Darren England will referee the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley on May 16, and he is no stranger to taking charge of controversial games involving the west Londoners

The FA Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea will be officiated by Darren England. The Premier League referee has taken charge of numerous City and Chelsea fixtures over the years, whether as the main official, as an assistant referee or in the VAR booth.

His appointment at the blockbuster encounter at Wembley Stadium, which takes place on May 16, was announced by the Football Association in a press release.

Pep Guardiola’s side secured their place in the final with a 2-1 win over Southampton in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Chelsea secured their spot with a 1-0 win against Leeds United, setting up an all-blue clash in London in May.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our City WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our City Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

England has been involved in several refereeing controversies when officiating Chelsea, however, with rulings going both for and against them.

Here, Manchester Evening News examines a few from recent times, ahead of the final on May 16.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: 2025/26

Liam Rosenior’s unbeaten Premier League streak was stopped at the Emirates Stadium, when Arsenal narrowly beat Chelsea 2-1. However, one of the most disputed incidents of the encounter occurred when Declan Rice appeared to knock one of Reece James’ corners away with his elbow.

England was the referee at the time. His original ruling was no penalty, despite Rice appearing to shift his elbow towards the ball as it started to drop downwards.

It’s understood England judged the contact was within normal physical engagement and that any contact with the ball from Rice’s arm was unintentional. VAR also opted to uphold the on-field decision.

However, former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher suggested Chelsea had been harshly treated. He said: “I thought it was a penalty. I think he moves his arm to the ball and his arm shouldn’t be up that high.

“I get told it’s because he’s engaging with an opponent but in my opinion you shouldn’t be engaged with an opponent that high up, he shouldn’t have his arms around his shoulder.”

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea: 2025/26

This was a ruling that had fans and VAR officials frantically consulting the rulebook. Shortly after Estevao and Joao Pedro had handed Chelsea a 2-0 advantage against Crystal Palace, Pedro saw a goal-bound effort blocked by the arm of Palace defender Jaydee Canvot.

England needed VAR to confirm that the ball had struck the defender’s arm and, as he returned to the pitch, many anticipated a penalty and a red card. While the penalty was awarded, the red card remained in his pocket, as England announced: “After review, the ball hits Crystal Palace 23.

“It is an accidental handball, not deliberate. Therefore it is a penalty kick, however, because it is accidental, this is only a yellow card.”

Given the nature of the offence, many supporters felt the decision was a straightforward choice between a red card and penalty or neither. England settled on a compromise, which split opinion across the football world and left both sets of fans dissatisfied.

Wolves vs Chelsea: 2024/25

When the 2024/25 season got underway, Enzo Maresca marked his first Premier League triumph as Chelsea boss with a stunning 6-2 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

One of the most talked-about moments of the match arrived when Robert Sanchez played a rapid goal kick beyond the Wolves defensive line to Nicolas Jackson, who laid the ball off to Cole Palmer for the England star to chip Jose Sa and hand Chelsea a 2-1 lead.

The quality of the finish was beyond dispute, yet the same couldn’t be said for its validity. A number of onlookers were convinced Sanchez had struck the ball while it was still moving, and that the goal should therefore have been ruled out.

England was the referee on the day, but neither he nor VAR were satisfied that the ball remained in motion at the point of play. The goal was allowed to stand, and Noni Madueke went on to complete a hat-trick, before Joao Felix wrapped things up with a superb strike to seal a commanding 6-2 win.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Hitters, pitchers and catchers are not the only beneficiaries of the ABS challenge system. Fans benefit, too.

The ABS challenge system helped Cincinnati Reds’ fans get free pizza during the ninth inning of the team’s 7-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday at Great American Ball Park.

When the Reds strike out 11 hitters in a game, fans get free pizza from the local pizzeria, LaRosa’s. The Reds had 10 strikeouts going into the top of the ninth inning and needed one more to earn their fans some free pizza.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brock Burke celebrates with catcher Tyler Stephenson after the final out of the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won the game 7-2 in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 28, 2026. (Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Reds’ reliever Brock Burke was ahead 1-2 in the count against Colorado Rockies second baseman Edouard Julien. Burke fired a 98 mph fastball at the edge of the zone, but home plate umpire Carlos Torres called it a ball.

Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson thought otherwise and tapped the top of his helmet to initiate the challenge. As the challenge appeared on the scoreboard, Reds play-by-play announcer John Sadak set up the moment.

“Stephenson has won one (challenge) tonight, can he win pizza for those in the stands?” Sadak said on the broadcast.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

A general view of Great American Ball Park during the seventh inning of the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 14, 2026. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The replay confirmed it was a strike, giving the fans free pizza, and the place went bonkers.

“The crowd ready to burst. That’s a strike! He does it for everybody! He does it for the people,” Sadak said.

The broadcast panned to a raucous crowd that celebrated their free pizza. With Burke’s strikeout on the overturned call, all fans got a free small one-topping pizza at LaRosa’s.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Brock Burke pitches against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 28, 2026. (Katie Stratman/Imagn Images)

For good measure, Burke struck out the 12th Rockies hitter to end the game and secure the win.

With the win, the Reds improved to 19-10 which leads the National League Central. They will take on the Rockies (13-17) on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. ET in the second game of their three-game series.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain and fresh speculation could affect a potential deal for the Reds this summer

Marcus Rashford could have a major role to play in Manchester United’s plans for this summer’s transfer window and complicate any potential deal for target Rafael Leao. Rashford is currently spending the season on loan at Barcelona, and there continues to be speculation about whether or not a permanent deal will be agreed for this summer.

Rashford expressed a desire to leave United last summer, and the loan deal with Barcelona includes the option to become permanent for a £26million fee.

However, there continues to be doubts about whether or not the La Liga giants will decide to sign Rashford on a permanent deal, with Barca yet to officially open talks with United about the England international’s future despite claims earlier this year they were committed to making the deal happen.

As a result, there remains a chance that Rashford could end up back at United, despite the 28-year-old previously outlining his desire to sign for Barcelona on a permanent basis.

READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes’ Man United ‘assurances’ as Marcus Rashford transfer twist emergesREAD MORE: Manchester United close to contract breakthrough with star midfielder

United have the summer transfer window on the horizon, and there are still plenty of rumours about what business the club may conduct ahead of next season.

One position that United have been linked with strengthening is the wide forward area, with AC Milan star Leao mentioned as a potential target.

Italian news outlet Calciomercato have reported that United are in the running to sign Leao, who could be allowed to leave Milan if the right offer is tabled.

It has been claimed that Leao is valued at around €50million (£43m) and remains under contract at the San Siro until the summer of 2028.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

However, Rashford’s future at United could affect the Reds’ plans to strengthen their squad, particularly in the wing department.

Leao and Rashford have played in the same position this season, on the left wing. As a result, Rashford remaining at United next season could mean the Reds have no need to go into the market to strengthen their left-wing spot.

It looks unlikely that Rashford will be reintegrated, but United are digging their heels in and refusing to entertain another loan or a lower offer from Barcelona. Should Barcelona opt against signing him permanently, it could put United in a tricky position when it comes to Rashford’s future, given his huge wages and the fact he’s desperate to stay with the Catalan giants.

Recent days have seen more clubs lnked wth moves for Rashford in the summer, with Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa both apparently expressing an interest

United interim boss Michael Carrick was recently asked about Rashford’s future and the prospect of the forward returning to the squad for next season.

“There’s decisions to be made on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation,” Carrick said earlier this month.

“But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. It will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there’s nothing to say.”

Ryan Rickelton had been dropped for inconsustent from after three single digits scores in five matches. Before Wednesday, Rickelton last played on April 16. He came back into the XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad and made it worthwhile. Rickleton struck the fastest ever century by a Mumbai Indians batter to propel his team to massive 243 for five in their must-win IPL clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday. Rickelton batted through the innings for an unbeaten 123 off a mere 55 balls with 10 fours and eight sixes, anchoring MI’s charge to an at-par total on a batting friendly track here at the Wankhede Stadium.

The 29-year-old Rickelton brought up a third century (other two coming in SA20 for MI Cape Town) for his franchise as MI made a desperate attempt to revive their fortunes with their highest total of the season so far.

Rickelton’s 123* is the highest scores by a MI batters surpassing Sanath Jayasiruya’s 114* (vs Chennai Super Kiings in 2008). In his first 100 for MI in the IPL, pushed Sanath Jayasuriya, Quinton de Kock (112*), Rohit Sharma (109* and 105*) and Suryakumar Yadav (103*) in the list of top run-scorers for MI. Rickelton reached the century run-mark in 44 balls, the fastest by any MI batter. He surpassed Jayasuriya’s 45-balls mark (in 2008 vs CSK).

Using the long handle to maximum effect, not for once did Rickelton take any unwarranted risk but executed his strokes with conviction.

Alongside Rickelton’s exploits, MI also had England opener Will Jacks (46 off 22 balls) and skipper Hardik Pandya (31 off 15 balls; 2 fours, 2 sixes) delivering the goods.

With a new opening partner in the form of Jacks, the South African wicketkeeper-batter Rickelton provided MI with the spunk they have missed most of this season hitherto.

The pair put on 78 in the powerplay and 93 for the first wicket in seven overs to set the tone in a fearless approach with the bat.

But more importantly, Rickelton hung around for a long haul as his innings proved to be the glue which held MI together as well as kept driving them towards a strong total.

Once he was away with a huge six over midwicket off Praful Hinge (2/54) in the second over, Rickelton did not take the foot off the pedal, competing his first half-century in 23 balls. He got the next fifty runs in only 21 deliveries.

Rickelton’s knock also helped MI recover from a quiet few overs in between, wherein they lost Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav (5) and even Naman Dhir (22).

While Jacks did a fine job in his first outing this season striking three sixes and five fours, there were no visible signs that Suryakumar is anywhere close to getting his form back as he was bounced out by Eshan Malinga (1/29).

The Indian T20I skipper pulled the short ball but appeared to not have responded well to the bounce as an edge flew straight to Abhishek Sharma at fine leg.

Dhir also could not keep up with the scoring rate from the other end as Rickelton continued to push on, perishing to Hinge in the 14th over.

Mumbai Indians’ players, meanwhile, took the field wearing black armbands due to the untimely passing of the daughter of one of their support staff members.

With PTI inputs

Featured Video Of The Day

IPL 2026 News | RCB Outplay CSK For 2nd Win On Trot, Ruturaj Gaikwad & Co Suffer 3rd Loss

Florida
This ranking is based on the Gators returning six of the top seven scorers — specifically Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Boogie Fland, Reuben Chinyelu, Urban Klavsar and Isaiah Brown — from a team that finished 27-8 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Kentucky transfer Denzel Aberdeen and 7-foot center Jones Lay. — 27-8
2

Duke
This ranking is based on the Blue Devils returning four of the top six scorers — specifically Patrick Ngongba II, Caleb Foster, Cayden Boozer and Dame Sarr — from a team that finished 35-3 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, Belmont transfer Drew Scharnowski and five-star prospects Cameron Williams, Deron Rippey Jr. and Bryson Howard. — 35-3
3

Michigan
This ranking is based on the Wolverines returning two of the top five scorers — specifically Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney — from a team that finished 37-3 and won the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella, Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, LSU transfer Jalen Reed, five-star prospect Brandon McCoy Jr., and four-star prospects Lincoln Cosby, Quinn Costello and Joseph Hartman. — 37-3
4

Illinois
This ranking is based on the Illini returning six of the top nine scorers — specifically Andrej Stojakovic, David Mirkovich, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, Jake Davis and Brandon Lee — from a team that finished 28-9 and advanced to the 2026 Final Four. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks, four-star prospects Quintin Coleman and Lucas Morillo and three-star prospects Ethan Brown and Landon Davis. — 28-9
5

UConn
This ranking is based on the Huskies returning three of the top seven scorers — specifically Braylon Mullins, Silas Demary and Jayden Ross — from a team that finished 34-6 and advanced to the championship game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Duke transfer Nikolas Khamenia, Seton Hall transfer Najai Hines, Stanford transfer Oskar Giltay, Wofford transfer Nils Machowski and four-star prospects Colben Landrew and Junior County. — 34-6
6

Michigan St.
This ranking is based on the Spartans returning five of the top eight scorers — specifically Jeremy Fears Jr., Coen Carr, Kur Teng, Jordan Scott and Cam Ward — from a team that finished 27-8 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Charlotte transfer Anton Bonke and four-star prospects Ethan Taylor, Carlos Medlock Jr., Julius Avent and Jasiah Jervis. — 27-8
7

Arkansas
This ranking is based on the Razorbacks returning two of the top four scorers — specifically Meleek Thomas and Billy Richmond III — from a team that finished 28-9 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospects Jordan Smith Jr., JJ Andrews and Miikka Muurinen, Furman transfer Cooper Bowser, Georgia transfer Jeremiah Wilkinson and four-star prospect Abdou Toure. — 28-9
8

Gonzaga
This ranking is based on the Zags returning three of the top five scorers — specifically Braden Huff, Davis Fogle and Mario Saint-Supery — from a team that finished 31-4 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Houston transfer Isiah Harwell, Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop and four-star prospects Luca Foster, Sam Funches and Jack Kayil. 3 31-4
9

Texas
This ranking is based on the Longhorns returning one of the top two scorers — specifically Matas Vokietaitis — from a team that finished 21-15 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by TCU transfer David Punch, Colorado transfer Isaiah Johnson, Tennessee transfer Amari Evans, Auburn transfer Elyjah Freeman, Saint Mary’s transfer Mikey Lewis and four-star prospects Austin Goosby, Bo Ogden and Joe Sterling. 1 21-15
10

Arizona
This ranking is based on the Wildcats returning two of the top five scorers — specifically Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov — from a team that finished 36-3 and advanced to the 2026 Final Four. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by North Carolina transfer Derek Dixon, Washington transfer JJ Mandaquit, five-star prospect Caleb Holt and four-star prospect Cameron Holmes. 1 36-3
11

Virginia
This ranking is based on the Cavaliers returning five of the top 10 scorers — specifically Thijs De Ridder, Sam Lewis, Chance Mallory, Johann Gunloh and Elijah Gertrude — from a team that finished 30-6 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by UC Irvine transfer Jurian Dixon. 1 30-6
12

Iowa St.
This ranking is based on the Cyclones returning three of the top six scorers — specifically Killyan Toure, Blake Buchanan and Jamarion Bateman — from a team that finished 29-8 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Robert Morris transfer Ryan Prather Jr., Northwestern transfer Tre Singleton, Bradley transfer JaQuan Johnson, Kansas State transfer Taj Manning, Northern Iowa transfer Leon Bond III, four-star prospects Dorian Rinaldo-Komian, Jackson Kiss and Christian Wiggins and three-star prospect Yusef Gray Jr. — 29-8
13

Houston
This ranking is based on the Cougars returning three of the top seven scorers — specifically Joseph Tugler, Mercy Miller and Chase McCarty — from a team that finished 30-7 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by LSU transfer Dedan Thomas Jr., Kent State transfer Delrecco Gillespie and four-star prospects Arafan Diane and Ikenna Alozie and — 30-7
14

USC
This ranking is based on the Trojans returning three of the top five scorers — specifically Rodney Rice, Alijah Arenas and Jacob Cofie — from a team that finished 18-14 and missed the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect Christian Collins, four-star prospects Adonis Ratliff and Darius Ratliff, Georgetown transfer KJ Lewis, UConn transfer Eric Reibe and Colgate transfer Jalen Cox. — 18-14
15

Louisville
This ranking is based on the Cardinals returning the fifth-leading scorer — specifically Adrian Wooley — from a team that finished 24-11 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Kansas transfer Flory Bidunga, Oregon transfer Jackson Shelstad, Arkansas transfer Karter Knox, Iowa transfer Alvaro Folgueiras, Dayton transfer De’Shayne Montgomery, USC transfer Gabe Dynes and former G League player London Johnson. — 24-11
16

St. John’s
This ranking is based on the Red Storm returning two of the top eight scorers — specifically Ian Jackson and Ruben Prey — from a team that finished 30-7 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman, Columbia transfer Avery Brown and international prospects Quinn Ellis, Djordije Jovanovic and Lazar Stojkovic. — 30-7
17

Tennessee
This ranking is based on the Vols returning two of the top 10 scorers — specifically Dewayne Brown II and Ethan Burg — from a team that finished 25-12 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Notre Dame transfer Jalen Haralson, Cal transfer Dai Dai Ames, Belmont transfer Tyler Lundblade, VCU transfer Terrence Hill Jr., Loyola Chicago transfer Miles Rubin, Kennesaw State transfer Braedan Lue, four-star prospects Christopher Washington Jr., Ralph Scott and Manny Green, and three-star prospect Marquis Clark. — 25-12
18

Alabama
This ranking is based on the Crimson Tide returning four of the top 10 scorers — specifically Aden Holloway, Amari Allen, London Jemison and Keitenn Bristow — from a team that finished 25-10 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Boise State transfer Drew Fielder, Kentucky transfer Brandon Garrison, NC State transfer Cole Cloer, Mississippi State transfer Jamarion Davis-Fleming and four-star prospects Qayden Samuels, Jaxon Richardson and Tarris Bouie. — 25-10
19

Purdue
This ranking is based on the Boilermakers returning five of the top nine scorers — specifically C.J. Cox, Daniel Jacobsen, Omer Mayer, Gicarri Harris and Jack Benter — from a team that finished 30-9 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by 2024 Ivy League Player of the Year Caden Pierce, and four-star prospects Luke Ertel, Jacob Webber and Sinan Huan. — 30-9
20

Indiana
This ranking is based on the Hoosiers returning one of the top eight scorers — specifically Trent Sisley — from a team that finished 18-14 and missed the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Notre Dame transfer Markus Burton, Villanova transfer Bryce Lindsay, Alabama transfer Aiden Sherrell, SMU transfer Samet Yigitoglu, Duke transfer Darren Harris, Georgia Tech transfer Jaeden Mustaf and four-star prospects Vaugn Karvala, Prince-Alexander Moody and Trevor Manhertz. — 18-14
21

Miami
This ranking is based on the Hurricanes returning three of the top seven scorers — specifically Shelton Henderson, Dante Allen and Marcus Allen — from a team that finished 26-9 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Villanova transfer Acaden Lewis, Robert Morris transfer DeSean Goode, Georgia transfer Somto Cyril and four-star prospect Caleb Gaskins. — 26-9
22

BYU
This ranking is based on the Cougars returning two of the top eight scorers — specifically Robert Wright III and Khadim Mboup — from a team that finished 23-12 and advanced to the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect Bruce Branch III, four-star prospect Dean Rueckert, Kentucky transfer Collin Chandler, Clemson transfer Jake Wahlin, Syracuse transfer Tyler Betsey and UC Riverside transfer Nate Pickens, the last of whom committed to BYU last May but missed the season with an ankle injury. — 23-12
23

N. Carolina
This ranking is based on the Tar Heels returning three of the top 11 scorers — specifically Jarin Stevenson, Isaiah Denis and Jaydon Young — from a team that finished 24-9 and advanced to the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas, Utah transfer Terrence Brown, international prospect Sayon Keita and four-star prospect Maximo Adams. NR 24-9
24

Vanderbilt
This ranking is based on the Commodores returning two of the top nine scorers — specifically Tyler Tanner and Chandler Bing — from a team that finished 27-9 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Nebraska transfer Berke Buyuktuncel, Washington State transfer Ace Glass, Auburn transfer Sebastian Williams-Adams, Colorado transfer Bangot Dak, Missouri transfer T.O. Barrett and four-star prospects Ethan Mgbako, Anthony Brown and Jackson Sheffield. 1 27-9
25

Kansas
This ranking is based on the Jayhawks returning one of the top seven scorers — specifically Kohl Rosario — from a team that finished 24-11 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospects Tyran Stokes and Taylen Kinney, four-star prospects Davion Adkins, Trent Perry and Luke Barnett, Charleston transfer Christian Reeves, Toledo transfer Leroy Blyden Jr. and Utah transfer Keanu Dawes. NR 24-11
26

Nebraska
This ranking is based on the Cornhuskers returning five of the top nine scorers — specifically Pryce Sandfort, Braden Frager, Ugnius Jarusevicius, Connor Essegian and Cale Jacobsen — from a team that finished 28-7 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Belmont transfer Sam Orme and four-star prospects Colin Rice and Jacob Lanier. 2 28-7

After years of fleeing, fighting, advocating and training, Afghanistan’s women have won the right to compete for football’s biggest prizes as their country’s official national team.

An unprecedented decision made by world football’s governing body, FIFA, in Toronto on Tuesday paves the way for the current squad to try to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 and then future World Cups and Asian Cups.

It is another huge step for a team who have had to fight for their right to play, with the Taliban-run football association refusing to sanction an Afghanistan national women’s team.

“It’s something really huge for us, to show the world that Afghan women and girls are capable of doing amazing things,” national team goalkeeper Elaha Safdari told DW.  “It’s a hard slap to the face of the Taliban and those people who were against us.

“We are just showing that we are capable of doing amazing things through sports. And of course, we are still raising our voice for all the voiceless who are back home.”

Afghan example may open the door for others

Safdari was one of the Afghanistan Women’s United squad who took part in a small tournament called ‘FIFA Unites Women’s Series’ in Morocco in 2025. The squad are made up of refugees who now live mostly in Australia and Europe and have faced a host of logistical and political challenges. They will likely form the bulk of the new national team.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the amendment made at the organization’s Council was “momentous.” He said it meant FIFA can now “approve the registration of a national or representative team under exceptional circumstances where a Member Association is unable to do so.”

“This is a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport,” he added. “FIFA has listened to these players as part of its responsibility to protect the right of every girl and woman to play football and to represent who they are.”

Infantino also pointed to his organization’s ‘Strategy  for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, approved in 2025, as a key driver of the change. 

Andrea Florence, the Executive Director of the Sport and Rights Alliance advocacy group, pointed out that the precedent set by this amendment “demonstrates that governing bodies can adapt their rules to protect human rights when extraordinary circumstances demand it.”

This will likely open the door for other national teams, often women’s ones, who are denied the opportunity to play by their federations.

Big moment in Afghanistan and in exile

Khalida Popal, the former Afghanistan captain, who has become a figurehead for the new generation, sat next to Infantino when the news was announced as the current squad watched together online elsewhere.

“It means so much. The whole situation that Afghanistan women have is very emotional,” she said. “This is our moment, this is our time and football is our voice and our platform.”

For Safdari and her teammates, this is a chance to look ahead and build on the momentum and team spirit forged at the tournament in Morocco, in which the Afghans were not recognized as a full national team.

“Our situation is quite different from other teams but I feel like that’s a big strength for us,” Safdari said. “We’ve been training hard, we’ve been aiming for this, and it’s a new hope for us. It shows our resilience and it just shows that if we work hard, we can definitely achieve [our goals].”

Fight not over until Taliban are out

But with the brutal repression of women continuing back home, Safdari and the other players know that their fight is not fully won while the Taliban remain in power. Nevertheless, Safdari and the rest of the squad enjoy a rare platform as Afghan women international athletes. Now that their stage is even greater, they remain determined to shout from it for those back home.

“First of all I [thought of] my parents, who are still back home. They’ve already heard the news and are just proud of how far that I came personally. It’s really something for me to play for my country and make my people, my family and my parents proud.

“Of course, I’ve heard so many good things from friends and the people who are still back home. And we’ve seen how they were supporting us through this news on social media.”

The squad, who are funded and supported by FIFA during international breaks, are set to get together in New Zealand for their first matches since the games in Morocco last October. They will play a match against the Cook Islands as part of an eight-day training camp before Olympic qualifiers are set to start, likely later this year. That will be followed, eventually, by World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers and all sorts of other opportunities afforded to them by their new status.

“It sounds really great [to hear Afghanistan can compete in those tournaments] and I still cannot believe it that we are finally official and we can play qualifiers,” Safdari said.

With the team having barely been in the same country, let alone played together in recent years, there is plenty of work to do to catch up. But for players like Safdari who have had to forge new lives in foreign lands at a young age while fighting for their right to play football, that is not a daunting proposition.

Edited by: Janek Speight

WWE hosted the biggest event of the year in Las Vegas, and the company is now focused on introducing new stars on all three brands. Recently, EVIL made his debut for the company and broke his silence on X.

There have been times when superstars hone their craft on the independent circuit or train for years in Japan before signing with the Stamford-based promotion. From AJ Styles to Talla Tonga, notable names have had runs in the Land of the Rising Sun before joining WWE. On the recent edition of WWE NXT, EVIL made his debut for the company.

The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion interrupted Tony D’Angelo with a warning and left the ring. Later, the champion was attacked by Tavion Heights and Will Kroos. Later, the 39-year-old star broke silence on social media when he retweeted his debut with a message.

“I’ve Arrived. #WWENXT,” EVIL’s tweet on X.

During the show, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion wasn’t addressed mysteriously, but without a proper in-ring name. The company has a trademark filed, which could be for the 39-year-old star, but only time will tell.

Why is EVIL on WWE NXT?

In the past, superstars have joined the developmental brand and had a run under Triple H’s creative leadership before they moved to the main roster. Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, and more have had prior experience in wrestling, but started from the black and yellow brand.

There have been exceptions to this rule when AJ Styles debuted for the company at the Royal Rumble in 2016. Over the past few years, top names from Japan have joined the company under the new regime and made it to the main roster without a run on the developmental brand.

Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo, and Talla Tonga joined Friday Night SmackDown. According to Bodyslam, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, EVIL, wanted to start from the developmental brand instead of starting on the main roster.

The 39-year-old star wants to get accustomed to the wrestling scene in the United States, which is why he’s starting with NXT. As for his name, a new report suggests the management is still trying to figure it out. It’ll be interesting to see what’s next for EVIL in the Stamford-based promotion.