Jenni Hermoso has not been included in Spain’s first squad since lifting the Women’s World Cup but 15 of her title-winning team-mates have been called up despite announcing a boycott last month. A group of 81 players, including all 23 members of the World Cup squad, indicated three weeks ago that they would not play for Spain again while Luis Rubiales remained Spanish football federation (RFEF) president as a result of his behaviour at the final. Rubiales caused a huge controversy after kissing midfielder Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony following the team’s 1-0 victory over England. Hermoso insists she did not consent to the kiss. Amid increasing pressure, Rubiales finally resigned from his post last week but 39 players, including 21 of Spain’s World Cup winners, released a statement on Friday saying that was not enough to trigger their return to national-team duty. The players said they were not yet “in a safe place” to return and that the problems at the RFEF ran far deeper than Rubiales. However, new Spain coach Montse Tome – who had been due to name her squad on Friday – has now included 15 of the world champions in her 23-player squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Sweden and Switzerland. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

AC Milan are back on the trail of Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek and hope to agree a deal after holding talks over the weekend. The 27-year-old has 12 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.

The opening ceremony of Chile’s first Pan American Games was not only a celebration of athletes, Indigenous peoples and poetry, but laid bare the politically divided country’s scars from the military dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet from 1973 until 1990

Wayne Rooney is "disappointed and frustrated" that DC United has not contacted him in two months about a contract extension to his expiring MLS deal...

Patrick Esume has been the face of NFL broadcasts in Germany for years and has played a big role in helping football to grow in a key international market

Today's USMNTnews includes Sergino Dest being linked with Fulham, Brenden Aaronson has completed his move to Union Berlin and the Stars andStripes are into the semi-finals of the Gold Cup after defeating Canada on penalties.USMNT news: Sergino Dest to FulhamMany USMNT players have already s...

Paddy Pimblett has accepted a callout by Matt Frevola, despite suggesting that UFC 288 was a ‘weird time’ for the American to challenge him to a fight. Frevola knocked out Drew Dober at UFC 288 on Saturday night before calling out Pimblett in his post-fight interview. “Paddy Pimblett, you absolutely suck,” said Frevola. “Stop being a b***h, and let’s fight. “You’re on a four-fight win streak. I’m on a three-fight win streak. If you’re in the UFC, you can’t pick and choose your fights. You’ve got to fight who the fans want to see you fight.” Pimblett, who is currently recovering from ankle surgery, reacted to the callout while replying to a comment on one of his most recent Instagram posts. The Liverpudlian lightweight wrote: “Bit of a weird time to call me out when I can’t even train like, but [yeah] I’d fight frevola when I’m back, probably the easiest route into the top 15.” “Paddy The Baddy” last fought in December, staying unbeaten in the UFC with a controversial decision win against Jared Gordon. Pimblett, 28, has since undergone surgery on an injured ankle and is not expected to return to the ring until late 2023. Prior to his narrow win against Gordon, Pimblett knocked out Luigi Vendramini and submitted Rodrigo Vargas and Jordan Leavitt, kickstarting his UFC career in fine fashion. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More UFC’s Tony Ferguson arrested following car crash in Hollywood Aljamain Sterling retains title against returning Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 UFC 288: Fights to make next as Aljamain Sterling ruins Henry Cejudo’s return

They’re finishing each other’s sentences already

Max Verstappen saw off Fernando Alonso to take pole position in a scintillating qualifying session for the Monaco Grand Prix. Alonso’s Aston Martin mechanics celebrated wildly after it appeared as though the 41-year-old Spaniard had taken his first pole in 11 years. F1 grid: Starting positions for Monaco Grand Prix But Verstappen delivered a mesmerising final sector in Monte Carlo to take top spot with his final throw of the dice, beating Alonso by just 0.084 seconds. Charles Leclerc finished third for Ferrari but received a three-place grid drop for impeding Lando Norris, so starts sixth with Esteban Ocon in third and Carlos Sainz fourth. Lewis Hamilton qualified sixth for Mercedes, two places ahead of team-mate George Russell, but starts in fifth due to Leclerc’s penalty - with Sergio Perez set to start Sunday’s 78-lap race from last place after he crashed out. Follow updates from the Monaco Grand Prix with The Independent - the race starts at 2pm (BST). Read More F1 grid: Starting positions for Monaco Grand Prix Max Verstappen fends off Fernando Alonso to take stunning pole in Monaco Lewis Hamilton makes joyous revelation despite Monaco qualifying result

After the Mets traded Max Scherzer to the Rangers, fellow ace Justin Verlander told reporters he might be open to waiving his own no-trade clause.The MLB trade deadline has the Mets in selling mode. They've already shipped off Max Scherzer and there's a distinct feeling Justin Verlande...

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz has won his first match since clinching a dramatic Wimbledon final by rallying to beat David Goffin of Belgium 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 in the Hopman Cup in Nice

Joey Votto homered and hit a go-ahead, two-run single in his return to the Reds’ lineup after a 10-month absence that followed surgery, helping Cincinnati extend its longest winning streak in a decade to nine with a 5-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies