Tottenham head coach Igor Tudor has insisted fighting against relegation is “not real pressure” compared to life-and-death struggles as he urges his players to take responsibility for their poor form.
Spurs sit just four points above the relegation zone ahead of a crucial Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on Thursday.
The Croatian remains without a point since replacing Thomas Frank, having suffered consecutive defeats against rivals Arsenal and Fulham.
Despite the precarious league position, Tudor believes the squad must keep a sense of perspective regarding their struggles.
‘Doctors decide about life and death’
Tudor’s tenure began with a north London derby loss, followed by a performance at Craven Cottage that left the club looking nervously over their shoulders.
However, the Spurs boss rejected the notion that the footballing stakes were comparable to societal hardships.
“Everyone understands the situation. There is something wrong if you don’t understand,” said Tudor.
“My job is to put the pressure away but their job is to accept the pressure is there.”
“So the pressure is everywhere, but you need to love this job. There’s real pressure out there.”
“People need to make money for their families or are working in jobs like doctors who are doing operations and they decide about life and death. That’s the real pressure.”
Questioning the mentality
The former Marseille coach did not hide his frustration following the limp performance against Fulham.
He rejected suggestions that his angry reaction would damage confidence, instead demanding a refusal to accept low standards.
“To not accept defeat as something normal. That’s the reason,” he explained when asked about his post-match demeanour.
“It’s about mentality. When you play with your friends, you can have the mentality of ‘OK, we go to play tennis and then we lose.’ Or, you can be different.”
With crucial weeks ahead, Tudor conceded that tactical style is now secondary to the necessity of gathering points.
“In this moment, we need to recognise this and believe we have the quality to do it,” he added.
“After the games you need to be angry and disappointed. You don’t need to be the guy who comes in and says everything is perfect, smile and nothing happens.”
The upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations faces major uncertainty with doubts emerging over Morocco’s willingness to host the tournament less than two weeks before kick-off.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has pledged to clarify the situation surrounding the event in the coming days.
Reports of a potential withdrawal by the hosts have circulated despite the tournament being scheduled to begin on 17 March.
“There has been several discussions for weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high level attention.”
Luxolo September, CAF communications chief
Confusion over schedule
Morocco is slated to stage the finals for the third consecutive time, with the competition running until 3 April.
However, persistent rumours of the North African nation’s withdrawal have undermined preparations.
This uncertainty comes despite CAF president Patrice Motsepe’s assurance in February that the 16th edition would proceed as planned.
Motsepe had previously ruled out changing the dates, emphasising the event’s crucial role as a qualifying pathway for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
South Africa hits out at delay
South Africa, who had previously offered to step in as emergency hosts, have voiced strong criticism regarding the lack of clarity.
Gayton McKenzie, the country’s sports minister, lambasted the organisers for leaving the tournament’s status in limbo just 13 days before the scheduled start.
“If Morocco is ready to host the Wafcon because they had a brilliant Afcon, they should do so. But If they are not ready, we want to tell them, we are not a country with no stadiums, we are not a country with less infrastructure.”
Gayton McKenzie, South African Sports Minister
McKenzie insisted that his nation would not be “held hostage” by the current confusion.
“We will never be held hostage by countries that have less than what we have. We will not allow women to be treated in such a fashion.”
Expanded format under threat
The continental governing body expanded the finals to 16 teams in a surprise decision last November.
Nigeria enter the competition as defending champions following their 3-2 victory over Morocco in last year’s final.
The hosts also suffered defeat in the men’s Africa Cup final against Senegal in January, though the country is preparing to co-host the men’s World Cup in 2030.
Victims of a Czech football coach who avoided prison despite secretly filming women players in showers and changing rooms have called for him to receive a global lifetime ban.
Petr Vlachovsky was handed a one-year suspended prison sentence and a five-year coaching suspension in the Czech Republic after being convicted of filming 14 players over a four-year period.
The former 1. FC Slovacko manager, who spent nearly 15 years at the club, had previously led the Czech Republic Under-19s women’s team.
Once voted the country’s best women’s coach, Vlachovsky was arrested in September 2023 after police discovered the covertly filmed footage online.
He was also found to be in possession of child sexual abuse material.
Union pushes for tougher sanctions
Global players’ union Fifpro reported that squad members at 1. FC Slovacko were only made aware of the violation following the arrest.
According to the representative body, the players were recorded via a camera hidden in a backpack, with the youngest victim aged just 17.
A group of those affected have now come forward to demand further action, viewing the initial sentencing handed down in May as overly lenient.
“Because the Czech criminal process and the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FACR) administrative proceedings are separate and can run in parallel, the union is challenging the FA to implement a lifetime football ban for Vlachovsky and all sexual offenders,” said a Fifpro statement.
“Fifpro is exploring possible legal avenues on behalf of players to achieve a global ban.”
“The victims did not have the opportunity to attend a public trial and could not file an appeal against what players view as extremely lenient sentencing.”
‘Afraid to sleep at night’
Speaking to Czech publication Seznam Zpravy, several players said the ordeal had left them suffering from anxiety in public spaces and fearing they were still being watched.
The psychological impact has reportedly left victims afraid to sleep at night.
David Trunda, chairman of the FACR, admitted the association had historically failed to address such issues adequately.
He insisted the governing body now aimed to “turn the tide” and pay greater attention to the safety of children and players.
The scandal follows a similar recent case in Austria involving a former official at SC Rheindorf Altach.
That perpetrator received a suspended sentence and a fine of 1,200 euros (£1,046) for secretly filming the club’s women’s team in changing areas, gyms, and showers.
Benjamin Sesko turned down the chance to wear the Manchester United number nine shirt upon his arrival to show respect to outgoing striker Rasmus Hojlund.
The Slovenia international joined the Red Devils in August in a deal worth £74m, quickly establishing himself as the club’s first-choice forward.
Sesko opted to wear the number 30 shirt instead of taking the traditional striker’s jersey.
Hojlund, who had held the number nine, was in the process of finalising a loan move away from Old Trafford after falling down the pecking order.
A mark of respect
According to The Athletic, United officials were willing to allow their new signing to wait until Hojlund had officially departed before selecting his squad number.
However, with the 23-year-old still technically a United player at the time, Sesko decided against taking the shirt to avoid disrespecting his team-mate.
The former RB Leipzig attacker has since found excellent form under manager Michael Carrick.
He could yet inherit the prestigious number nine jersey next summer if Hojlund’s departure becomes permanent.
Hojlund finding form in Italy
The Danish forward eventually completed a deadline-day loan move to Napoli, ending a difficult two-year spell in the Premier League.
The agreement includes an obligation for the Serie A side to buy Hojlund for £38m if they qualify for the Champions League.
Hojlund has enjoyed a resurgence under Antonio Conte, helping the club win the Italian Super Cup.
He has scored 13 goals in 34 appearances for the Italian outfit, who currently sit third in the table.
Speaking to Italian publication Il Mattino, the striker used a colourful analogy to describe his return to goalscoring ways.
“I’m like ketchup. When the sauce doesn’t come out, you’re there, struggling to get it out, then suddenly it all comes out at once,” Hojlund said.
“It’s the same when you don’t score for a long time. It’s an incredible joy to score, but when the team and the coach believe in you, the goal is like a flower that has to bloom, it’s just a matter of time.”
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup has reached the 100-day mark, with defending champions Argentina and co-hosts Mexico finalising preparations for the tournament’s expanded format.
The opening fixture is set for 11 June in Mexico City, where El Tri will host South Africa.
As anticipation builds, scrutiny has turned to the predicted squads and starting line-ups of the major contenders.
Analysis suggests that despite strong form, every nation expected to challenge for top honours possesses identifiable weaknesses.
History beckons for Messi and Argentina
Lionel Scaloni’s side enter the competition as the undisputed team to beat following their triumph in Qatar and success in consecutive Copa America tournaments.
The tournament holds added significance for Lionel Messi, with the 38-year-old likely making his final appearance on the global stage.
The Albiceleste are aiming to achieve what no team has managed in over 60 years.
Not since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 has a nation successfully defended the World Cup title.
Scaloni’s selection dilemma
While Argentina’s starting XI boasts a solid foundation, questions remain regarding depth beyond the established stars.
Defensive options at full-back appear scarce compared to rival nations.
Furthermore, the international retirement of Angel Di Maria has created a void in attack that requires a significant generational shift.
For this World Cup, coach Lionel Scaloni will have to make important decisions to ensure the generational change needed. With Angel Di Maria gone, but Messi still the star, there will be room for new players to emerge.
Damian Didonato, ESPN Argentina
Young talents including Valentin Barco, Franco Mastantuono and Nico Paz are expected to press for inclusion as the holders look to refresh their ranks.
Projected path for the champions
Argentina have been drawn in Group J and will begin their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on 16 June.
Subsequent fixtures will see them face Austria and Jordan in Dallas.
Projected goalkeeping options include Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez alongside Walter Benitez and Geronimo Rulli.
In midfield, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez remain pivotal to Scaloni’s plans.
USA and hosts under the microscope
While the focus remains on the champions, the three host nations are under immense pressure to perform.
Form and fitness concerns are currently dictating the projected starting line-ups for the United States, Mexico and Canada.
With under four months remaining, injuries or breakout performances could still drastically alter the landscape before the tournament kicks off.
Fifa has unveiled the official poster for the 2026 World Cup with less than 100 days remaining until the tournament begins across North America.
The release completes the collection of official artwork for the competition, which is set to be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Global football’s governing body has also published bespoke designs for each of the 16 host cities.
Tradition of local artistry
Organisers have continued a custom dating back to France 1998 by commissioning individual venue artworks for the finals.
Local artists were tasked with creating specific concepts for every location staging matches, ranging from Miami to Monterrey.
Creators have shared insights into their design processes via social media ahead of the opening match on 11 June at the Estadio Azteca.
The official tournament poster
Three artists representing the co-hosts collaborated to produce the primary visual for the 2026 edition.
Carson Ting, Minerva GM, and Hank Willis Thomas utilised a palette of blue, red, and green to symbolise the three nations.
Canada’s influence is visible through the inclusion of a maple leaf, a moose, and a bear wearing earmuffs.
The Mexican section depicts a social atmosphere with fans and a golden eagle, while the United States is defined by stars from its flag.
A silhouette of a lone footballer features in the centre of the design to tie the elements together.
Standout city concepts
Atlanta’s entry presents a cartoon-style collage featuring landmarks such as the Georgia State Capitol.
The design highlights a large golden football emerging from a peach to reference the state’s famous produce.
Boston has offered a surreal depiction of an underwater match taking place in the city’s harbour.
The artwork features a team of fish attempting to score past a giant lobster goalkeeper in a style reminiscent of classic comic books.
Dallas welcomed the global showpiece to Texas with a poster utilising patriotic colours and the timeless image of a cowboy.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has backed Virgil van Dijk’s assessment that the team were “slow and predictable” following their damaging 2-1 Premier League defeat by Wolves.
Andre struck a deflected stoppage-time winner at Molineux to inflict a record-breaking fifth late loss of the season on the title holders.
Captain Van Dijk branded the performance “sloppy” in his post-match interview, a verdict his head coach found hard to dispute.
Slot concerns over late collapse
“So ‘slow’ or ‘predictable’ are words that I can understand [Van Dijk] uses,” Slot admitted.
“The second half was better; still not great, but better. We created more and in added time I think we were twice very close from chances to score.”
Rodrigo Gomes had given the hosts a late lead before Mohamed Salah equalised with his first league goal since November.
However, the Reds were undone in added time yet again, a recurring theme that has seen them drop nine points after the 90th minute this campaign.
Away struggles continue
Sluggish starts on the road have plagued the Merseyside club, who have netted just three of their 22 away goals before the interval.
The Dutchman expressed frustration at how often his side has conceded decisive goals in the dying moments of matches.
“Those are chances and the one we concede is not even a chance, and that is what has happened so many times to us this season,” Slot added.
“That it happens in added time might be a coincidence maybe, although it happened so many times, but we hardly gave away a chance today.”
Immediate chance for revenge
Slot’s side make an immediate return to Molineux on Friday night for an FA Cup tie, just 72 hours after this humbling result.
Van Dijk insists the squad must process the disappointment quickly as the fixture list intensifies.
“Conceding goals is always frustrating. We’ve come on the back of a couple of clean sheets, defensively we’ve been very solid but it is what it is,” the centre-back said.
“We have to move quickly on because we come back here in a couple of days and we want to do well in the FA Cup.”
Iran’s women’s national team refused to sing their national anthem before their Asian Cup opener against South Korea following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Silent protest in Australia
The players stood impassively with their arms around one another as the anthem played at the stadium in Queensland.
It marked their first fixture since significant political unrest erupted in their home nation earlier this week.
On the pitch, the side fell to a 3-0 defeat against South Korea, but the focus remained largely on their pre-match actions.
The gesture is being interpreted as a silent protest against the backdrop of intensifying conflict following reported US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.
These military operations, referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” reportedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Media questions blocked
Tensions were palpable during media duties prior to the match in Brisbane.
Captain Zahra Ghanbari and teammate Jafari faced questions regarding the death of the Supreme Leader and the political situation back home.
While Jafari offered a response in Farsi, an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) media representative intervened before a translation could be provided to the international press.
The official interjected:
“OK, I think that’s all for your question. Thank you for asking. Let’s just focus on the game itself.”
Although the content of the answer remains unverified, the squad’s stoic demeanour during the anthem spoke volumes in a sport where singing is customary.
Support from rivals
Despite the heavy loss, the Iranian squad received support from high-profile figures within the game for fulfilling the fixture.
Australia and Chelsea forward Sam Kerr praised the team for competing under such difficult circumstances, noting they deserved the utmost respect.
The wider fallout continues to impact the nation’s sporting ambitions, with the men’s team facing uncertainty regarding their upcoming schedule.
Team Melli are due to face New Zealand in Los Angeles this June, but a 40-day mourning period is currently in effect, casting doubt on their World Cup preparations.