List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Belgium international Youri Tielemans when his contract with relegated Leicester expires. Villa have confirmed the 26-year-old midfielder will join them on July 1 after four years at the King Power Stadium. A statement on the club’s official website said: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce that the club has reached an agreement to sign Youri Tielemans. “The Belgian international will officially become a Villan on July 1 after his contract with Leicester City has expired.” Tielemans joined Leicester from Monaco in a £40million deal in July 2019 after a successful loan spell during the second half of the previous season, having begun his career with Anderlecht. In all, he made 195 appearances for the Foxes and scored 28 goals, including the spectacular winner as they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the 2021 FA Cup final. He also represented his country at the finals of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and Euro 2020. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Manchester City do not have a long and distinguished European history, but Pep Guardiola and his team are hoping to write the first major chapter of that on Saturday evening in Turkey. The Etihad club head to the Ataturk Stadium to play Inter Milan in the Uefa Champions League final, their second-ever appearance in such a game and aiming for their first-ever victory, having lost two years ago to Chelsea. Come the end of the evening, supporters will be hoping to begin a massive celebration, not just of lifting this trophy but of completing a treble - with the Premier League and FA Cup already in their locker this term. But before any thoughts of celebrating, the match has to be won and Inter overcome - and before that can happen, it’s likely that City fans will send an altogether different tone and atmosphere into the night, when the Champions League anthem sounds out ahead of kick-off. City fans have habitually booed the anthem over the past couple of seasons, with whistles and jeers attempting to drown out the notable music pre-match when playing on home soil. That’s likely to be the case again at the Ataturk, as supporters continue their anti-Uefa stance. While a lot of the ill-feeling toward the continent’s governing body stems from Uefa finding Man City in breach of FFP rules in 2014 - they were fined £49 million at the time - there were grievances already beforehand. One such protest arose after City were fined more for being very slightly late back out onto the pitch for the second half of a match than opponents Porto were for racially abusing Mario Balotelli in another fixture. But in general, the poor treatment of fans - including not being allowed to travel to an away game because home fans had been banned - has been widely seen as a spark, whereas the probes and accusations towards City over financial foul play are the fire which seems to irk the supporters so much. There was, at one point, the possibility of City being banned from European competition, but this was ultimately avoided. Back in 2015, City were even cited by a Uefa match delegate for booing the anthem, but they were not punished for it after a committee instead opted to overturn rules and allow clubs free right to protest peacefully, in contrast to fining clubs beforehand if they protested the competition or organisation. Later, in 2019, Pep Guardiola had hoped fans were warming to the competition rather more, but the boos have been very much present during this season’s run to the final and are likely to be heard once more ahead of kick-off in Istanbul. Read More Man City vs Inter Milan LIVE: Latest Champions League final updates Manchester City fans sing on streets of Istanbul ahead of Champions League final Man City owner to attend first match in 13 years at Champions League final

Scotland striker Kevin Nisbet has left Hibernian for Millwall after the two clubs agreed “a significant seven-figure fee”, the cinch Scottish Premiership outfit have announced. The deal for the 26-year-old, whose exact price tag remains undisclosed, includes both add-ons and a sell-on arrangement. A statement on Hibs’ official website read: “We can confirm that Kevin Nisbet has joined English Championship side Millwall for a significant seven-figure fee. “The full terms of the 26-year-old’s departure will remain undisclosed, however, it does include sizeable add-ons and a sell-on fee.” Millwall had a bid, understood to be in the region of £2million, accepted for Nisbet in January, but the player ultimately opted to stay in Scotland. Hibs’ chief executive Ben Kensell said: “After deciding to stay in January, Kevin informed us that he wanted to leave the football club this summer, which we understood. “Following those discussions, we had to ensure we got the best possible deal for him. We’re happy with the fee we received, and we wish him all the best for the future with Millwall.” Nisbet, who joined Hibs from Dunfermline in July 2020, scored 12 goals in 19 league appearances last season after recovering from a knee injury which sidelined him for 10 months. Manager Lee Johnson said: “We’re disappointed to lose Nizzy after he did so well for us on his return but understand that he wanted to go on a new adventure down south. “Although he will be missed, this presents a new opportunity for someone else to step into that role. We thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best in England.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Soccer Aid 2023 kicks off tonight at Old Trafford as two teams of famous faces come together to raise money for charity. England Euros winner Jill Scott captains the England team under the management of Harry Redknapp, with Paddy McGuinness, Sir Mo Farah and Gary Neville among her teammates for the home side. The World XI will be led by Usain Bolt after glory last year, with Lee Mack, Roberto Carlos and Tommy Fury all featuring for a team led by the new Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino. The annual charity football match, created by Robbie Williams in 2006, sells tickets in support of Unicef UK. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Soccer Aid 2023? Soccer Aid is set to kick off at 7.30pm BST on Sunday 11 June at Old Trafford in Manchester. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the charity match on ITV 1, with coverage beginning at 6.30pm. Soccer Aid will also be available to view on STV, or via ITVX online. What are the line ups? England Jill Scott (c) Paddy McGuinness Jermain Defoe Karen Carney Gary Cahill Jack Wilshere Bugzy Malone Tom Grennan Sir Mo Farah Alex Brooker Gary Neville Paul Scholes Chunkz Joel Corry Eni Aluko David James Scarlette Douglas Nicky Butt Liam Payne Danny Dyer Asa Butterfield Tom Hiddleston Coaches Stormzy Emma Hayes Vicky McClure Harry Redknapp David Seaman Soccer Aid World XI FC Usain Bolt (c) Lee Mack Steven Bartlett Kem Cetinay Mo Gilligan Maisie Adam Tommy Fury Heather O’Reilly Kalyn Kyle Noah Beck Ben Foster Roberto Carlos Nani Francesco Totti Gabriel Batistuta Leon Edwards Sam Claflin Hernan Crespo Patrice Evra Niko Coach Mauricio Pochettino Robbie Keane Martin Compston Mel C How much does Soccer Aid raise for charity? Soccer Aid 2022, which was held at the London Stadium, raised £15,673,728 for Unicef, the highest tally in the event’s history. Read More Brazilian dictionary adds Pelé as adjective, synonym of best Why Wrexham? How Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney came to buy a club they’d never heard of When is the Women’s World Cup and what are the fixtures?

Soccer Aid 2023 kicks off tonight at Old Trafford as two teams of famous faces come together to raise money for charity. England Euros winner Jill Scott captains the England team under the management of Harry Redknapp, with Paddy McGuinness, Sir Mo Farah and Gary Neville among her teammates for the home side. The World XI will be led by Usain Bolt after glory last year, with Lee Mack, Roberto Carlos and Tommy Fury all featuring for a team led by the new Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino. The annual charity football match, created by Robbie Williams in 2006, sells tickets in support of Unicef UK. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Soccer Aid 2023? Soccer Aid is set to kick off at 7.30pm BST on Sunday 11 June at Old Trafford in Manchester. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the charity match on ITV 1, with coverage beginning at 6.30pm. Soccer Aid will also be available to view on STV, or via ITVX online. What are the line ups? England Jill Scott (c) Paddy McGuinness Jermain Defoe Karen Carney Gary Cahill Jack Wilshere Bugzy Malone Tom Grennan Sir Mo Farah Alex Brooker Gary Neville Paul Scholes Chunkz Joel Corry Eni Aluko David James Scarlette Douglas Nicky Butt Liam Payne Danny Dyer Asa Butterfield Tom Hiddleston Coaches Stormzy Emma Hayes Vicky McClure Harry Redknapp David Seaman Soccer Aid World XI FC Usain Bolt (c) Lee Mack Steven Bartlett Kem Cetinay Mo Gilligan Maisie Adam Tommy Fury Heather O’Reilly Kalyn Kyle Noah Beck Ben Foster Roberto Carlos Nani Francesco Totti Gabriel Batistuta Leon Edwards Sam Claflin Hernan Crespo Patrice Evra Niko Coach Mauricio Pochettino Robbie Keane Martin Compston Mel C How much does Soccer Aid raise for charity? Soccer Aid 2022, which was held at the London Stadium, raised £15,673,728 for Unicef, the highest tally in the event’s history. Read More Brazilian dictionary adds Pelé as adjective, synonym of best Why Wrexham? How Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney came to buy a club they’d never heard of When is the Women’s World Cup and what are the fixtures?

Soccer Aid returns to Manchester this weekend, bringing celebrities from the sporting world and beyond together to again raise significant money for charity. The annual charity football match, created by Robbie Williams in 2006, sees a host of former footballers and famous faces from other industries come together in support of Unicef UK. Euro 2022 winner Jill Scott has been named as England’s captain this year, with the likes of Paddy McGuinness, Sir Mo Farah and Gary Neville among her teammates and Emma Hayes, Stormzy and Harry Redknapp coaching the side Meanwhile, the Soccer Aid World XI FC will be led by Olympic legend Usain Bolt, with the fastest man in history continuing in the role after leading his side to victory last year, as Lee Mack, Roberto Carlos and Tommy Fury are also in the Mauricio Pochettino-managed side. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Soccer Aid 2023? Soccer Aid is set to kick off at 7.30pm BST on Sunday 11 June at Old Trafford in Manchester. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the charity match on ITV 1, with coverage beginning at 6.30pm. Soccer Aid will also be available to view on STV, or via ITVX online. What are the line ups? England Jill Scott (c) Paddy McGuinness Jermain Defoe Karen Carney Gary Cahill Jack Wilshere Bugzy Malone Tom Grennan Sir Mo Farah Alex Brooker Gary Neville Paul Scholes Chunkz Joel Corry Eni Aluko David James Scarlette Douglas Nicky Butt Liam Payne Danny Dyer Asa Butterfield Tom Hiddleston Coaches Stormzy Emma Hayes Vicky McClure Harry Redknapp David Seaman Soccer Aid World XI FC Usain Bolt (c) Lee Mack Steven Bartlett Kem Cetinay Mo Gilligan Maisie Adam Tommy Fury Heather O’Reilly Kalyn Kyle Noah Beck Ben Foster Roberto Carlos Nani Francesco Totti Gabriel Batistuta Leon Edwards Sam Claflin Hernan Crespo Patrice Evra Niko Coach Mauricio Pochettino Robbie Keane Martin Compston Mel C How much does Soccer Aid raise for charity? Soccer Aid 2022, which was held at the London Stadium, raised £15,673,728 for Unicef, the highest tally in the event’s history. Read More Brazilian dictionary adds Pelé as adjective, synonym of best Why Wrexham? How Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney came to buy a club they’d never heard of When is the Women’s World Cup and what are the fixtures?

Manchester City and Inter Milan meet at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul on Saturday night, the last game of the season and the biggest: the Uefa Champions League final itself. Pep Guardiola’s side need one more win to complete a treble which has alternately looked inevitable and impressive, with the Premier League and FA Cup already in the bag – though opponents Inter have a cup to their name too this term, having beaten Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia final. They did only finish third in Serie A however, marking them out as significant underdogs in this one-off event. While City will doubtless face questions over their supremacy and the manner of achieving it if they get the job done at last, tonight from the players’ perspective is only about one thing: winning, and setting right the many mistakes in recent years which have seen them fall short. Follow our live coverage of the Champions League final below: Read More One last wrong to right? Man City stand on the brink of complicated history The rise, fall and rise again of Inter Milan’s Andre Onana Man City owner to attend first match in 13 years at Champions League final

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak is in charge of the 2023 Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul. Marciniak was given the honour of refereeing the World Cup final in December, which passed largely without controversy. He was the first-ever Pole to referee a World Cup final and his assistants that day in Qatar, compatriots Pawel Sokolnicki and Tomasz Listkiewicz, are on hand again tonight to run the line. However, Marciniak has not been without controversy off the pitch. He managed to keep his role in charge of the final after apologising for appearing at a far-right event in Poland last month, having spoken at an event organised by far-right leader Slawomir Mentzen. He said in a statement: “I want to express my deepest apologies for my involvement and any distress or harm it may have caused. “Upon reflection and further investigation, it has become evident that I was gravely misled and completely unaware of the true nature and affiliations of the event in question. I had no knowledge that it was associated [with] a Polish extreme-right movement. Had I been aware of this fact, I would have categorically declined the invitation. “It is important to understand that the values promoted by this movement are entirely contrary to my personal beliefs and the principles I strive to uphold in my life. I am deeply remorseful for any perception that my participation may have contradicted them.” Uefa said: “After conducting a thorough review, we have received a statement from Mr Marciniak expressing his deepest apologies and providing a clarification regarding his involvement in the event.” The 42-year-old refereed the second leg of City’s semi-final win against Real Madrid and has taken charge of seven other Champions League fixtures. Here is the full officiating team for the Champions League final: 2023 Champions League final refereeing team Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)Assistants: Pawel Sokolnicki and Tomasz Listkiewicz (both POL)Fourth official: Istvan Kovacs (ROM)Reserve assistant: Vasile Florin Marinescu (ROM)VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)Assistant VAR: Bartosz Frankowski (POL)VAR Support: Marco Fritz (GER) When: Saturday 10 June, 8pm BST. Where: Ataturk Stadium, Istanbul. Odds (after 90 minutes) Man City win: 4/9 Inter win: 6/1 Draw: 15/4 Via Betfair Read More Champions League final referee Szymon Marciniak keeps role after apology for attending far-right event One last wrong to right? Man City stand on the brink of complicated history Inter and the impossible task of the Champions League final Manchester City fans sing on streets of Istanbul ahead of Champions League final Man City owner to attend first match in 13 years at Champions League final Watch live: Fans gather at Istanbul stadium ahead of Champions League final

Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour will attend the Champions League final on Saturday evening. Club sources have confirmed to the PA news agency that the sheikh will be present in Istanbul as City face Inter Milan bidding to win Europe’s top club prize for the first time. It will only be the second game he has attended since his investment vehicle, the Abu Dhabi United Group, purchased City in 2008. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was also due to be at the showpiece match at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium. City have risen to become the dominant force in the English game under Mansour’s stewardship with the club having won seven Premier League titles in the past 12 years and five of the last six. Victory in Turkey on Saturday would also see them become only the second English side to win the treble having already retained their domestic title and won the FA Cup. City also now sit at the heart of a global network of 13 clubs known as the City Football Group. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Watch live as fans gather at Istanbul's Olympic Ataturk Stadium as Manchester City and Inter Milan prepare to face each other in the Champions League final on Saturday, 10 June. Guardiola’s side are favourites for the game that could see them crowned European champions for the first time and complete the treble. Inter beat Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia final, securing their first silverware of the season. The Italian side secured third place in Serie A, ensuring a return to the competition they last won in 2010 under the management of Jose Mourinho. Speaking to reporters ahead of the final, Pep Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne admitted that it is Manchester City's "dream and obsession" to win the Champions League. "It’s absolutely a dream, yes. To achieve things you always have to have the correct proportion of obsession and desire," Guardiola, who won the competition twice managing Barcelona, said. Read More Manchester City fans sing on streets of Istanbul ahead of Champions League final Man City owner to attend first match in 13 years at Champions League final Watch: Guardiola and De Bruyne on ‘dream and obsession’ of winning Champions League

The biggest club title in European football is on the line and either Manchester City or Inter Milan will be celebrating the greatest night in their recent history come tonight. Pep Guardiola and Simone Inzaghi go head-to-head in the dugout, with key battles across the pitch seeing Nicolo Barella and Kevin de Bruyne vying for midfield supremacy and goalkeeper Andre Onana attempting to keep out free-scoring Erling Haaland. Inter’s last Champions Leagu triumph came in 2010 under the management of Jose Mourinho; City have never won the competition but came runners-up two years ago. Both teams won their respective domestic cup competitions this term, the FA Cup and Coppa Italia, but while City also won the Premier League, Inter were only third in Serie A. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match including how to watch for free. When is the Champions League final? Man City play Inter Milan on Saturday 10 June. The match kicks off at 8pm BST in the Ataturk Stadium, Istanbul. How can I watch it? The match will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate, and can be streamed on the BT Sport app and desktop website. BT have also made it free for viewers to watch, on the BT Sport YouTube channel. What is the team news? Kyle Walker has been hampered in preparations for the final by a muscle injury, but he has vowed to be back fit and pending any late setbacks, he should be included in the squad. There are no other injury issues for Pep Guardiola to worry about. Milan Skriniar is back in training for Inter Milan after an injury, though it’s doubtful he’ll earn a place in the starting back three, with Simone Inzaghi’s plans already set. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Joaquin Correa are both hoping to be passed fit for the final too, with the latter probably having least chance after an injury in the Coppa Italia final. Predicted lineups MCI - Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Stones, Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish, Haaland INT - Onana, Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Calhanoglu, Brozovic, Barella, Dimarco, Martinez, Dzeko Odds City 11/21 Draw 39/10 Inter 6/1 Prediction It’s a huge task for the Serie A side to stop this City juggernaut and it seems they’ll finally get their hands on the trophy which has thus far eluded them. Man City 2-0 Inter Milan. Read More One last wrong to right? Man City stand on the brink of complicated history The trick that made Erling Haaland the ultimate finisher – in more ways than one The rise, fall and rise again of Inter Milan’s Andre Onana

Manchester City face Inter Milan in the Champions League final tonight, with both teams hoping to aid the biggest trophy of all in club football to their respective objectives already attained this term. Pep Guardiola’s side have completed the domestic double with a Premier League title and the FA Cup already in the bag, following their recent Wembley win over rivals Man United. Now, though, they go looking for the last and most historic part of the campaign, looking to finish the treble. As for Inter, they beat Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia final to land their first silverware of the season, while they secured third place in Serie A to ensure a return to this competition next term. All eyes will be on whether boss Simone Inzaghi opts for former City striker Edin Dzeko in the lineup or brings in on-loan Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku - while City are hoping Kyle Walker recovers to full fitness. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match. When is the Champions League final? Man City play Inter Milan on Saturday 10 June. The match kicks off at 8pm BST in the Ataturk Stadium, Istanbul. How can I watch it? The match will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate, and can be streamed on the BT Sport app and desktop website. BT have also made it free for viewers to watch, on the BT Sport YouTube channel. What is the team news? Kyle Walker has been hampered in preparations for the final by a muscle injury, but he has vowed to be back fit and pending any late setbacks, he should be included in the squad. There are no other injury issues for Pep Guardiola to worry about. Milan Skriniar is back in training for Inter Milan after an injury, though it’s doubtful he’ll earn a place in the starting back three, with Simone Inzaghi’s plans already set. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Joaquin Correa are both hoping to be passed fit for the final too, with the latter probably having least chance after an injury in the Coppa Italia final. Predicted lineups MCI - Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Stones, Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish, Haaland INT - Onana, Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Calhanoglu, Brozovic, Barella, Dimarco, Martinez, Dzeko Odds City 11/21 Draw 39/10 Inter 6/1 Prediction It’s a huge task for the Serie A side to stop this City juggernaut and it seems they’ll finally get their hands on the trophy which has thus far eluded them. Man City 2-0 Inter Milan. Read More One last wrong to right? Man City stand on the brink of complicated history The trick that made Erling Haaland the ultimate finisher — in more ways than one The rise, fall and rise again of Inter Milan’s Andre Onana