FIFA President Gianni Infantino makes comments during the opening ceremony of the International Broadcast Center, Monday, June 1, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Croatia’s controversial FIFA World Cup exit continues to cast a long shadow after the Croatian Football Federation claimed it has yet to receive a response from FIFA following an official request to release the VAR communications behind the tournament’s most debated decision. More than a week after Croatia’s Round of 32 defeat to Portugal, technical director Stipe Pletikosa says federation president Marijan Kustić formally asked FIFA for access to the VAR audio relating to Joško Gvardiol’s disallowed extra-time equaliser, but insists the governing body has remained silent. The latest development adds another chapter to the growing scrutiny surrounding refereeing standards and the implementation of VAR technology at the 2026 World Cup.

Croatia says FIFA has remained silent after formal request

Croatia’s World Cup campaign ended in dramatic fashion against Portugal after Gonçalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner to give the Portuguese a 2-1 lead in the Round of 32. Zlatko Dalić’s side believed it had forced extra time when Joško Gvardiol bundled home in the 103rd minute. Instead, celebrations were cut short following a lengthy VAR review. Officials ruled that striker Igor Matanović had made the slightest touch on the cross before it reached Mario Pašalić. Because the touch altered the attacking phase, Pašalić was judged to have been in an offside position, leading to Gvardiol’s equaliser being disallowed. The decision relied on FIFA’s Connected Ball Technology, with sensors inside the Adidas Trionda match ball detecting what Matanović later described as only “slight contact with my hair.” Croatia accepted FIFA’s technical explanation but questioned both the application of the technology and whether the correct VAR protocol had been followed during the review. Speaking to RTL, Croatian Football Federation technical director Stipe Pletikosa revealed that federation president Marijan Kustić formally contacted FIFA immediately after the match. “We took an official position and immediately the day after the incident in the match with Portugal, President Kustić sent a harsh letter to FIFA, requesting insight into the VAR communication regarding that infamous chip. We have not received a response to this day,” Pletikosa said.

FIFA defended the decision but Croatia wants the VAR conversations

Following the controversy, FIFA publicly defended the decision to disallow Croatia’s goal. In an official statement, football’s governing body said Connected Ball Technology conclusively detected contact from Matanović before the ball reached Pašalić. “According to the data provided by Connected Ball Technology housed within the Adidas ball Trionda, the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup, it was proven that contact was made by Croatia’s Igor Matanović in the build up to the goal against Portugal, allowing the referee to correctly determine offside and disallow the goal,” FIFA explained. The organisation added that inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors inside the match ball are capable of identifying even the slightest touches, with the data displayed to broadcasters through the now-familiar “heartbeat” graphic used throughout the tournament. While FIFA has already explained the technology behind the decision, Croatia’s latest complaint centres on transparency, with the federation seeking access to the conversations between the on-field officials and the VAR team during the review.

Pletikosa questions FIFA’s handling of the tournament

Pletikosa stressed that referees will inevitably make mistakes but argued FIFA has failed to protect the game during this World Cup. “We have thrown away the feeling of inferiority when we play against big teams and I hope we will no longer be in a situation where our placement is decided by other things than ourselves,” he said. He then broadened his criticism beyond Croatia’s elimination. “FIFA has stopped protecting football for the first time. It has had better and darker periods, but it has always protected the game. I’m not talking about referees, they will always make mistakes, it’s a normal and integral part of the game. “But the hydration break, the chips, the 18 minutes of half-time in the Croatia-England game… it has gone so far that the game is no longer protected. I am surprised that the people who work there, who should recognize situations and protect the game, do not react at all.” Croatia are not the only nation to have publicly challenged officiating during the tournament. Following their dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 defeat to Argentina, the Egyptian Football Association lodged a formal complaint after questioning several VAR decisions, accusing officials of making “blatant errors” and requesting the removal of the referee and the entire officiating crew. Responding to the wider criticism, FIFA chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina defended the tournament’s officials, saying constructive discussion over decisions is part of football while insisting allegations questioning the integrity of referees have no place in the sport. The controversy comes during a period of change for Croatian football. Following the country’s World Cup exit, Zlatko Dalić ended his tenure after leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and a third-place finish in 2022. Former manager Slaven Bilić has since returned for a second spell in charge, having previously managed the national team between 2006 and 2012.

The match is being billed as a clash between France’s lethal offense and Spain’s brilliant defense. France are the second-highest scorers of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, with 16 goals in just six matches. Kylian Mbappe an Ousmane Dembele have eight and five goals respectively, while Michael Olise has five assists. 

Spain have conceded just one goal all tournament, breaking the record for the most consecutive minutes without conceding a goal in World Cup history! But the key to their defensive success is not only the backline, but also a midfield that wins the ball back very quickly.

Shakur Stevenson is targeting four Americans, including Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney, after inking a multi-year deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.

The 29-year-old had been heavily linked to White’s promotional outfit for quite some time, with an announcement finally arriving via social media last week.

This follows Stevenson’s dominant performance against Teofimo Lopez, who he dethroned with a wide unanimous decision victory to become a four-division world champion in January.

But despite holding the WBO super-lightweight title, the slick southpaw has made it clear that his focus is on securing the “big fights”, rather than on collecting all the belts and becoming an undisputed champion.

It is therefore unsurprising that two of his primary targets are ‘Tank’ Davis and WBO welterweight champion Haney, who are both among the sport’s most high-profile fighters.

Perhaps more interestingly, though, Stevenson is also keen to fight WBA super-lightweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell and Lamont Roach, who will face William Zepeda for the vacant WBC lightweight title on August 1.

Speaking with Raheem Palmer, Stevenson concedes that each of these potential opponents would qualify for a competitive tussle.

“[They’re] all big fights; [they’re] all competitive to where these guys are coming in to whoop my ass, and I’m coming in to whoop [they’re] ass.

“[They’re] the kind of fights that I would love to have.”

Whether any of these matchups can materialise, it remains to be seen, but Stevenson has certainly not selected a feeble four-man hit list.

Despite being one of the lesser-known names, Russell boasts a 90% knockout-to-win ratio and comes off back-to-back triumphs over Jose Valenzuela and Andy Hiraoka.

Roach, meanwhile, boxed to a controversial draw against ‘Tank’ in March 2025, before encountering the same result – this one less contentious – against Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz later that year.

Man Utd have completed a deal to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, so what will he offer at Old Trafford?

Youri Tielemans has been a sensation in Belgium since he was a teenager. He made his debut for Anderlecht less than three months after his 16th birthday and was tipped to reach the top of the game.

Tielemans has finally reached the pinnacle of his career at 29, having completed a transfer to Manchester United.

He has represented Monaco, Leicester City and Aston Villa along the way, but there was a feeling in Belgium that signing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs was his destiny since he joined Anderlecht’s academy.

Pär Zetterberg, former Anderlecht playmaker, said when he was 17: “Tielemans is a phenomenon. There are not many players better than him.”

Mohammed Ouahbi, Anderlecht youth coach, added: “We have always known Tielemans was a super talent. Whenever anyone asked me who I thought would go far, I would mention his name first.”

Paul van Himst, Anderlecht and Belgium great, said: “With his skills and quality, he forces opponents into mistakes. He can play the long ball and launch attacks. His age is not important. He will only get better with playing matches.”

There has been a high expectation on Tielemans’ shoulders since he was a teenager, and the Belgian media will cover his transfer to United with great interest.

Tielemans has been a symbol of Belgium’s golden generation. The Belgium national team has not achieved what most predicted they would, but Tielemans has at least won silverware with Leicester and Villa.

Tielemans appeared to be another overhyped talent when Monaco loaned him to Leicester in January 2019. His move from Anderlecht to Monaco was logical for his development, despite links to Barcelona and Real Madrid, but a temporary switch to England seemed like a backwards step.

However, it was the making of Tielemans, who established himself in the Premier League with the Foxes. Leicester paid £35m to sign Tielemans after his loan spell, and he scored the winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup final.

Tielemans departed Leicester after their relegation in 2023. Villa signed him on a free transfer, and he has played a key role in Unai Emery’s success in Birmingham over the last three years.

He was dubbed the ‘Belgium Frank Lampard’ in his teenage years at Anderlecht, but Tielemans has improved the defensive side of his game in the second half of his career, particularly during his time at Villa.

“I am more mature now – 12 years later, three kids later,” he told Sky Sports last season. “The manager [Emery] has added things to my game with his tactics. It is more of a complete package.

“I feel like technically I have improved even though technical ability was always my strength. Technically, playing under pressure, the fact that I can invite that pressure and still play out of it, I feel better in those areas.

“Also, defensively especially, I feel like the manager has challenged me in that position to go for it 100 per cent and be stronger in the duels. And also the tactical analysis of the game, just trying to find better spaces on the pitch to break down the opposition.”

He still relishes getting into prominent positions, though. His goal in the 2021 FA Cup final against Chelsea, a strike from distance, and his goal in last season’s Europa League final, a volley in the box, were both Lampard-esque.

United have been attracted to Tielemans because of his all-round qualities. He is technically superb on the ball, and will be able to ease the burden on Bruno Fernandes’ shoulder of threading passes through the lines.

Tielemans has almost made more passes with an opponent within three metres than anyone else in the Premier League over the last few years, a testament to his quality and vision under pressure.

“You start scanning at a young age because you have to know where the opponents come from,” he explained. “The more you do it in training then the more natural it will be in the game. You should be trying to look over your shoulder in any situation, really.

“Sometimes it may feel ridiculous even in a passing drill but if you just get used to looking over your shoulder in a passing drill before you receive the ball then it becomes natural. Even in the street sometimes you start scanning!”

Tielemans smiled as he admitted that ‘scanning in the street’ was a joke during that particular interview. His character is another reason United have been drawn to him, with all due diligence checks coming back positive.

He is a leader, and Belgium’s national team manager Rudi Garcia said there was “unanimity on the matter between the staff and the players” when he was given the captain’s armband last year. “He is the link between the golden generation and the young players,” he added.

Tielemans also stepped up to wear the armband in his final season at Leicester, so United are signing a player who not only has bags of Premier League experience but is a stellar addition for the dressing room.

Villa did not want to lose Tielemans this summer, but were left helpless due to his £35m release clause. United deserve credit for identifying an opportunity and moving quickly to get the deal wrapped up.

The only concern about Tielemans is how much football he has played at 29. He was such a precocious talent in Belgium that he was playing regular football before most players his age.

He has already played over 650 games, even though he feels his body is as good as ever. “I feel young, I feel fresh! I am very grateful for the journey. I am looking forward to the rest of it now,” he said at the start of this year.

Tielemans will be hoping for more silverware during the next part of his journey with United.

Manchester United have completed the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa on a five-year deal.

United have met a release clause of £35m for the 29-year-old midfielder, who has just helped Belgium reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Tielemans has spent the past three seasons with Villa, having initially moved to the Premier League to join Leicester City in 2019.

“It’s hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United,” he said. “Signing for such a special club feels incredible.

“It is the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football.”

Tielemans will wear the number 18 shirt vacated by fellow midfielder Casemiro, who left Old Trafford when his contract expired at the end of the season.

A former team-mate of United’s current first-team coach Jonny Evans, Tielemans is noted for scoring Leicester’s winner against Chelsea in the 2021 FA Cup final and for Aston Villa in their Europa League final triumph over Freiburg in May.

He made his senior debut for Anderlecht aged 16 years and 82 days, and left for Monaco in 2017, just after his 20th birthday.

Despite still being in his 20s, Tielemans has already played 668 games for club and country, scoring 79 from 578 club appearances.

United’s director of football Jason Wilcox said: “Youri has consistently been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League throughout the past seven years.

“He has all of the technical qualities, as well as the ambition and mentality, to thrive at Manchester United.

“Youri’s consistency is exceptional, and he will add further composure, creativity and leadership to our squad.”

Last season, Tielemans suffered separate calf and ankle problems that restricted him to 35 appearances in all competitions for Villa, the lowest number in a campaign during his time in England.

He scored a memorable 89th-minute equaliser at the World Cup for Belgium against Senegal, and then converted an extra-time winner from the penalty spot for his 15th goal from 90 caps as they won 3-2.

But his tournament came to a premature end when he was injured in the warm-up before Belgium’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat by Spain.

Tielemans’ signing follows that of fellow midfielder Andrey Santos and goalkeeper Karl Darlow, while a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson has been put on hold.

Ex-Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand vented his thoughts live on the BBC

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand jokingly called for fellow studio pundit Ashley Williams to be ejected from the BBC studio four years ago. While England have progressed to the semi-finals at this summer’s World Cup, this moment came after the ex-Welsh international overlooked the Three Lions in his forecasts for the tournament in 2022.

As the World Cup in Qatar entered the knockout stages, Ferdinand was discussing the potential pathways to the final with Williams, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer. “If Spain play Portugal, then you’ve got Brazil vs Argentina in the semis,” the former England centre-back said, “It’s unbelievable.”

Former Swansea City defender Williams was then invited to evaluate the opposite half of the draw, which included England’s eagerly awaited quarter-final clash with France, a match the Three Lions eventually lost 2-1.

“Then you’ve got France vs Spain,” Williams said, entirely disregarding England, before Ferdinand quickly interrupted. “What? What are you talking about?”

“This is why Ashley shouldn’t be in here,” he joked, demanding Williams be escorted out. “He should be gone now, take him out.”

England have surpassed their performance from four years ago, reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup following a 2-1 triumph over Norway on Saturday evening. Jude Bellingham was the match-winner with two goals.

At the beginning of the competition, Ferdinand predicted that France or Spain would triumph. However, he has revised his opinion following Thomas Tuchel’s side reaching the final four.

Asked whether he believes England can go all the way and lift the World Cup trophy, Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: “I think we do. When the chips are down and things aren’t going well, England are working things out. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle and we’re showing we’re able to find the right piece at the right time.

“I think that’s one of the things we have over the others. Argentina have managed to do that a couple of times but they’ve looked closer to going out than we have.”

While Bellingham has established himself as one of the standout performers at this summer’s tournament, Ferdinand was reluctant to award him man of the match against Norway, despite the Real Madrid star’s brace.

“Yeah, I thought Anderson,” Ferdinand said on his choice. “Elliot Anderson, I thought, was great. I can make very good arguments that you might not win the game without either of their [Elliot and Bellingham’s] performances and impact moments, so you need the blend of both.

“I’ve played in many games where, I don’t know, Ruud van Nistelrooy scored two goals but then Paul Scholes walks off with the man of the match or a defender does because they have moments in that game that aren’t as match-defining, but you know that without them moments or the bits of play that person had or contributed, we may not get to win the game.”

He added: “But listen, there’s no doubt in my mind, if Jude gets man of the match then he deserves it. He’s a match-winner… I’m saying it with my chest, yes, Jude Bellingham is the best England player that we’ve had in tournament football since 1966, any tournaments.”

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Nadia Massih is pleased to welcome Dr Leon Moosavi, Sociologist of race and religion, and Reader in the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology at the University of Liverpool. Racism directed at the French national football team is often framed as a problem of sport, yet Dr. Moosavi argues that football merely provides a highly visible stage upon which much deeper political and social conflicts play out. Rather than viewing racist abuse against players such as Kylian Mbappé as isolated incidents or the actions of a few extremists, our guest describes these attacks within wider debates over national identity, immigration, belonging, and the normalization of extremist rhetoric and exclusionary political discourse across many Western democracies.

Champion trainer Peter Snowden’s bid for a record-extending seventh Ramornie Handicap (1200m) win in 2026 has encountered a setback, with Fire Star drawing the outermost barrier for the Listed $200,000 feature event at Grafton on Wednesday. Fire Star was allocated barrier 14 in the Ramornie, which has drawn a full complement of 16 runners plus five emergencies. Snowden’s sprinter might shift inwards to barrier 11 depending on scratchings.

Snowden has an impressive record in the Ramornie Handicap, achieving six victories over the past 16 years with notable horses including Ka Bling (2024), Ranges (2022), Signore Fox (2020), Calanda (2017), Jerezana (2011), and Pinwheel (2010). TAB Fixed Odds assessors are mindful of Snowden’s Ramornie history and have Fire Star priced at $10 in the early betting, placing it behind the Tony Gollan-trained Perielle, the current $4.80 favourite.

The Clarence River Jockey Club’s midweek racing schedule also includes the Listed $200,000 Grafton Cup (2350m) on Thursday, attracting a quality field of stayers. The Tom Charlton-trained King Pedro, fresh off a win in the Stayers Cup at Rosehill, is the $2.40 favourite in initial markets, followed by Pounding and So You Are at $6.

Michael Beattie, the CRJC chief executive, expressed his delight with the calibre of fields for both the Ramornie Handicap and the Grafton Cup. “The Ramornie is a bit of a stand-alone for the genuine 1200m horse, it’s like we are the only show in town at this time of year,” Beattie commented. “But that is not the case for the Grafton Cup so I am especially pleased with the field we have for Thursday’s race. The handicappers have come up with a good weight scale for the Cup and that has virtually ‘invited’ all the better horses to come for the race.”

Beattie indicated that the Grafton track raced favourably during the recent South Grafton Cup meeting, where the Charlton stable secured a potential feature race double with Mr Chaplin’s win in a Big Dance qualifier. He confirmed, however, that the rail will be returned to the true position for the Wednesday and Thursday race meetings.

For those interested in betting on the Ramornie Handicap, exploring the racing betting markets at various sports betting platforms could offer competitive odds.