MLS talking points: Messi’s no-show, Lozano’s injury and Zaha’s debut | MLS

No Messi, yes problem When the Houston Dynamo learned that Lionel Messi did not travel with Inter Miami ahead of the teams’ game on Sunday, they proceeded with a now-familiar playbook. Just like Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps did in similar Messi-less situations, the team apologized to their ticketholders, then bargained with them. “Unfortunately, we … Read more

Manchester United may terminate lease on London offices to save money | Manchester United

Manchester United are exploring an early termination from a 10-year lease agreement at their London offices in Kensington in the latest cost-cutting measure proposed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. United moved into the Kensington Building less than two years ago after the expiry of a 10-year rental agreement on another office building in Mayfair, but with … Read more

‘The ball performs well’: FA hits back at Guardiola after FA Cup complaints | Football

The FA Cup ball criticised by the Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, “delivers against all of the testing requirements”, the Football Association has said. Guardiola compared the ball unfavourably to those used in the Premier League and Champions League after his side’s fifth-round victory over Plymouth on Saturday and said it was “not proper”. An … Read more

A referee’s blunder spared Gervonta Davis, but the bloom is off the rose | Gervonta Davis

An egregious non-call by referee Steve Willis allowed Gervonta Davis to salvage a draw on the judges’ scorecards in Davis’s WBA 135lb title defense against Lamont Roach at Barclays Center on Saturday night. Davis (now 30-0-1, 28 KOs), has been fighting professionally for 12 years. At age 30, he’s an elite fighter with a fervent … Read more