United States striker Balogun had his one-match ban “suspended” in an extraordinary development on Monday after being controversially sent off in his country’s round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Fifa’s regulations provided no official avenue to hear an appeal of Balogun’s red card – something which was criticised – but justified the move by citing Article 27 in Fifa’s disciplinary code, which states: “The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
Rudi Garcia was left furious, maintaining their anger goes beyond their own immediate situation with the last 16 tie: ““I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools. I think it’s necessary to refer to our statement. A lot of what I feel is there.
“We’re not defending the national team or the federation, we are defending football, integrity. It’s the first time in World Cup history that such a decision has been taken”
Belgium’s FA has now responded to Fifa’s decision, drawing attention to Fifa’s “direct contradiction” to their own World Cup provisions.
“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by Fifa’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time),” a statement read.
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“Fifa bases its decision on Article 27 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the Fifa Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
“However, Article 66.4 of the same Fifa Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this Fifa World Cup.
“Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the Fifa World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5: ‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’
“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in Fifa World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.
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Belgium’s FA have blasted Fifa for contradicting its World Cup provisions (Reuters)
“The same rule is reiterated at every Fifa World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting prior to each match and is included in all Fifa World Cup 2026 workshop presentations.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this Fifa World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.”
Another factor in Fifa’s decision may have been the non-awarding of a red card for Lionel Messi for a similar tackle in Argentina’s win against Algeria.
Emergency services are at the scene of a “serious” collision on a busy road near Cambridgeshire. There has been a collision along the A421 diversion route towards St Neots on Sunday, July 5.
This was reported at around 11.40am this morning. National Highways said Bedfordshire Police are leading at the scene of the crash on Little Barford Road in Bedfordshire.
Motorists travelling on the A421 and A1 have been affected and are warned to “expect delays”. Bedfordshire Police have been approached for comment.
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A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Travelling #A421 #A1 #BlackCat today. Please be aware that there has been a serious collision on the diversion route.
“@bedspolice are leading at the scene of the collision on #LittleBarford road. Further updates to follow.”
Lord David Blunkett has warned the police service in England and Wales ‘isn’t good enough’, as the Police Leadership Commission is set to conclude a ‘serious overhaul’ is needed
The police service in England and Wales is “not good enough” and its leadership needs an “ethical reset”, Lord David Blunkett has said.
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The former Labour Home Secretary said a major report he co-authored on police leadership, which will be published on Monday, found weaknesses in leadership, morale and culture across the service.
The Police Leadership Commission will conclude that police leadership requires a “fundamental overhaul” as there are “significant causes for concern”.
“At the moment, the service isn’t good enough,” Lord Blunkett told the BBC. “At the moment, the morale and motivation of many of those working in the service needs a reset.”
The report, produced along with the former Conservative policing minister Lord Herbert for the College of Policing, will call for a “root and branch modernisation” of recruitment, development and monitoring within the police service.
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In an article for the Mail on Sunday, Lord Blunkett said: “Supported by the Home Office, the independent Police Leadership Commission has concluded we need a root-and-branch overhaul of recruitment, training, appraisal and promotion. And that nowhere do we need more radical change than at the very top.
“It is at the very highest level in policing that we’ve found the most troubling evidence of failure, particularly when it comes to promotions. I don’t use the word ‘nepotism’ lightly because it implies deep seated preferential treatment for those close to the senior officers making the decisions. But I’m afraid it’s true.”
The Commission highlights a lack of leadership support for frontline officers, where almost a third of the service has less than five years’ service. It also criticises a postcode lottery system of promotion, with some officers raising concerns around perceptions of fairness, nepotism, and favouritism around stepping stones such as temporary promotions.
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The report noted a “narrow talent pool” at the top of policing, where chief constable roles regularly attract a single suitable candidate.
The review describes a collective failure by both policing and successive governments to invest sufficient time, resources and attention to police leadership development over decades. It demanded central funding to be restored in line with other public services such as the military and NHS.
Among recommendations, the Commission has called for reformed recruitment and nationally accredited training for all new constables and a new senior constable rank to reward and recognise experienced frontline officers who provide leadership and standards. It also wants a National Academy of Police Leadership to provide consistent, high-quality development across forces and support a stronger candidate pipeline.
Lord Herbert said: “If policing is to rebuild public trust, raise standards and meet the challenges of the future, leadership must now become a priority, properly funded, consistently developed and treated as a core operational capability.
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“The reforms we set out are intended to support frontline officers and reset police leadership culture towards high performance around what matters most: cutting crime and keeping people safe.”
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia likened the ruling to “April Fool’s Day” and insisted his federation was “defending football”, while United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino defended the development, which emerged as his side prepared for the Seattle clash, taking place on Monday night local time.
Big screens inside the Azteca alerted people that an electrical storm was approaching and to remain in their seats, though many sought cover from the rain.
Play cannot begin until 30 minutes have passed since lightning was last detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.
With regards to delays caused by severe weather, Fifa has no power to make its own rules – it must adhere to the advice of local authorities.
In the United States, recommendations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are used.
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The NOAA says if any lightning strike is detected within eight miles of a stadium the game has to be stopped. The rules are the same in Mexico.
When there is an increased risk of lightning strikes, the safety of players and supporters is given paramount importance.
All players must leave the pitch, and fans must seek shelter away from their seats.
A mandatory 30-minute countdown begins. Each time there is a lightning strike inside the distance, the countdown clock resets to 30 minutes.
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If a full 30 minutes has elapsed, the supporters can go back to their seats and players will have a short warm-up.
Sources told BBC Sport on Saturday that world governing body Fifa had been set to reschedule the fixture, and confirm in a statement, but news of the proposal angered both English and Mexican officials.
The English Football Association (FA) requested time to review the weather forecast in more detail.
As talks went on, concerns over the impact on player preparation, fan travel and the logistics around moving the staging of such a huge game were discussed.
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The proposed change was first reported by local media in Mexico.
Fifa maintained no decision had been made and – after pushback from both associations – it was decided to keep the tie at its original kick-off time.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised after taking part in a ‘shag, date or marry’ game during a podcast interview.
Appearing on the Bush Deep podcast with host Nikki Osborne, Albanese was asked to play a game of ‘shag, marry or date’ involving Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman and Rhonda Burchmore, choosing which celebrity he would sleep with, marry or date.
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Responding to the question, the Prime Minister said: ‘I’ve just got married. I’m only six months in.’
‘But if it goes tits up?’ Osborne hit back.
‘Kylie, clearly,’ he replied.
‘You’d marry Kylie? And shag her? And date her?’ questioned Osborne.
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‘All of the above,’ replied Albanese. ‘She’s terrific.’
The remarks drew criticism, with some colleagues accusing the Prime Minister of resorting to ‘locker-room antics’.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised after taking part in a ‘shag, date or marry’ game during a podcast interview
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The Prime Minister declared Kylie Minogue was ‘all of the above’
Albanese, who is currently in Fiji to sign a new treaty with the Pacific nation, apologised on Monday morning in a brief statement.
‘I apologise unequivocally for the comments,’ it read.
Independent Fowler MP Dai Le said Albanese’s remarks were ‘unbecoming of a gentleman’ and suggested he was trying to appeal to a younger generation.
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‘In parliament we’re not supposed to use certain words,’ she said.
‘I will find that very unbecoming of a gentleman, but maybe the prime minister is trying to appeal to another group, a target audience that don’t mind that kind of language being used.’
Community Strong MP Zali Steggall said it was ‘entirely inappropriate’ for the PM to respond to the question.
‘He needs to learn to push back, lead by example and call it out as sexist,’ Steggall said.
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One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce also weighed in, describing Albanese’s remarks as ‘a bit below him’.
The Prime Minister described Aussie pop star Kylie Minogue as ‘terrific’
Albanese also opened up about his sex life with Jodie Haydon
‘There are lots of people who feel they’ve been in a very unfortunate relationship with the Prime Minister of Australia, and he doesn’t need to play a stupid game,’ Joyce said on Sunrise on Monday.
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When asked what he would have done had he been asked, Joyce replied: ‘Avoided the question, like most people.’
Elsewhere in the podcast interview, Osborne asked if Albanese and his new wife Jodie Haydon were ‘bonking like rabbits’.
‘Well, when we have time,’ he replied.
‘After the footy. It’s always a good aphrodisiac, a Souths win,’ he added, referencing the couple’s beloved NRL team.
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Anthony Albanese apologises after taking part in a game of ‘shag, date or marry’ during an interview
England’s World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico will have to be restarted on a future date, if FIFA are left with no choice but to abandon the game.
As things stand, the game is scheduled to go ahead. A 1am BST kick-off time in the UK on Monday morning (6pm local time) remains in place after suggestions that it could be moved by FIFA.
However, isolated thunderstorms amid high humidity are expected to move in from around 3pm, potentially continuing intermittently through the evening past 7pm.
In this scenario, the likelihood is that England vs Mexico clash will be either delayed ahead of kick-off or suspended once it has already started.
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If the game is suspended then FIFA safety protocols state that “if there is lightning within a six-mile radius, supporters and teams will be prevented from entering the stadium.
“The game will not be allowed to start – or restart – until there is a 30-minute lightning-free window.”
The scene at the Estadio Azteca as kick-off in Mexico vs Ecuador was delayed by an hour
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What happens if England vs Mexico is abandoned?
As per the BBC, if FIFA has no choice but to abandon the game if conditions at the Estadio Azteca are not improving, then World Cup regulations state that the game would be played on a future date, restarting in the same minute as it was paused, with the remaining minutes played.
For example, if England vs Mexico is stopped on in the 88th minute, the players would return to play the remaining two minutes and stoppage time.
FIFA would also decide the date but it would almost certainly be the next day because of the tight nature of the fixture schedule and with the winners due to play the quarter-final on July 11.
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FIFA’s ruling regarding a World Cup fixture being abandoned is as follows:
a) The match shall recommence at the minute at which play was interrupted rather than being replayed in full, and with the same scoreline
The match shall recommence where play was stopped when the match was interrupted (e.g. with a free kick, throw‑in, goal kick, corner kick, penalty kick, etc.). If the match was abandoned while the ball was still in play, it shall restart with a dropped ball from the position of the ball when play was stopped.
b) The match shall recommence with the same players on the pitch and substitutes available as when the match was abandoned.
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c) No additional substitutes may be added to the list of players on the start list.
d) The teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they were still entitled when the match was abandoned.
e) Players sent off during the abandoned match cannot be replaced.
f) Any disciplinary measures imposed before the match was abandoned will be dealt with in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
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g) The kick‑off time, date, location and any other matter shall be decided by FIFA.
FIFA are continuing to closely monitor the weather, after kick-off in Mexico’s 2-0 last-32 win over Ecuador at the same venue on Tuesday was delayed for an hour as the result of thunder and lightning.
Residents of Guam and surrounding U.S. island territories in the western Pacific were urged to take shelter as Super Typhoon Bavi was expected to make landfall early Monday, threatening an area still recovering from another destructive storm earlier this year.
Bavi, a massive cyclone approaching the Mariana Islands east of the Philippines, was forecast to strike Rota early Monday morning local time, National Weather Service meteorologist Edwin Montvila said.
“They are currently already encountering catastrophic wind,” he said of Rota, a territory of fewer than 2,000 people northeast of Guam, adding that an extreme wind warning was in effect for the island. The cyclone is forecast to be a category five super typhoon with winds that could reach 180 miles (290 kilometers) per hour and gusts of 215 miles (346 kilometers) per hour, Montvila said.
In addition to Rota, typhoon warnings were in effect for Guam, Tinian and Saipan, while tropical storm warnings and watches were in place for other islands in the area.
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The storm comes months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical cyclone this year, battered islands in the region in April, bringing ferocious winds and relentless rains. A cyclone becomes a super typhoon when it has maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (241 kph) or stronger.
Bavi posed an “imminent danger to life,” Montvila said, with the weather service telling residents across the islands to immediately move to interior rooms where they were sheltering and stay away from windows.
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“Entering outside can result in death from flying projectiles. Utility poles and associated power lines will be down,” Montvila said. “All those would pose a risk to life, so we recommend people to not venture out and hunker down.”
Bavi was moving at a relatively fast pace Monday morning, which gave officials hope that it would pass quickly, Montvila said. But because of the size of the storm, the islands could still face tropical storm conditions, including torrential rains, through at least Monday night.
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The typhoon “was a bit erratic” overnight into Monday morning, wavering north and south as it headed west toward the islands, Montvila said.
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Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero urged people to stay home or at a shelter and to avoid the roads.
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“Here we are experiencing another severe force of winds on our island, but as we know, we are always ready and prepared in our planning and our protection of our people,” she said in a video posted on social media Sunday.
England vs Mexico kick-off time drama as officials close stadium and storm hits – The Mirror
Need to know
England face Mexico in the World Cup round of 16, but one thing that threatens the clash is inclement weather down in Mexico City
23:30, 05 Jul 2026Updated 23:30, 05 Jul 2026
A storm has hit the Azteca Stadium(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
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All you need to know about England and Mexico’s kick-off time in the World Cup round of 16
England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico is facing significant disruption due to severe weather. The scheduled 1am kick-off time could be delayed as a major storm hits the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Torrential rain, thunder, and lightning swept across the city approximately three hours before the scheduled start. This severe weather triggered the venue’s electrical storm safety protocol.
Under these strict safety rules, nobody is currently permitted onto the playing surface. Media representatives have been instructed to remain inside the stadium’s media centre until conditions improve.
Supporters have also been prevented from entering the stadium entirely. This restriction remains in place despite the gates being scheduled to open three hours before kick-off.
Players were expected to arrive at the stadium roughly 90 minutes before the match was due to start, but their arrivals were delayed. Officials are monitoring the situation closely as the thunder has been described by those inside as deafening. The England bus has now arrived slightly delayed.
No official decision on a potential delay will be made until approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled kick-off. Officials want to assess the weather conditions as close to the start time as possible.
If conditions remain unsafe, the match will initially be delayed by 30 minutes before being reassessed. Further rolling 30-minute delays will be implemented until it is deemed safe to play.
BBC meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker confirmed that thunderstorms and shower clouds have been developing around Mexico City. He warned that these storms are likely to linger for several hours and threaten further disruption.
This severe weather follows a similar incident during Mexico’s round-of-32 victory over Ecuador at the same stadium. During that previous fixture, the kick-off had to be delayed by an hour due to storms.
Discussions had taken place earlier in the week about bringing the fixture forward to midday local time due to the poor forecast. However, both the English and Mexican football authorities opposed the proposal.
The Football Association resisted the early kick-off proposal because of the disruption it would have caused to travelling England supporters. The Mexican Football Federation also opposed the change, leading FIFA to stick to the original time.
Concerns regarding the timing also extended to security following a tragic crowd crush after Mexico’s win against Ecuador, which resulted in four deaths. Senior officials had approached FIFA to alter the kick-off time to mitigate the risk of a repeat of those scenes.
A capacity crowd welcomed David Gray into the Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Saturday (July 4), as part of his Past & Present World Tour.
The performance included more than three decades of his songs, including favourites such as The One I Love, My Oh My, Be Mine, White Ladder, You’re The World To Me, This Year’s Love.
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David Gray performed in front of a capacity crowd in Scarborough yesterday (Saturday, July 4) (Image: Cuffe and Taylor)
Organisers said a key moment of the night was when the crowd sang along to Babylon, before Gray finished the night with Sail Away.
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Very special guests The Divine Comedy were also on the Scarborough bill with David Gray (Image: Cuffe and Taylor)
Gray was accompanied by The Divine Comedy, who opened the evening with their song The National Express and charmed the crowd with their timeless songwriting, the organisers said.
Scarborough Open Air Theatre’s next performances see Alanis Morissette performing tonight, while Michael Bublé is set to perform on Monday as the season of open air performances in Scarborough is set to run until August 22.
Officers attended the scene and an arrest was made
Cambridgeshire Police were called to a street fight in a Cambridgeshire city on Tuesday, June 30. The force was called just before 8.30pm with reports of two people involved in a fight in Cowgate, Peterborough.
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Officers attended the scene. They launched a search and with the help of CCTV operators, a 14-year-old boy was located and arrested.
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “Just before 8.30pm, we were called with reports of two men fighting in Cowgate. Officers attended and with the help of CCTV operators, located a 14-year-old boy and arrested him.”
Around four hours earlier, police were called with reports of a separate incident just minutes away. Officers rushed to a fight involving three people in Long Causeway just before 4.20pm. Two men were arrested.
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