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.
World football’s governing body FIFA is closely monitoring an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that threatens to disrupt the nation’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Sebastien Desabre’s squad faces major logistical hurdles following a recent United States travel ban imposed on several African nations.
The restriction currently applies to non-Americans arriving from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan in response to the escalating health crisis.
However, the Leopards are still expected to participate in the North American tournament thanks to a planned diplomatic exemption.
Exemptions and safety protocols
A US Department of State official confirmed that authorities are actively working to accommodate the central African team.
“We expect the DRC team to be able to attend the World Cup,” the official told Al Jazeera.
“We’re working to get them into the same protocol for testing in isolation that American citizens returning and permanent residents would be.”
The World Health Organization currently classifies the regional viral risk as high, though it has not declared a broader pandemic emergency.
Official medical figures indicate there have been dozens of confirmed cases, alongside nearly 600 suspected infections and 139 suspected deaths.
FIFA prioritises tournament security
In response to the domestic crisis, the national team has already cancelled a scheduled training camp in the capital city of Kinshasa.
Despite this significant disruption, a team spokesperson insisted that their broader preparation programme is proceeding as planned.
Tournament organisers are leaving nothing to chance regarding the safety of the expanded 48-team competition across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
An official statement confirmed that constant communication is being maintained with the Congolese Football Association to provide all necessary medical guidance.
“FIFA continues to work with all three FIFA World Cup 2026 host countries’ governments… as well as with the World Health Organization, to ensure a safe and secure tournament,” the governing body said.
The statement reiterated that the health of all individuals involved remains the absolute priority ahead of the opening fixtures.
Referee Michael Salisbury has been dropped from the final round of Premier League fixtures this Sunday after controversially allowing a Manchester United goal to stand despite an apparent handball.
The match official faced widespread criticism for refusing to disallow the second goal during United’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Despite being advised by the Video Assistant Referee to review a potential handball in the build-up on the pitchside monitor, he chose to uphold his original on-field decision.
Professional Game Match Officials chief refereeing officer Howard Webb subsequently contacted Forest to acknowledge that a mistake had been made.
PGMO admit on-field error
English referees traditionally adopt a more lenient approach to handball offences, but the governing body conceded this specific decision should have been overturned.
The omitted official has not been a regular presence in the top flight this season, overseeing just 13 league matches overall.
In contrast, highly experienced colleagues such as Michael Oliver have taken charge of 28 fixtures and will officiate the crucial upcoming clash between Tottenham and Everton.
Elsewhere on the final day, World Cup referee Anthony Taylor will manage the relegation battle between West Ham and Leeds, while emerging official Farai Hallam takes charge of Crystal Palace against champions Arsenal.
Further VAR scrutiny for Bell
Meanwhile, another contentious officiating appointment has placed James Bell on VAR duties for the match between Fulham and Newcastle.
This selection follows heavy criticism regarding his failure to intervene following a dangerous challenge by Kai Havertz on Lesley Ugochukwu during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Burnley.
Match referee Paul Tierney issued a yellow card for the incident, but replays showed the German international’s studs making clear contact with his opponent’s calf.
Bell reviewed the footage but opted against recommending an on-field review for a potential dismissal.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville strongly condemned the tackle during the live broadcast.
He is miles away from the ball. I don’t like that. The height of it and the fact it is on the standing leg.
Gary Neville
The former Manchester United defender concluded that the Arsenal forward was incredibly fortunate to escape a red card when the technology failed to intervene.
Norway midfielder Morten Thorsby has joined a group of professional footballers petitioning Fifa for stronger heat protection protocols ahead of the expanded World Cup in North America.
The 30-year-old warned that the entire sport suffers if world football’s governing body fails to properly safeguard athletes from soaring temperatures.
His intervention supports recent concerns raised by leading scientists regarding the safety of playing conditions across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Protecting the planet and player welfare
The Cremonese midfielder has campaigned on climate issues within the sport for more than a decade.
“It’s also a message to Fifa – they have to do more to take care of people and the planet.”
Thorsby told BBC Sport that the organisation holds a massive responsibility but is currently falling short in utilising its global influence.
Researchers recently predicted that temperatures at 14 of the 16 tournament stadiums could exceed dangerous levels.
The impact on the sporting spectacle
The Norwegian international is expected to feature at the upcoming tournament after his nation qualified for the first time in 28 years.
Fifa previously announced enhanced heat protocols, including mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in every half regardless of the weather conditions.
However, the players’ letter demands clearer guidelines for delaying or postponing matches in extreme climates.
“For the players, it’s an obvious problem of heat impacting the performance. Obviously the intensity of the game goes down.”
He added that the entertainment value of the sport diminishes significantly when athletes cannot perform at their peak.
Calling on high-profile voices
The petition features signatures from across the men’s and women’s game, including Italy defender Elena Linari and Ipswich Town forward Chuba Akpom.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has also added his name to the growing movement.
“We need more high-profile players to join this debate.”
The founder of the We Play Green foundation acknowledged that increased public attention often makes players hesitant to speak out on controversial issues.
Despite these fears, the push for comprehensive environmental and welfare reforms continues to gather momentum ahead of the global showpiece.