Ten-man Colombia defeated Uruguay 1-0 to reach the final of the Copa America for the first time in 23 years after an ill-tempered semi-final on Wednesday.

A 39th-minute Jefferson Lerma header sealed victory for the Colombians, who will now face holders Argentina in Sunday’s final in Miami.
The semi-final which was played in front of a packed and passionate crowd, ended with scuffles on the field and fighting in the stands, including several players who had climbed in among supporters amid the flying punches.

Colombia, despite having Daniel Munoz sent off just before the interval and facing plenty of Uruguay pressure, hung on for a famous victory to the delight of their massive following of fans.

The win was the 28th game without defeat for Colombia, setting a new record for the team.

Real Madrid have confirmed that defender, Rafa Marín has left the club to join Napoli.

The Los Blancos made this known in a statement on their website on Wednesday.

“Real Madrid wishes him and his family all the best of luck in this new stage of his career,” Real Madrid’s statement read in part.

Marín joined Real Madrid in 2016 at the age of 14.

The 22-year-old spent two seasons with Castilla.

During the 2023-2024 season, Marin was on loan at Deportivo Alavés.

France skipper, Kylian Mbappe, has admitted that his outing at Euro 2024 was “a failure”.

Mbappe made the remarks after France lost 2-1 to Spain in Tuesday’s semi-final.

The new Real Madrid forward only scored once – from the penalty – during the competition.

He has now conceded he was not good enough in Germany.

“In football you’re good or not good. I wasn’t good.

“My Euro was a failure.

“I wanted to be European champion… I will now go on holiday, I will rest well, it will do me a lot of good, then I will get ready to start a new life. There’s a lot to do,” Mbappe said.

Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has hailed Spain winger, Lamine Yamal after his display against France in the Euro 2024 semi-final on Tuesday.

Yamal drew the game level in the first half, after Kolo Muani gave Les Bleus an early lead.

Dani Olmo then struck the winner before the interval.

Yamal became the youngest scorer in the history of the European Championship and was also named Man of the Match.

Ferdinand said on BBC One: “Yamal plays like someone who has been playing for a long time. He makes the right decisions in the right moments.

“The simplicity with which he plays is so rare. Normally you come in and you’re trying to prove yourself and you try too hard.

“He always makes the right decision.”

President Bola Tinubu has openly expressed support for Nigeria’s bid for re-election to the FIFA Council.

The FIFA Council is the principal decision-making organ of the organisation in the intervals of the FIFA Congress.

The council comprises 37 members elected by the FIFA Congress for a renewable term of four years.

Amaju Pinnick, two-term President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, was elected to the council in March 2021—the third Nigerian after the late Oyo Orok Oyo and Dr Amos Adamu.

Pinnick is seeking re-election to the council, and President Tinubu supports the bid for Nigeria to retain its seat in the council.

Renato Veiga is set to undergo his Chelsea medical on Wednesday in a bid to move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Recall that Chelsea have agreed on a deal to sign Veiga from FC Basel.

However, according to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, all the documents will be signed between Chelsea and Basel for Veiga’s transfer to the Premier League west London club after the medical.

“Renato Veiga’s final part of medical will be done on Wednesday then documents will be signed between Chelsea and Basel,” Romano wrote on X on Monday night.

Veiga is a 2003-born left-footed versatile defender and midfielder.

Manchester United have sent a new bid to Everton as they seek to sign Jarred Branthwaite this summer.

United boss, Erik ten Hag, is a keen admirer of the defender and wants to add him to the squad.

The Red Devils have seen an initial bid rejected, but on Monday returned with an improved offer.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “Manchester United have sent a new bid to Everton for Jarred Branthwaite tonight: £45m fixed fee plus £5m add-ons.

“The proposal is formal and official, as @ChrisWheelerDM has reported.

“Everton insist on a £65/70m price for Branthwaite, no deal again at this stage.”

United are also trying to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.

Manchester United forward, Mason Greenwood, was at the club’s Carrington base on Monday but did not join training with the team.

Greenwood’s future with the Premier League club remains uncertain since he was suspended by the club in January 2022.

This followed allegations of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against his partner.

Although the charges against Greenwood were dropped in February 2023, the player was loaned to Getafe in LaLiga last summer.

He is expected to move on permanently now the transfer window is open again.
Following the expiry of his loan, Greenwood reported to Carrington on Monday.

According to The Athletic, Greenwood was there for negotiations regarding his departure from Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old left without joining the rest of the squad on the grass.

Inter Miami striker, Luis Suarez, has fired back at former Manchester United player, Andreas Pereira after Uruguay defeated Brazil in the quarter final of the ongoing Copa America 2024 at the weekend.

Pereira had claimed before the quarter-final tie that Brazil had a “team that Uruguay dream of having.”

But when asked about Pereira’s comment after Uruguay knocked Brazil out of the Copa America 2024, Suarez told reporters: “We have the best midfielders in the world, top-level players.

“To talk about Uruguay, you have to have a little more respect, know the history of Uruguay.

“Before I say which players want to be on the Brazilian national team, I have to say that the person who made that comment was [Giorgian] De Arrascaeta’s reserve [at Flamengo], who is the best player in Brazilian football.

“So imagine what it’s like for us to hear that.”

Recall that Uruguay defeated Brazil on penalty shootout, thanks to Manuel Ugarte, who scored Uruguay’s decisive spot-kick after Eder Militao’s attempt was saved and Douglas Luiz hit the post.

Uruguay will now play Colombia in the Copa America semi final on Wednesday.

Former Liverpool midfielder, Danny Murphy has criticised Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo for having little or no ‘impact’ in Euro 2024.

Portugal were eliminated from the competition on Friday after losing 3-5 on penalties to France in the quarterfinals.

Ronaldo missed a few big chances during the game, including a crucial shot in the first half of extra time when he shot the ball over the crossbar following a pass from Conceicao in the penalty box.

After his big miss, co-commentator Murphy shared his thoughts on Ronaldo’s performance.

He told the BBC: “I’d be having conversations with the manager. It does seem ridiculous at times that he keeps Ronaldo on when he is having no impact.

“He [Goncalo Ramos] kind of must be thinking, what was he brought here for?” Murphy asked.

Finidi George was on Wednesday unveiled as head coach of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side, Rivers United.

The unveiling ceremony took place at Rivers United’s secretariat in Port Harcourt.

The former Ajax winger is back in the dugout few weeks after he resigned from his post as Super Eagles head coach.

Rivers United sacked long-serving tactician Stanley Eguma towards the end of last season due to poor results.

The Port Harcourt club finished in disappointing eighth position in the NPFL last season.

Finidi previously worked in the NPFL with nine-time champions Enyimba.

He masterminded Enyimba’s title success in the 2022/23 season.

Manchester United have revealed their new home kit for the upcoming 2024/25 season, featuring a bold design inspired by the club’s rich history.

Officially launched on Monday, the iconic red shirt now sports a striking gradient effect, complemented by white trim and white shorts.

The kit marks the beginning of a new sponsorship era for the Red Devils, with Snapdragon taking over as the main shirt sponsor.

This change comes after a lucrative £60million deal was struck with the American tech firm, replacing the previous sponsor, TeamViewer.

The kit’s designer, Adidas, has drawn inspiration from a unique “fluorescent” concept first introduced during the legendary Busby Babes era. This innovative design was originally conceived to help players spot each other more easily under floodlights.

Describing the concept, Adidas explained, “The rayon style fabric appeared to be a different shade of red, depending on how light reflected off it under the stadium’s floodlights. For the 2024-25 expression, bold combinations of red have been blended to form a light to dark red gradient, running down the main body of the shirt – giving the appearance of an ever-changing colour.”

The kit also features a distinctive flame-like red insert along the side panel of both the jersey and shorts.

According to Adidas, this element creates “a connecting line that stands out against the stadium backdrop as players are in motion.”

Perhaps most notably, the kit introduces “a colour expression never seen before on a Manchester United home kit,” further emphasising the club’s commitment to innovation while honouring its storied past.

Fans eager to don the new colours can now purchase the home kit, with adult shirts starting at £80.

At least nine Barcelona players have left the club following the expiration of their contracts on June 30.

The Catalan club disclosed this in a statement via their website on Sunday.

The nine players are Cuéllar, Iker Goujon, Josep Cerdà, Saïdou Bah,Pau Víctor, Moha, Pelayo, Marc Vidal and Naim.

“June 30 is the final day of the contract for the Barça Atlètic players Pau Víctor, Moha, Pelayo, Marc Vidal, Naim, Cuéllar, Iker Goujon, Josep Cerdà and Saïdou Bah, meaning their time with the FC Barcelona development side has come to an end,” Barcelona’s statement read in part.

“The Club appreciates their commitment and professionalism, and wishes them all the best in their future sporting and personal endeavours.”

Finidi George could be set to return to the Nigeria Premier Football, NPFL, after resigning as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

He stepped down from the role after only 40 days due to tensions with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

However, Finidi is being considered by Rivers United to become their new head coach, according to the Nation.

The NPFL club wants to make changes after an unimpressive end to the season.

Rivers United started the season well, reaching the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup before being eliminated by USM Alger of Algeria.

However, they struggled in the league, finishing outside the top spots and failing to secure a continental ticket for the first time in three years.

Victor Sochima has turned down a contract renewal offer at Nigeria Premier Football League club, Rivers United.

The former Super Eagles invitee will become a free agent at the end of the month.

According to reports, Sochima is attracting interest from an unnamed club in Tanzania.

A move to North Africa is also on the cards for the goalie.

Rivers United turned down an offer from Tanzanian club Azam FC for the goalkeeper last season.

The duo of Kazie Enyinnaya and Augustine Okejepha have already confirmed their exit from the Port Harcourt club.

Inter Miami and Argentina superstar, Lionel Messi has revealed that God is the reason behind his success as a footballer.

The 37-year-old, who is currently with Argentina at the Copa América in the US, said that he has tried to make the most of the gift God gave him.

“It’s very clear to me that I was born like this because God chose me. It was a gift he gave me.” he told podcaster Juan Pablo Varsky

“I was always different. People came to watch me. I didn’t realize it, but I only began to understand that as I grew older.

“Of course, I tried to take advantage of it [talent], I tried to squeeze the most out of it, but the truth is, I did nothing to become the player that I already was when I was little.”

Yes, Leo’s got a gift—one in a billion, no doubt. But he’s not giving himself enough credit because he worked just as hard as any other footballer to become what he is today—the best player in the world.

Arsenal have confirmed that goalkeeper, Karl Hein has signed a new contract with the club.

The Gunners disclosed this in a statement via their website on Monday evening.

“We’re delighted to confirm Karl Hein has signed a new contract with the club,” Arsenal’s statement read in part.

Hein joined Arsenal in 2018 from Nõmme United, where he made his debut at the age of 16.

The Estonia international began his Arsenal career as a scholar.

He turned professional the following year.

Hein featured in the club’s first-team squad for the first time in a Europa League game.

He also spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Championship side Reading.

“I’m delighted to extend my contract and continue my journey in this amazing club after six years,” Hein said after extending his contract.