Former Manchester United captains Gary Neville and Roy Keane have strongly criticised the United States’ decision to deny entry to African referee Omar Artan ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Artan, widely regarded as one of Africa’s premier match officials, was interrogated upon arrival in North America and subsequently turned away.
The White House stated that the official was denied entry due to alleged ties to a terrorist organisation.
Football’s global governing body, Fifa, has confirmed it will not intervene in the matter, ensuring the highly-rated official will miss the tournament entirely.
Fifa accused of weak stance
Speaking on ITV prior to the opening fixture between Mexico and South Africa, Neville expressed his disbelief at the governing body’s inaction.
The former England defender argued that host nations must temporarily yield their territory to the global football community during major tournaments.
“To me it is ridiculous the fact the referee is not able to come into this country,” Neville said.
“He is a Fifa referee, he is basically someone who has been lauded as being one of the very best.”
The 49-year-old pundit questioned why Fifa had not adopted a more robust position to ensure their designated officials could perform their duties.
“We have to get referees in that are obviously Fifa officials, I don’t know why Fifa haven’t been stronger on that issue.”
Wider visa controversies
The refereeing dispute is just one of several logistical and political challenges casting a shadow over the start of the expanded 48-team competition.
Neville highlighted ongoing struggles for travelling supporters attempting to secure visas for the United States.
The broadcaster also referenced the complex political situation surrounding the Iranian national team.
While Iran has eventually been permitted to play their scheduled matches on US soil, the squad is currently being forced to conduct their training camps in neighbouring Mexico.
Neville compared the current administrative hurdles to previous controversies surrounding global tournaments hosted in Russia and Qatar.
“When you host a World Cup, you are effectively giving over your land to the world of football for four to five to six weeks,” he added.
“We need tolerance and people who can accept that everybody comes from a different part of the world.”
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has announced his retirement from international football after a persistent foot injury ruled him out of the upcoming World Cup.
The 31-year-old sustained the issue during a club fixture against Sunderland on 11 February, which proved to be his final domestic appearance of the season.
Despite completing 45 minutes in a recent 1-0 warm-up victory over Iceland, the veteran’s recovery has failed to progress sufficiently to participate in the tournament.
Taking to social media, the national team captain confirmed his emotional departure from the squad.
“I will be leaving the World Cup squad. Since my injury, I’ve done everything I could, so I have no regrets. Of course I’m frustrated at not being able to participate in this World Cup.”
Wataru Endo
A legacy of leadership
The defensive specialist expressed immense pride in leading his country since the previous global showpiece in Qatar.
He highlighted the profound tactical and mental evolution the squad has undergone during his tenure wearing the armband.
“But more than that, I’m proud to have led this team as captain since the Qatar World Cup and to see it grow into a group that can naturally talk about the goal of winning the World Cup.”
“With this action, I will be retiring from the national team. From now on, I’ll continue to support the Japan national team as a fan alone.”
Samurai Blue face daunting group
The Asian powerhouse are scheduled to begin their tournament campaign against the Netherlands on Sunday.
They face a highly challenging path to the knockout stages, having been drawn in a competitive group alongside Sweden and Tunisia.
The squad showcased their credentials earlier this year by securing an impressive 1-0 friendly victory over England at Wembley.
Hajime Moriyasu’s side will now be desperate to break new ground without their talismanic leader anchoring the midfield.
The team successfully navigated a difficult group containing Spain and Germany four years ago before suffering a second consecutive round-of-16 exit.
Reaching the quarter-finals remains an elusive milestone for the nation on the premier global stage.
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has emerged as a prime candidate for the vacant AC Milan job following the dismissal of Max Allegri.
The Portuguese coach has been without a club since his departure from Old Trafford in January ended an underwhelming spell in English football.
Prior to his Premier League stint, the 39-year-old forged an outstanding reputation by claiming multiple domestic titles with Sporting Lisbon.
Milan are now preparing to contact several prospective managers as they seek to rebuild ahead of the new Serie A campaign.
Glasner and Jaissle join Milan shortlist
The San Siro hierarchy are also carefully monitoring Oliver Glasner following the expiry of his contract at Crystal Palace.
The Austrian tactician recently departed Selhurst Park as the club’s most successful manager, having notably secured the Europa Conference League title during his tenure.
Matthias Jaissle completes the three-man shortlist, with the German currently managing Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
The former Red Bull Salzburg boss boasts an impressive recent resume, including two AFC Champions League Elite triumphs and a Saudi Cup victory.
Disappointing collapse triggers Allegri exit
AC Milan’s pursuit of new leadership follows a disastrous conclusion to their league campaign that saw them plummet from third to fifth on the final day.
A damaging 2-1 defeat by Cagliari consigned the Rossoneri to Europa League football next season, missing out on Champions League qualification for a second consecutive year.
Inter Milan, Napoli, Roma, and newly promoted Como all finished above the seven-time European champions in the final Serie A standings.
Consequently, Allegri paid the ultimate price for the late-season collapse, despite having previously guided the club to the title in 2011.
Ownership group RedBird Capital released a strongly worded statement confirming the necessity for immediate change at the helm.
“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.”
“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.”
“It is now time for change.”
RedBird Capital
Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps will leave Paris Saint-Germain when her contract expires on 30 June ahead of a likely return to the Women’s Super League.
The 33-year-old is heavily linked with a move to London City Lionesses following two successful seasons in the French capital.
Owned by American billionaire Michele Kang, the London club enjoyed an impressive debut top-flight campaign last year to secure a sixth-place finish.
Fond memories in France
The acclaimed shot-stopper originally joined the Parisian side from Manchester United in the summer of 2024.
During her spell across the Channel, she amassed 57 appearances and was instrumental in securing a third-place finish in the Premiere Ligue last term.
Reflecting on her tenure in a video released on the club’s social media channels, she described the period as a crazy and great experience that aided her personal growth.
I’m leaving with such fond memories. I’ve met great people, I’ve trained at a world class facility, I’ve played at Parc des Princes.
I’ve got to play with some fantastic players from all over the world. I got to go to Africa for the first time with the final of the League Cup.
A glittering legacy
Prior to her French adventure, the decorated veteran spent five transformative years in Manchester.
Her standout moment with the Red Devils came when she helped them lift the Women’s FA Cup to mark the club’s first major trophy.
On the international stage, she cemented her legendary status as a key figure in the squad that triumphed at the 2022 European Championship.
The Euro winner also played a pivotal role in guiding her country to the 2023 World Cup final.
She ultimately earned 53 senior caps before announcing her international retirement ahead of the team’s European title defence last summer.
I’m leaving with my heart full and I’m so happy, privileged and lucky that I was able to have such a wonderful experience here.
Arsenal have reportedly made early moves to sign AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone in a deal worth around £43m.
Manager Mikel Arteta is looking to fine-tune his squad ahead of another rigorous Premier League title challenge.
The Gunners boast considerable depth but are expected to target reinforcements in both midfield and attack during the current window.
Adding drive to the midfield
Kone operates primarily as a dynamic box-to-box presence but is equally capable of dropping into a deeper defensive role when required.
The French youth international is highly regarded in Italy for his ability to carry the ball and efficiently transition his team up the pitch.
Reports from Corriere della Sera suggest the North London club have registered their interest, though a formal bid is yet to be submitted.
Securing the 23-year-old’s signature will require a substantial financial commitment, with the Italian capital club demanding a premium fee.
Financial firepower
Unlike several of their domestic rivals, Arsenal find themselves in a remarkably strong position regarding Financial Fair Play regulations.
Increased revenues from recent successful campaigns dictate that the club possess the capacity to spend significantly over the coming months.
Any major midfield arrivals may still be balanced by the departure of fringe players who are seeking regular starting opportunities elsewhere.
However, broadcaster Richard Keys has already weighed in on the potential transfer, warning the sought-after midfielder against the move.
He shouldn’t go anywhere near Arsenal.
Richard Keys
Newcastle United have opened negotiations with Osasuna over a £34.5m deal to sign winger Victor Munoz as they look to replace the recently departed Anthony Gordon.
The 22-year-old rapid forward has emerged as a primary target following Gordon’s lucrative £69.3m move to Barcelona earlier this summer.
While a formal agreement has not yet been reached, the Magpies are eager to quickly trigger the player’s €40m release clause.
Moving quickly in the transfer market
Head coach Eddie Howe previously emphasised the vital need for recruitment efficiency during a press conference in May.
“You will find the best players that are available on the market won’t hang around for too long.”
“The speed at which the transfer market moves now is very quick. Teams are very efficient and we have to be there as one of those teams.”
The Premier League side have already demonstrated this proactive stance by securing promising 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Stade de Reims for £18.5m.
A strategic shift under Ross Wilson
This decisive early action represents a stark contrast to previous windows, where sagas such as Alexander Isak’s £125m departure to Liverpool dragged on until deadline day.
Sporting director Ross Wilson has fundamentally revamped the club’s operation to make smarter use of data since arriving from Nottingham Forest in October 2025.
The hierarchy are now pivoting away from expensive domestic stars, instead targeting younger, continental talents with significant growth potential.
Beating the World Cup spotlight
Munoz, who spent his youth career on the books of both Real Madrid and Barcelona, is currently away on international duty.
The former La Liga prospect is preparing for Spain’s opening World Cup fixture against Cape Verde in Atlanta on 15 June.
Newcastle are actively attempting to finalise the transfer before the attacker can catch the eye of rival suitors while playing for Luis de la Fuente’s side.
England manager Thomas Tuchel plans to deploy captain Harry Kane in a deeper false nine role at the upcoming World Cup to replicate his record-breaking club form.
The prolific scorer has just completed the most impressive season of his career at Bayern Munich.
The former Tottenham Hotspur striker netted an astonishing 61 goals in 51 appearances for the German giants.
Despite this incredible return, the 30-year-old frequently operated outside the penalty area to assist in deeper build-up play.
Replicating Munich success on the international stage
Pundits have previously questioned why such a lethal finisher would intentionally vacate the opposition box during crucial international fixtures.
However, dropping deep became a tactical necessity at the Allianz Arena due to injuries suffered by creative midfielder Jamal Musiala.
This tactical shift allowed the Three Lions skipper to showcase his exceptional passing range from central areas.
“This season, it’s allowed me to play a little bit deeper, use my qualities in that sense of turning and playing it forward, then arriving later in the box.”
Creating space for dynamic wide forwards
When the English marksman drops toward the centre circle, opposing defences are forced into a difficult tactical decision.
If a centre-back follows him, vital space opens up in the heart of the defence for rapid wingers to exploit.
Alternatively, if defenders hold their line, the striker becomes unmarked and gains time to execute dangerous forward passes.
Tuchel intends to surround his talisman with high-energy wide players like Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford to capitalise on these central gaps.
This dynamic system mirrors the successful tactical setups currently used by elite European clubs to unbalance deep-defending opponents.
Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn is set to anchor Scotland in their first men’s World Cup match for 28 years on Sunday, capping a historic season at club level.
The 31-year-old recently lifted his first major silverware with the Premier League side, concluding his highest-scoring campaign under Unai Emery.
It marks a remarkable turnaround from his early days under the Spaniard, when the former Hibernian star initially feared for his place in the starting lineup.
‘He’s going to think, Who is this wee Scottish guy?’
That was the panicked reaction the all-action midfielder shared with friends following the managerial appointment nearly four years ago.
Ending historic trophy droughts
The tenacious talisman has developed a fortunate habit of ending long silverware waits at almost every club he represents.
During his time at St Mirren, the hard-working prospect was instrumental in securing their first cup triumph in 26 years.
He later played the full 90 minutes for Hibernian as the Edinburgh outfit ended a legendary 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup.
Now, the tireless playmaker transitions his golden touch to the international stage following back-to-back European Championship qualifications.
A lineage steeped in Scottish football
Achieving professional status is a statistical rarity, yet all three brothers from the working-class Glasgow outskirts have forged highly successful careers.
Older brother Paul captains Motherwell in the Scottish top flight, while Stephen is currently building an impressive coaching resume at Falkirk.
Footballing pedigree runs deep within their lineage, tracing back to their late grandfather Jack, who served as both Scottish FA president and Celtic chairman.
The foundation was laid at grassroots level by his mother Mary, who actively coached his school team on the red ash pitches of Clydebank.
Navigating ‘no ball games’ signs during his youth, the dynamic international has genuinely defied the odds to reach football’s grandest stage.