Reading are trapped in a three-way battle of brinkmanship involving the owner, Dai Yongge, and two potential buyers, the American businessmen Robert Platek and Rob Couhig, leaving staff at the club fearing they will be forced into administration next month. Several sources have told the Guardian that it is “touch and go” whether the League … Read more
It is 12 years since Wales last played in Skopje and their then manager Chris Coleman arrived uncomfortably late after losing his passport. More than a decade on, Craig Bellamy’s side left a much more professional impression, even if took a last-gasp equaliser from the substitute David Brooks to rescue a point that preserves both … Read more
Tuchel is still learning but the clock is ticking Thomas Tuchel does not have time on his side after opting not to oversee England’s Nations League games in November. He has looked to hit the ground running, just as he did when he won the Champions League four months after joining Chelsea, but building rhythm … Read more
Alexander Isak brought his sparkling Premier League form to the international stage as Sweden defeated an inexperienced Northern Ireland side 5-1 in their Stockholm friendly. The Newcastle forward made one goal and scored another in spectacular fashion as the visitors’ five-match unbeaten run was ruthlessly brought to an end. Michael O’Neill’s side had their chances … Read more
The former footballer Joey Barton has been handed a 12-week suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of assaulting his wife at their family home in south-west London in June 2021. The 42-year-old pushed Georgia Barton to the floor before kicking her in the head during a drunken row at their family home which left … Read more
West Ham are lining up a move for the Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg. Tottenham have also tracked the 17-year-old but West Ham have put themselves in a strong position to advance their interest. Graham Potter wants to freshen up his midfield and talks have been held internally over a move for Rigg. The teenager is … Read more
World Sevens Football, the lucrative seven-a-side women’s series that will start in Portugal in May, is to hire one of Chelsea Women’s most senior figures, the Guardian understands. According to sources the Chelsea executive manager, Adrian Jacob, who has been with the Women’s Super League champions for 11 years since joining as chairman, is poised … Read more
That Liverpool to Real Madrid is a regular trade route will do little to douse the rage Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to the Spanish capital has caused. That Madrid are Liverpool’s nemesis in terms of European Cup/Champions League wins and, in recent years, two finals of that same competition, will hardly sweeten the pill, either. … Read more
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and Gotham FC are investigating after “hateful language” was directed at Orlando Pride’s forward Barbra Banda during Sunday’s match between the sides. Gotham said that after the incident had been reported, stadium security “directly addressed” an individual and monitored “the situation for the remainder of the match”. The club … Read more
Sarina Wiegman says she is yet to decide who will be England’s No 1 goalkeeper at this summer’s European Championship in Switzerland. Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton are fighting for the spot and started one match each during England’s most recent fixtures in February. Paris Saint-Germain’s Earps, 32, has 53 caps and was a mainstay … Read more