White House task force executive director Andrew Giuliani has defended the decision to bar Somali referee Omar Artan from entering the United States for the 2026 World Cup.
Artan, named Africa’s best referee last year, was denied entry earlier this week despite holding a valid single-entry visa and Fifa documentation.
The 34-year-old was interviewed by border officials for 11 hours before being placed on a flight to Istanbul.
Security concerns cited
A US official previously informed ESPN that the African match official was turned away due to alleged associations with suspected members of terror organisations.
Giuliani has now publicly backed US Customs and Border Protection, describing the returning official as a “bad actor”.
He was talking to some bad people, very recently, about actions here in the United States.
Andrew Giuliani
Speaking to talkSPORT, the task force chief insisted it was the correct decision to send him home.
What I can tell you from my standpoint, and having seen the information on what he was doing, was that I stand by CBP’s decision.
Andrew Giuliani
Uefa offers support
Following the rejection, Canadian politicians reportedly sent alternative tournament invitations to the official.
However, Fifa referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina requires all match officials to attend a mandatory training hub in Miami, effectively ending the Somali national’s hopes of participating.
In response to the ban, European football’s governing body has appointed him to officiate the 2026 Uefa Super Cup.
He will take charge of the match between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa on 12 August.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin praised the highly-rated official’s outstanding skills and continental experience.
Football is made to connect people, and Uefa wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.
Aleksander Ceferin
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay rejoined squad training in Boston on Friday after a stomach illness temporarily forced him to isolate ahead of their World Cup opener against Haiti.
The Napoli midfielder missed Thursday’s preparation sessions, sparking national concern over his availability for the tournament.
To prevent a potential viral spread, the 29-year-old was monitored closely by a team doctor and travelled separately to the team hotel.
However, manager Steve Clarke confirmed that the influential playmaker is now fully recovered and ready for selection.
Clarke plays down reliance on star man
The national team boss was quick to ease the panic surrounding his key goalscorer, insisting the entire squad is fully prepared.
“I’ve got 26 superstars here. To try to put so much on to one person is not fair,” said Clarke.
“We’ve built everything we’ve done over the last seven years on the squad, the team, everyone being together and playing their part at certain times.”
Clarke added that while the coaching staff are delighted with what the former Manchester United man brings, they will need major contributions from the rest of the pitch to ensure a positive campaign.
Historic return to the global stage
The Tartan Army are preparing for their first appearance at the global showpiece since 1998.
They secured their place at the tournament following a dramatic qualification campaign, highlighted by a spectacular overhead kick from their talisman in a 4-2 victory over Denmark.
He remains one of his country’s standout performers, having recorded 15 goals and three assists across 70 international caps.
McKenna sidelined for Haiti clash
While the midfield crisis has been averted, Scotland will definitely be without defender Scott McKenna for their opening fixture.
The Dinamo Zagreb centre-back is currently nursing a calf problem and will miss the first group stage encounter.
He is expected to resume light training on Monday as his rehabilitation continues.
Scotland face Haiti at the Boston Stadium in the early hours of the morning UK time as they look to secure vital early points.
Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has emerged as Turkey’s primary hope for the upcoming World Cup following a spectacular rise from the Fenerbahce academy to the pinnacle of European football.
The hugely talented playmaker now carries the weight of a nation on his shoulders as he continues his rapid ascent on the global stage.
From living room balloons to Istanbul
Behind the prodigy’s early development was a father determined to cultivate a left-footed footballer.
As soon as he could walk, the youngster was strategically kicking balloons with his stronger foot in the family living room.
A childhood obsession with Fenerbahce eventually led to a mesmerising first visit to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
His dedicated mother drove five hours from their Ankara home, sleeping in the car overnight to secure tickets at the front of the queue.
Academy isolation and undeniable talent
Moving to Istanbul alone at just 13 years old proved to be a defining, yet challenging, moment in the teenager’s career.
His meteoric rise to the youth team’s number 10 shirt and captaincy created social friction with jealous teammates.
Despite the isolation, his technical abilities left youth coach Erol Tokgozler in absolute awe.
The ball was like another limb, a third foot. He could do anything that he set his mind on.
And the best of all is that in each situation he had two, three, four or five alternatives, five different plans. The location of the field didn’t matter. He plays football with his mind.
Embracing senior pressure
That extraordinary confidence translated perfectly to the senior stage when he debuted in a friendly aged only 15.
The precocious talent immediately stunned fans by asking experienced Brazilian Jose Sosa to take a set-piece.
National teammate Ferdi Kadioglu believes this ability to absorb pressure is what makes the youngster so unique.
He shows amazing things when he’s on the pitch with us, and for sure he will feel the pressure but that makes him also the player he is.
Stepping onto the global stage
This fearless mentality was on full display during Euro 2024 when facing relentless abuse from Austrian supporters.
After providing a crucial assist, the Turkish international defiantly cupped his ear to the opposition crowd.
Having inherited the iconic number 10 shirt from his idol Mesut Ozil at Fenerbahce, the attacking midfielder soon attracted European royalty.
A senior international debut at 17 ultimately paved the way for his dream transfer to Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich are reportedly preparing a £34.5m bid for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford after Liverpool blocked an approach for youngster Rio Ngumoha.
The 28-year-old’s club future remains uncertain following a fruitful loan spell at Barcelona.
The Catalan side are understood to be unwilling to pay the £26m fee required to make that move permanent.
A final verdict is expected once his current international duty at the World Cup concludes.
Liverpool stance forces German pivot
Bayern had initially expressed strong interest in acquiring Liverpool prospect Ngumoha.
However, Anfield officials view the 17-year-old as an elite talent and have refused to entertain any potential departure.
This resolute stance has forced the Bundesliga giants to explore alternative attacking options.
Financial hurdles and Kane connection
Reports suggest the German outfit are perfectly willing to meet the £34.5m valuation set by United for their academy graduate.
The primary obstacle remains the forward’s substantial wages, which are currently estimated at £325,000 per week.
Despite this financial hurdle, the England international was reportedly prepared to accept a pay cut to secure a permanent switch to Spain.
A move to Bavaria would instead see the winger link up with international team-mate Harry Kane.
Uncertainty continues at Old Trafford
The former Tottenham striker has enjoyed a highly prolific spell in Germany, potentially providing the ideal environment to help his compatriot settle.
The English forward previously enjoyed a highly productive period under Hansi Flick in Spain, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances.
That temporary stint yielded both the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick recently indicated that the player’s long-term destination has not yet been finalised.
“There are decisions to be made in time on certain things.”
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed terms on a new four-year contract with Pedro Porro to extend the defender’s stay until 2030.
The agreement ends recent speculation linking the Spanish international with a £60m return to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi reportedly views the right-back as an untouchable asset in his ongoing tactical rebuild in north London.
The 26-year-old initially arrived from Sporting CP in 2023 in a deal worth £39m and has since become a vital attacking outlet through his crossing and set-piece expertise.
Defensive overhaul continues
Securing the former Sporting star represents a significant boost for the Lilywhites as they systematically restructure their backline this summer.
The club have already confirmed the arrivals of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson to bolster their defensive options.
Further reinforcements could follow shortly, with talks reportedly under way to sign Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.
Conversely, existing central defenders Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin are expected to depart the club in the coming weeks to balance the squad.
Future contract priorities
With their premier right-back secured, Tottenham’s recruitment team can now evaluate other pending contractual situations within the squad.
Forward Richarlison, alongside Ben Davies and Dane Scarlett, have entered the final 12 months of their respective deals and appear unlikely to be offered extensions.
Looking further ahead, key personnel including James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will see their current terms expire in 2028.
However, the immediate focus is expected to remain on finalising outgoing transfers and acquiring new targets ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Promoter Eddie Hearn is confident the highly anticipated heavyweight bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will take place in the UK this November, with Wembley Stadium the clear favourite to host.
The monumental clash between the British heavyweights has long been craved by boxing fans and appears closer than ever to becoming a reality.
Both fighters must first navigate summer tune-up bouts to keep the lucrative showdown on track.
The former Olympian makes his ring return on 25 July against Albanian Kristian Prenga, while the ‘Gypsy King’ plans to fight in Dublin on 1 August.
Contractual push for a British blockbuster
There had been ongoing speculation the fight could be staged in Saudi Arabia or the United States, given the involvement of boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.
However, the Matchroom Boxing boss insists existing agreements mandate a domestic setting.
“The contract is very clear. It specifically states the fight must take place in the UK,” Hearn confirmed.
“We also understand that Turki Alalshikh is paying for the fight, so if he comes up with a plan to stage the fight somewhere else, there will be a sensible conversation and a renegotiation of that contract if we want to move forward with that.”
Hearn emphasised that the clause was intentionally included to guarantee the biggest fight in British boxing history happens on home soil.
Wembley leads the stadium race
Wembley is currently the leading candidate to stage the event, remaining ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
The national stadium previously hosted a record-breaking crowd of 98,128 when the Watford-born fighter suffered a shock defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
A precise date remains unconfirmed, but organisers are targeting a Saturday night in the middle of November.
Concerns over staging an outdoor stadium event deep into the British autumn have been quickly dismissed by Joshua’s camp.
Hearn referenced Conor Benn’s recent rematch victory over Chris Eubank Jr at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as proof that winter conditions are no barrier.
“That fight can take place in the snow – I don’t really care, as long as it takes place,” he joked.
Highly decorated Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed as the new manager of the Brazil national team, tasked with securing a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
The veteran tactician becomes the first foreign manager to lead the South American giants in over six decades.
Taking the helm of the Selecao represents the ultimate international challenge for a man who has already conquered the club game.
The seasoned boss holds the unique distinction of winning domestic titles in all five major European leagues alongside a record five Champions League crowns.
Returning to the World Cup stage
This new chapter brings the former Real Madrid head coach full circle to the United States, where he served as Arrigo Sacchi’s assistant during the 1994 tournament.
On that occasion, the Italian dugout suffered a painful final defeat against the very nation he has now been hired to lead.
International glory has consistently eluded the esteemed tactician during his playing days, having missed Italy’s triumphant 1982 campaign due to a severe knee injury.
He was also an unused substitute when the Azzurri crashed out of their home tournament at the semi-final stage in 1990.
A deep connection with Brazilian talent
The Brazilian Football Confederation’s decision stems largely from his exceptional track record in knockout competitions and his proven affinity with their star players.
His admiration for the nation’s footballing culture dates back to watching their legendary 1970 squad conquer the globe in Mexico.
“It was the first time I realised how much talent Brazil has.”
Throughout his illustrious career at clubs like AC Milan, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, the 64-year-old has consistently brought out the best in South American talent.
His dressing rooms have featured legendary figures including Ronaldo, Kaka, Cafu, and Thiago Silva over the past two decades.
More recently at the Santiago Bernabeu, his guidance proved instrumental in elevating current national team stars like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo into global superstars.
Overcoming wider squad deficiencies
Despite this perfect synergy between coach and personnel, significant underlying issues remain within the current national setup.
Critics argue that even the most successful club manager in European history may struggle to mask the structural deficiencies holding back the five-time world champions.
As the countdown to the next global showpiece begins, the legendary coach faces immense pressure to finally end a prolonged trophy drought and secure that elusive sixth star.
Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez hit a grand slam and a two-run homer in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals on Friday.
The left-handed slugger initially drove in two runs with an opposite-field strike.
He then returned to the plate to clear the bases with a two-out shot to centre field.
His remarkable effort secured six runs batted in during a dominant nine-run opening frame for the visiting side.
Matching a baseball legend
Since RBIs became an official statistic in 1920, such an explosive start has been exceptionally rare.
Only Hall of Fame icon David Ortiz has previously recorded two home runs and six RBIs in a first inning, achieving the feat in 2008.
Leading the major leagues
The 28-year-old Cuban now boasts 24 home runs for the current season.
This impressive tally ensures the former American League Rookie of the Year leads the AL standings.
He is currently tied with Philadelphia Phillies standout Kyle Schwarber for the overall Major League Baseball lead.
A proven postseason performer
The three-time All-Star has consistently delivered on baseball’s biggest stages throughout his career.
He was named the AL Championship Series Most Valuable Player in 2021.
The prolific batter then guided his franchise to the World Series title the following year.