La Liga

La Liga chief critical of 'complicit silence' surrounding Fifa

La Liga president Javier Tebas has criticised the “complicit silence” which surrounds Fifa after United States striker Folarin Balogun was controversially spared from suspension at the 2026 World Cup.

Balogun was able to play in the 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the last 16 after Fifa’s disciplinary committee opted to suspend his one-game ban for 12 months.

Uefa, which has been at loggerheads with Fifa over a number of issues, strongly criticised the decision on Monday, calling it “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable”.

But outside of Europe there has been little noise about Fifa’s decision from football officials.

Conmebol, the South American football confederation, issued a statement to back its referee, Raphael Claus, after US president Donald Trump called the Brazilian “a bit suspect”.

But it did not criticise Fifa or Trump, who revealed he asked for the ban to be reviewed.

Claus was the referee who showed Balogun the red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina following a video assistant referee review.

Tebas said that the Balogun decision was the “tip of the iceberg” following a series of events which had been “eroding the credibility of Fifa and football in general for many years”.

The 63-year-old accused Fifa of being a closed shop in which decisions have been made before any vote takes place and without consultation with domestic leagues.

“And the worst of all is that much of the football world is aware of it, but too many prefer to maintain a complicit silence,” Tebas said on X.

“Because staying quiet is more comfortable than defending independence, transparency, and good governance.

“World football deserves institutions that are accountable, respect the rules, and govern with transparency - not through unilateral, discretionary, arbitrary decisions that erode the trust of fans, clubs, leagues, and players.”

Real Madrid have 'no intention' of signing Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez played in Argentina’s first two World Cup group games and is expected to return to the starting line-up for Friday’s round of 32 game with Cape Verde.

Real Madrid say they have “no intention” of trying to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea this summer.

After Chelsea failed to secure European qualification last season, well-placed sources say Fernandez is keen to leave and join Real.

The Spanish giants are reportedly interested in signing the Argentina midfielder, who cost Chelsea a then-British record fee of £107m in February 2023.

But Real issued a statement on Friday insisting those reports “do not correspond to reality”.

“In light of the reports and statements that have appeared in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid in the player Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either direct or indirect, to sign the aforementioned player and, likewise, has no intention of undertaking such an operation,” reads the statement.

Chelsea have confirmed they have not received any club-to-club approach from Real for Fernandez.

The Blues have valued the 25-year-old at £120m, should serious interest materialise, but are not actively looking to sell and would be happy to retain him as a key player under new coach Xabi Alonso.

Previous boss Liam Rosenior handed Fernandez a two-game suspension in April for saying he did not know whether he would remain at Chelsea next season and that he would “love” to live in Madrid.

The Premier League club signed Fernandez from Benfica shortly after he helped Argentina win the World Cup for a third time at the end of 2022.

He has gone on to win the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea, scoring 15 goals in all competitions last season, and he remains an important player for Argentina at this summer’s World Cup.

Real have already signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea this summer, acquiring the Spain left-back in a deal worth up to £51.8m.

Their statement added that the club “wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely known, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship.

“Precisely because of the respect that an entity like Chelsea FC deserves and because of the principles of institutional loyalty that have always governed the actions of Real Madrid, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny speculations that are unfounded and do not correspond to reality.

“Real Madrid regrets that, despite the clarity of the facts and the lack of any action on the part of the club, information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and that only contributes to generating confusion among fans and unnecessarily harming the entities and people involved.”

The 15-time European champions issued a similar statement last month to deny reports linking them with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, who has impressed at the World Cup with France.

Real Madrid’s statement represents a significant blow for Enzo Fernandez and his representatives.

Anyone following comments from his camp, or from the Argentina international himself, will be aware that he has been open to the possibility of leaving Stamford Bridge this summer, with a move to the Spanish capital understood to be his preferred option.

Madrid’s public distancing from Fernandez follows similar signals given privately by sources at Paris St-Germain and Manchester City, both of whom have previously been linked with the midfielder.

Since March, Fernandez has made a number of public comments in Spanish-language interviews following Chelsea’s dip in form and their Champions League exit to PSG.

Later that month, while on international duty, he spoke about a potential move to Spain in several interviews, which ultimately resulted in an internal two-match suspension.

His agent Javier Pastore has also publicly discussed his future, suggesting Fernandez is underpaid at Chelsea and indicating that failure to qualify for the Champions League could become an issue.

Those comments have created an uncomfortable situation for Chelsea, given Fernandez’s importance to the team. The midfielder contributed 15 goals and seven assists in all competitions last season and served as vice-captain.

Chelsea, however, have remained consistent in their position.

The club have been willing to listen to offers should their £120m valuation be met, but they have not actively sought to sell him.

While the situation has been challenging, Chelsea do not view it as irreparable.

There is a belief at Stamford Bridge that Alonso can successfully reintegrate Fernandez into the squad and help repair his relationship with supporters through strong performances and results on the pitch.

Real Madrid's £130m Alvarez bid rejected

Julian Alvarez helped Atletico Madrid reach the Champions League semi-finals

Real Madrid have had a 150m euro (£130m) offer for striker Julian Alvarez rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Real president Florentino Perez last week pledged to make a 150m euro offer for an unnamed “galactico” player if re-elected to his position.

Having successfully retained control on Sunday, Perez made good on his promise.

However, the move for the 26-year-old Argentina forward was turned down by his club, who cited Alvarez’s release clause of 500m euros (£430m).

In a statement, Real said: “Following the meeting of the board of directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Alvarez.

“After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atletico de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player’s release clause.”

Atletico quoted the Real Madrid statement on X alongside a series of laughing emojis.

In a subsequent post they stated: “You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don’t thank you for anything.

“We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona does.”

In a final post, Atletico added: “P.S. Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let’s see if you stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy. Thanks a lot, @realmadrid!”

Former Manchester City player Alvarez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, joined the La Liga club in an £81.5m deal in 2024.

He scored 20 goals in 49 appearances for Atletico last season as they finished fourth in the table and reached the Champions League semi-finals.

Real have also confirmed the anticipated news that head coach Alvaro Arbeloa will leave the club, with Jose Mourinho set to be appointed in his place.

Arbeloa was promoted from his role leading Real Madrid B in January, replacing former Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso, and confirmed before the end of the season that he would not continue following a trophyless campaign.

Re-appointing Benfica head coach Mourinho, who led the Spanish giants from 2010 to 2013, was a key manifesto point in Perez’s election campaign. Mourinho signed a three-year deal in May that was conditional on Perez winning an extended stay.

“Real Madrid is deeply grateful to Alvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his time at the club, from his time in our youth academy, has consistently demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism. He exemplifies the values of our club.”

“Real Madrid, which will always be his home, wishes Alvaro Arbeloa and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”

Mourinho set for Real after Perez re-elected

Jose Mourinho’s last trophy was the Europa Conference League with Roma in 2022

Jose Mourinho is set to be confirmed as Real Madrid’s new head coach after Florentino Perez was re-elected as the club’s president until 2030.

Mourinho, 63, signed a three-year deal last month to become head coach of Real, but his contract would only be valid if Perez retained his role.

The 79-year-old, who obtained 65% of the vote, has been in office since 2009 and announced the election during an extraordinary news conference last month.

“We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles,” Perez said. “I am still here and I am here to defend Real Madrid.

“We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup.

“We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the best stadium in the world.

“Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho. And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members.”

Perez appointed Mourinho as Real Madrid boss in 2010

Real Madrid is owned entirely by members who elect the president, with this the first presidential election in 20 years to feature a challenger - renewable energy magnate Enrique Riquelme.

Perez was expected to win and promised to make a club record offer for an unnamed “great player” if re-elected.

He took 100% of the in-person and postal votes counted, gaining 21,741 votes to Riquelme’s 11,814 (35%).

Mourinho is leaving his role as manager of Benfica, where he took charge in September and led them to third place in the Primeira Liga this season.

In his previous spell in charge of Real between 2010 and 2013, the Portuguese won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

Mourinho will replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who only took charge in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure as boss.

Real ended their 2025-26 campaign without silverware, with rivals Barcelona sealing the La Liga title with a 2-0 El Clasico victory.

Alaba passed fit but Baumgartner out of World Cup

Austria captain David Alaba has been given the all-clear to travel for the World Cup after picking up a muscle injury on Monday but midfielder Christoph Baumgartner has been ruled out of the tournament.

Former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid defender Alaba was substituted at half-time of Austria’s 1-0 friendly win against Tunisia but has been passed fit to travel to the United States with the rest of the squad.

It is not such positive news for RB Leipzig midfielder Baumgartner, however.

The 26-year-old suffered a thigh muscle injury during Monday’s pre-match warm-up and has been ruled out of the World Cup, the country’s football association confirmed on Tuesday.

Baumgartner is one of Austria’s more important players and enjoyed a fantastic season in Germany, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions for the Bundesliga club.

“This is of course very bitter news for Christoph and for us as a team,” coach Ralf Rangnick said in a statement.

“He is an important player and a central personality within our team. Now our full support is for his recovery.”

Austria’s World Cup campaign begins against Jordan on 16 June before taking on reigning world champions Argentina on 22 June and rounding off against Algeria on 28 June.

Mourinho signs three-year deal to return as Real Madrid boss

Jose Mourinho has signed a three-year deal to become Real Madrid’s new head coach.

He will not be officially unveiled until after the club’s presidential election, which is due to take place on 7 June.

However, the 63-year-old’s contract will only be valid if current president Florentino Perez remains in his role.

Perez announced the election during an extraordinary news conference earlier this month in which he criticised journalists and La Liga and spoke of an “organised campaign” against him.

The 79-year-old has been in office since 2009 - and was previously president between 2000 and 2006 - but has overseen two successive trophyless seasons.

Renewables tycoon Enrique Riquelme is standing against Perez in the first presidential election in 20 years featuring a challenger, although Perez is expected to still win.

Mourinho is leaving his role as manager of Benfica, where he took charge in September and led them to third place in the Primeira Liga this season.

In his previous spell in charge of Real between 2010 and 2013, the Portuguese won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

Mourinho will replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who only took charge in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure as boss.

Real ended their 2025-26 campaign trophyless, with rivals Barcelona sealing the La Liga title with a 2-0 El Clasico victory.

Los Blancos’ Champions League run also ended with a 6-4 aggregate defeat by German champions Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

After leaving Real in 2013, Mourinho returned to England for a second stint at Chelsea, winning the third of his three Premier League titles, plus the EFL Cup, in the 2014-15 season.

Following his departure from the Blues by mutual consent in 2015, Mourinho joined Manchester United on a three-year deal in 2016.

He won the Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield during his first season at Old Trafford, but was sacked in December 2018 after a poor run of results.

Mourinho also had spells at Tottenham, Serie A side Roma, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2022, and Turkish club Fenerbahce, before taking over at Benfica.

Mourinho’s entire managerial philosophy - the siege mentality, the us-against-the-world framing, the weaponisation of grievance, the use of media as the enemies - is perfectly calibrated for the climate Perez has spent years cultivating at Los Blancos.

A president who is highly critical of referees, who believes the media wants to destroy him, and Barcelona are favoured by La Liga has finally found his ideal coach.

The paranoia runs in the corridors of power at the Bernabeu and will now be in the dugout with Mourinho - although, in fact, predecessor Arbeloa has bought that vision of the world already.

That, more than anything, is why this appointment makes sense in Perez’s mind.

Madrid’s dressing room is fractured. There have been fights between players. Vinicius Jr got what he wanted when Alonso was sacked as manager. Kylian Mbappe is not loved and seems a strange body in the club.

Then, added to that, a squad that finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy.

Into this chaos walks a man with an iron fist, a famous surname and zero tolerance for insubordination. For a president who cannot control his own stars, the appeal of Mourinho is obvious.

But appetite is not the same as wisdom. And before Madrid celebrates the return of the ‘Special One’, it is worth asking a harder question: will he make the same mistakes again?

The logic behind Real Madrid’s decision is clear. The club are not simply searching for a tactician. They are looking for a manager capable of restoring authority, identity and emotional control to a fractured squad after a turbulent season.

With the dressing room in turmoil and the club’s reputation on the line, Real need a strong leader to steer the team back on course next season.

Against that backdrop, Perez is likely to view Mourinho as the ideal figure to restore order and authority within the dressing room.

The club will hope he can rebuild a side that fights collectively rather than individually, and manage some of football’s biggest personalities, several of whom have faced criticism this season for acting egotistically.

Mourinho’s appointment will also come with the expectation to deliver success.

Real have gone two consecutive seasons without a trophy, a rare drought by the club’s high standards.

They are performing well below expectations and the pressure, therefore, on Mourinho to help them regain domestic and European dominance will be immense.

Sarri leaves Lazio for second time by mutual consent

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri has left the Italian club by mutual consent after one year in charge.

The 67-year-old former Chelsea manager returned for a second spell as Lazio boss last summer, after previously spending three years with the Serie A side from 2021 to 2024.

But following a ninth-placed league finish this season and a 2-0 Coppa Italia final defeat by Inter Milan, Lazio confirmed they had parted ways with Naples-born Sarri.

“S.S. Lazio announces that a mutual agreement has been reached to terminate the contracts of head coach Maurizio Sarri and his coaching staff,” the statement read.

The club also posted a video on X with the caption: “Thank you for everything, Commander.”

Sarri first joined Lazio in June 2021 and led them to second place in the 2022-23 season, which was their best league finish since winning the title in 1999-2000.

However, he resigned a less than year later after Lazio suffered a fifth defeat in six games in all competitions.

Italian media reports say Sarri will soon take over at Atalanta, whose current coach is Raffaele Palladino, while former Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso is the favourite to replace Sarri at Lazio.