trying to help where we can, but ultimately it’s up to executives and everybody banding together,” DeChambeau said.
\n“If we all band together, there’s an opportunity here.
\n“If not, it’s going to be a different day for all of us.
\n","content_text":"SEOUL: Bryson DeChambeau admitted on Tuesday he had been caught unawares when LIV Golf's Saudi backers pulled their funding of the breakaway circuit, saying \"we didn't really see that coming\".\nSaudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced this month that it would cease bankrolling LIV after the 2026 season.\nPIF had reportedly ploughed more than US$5 billion dollars into the breakaway circuit since it was founded in 2021.\nTwo-time major champion DeChambeau remains one of LIV's biggest drawcards along with Jon Rahm, with both teeing up in this week's LIV Korea.\n\"We were surprised that they pulled out as quickly as they did,\" DeChambeau told reporters at Asiad Country Club in Busan.\n\"We didn't really see that coming. But that's OK. One door closes, another opens. I think that's the way a lot of us are looking at it.\"\nPIF's abrupt withdrawal, announced on May 1, plunged LIV into uncertainty, with executives scrambling to create a new business plan to attract investors and sponsors.\nCEO Scott O'Neil is reportedly seeking US$250 million to keep the league afloat.\n\"I think we all have optimism that there is a business plan that makes sense for team golf,\" DeChambeau said.\n\"I'm very optimistic with the business plan of team golf compared to other models, in my opinion,\" he said.\n\"We'll see if investors like it or not. I'm giving all I can to make it happen, and if it doesn't, it doesn't happen.\"\nThere have also been reports that LIV was laying the groundwork for potential bankruptcy in the United States.\n\"In the background, yeah, we're trying to help where we can, but ultimately it's up to executives and everybody banding together,\" DeChambeau said.\n\"If we all band together, there's an opportunity here.\n\"If not, it's going to be a different day for all of us.","date_published":"2026-05-26T09:00:13.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Golf","Top Sports","DECHAMBEAU","funding","LIV","pulled","Saudis"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/24910368-10812518.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/24910368-10812518.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/05/26/uganda-ghetto-kids-cant-wait-to-join-shakira-at-world-cup","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/05/26/uganda-ghetto-kids-cant-wait-to-join-shakira-at-world-cup","title":"Uganda Ghetto Kids ‘can’t wait’ to join Shakira at World Cup","summary":"Ghetto Kids, an NGO founded in the Ugandan capital Kampala, uses dance and performing arts to support abandoned and orphaned children.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/e2096ddf-shakira-afp-pic-260325.webp\")
KAMPALA: The Ghetto Kids, a Ugandan dance troupe made up of street children, spoke of their excitement at being invited by music superstar Shakira to perform at the World Cup.
\nThe Colombian star last week announced on Instagram that the Ugandan kids were her first selection to join her for the half-time show of the World Cup final in the US this summer.
\nUnsurprisingly, that has triggered massive excitement at Ghetto Kids — an NGO that started in the Ugandan capital Kampala, using dance and performing arts to help abandoned and orphaned children.
\n“We can’t wait to show the world what we are!” one of the young performers, eight-year-old Busingye Josephine Daniella, told AFP.
\nThe troupe had responded to a call from Shakira for fans to send in dance clips for the new World Cup anthem, and their fun, energetic entries became viral hits.
\nThe troupe had already built up an international following for their performances, which began as clips filmed on the streets of Kampala, and even earned themselves a spot on TV show America’s Got Talent.
\nBut the World Cup, watched by more than a billion worldwide, is another level of fame.
\n“We feel so excited to perform with Shakira,” said Daniella.
\n“Getting outside the country… and performing on one of the biggest stages… it feels good and it brings a lot of opportunities,” added Ssegirinyi Madwanah, 16.
\nKavuma Dauda, founder of the NGO and a former street kid himself, said he hoped the attention would help them raise funds for a rehabilitation and education centre.
\n“We have that big dream… It’s a very huge opportunity for the Ghetto Kids, for me, for the children,” he said.
\n","content_text":"KAMPALA: The Ghetto Kids, a Ugandan dance troupe made up of street children, spoke of their excitement at being invited by music superstar Shakira to perform at the World Cup.\nThe Colombian star last week announced on Instagram that the Ugandan kids were her first selection to join her for the half-time show of the World Cup final in the US this summer.\nUnsurprisingly, that has triggered massive excitement at Ghetto Kids - an NGO that started in the Ugandan capital Kampala, using dance and performing arts to help abandoned and orphaned children.\n\"We can't wait to show the world what we are!\" one of the young performers, eight-year-old Busingye Josephine Daniella, told AFP.\nThe troupe had responded to a call from Shakira for fans to send in dance clips for the new World Cup anthem, and their fun, energetic entries became viral hits.\nThe troupe had already built up an international following for their performances, which began as clips filmed on the streets of Kampala, and even earned themselves a spot on TV show America's Got Talent.\nBut the World Cup, watched by more than a billion worldwide, is another level of fame.\n\"We feel so excited to perform with Shakira,\" said Daniella.\n\"Getting outside the country... and performing on one of the biggest stages... it feels good and it brings a lot of opportunities,\" added Ssegirinyi Madwanah, 16.\nKavuma Dauda, founder of the NGO and a former street kid himself, said he hoped the attention would help them raise funds for a rehabilitation and education centre.\n\"We have that big dream... It's a very huge opportunity for the Ghetto Kids, for me, for the children,\" he said.","date_published":"2026-05-26T07:13:58.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Lifestyle","Entertainment","Top Lifestyle","Sports","Football","Top Sports","'can't wait'","ghetto","kids","Shakira","Uganda","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/e2096ddf-shakira-afp-pic-260325.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/e2096ddf-shakira-afp-pic-260325.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/05/26/jun-haos-woes-continue-at-singapore-open","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/05/26/jun-haos-woes-continue-at-singapore-open","title":"Jun Hao’s woes continue at Singapore Open","summary":"The men's singles shuttler has struggled to find top form this year.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/fc16846d-leong-jun-hao-bernamapic-260526.webp\")
PETALING JAYA: Leong Jun Hao’s struggles in the men’s singles continued with another first-round exit at the Singapore Open today, marking the fifth time in seven tournaments he has failed to progress past the opening round.
\nThe world No 26 went down to Taiwan’s Lee Chia Hao 21-18, 20-22, 8-21 in a 54-minute match at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
\nChia Hao is ranked eight spots below Jun Hao in the world rankings.
\nJun Hao has struggled to find top form this year, losing in the opening rounds of the India Open, German Open, Badminton Asia Championships, and Malaysia Masters prior to today’s defeat.
\nHe was also eliminated in the second round of the Malaysia Open and All England Open.
\nThe ongoing slump, marked by frequent early exits and losses to lower-ranked opponents, has become a defining narrative for Jun Hao at a time when the Badminton Association of Malaysia has reportedly warned him over disciplinary issues.
\nLast year, Jun Hao was a first-round casualty in 12 of the 21 tournaments he joined.
\n","content_text":"PETALING JAYA: Leong Jun Hao’s struggles in the men’s singles continued with another first-round exit at the Singapore Open today, marking the fifth time in seven tournaments he has failed to progress past the opening round.\nThe world No 26 went down to Taiwan’s Lee Chia Hao 21-18, 20-22, 8-21 in a 54-minute match at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.\nChia Hao is ranked eight spots below Jun Hao in the world rankings.\nJun Hao has struggled to find top form this year, losing in the opening rounds of the India Open, German Open, Badminton Asia Championships, and Malaysia Masters prior to today’s defeat.\nHe was also eliminated in the second round of the Malaysia Open and All England Open.\nThe ongoing slump, marked by frequent early exits and losses to lower-ranked opponents, has become a defining narrative for Jun Hao at a time when the Badminton Association of Malaysia has reportedly warned him over disciplinary issues.\nLast year, Jun Hao was a first-round casualty in 12 of the 21 tournaments he joined.","date_published":"2026-05-26T07:01:01.000Z","author":{"name":"K. Parkaran"},"tags":["Highlight","Top News","Malaysia","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","BAM","first-round exit","Lee Chia Hao","Leong Jun Hao","men's singles","Singapore Open"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/fc16846d-leong-jun-hao-bernamapic-260526.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/fc16846d-leong-jun-hao-bernamapic-260526.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/south-koreas-hwang-healthy-but-not-fully-match-fit-ahead-of-world-cup","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/south-koreas-hwang-healthy-but-not-fully-match-fit-ahead-of-world-cup","title":"South Korea’s Hwang healthy but not fully match fit ahead of World Cup","summary":"Hwang In-beom says there should be no concern about his fitness for the World Cup even if he needs to improve his match sharpness in pre-tournament friendlies.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/284b807c-1747eb1a-3164-4c99-bfc7-fb91a65b643e_cropped_1.webp\")
SEOUL: South Korea midfielder Hwang In-beom says there should be no concern about his fitness for the World Cup even if he needs to improve his match sharpness in pre-tournament friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago and El Salvador.
\nThe 29-year-old, who has played 71 times for his country, was selected in Hong Myung-bo’s 26-man squad earlier this month despite having been sidelined since March with an ankle injury.
\n“I can jump into training with the rest of the squad right away. There’s no need for concern,” Hwang told the Yonhap News Agency at the team’s training camp in Utah.
\n“I can feel my movements have been getting smoother with each passing week,” he added.
\n“But I still have to get my match sharpness back, and it’s something I have to do by playing,” he said.
\nHwang, who plays club football for Dutch side Feyenoord, is an energetic box-to-box midfielder whose ability to play off both feet has helped make him an integral part of the South Korea side.
\nSome pundits have suggested his absence because of injury was partly responsible for a 4-0 loss to Ivory Coast and 1-0 loss to Austria in friendlies this year.
\n“I don’t think we played poorly just because I wasn’t there,” Hwang said.
\n“We have players that can always step in for people who aren’t available. Those still would have been difficult matches even if I had been there,” he added.
\nHwang started every match in Qatar four years ago as South Korea stunned Portugal to reach the round of 16 before losing to five-times champions Brazil.
\nAt this year’s expanded 48-team tournament, the Taegeuk Warriors will face co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic in the opening-round group stage.
\n“If we can all come together like we did the last time, I think we can bring joy to so many people back home,” Hwang said.
\n“We have so many talented players here. And to make the most of our abilities, we have to put the team first and make sacrifices.”
\nSouth Korea play Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday and El Salvador four days later, both in Utah, before opening their World Cup campaign against the Czechs in Guadalajara on June 11.
\n","content_text":"SEOUL: South Korea midfielder Hwang In-beom says there should be no concern about his fitness for the World Cup even if he needs to improve his match sharpness in pre-tournament friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago and El Salvador.\nThe 29-year-old, who has played 71 times for his country, was selected in Hong Myung-bo's 26-man squad earlier this month despite having been sidelined since March with an ankle injury.\n\"I can jump into training with the rest of the squad right away. There's no need for concern,\" Hwang told the Yonhap News Agency at the team's training camp in Utah.\n\"I can feel my movements have been getting smoother with each passing week,\" he added.\n\"But I still have to get my match sharpness back, and it's something I have to do by playing,\" he said.\nHwang, who plays club football for Dutch side Feyenoord, is an energetic box-to-box midfielder whose ability to play off both feet has helped make him an integral part of the South Korea side.\nSome pundits have suggested his absence because of injury was partly responsible for a 4-0 loss to Ivory Coast and 1-0 loss to Austria in friendlies this year.\n\"I don't think we played poorly just because I wasn't there,\" Hwang said.\n\"We have players that can always step in for people who aren't available. Those still would have been difficult matches even if I had been there,\" he added.\nHwang started every match in Qatar four years ago as South Korea stunned Portugal to reach the round of 16 before losing to five-times champions Brazil.\nAt this year's expanded 48-team tournament, the Taegeuk Warriors will face co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic in the opening-round group stage.\n\"If we can all come together like we did the last time, I think we can bring joy to so many people back home,\" Hwang said.\n\"We have so many talented players here. And to make the most of our abilities, we have to put the team first and make sacrifices.\"\nSouth Korea play Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday and El Salvador four days later, both in Utah, before opening their World Cup campaign against the Czechs in Guadalajara on June 11.","date_published":"2026-05-26T06:00:41.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Czechs","El Salvador","Hwang In-beom","South Korea","Trinidad & Tobago","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/284b807c-1747eb1a-3164-4c99-bfc7-fb91a65b643e_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/284b807c-1747eb1a-3164-4c99-bfc7-fb91a65b643e_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/sinner-gauff-eye-strong-french-open-starts","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/sinner-gauff-eye-strong-french-open-starts","title":"Sinner, Gauff eye strong French Open starts","summary":"Jannik Sinner returns to Roland Garros after last year’s final loss to Carlos Alcaraz, while Coco Gauff begins her French Open title defence against Taylor Townsend.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9201ec44-afp__20260411__a7ge4ju__v1__highres__tennisatpmontecarlo_cropped_1.webp\")
PARIS: Jannik Sinner will start his first bid to complete the career Grand Slam at Roland Garros on Tuesday, with Coco Gauff getting her French Open title defence underway.
\nWorld number one Sinner is the overwhelming favourite in the men’s draw in the absence of injured rival Carlos Alcaraz.
\nHe will be hoping for a comfortable victory in his first-round tie against French wildcard Clement Tabur in the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier, after a gruelling, albeit successful, clay-court season.
\nThe Italian clinched his sixth successive Masters title at the Italian Open earlier this month, completing the set of all nine 1000-level trophies, adding to tournament wins on clay in Monte Carlo and Madrid.
\nSinner will be playing at Roland Garros for the first time since his agonising loss to Alcaraz in last year’s final, in which he led by two sets and missed three championship points.
\nHe is on a 29-match winning streak and has not lost since a defeat by Jakub Mensik in Doha in February.
\n“Everyone is trying to beat (me), but that’s also the most normal thing,” said Sinner.
\n“You need to be ready. Best-of-five matches, they are a bit different.
\n“It gives you a little bit more time to understand how to beat a player, and even if you have a wrong start, then potentially you can find a way in,” he said.
\nTabur will be playing in the main draw of a Grand Slam for only the second time at the age of 26, after a first-round loss to Corentin Moutet as a qualifier last year.
\nThe world number 171 has lost all of the other six qualifying matches he has played at the majors.
\nGauff faces Townsend
\nGauff begins her defence of the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen against fellow American Taylor Townsend.
\nThe women’s fourth seed has struggled for consistency since beating Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s title decider in Paris, but did reach the Italian Open final before losing to Elina Svitolina.
\nGauff could reach at least the quarter-finals for a sixth successive year at Roland Garros, where she has by far her best record in Grand Slam events.
\n“Whenever I come to this tournament, I don’t even think about my past results here,” she said.
\n“It’s obviously different thinking about last year, but, I don’t know, last year feels like 10 years ago,” she added.
\nTownsend won her only previous meeting with Gauff at an ITF event in Charleston seven years ago, when her opponent was a 15-year-old qualifier.
\nSabalenka appeared poised to be a strong favourite for the French Open when she completed the ‘Sunshine double’ by emerging victorious at both Indian Wells and in Miami in March.
\nBut the world number one enters Roland Garros with question marks around her form after a Madrid Open quarter-final loss to Hailey Baptiste and another shock defeat in the third round against Sorana Cirstea in Rome.
\nShe believes she will be fresh, though, when she starts her latest tilt at a maiden French Open title, facing Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain.
\n“I struggled at the beginning of the clay court (season) physically, to be honest, but right now I feel 100%,” Sabalenka said.
\n“We did a great recovery. We focused on recovery and making sure that I’m healed everywhere and I’m ready to go,” she said.
\nFour-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, a potential last-16 opponent for Sabalenka, plays Laura Siegemund of Germany, while the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala faces a tough test against 17th-seeded teenager Iva Jovic.
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Jannik Sinner will start his first bid to complete the career Grand Slam at Roland Garros on Tuesday, with Coco Gauff getting her French Open title defence underway.\nWorld number one Sinner is the overwhelming favourite in the men's draw in the absence of injured rival Carlos Alcaraz.\nHe will be hoping for a comfortable victory in his first-round tie against French wildcard Clement Tabur in the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier, after a gruelling, albeit successful, clay-court season.\nThe Italian clinched his sixth successive Masters title at the Italian Open earlier this month, completing the set of all nine 1000-level trophies, adding to tournament wins on clay in Monte Carlo and Madrid.\nSinner will be playing at Roland Garros for the first time since his agonising loss to Alcaraz in last year's final, in which he led by two sets and missed three championship points.\nHe is on a 29-match winning streak and has not lost since a defeat by Jakub Mensik in Doha in February.\n\"Everyone is trying to beat (me), but that's also the most normal thing,\" said Sinner.\n\"You need to be ready. Best-of-five matches, they are a bit different.\n\"It gives you a little bit more time to understand how to beat a player, and even if you have a wrong start, then potentially you can find a way in,\" he said.\nTabur will be playing in the main draw of a Grand Slam for only the second time at the age of 26, after a first-round loss to Corentin Moutet as a qualifier last year.\nThe world number 171 has lost all of the other six qualifying matches he has played at the majors.\nGauff faces Townsend \nGauff begins her defence of the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen against fellow American Taylor Townsend.\nThe women's fourth seed has struggled for consistency since beating Aryna Sabalenka in last year's title decider in Paris, but did reach the Italian Open final before losing to Elina Svitolina.\nGauff could reach at least the quarter-finals for a sixth successive year at Roland Garros, where she has by far her best record in Grand Slam events.\n\"Whenever I come to this tournament, I don't even think about my past results here,\" she said.\n\"It's obviously different thinking about last year, but, I don't know, last year feels like 10 years ago,\" she added.\nTownsend won her only previous meeting with Gauff at an ITF event in Charleston seven years ago, when her opponent was a 15-year-old qualifier.\nSabalenka appeared poised to be a strong favourite for the French Open when she completed the 'Sunshine double' by emerging victorious at both Indian Wells and in Miami in March.\nBut the world number one enters Roland Garros with question marks around her form after a Madrid Open quarter-final loss to Hailey Baptiste and another shock defeat in the third round against Sorana Cirstea in Rome.\nShe believes she will be fresh, though, when she starts her latest tilt at a maiden French Open title, facing Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain.\n\"I struggled at the beginning of the clay court (season) physically, to be honest, but right now I feel 100%,\" Sabalenka said.\n\"We did a great recovery. We focused on recovery and making sure that I'm healed everywhere and I'm ready to go,\" she said.\nFour-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, a potential last-16 opponent for Sabalenka, plays Laura Siegemund of Germany, while the Philippines' Alexandra Eala faces a tough test against 17th-seeded teenager Iva Jovic.","date_published":"2026-05-26T05:00:49.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Carlos Alcaraz","Coco Gauff","French Open","grand slam","Jannik Sinner","Roland Garros"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9201ec44-afp__20260411__a7ge4ju__v1__highres__tennisatpmontecarlo_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9201ec44-afp__20260411__a7ge4ju__v1__highres__tennisatpmontecarlo_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/05/26/new-pair-jimmy-su-yin-stun-chinas-world-no-1-duo-at-spore-open","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/05/26/new-pair-jimmy-su-yin-stun-chinas-world-no-1-duo-at-spore-open","title":"New pair Jimmy-Su Yin stun China’s world No 1 duo at S’pore Open","summary":"The newly paired Malaysians defeat Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping in straight games in the opening round.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/12779c28-jimmy-wong-cheng-su-yin-bernama-260526-1.webp\")
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s newly paired mixed doubles shuttlers Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Yin stunned China’s world No 1 duo in straight games at the Singapore Open today.
\nThe Malaysians, who are only playing their second tournament together, defeated top seeds Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping 23-21, 21-16 in 43 minutes.
\nTheir partnership was formed last month after Su Yin’s regular partner, Hoo Pang Ron, chose to leave the Badminton Association of Malaysia and play as a professional.
\nJimmy-Su Yin played together for the first time at last week’s Malaysia Masters, where they lost to Denmark’s world No 6 pair Mathias Christiansen-Alexandra Boje 21-13, 21-15 in the opening round.
\n","content_text":"PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s newly paired mixed doubles shuttlers Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Yin stunned China's world No 1 duo in straight games at the Singapore Open today.\nThe Malaysians, who are only playing their second tournament together, defeated top seeds Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping 23-21, 21-16 in 43 minutes.\nTheir partnership was formed last month after Su Yin’s regular partner, Hoo Pang Ron, chose to leave the Badminton Association of Malaysia and play as a professional.\nJimmy-Su Yin played together for the first time at last week's Malaysia Masters, where they lost to Denmark's world No 6 pair Mathias Christiansen-Alexandra Boje 21-13, 21-15 in the opening round.","date_published":"2026-05-26T04:38:51.000Z","author":{"name":"K. Parkaran"},"tags":["Highlight","Top News","Malaysia","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","Cheng Su Yin","Jimmy Wong","Jimmy-Su Yin","mixed doubles","Singapore Open"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/12779c28-jimmy-wong-cheng-su-yin-bernama-260526-1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/12779c28-jimmy-wong-cheng-su-yin-bernama-260526-1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/panatta-hopes-sinner-can-overcome-50-years-of-history-at-roland-garros","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/panatta-hopes-sinner-can-overcome-50-years-of-history-at-roland-garros","title":"Panatta hopes Sinner can overcome 50 years of history at Roland Garros","summary":"Adriano Panatta believes Jannik Sinner will break many records, including Novak Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles, though the 75-year-old admits he no longer relates to modern tennis.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/abd824a1-adriano-panatta-epa-images-pic-resize-260526-1.webp\")
ROME: Adriano Panatta was the last Italian man to win Roland Garros, now exactly 50 years later the former world number four could have the honour of placing the Coupe des Mousquetaires in a compatriot’s hands.
\nJannik Sinner arrives in the French capital on a 29-match win streak and with victory earlier in May at the Italian Open he sealed his sixth successive Masters title but also became the first local man since Panatta in 1976 to win at the Foro Italico.
\nNow nothing would please Panatta more than the 24-year-old equalling his historic clay-court double, and him “no longer having to hear people tell me, ‘It’s been 50 years since we last won in Rome and Roland Garros'”.
\nSpeaking to AFP at the Italian Open, Panatta, who will present the trophy to the winner of the men’s final on June 7 in Paris, was confident Sinner could complete his career Grand Slam at Roland Garros, especially with the injury-enforced absence of double reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz.
\n“There’s an Italian who could really win both tournaments within the space of a few days,” he said.
\n“(Sinner) is the epitome of the current generation. He is a true champion, a ‘fuoriclasse’ as we say in Italy — a player in a class of his own.”
\nSinner will open his bid to win a first Roland Garros title on Tuesday against French wild card Clement Tabur.
\n“Thankfully, there wasn’t a Sinner in my day!” the one-time major winner quipped of the devastatingly efficient top seed.
\nWhile Panatta predicts Sinner will break many records –- including Novak Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles — the 75-year-old makes no secret of the fact that he “doesn’t recognise himself in modern tennis”.
\n“Because the ball moves so much faster, today’s players have less time to think, solutions are harder to find. You have to play and hit hard, it’s a completely different game. When we played tennis, it was a more thoughtful, more tactical game.”
\nA sort of melancholy
\nLooking back on his golden year of 1976, Panatta remembered how close he came to exiting both the Italian Open and Roland Garros in the first round.
\n“Back then, Roland Garros took place straight after Rome,” he said.
\n“I arrived in Paris on Monday and played on Tuesday, and I had to save a match point in the first round against the Czechoslovakian Pavel Hut’ka. I dived at the net and hit a winning backhand volley.
\n“It’s funny,” he added. “In Rome, in the first round, I saved 11 match points, but not by diving every time!”
\nPanatta revealed his two principal memories of winning the final in Paris were that of feeling exhaustion and fleeting joy.
\n“I was really tired; it was very, very hot. 40C,” he recounted. As for the elation of triumph, it “lasted 15 seconds, and after that, there was a sort of melancholy”.
\nHowever, Panatta recalled fondly his earlier success in that edition of Roland Garros against the six-time French Open champion Bjorn Borg — the Italian was the only player to ever beat the Swede on the red dirt in Paris with his quarter-final win in 1976, as well as a victory three years prior in the fourth round.
\n“He’d played against the Frenchman Francois Jauffret in the previous round,” Panatta said.
\n“I hated playing against Francois. I went to Saint-Germain-des-Pres, to the Cafe des Arts, and watched the whole match on TV. I was hoping Borg would win because I wanted to play against him.
\n“Bjorn didn’t like playing against me. The key to beating him? You couldn’t play the way he played. Every point had to be different, with plenty of variation.”
\n","content_text":"ROME: Adriano Panatta was the last Italian man to win Roland Garros, now exactly 50 years later the former world number four could have the honour of placing the Coupe des Mousquetaires in a compatriot's hands.\nJannik Sinner arrives in the French capital on a 29-match win streak and with victory earlier in May at the Italian Open he sealed his sixth successive Masters title but also became the first local man since Panatta in 1976 to win at the Foro Italico.\nNow nothing would please Panatta more than the 24-year-old equalling his historic clay-court double, and him \"no longer having to hear people tell me, 'It's been 50 years since we last won in Rome and Roland Garros'\".\nSpeaking to AFP at the Italian Open, Panatta, who will present the trophy to the winner of the men's final on June 7 in Paris, was confident Sinner could complete his career Grand Slam at Roland Garros, especially with the injury-enforced absence of double reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz.\n\"There's an Italian who could really win both tournaments within the space of a few days,\" he said.\n\"(Sinner) is the epitome of the current generation. He is a true champion, a 'fuoriclasse' as we say in Italy - a player in a class of his own.\"\nSinner will open his bid to win a first Roland Garros title on Tuesday against French wild card Clement Tabur.\n\"Thankfully, there wasn't a Sinner in my day!\" the one-time major winner quipped of the devastatingly efficient top seed.\nWhile Panatta predicts Sinner will break many records –- including Novak Djokovic's 24 Grand Slam titles - the 75-year-old makes no secret of the fact that he \"doesn't recognise himself in modern tennis\".\n\"Because the ball moves so much faster, today's players have less time to think, solutions are harder to find. You have to play and hit hard, it's a completely different game. When we played tennis, it was a more thoughtful, more tactical game.\"\nA sort of melancholy\nLooking back on his golden year of 1976, Panatta remembered how close he came to exiting both the Italian Open and Roland Garros in the first round.\n\"Back then, Roland Garros took place straight after Rome,\" he said.\n\"I arrived in Paris on Monday and played on Tuesday, and I had to save a match point in the first round against the Czechoslovakian Pavel Hut'ka. I dived at the net and hit a winning backhand volley.\n\"It's funny,\" he added. \"In Rome, in the first round, I saved 11 match points, but not by diving every time!\"\nPanatta revealed his two principal memories of winning the final in Paris were that of feeling exhaustion and fleeting joy.\n\"I was really tired; it was very, very hot. 40C,\" he recounted. As for the elation of triumph, it \"lasted 15 seconds, and after that, there was a sort of melancholy\".\nHowever, Panatta recalled fondly his earlier success in that edition of Roland Garros against the six-time French Open champion Bjorn Borg - the Italian was the only player to ever beat the Swede on the red dirt in Paris with his quarter-final win in 1976, as well as a victory three years prior in the fourth round.\n\"He'd played against the Frenchman Francois Jauffret in the previous round,\" Panatta said.\n\"I hated playing against Francois. I went to Saint-Germain-des-Pres, to the Cafe des Arts, and watched the whole match on TV. I was hoping Borg would win because I wanted to play against him.\n\"Bjorn didn't like playing against me. The key to beating him? You couldn't play the way he played. Every point had to be different, with plenty of variation.\"","date_published":"2026-05-26T04:17:08.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","50 years","History","overcome","Panatta","Roland Garros","sinner"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/abd824a1-adriano-panatta-epa-images-pic-resize-260526-1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/abd824a1-adriano-panatta-epa-images-pic-resize-260526-1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/forest-owner-marinakis-probed-over-stadium-spat","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/forest-owner-marinakis-probed-over-stadium-spat","title":"Forest owner Marinakis probed over stadium spat","summary":"A sports prosecutor is looking into whether to charge Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis over a brawl during the Euroleague basketball final.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/3c4f6a46-afp__20250401__38qh278__v1__highres__fblengprnottinghamforestmanutd_cropped_1.webp\")
ATHENS: A sports prosecutor in Greece is looking into whether to charge Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis over a brawl during Sunday’s Euroleague basketball final, state television ERT said Monday.
\nThe shipping and media magnate is allegedly seen in footage clashing with a prominent member of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ family in the VIP stands during the final between Olympiacos Piraeus and Real Madrid in Athens.
\nIn the footage, Marinakis allegedly slaps Mitsotakis’ nephew Grigoris Dimitriadis, who hits back with a punch, before they are pulled apart.
\nPart of the magnate’s t-shirt is ripped in the fracas.
\nSports prosecutor Aristides Koreas is looking whether to charge both men over the incident, ERT said.
\nA former close aide to the prime minister, Dimitriadis was forced to resign in 2022 over a wiretapping scandal that rocked the government.
\nNewspapers owned by Marinakis have been critical of his role in the affair.
\nMarinakis, 58, also owns the Olympiacos Piraeus and Rio Ave football clubs.
\nHe is among dozens of defendants put on trial over the killing of a Greek riot police officer by alleged Olympiacos hooligans in 2023.
\nHe has denied wrongdoing.
\nOlympiacos have hit out at the prosecution as “unjust collective targeting of our fans” and “fuelled by specific political and business interests”.
\n","content_text":"ATHENS: A sports prosecutor in Greece is looking into whether to charge Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis over a brawl during Sunday's Euroleague basketball final, state television ERT said Monday.\nThe shipping and media magnate is allegedly seen in footage clashing with a prominent member of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' family in the VIP stands during the final between Olympiacos Piraeus and Real Madrid in Athens.\nIn the footage, Marinakis allegedly slaps Mitsotakis' nephew Grigoris Dimitriadis, who hits back with a punch, before they are pulled apart.\nPart of the magnate's t-shirt is ripped in the fracas.\nSports prosecutor Aristides Koreas is looking whether to charge both men over the incident, ERT said.\nA former close aide to the prime minister, Dimitriadis was forced to resign in 2022 over a wiretapping scandal that rocked the government.\nNewspapers owned by Marinakis have been critical of his role in the affair.\nMarinakis, 58, also owns the Olympiacos Piraeus and Rio Ave football clubs.\nHe is among dozens of defendants put on trial over the killing of a Greek riot police officer by alleged Olympiacos hooligans in 2023.\nHe has denied wrongdoing.\nOlympiacos have hit out at the prosecution as \"unjust collective targeting of our fans\" and \"fuelled by specific political and business interests\".","date_published":"2026-05-26T03:53:07.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Athens","basketball final","Euroleague","Evangelos Marinakis","Greece","kyriakos mitsotakis","Nottingham Forest","Olympiacos Piraeus","Real Madrid"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/3c4f6a46-afp__20250401__38qh278__v1__highres__fblengprnottinghamforestmanutd_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/3c4f6a46-afp__20250401__38qh278__v1__highres__fblengprnottinghamforestmanutd_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/phil-neville-out-as-timbers-coach-after-poor-start-to-mls-season","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/phil-neville-out-as-timbers-coach-after-poor-start-to-mls-season","title":"Phil Neville out as Timbers’ coach after poor start to MLS season","summary":"Phil Neville spent three seasons at the Portland Timbers, but the club are 13th in the 15-team Western Conference with just four wins from 14 matches this season.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/8bfaf202-afp__20260510__2275393709__v3__highres__portlandtimbersvsportingkansascity_cropped_1.webp\")
LOS ANGELES: Former England and Manchester United star Phil Neville has left his role as coach of the Portland Timbers by mutual consent after a poor start to the season, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club announced Monday.
\nNeville, 49, spent three seasons at Portland, but the Timbers are 13th in the 15-team Western Conference with just four wins from 14 matches this season.
\nHis departure came on the first day of the league’s mid-season break for the World Cup, which begins just over two weeks in the US, Canada and Mexico.
\n“This off-season we had pointed discussions about the areas we needed to build on and improve,” Timbers general manager Ned Grabovoy said.
\n“Ultimately, we have not seen the progress we’ve needed to, and most importantly, results have fallen well short of expectations,” he said.
\nNeville had previously been in charge at Inter Miami for two years until he was sacked in June 2023 with the club in last place.
\nSix months later, he was hired by the Timbers.
\n“In my nearly two decades of owning and operating the Portland Timbers, there are very few people I have enjoyed working with more than Phil Neville,” Timbers owner Merritt Paulson said.
\n“Phil has outstanding leadership qualities and a boundless sense of positivity even in the face of adversity.
\n“I cannot thank Phil enough for his tireless dedication to this club,” Paulson said.
\nNeville guided the Timbers into the playoffs for the past two years, losing in the first round each time.
\n“I realise we’re in a results business, and the results haven’t been to the expectation of this football club,” Neville said.
\nThe Timbers’ next game after the break is at Seattle on July 16.
\n","content_text":"LOS ANGELES: Former England and Manchester United star Phil Neville has left his role as coach of the Portland Timbers by mutual consent after a poor start to the season, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club announced Monday.\nNeville, 49, spent three seasons at Portland, but the Timbers are 13th in the 15-team Western Conference with just four wins from 14 matches this season.\nHis departure came on the first day of the league's mid-season break for the World Cup, which begins just over two weeks in the US, Canada and Mexico.\n\"This off-season we had pointed discussions about the areas we needed to build on and improve,\" Timbers general manager Ned Grabovoy said.\n\"Ultimately, we have not seen the progress we've needed to, and most importantly, results have fallen well short of expectations,\" he said.\nNeville had previously been in charge at Inter Miami for two years until he was sacked in June 2023 with the club in last place.\nSix months later, he was hired by the Timbers.\n\"In my nearly two decades of owning and operating the Portland Timbers, there are very few people I have enjoyed working with more than Phil Neville,\" Timbers owner Merritt Paulson said.\n\"Phil has outstanding leadership qualities and a boundless sense of positivity even in the face of adversity.\n\"I cannot thank Phil enough for his tireless dedication to this club,\" Paulson said.\nNeville guided the Timbers into the playoffs for the past two years, losing in the first round each time.\n\"I realise we're in a results business, and the results haven't been to the expectation of this football club,\" Neville said.\nThe Timbers' next game after the break is at Seattle on July 16.","date_published":"2026-05-26T03:36:56.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","England","Inter Miami","Major League Soccer","Manchester United","MLS","Phil Neville","Timbers"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/8bfaf202-afp__20260510__2275393709__v3__highres__portlandtimbersvsportingkansascity_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/8bfaf202-afp__20260510__2275393709__v3__highres__portlandtimbersvsportingkansascity_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/us-have-plenty-to-prove-in-world-cup-group-d","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/us-have-plenty-to-prove-in-world-cup-group-d","title":"US have plenty to prove in World Cup Group D","summary":"Paraguay will provide the first test for the US team when they meet at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/c400a177-pochettino-us-epa-15_11_25.webp\")
LOS ANGELES: United States head into World Cup Group D with plenty to prove after an unconvincing build-up that included heavy defeats to top European sides in their last two friendlies.
\nA 5-2 thrashing by Belgium in March was followed by a clinical 2-0 defeat to Portugal, giving US coach Mauricio Pochettino a sobering reality check as he attempts to plot a deep run in the tournament.
\nAfter experimenting with a wide range of players following his first game in charge in 2024, Pochettino will look to a core of experienced European-based personnel for group games against Paraguay, Australia and Turkey.
\nAC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic, Juventus’s Weston McKennie and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams are among Pochettino’s key men, along with the likes of Marseille’s Tim Weah, AS Monaco’s Folarin Balogun and in-form striker Haji Wright, whose goals helped Coventry secure promotion to England’s Premier League.
\nIt will be a major surprise if Pochettino’s team does not manage to progress out of the group, and friendly wins last year over Paraguay and Australia will fuel optimism that the Americans can reach the knockout rounds once more after qualifying for the last 16 at the 2010, 2014 and 2022 finals.
\nParaguay will provide the first test for Pochettino’s men when they meet at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12.
\nThe South Americans are returning to the World Cup after a 16-year absence following a comfortable qualifying campaign that saw them finish level on points with Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia.
\nParaguay arrive at the tournament brimming with confidence thanks to a resurgence inspired by Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro, who took over after the team’s dismal 2024 Copa America campaign, when they failed to earn a single point.
\nUnder Alfaro, Paraguay went on a charge in qualifying, taking 24 points from a possible 36 and scoring a notable 2-1 defeat of Argentina in the process.
\nAustralia qualified for their sixth straight consecutive World Cup after finishing second in Asia’s Group C behind Japan.
\nTony Popovic replaced Graham Arnold during qualifiers and oversaw a successful campaign that included a notable 1-0 win over Japan last year.
\nThe Australians are aiming to emulate their class of 2022, who reached the last 16 and gave eventual champions Argentina a scare before exiting in a 2-1 defeat.
\nEuropean qualifiers Turkey could well prove to be the biggest threat to US hopes of a safe passage to the knockout rounds.
\nThe Turks are back at the World Cup after a 24-year absence, after failing to qualify for five consecutive tournaments following their memorable third place finish at the 2002 finals in South Korea and Japan.
\nUnder the guidance of Italian manager Vincenzo Montella, Turkey lost only one game in qualifying — against European champions Spain — and booked their place in the United States with playoff wins over Romania and Kosovo.
\nInter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu provides craft and industry in midfield, with Real Madrid’s talented Arda Guler a potent attacking threat.
\n","content_text":"LOS ANGELES: United States head into World Cup Group D with plenty to prove after an unconvincing build-up that included heavy defeats to top European sides in their last two friendlies.\nA 5-2 thrashing by Belgium in March was followed by a clinical 2-0 defeat to Portugal, giving US coach Mauricio Pochettino a sobering reality check as he attempts to plot a deep run in the tournament.\nAfter experimenting with a wide range of players following his first game in charge in 2024, Pochettino will look to a core of experienced European-based personnel for group games against Paraguay, Australia and Turkey.\nAC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic, Juventus's Weston McKennie and Bournemouth's Tyler Adams are among Pochettino's key men, along with the likes of Marseille's Tim Weah, AS Monaco’s Folarin Balogun and in-form striker Haji Wright, whose goals helped Coventry secure promotion to England's Premier League.\nIt will be a major surprise if Pochettino’s team does not manage to progress out of the group, and friendly wins last year over Paraguay and Australia will fuel optimism that the Americans can reach the knockout rounds once more after qualifying for the last 16 at the 2010, 2014 and 2022 finals.\nParaguay will provide the first test for Pochettino’s men when they meet at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12.\nThe South Americans are returning to the World Cup after a 16-year absence following a comfortable qualifying campaign that saw them finish level on points with Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia.\nParaguay arrive at the tournament brimming with confidence thanks to a resurgence inspired by Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro, who took over after the team’s dismal 2024 Copa America campaign, when they failed to earn a single point.\nUnder Alfaro, Paraguay went on a charge in qualifying, taking 24 points from a possible 36 and scoring a notable 2-1 defeat of Argentina in the process.\nAustralia qualified for their sixth straight consecutive World Cup after finishing second in Asia’s Group C behind Japan.\nTony Popovic replaced Graham Arnold during qualifiers and oversaw a successful campaign that included a notable 1-0 win over Japan last year.\nThe Australians are aiming to emulate their class of 2022, who reached the last 16 and gave eventual champions Argentina a scare before exiting in a 2-1 defeat.\nEuropean qualifiers Turkey could well prove to be the biggest threat to US hopes of a safe passage to the knockout rounds.\nThe Turks are back at the World Cup after a 24-year absence, after failing to qualify for five consecutive tournaments following their memorable third place finish at the 2002 finals in South Korea and Japan.\nUnder the guidance of Italian manager Vincenzo Montella, Turkey lost only one game in qualifying - against European champions Spain - and booked their place in the United States with playoff wins over Romania and Kosovo.\nInter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu provides craft and industry in midfield, with Real Madrid’s talented Arda Guler a potent attacking threat.","date_published":"2026-05-26T03:28:50.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Group D","prove","US","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/c400a177-pochettino-us-epa-15_11_25.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/c400a177-pochettino-us-epa-15_11_25.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/scotland-seek-history-on-long-awaited-world-cup-return","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/scotland-seek-history-on-long-awaited-world-cup-return","title":"Scotland seek history on long-awaited World Cup return","summary":"In 12 previous attempts at major tournaments, Scotland have fallen short of making the knockout stages.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2e565a1a-afp__20251118__84fk2mg__v1__highres__fblwc2026eurqualifiersscoden_1_1_cropped_1_1_cropped.webp\")
GLASGOW: Scotland return to the global stage at a first World Cup for 28 years, determined not to just make up the numbers as Steve Clarke’s side aim to finally end generations of group-stage heartbreak.
\nIn 12 previous attempts at major tournaments, Scotland have fallen short of making the knockout stages.
\nHowever, the new format at the first ever 48-team finals offers hope that hex can be broken despite a difficult draw.
\nAn opener against Caribbean minnows Haiti in Boston is a must-win in the eyes of the thousands of fans heading across the Atlantic with the might of African champions Morocco and five-time winners Brazil to come in Group C.
\nEven defeat in their final two games might not be fatal for the Scots’ chances if they can put Haiti to the sword in style as eight of the 12 third-placed teams progress to the final 32.
\nFor an experienced core that includes Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, Aston Villa captain John McGinn and Napoli’s Scott McTominay, this could be their one and only chance to make an impact on the World Cup.
\nAll three have played a massive role in getting their country to three major tournaments in the past five years after a 23-year absence.
\nHowever, excitement at qualification for Euro 2020 and 2024 quickly turned to despair as Scotland crashed out of both without winning a single game.
\n“We’ve been to two major tournaments This will be our third and hopefully the experience of the boys that have been to major tournaments before will come to the fore and we’ll do something that no Scottish team has ever done before,” said Clarke when announcing his squad.
\nDoak a difference-maker
\nMcTominay’s overhead kick in a 4-2 victory over Denmark that secured qualification has already gone into national folklore and printed on a special edition Scottish banknote.
\nThe former Manchester United midfielder and McGinn will be relied upon for goals in a squad short of proven strikers at international level.
\nClarke also has scarce options to choose from in goal where 43-year-old Craig Gordon is in contention to start despite limited minutes at club level with Hearts this season.
\n“This core of very experienced players are crucial,” former Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh told AFP.
\n“I know it will be difficult, but if they could replicate the way they played against Denmark in the final qualification, they will certainly have a good chance.
\n“We can be optimistic here that they can achieve, for the first time, qualification to the knockout phase,” Roxburgh said.
\nTime is of the essence for an ageing squad, with only five members under the age of 26.
\nHowever, one of the few youngsters, Bournemouth’s 20-year-old Ben Gannon-Doak, will be crucial to add much-needed pace and guile in the final third.
\n“My whole generation doesn’t really remember it and now we get to lead our country to a World Cup. It’ll be one of the proudest things I’ve ever done in my career,” said Robertson, a Champions League and Premier League winner with Liverpool.
\n“We’ve been very fortunate to qualify for two Euros, but the World Cup is a step up from that,” Robertson said.
\nThe Tartan Army are dreaming that this time the players also step up and give them something to savour.
\n","content_text":"GLASGOW: Scotland return to the global stage at a first World Cup for 28 years, determined not to just make up the numbers as Steve Clarke's side aim to finally end generations of group-stage heartbreak.\nIn 12 previous attempts at major tournaments, Scotland have fallen short of making the knockout stages.\nHowever, the new format at the first ever 48-team finals offers hope that hex can be broken despite a difficult draw.\nAn opener against Caribbean minnows Haiti in Boston is a must-win in the eyes of the thousands of fans heading across the Atlantic with the might of African champions Morocco and five-time winners Brazil to come in Group C.\nEven defeat in their final two games might not be fatal for the Scots' chances if they can put Haiti to the sword in style as eight of the 12 third-placed teams progress to the final 32.\nFor an experienced core that includes Liverpool's Andy Robertson, Aston Villa captain John McGinn and Napoli's Scott McTominay, this could be their one and only chance to make an impact on the World Cup.\nAll three have played a massive role in getting their country to three major tournaments in the past five years after a 23-year absence.\nHowever, excitement at qualification for Euro 2020 and 2024 quickly turned to despair as Scotland crashed out of both without winning a single game.\n\"We've been to two major tournaments This will be our third and hopefully the experience of the boys that have been to major tournaments before will come to the fore and we'll do something that no Scottish team has ever done before,\" said Clarke when announcing his squad.\nDoak a difference-maker \nMcTominay's overhead kick in a 4-2 victory over Denmark that secured qualification has already gone into national folklore and printed on a special edition Scottish banknote.\nThe former Manchester United midfielder and McGinn will be relied upon for goals in a squad short of proven strikers at international level.\nClarke also has scarce options to choose from in goal where 43-year-old Craig Gordon is in contention to start despite limited minutes at club level with Hearts this season.\n\"This core of very experienced players are crucial,\" former Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh told AFP.\n\"I know it will be difficult, but if they could replicate the way they played against Denmark in the final qualification, they will certainly have a good chance.\n\"We can be optimistic here that they can achieve, for the first time, qualification to the knockout phase,\" Roxburgh said.\nTime is of the essence for an ageing squad, with only five members under the age of 26.\nHowever, one of the few youngsters, Bournemouth's 20-year-old Ben Gannon-Doak, will be crucial to add much-needed pace and guile in the final third.\n\"My whole generation doesn't really remember it and now we get to lead our country to a World Cup. It'll be one of the proudest things I've ever done in my career,\" said Robertson, a Champions League and Premier League winner with Liverpool.\n\"We've been very fortunate to qualify for two Euros, but the World Cup is a step up from that,\" Robertson said.\nThe Tartan Army are dreaming that this time the players also step up and give them something to savour.","date_published":"2026-05-26T03:23:32.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Scotland","Steve Clarke","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2e565a1a-afp__20251118__84fk2mg__v1__highres__fblwc2026eurqualifiersscoden_1_1_cropped_1_1_cropped.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2e565a1a-afp__20251118__84fk2mg__v1__highres__fblwc2026eurqualifiersscoden_1_1_cropped_1_1_cropped.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/brazil-hope-ancelotti-is-the-man-to-deliver-their-sixth-world-cup","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/brazil-hope-ancelotti-is-the-man-to-deliver-their-sixth-world-cup","title":"Brazil hope Ancelotti is the man to deliver their sixth World Cup","summary":"Carlo Ancelotti knows there are great expectations, with Brazilians hungry for another World Cup title after 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ffa7aac9-afp__20260327__2268559107__v3__highres__brazilvfranceinternationalfriendly_cropped_1.webp\")
PARIS: Brazil’s quest to regain World Cup supremacy from their European rivals has led to them handing the reins to a European, with Italian Carlo Ancelotti charged with the task of ending the nation’s wait to win their sixth title.
\nIt is 24 years since the Selecao last won the World Cup, exactly the same length of time they were forced to wait between Pele lifting the old Jules Rimet trophy in 1970 and the team’s triumph in 1994.
\nAncelotti, 66, has unfinished business at the World Cup, and Brazil are ripe for a revival.
\n“I’m not obsessed with winning the World Cup, but I have the pleasure and passion to enjoy the moment I’m living in, leading the most important national team in the world,” the former Real Madrid coach recently told the Guardian.
\nAncelotti, with his measured demeanour on the touchline and his tactical pragmatism, is arguably the most successful coach of his generation.
\nHe has won the Champions League five times, two with AC Milan and three with Madrid, and collected league titles in Italy, England, France, Germany and Spain.
\nA year ago, upon leaving Real, Ancelotti became Brazil’s third permanent coach since the last World Cup.
\nIn five World Cups since winning in 2002, Brazil have lost four times in the quarter-finals and reached the semis once – when they suffered a traumatising 7-1 defeat at the hands of Germany as hosts in 2014.
\nThe exit on penalties to Croatia in Qatar in 2022 brought an end to Tite’s reign.
\nFernando Diniz took over for the start of 2026 World Cup qualifying, but lasted just six games.
\nIn came Dorival Junior, but the veteran oversaw a quarter-final exit at the 2024 Copa America. He was dismissed in March last year after a 4-1 thrashing in a World Cup qualifier in Argentina.
\nAncelotti saw Brazil over the line, but they finished fifth in the 10-team South American qualifying group, 10 points behind first-placed Argentina.
\nThere have since been three wins, a draw and two defeats – against Japan and France – in friendlies with the new coach testing different formations.
\nHe has not totally cleared the decks. Far from it. Eight of those who started against Croatia in 2022 are in his squad.
\nCentre-back Eder Militao is injured along with forwards Rodrygo and Estevao. Chelsea’s Joao Pedro was left out.
\nTen of Ancelotti’s 26-man roster are in their thirties, with the average age almost 29.
\nNeymar gamble
\nHis decision to include Neymar caused a sensation, with the 34-year-old ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward set for his fourth World Cup – despite not having played for his country since 2023 because of injuries.
\nNow at Santos, Neymar will surely only have a bit-part role, with Vinicius Junior instead leading the attack.
\nMatheus Cunha and Raphinha could have big roles too, while Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes represent a solid midfield. Centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal and Marquinhos of PSG will come straight from the Champions League final.
\nAncelotti knows there are great expectations with Brazilians hungry for another title after 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
\nAs a player, Ancelotti missed Italy’s victorious 1982 World Cup campaign through injury and was an unused squad member in 1986.
\nHe played in 1990, when Italy hosted and agonisingly lost in the semi-finals on penalties to Argentina.
\nThen came 1994 and the shootout loss to Brazil in the final at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, with a 35-year-old Ancelotti serving as Arrigo Sacchi’s assistant.
\n“In other countries, the national team isn’t as important as it is in Brazil…Europeans don’t have the same love for the national team shirt,” Ancelotti told the Guardian.
\nBrazil are in a group with Haiti, Scotland and Morocco, and begin against the latter in New Jersey on June 13.
\nShould they top their group, Brazil’s onward path looks potentially very kind, although they have not beaten a European team in a World Cup knockout tie since 2002.
\nHowever, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has already seen enough to give Ancelotti a new contract until the 2030 World Cup.
\n“We have the most successful coach in the world. We need to make the most of him being here, so that we are left with a positive legacy for Brazilian football,” said CBF president Samir Xaud.
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Brazil's quest to regain World Cup supremacy from their European rivals has led to them handing the reins to a European, with Italian Carlo Ancelotti charged with the task of ending the nation's wait to win their sixth title.\nIt is 24 years since the Selecao last won the World Cup, exactly the same length of time they were forced to wait between Pele lifting the old Jules Rimet trophy in 1970 and the team's triumph in 1994.\nAncelotti, 66, has unfinished business at the World Cup, and Brazil are ripe for a revival.\n\"I'm not obsessed with winning the World Cup, but I have the pleasure and passion to enjoy the moment I'm living in, leading the most important national team in the world,\" the former Real Madrid coach recently told the Guardian.\nAncelotti, with his measured demeanour on the touchline and his tactical pragmatism, is arguably the most successful coach of his generation.\nHe has won the Champions League five times, two with AC Milan and three with Madrid, and collected league titles in Italy, England, France, Germany and Spain.\nA year ago, upon leaving Real, Ancelotti became Brazil's third permanent coach since the last World Cup.\nIn five World Cups since winning in 2002, Brazil have lost four times in the quarter-finals and reached the semis once - when they suffered a traumatising 7-1 defeat at the hands of Germany as hosts in 2014.\nThe exit on penalties to Croatia in Qatar in 2022 brought an end to Tite's reign.\nFernando Diniz took over for the start of 2026 World Cup qualifying, but lasted just six games.\nIn came Dorival Junior, but the veteran oversaw a quarter-final exit at the 2024 Copa America. He was dismissed in March last year after a 4-1 thrashing in a World Cup qualifier in Argentina.\nAncelotti saw Brazil over the line, but they finished fifth in the 10-team South American qualifying group, 10 points behind first-placed Argentina.\nThere have since been three wins, a draw and two defeats - against Japan and France - in friendlies with the new coach testing different formations.\nHe has not totally cleared the decks. Far from it. Eight of those who started against Croatia in 2022 are in his squad.\nCentre-back Eder Militao is injured along with forwards Rodrygo and Estevao. Chelsea's Joao Pedro was left out.\nTen of Ancelotti's 26-man roster are in their thirties, with the average age almost 29.\nNeymar gamble \nHis decision to include Neymar caused a sensation, with the 34-year-old ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward set for his fourth World Cup - despite not having played for his country since 2023 because of injuries.\nNow at Santos, Neymar will surely only have a bit-part role, with Vinicius Junior instead leading the attack.\nMatheus Cunha and Raphinha could have big roles too, while Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes represent a solid midfield. Centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal and Marquinhos of PSG will come straight from the Champions League final.\nAncelotti knows there are great expectations with Brazilians hungry for another title after 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.\nAs a player, Ancelotti missed Italy's victorious 1982 World Cup campaign through injury and was an unused squad member in 1986.\nHe played in 1990, when Italy hosted and agonisingly lost in the semi-finals on penalties to Argentina.\nThen came 1994 and the shootout loss to Brazil in the final at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, with a 35-year-old Ancelotti serving as Arrigo Sacchi's assistant.\n\"In other countries, the national team isn't as important as it is in Brazil...Europeans don't have the same love for the national team shirt,\" Ancelotti told the Guardian.\nBrazil are in a group with Haiti, Scotland and Morocco, and begin against the latter in New Jersey on June 13.\nShould they top their group, Brazil's onward path looks potentially very kind, although they have not beaten a European team in a World Cup knockout tie since 2002.\nHowever, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has already seen enough to give Ancelotti a new contract until the 2030 World Cup.\n\"We have the most successful coach in the world. We need to make the most of him being here, so that we are left with a positive legacy for Brazilian football,\" said CBF president Samir Xaud.","date_published":"2026-05-26T02:33:07.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Brazil","Carlo Ancelotti","CBF","Europe","Neymar","Samir Xaud","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ffa7aac9-afp__20260327__2268559107__v3__highres__brazilvfranceinternationalfriendly_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ffa7aac9-afp__20260327__2268559107__v3__highres__brazilvfranceinternationalfriendly_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/canada-extend-manager-marschs-contract-through-2030-world-cup","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/canada-extend-manager-marschs-contract-through-2030-world-cup","title":"Canada extend manager Marsch’s contract through 2030 World Cup","summary":"Jesse Marsch has signed a four-year contract extension with Canada.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/c36862c3-12918334_cropped_1.webp\")
TORONTO: Manager Jesse Marsch signed a four-year contract extension with Canada through the 2030 World Cup, Canada Soccer said on Monday.
\nThe American took charge in 2024 after succeeding John Herdman and guided Canada to a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Copa America as well as a Fifa ranking of 26 last year, its highest.
\n“From day one, I’ve felt a deep connection to this team, to this country, and to the direction of the programme,” Marsch said in a statement.
\n“I’m thrilled to make a longer-term commitment here, helping develop this programme for years to come and continuing to push this group to the highest level,” he said.
\nCanada, who will co-host the World Cup alongside the US and Mexico, qualified automatically for the tournament and are preparing to announce their final squad later this week.
\nMarsch, formerly coach of Leeds United and RB Leipzig, has compiled a record of 12 wins, 12 draws and five defeats with Canada.
\nCanada Soccer said the extension was largely funded by five Canadian families and supporters connected to the men’s national team programme.
\nCanada host Uzbekistan in a June 1 friendly before facing Ireland on June 5 in their final World Cup warm-up.
\nMarsch’s side open their World Cup campaign on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto before facing Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 in Vancouver.
\n","content_text":"TORONTO: Manager Jesse Marsch signed a four-year contract extension with Canada through the 2030 World Cup, Canada Soccer said on Monday.\nThe American took charge in 2024 after succeeding John Herdman and guided Canada to a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Copa America as well as a Fifa ranking of 26 last year, its highest.\n\"From day one, I've felt a deep connection to this team, to this country, and to the direction of the programme,\" Marsch said in a statement.\n\"I'm thrilled to make a longer-term commitment here, helping develop this programme for years to come and continuing to push this group to the highest level,\" he said.\nCanada, who will co-host the World Cup alongside the US and Mexico, qualified automatically for the tournament and are preparing to announce their final squad later this week.\nMarsch, formerly coach of Leeds United and RB Leipzig, has compiled a record of 12 wins, 12 draws and five defeats with Canada.\nCanada Soccer said the extension was largely funded by five Canadian families and supporters connected to the men’s national team programme.\nCanada host Uzbekistan in a June 1 friendly before facing Ireland on June 5 in their final World Cup warm-up.\nMarsch's side open their World Cup campaign on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto before facing Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 in Vancouver.","date_published":"2026-05-26T02:20:49.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Canada","FIFA","Jesse Marsch","Leeds United","RB Leipzig","Uzbekistan","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/c36862c3-12918334_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/c36862c3-12918334_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/arsenal-must-banish-european-final-demons-to-make-champions-league-history","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/arsenal-must-banish-european-final-demons-to-make-champions-league-history","title":"Arsenal must banish European final demons to make Champions League history","summary":"The Gunners’ trip to the final against PSG is shaped by European setbacks stretching back more than three decades.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/baae3cce-mikel-arteta-3.jpg\")
LONDON: From Jens Lehmann’s rush of blood to ‘Nayim from the halfway line’, Arsenal will have to banish three decades of European final misery if they are to win the Champions League for the first time.
\nFresh from clinching their first English title since 2004, Mikel Arteta’s side are preparing to face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday.
\nBringing home the club’s first Champions League crown just 12 days after their long-awaited Premier League triumph would make it the greatest season in Arsenal’s illustrious history.
\nBut the Gunners head to the Puskas Arena haunted by the ghosts of past European failures.
\nSince Tony Adams lifted the Cup Winners Cup after Alan Smith sealed a 1-0 win over Parma in 1994, the north Londoners have endured four painful defeats in continental finals.
\nIn 1995, they returned to the Cup Winners Cup final, losing 2-1 to Real Zaragoza in agonising fashion when Nayim caught out Arsenal keeper David Seaman with an astonishing lob from 40 yards in the last minute of extra-time.
\nRubbing salt into Arsenal wounds, Nayim previously played for their arch rivals Tottenham, whose fans have celebrated the moment by chanting ‘Nayim from the halfway line’ ever since.
\nFive years later, Arsene Wenger took Arsenal to the Uefa Cup final, with victory expected against Galatasaray in Copenhagen.
\nBut the Turkish underdogs frustrated Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and company in a 0-0 draw before winning 4-1 on penalties.
\nIn 2006, Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time.
\nHowever, Wenger’s men left Paris in despair after their keeper Lehmann was sent off for racing out of his penalty area to foul Samuel Eto’o early in the first half.
\nDespite playing with 10 men, Arsenal took the lead through Sol Campbell, but late goals from Eto’o and Juliano Belletti broke their hearts.
\nUnai Emery has won the Europa League five times as manager of Aston Villa, Villarreal and Sevilla, but his lone defeat in the final of that tournament came with Arsenal, who were thrashed 4-1 by Chelsea in Baku in 2019.
\nArsenal also lost the 1980 Cup Winners Cup final against Valencia, with their only other European silverware coming in the long-forgotten Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970.
\n‘It would be unreal’
\nExorcising those demons would be the crowning glory for Arteta, who has ended Arsenal’s six-year trophy drought by leading them to the club’s 14th Premier League title.
\nFollowing Sunday’s 2-1 win at Crystal Palace in their last game of the domestic season, Arteta joined Arsenal’s players and backroom staff to celebrate at a Mediterranean restaurant in London’s Mayfair on Sunday night.
\nThe party lasted long into the night at several other celebrity hot spots, with Declan Rice seen singing the ‘Ice Ice baby’ tune that has become Arsenal fans’ anthem for their influential midfielder.
\nJust hours after lifting the trophy at sun-drenched Selhurst Park, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard summed up the ecstatic mood ahead of the trip to Budapest.
\n“Everyone is so happy. We’re living a dream, winning the Premier League and being in a Champions League final,” he said.
\n“Now we have a big final. If we could do it, it would be unreal.”
\nArteta interrupted the revelry to keep his players focused, praising the unity in the squad and urging them to follow their title triumph by conquering Europe.
\n“We need that energy to flow. Going against that will be a big mistake,” the Spaniard said.
\n“We’ve already talked about what we have to do in Budapest, how we’re going to use all the incredible energy that we’re all carrying towards that final.
\n“We can’t wait to write the new chapter in the history of our club and win the Champions League.”
\nHolders PSG present a formidable challenge after beating Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals last season.
\nBut, after more than 30 years of European angst, Arteta knows immortality is within their grasp.
\n“If we win one more, we are the champions of Europe – as simple as that,” he said.
\n","content_text":"LONDON: From Jens Lehmann's rush of blood to 'Nayim from the halfway line', Arsenal will have to banish three decades of European final misery if they are to win the Champions League for the first time.\nFresh from clinching their first English title since 2004, Mikel Arteta's side are preparing to face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday.\nBringing home the club's first Champions League crown just 12 days after their long-awaited Premier League triumph would make it the greatest season in Arsenal's illustrious history.\nBut the Gunners head to the Puskas Arena haunted by the ghosts of past European failures.\nSince Tony Adams lifted the Cup Winners Cup after Alan Smith sealed a 1-0 win over Parma in 1994, the north Londoners have endured four painful defeats in continental finals.\nIn 1995, they returned to the Cup Winners Cup final, losing 2-1 to Real Zaragoza in agonising fashion when Nayim caught out Arsenal keeper David Seaman with an astonishing lob from 40 yards in the last minute of extra-time.\nRubbing salt into Arsenal wounds, Nayim previously played for their arch rivals Tottenham, whose fans have celebrated the moment by chanting 'Nayim from the halfway line' ever since.\nFive years later, Arsene Wenger took Arsenal to the Uefa Cup final, with victory expected against Galatasaray in Copenhagen.\nBut the Turkish underdogs frustrated Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and company in a 0-0 draw before winning 4-1 on penalties.\nIn 2006, Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time.\nHowever, Wenger's men left Paris in despair after their keeper Lehmann was sent off for racing out of his penalty area to foul Samuel Eto'o early in the first half.\nDespite playing with 10 men, Arsenal took the lead through Sol Campbell, but late goals from Eto'o and Juliano Belletti broke their hearts.\nUnai Emery has won the Europa League five times as manager of Aston Villa, Villarreal and Sevilla, but his lone defeat in the final of that tournament came with Arsenal, who were thrashed 4-1 by Chelsea in Baku in 2019.\nArsenal also lost the 1980 Cup Winners Cup final against Valencia, with their only other European silverware coming in the long-forgotten Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970.\n'It would be unreal'\nExorcising those demons would be the crowning glory for Arteta, who has ended Arsenal's six-year trophy drought by leading them to the club's 14th Premier League title.\nFollowing Sunday's 2-1 win at Crystal Palace in their last game of the domestic season, Arteta joined Arsenal's players and backroom staff to celebrate at a Mediterranean restaurant in London's Mayfair on Sunday night.\nThe party lasted long into the night at several other celebrity hot spots, with Declan Rice seen singing the 'Ice Ice baby' tune that has become Arsenal fans' anthem for their influential midfielder.\nJust hours after lifting the trophy at sun-drenched Selhurst Park, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard summed up the ecstatic mood ahead of the trip to Budapest.\n\"Everyone is so happy. We're living a dream, winning the Premier League and being in a Champions League final,\" he said.\n\"Now we have a big final. If we could do it, it would be unreal.\"\nArteta interrupted the revelry to keep his players focused, praising the unity in the squad and urging them to follow their title triumph by conquering Europe.\n\"We need that energy to flow. Going against that will be a big mistake,\" the Spaniard said.\n\"We've already talked about what we have to do in Budapest, how we're going to use all the incredible energy that we're all carrying towards that final.\n\"We can't wait to write the new chapter in the history of our club and win the Champions League.\"\nHolders PSG present a formidable challenge after beating Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals last season.\nBut, after more than 30 years of European angst, Arteta knows immortality is within their grasp.\n\"If we win one more, we are the champions of Europe - as simple as that,\" he said.","date_published":"2026-05-26T01:35:44.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Arsenal","Champions League","finals","PDG"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/baae3cce-mikel-arteta-3.jpg","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/baae3cce-mikel-arteta-3.jpg"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/torontos-multiculturalism-on-full-display-during-citys-world-cup-trophy-visit","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/torontos-multiculturalism-on-full-display-during-citys-world-cup-trophy-visit","title":"Toronto’s multiculturalism on full display during city’s World Cup trophy visit","summary":"World Cup fans draped in the colours of countries from across the globe gathered outside Toronto City Hall to catch a glimpse of the World Cup trophy.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/3a495f89-afp__20260524__b3we2j8__v1__highres__fblwc2026trophy_cropped_1.webp\")
TORONTO: Hundreds of fans draped in the colours of countries from across the globe gathered outside Toronto’s city hall on Monday to catch a glimpse of the World Cup trophy, offering a preview of the multicultural spectacle the city promises to deliver when the tournament kicks off next month.
\nThe city’s rich cultural diversity was on full display around a sunny Nathan Phillips Square, from families in Colombia’s bright yellow jerseys to fans wearing German and Croatian national flags as capes among a strong contingent sporting Canada’s red and white colours.
\nFormer Italian defender and 2006 World Cup winner Alessandro Nesta was on site to unveil the gleaming 18-karat solid gold World Cup trophy, which was in town as part of a global tour leading up to the tournament’s June 11 kickoff.
\nSome of Toronto’s six matches will feature countries from Africa, Central America and Europe.
\n“No matter where you’re from, what language you speak, what team you’re cheering for, the beautiful game has a unique power to unite all of us,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told the crowd.
\n“And that spirit of connection reflects Toronto itself, one of the most diverse cities in the world and a city that truly loves soccer,” Chow said.
\nImmigrants represented 23% of Canada’s population according to the 2021 census, while the 2016 census found that more than half of Toronto’s population was born outside Canada.
\nFor some Toronto residents, that multi-culturalism is what makes the city and Canada a special place to co-host the tournament that will feature 48 nations.
\n“It’s amazing because every team here will feel like they’re at home, because we have people from everywhere,” said Gonzalo Fernandez, a Colombian native who stopped by to see the trophy. “There’s going to be supporters from every country”.
\nCanada is also home to more than 630 First Nations communities, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in Ontario which will host fan festivities in July as part of Fifa’s Canada Celebrates initiative.
\nJai King-Green, a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation’s council who also attended Monday’s event, said the World Cup is set to bring many positive impacts to her community, starting with Canada’s opening match against Bosnia & Herzegovina on June 12.
\n“We do have participants from our First Nation involved in the opening ceremony (of that game),” said King-Green. “So it will be really awesome to see (Canada’s) opening match open with Indigenous performers,” King-Green said.
\nWhile Canada is known as a passionate ice hockey country, soccer is its strongest, fastest-growing sport, especially among the youth.
\nThere are nearly a million registered players across the country, according to Canada Soccer, and the World Cup is expected to help the sport grow even more in Toronto through the opening of mini pitches across the city.
\n“This is the true legacy of the Fifa World Cup,” said Chow. “Not only the matches played in the field, but inspiring young people, building strong communities and creating opportunities that last a long time after the tournament ends,” Chow added.
\n","content_text":"TORONTO: Hundreds of fans draped in the colours of countries from across the globe gathered outside Toronto's city hall on Monday to catch a glimpse of the World Cup trophy, offering a preview of the multicultural spectacle the city promises to deliver when the tournament kicks off next month.\nThe city's rich cultural diversity was on full display around a sunny Nathan Phillips Square, from families in Colombia's bright yellow jerseys to fans wearing German and Croatian national flags as capes among a strong contingent sporting Canada's red and white colours.\nFormer Italian defender and 2006 World Cup winner Alessandro Nesta was on site to unveil the gleaming 18-karat solid gold World Cup trophy, which was in town as part of a global tour leading up to the tournament's June 11 kickoff.\nSome of Toronto's six matches will feature countries from Africa, Central America and Europe.\n\"No matter where you're from, what language you speak, what team you're cheering for, the beautiful game has a unique power to unite all of us,\" Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told the crowd.\n\"And that spirit of connection reflects Toronto itself, one of the most diverse cities in the world and a city that truly loves soccer,\" Chow said.\nImmigrants represented 23% of Canada's population according to the 2021 census, while the 2016 census found that more than half of Toronto's population was born outside Canada.\nFor some Toronto residents, that multi-culturalism is what makes the city and Canada a special place to co-host the tournament that will feature 48 nations.\n\"It's amazing because every team here will feel like they're at home, because we have people from everywhere,\" said Gonzalo Fernandez, a Colombian native who stopped by to see the trophy. \"There's going to be supporters from every country\".\nCanada is also home to more than 630 First Nations communities, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in Ontario which will host fan festivities in July as part of Fifa's Canada Celebrates initiative.\nJai King-Green, a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation's council who also attended Monday's event, said the World Cup is set to bring many positive impacts to her community, starting with Canada's opening match against Bosnia & Herzegovina on June 12.\n\"We do have participants from our First Nation involved in the opening ceremony (of that game),\" said King-Green. \"So it will be really awesome to see (Canada's) opening match open with Indigenous performers,\" King-Green said.\nWhile Canada is known as a passionate ice hockey country, soccer is its strongest, fastest-growing sport, especially among the youth.\nThere are nearly a million registered players across the country, according to Canada Soccer, and the World Cup is expected to help the sport grow even more in Toronto through the opening of mini pitches across the city.\n\"This is the true legacy of the Fifa World Cup,\" said Chow. \"Not only the matches played in the field, but inspiring young people, building strong communities and creating opportunities that last a long time after the tournament ends,\" Chow added.","date_published":"2026-05-26T01:21:41.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Alessandro Nesta","communities","Mexico","multiculturalism","Olivia Chow","players","the US","toronto","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/3a495f89-afp__20260524__b3we2j8__v1__highres__fblwc2026trophy_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/3a495f89-afp__20260524__b3we2j8__v1__highres__fblwc2026trophy_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/lionel-messi-suffers-hamstring-fatigue-weeks-before-world-cup","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/lionel-messi-suffers-hamstring-fatigue-weeks-before-world-cup","title":"Messi suffers hamstring fatigue weeks before World Cup","summary":"Lionel Messi left Sunday’s 6-4 Major League Soccer victory over the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute after clutching his thigh following a free kick.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/87d7a870-13495127_cropped_1-1.webp\")
MIAMI: Lionel Messi is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring less than three weeks before the start of the World Cup, Inter Miami said on Monday after the Argentine forward was forced off in his final club match before the tournament.
\nMessi, 38, left Sunday’s 6-4 Major League Soccer victory over the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute after clutching the back of his thigh following a free kick.
\n“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” Inter Miami said in a statement.
\n“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” it said.
\nInter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos had downplayed the issue after the match, saying Messi appeared fatigued after playing on a “heavy” pitch.
\nMajor League Soccer is now pausing for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
\nArgentina coach Lionel Scaloni included eight-times Ballon d’Or winner Messi in a provisional 55-man squad announced earlier this month, ahead of the defending champions’ opening match against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.
\nMessi captained Argentina to their third World Cup title in Qatar in 2022 and is expected to lead the team again in what could be his sixth appearance at the tournament.
\n","content_text":"MIAMI: Lionel Messi is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring less than three weeks before the start of the World Cup, Inter Miami said on Monday after the Argentine forward was forced off in his final club match before the tournament.\nMessi, 38, left Sunday’s 6-4 Major League Soccer victory over the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute after clutching the back of his thigh following a free kick.\n\"After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,\" Inter Miami said in a statement.\n\"The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,\" it said.\nInter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos had downplayed the issue after the match, saying Messi appeared fatigued after playing on a \"heavy\" pitch.\nMajor League Soccer is now pausing for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.\nArgentina coach Lionel Scaloni included eight-times Ballon d'Or winner Messi in a provisional 55-man squad announced earlier this month, ahead of the defending champions’ opening match against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.\nMessi captained Argentina to their third World Cup title in Qatar in 2022 and is expected to lead the team again in what could be his sixth appearance at the tournament.","date_published":"2026-05-26T00:29:12.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Argentina","Lionel Messi","Lionel Scaloni","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/87d7a870-13495127_cropped_1-1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/87d7a870-13495127_cropped_1-1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/fifa-reveals-base-training-sites-for-48-world-cup-teams","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/fifa-reveals-base-training-sites-for-48-world-cup-teams","title":"Fifa reveals base training sites for 48 World Cup teams","summary":"Next month's global football showdown will feature a record 48 teams, including 39 based in the US, seven in Mexico, and two in Canada.","content_html":"![\"Fifa](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/146bfcf6-fifa-world-cup.jpg\")
WASHINGTON: Defending champions Argentina and England will have their World Cup teams based in Kansas City under a list of training sites announced by Fifa on Monday.
\nThe record 48 teams competing in the global football showdown that begins next month will have 39 teams based in the US, seven more based in Mexico and two based in Canada.
\n“Team Base Camps are an integral part of the fabric of any Fifa World Cup,” said Heimo Schirgi, 2026 Fifa World Cup COO.
\n“They are where teams put down roots, train and recuperate, and experience the day-to-day rhythms of the tournament,” he said.
\nIran were confirmed with a team base in Tijuana, Mexico.
\nMexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday said the country would allow Iran to be based there to avoid US visa restrictions.
\nColombia, South Korea, Mexico, South Africa, Tunisia and Uruguay will also be based in Mexico with Canada and Panama based in Canada and the rest settled in US venues.
\nAlgeria: Kansas City (University of Kansas)
\nArgentina: Kansas City (Sporting KC Training Centre)
\nAustralia: San Francisco Bay Area (Oakland Roots/Soul facility)
\nAustria: Goleta, CA (UC Santa Barbara)
\nBelgium: Renton, WA (Seattle Sounders performance centre)
\nBosnia and Herzegovina: Sandy, UT (RSL Stadium)
\nBrazil: New York-New Jersey (Columbia Park Training Facility)
\nCanada: Vancouver (National Soccer Development Centre)
\nCote d’Ivoire: Philadelphia (Philadelphia Union)
\nCongo DR: Houston (Houston Training Centre)
\nColombia: Guadalajara, MX (Academia Atlas FC)
\nCabo Verde: Tampa, FL (Waters Sportsplex)
\nCroatia: Alexandria (Episcopal High School)
\nCuraçao: Boca Raton, FL (Florida Atlantic University)
\nCzechia: Dallas (Mansfield Multipurpose Stadium)
\nEcuador: Columbus, OH (Columbus Crew Performance Centre)
\nEgypt: Spokane, WA (Gonzaga University)
\nEngland: Kansas City (Swope Soccer Village)
\nSpain: Chattanooga, TN (Baylor School)
\nFrance: Boston (Bentley University)
\nGermany: Winston-Salem, NC (Wake Forest University)
\nGhana: Boston (Bryant University)
\nHaiti: New York-New Jersey (Stockton University)
\nIran: Tijuana, MX (Centro Xoloitzcuintle)
\nIraq: Greenbrier, WV (Greenbrier Sports Performance Centre)
\nJordan: Portland (University of Portland)
\nJapan: Nashville, TN (Nashville SC facility)
\nSouth Korea: Guadalajara, MX (Chivas Verde Valle)
\nSaudi Arabia: Austin, TX (Austin FC Stadium)
\nMorocco: New York-New Jersey (Pingry School)
\nMexico: Mexico City (Centro de Alto Rendimiento)
\nNetherlands: Kansas City (KC Current Training Facility)
\nNorway: Greensboro, NC (UNC Greensboro)
\nNew Zealand: San Diego (University of San Diego – Torero Stadium)
\nPanama: New Tecumseth, CAN (Nottawasaga Training Site)
\nParaguay: San Francisco Bay Area (Spartan Soccer Complex)
\nPortugal: Palm Beach Gardens (Gardens North County District Park)
\nQatar: Santa Barbara, CA (Westmont College)
\nSouth Africa: Pachuca, MX (Pachuca – Universidad Del Futbol)
\nScotland: Charlotte, NC (Charlotte FC facility)
\nSenegal: New York-New Jersey (Rutgers University)
\nSwitzerland: San Diego (SDJA)
\nSweden: Dallas (FC Dallas Stadium)
\nTunisia: Monterrey, MX (Rayados Training Centre)
\nTurkiye: Mesa, AZ (Arizona Athletic Grounds)
\nUruguay: Cancun, MX (Mayakoba Training Centre Cancun)
\nUS: Irvine (Great Park Sports Complex)
\nUzbekistan: Atlanta (Atlanta United Training Centre)
\n","content_text":"WASHINGTON: Defending champions Argentina and England will have their World Cup teams based in Kansas City under a list of training sites announced by Fifa on Monday.\nThe record 48 teams competing in the global football showdown that begins next month will have 39 teams based in the US, seven more based in Mexico and two based in Canada.\n\"Team Base Camps are an integral part of the fabric of any Fifa World Cup,\" said Heimo Schirgi, 2026 Fifa World Cup COO.\n\"They are where teams put down roots, train and recuperate, and experience the day-to-day rhythms of the tournament,\" he said.\nIran were confirmed with a team base in Tijuana, Mexico.\nMexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday said the country would allow Iran to be based there to avoid US visa restrictions.\nColombia, South Korea, Mexico, South Africa, Tunisia and Uruguay will also be based in Mexico with Canada and Panama based in Canada and the rest settled in US venues.\nAlgeria: Kansas City (University of Kansas)\nArgentina: Kansas City (Sporting KC Training Centre)\nAustralia: San Francisco Bay Area (Oakland Roots/Soul facility)\nAustria: Goleta, CA (UC Santa Barbara)\nBelgium: Renton, WA (Seattle Sounders performance centre)\nBosnia and Herzegovina: Sandy, UT (RSL Stadium)\nBrazil: New York-New Jersey (Columbia Park Training Facility)\nCanada: Vancouver (National Soccer Development Centre)\nCote d’Ivoire: Philadelphia (Philadelphia Union)\nCongo DR: Houston (Houston Training Centre)\nColombia: Guadalajara, MX (Academia Atlas FC)\nCabo Verde: Tampa, FL (Waters Sportsplex)\nCroatia: Alexandria (Episcopal High School)\nCuraçao: Boca Raton, FL (Florida Atlantic University)\nCzechia: Dallas (Mansfield Multipurpose Stadium)\nEcuador: Columbus, OH (Columbus Crew Performance Centre)\nEgypt: Spokane, WA (Gonzaga University)\nEngland: Kansas City (Swope Soccer Village)\nSpain: Chattanooga, TN (Baylor School)\nFrance: Boston (Bentley University)\nGermany: Winston-Salem, NC (Wake Forest University)\nGhana: Boston (Bryant University)\nHaiti: New York-New Jersey (Stockton University)\nIran: Tijuana, MX (Centro Xoloitzcuintle)\nIraq: Greenbrier, WV (Greenbrier Sports Performance Centre)\nJordan: Portland (University of Portland)\nJapan: Nashville, TN (Nashville SC facility)\nSouth Korea: Guadalajara, MX (Chivas Verde Valle)\nSaudi Arabia: Austin, TX (Austin FC Stadium)\nMorocco: New York-New Jersey (Pingry School)\nMexico: Mexico City (Centro de Alto Rendimiento)\nNetherlands: Kansas City (KC Current Training Facility)\nNorway: Greensboro, NC (UNC Greensboro)\nNew Zealand: San Diego (University of San Diego - Torero Stadium)\nPanama: New Tecumseth, CAN (Nottawasaga Training Site)\nParaguay: San Francisco Bay Area (Spartan Soccer Complex)\nPortugal: Palm Beach Gardens (Gardens North County District Park)\nQatar: Santa Barbara, CA (Westmont College)\nSouth Africa: Pachuca, MX (Pachuca - Universidad Del Futbol)\nScotland: Charlotte, NC (Charlotte FC facility)\nSenegal: New York-New Jersey (Rutgers University)\nSwitzerland: San Diego (SDJA)\nSweden: Dallas (FC Dallas Stadium)\nTunisia: Monterrey, MX (Rayados Training Centre)\nTurkiye: Mesa, AZ (Arizona Athletic Grounds)\nUruguay: Cancun, MX (Mayakoba Training Centre Cancun)\nUS: Irvine (Great Park Sports Complex)\nUzbekistan: Atlanta (Atlanta United Training Centre)","date_published":"2026-05-26T00:07:50.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","base camps","Canada","countries","Heimo Schirgi","Iran","Mexico","the US","training","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/146bfcf6-fifa-world-cup.jpg","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/146bfcf6-fifa-world-cup.jpg"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/valiant-monfils-loses-in-first-round-on-roland-garros-farewell","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/valiant-monfils-loses-in-first-round-on-roland-garros-farewell","title":"Valiant Monfils loses in the first round at his Roland Garros farewell","summary":"A first-round 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 loss to 25-year-old Hugo Gaston ended Gael Monfils' emotional farewell to his home Grand Slam.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9d522d4d-afp__20260525__b3za2qp__v1__highres__tennisfraopen2026_cropped_1.webp\")
PARIS: Gael Monfils bade adieu to Roland Garros on Monday as the Frenchman fell just short of pulling off a stunning comeback to lose in five sets to compatriot Hugo Gaston.
\nThe 39-year-old former world number six has been a hugely entertaining and popular character with both fans and his fellow pros alike for the last two decades.
\nHowever, like his longtime friend and rival Stan Wawrinka, who also lost in Paris earlier Monday, he too shall hang up his racquet at the end of the current season.
\nA first-round 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 loss to 25-year-old Gaston ended Monfils’ emotional farewell to his home Grand Slam.
\n“I love you so much,” Monfils told Court Philippe Chatrier, before thanking his family, entourage and wife Elina Svitolina.
\n“Every year I come to play at Roland Garros I have goosebumps… I’m going to miss you all, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
\nAfter going two sets down, 218th-ranked Monfils gave a packed centre court reason to cheer as he broke at 4-3 in the third frame to keep his Roland Garros dream alive.
\nAfter serving out, he immediately broke world number 118 Gaston in the very first game of the fourth set to the delight of the night session crowd.
\nNow with his back up, Monfils raced through to force a decider, all while drawing repeated admiring gasps with his trademark shot-making.
\nHowever, two wayward forehands from Monfils gave a resurgent Gaston a 2-0 advantage and spark began to fizzle out of the veteran’s game.
\nThe momentum had suddenly swung again in Gaston’s favour and the left-hander cruised through the final set to book a round-of-64 meeting with Argentinian 25th seed Francisco Cerundolo.
\n“It was very hard,” Gaston said.
\n“It’s very weird the feeling, there’s joy obviously but sadness for Gael. I’m very sorry.
\n“I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for young players,” he said.
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Gael Monfils bade adieu to Roland Garros on Monday as the Frenchman fell just short of pulling off a stunning comeback to lose in five sets to compatriot Hugo Gaston.\nThe 39-year-old former world number six has been a hugely entertaining and popular character with both fans and his fellow pros alike for the last two decades.\nHowever, like his longtime friend and rival Stan Wawrinka, who also lost in Paris earlier Monday, he too shall hang up his racquet at the end of the current season.\nA first-round 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 loss to 25-year-old Gaston ended Monfils' emotional farewell to his home Grand Slam.\n\"I love you so much,\" Monfils told Court Philippe Chatrier, before thanking his family, entourage and wife Elina Svitolina.\n\"Every year I come to play at Roland Garros I have goosebumps... I'm going to miss you all, thank you from the bottom of my heart,\" he said.\nAfter going two sets down, 218th-ranked Monfils gave a packed centre court reason to cheer as he broke at 4-3 in the third frame to keep his Roland Garros dream alive.\nAfter serving out, he immediately broke world number 118 Gaston in the very first game of the fourth set to the delight of the night session crowd.\nNow with his back up, Monfils raced through to force a decider, all while drawing repeated admiring gasps with his trademark shot-making.\nHowever, two wayward forehands from Monfils gave a resurgent Gaston a 2-0 advantage and spark began to fizzle out of the veteran's game.\nThe momentum had suddenly swung again in Gaston's favour and the left-hander cruised through the final set to book a round-of-64 meeting with Argentinian 25th seed Francisco Cerundolo.\n\"It was very hard,\" Gaston said.\n\"It's very weird the feeling, there's joy obviously but sadness for Gael. I'm very sorry.\n\"I want to thank you for everything you've done for young players,\" he said.","date_published":"2026-05-25T23:28:15.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","France","gael monfils","grand slam","Hugo Gaston","Roland Garros"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9d522d4d-afp__20260525__b3za2qp__v1__highres__tennisfraopen2026_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9d522d4d-afp__20260525__b3za2qp__v1__highres__tennisfraopen2026_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/michael-jordan-salutes-guardiola-at-man-city-farewell-party","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/michael-jordan-salutes-guardiola-at-man-city-farewell-party","title":"Michael Jordan salutes Guardiola at Man City farewell party","summary":"One of the NBA's all-time greats, Michael Jordan, was a surprise participant in the event, delivering a recorded video message saluting Pep Guardiola.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/76d3997a-afp__20260525__b3z48rb__v1__highres__fblengprmancityparadefacuplcup_cropped_1.webp\")
MANCHESTER: Basketball legend Michael Jordan joined thousands of Manchester City fans paying tribute to Pep Guardiola at the manager’s farewell party on Monday.
\nGuardiola is about to step down after a glorious decade in charge of City and the Premier League club gave him a fitting send-off during a trophy parade in Manchester.
\nJordan, one of the NBA’s all-time greats, was a surprise participant in the event, delivering a recorded video message saluting Guardiola.
\n“Hey Pep. This is Michael Jordan. I just wanted to congratulate you on an unbelievable career,” the former Chicago Bulls star said as Guardiola watched the video on a screen inside the Co-op Live ‘after-party’ following the parade.
\nReferencing Guardiola’s fondness for golf, Jordan quipped, “Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links and keep them straight. Congratulations”.
\nEarlier, fans lined the streets to salute Guardiola as the Spaniard joined City’s players and staff on an open-top bus ride to the Etihad Stadium.
\nGuardiola led City to the FA Cup and League Cup in his final season in charge, taking his trophy haul to 20 since arriving in 2016.
\nHe masterminded six Premier League title victories, as well as City’s first Champions League crown in 2023.
\nCity finished second in the Premier League behind champions Arsenal this term and were beaten 2-1 at home by Aston Villa in Guardiola’s last game on Sunday, with the boss reduced to tears after the final whistle.
\nThe 55-year-old’s decision to leave City was officially announced on Friday after several days of speculation that he was set to quit.
\nA host of current and former City players brought every trophy won during Guardiola’s reign onto the Co-op Live stage to cheers from the sell-out 19,000 crowd.
\nGuardiola said goodbye for the final time in an interview with Oasis rock star Noel Gallagher at the after-party.
\n“I think, first of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say bye,” Guardiola said.
\n“To say bye to John (Stones) and Bernie (Bernardo Silva) and all these incredible legends like Vinny (Vincent Kompany), Fernandinho, Eddy (Ederson), Jack (Grealish), all of them and many, many more.
\n“I feel tonight that really shows the connection this club has. (City chairman) Khaldoon Al Mubarak and all the people and all the City fans that were connected from the first minute.
\n“Thank you so much, I don’t have enough gratitude. Always, for the rest of my life, I will have you in my heart. Thank you so much,” he said.
\n","content_text":"MANCHESTER: Basketball legend Michael Jordan joined thousands of Manchester City fans paying tribute to Pep Guardiola at the manager's farewell party on Monday.\nGuardiola is about to step down after a glorious decade in charge of City and the Premier League club gave him a fitting send-off during a trophy parade in Manchester.\nJordan, one of the NBA's all-time greats, was a surprise participant in the event, delivering a recorded video message saluting Guardiola.\n\"Hey Pep. This is Michael Jordan. I just wanted to congratulate you on an unbelievable career,\" the former Chicago Bulls star said as Guardiola watched the video on a screen inside the Co-op Live 'after-party' following the parade.\nReferencing Guardiola's fondness for golf, Jordan quipped, \"Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links and keep them straight. Congratulations\".\nEarlier, fans lined the streets to salute Guardiola as the Spaniard joined City's players and staff on an open-top bus ride to the Etihad Stadium.\nGuardiola led City to the FA Cup and League Cup in his final season in charge, taking his trophy haul to 20 since arriving in 2016.\nHe masterminded six Premier League title victories, as well as City's first Champions League crown in 2023.\nCity finished second in the Premier League behind champions Arsenal this term and were beaten 2-1 at home by Aston Villa in Guardiola's last game on Sunday, with the boss reduced to tears after the final whistle.\nThe 55-year-old's decision to leave City was officially announced on Friday after several days of speculation that he was set to quit.\nA host of current and former City players brought every trophy won during Guardiola's reign onto the Co-op Live stage to cheers from the sell-out 19,000 crowd.\nGuardiola said goodbye for the final time in an interview with Oasis rock star Noel Gallagher at the after-party.\n\"I think, first of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say bye,\" Guardiola said.\n\"To say bye to John (Stones) and Bernie (Bernardo Silva) and all these incredible legends like Vinny (Vincent Kompany), Fernandinho, Eddy (Ederson), Jack (Grealish), all of them and many, many more.\n\"I feel tonight that really shows the connection this club has. (City chairman) Khaldoon Al Mubarak and all the people and all the City fans that were connected from the first minute.\n\"Thank you so much, I don't have enough gratitude. Always, for the rest of my life, I will have you in my heart. Thank you so much,\" he said.","date_published":"2026-05-25T23:01:03.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","coach","Manchester City","Michael Jordan","NBA","Pep Guardiola"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/76d3997a-afp__20260525__b3z48rb__v1__highres__fblengprmancityparadefacuplcup_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/76d3997a-afp__20260525__b3z48rb__v1__highres__fblengprmancityparadefacuplcup_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/mexico-says-it-will-host-iran-during-the-world-cup","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/mexico-says-it-will-host-iran-during-the-world-cup","title":"Mexico says it will host Iran during the World Cup","summary":"Fifa endorsed Iran’s plan to stay overnight on the Mexican side of the border to avoid visa issues.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5e0238ac-afp__20260331__a6bw69f__v1__highres__warinmiddleeast_1_cropped_1.webp\")
MEXICO CITY: Mexico will allow Iran to be based in the country during the 2026 World Cup so its players can avoid US visa restrictions, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday.
\nThe Iranian national team, scheduled to play three first-stage matches in US stadiums, announced on Saturday that Fifa had endorsed its plan to stay overnight on the Mexican side of the border to avoid visa problems.
\nUncertainty has clouded the Iranian team’s participation in the tournament ever since the US and Israel launched an offensive against the Islamic republic in late February.
\nThe team had originally planned to set up camp in Tucson, in the US state of Arizona.
\n“The US doesn’t want the Iranian team to spend the night,” Sheinbaum told reporters in her daily press conference. “So, they asked us, ‘can we stay the night in Mexico? We said sure, no problem'”.
\nThe Iranian team chose the northwestern border state of Tijuana as their base, where they will recuperate in between two games in Los Angeles and a third in Seattle.
\nThe players are in Group G and will debut on June 15 in a game against New Zealand.
\nSheinbaum explained that Mexican authorities are coordinating the details of the Iranians’ stay with Fifa.
\nIran and the US broke diplomatic relations in 1980 after militants held dozens of Americans hostage for more than a year in the US Embassy in Tehran.
\n","content_text":"MEXICO CITY: Mexico will allow Iran to be based in the country during the 2026 World Cup so its players can avoid US visa restrictions, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday.\nThe Iranian national team, scheduled to play three first-stage matches in US stadiums, announced on Saturday that Fifa had endorsed its plan to stay overnight on the Mexican side of the border to avoid visa problems.\nUncertainty has clouded the Iranian team's participation in the tournament ever since the US and Israel launched an offensive against the Islamic republic in late February.\nThe team had originally planned to set up camp in Tucson, in the US state of Arizona.\n\"The US doesn't want the Iranian team to spend the night,\" Sheinbaum told reporters in her daily press conference. \"So, they asked us, 'can we stay the night in Mexico? We said sure, no problem'\".\nThe Iranian team chose the northwestern border state of Tijuana as their base, where they will recuperate in between two games in Los Angeles and a third in Seattle.\nThe players are in Group G and will debut on June 15 in a game against New Zealand.\nSheinbaum explained that Mexican authorities are coordinating the details of the Iranians' stay with Fifa.\nIran and the US broke diplomatic relations in 1980 after militants held dozens of Americans hostage for more than a year in the US Embassy in Tehran.","date_published":"2026-05-25T22:57:11.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Claudia Sheinbaum","FIFA","Group G","Iran","Mexico","players","the US","visa","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5e0238ac-afp__20260331__a6bw69f__v1__highres__warinmiddleeast_1_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5e0238ac-afp__20260331__a6bw69f__v1__highres__warinmiddleeast_1_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/paderborn-strike-late-to-relegate-wolfsburg-from-bundesliga","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/paderborn-strike-late-to-relegate-wolfsburg-from-bundesliga","title":"Paderborn strike late to relegate Wolfsburg from Bundesliga","summary":"Paderborn’s Laurin Curda scored in extra time to secure a 2-1 home win over Wolfsburg, relegating the 2009 Bundesliga champions on aggregate.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2bffd84f-afp__20260525__b3z9763__v1__highres__fblgerbundesligarelegationpaderbornwolfsburg_cropped_1.webp\")
PADERBORN: Paderborn’s Laurin Curda scored in extra-time to grab a 2-1 home win in the second relegation playoff leg on Monday and relegate 2009 Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg 2-1 on aggregate.
\nThe narrow win returns Paderborn to the Bundesliga after six seasons, while ending Wolfsburg’s 29-year run in the top flight.
\nWolfsburg, who played all but 14 minutes with 10 men, became just the second top-flight team in the past 14 seasons to be relegated in the two-legged playoff.
\nDzenan Pejcinovic gave Wolfsburg the lead early but two yellow cards inside three minutes to Joakim Maele reduced the Wolves to 10 men.
\nBuoyed by their one-man advantage, Paderborn laid siege to the Wolfsburg goal and Filip Bilbija levelled things up just before the break with a far post header.
\nThe Wolves managed to keep the hosts at bay and force extra-time but Curda broke through in the 99th minute put his side on course for victory.
\nThe Volkswagen-owned Wolves, who reportedly have the fifth most expensive side in the Bundesliga, had hoped to challenge for a European spot this season but will now play in the Bundesliga 2 for the first time since 1997.
\nThe match was just three minutes old when Pejcinovic hit a low shot into the bottom corner to give the Wolves the lead.
\nWith 11 minutes gone, Maele saw yellow for kicking the ball away in a scuffle.
\nMoments later, the Dane received his marching orders after sliding in recklessly and connecting with Mattes Hansen’s knee. It was the earliest a player had been sent off in the history of the relegation play-off.
\nPaderborn turned up the pressure and Bilbija broke through just before the break, heading in at the back post.
\nIn extra-time, home forward Sven Michel, who was part of the Paderborn side promoted in 2018-2019, floated a cross from the left to the feet of Curda, who volleyed home to send the home fans into raptures.
\n","content_text":"PADERBORN: Paderborn's Laurin Curda scored in extra-time to grab a 2-1 home win in the second relegation playoff leg on Monday and relegate 2009 Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg 2-1 on aggregate.\nThe narrow win returns Paderborn to the Bundesliga after six seasons, while ending Wolfsburg's 29-year run in the top flight.\nWolfsburg, who played all but 14 minutes with 10 men, became just the second top-flight team in the past 14 seasons to be relegated in the two-legged playoff.\nDzenan Pejcinovic gave Wolfsburg the lead early but two yellow cards inside three minutes to Joakim Maele reduced the Wolves to 10 men.\nBuoyed by their one-man advantage, Paderborn laid siege to the Wolfsburg goal and Filip Bilbija levelled things up just before the break with a far post header.\nThe Wolves managed to keep the hosts at bay and force extra-time but Curda broke through in the 99th minute put his side on course for victory.\nThe Volkswagen-owned Wolves, who reportedly have the fifth most expensive side in the Bundesliga, had hoped to challenge for a European spot this season but will now play in the Bundesliga 2 for the first time since 1997.\nThe match was just three minutes old when Pejcinovic hit a low shot into the bottom corner to give the Wolves the lead.\nWith 11 minutes gone, Maele saw yellow for kicking the ball away in a scuffle.\nMoments later, the Dane received his marching orders after sliding in recklessly and connecting with Mattes Hansen's knee. It was the earliest a player had been sent off in the history of the relegation play-off.\nPaderborn turned up the pressure and Bilbija broke through just before the break, heading in at the back post.\nIn extra-time, home forward Sven Michel, who was part of the Paderborn side promoted in 2018-2019, floated a cross from the left to the feet of Curda, who volleyed home to send the home fans into raptures.","date_published":"2026-05-25T22:46:54.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Bundesliga","Laurin Curda","Paderborn","relegate","strike","Wolfsburg"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2bffd84f-afp__20260525__b3z9763__v1__highres__fblgerbundesligarelegationpaderbornwolfsburg_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2bffd84f-afp__20260525__b3z9763__v1__highres__fblgerbundesligarelegationpaderbornwolfsburg_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/lille-part-ways-with-coach-genesio","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/lille-part-ways-with-coach-genesio","title":"Lille part ways with coach Genesio","summary":"Bruno Genesio leaves Lille following the end of his two-year spell at the club.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1ea44bef-afp__20260525__b3yy9zq__v1__highres__filesfblfraligue1lillegenesio_cropped_1.webp\")
LILLE: Lille have parted ways with coach Bruno Genesio after the end of his two-year contract, the Ligue 1 club announced Monday.
\nThe news came despite the 59-year-old leading Lille to a third-place finish in the league, which guaranteed them Champions League football next season.
\n“Having arrived in June 2024, Bruno Genesio has guided the club with talent, commitment, and performance over two seasons marked by fine collective achievements,” Lille said in a statement.
\nThat, the club said, included “two appearances in European competitions, memorable victories in the Uefa Champions League, and a third-place finish in Ligue 1 secured on May 17 at the conclusion of the 2025–26 season”.
\nLille added: “Bruno will remain a key figure who has left a positive mark on the club’s history and who deserves great respect.
\n“LOSC and their president warmly extend to Bruno Genesio their best wishes for his future projects and every success in the rest of his career,” it said.
\n","content_text":"LILLE: Lille have parted ways with coach Bruno Genesio after the end of his two-year contract, the Ligue 1 club announced Monday.\nThe news came despite the 59-year-old leading Lille to a third-place finish in the league, which guaranteed them Champions League football next season.\n\"Having arrived in June 2024, Bruno Genesio has guided the club with talent, commitment, and performance over two seasons marked by fine collective achievements,\" Lille said in a statement.\nThat, the club said, included \"two appearances in European competitions, memorable victories in the Uefa Champions League, and a third-place finish in Ligue 1 secured on May 17 at the conclusion of the 2025–26 season\".\nLille added: \"Bruno will remain a key figure who has left a positive mark on the club's history and who deserves great respect.\n\"LOSC and their president warmly extend to Bruno Genesio their best wishes for his future projects and every success in the rest of his career,\" it said.","date_published":"2026-05-25T22:17:39.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Bruno Genesio","Champions League","ligue 1","Lille","LOSC","UEFA Champions League"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1ea44bef-afp__20260525__b3yy9zq__v1__highres__filesfblfraligue1lillegenesio_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1ea44bef-afp__20260525__b3yy9zq__v1__highres__filesfblfraligue1lillegenesio_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/05/26/fifa-confirms-irans-world-cup-base-camp-moved-to-tijuana","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/05/26/fifa-confirms-irans-world-cup-base-camp-moved-to-tijuana","title":"Fifa confirms Iran’s World Cup base camp moved to Tijuana","summary":"Iran’s group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle remain unchanged despite concerns over delayed US visas for players and staff.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ec799b6d-iran-1.jpg\")
ZURICH: Fifa confirmed Monday that Iran relocated its planned World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico amid the war in the Middle East and security concerns.
\nIran had originally selected a sports complex in Tucson, Arizona, to serve as their national team’s de facto headquarters during the World Cup, but the country sought a change after the US and Israel conducted joint strikes on Iran beginning in late February.
\nFifa published the final list of team base camp locations Monday, with Iran now setting up shop at Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana.
\nThere are not yet any plans to change the location of Iran’s group-stage matches. As part of Group G, Iran is set to play its first two matches in Los Angeles, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, with a June 26 matchup against Egypt in Seattle.
\nBut Tijuana’s location directly across the US-Mexico border from San Diego could help with visa issues when the team needs to enter the country, according to Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation.
\nTaj initially announced the camp’s move Saturday before Fifa made it official.
\n“All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved Fifa,” Taj said in a statement. “Fortunately, following the requests we submitted and the meetings we held with Fifa and World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as the webinar meeting we had yesterday in the Tehran with the respected Fifa secretary general, our request to change the team’s base from the United States to Mexico was approved.”
\nIranian officials said earlier this month their players and staff had not yet received US visas.
\nThe World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 through July 19.
\n","content_text":"ZURICH: Fifa confirmed Monday that Iran relocated its planned World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico amid the war in the Middle East and security concerns.\nIran had originally selected a sports complex in Tucson, Arizona, to serve as their national team's de facto headquarters during the World Cup, but the country sought a change after the US and Israel conducted joint strikes on Iran beginning in late February.\nFifa published the final list of team base camp locations Monday, with Iran now setting up shop at Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana.\nThere are not yet any plans to change the location of Iran's group-stage matches. As part of Group G, Iran is set to play its first two matches in Los Angeles, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, with a June 26 matchup against Egypt in Seattle.\nBut Tijuana's location directly across the US-Mexico border from San Diego could help with visa issues when the team needs to enter the country, according to Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation.\nTaj initially announced the camp's move Saturday before Fifa made it official.\n\"All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved Fifa,\" Taj said in a statement. \"Fortunately, following the requests we submitted and the meetings we held with Fifa and World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as the webinar meeting we had yesterday in the Tehran with the respected Fifa secretary general, our request to change the team's base from the United States to Mexico was approved.\"\nIranian officials said earlier this month their players and staff had not yet received US visas.\nThe World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 through July 19.","date_published":"2026-05-25T22:06:46.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Highlight","Top News","World","Top World","Sports","Football","Top Sports","Base Camp","Iran","TIJUANA","US","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ec799b6d-iran-1.jpg","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ec799b6d-iran-1.jpg"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/man-utds-fernandes-hits-back-at-keane-over-lie","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/man-utds-fernandes-hits-back-at-keane-over-lie","title":"Man Utd’s Fernandes hits back at Keane over ‘lie’","summary":"Roy Keane said Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes had put individual glory over the team's interests.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bdc4fc83-afp__20260111__92cf9uy__v5__highres__776432848_cropped_1.webp\")
LONDON: Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has accused Roy Keane of lying about his successful bid to break the Premier League record for most assists in a single season.
\nFernandes reached a record 21 assists for United in the top-flight this term when he laid on a goal for Patrick Dorgu in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Brighton.
\nThe 31-year-old equalled the previous record, shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, a week earlier during United’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.
\nHowever, former United midfielder Keane has been unimpressed by Fernandes’ pursuit of the landmark.
\nThe outspoken Keane said Fernandes had put individual glory over the team’s interests, describing him as being at the centre of a “circus act”.
\nSpeaking on The Overlap podcast, Keane said: “After the (Forest) game, he got interviewed and he said, the captain of Manchester United said: ‘A few times, I probably should have shot, but I made them passes’.
\n“Wow. How can your mindset of a footballer be going into a match to be about an individual record? He won’t be winning trophies, not with that mindset of the team.”
\nHowever, the former United captain appeared to mistake Fernandes’ comments because the Portugal star actually said: “There were probably moments today when I should have passed instead of shot.
\n“I’m very happy for the assist, but more than that, I’m happy for the win and to finish the season on a high,” he said.
\nAsked on Monday about Keane’s blast, Fernandes slammed the Old Trafford legend.
\n“Like I’ve always said, I don’t mind criticism,” Fernandes told The Diary of a CEO podcast. “What I don’t like is when people lie about things and (in) this case that you said about Roy Keane, basically, what he said is a lie.
\n“Either he saw some other interview or he can’t say that I said one thing that I’ve just not said and luckily for me, everything is on record.
\n“I accept that he might like me as a player or not, like me as a person or not. But what I don’t like is that he puts words in my mouth that have not been said.”
\nFernandes’ superb form this season helped United finish third in the top-flight and earned him the Football Writers Association and Premier League Player of the season awards.
\nHowever, he was so unhappy with Keane’s criticism that he contacted former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to ask for the Irishman’s phone number so the pair could address the issue.
\n“Obviously, I think I’ve always showed a lot of respect for Roy Keane and for everything he’s done for the club and for everything he’s always said,” Fernandes said.
\n“What I don’t like is that people make their own words on what I say and it’s not true,” he added.
\n","content_text":"LONDON: Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has accused Roy Keane of lying about his successful bid to break the Premier League record for most assists in a single season.\nFernandes reached a record 21 assists for United in the top-flight this term when he laid on a goal for Patrick Dorgu in Sunday's 3-0 win at Brighton.\nThe 31-year-old equalled the previous record, shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, a week earlier during United's 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.\nHowever, former United midfielder Keane has been unimpressed by Fernandes' pursuit of the landmark.\nThe outspoken Keane said Fernandes had put individual glory over the team's interests, describing him as being at the centre of a \"circus act\".\nSpeaking on The Overlap podcast, Keane said: \"After the (Forest) game, he got interviewed and he said, the captain of Manchester United said: 'A few times, I probably should have shot, but I made them passes'.\n\"Wow. How can your mindset of a footballer be going into a match to be about an individual record? He won't be winning trophies, not with that mindset of the team.\"\nHowever, the former United captain appeared to mistake Fernandes' comments because the Portugal star actually said: \"There were probably moments today when I should have passed instead of shot.\n\"I'm very happy for the assist, but more than that, I'm happy for the win and to finish the season on a high,\" he said.\nAsked on Monday about Keane's blast, Fernandes slammed the Old Trafford legend.\n\"Like I've always said, I don't mind criticism,\" Fernandes told The Diary of a CEO podcast. \"What I don't like is when people lie about things and (in) this case that you said about Roy Keane, basically, what he said is a lie.\n\"Either he saw some other interview or he can't say that I said one thing that I've just not said and luckily for me, everything is on record.\n\"I accept that he might like me as a player or not, like me as a person or not. But what I don't like is that he puts words in my mouth that have not been said.\"\nFernandes' superb form this season helped United finish third in the top-flight and earned him the Football Writers Association and Premier League Player of the season awards.\nHowever, he was so unhappy with Keane's criticism that he contacted former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to ask for the Irishman's phone number so the pair could address the issue.\n\"Obviously, I think I've always showed a lot of respect for Roy Keane and for everything he's done for the club and for everything he's always said,\" Fernandes said.\n\"What I don't like is that people make their own words on what I say and it's not true,\" he added.","date_published":"2026-05-25T21:57:53.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Bruno Fernandes","Football Writers' Association","Manchester United","Premier League","Premier League player","Roy Keane"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bdc4fc83-afp__20260111__92cf9uy__v5__highres__776432848_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bdc4fc83-afp__20260111__92cf9uy__v5__highres__776432848_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/ac-milan-sack-coach-allegri-after-unequivocal-champions-league-failure","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/ac-milan-sack-coach-allegri-after-unequivocal-champions-league-failure","title":"AC Milan sack coach Allegri after ‘unequivocal’ Champions League failure","summary":"The club's owners, RedBird Capital, said they are parting ways with head coach Massimiliano Allegri and senior club management.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/d437149e-afp__20260419__a8bp9vj__v1__highres__fblitaserieahellasveronamilan_1_cropped_1.webp\")
ROME: AC Milan announced on Monday that they had sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri and a host of senior club management after missing out on next season’s Champions League.
\nThe 19-time Serie A winners lost 2-1 at home to Cagliari on Sunday in the final game of the league game season, denying them a return to European football’s leading competition.
\nAllegri, 58, was appointed last May, returning to the northern club after 11 years, following his first tenure, which ended after they also failed to qualify for the Champions League.
\nFormer striker and now RedBird advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic keeps his position despite being heavily criticised by the seven-time European Cup winners’ fans.
\n“After the disappointment of last year, the mandate ownership set for the club was to return to the Champions League and to establish a foundation for winning consistently at the top of Serie A,” AC Milan’s owners RedBird capital said.
\n“It is now time for change and a comprehensive reorganisation of football operations.
\n“Effective immediately, we are parting ways with CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, head coach Massimiliano Allegri and technical director Geoffrey Moncada.
\n“We thank each one for their hard work and dedication to AC Milan during their respective tenures.
\n“Further announcements regarding the next appointments will be made in due course, with the goal to be ready and well prepared for the next season,” they added.
\nMilan finished one point below Como in the fourth and final Champions League spot after the loss to lowly Cagliari and Cesc Fabregas’ side’s win at Cremonese.
\nThey had started the day in third.
\n‘Completely inconsistent’
\nThey spent more than half of the season in the top two of the table before an end of season slump, which included three losses, a draw and just one win.
\nAfter the Cagliari shock, former Juve boss Allegri had said nothing about his future at the San Siro.
\n“For the majority of this season, we were in the top two positions in Serie A, with a credible shot at competing for the Scudetto,” RedBird said.
\n“The final stretch was completely inconsistent with the performance up to that point, with last night’s disappointing loss in the final game turning the season into an unequivocal failure,” they added.
\nMilan will start the new Serie A season on the weekend of August 22-23 and will also feature in the second-tier Europa League.
\nRed Bird will now look for a fifth man in charge since they took over the club in 2024.
\nItalian media have linked Antonio Conte, who has just left Napoli and Atalanta’s Raffaele Palladino, with the Milan job.
\n","content_text":"ROME: AC Milan announced on Monday that they had sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri and a host of senior club management after missing out on next season's Champions League.\nThe 19-time Serie A winners lost 2-1 at home to Cagliari on Sunday in the final game of the league game season, denying them a return to European football's leading competition.\nAllegri, 58, was appointed last May, returning to the northern club after 11 years, following his first tenure, which ended after they also failed to qualify for the Champions League.\nFormer striker and now RedBird advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic keeps his position despite being heavily criticised by the seven-time European Cup winners' fans.\n\"After the disappointment of last year, the mandate ownership set for the club was to return to the Champions League and to establish a foundation for winning consistently at the top of Serie A,\" AC Milan's owners RedBird capital said.\n\"It is now time for change and a comprehensive reorganisation of football operations.\n\"Effective immediately, we are parting ways with CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, head coach Massimiliano Allegri and technical director Geoffrey Moncada.\n\"We thank each one for their hard work and dedication to AC Milan during their respective tenures.\n\"Further announcements regarding the next appointments will be made in due course, with the goal to be ready and well prepared for the next season,\" they added.\nMilan finished one point below Como in the fourth and final Champions League spot after the loss to lowly Cagliari and Cesc Fabregas' side's win at Cremonese.\nThey had started the day in third.\n'Completely inconsistent' \nThey spent more than half of the season in the top two of the table before an end of season slump, which included three losses, a draw and just one win.\nAfter the Cagliari shock, former Juve boss Allegri had said nothing about his future at the San Siro.\n\"For the majority of this season, we were in the top two positions in Serie A, with a credible shot at competing for the Scudetto,\" RedBird said.\n\"The final stretch was completely inconsistent with the performance up to that point, with last night's disappointing loss in the final game turning the season into an unequivocal failure,\" they added.\nMilan will start the new Serie A season on the weekend of August 22-23 and will also feature in the second-tier Europa League.\nRed Bird will now look for a fifth man in charge since they took over the club in 2024.\nItalian media have linked Antonio Conte, who has just left Napoli and Atalanta's Raffaele Palladino, with the Milan job.","date_published":"2026-05-25T21:31:51.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","AC Milan","Cagliari","Champions League","coach","Europe League","Massimiliano Allegri","Red Bird","Serie A"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/d437149e-afp__20260419__a8bp9vj__v1__highres__fblitaserieahellasveronamilan_1_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/d437149e-afp__20260419__a8bp9vj__v1__highres__fblitaserieahellasveronamilan_1_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/de-zerbis-passion-saved-spurs-from-relegation-says-maddison","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/26/de-zerbis-passion-saved-spurs-from-relegation-says-maddison","title":"De Zerbi’s ‘passion’ saved Spurs from relegation, says Maddison","summary":"Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison says Roberto De Zerbi’s passion and relentless work ethic helped restore belief in the squad and avoid relegation.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0cd56bef-roberto-de-zerbi-22082025.webp\")
LONDON: Tottenham midfielder James Maddison praised Roberto De Zerbi for using his passionate personality to save the club from the humiliation of relegation.
\nDe Zerbi’s side went into the last day of the Premier League season in danger of dropping into the second tier for the first time since 1977-1978.
\nHowever, a tense 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday, secured by Joao Palhinha’s first half goal, sealed their survival and sent London rivals West Ham into the Championship instead.
\nWhen De Zerbi took over from sacked interim boss Igor Tudor in March, Tottenham were winless in the Premier League in 2026.
\nThey slipped into the relegation zone before De Zerbi’s debut defeat at Sunderland, while a significant injury list threatened to overwhelm the Italian’s survival bid.
\nHowever, Maddison said De Zerbi’s infectious positivity restored belief among the players and rebuilt a previously fractured connection with Tottenham’s miserable fan-base.
\nA first home victory in the Premier League since Dec 6 was enough to retain their top-flight status.
\nMaddison, who missed the majority of the season with a serious knee injury, said: “I am really happy for the manager who came in and steered the ship clear because I think without him, it could have been doom and gloom if I am honest.
\n“He’s so passionate. He’s been living at the training ground with the guys, with his team.
\n“He’s there at 9pm with all his staff. They’ve got the tactics board up, there’s six of them, they’re just talking, it’s 9pm and we’ve already had four or five meetings on each game. He’s just obsessed with football and he’s passionate,” he said.
\nHailing De Zerbi’s enthusiasm and drive as vital qualities while dealing with a struggling squad, Maddison added: “When you feel the authenticity of someone who’s passionate for Tottenham and when you see the man who’s steering the ship, when he’s genuine, and not just saying it for the sake of it, you can tell he means that.
\n“That’s why he says, ‘I have blood inside me, not water’. He always says that. It’s because he’s genuinely passionate about the club.
\n“Without that appointment, disaster could have maybe struck, but it didn’t and he takes a lot of credit for that because of the work he’s done behind the scenes and on the training pitch,” he added.
\n","content_text":"LONDON: Tottenham midfielder James Maddison praised Roberto De Zerbi for using his passionate personality to save the club from the humiliation of relegation.\nDe Zerbi's side went into the last day of the Premier League season in danger of dropping into the second tier for the first time since 1977-1978.\nHowever, a tense 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday, secured by Joao Palhinha's first half goal, sealed their survival and sent London rivals West Ham into the Championship instead.\nWhen De Zerbi took over from sacked interim boss Igor Tudor in March, Tottenham were winless in the Premier League in 2026.\nThey slipped into the relegation zone before De Zerbi's debut defeat at Sunderland, while a significant injury list threatened to overwhelm the Italian's survival bid.\nHowever, Maddison said De Zerbi's infectious positivity restored belief among the players and rebuilt a previously fractured connection with Tottenham's miserable fan-base.\nA first home victory in the Premier League since Dec 6 was enough to retain their top-flight status.\nMaddison, who missed the majority of the season with a serious knee injury, said: \"I am really happy for the manager who came in and steered the ship clear because I think without him, it could have been doom and gloom if I am honest.\n\"He's so passionate. He's been living at the training ground with the guys, with his team.\n\"He's there at 9pm with all his staff. They've got the tactics board up, there's six of them, they're just talking, it's 9pm and we've already had four or five meetings on each game. He's just obsessed with football and he's passionate,\" he said.\nHailing De Zerbi's enthusiasm and drive as vital qualities while dealing with a struggling squad, Maddison added: \"When you feel the authenticity of someone who's passionate for Tottenham and when you see the man who's steering the ship, when he's genuine, and not just saying it for the sake of it, you can tell he means that.\n\"That's why he says, 'I have blood inside me, not water'. He always says that. It's because he's genuinely passionate about the club.\n\"Without that appointment, disaster could have maybe struck, but it didn't and he takes a lot of credit for that because of the work he's done behind the scenes and on the training pitch,\" he added.","date_published":"2026-05-25T21:21:52.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","james maddison","Premier League","Roberto De Zerbi","Tottenham Hotspur"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0cd56bef-roberto-de-zerbi-22082025.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0cd56bef-roberto-de-zerbi-22082025.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/25/wawrinka-bids-adieu-to-roland-garros-with-first-round-loss","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/25/wawrinka-bids-adieu-to-roland-garros-with-first-round-loss","title":"Wawrinka bids adieu to Roland Garros with first-round loss","summary":"The former French Open champion lost to Jesper de Jong 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a match lasting just over three hours.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/f58dc20b-stan-wawrinka-25052026.webp\")
PARIS: Former French Open champion Stan Wawrinka bowed out of his 21st and final Roland Garros on Monday with a four-set defeat to Jesper de Jong.
\nThe 41-year-old Swiss will hang up his racquet at the end of the current season and had hoped for one last swansong at the major he won in 2015 but his goodbye was cut short in the first round.
\nWawrinka went down in just over three hours on court under a blazing sun, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Dutch lucky loser De Jong.
\nAfter the match, Wawrinka was presented with a glass case containing a section of a clay court and two video tributes to his career were displayed on big screens around the stadium – the latter featuring messages directed to Wawrinka from former champions Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, among other luminaries of the sport.
\n“It’s hard, I don’t want to say goodbye to you here,” Wawrinka said, before also thanking the people who work behind the scenes at the tournament.
\n“Unfortunately, it’s my last match at Roland Garros, but thank you.”
\n“Me too, I love you,” he added in response to cries from the spectators of ‘we love you, Stan’.
\n“Thanks to all your support, I wanted to go on as long as possible, to 41 years of age, to continue living moments like this.”
\nDespite the mercury tipping over 30°C, there were few empty seats to spare on Court Simonne Mathieu to see the hugely popular former world number three appear for the final time on the red dirt in Paris.
\nA crushing forehand by De Jong earned the 106th-ranked player the crucial break to get ahead 5-4 in the fourth set.
\nHis every point roared on by the crowd, Wawrinka forced a break-back opportunity but his best efforts to prolong his stay in Roland Garros, which at one moment left him lying panting on his back, were in vain as De Jong battled into the second round.
\n“To be honest, it’s not about me today,” the 25-year-old said.
\n“Funny story about Stan, he was playing against my coach when I was a ball kid!
\n“It’s all about Stan today.”
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Former French Open champion Stan Wawrinka bowed out of his 21st and final Roland Garros on Monday with a four-set defeat to Jesper de Jong.\nThe 41-year-old Swiss will hang up his racquet at the end of the current season and had hoped for one last swansong at the major he won in 2015 but his goodbye was cut short in the first round.\nWawrinka went down in just over three hours on court under a blazing sun, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Dutch lucky loser De Jong.\nAfter the match, Wawrinka was presented with a glass case containing a section of a clay court and two video tributes to his career were displayed on big screens around the stadium – the latter featuring messages directed to Wawrinka from former champions Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, among other luminaries of the sport.\n\"It's hard, I don't want to say goodbye to you here,\" Wawrinka said, before also thanking the people who work behind the scenes at the tournament.\n\"Unfortunately, it's my last match at Roland Garros, but thank you.\"\n\"Me too, I love you,\" he added in response to cries from the spectators of 'we love you, Stan'.\n\"Thanks to all your support, I wanted to go on as long as possible, to 41 years of age, to continue living moments like this.\"\nDespite the mercury tipping over 30°C, there were few empty seats to spare on Court Simonne Mathieu to see the hugely popular former world number three appear for the final time on the red dirt in Paris.\nA crushing forehand by De Jong earned the 106th-ranked player the crucial break to get ahead 5-4 in the fourth set.\nHis every point roared on by the crowd, Wawrinka forced a break-back opportunity but his best efforts to prolong his stay in Roland Garros, which at one moment left him lying panting on his back, were in vain as De Jong battled into the second round.\n\"To be honest, it's not about me today,\" the 25-year-old said.\n\"Funny story about Stan, he was playing against my coach when I was a ball kid!\n\"It's all about Stan today.\"","date_published":"2026-05-25T15:33:27.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","clay court","final farewell","French Open","grand slam","Jesper de Jong","Paris tennis","Roland Garros","Stan Wawrinka","Swiss tennis","tennis legend"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/f58dc20b-stan-wawrinka-25052026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/f58dc20b-stan-wawrinka-25052026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/25/rybakina-cruises-through-roland-garros-opener","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/25/rybakina-cruises-through-roland-garros-opener","title":"Rybakina cruises through Roland Garros opener","summary":"The second seed needed just 74 minutes on a scorching Court Philippe Chatrier to beat Veronika Erjavec 6-2, 6-2.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/d1f7add7-elena-rybakina-25052026.webp\")
PARIS: Elena Rybakina eased into the second round at Roland Garros on Monday with a comfortable opening win over Slovenian Veronika Erjavec.
\nThe second seed needed just 74 minutes on a scorching Court Philippe Chatrier to seal her passage through the round of 128 with a 6-2, 6-2 victory.
\n“I’m really happy with the win of course, there are things to improve but today it’s really hot,” Rybakina said on court, before reminding the spectators to make sure to stay hydrated.
\n“It’s tough conditions but I’m happy things worked, and I’m looking forward to the next match.”
\nRybakina will next take on Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva as the Kazakh seeks to win her second Grand Slam of the season, following her success at the Australian Open in January.
\nDespite disappointing runs in the WTA 1000-level events immediately preceding the French Open, the 26-year-old has already lifted a title on clay this season in Stuttgart.
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Elena Rybakina eased into the second round at Roland Garros on Monday with a comfortable opening win over Slovenian Veronika Erjavec.\nThe second seed needed just 74 minutes on a scorching Court Philippe Chatrier to seal her passage through the round of 128 with a 6-2, 6-2 victory.\n\"I'm really happy with the win of course, there are things to improve but today it's really hot,\" Rybakina said on court, before reminding the spectators to make sure to stay hydrated.\n\"It's tough conditions but I'm happy things worked, and I'm looking forward to the next match.\"\nRybakina will next take on Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva as the Kazakh seeks to win her second Grand Slam of the season, following her success at the Australian Open in January.\nDespite disappointing runs in the WTA 1000-level events immediately preceding the French Open, the 26-year-old has already lifted a title on clay this season in Stuttgart.","date_published":"2026-05-25T14:20:24.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Clay season","Elena Rybakina","French Open","grand slam","Kazakhstan tennis","Paris tennis","Roland Garros","tennis tournament","Veronika Erjavec","WTA tennis"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/d1f7add7-elena-rybakina-25052026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/d1f7add7-elena-rybakina-25052026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/25/yamal-leads-spain-world-cup-squad-merino-recalled","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/25/yamal-leads-spain-world-cup-squad-merino-recalled","title":"Yamal leads Spain World Cup squad, Merino recalled","summary":"For the first time at a World Cup, the Spanish squad will not feature a Real Madrid player, with Dean Huijsen and veteran Dani Carvajal dropped.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/d069361a-lamine-yamal-11112025.webp\")
MADRID: Lamine Yamal is the star name in Spain’s squad for the 2026 World Cup named by coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday, which also included Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino after his recent return from injury.
\nFor the first time at a World Cup, the Spain squad will not feature a Real Madrid player, with Dean Huijsen dropped and veteran Dani Carvajal also excluded after struggling through an injury-hit campaign.
\nMerino, a favourite of coach De la Fuente, appeared as a substitute for the Gunners against Crystal Palace on Sunday in their final Premier League match, for his first appearance since January after a foot fracture.
\nDe La Fuente also called up defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill after impressive seasons with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, respectively, deciding to leave out Huijsen and Atletico’s Robin Le Normand.
\nAlong with 18-year-old Barca star Yamal, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams played a key role as Spain won Euro 2024 and he is in the squad despite a season badly disrupted by fitness issues.
\nYamal is a doubt for the first matches of the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury with Barca, which has kept him out since late April.
\nThe winger is one of eight Barca players in the squad, along with midfielders Gavi, Pedri and goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
\n“We’re coordinating with the medical departments of all the clubs,” De la Fuente told reporters.
\n“The reports that we have say all the players will be ready for the first game or the second.”
\nGavi returned from a long absence in March after a severe knee injury and has impressed with Barcelona in the final weeks of the season.
\nYamal posted a video on social media of Gavi’s emotional reaction to the squad announcement, celebrating wildly during a gym session with Barca.
\n“That shows the human quality this group of players have… one of our strengths, and that’s just as important as what they do on the pitch,” said De la Fuente.
\n“I’m glad he got emotional, because we know how much this means to him.”
\nAsked about not calling up any Real Madrid players for the tournament, De la Fuente said that had no impact on his decision-making.
\n“Luckily I’m the national team coach and I don’t look at where the players come from,” explained the coach.
\n“They’re national team players… I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have that local bias a fan might have, for me it’s more global…
\n“The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.”
\nSpain open their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde in Group H, before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
\n","content_text":"MADRID: Lamine Yamal is the star name in Spain's squad for the 2026 World Cup named by coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday, which also included Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino after his recent return from injury.\nFor the first time at a World Cup, the Spain squad will not feature a Real Madrid player, with Dean Huijsen dropped and veteran Dani Carvajal also excluded after struggling through an injury-hit campaign.\nMerino, a favourite of coach De la Fuente, appeared as a substitute for the Gunners against Crystal Palace on Sunday in their final Premier League match, for his first appearance since January after a foot fracture.\nDe La Fuente also called up defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill after impressive seasons with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, respectively, deciding to leave out Huijsen and Atletico's Robin Le Normand.\nAlong with 18-year-old Barca star Yamal, Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams played a key role as Spain won Euro 2024 and he is in the squad despite a season badly disrupted by fitness issues.\nYamal is a doubt for the first matches of the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury with Barca, which has kept him out since late April.\nThe winger is one of eight Barca players in the squad, along with midfielders Gavi, Pedri and goalkeeper Joan Garcia.\n\"We're coordinating with the medical departments of all the clubs,\" De la Fuente told reporters.\n\"The reports that we have say all the players will be ready for the first game or the second.\"\nGavi returned from a long absence in March after a severe knee injury and has impressed with Barcelona in the final weeks of the season.\nYamal posted a video on social media of Gavi's emotional reaction to the squad announcement, celebrating wildly during a gym session with Barca.\n\"That shows the human quality this group of players have... one of our strengths, and that's just as important as what they do on the pitch,\" said De la Fuente.\n\"I'm glad he got emotional, because we know how much this means to him.\"\nAsked about not calling up any Real Madrid players for the tournament, De la Fuente said that had no impact on his decision-making.\n\"Luckily I'm the national team coach and I don't look at where the players come from,\" explained the coach.\n\"They're national team players... I don't look at one club or another. I don't have that local bias a fan might have, for me it's more global...\n\"The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.\"\nSpain open their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde in Group H, before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.","date_published":"2026-05-25T12:05:12.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Arsenal midfielder","Barcelona players","Euro 2024","Lamine Yamal","Luis de la Fuente","Mikel Merino","Nico Williams","Real Madrid","Spain squad","Spain World Cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/d069361a-lamine-yamal-11112025.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/d069361a-lamine-yamal-11112025.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/25/swiatek-races-into-french-open-second-round","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/05/25/swiatek-races-into-french-open-second-round","title":"Swiatek races into French Open second round","summary":"The four-time champion beat Emerson Jones 6-1, 6-2, and will take on Sara Bejlek for a place in the last 32 on Wednesday.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/e8a40304-iqa-swiatek-25052026.webp\")
PARIS: Four-time champion Iga Swiatek powered into the French Open second round on Monday with a dominant straight-sets win over Australian teenager Emerson Jones.
\nSwiatek, playing at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since linking up with Rafael Nadal’s former coach Francisco Roig, showed flashes of her best tennis in a 6-1, 6-2 victory.
\nThe Pole is looking to regain the trophy she won at Roland Garros in three successive years from 2022-24 before losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals 12 months ago.
\nSwiatek will take on Czech Sara Bejlek for a place in the last 32 on Wednesday.
\nThe third seed is among the favourites for the title after finding some form by reaching the Italian Open semi-finals earlier this month.
\nSwiatek led 6-1, 3-0, before 17-year-old wildcard Jones battled for respectability, holding serve for the first time in the fifth game of the second set.
\nAn upset was never on the cards, though, and Swiatek wrapped up victory after just an hour on Court Philippe Chatrier.
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Four-time champion Iga Swiatek powered into the French Open second round on Monday with a dominant straight-sets win over Australian teenager Emerson Jones.\nSwiatek, playing at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since linking up with Rafael Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig, showed flashes of her best tennis in a 6-1, 6-2 victory.\nThe Pole is looking to regain the trophy she won at Roland Garros in three successive years from 2022-24 before losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals 12 months ago.\nSwiatek will take on Czech Sara Bejlek for a place in the last 32 on Wednesday.\nThe third seed is among the favourites for the title after finding some form by reaching the Italian Open semi-finals earlier this month.\nSwiatek led 6-1, 3-0, before 17-year-old wildcard Jones battled for respectability, holding serve for the first time in the fifth game of the second set.\nAn upset was never on the cards, though, and Swiatek wrapped up victory after just an hour on Court Philippe Chatrier.","date_published":"2026-05-25T11:30:45.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Aryna Sabalenka","Emerson Jones","Francisco Roig","French Open","grand slam","Iga Swiatek","Italian Open","Rafael Nadal","Roland Garros","Tennis Victory"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/e8a40304-iqa-swiatek-25052026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/e8a40304-iqa-swiatek-25052026.webp"}]}