Former Argentina and Boca Juniors midfielder Antonio Rattin, whose infamous 1966 World Cup dismissal inspired the invention of red and yellow cards, has died at the age of 89.

The South American football icon spent his entire domestic playing career with Buenos Aires giants Boca Juniors.

He represented his nation on the international stage between 1959 and 1969, featuring in two consecutive World Cup tournaments.

However, the tenacious ball-winner is most widely remembered for his controversial role in a fiery quarter-final defeat against England.

Wembley dismissal and lasting legacy

The Argentine captain was ordered off the pitch by German referee Rudolf Kreitlein during the tense 1966 encounter.

A prolonged standoff ensued because the furious player could not understand the official, who spoke no Spanish.

The defiant national team skipper initially refused to leave the field of play in an unprecedented act of protest.

He subsequently crumpled a corner flag bearing the English cross and sat down on the royal red carpet reserved for Queen Elizabeth II.

“When I got to the corner, I twisted the English flag and insulted them. Then I went over to the carpet the Queen used to enter the stadium and sat there for about five minutes. It was a very nice red carpet.”

Antonio Rattin

This high-profile language barrier prompted Fifa to rethink match officiating on a global scale.

The governing body officially introduced the now-universal yellow and red card system at the subsequent 1970 tournament in Mexico.

A revered figure in Buenos Aires

Away from the international spotlight, the robust defensive midfielder established an enduring legacy at club level.

He amassed 382 competitive appearances and scored 28 goals during a glittering 14-year spell in Argentina’s top flight.

The one-club man helped the institution secure four domestic league titles and drove them to the 1963 Copa Libertadores final.

Following his departure from professional competition, the esteemed veteran enjoyed a brief managerial stint with his beloved team before embarking on a career in politics.

His former employers released an emotional statement to express their deep sadness following the passing of their iconic star.

“With great sorrow, we mourn the passing of Antonio Ubaldo Rattin, an idol and symbol of our institution. We stand with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Farewell, Rata.”

Boca Juniors

England midfielder Declan Rice has sparked major fitness concerns after being substituted at half-time during his nation’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami.

The Arsenal star had been battling a virus ahead of the crucial knockout tie and is also managing an ongoing hamstring problem.

Pundits and former professionals were quick to note the 27-year-old’s lethargic body language during a difficult first half.

Pundits question midfielder’s physical condition

Former international defender Lee Dixon highlighted that the usually energetic talisman looked heavily depleted when taking set-pieces.

“It’s not like Declan Rice, it took him an age to get out there to take that corner, he looks energy-depleted.”

Former England striker Ian Wright echoed those sentiments regarding the midfield anchor’s performance.

“He has been struggling in the first-half, you could tell with his set-pieces, he didn’t look right.”

Bellingham rescues trailing Three Lions

Manager Thomas Tuchel ultimately withdrew the fatigued player at the interval, introducing Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze in his place.

The fitness blow compounded a frustrating opening period for the tournament hopefuls after they fell behind to an Andreas Schjelderup effort.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was caught off guard by a cross-cum-shot, leaving his side facing an uphill battle.

The Scandinavian underdogs then squandered a glorious opportunity to double their advantage when Alexander Sorloth ignored an unmarked Erling Haaland on the counter-attack.

Heavy workload takes its toll

That selfishness was swiftly punished when Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham powered home a crucial equaliser following neat interplay with Anthony Gordon.

This latest physical setback follows a demanding domestic campaign where the robust holding player helped secure a first Premier League title in two decades for his club.

He had previously been rested for the final group stage victory over Panama in an attempt to manage his significant playing load.

Coaching staff will now anxiously await medical updates as they look to keep their star man available for the remainder of the tournament.

Charlotte Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson says the decision to trade star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves was made to secure sustained success and build a championship-contending team.

Peterson addressed the media at the Las Vegas Summer League on Saturday to explain the departure of one of the franchise’s most popular players.

The blockbuster four-team deal saw the Eastern Conference side send the 22-year-old playmaker and Josh Green to Minnesota.

In exchange, Charlotte received center Naz Reid alongside an unprotected 2033 first-round draft pick, three second-round picks, and three first-round pick swaps.

Focusing on long-term goals

Peterson described moving the former All-Star as arguably the most difficult choice of his two-year tenure in North Carolina.

However, the executive stressed that the organisation must aim higher than merely fighting for a brief postseason appearance.

“These decisions are challenging at times, but when you look at the totality of the season and everything of where we were, it’s important to take an honest look in the mirror of where you guys are as a team,” Peterson said.
“I’ve said it plenty of times since I’ve been here in Charlotte: the goal is to get to the playoffs and stay there for a long time.”

Peterson added that acquiring a player of Reid’s calibre, combined with future draft flexibility, achieved multiple strategic objectives in a single transaction.

Ending the NBA’s longest playoff drought

The massive trade surprised many fans after the dynamic guard helped engineer the NBA’s second-best turnaround last season.

Following a dismal 19-win campaign, the franchise surged to 44 victories and boasted the league’s top-ranked offence from January onwards.

Despite beating the Miami Heat in their opening play-in game, a subsequent crushing defeat to the Orlando Magic eliminated them from playoff contention.

The team has not reached the NBA playoffs since 2016, which stands as the longest active drought in the league.

While keeping their young core of Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel intact alongside their departing star seemed logical, Peterson prioritised an objective evaluation of the current roster.

“It’s my job to not just look at half of last season or two thirds of last season,” he explained.
“Just making an objective decision in terms of just the timing and being honest with myself of where we really are as it compares to the rest of the league.”

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has been ruled out of the rest of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a freak arm and wrist fracture while celebrating a round-of-16 victory over Mexico.

The 36-year-old slipped and fell over an advertising hoarding at the Azteca Stadium following the thrilling 3-2 win.

He was immediately separated from the squad to receive hospital treatment before undergoing successful surgery at the Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute.

Manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the devastating accident has cast a sad shadow over an otherwise historic achievement for the national side.

‘Scary’ incident shakes squad

The veteran midfielder will now miss Saturday’s crucial quarter-final clash against Norway in Miami.

Team-mates have rallied around the former Liverpool captain as he begins his rehabilitation process away from the training base.

Defender Marc Guehi provided an encouraging update on his colleague’s condition during a recent broadcast on the team’s media channels.

“Hendo’s a good man, he’s in a better place than he was yesterday.”

“It was obviously scary for him and his family and for everyone else, but we’re just glad that he’s on the road to a speedy recovery.”

Marc Guehi

Experience lost for crucial run-in

The experienced playmaker had featured for just six minutes during this tournament prior to the accident.

His sole appearance in the competition came as a late substitute during a 2-0 group-stage victory against Panama.

However, his renowned leadership skills will be sorely missed in the dressing room as the Three Lions prepare for formidable European opposition.

The squad must now navigate the remainder of the tournament without him as they aim to reach their first World Cup final since 1966.

Two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant says his off-season trade to the Portland Trail Blazers offers a “fresh start” to clear up misconceptions about his character.

The 26-year-old spoke publicly on Saturday for the first time since his June move from the Memphis Grizzlies.

Addressing reporters at the Las Vegas Summer League, the former second overall draft pick expressed a clear desire to move past his previous controversies.

“I’ve done what I’ve done in the past, but it’s been addressed and handled already,” he stated.

“I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja. It’s like starting all over again.”

Turbulent final years in Memphis

Morant spent seven seasons in Tennessee, leading the Grizzlies to four play-off appearances.

However, his tenure was overshadowed by disciplinary issues, including two significant league suspensions in 2023.

He served bans of eight and 25 games after displaying a firearm on social media livestreams.

A further one-game suspension followed in November after a heated altercation with Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo.

A crowded Portland backcourt

Portland acquired the South Carolina native in exchange for forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.

He joins a heavily stocked guard rotation featuring Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.

Despite the fierce competition for minutes, the new arrival confirmed he is willing to either start or come off the bench.

The explosive playmaker was restricted to just 20 appearances last season due to injury, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists.

He insists his body now “feels great” after spending the past four months getting into peak physical condition.

Embracing the Pacific Northwest

Already familiar with Oregon through his endorsement deals with Nike, the former college standout is embracing his new surroundings.

“I don’t know if you all have been paying attention to me lately, but I’ve been kind of into nature,” he explained.

“I’m not hiking, but I go walking, ride a bike, I’ve been kayaking.”

“Just being grateful for being alive and the things I do have and my family. And to now have a fresh start. It’s just mind clearing.”

A new investigative report has accused football’s governing body FIFA of covering up a massive money laundering and embezzlement scandal involving the Argentine Football Association.

Investigative journalist Romain Molina claims the global organisation provided protection to the South American nation’s footballing authority despite US investigations exceeding $300m (£236m).

The allegations point to a vast network of financial irregularity, with substantial funds reportedly siphoned through shell companies.

Miami firm granted commercial rights

According to the findings, the reigning world champions granted all international commercial rights to a newly founded Miami company just nine days before their 2022 World Cup victory.

This private entity, which reportedly possessed no prior sporting experience, received a 30% commission on all external revenue.

Molina alleges that tournament prize money was transferred directly to the Florida-based business rather than official accounts in Buenos Aires.

The journalist described this unprecedented financial arrangement as entirely illogical for an international sporting federation.

Millions transferred to shell companies

The investigation outlines how millions of dollars were subsequently moved to ordinary individuals facing debt or living in public housing.

These individuals allegedly vanished shortly after receiving the funds, while neighbours noted sudden, drastic lifestyle changes.

Molina claims this misappropriated wealth financed luxury properties, private jets, yachts and non-footballing ventures such as karting.

Claims of internal complicity

The justice system suspects that high-ranking officials personally benefited from the illicit funds, concealing luxury assets under third-party names.

The report claims that these extensive financial dealings occurred with the full knowledge of the sport’s global administrators.

Questions have been raised regarding Emilio Garcia, the legal director of the governing body, who is accused of maintaining close ties with the implicated officials.

Belgium’s Tim Merlier secured his second consecutive Tour de France victory by winning a dramatic sprint finish on stage eight in Bergerac.

The Soudal Quick-Step rider followed up his stage seven triumph with another stunning bunch finish on Saturday.

Dramatic late surge

The 33-year-old initially looked out of contention after being caught out of position heading into the final 500 metres.

However, the Belgian fast-man launched a phenomenal long-range charge to reel in all of his rivals.

He hit the front with under 200 metres remaining to hold off Eritrea’s Biniam Girmay and secure his fifth career stage win at the Grand Tour.

“If you win one, you can win a second, and I’m happy,” said Merlier.
“Three sprint stages, I won two – definitely my Tour de France.”

Green jersey battle intensifies

This latest victory moves the dynamic sprinter within just 15 points of Mads Pedersen in the battle for the sprinters’ green jersey.

Defending champion Tadej Pogacar safely retained the yellow jersey to maintain his overall general classification lead over Jonas Vingegaard.

The flat 180.4km ride from Perigueux to Bergerac wound past some of the Dordogne region’s historic castles before culminating in the expected sprint.

Breakaway heartbreak and heatwave adjustments

A three-man breakaway led for most of the day, with Liam Slock eventually caught an agonising 1.3km from the finish line.

Mathieu van der Poel attempted to set up Alpecin-Premier Tech team-mate Jasper Philipsen in the finale, but they were ultimately overpowered.

“I needed to fight for my position all the time until the last minute.”
“Just before the corner, I was a bit boxed in, and then they almost crashed, so I thought it was over.”
“I gave it a try to come back off the guys who did the lead-out because I was coming with so much speed.”

Tour organisers have confirmed that Sunday’s ninth stage will be shortened due to an intense heatwave gripping the Correze region.

The route from Malemort to Ussel has been reduced from 185.5km to a more manageable 155.5km.

Stage eight results

General classification standings

South Africa have defeated Scotland 42-28 in a thrilling Nations Championship encounter in Pretoria to deny the visitors a historic first victory on South African soil.

The double world champions were made to work tirelessly for their win by Gregor Townsend’s resurgent side.

Scotland had arrived in the southern hemisphere full of confidence after already dispatching England, France and Argentina in impressive fashion earlier this year.

That hard-earned momentum looked precarious early on as the powerful hosts raced into a commanding 14-0 advantage.

Scottish resilience stuns world champions

The visiting side refused to capitulate and produced a stunning fightback to level the match by half-time.

However, the Scots were ultimately left to regret their failure to capitalise on a crucial numerical advantage early in the second period.

Springbok forward Ben-Jason Dixon was sent to the sin-bin, but the away side could not convert their temporary dominance into points.

Late surge secures Springbok victory

The home side appeared to finally shatter Scottish resistance with a devastating 10-minute spell either side of the hour mark.

Three quickfire tries restored a comfortable cushion for the reigning global champions.

Refusing to yield, Townsend’s men mounted another stirring comeback through well-worked scores from Josh Bayliss and Ben White.

Those late efforts closed the deficit to a single converted try, setting up a nervous finale for the expectant Pretoria crowd.

The tense atmosphere was only lifted when Jesse Kriel crossed for a decisive breakaway try to guarantee a hard-fought result.