Category: Football

Ange Postecoglou is in line for a swift return to the Premier League at Nottingham Forest to replace Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach.

Nuno, who was sacked on Tuesday, led Forest to European qualification for the first time in 30 years last season by finishing seventh in the Premier League.

But he became the first Premier League manager to lose his job this season after publicly stating that his relationship with the club’s owner, Greek billionaire Evangelos Marinakis, had deteriorated.

“Following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as head coach,” Forest said in a statement released in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

“The club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at the City Ground, in particular his role in the 2024/25 season, which will forever be remembered fondly in the history of the club.”

British media reported that Postecoglou, who was sacked by Tottenham in June, just days after winning the Europa League, could be appointed in time to face Arsenal in Saturday’s Premier League clash.

Despite ending Spurs’ 17-year wait to win a trophy, the Australian was dismissed due to Tottenham’s worst league season since 1976/77 as they finished 17th.

Nuno took charge in December 2023 after Steve Cooper was sacked and went on to save the club from relegation.

Forest surpassed all expectations last season, but cracks in the relationship between Nuno and Marinakis began to show after they let slip a promising opportunity to qualify for the Champions League.

Marinakis appeared to confront Nuno on the pitch following a 2-2 draw against Leicester in May, although the club claimed that was due to the decision to let striker Taiwo Awoniyi play on following an 88th-minute injury that later required urgent abdominal surgery.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Nuno was then publicly critical of Forest’s transfer activity before the season began, saying he was “worried” about their prospects and his squad had been left “unbalanced”.

Forest eventually brought in 13 players as new sporting director Edu Gaspar took a more hands-on role in signings.

“I always had a very good relationship with the owner. Last season, we were very close and spoke on a daily basis. This season, it is not so well,” Nuno said last month of his dealings with Marinakis.

“Our relationship has changed, and we are not as close. Everybody at the club should be together, but this is not the reality.”

Nuno later said that he had spoken to Marinakis on the telephone and that the two would meet during the international break to iron out their differences.

But after a 3-0 home defeat to struggling West Ham in Nuno’s final game in charge, Marinakis has opted to go in a different direction.

The shipping magnate will be hoping Greek-born Postecoglou can repeat his Europa League success, with Forest among the favourites to win the competition.

But Postecoglou’s attacking style is vastly different to the cautious approach that reaped rewards for Nuno at the City Ground.

Forest sit 10th in the Premier League on four points after three games.

READ: Pakistan pacer announces retirement from international cricket

Sandro Tonali earned Italy a thrilling 5-4 win against Israel on Monday with the decisive late strike in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier, just as it looked the Azzurri were plunging into another crisis.

Newcastle United midfielder Tonali wheeled off in celebration in stoppage time when his speculative effort went through a sea of legs and into the net to win a rollercoaster of a match in Debrecen, Hungary, which Italy looked to have thrown away.

The Azzurri, who have missed the last two World Cups, were leading 4-2 in the 81st minute when substitute Giacomo Raspadori rolled home almost immediately after replacing the impressive Moise Kean, who netted Italy’s first two goals.

However, a clumsy Alessandro Bastoni own-goal and Dor Peretz’s header drew Israel level before Tonali’s fortunate effort moved Italy up to second in Group I, level on nine points with Israel, who have played a game more, and in the play-off spot.

“We’ll take the win, which was crucial for us, but we’re completely nuts, nuts because we conceded some absurd goals,” said Gennaro Gattuso.

“We need to work on that because we’re too fragile, and we concede goals too easily. The boys know that, but this is my problem to fix.

“You have to give credit to the boys because every time they took a slap, they dared to react and fight back.”

Italy trail leaders Norway by three points and still have a chance of taking first place and the group’s sole direct qualifying spot.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Monday’s match had cast a political cloud over Gattuso’s first fixtures in charge of Italy due to Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The small group of Italian fans present turned their backs to the pitch during the Israeli national anthem, while boos also rang out from sections of the stadium, before then holding up banners which read “stop”.

And the Italians on the pitch looked equally uninterested in the match come kick-off, with Israel snappier and more aggressive than the four-time world champions.

The nominal home had already had a goal disallowed by the time Locatelli bundled Dan Biton’s cross into his own net.

Locatelli almost made up for his own-goal when he struck the bar with an acrobatic volley in the 31st minute, seconds before Kean wasted a great opportunity from a Gianluca Mancini cut-back.

But 10 minutes later, Kean thumped a low drive past Daniel Peretz after collecting a knockdown from strike partner Mateo Retegui.

And Kean came to the rescue again nine minutes after the break, levelling with another powerful low shot just seconds after Peretz put Israel ahead for the second time with a brilliant first-time effort.

Politano finally put Italy ahead with a great volley after more fine work from Retegui, and when Raspadori rolled home the fourth, it seemed the away team looked out of the woods.

But it took Tonali’s unusual winner to finally secure the three points after uncharacteristically bad defending nearly left Italy’s hopes of qualification hanging by a thread.

READ: Nottingham Forest sack head coach Nuno after rift with owner

Inter Miami star Luis Suarez was issued a three-game suspension by Major League Soccer (MLS) on Monday for a spitting incident after Miami lost the Leagues Cup final to Seattle.

Three days after the Leagues Cup imposed a six-match ban on Suarez for spitting at a Sounders official following a melee after Seattle’s 3-0 victory, MLS issued sanctions for league matches.

The 38-year-old former Uruguay, Liverpool, and Barcelona star will be suspended for Miami regular-season matches on Saturday at Charlotte and at home against Seattle on September 16 and DC United on September 20.

MLS also revoked credential rights for Sounders staffer Steven Lenhart for the remainder of the season and playoffs, keeping him from being on or near the field or locker rooms.

The Sounders were also fined an undisclosed sum for credential misappropriation.

Inter Miami sit sixth in the Eastern Conference on 46 points — 11 behind conference leaders Philadelphia, but have four matches in hand.

The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee said Suarez’s suspension would only apply to next year’s edition of the tournament, which features sides from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Cup also issued Suarez’s Inter Miami teammate Sergio Busquets a two-match ban, and Miami’s Tomas Aviles was barred from three Cup matches, while Lenhart was suspended for five Cup games.

In the August 31 Cup final, Suarez rushed at Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas and put him in a headlock, igniting a melee involving multiple players and staff from both clubs.

Cameras later caught Suarez spitting at a Seattle staff member as he walked away from Vargas.

Suarez had previously been hit with suspensions for biting and racially abusing opponents in separate incidents earlier in his career.

He apologized for his actions in a statement last Thursday, a day prior to the Cup-imposed punishments.

“It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where right after the match things happened that shouldn’t have happened, but that doesn’t justify the reaction I had,” Suarez wrote on Instagram.

“I was wrong and I sincerely regret it… I feel bad about what happened, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to acknowledge it and apologize to everyone who felt hurt by what I did.”

READ: Nottingham Forest sack head coach Nuno after rift with owner

Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked by Nottingham Forest early on Tuesday, becoming the first English Premier League manager this season to lose his job.

“The club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era,” said a club statement released just after midnight.

The Portuguese had been in charge for 21 months at the City Ground, but two weeks ago, he said his relationship with the club’s owner, the Greek billionaire Evangelos Marinakis, had deteriorated.

“Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espirito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as head coach,” the club said.

The 51-year-old took charge in December 2023 after Steve Cooper was sacked and went on to save the club from relegation.

Last season the club finished seventh in the Premier League, their highest since 1994/95.

That secured a first European berth in 30 years, with a Europa League place handed to Forest instead of their initial Conference League spot, after Crystal Palace’s demotion for breaching UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

“The club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at the City Ground, in particular his role in the 2024/25 season, which will forever be remembered fondly in the history of the club,” said the statement

“As someone who played a pivotal role in our success last season, he will always hold a special place in our journey.”

Nottingham Forest sit 10th in the Premier League on four points after three games, but were soundly beaten 3-0 by struggling West Ham in Nuno’s last match in charge.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

British media reported that talks had begun to appoint a successor quickly, with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou said to be among the candidates along with Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.

Cracks between the owner and head coach began to show in May last season, when Marinakis appeared to confront Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch following a 2-2 draw against Leicester at the City Ground.

Forest later said the owner was frustrated that striker Taiwo Awoniyi had continued to play following an 88th-minute injury but added there was “no confrontation” and to suggest otherwise was “fake news”.

Nuno, who also managed Tottenham in 2021, was publicly critical of Forest’s transfer activity since the end of last season, which reportedly did not go down well with Marinakis.

Forest brought in 13 players as new sporting director Edu Gaspar took a more hands-on role in signings, but they let several others go, including Anthony Elanga, Danilo and Wayne Hennessey, leaving Nuno to complain his side had become “unbalanced”.

“I always had a very good relationship with the owner. Last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis. This season it is not so well,” Nuno said last month of his dealings with Marinakis.

“Our relationship has changed and we are not as close. Everybody at the club should be together but this is not the reality.”

Nuno later said he had spoken to Marinakis on the phone since and the two would meet during the international break to iron out their differences.

Sky Sports News reported that the meeting never materialised and Marinakis decided instead it was better to replace Nuno.

Edu and chief football officer Ross Wilson will oversee the appointment of a new head coach.

Forest’s next match is away to third-placed Arsenal on Saturday.

READ: Jayden Seales named in nominee’s for ICC Men’s Player of the Month

France coach Didier Deschamps calmed suggestions of a rift between the national team and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after the European champions were left fuming after Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue picked up injuries on international duty.

Dembele, PSG’s leading scorer last season and one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or, has been ruled out for between six and eight weeks after coming off hurt in France’s 2-0 win over Ukraine in World Cup qualifying on Friday.

Doue was injured in the same game and is expected to be sidelined for a month, dealing a major blow to PSG as they prepare to begin their defence of the Champions League title.

The club wrote to the French Football Federation (FFF) on Sunday, calling for a “more transparent and collaborative coordination protocol to be put in place between clubs and national teams”.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

PSG, whose squad had a significantly shortened close-season break after going all the way to the final of the Club World Cup in July, said they had provided the FFF with “concrete” medical information about how much workload their players could withstand.

They said that their recommendations were ignored.

Deschamps insisted that the French team’s medical staff “did things in a very professional and progressive way, as we do with all the players, taking into account how each player feels”.

“Even if they are eager to play, that feeling is always a very important element for us,” added the French coach, who was speaking before Les Bleus host Iceland at PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium on Tuesday.

“PSG are not our adversary, and never have been. The clubs never have been, even if our interests go in different directions, and that is normal.

“I have been on the other side of the barrier. Our only opponent is Iceland,” Deschamps said, insisting that there are always exchanges between his team and the clubs.

He used the examples of Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki and Arsenal defender William Saliba, who picked up injuries and were told they would not need to come to the French team’s training base for further assessment despite having being called up.

“I am not going to make them come when we are perfectly aware it’s not possible, because our doctor was sent the images from their scans,” said the coach.

READ: ‘Nawaz is a real match-winner’: Salman Ali Agha echoes Babar Azam’s statement

Morocco trounced 10-man Niger 5-0 in Rabat on Friday to win Group E and become the first African qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Ismael Saibari scored twice in the first half after Abdul-Latif Goumey was sent off, and second-half goals from Ayoub el Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi completed the rout.

A sixth straight victory lifted Morocco to an unassailable lead with 18 points, eight more than Tanzania, and sealed a seventh appearance at the global showpiece with two matches to spare.

Morocco were shock semi-finalists at the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, topping a group including Croatia and Belgium and eliminating Spain and Portugal in the knockout phase.

The stunning run came to an end in the semi-finals as they lost 2-0 to France.

Only Ounahi of the scorers against Niger was in the 2022 World Cup squad, with coach Walid Regragui introducing new faces since, including Saibari from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.

In Group A, Egypt beat Ethiopia 2-0 in Cairo with Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush converting late first-half penalties.

Egypt can join Morocco at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico if they win away to second-placed Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

Newcastle United signing Yoane Wissa was among the goals as the Democratic Republic of Congo hammered South Sudan 4-1 in Juba to stay top of Group B.

Wissa moved from Brentford in a £50 million ($67 mn) deal after Sweden striker Alexander Isak left Newcastle for Liverpool in a British record move.

The Congolese are hoping to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the Central African country was known as Zaire.

Cedric Bakambu scored twice to help the visitors build a three-goal half-time advantage, and Wissa added a fourth before Keer Majak claimed a consolation goal.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Senegal trail DR Congo by one point ahead of a top-of-the-table showdown in Kinshasa on Tuesday after beating Sudan 2-0 in Diamniadio through goals from Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr.

South Africa maintained a five-point lead in Group C thanks to a comfortable 3-0 ‘away’ victory over neighbours Lesotho in Bloemfontein.

The home fixture for Lesotho was moved to the central South African city, 145 kilometres by road from the border, because the mountain kingdom does not have a FIFA-approved stadium.

Mohau Nkota, who quit famed Soweto club Orlando Pirates last month to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq, scored his first international goal for Bafana Bafana (the Boys) in 15 minutes.

Lyle Foster from Premier League returnees Burnley and Oswin Appollis netted within four minutes midway through the second half.

Victory did come at a cost for South Africa, though, with defenders Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane retiring injured ahead of a key clash with Nigeria at the same venue on Tuesday.

South Africa have 16 points, five more than Benin, who edged Zimbabwe 1-0 in Abidjan through a Steve Mounie goal. Nigeria, nine points behind the leaders, hosts Rwanda on Saturday.

Clinical first-half finishing earned Gambia a surprise 3-1 win over Kenya in Nairobi, with Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh scoring the second.

However, the result had no impact on the top of Group F, with reigning African champions the Ivory Coast away to Gabon on Tuesday in a match likely to decide who finishes first.

Serhou Guirassy, a prolific scorer for Borussia Dortmund with 38 goals in all competitions last season, bagged his first for Guinea in World Cup qualifying to set up a 3-0 win over Somalia.

But a disappointing campaign by Guinea, who lie fourth, eight points behind Group G leaders Algeria, means Guirassy will almost certainly miss the World Cup.

READ: Novak Djokovic ‘not giving up on Grand Slams’ after US Open exit

LAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Friday unveiled a new logo on Friday, replacing the one that had been in use for more than two decades.

The new logo, which reflects Pakistan’s national identity and heritage, has been approved under the leadership of President Syed Mohsen Gilani.

Following the decision, Mohsen Gillani shed light on the key aspects and the need for the new logo.

“Our current logo does not represent the spirit, culture, or global image of Pakistan. There is a strong need for a visual identity that speaks to both our legacy and our future ambitions,” he stated.

It is noteworthy to mention that the decision to change the PFF logo also aligns with the expectations of sponsors for a modern and representative symbol that reflects Pakistan’s footballing aspirations.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The new logo has been formally approved by the Executive Committee, which is also a step forward in the PFF’s broader mission to revitalize football in Pakistan and strengthen its image on both the national and international stages.

The old PFF logo was in use since 2003, during which time the Pakistani flag was replaced with a football.

On November 12, 2003, the then-PFF president, Faisal Saleh Hayat, approved the logo.

The decision set aside the importance of the Pakistani flag, which had been used since the federation’s foundation in 1948.

READ: Shaheen Afridi picks THIS batter over Virat Kohli as the toughest he’s bowled to

Italian giants AC Milan extended their greetings to Muslims around the globe on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid Al-Nabawi (S.A.W.), observed on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal.

Muslims celebrate this day as the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The occasion is marked by traditions including prayers, feasts, processions, and gatherings that reflect on the Prophet’s teachings.

The Serie A club took to social media to wish their Muslim fans worldwide on the occasion.

“From the Rossoneri family to the Islamic world. Wishing you all the best on the occasion of #MawlidAlNabi,” AC Milan wrote on X [Twitter].

From the Rossoneri family to the Islamic world ♥️🖤

Wishing you all the best on the occasion of #MawlidAlNabi 🌙 pic.twitter.com/Xv84yy4KJW

— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 4, 2025

The day, also referred to as Eid Milad-un-Nabi, holds cultural and spiritual significance in many Muslim communities, with mosques and homes alike hosting commemorative prayers and celebrations.

On the football front, AC Milan have endured a mixed start to their Serie A 2025–26 campaign.

After falling 2-1 to US Cremonese in their opening fixture, they bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Lecce.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The seven-time European champions currently sit eighth on the league table.

Founded in 1899, Milan are among Italy’s most successful clubs, boasting 19 Serie A titles, five Coppa Italia trophies, and two Serie B championships.

On the continental stage, they remain one of Europe’s most decorated sides, with seven UEFA Champions League titles to their name.

READ: Abrar Ahmed enters elite list with career-best T20I spell

Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez, who spat at a Seattle staff member after the Sounders’ Leagues Cup final triumph on Sunday, apologized in a statement on Instagram on Thursday.

“It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where right after the match things happened that shouldn’t have happened, but that doesn’t justify the reaction I had,” the 38-year-old Uruguayan wrote in an Instagram story.

“I was wrong and I sincerely regret it.”

The Sounders stunned the star-studded Inter side led by eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi 3-0 in the Leagues Cup final at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Immediately after the final whistle, Suarez rushed at 20-year-old Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas and put him in a headlock, sparking a melee involving multiple players and staff from both sides.

Officials scrambled to restore order, but cameras later caught Suarez appearing to spit at a Seattle security staff member as he walked away from Vargas.

“I feel bad about what happened, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to acknowledge it and apologize to everyone who felt hurt by what I did,” Suarez added.

Speculation has swirled as to what punishment he will face for his conduct in the cross-border tournament co-sanctioned by Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX.

Luis Suarez spoke optimistically of continuing to help Inter’s push to make the MLS Cup playoffs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We know there’s still a lot of the season ahead, and we’re going to work together to achieve the successes that this club and all of its fans deserve,” he wrote.

Inter Miami posted a statement on X on Thursday condemning the spitting incident involving Suarez.

“These actions do not reflect the values of our sport, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship both on and off the pitch.

“We are working closely with Leagues Cup and MLS officials to ensure the situation is addressed appropriately.”

Officials will have plenty to sort through after multiple scuffles broke out, but Suarez’s controversial history places him firmly under scrutiny.

He was infamously kicked out of the 2014 World Cup after being handed a four-month ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini.

He has also been sanctioned for biting incidents in club play, and in 2011, he was handed an eight-game ban by authorities in England for allegedly racially abusing Manchester United’s France star Patrice Evra.

He was also one of the villains of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when his cynical handball on the goal-line denied Ghana what would have been a late winner in the quarter-finals.

READ: Messi hits emotional brace in his farewell home game

Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina in emotional scenes in his farewell game at Buenos Aires on Thursday, while Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In his last home qualifier for his country and with Argentina having already booked their place in North America, Messi struck in the 39th and 80th minutes to bag a 3-0 win over Venezuela.

Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, sparkled in front of an adoring crowd of 80,000 at the Mas Monumental stadium to underline his enduring quality.

The Argentine legend will turn 39 during next year’s World Cup, but despite his advanced years he looks set to play another pivotal role as Lionel Scaloni’s side defend their crown.

Scaloni will rest his skipper for next week’s dead-rubber at Ecuador.

“He made an enormous effort and deserves a rest and to be with his family,” said the coach.

“He ended up very tired and physically exhausted. He should have come off, but he didn’t because of the emotional nature of the match.”

Lionel Messi had his three sons with him before kickoff and his father, Jorge, was also in attendance to mark the occasion.

Uruguay sealed their berth in the United States, Canada, and Mexico by beating Peru 3-0 at home, while Colombia saw off Bolivia by the same scoreline.

Paraguay also reached the 2026 finals after a 0-0 home draw against already qualified Ecuador.

Brazil, who had also already qualified, swept Chile aside 3-0 at the Maracana with the English Premier League trio of Estevao, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes getting the goals.

It was the 18-year-old Chelsea winger Estevao’s first goal for his country.

In front of 60,000 at a packed-out Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Rodrigo Aguirre put Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay on their way in 14 minutes.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Club America forward leapt highest to place a thumping header into the top corner past Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

The Uruguayans, winners of the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, had needed just a point to qualify and send their charismatic veteran coach Bielsa to the tournament once again.

The 70-year-old has now taken a third team to World Cup qualification.

Bielsa’s appointment as Uruguay coach in 2023 was greeted with excitement, even euphoria, but an underwhelming qualification campaign has dampened that enthusiasm.

Qualification was always likely in a system that sees six of the 10 CONMEBOL sides qualify automatically for 2026, with one more heading into an inter-continental play-off.

Venezuela currently hold seventh place with one more qualifier to go.

Giorgian de Arrascaeta doubled Uruguay’s lead just before the hour, lashing home from close range to ensure a party atmosphere in the Uruguayan capital.

Federico Vinas scored a third 10 minutes from time.

Colombia also sealed their place in next summer’s extravaganza thanks to a comfortable victory over Bolivia.

The 34-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich attacker James Rodriguez, the breakout star of the 2014 World Cup, pounced just after the half-hour mark.

Jhon Cordoba made sure there were no late scares with his goal in the 74th minute, before Juan Fernando Quintero made it three.

Like Uruguay, Paraguay needed only a draw to qualify when they hosted Ecuador.

They got the job done as they ground out a goalless stalemate and will be at their ninth World Cup – but first since 2010.

READ: Amanda Anisimova to play Aryna Sabalenka in US Open final