Uefa will introduce a two-tier qualification process for the 2030 World Cup, ending uncompetitive fixtures between major countries and minor nations such as San Marino and Gibraltar.
Critics have campaigned for years to restructure the international calendar in order to eliminate severe mismatches during qualification cycles.
Under the newly ratified rules, the top 36 European teams – determined by the 2028 Nations League standings – will compete in League 1.
The remaining 18 lower-ranked countries will participate in a separate League 2 tournament, creating a fairer environment with a greater chance of positive results.
Swiss model replaces traditional group stage
Qualification for the premier tier has been radically revamped to mirror the new Champions League format.
Instead of the traditional home-and-away group stage, all 36 teams will be drawn into three large groups of 12.
Every nation will play six matches against six different opponents, comprising three home fixtures and three away ties.
The best-ranked teams in each League 1 group will secure automatic progression to the global showpiece, with the remaining places decided via a play-off system.
European football’s governing body has yet to confirm the exact breakdown of automatic qualification slots for the tournament.
Ceferin highlights competitive balance
The 18 teams relegated to League 2 will effectively consist of the current League C runners-up and below, alongside all seven countries in League D.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin outlined the reasoning behind the dramatic shift in policy.
“The new formats will improve competitive balance, reduce the number of dead matches, offer a more appealing and dynamic competition to fans, while ensuring a fair qualification chance for all teams and without adding any additional dates in the international calendar.”
The Slovenian official’s remarks underscore a shift towards prioritizing competitive tension over traditional geographical or seeded group draws.
Nations League restructuring
In addition to the World Cup changes, the Nations League will also undergo a significant restructure starting in 2028.
The tournament will be streamlined into three divisions of 18 teams, with each division split into three groups of six.
Participating sides will still play six matches against five different opponents, drawing from three separate seeding pots.
The familiar semi-finals, finals, promotion, and relegation mechanics will remain central to the competition’s identity.
Heart of Midlothian have formally written to Scottish football authorities seeking clarity over the premature conclusion of Saturday’s Premiership title decider following a pitch invasion by Celtic supporters.
A 3-1 victory secured another top-flight crown for the Glasgow giants.
The disruption occurred in stoppage time when Callum Osmand’s goal sparked a mass incursion onto the Celtic Park playing surface by the home crowd.
Play did not resume following the late strike.
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) subsequently insisted the match had concluded before fans entered the field.
Troubling precedent fears
The Edinburgh club strongly dispute the official timeline of events.
A statement released on Wednesday expressed deep concern that the actions of supporters effectively halted the fixture rather than the referee’s whistle.
The Tynecastle side warned this scenario establishes a highly problematic template for the sport.
We have also written to the SFA and SPFL setting out our observations and questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the premature ending of the match.
Police investigations continue
The Premiership runners-up confirmed they are actively assisting Police Scotland with ongoing enquiries into the weekend’s disorder.
Club officials also strongly condemned public remarks made this week that appeared to defend the fans who encroached onto the grass.
Those remarks carry dangerous implications, and we call upon the football authorities to ensure that this matter is addressed with the seriousness it demands.
Wait for historic triumph goes on
Saturday’s defeat extinguished the visitors’ dream of breaking the long-standing Old Firm monopoly.
No team outside of Glasgow has lifted the top-tier trophy since Aberdeen achieved the historic feat in 1985.
The reigning champions have now claimed 14 of the last 15 domestic titles.
Former Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick has been elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame as a first-ballot inductee after securing 92% of the vote on Tuesday.
The 48-year-old began his premier class career under immensely difficult circumstances in 2001, unexpectedly stepping in to replace the late Dale Earnhardt.
Over two decades at the highest level of stock car racing, the California native established himself as an all-time great.
A staggering legacy on and off the track
The 2014 series champion amassed 60 race victories, conquering all four crown jewel events at Daytona, Charlotte, Indianapolis and Darlington.
He also boasts an incredible 121 combined wins across the sport’s three national divisions.
“Even though you’re expecting the call, it’s still somewhat weird to get the call.”
Harvick said.
Beyond his driving accolades, the former racing star has successfully transitioned into a broadcasting role with Fox Sports.
‘The complete package’
The newly minted Hall of Famer also serves as a championship-winning car owner, track partner and management company executive.
Fellow NASCAR legend Tony Stewart praised his former driver’s immense versatility and mental toughness.
“He’s definitely deserving, for sure. The thing that I learned firsthand working with Kevin and driving his cars, he is the complete package.”
Stewart said.
Stewart emphasised that statistics only tell a fraction of the veteran driver’s story.
Reflecting on a remarkable journey
“People don’t realize how good he is. There is nobody that can do what he does.”
Stewart added.
Reflecting on his journey from racing go-karts in rural fields, the newest inductee admitted the recognition felt surreal.
He noted that waiting for the voting results in his pickup truck felt slightly uncomfortable, not wanting to appear arrogant.
“To be amongst the best that have ever done it in our sport, it’s pretty rewarding.”
Harvick concluded.
North Korean side Naegohyang secured a historic 2-1 victory over South Korea’s Suwon on Wednesday to reach the Asian Women’s Champions League final.
The momentous semi-final marked the first time athletes from the north have competed on southern soil since the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Emotional scenes erupted at the final whistle, with several victorious players weeping tears of joy after securing their place in the showpiece event.
Second-half comeback stuns Suwon hosts
The debutants fell behind when Haruhi Suzuki opened the scoring for the host club in the 49th minute.
However, a resilient second-half performance saw Choe Kum-ok and Kim Kyong-yong find the net to complete a stunning turnaround.
The South Korean outfit were handed a late lifeline following a video assistant referee review that resulted in a penalty.
Former Chelsea captain Ji So-yun stepped up to take the crucial spot-kick but pushed her effort wide of the target.
Naegohyang players find winning rhythm
“We believed in our team’s ability,” said Naegohyang goalscorer Choe following the dramatic victory.
“Every player’s role is important, but things didn’t go well for us in the first half.”
“Once we got into the second half, we found our rhythm and I think the game flowed much better for us.”
Sporting diplomacy amidst political tensions
No official away supporters were permitted at the sold-out stadium due to strict travel restrictions across the heavily fortified border.
A large spectator group from civic organisations backed by Seoul’s unification ministry were present to provide support for both sides.
South Korea’s Unification Minister Chund Dong-young suggested the fixture would establish a positive precedent for inter-Korean relations.
The neighboring nations remain technically at war, having never signed a peace treaty following the conclusion of the Korean War in 1953.
Final showdown against Tokyo Verdy Beleza
The triumphant 27-player squad and their 12 coaching staff members will remain in the southern capital ahead of the tournament finale.
They face Japanese giants Tokyo Verdy Beleza at the same stadium on Saturday, 23 May.
Victory in the continental competition would crown an astonishing debut campaign for the history-making squad.
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup after suffering a fractured foot during domestic action on Sunday.
The 23-year-old sustained a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot as the Catalan club secured a 3-1 victory over Real Betis in La Liga.
While the reigning Spanish champions have not provided a specific timeframe for his recovery, the severe injury cruelly ends his hopes of participating in the tournament across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Another injury setback for the playmaker
The talented midfielder previously battled through two separate groin issues during a physically demanding domestic campaign.
Despite those fitness struggles, the influential playmaker remained highly productive, registering 13 goals and 17 assists across 48 appearances in all competitions.
He already holds seven senior international caps and was a near certainty for the official squad announcement scheduled for Monday.
‘Life and football can be cruel’
Taking to social media following a successful surgery, the devastated star vowed to aggressively attack his lengthy rehabilitation process.
“The operation went very well and I’m already looking forward to coming back stronger, both physically and mentally.”
He continued by reflecting on the unfortunate timing of the physical setback.
“Life and football can be cruel when you least expect it or deserve it. But you have to accept that it’s all part of the journey.”
“It’s a very tough time for me and yet another challenge in my career that I will overcome – of that you can be sure. Now it’s time to support the national team and my team-mates from home.”
Spain prepare for Group H without key figure
His absence deals a frustrating blow to a national side looking to build upon their triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, a tournament in which the promising prospect featured for 28 minutes.
The national team must now adjust their tactical plans ahead of an opening group fixture against Cape Verde on 15 June.
The European heavyweights will subsequently face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay as they look to navigate their way safely into the knockout rounds.
Oleksandr Usyk has pledged to help Anthony Joshua prepare for his highly anticipated heavyweight bout against Tyson Fury later this year.
The Ukrainian champion has formed an unlikely friendship with his former rival, despite having defeated him in back-to-back world title fights.
Following their initial encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium five years ago, the pair have grown increasingly close outside of the ring.
Training camp alliance in Spain
The former two-time heavyweight champion has recently been working alongside the 39-year-old at a shared training base in Spain.
This collaboration follows a turbulent period for the British fighter, who recently endured a tragic personal loss following a fatal car crash in Nigeria.
However, the Watford-born boxer has found solace in his preparation, demonstrating immense focus ahead of a busy upcoming schedule.
He is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on 25 July before shifting his attention entirely to the long-awaited showdown with the ‘Gypsy King’.
‘He still has a lot of fire’
Observing his training partner at close quarters, the undisputed king of the division insists the British brawler remains a formidable force.
“Anthony is working very hard. I see his work every day in the training camp.”
He told the Metro.
“I see his focus, I see his discipline, and I see big motivation inside him. He is not finished – no, no. He still has a lot of fire.”
Targeting victory over Fury
The Ukrainian veteran is currently managing his own demanding schedule as he prepares to face Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza on 23 May.
Despite his own upcoming commitments, the heavyweight titleholder remains fully invested in ensuring his former opponent is victorious against his British counterpart.
“My friend AJ can win this fight. I believe in him. AJ has everything to win.”
He added.
“And from our side, my team and I will help him with his preparation. I always tell him: ‘AJ, my brother, I am here for you. Anything I can do to help, I will.'”
Former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce has urged Liverpool to ban Mohamed Salah from his final match at Anfield this Sunday following the forward’s public criticism of head coach Arne Slot.
The 33-year-old is preparing to conclude his nine-year tenure on Merseyside when the Reds host Brentford.
However, the Egyptian international has recently fallen out of favour during a campaign marked by declining individual performances.
Public criticism draws fierce backlash
Tensions escalated following a recent 4-2 domestic defeat against Aston Villa.
The veteran winger used social media to lament the loss of Jurgen Klopp’s renowned “heavy metal” style, which was widely interpreted as a direct attack on current tactical instructions.
“If Mohamed Salah is going to say those kinds of things, then say it when you’ve left.”
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce condemned the decision to air grievances before departing the club.
“Don’t say it when you’re still there, as if you’re bigger than the football club. If I were the Liverpool owners, I would ban him.”
Champions League qualification almost secure
The Merseyside club are virtually guaranteed to secure a place in next season’s elite European competition.
They can only drop out of the Premier League’s top five if they suffer a heavy home defeat to the Bees while Bournemouth secure a victory at Nottingham Forest.
Despite this commanding league position, Allardyce believes the former Roma attacker must take more personal accountability for his recent downturn in form.
“Salah should be looking at himself and how bad he’s been this year. Players and managers can row in the office, but they should never make it public.”
Legends echo calls for discipline
Several high-profile figures, including Jamie Carragher and Wayne Rooney, have voiced similar disapproval in recent days.
Given the lingering mathematical uncertainty surrounding their European qualification status, it remains unclear whether the departing star will start this weekend.
It marks a turbulent conclusion for an Anfield icon who has been instrumental to the club’s major successes over the past decade.
The Colorado Avalanche will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals as the 2026 Stanley Cup play-offs reach the final four stage.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens will contest the Eastern Conference equivalent for a place in the championship series.
Colorado advance to the penultimate round having lost just one game throughout the post-season so far.
The Denver-based franchise swept the Los Angeles Kings before dispatching the Minnesota Wild in five games.
Goaltending carousel creates uncertainty
Despite their dominant progress, head coach Jared Bednar faces lingering questions over his starting goaltender.
Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood have shared duties during a turbulent period between the pipes for the Western Conference top seeds.
Wedgewood boasts a solid .914 save percentage but struggled significantly during the opening exchanges against Minnesota.
The veteran netminder conceded six goals in game one and was later pulled in game three after allowing three goals on nine shots.
Blackwood took over to secure a vital game four victory, only to be substituted following a poor first period in the series-clinching game five.
Trade deadline acquisitions provide vital depth
Colorado were widely considered the deepest roster entering the play-offs and have thus far lived up to that preseason billing.
General manager Chris MacFarland’s astute trade deadline acquisitions have proven instrumental in their current postseason run.
Nazem Kadri, Nicolas Roy and Brett Kulak all scored crucial game-winning goals during the second-round victory over the Wild.
Parker Kelly also added a decisive strike, highlighting the secondary scoring strength of the 2022 Stanley Cup champions.
Special teams battle looms against Vegas
The upcoming series against the Golden Knights could hinge heavily on power-play execution.
Kadri’s return to the lineup has sparked a dramatic improvement on the man advantage, resulting in a formidable 38.5% success rate.
No franchise has performed better on the power play since the second round commenced in early May.
However, they must now unlock a resilient Vegas penalty kill to secure a return to the Stanley Cup Final.