In an effort to address the gender disparity in elite coaching, FIFA passed a historic rule mandating that every side participating in its women's competitions have at least one female head coach or assistant coach. The FIFA Council approved the decision on March 19, and it will start to apply to all women's competitions later this year.Before being extended to big events like the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, the regulation will be implemented at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland, and the FIFA Women's Champions Cup. FIFA has also stipulated that every team have a minimum of two female officials on the bench and a minimum of one female member of the medical staff.The move comes as FIFA tries to push women into leadership positions. Just 12 of the 32 teams competing in the 2023 Women's World Cup had female head coaches. Sarina Wiegman of England was the only woman still heading a team by the round of 16.“There are simply not enough women in coaching today. We must do more to accelerate change by creating clearer pathways, expanding opportunities, and increasing the visibility for women on our sidelines.” FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis said after the decision.FIFA's approach will try to replicate what UEFA, the European football organisation, has done in areas where the women's game is more advanced. Even though only seven of the sixteen teams competing in the Women's European Championship had a female head coach, every team with a male head coach was required to have a female assistant coach. Gianni Infantino wants more women's involvement in football FIFA president Gianni Infantino had flagged the issue earlier this year. “Of course, we need more women in important positions in football,” he said at the UEFA Congress in February. Maybe we need… more women coaches in women’s teams.”The regulation now puts that idea into policy, with federations set to come under immediate pressure to reshape their coaching structures before FIFA’s next women’s tournament, including more women in the coaching staff.(With AP Input)
20 March,2026 10:54 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEngland and Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly split with girlfriend Estelle Behnke. According to a report in British tabloid The Sun, the right-back has ended things amicably with the British-born lifestyle influencer and model, after dating for 18 months. “The break-up was tough, but both Trent and Estelle knew it was for the best. They shared some special times, but they go their separate ways full of love and thanks for their experiences together. They are both busy people and came to the sad realisation that the relationship just wouldn’t last long term,” a source told the tabloid. Alexander-Arnold started dating Behnke in October 2024, soon after his previous relationship had ended. They reportedly met while shooting for a denim brand, and immediately hit it off. She even helped him settle down in Madrid following his move from Liverpool in May 2025. The 25-year-old model was often seen cheering on the England international from the stands.
20 March,2026 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentIran will "boycott the United States" but "not the World Cup", Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said in a video released by the Iranian press agency Fars. Iran is currently scheduled to play its group matches in the US in this year's tournament. "We will be preparing for the World Cup. We will boycott the United States but not the the World Cup," Taj said in the video released on Wednesday. Iran's football federation has opened talks with FIFA about potentially relocating its matches from the United States, though the global governing body has so far maintained that the tournament's schedule remains unchanged. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that her country is prepared to host Iran's first-round matches if required, due to the conflict in the Middle East. Iran's participation at this summer's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been in doubt since the war began last month, with President Donald Trump warning that the safety of Iranian players would be at risk if they travelled to the US. Asked directly if Mexico was open to hosting the matches, Sheinbaum told a press conference on Tuesday: "Yes." "Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with every country in the world, therefore we will wait to see what FIFA decides," she added. FIFA president Gianni Infantino initially said that Trump had given assurances that the Iranian team -- scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle -- would still be welcome. But the Republican president then triggered uproar last week after stating that Iran's football team should not travel to the tournament "for their own life and safety". Iran hit back at Trump's comments saying that "no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup". This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 March,2026 08:56 AM IST | Paris | AFPThe president of African soccer's governing body has defended its integrity and impartiality after Senegal's government called for an international investigation into "suspected corruption" at the organization after it stripped the country of its Africa Cup of Nations title. Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, sought Wednesday to explain the decision made by its appeals board on Tuesday that ruled Senegal had forfeited the final in January by walking off the field, turning its 1-0 win in extra time into a 3-0 default win for host nation Morocco. "The CAF disciplinary board took one decision. The CAF appeals board took a totally different position. And I'm told that Senegal is going to appeal, which is very important," Motsepe said in a video published on the CAF website. "We will adhere and respect the decision that's taken at the highest level." Motsepe said that CAF's disciplinary and appeals board members are chosen from names proposed by each of its 54 member associations. "If you look at the composition of those bodies, they reflect some of the most respected lawyers and judges on the continent," he said. "These are people who have integrity and have a track record. ... the independence is reflected by the decisions that were taken by the two bodies." Contrasting decisions In January, CAF's disciplinary board imposed fines of more than $1 million against the Senegalese and Moroccan federations together. It issued suspensions against the Senegal coach and several players. But it did not interfere with the outcome of the final. CAF's appeals board on Tuesday ruled that Senegal forfeited the Jan. 18 final by leaving the field of play without the referee's authorization, and that Morocco should consequently be awarded a 3-0 win. Most of the Senegal team left for almost 10 minutes while Senegal fans battled stewards behind one of the goals in protest against a controversial penalty call for Morocco after Senegal had a goal ruled out. The players returned, Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal won the match by scoring in extra time. CAF's legacy "What happened in that final match is it undermines the good work that CAF has done over many, many years to ensure that there's integrity, that there is respect, that there's ethics, that there's governance, as well as credibility in the results of our football matches," said Motsepe, who said the incidents in the final had exposed the work CAF was doing to address suspicion and distrust. "It's a legacy issue. When I became president one of the major concerns was the impartiality, the independence, and the respect of referees and match commissioners, and a lot of good, good work has been done," he said. "That there continues to be suspicions because it's a legacy issue, it's something that has been there for many, many years and we consistently deal with that because that's critically important." Senegal appeals The Senegalese soccer federation said it will appeal Tuesday's decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the Senegalese government slammed what it called a "manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a grossly illegal and deeply unjust decision."Motsepe defended CAF against perceptions of favoritism toward Morocco, which is a 2030 World Cup co-host and has invested heavily to become a soccer superpower. "Not a single country in Africa will be treated in a manner that is more preferential, or more advantageous, or more favorable than any other country on the African continent," Morsepe said. "We take what has happened at the final match in Morocco ⿦ we take it very, very seriously." He said CAF had already taken steps to address deficiencies. "We have very high standards that we set for ourselves. It is important for us that ordinary football supporters and spectators in every one of the 54 countries in Africa, in their judgment - not in CAF's judgment, not in my judgment - regard the decisions of our judicial bodies as fair," Motsepe said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 March,2026 08:51 AM IST | Geneva | AP | PTIMichael Carrick has told his Manchester United side to ready themselves for an awkward encounter away to Bournemouth on Friday as they look to maintain their challenge for a Champions League place. The Red Devils have enjoyed a resurgence since former United and England midfielder Carrick was appointed caretaker boss in January until the end of the season. United are now third in the Premier League ahead of their trip to south coast side Bournemouth after recovering from their first loss under Carrick, away to Newcastle, by beating top-four rivals Aston Villa 3-1 on Sunday. Bournemouth, however, are 10th in the table and have made life difficult for United in recent seasons, with December's remarkable 4-4 draw at Old Trafford extending their recent unbeaten run in this fixture. Cherries boss Andoni Iraola, tipped as a possible permanent manager of the Red Devils has not lost in five previous matches against United. But such has been the club's revival under Carrick, appointed after former United team-mate Darren Fletcher's two-game spell in temporary charge following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, that the Old Trafford hierarchy may well stick with the 44-year-old come the end of the current campaign. "It's a tough game," Carrick said of Bournemouth, undefeated in their last 10 matches in the Premier League. "It's a tough place to go. They're on a really good run of form, so, yeah, a difficult game," he also told a pre-match press conference on Thursday. "We're obviously going down there, we've had a good run and the boys are in good shape but, yeah, always a difficult game. Always has been and probably always will be. "We know that, they're a really good team, well coached, really well coached, and good energy. We know we'll be in for a game down there on Friday." United have won just two of their last seven away matches following a last-gasp 2-1 loss at Newcastle. But Carrick said: "Whether it's home or away, it's not something we kind of look at too much. It's the next game, really." He added: "It's been nice to be able to win at home and put that in place, and to go and play at Old Trafford with a real feeling of confidence and looking forward to the game and for the supporters to feel that as well and leaving with a good feeling." Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez remain sidelined for Friday's match, but the latter is expected to be available when United return to action against Leeds on April 13. The international break, lack of European fixtures and an early FA Cup exit mean United have an unusually long, 24-day, wait for a game after the Bournemouth match. "You've got to be really flexible, you know, to come off the back of it in good shape," Carrick said. "The boys will have a break, in some way, but we're definitely mindful of it for sure and it's a little bit unique in some ways, having the week after the internationals to prepare for the next game." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 March,2026 08:49 AM IST | London | AFPAtletico Madrid suffered a 2-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the second leg of their last-16 Champions League encounter, but managed to advance thanks to their 7-5 aggregate score. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy against them. We obviously wanted to win on the night, and had opportunities to do so, but the important thing is we’re through,” said Julian Alvarez. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich beat Atalanta 4-1 to storm into the quarters with an aggregate score of 10-2. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 March,2026 08:46 AM IST | London | AgenciesArne Slot’s Liverpool shrugged off their English Premier League malaise to storm into the Champions League quarter-finals by thrashing Galatasaray 4-0 at Anfield on Wednesday. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit for Arne Slot’s men to set up a reunion with defending champions PSG in the last eight. “We could [have] won 10-0, but we did a good job. We can be proud,” said Ekitike. The Frenchman also praised superstar winger Mohamed Salah, who racked up his 50th Champions League goal on the night ad also picked up an assist. “Salah’s a legend. Sometimes people say he’s having a difficult season but for those who’ve seen him for years, he’s [always] important. He had a chance [to score] but still gave me a great pass,” added Ekitike. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 March,2026 08:44 AM IST | Liverpool | AgenciesNewcastle boss Eddie Howe reckoned the penalty that Lamine Yamal scored just before half-time, when the score was 2-2, was the turning point in the match. “We did not recover psychologically from what happened just before half-time,” said Howe, before adding: “In the second-half, we were nowhere near as good as we were in the first and they [Barca] deserved go through”. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 March,2026 08:40 AM IST | Barcelona | AgenciesHansi Flick’s Barcelona stormed to a 7-2 victory over Newcastle United on Wednesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, winning 8-3 on aggregate. Robert Lewandowski (56th and 61st min) and Raphinha (6th and 72nd) struck twice each for the Catalan giants as Eddie Howe’s side crumbled under a scintillating attacking display from the hosts at Camp Nou. Lamine Yamal (45+7th), Marc Bernal (18th) and Fermin Lopez (51st) were also on target for the Catalan giants. Hansi Flick Despite the final scoreline, the first-half — where Anthony Elanga scored a brace for the visitors (15th and 28th) — was a tight affair with Barcelona leading 3-2 at the break, courtesy of Yamal’s penalty, after Kieran Trippier brought down Raphinha in the box. Flick revealed he had to switch things up at the interval, which is what led to the dominant second-half display. “It was up and down and it was tough in the first-half. We lost many balls. For a team like Newcastle, with fast players, they made fantastic transitions. It was not easy to defend. In the second-half, we said we have to control more the game, play with precision. Push them deeper. I think it worked well in the second-half, “explained Flick. Flick reserved special praise for veteran striker Lewandowski, who found the net after scoring just twice in his last 10 appearances. “In these matches, he’s unbelievable. He’s one of the best players, best strikers in the box,” said Flick. “He has a lot of experience about these important games, and it was a good day in the Champions League to start scoring goals again,” added the German coach.Meanwhile, Raphinha, who also notched up two assists on the night, won Player of the Match honours. 26No. of UCL goal contributions (16 goals, 10 assists) by Raphinha in the last two seasons; the most by any player in that span OneThis was Raphinha’s first Player of the Match award in the UCL this season (he scored two goals and notched up two assists vs Newcastle) 8-3The aggregate scoreline by which Barcelona beat Newcastle United 37 yrs, 209 daysRobert Lewandowski’s age, which makes him the oldest UCL goalscorer in the knockout stage; he took the record off Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs (37 years, 148 days) 109No. of UCL goals scored by Robert Lewandowski; third highest in the tournament after Cristiano Ronaldo (141) and Lionel Messi (129) 36No. of UCL knockout-stage goals scored by Robert Lewandowski; third highest after Ronaldo (67) and Messi (49) This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 March,2026 08:24 AM IST | Barcelona | AgenciesLionel Messi has reached another milestone, getting his 900th career goal in the opening minutes of Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 match against Nashville on Wednesday night.In the first minutes of Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 encounter, Lionel Messi scored his 900th career goal. According to official counts, Cristiano Ronaldo is the only other men's player with more than 900 goals. Ronaldo required almost 100 more games to reach the milestone than Messi did; Messi doesn't turn 39 until June, whilst Ronaldo reached 900 goals in September 2024 at the age of 39.Although his "official" tally is closer to 800, some have claimed that Brazilian icon Pele scored more than 1,000 goals during his career. Pele's goal totals range from about 650 in league games to almost 1,300 in all games, according to various sources that count different sets of games.Messi's goal was in vain as Nashville advanced to the tournament quarterfinals on the away-goal rule after drawing with Inter Miami 1-1. Last week, the teams' first leg matchup ended in a 0-0 draw in Nashville. Leo Messi is one of the most decorated football players of all time Over Messi's career, he has won eight Pichichi trophies as La Liga's top scorer, six La Liga best player nominations, three Best FIFA Men's Player awards, three UEFA Men's Player of the Year titles, two FIFA World Cup Golden Balls, and at least 15 selections as Argentina's best player in a given year. This 900th goal milestone is just one of his many accolades and achievements.Messi is the most decorated player in the history of the men's game, having helped his club and nation win 47 trophies, including the 2022 World Cup for Argentina and the MLS championship with Inter Miami last season. When the World Cup takes place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer, he is probably going to play for Argentina once more.More than half of Messi's goals came with Barcelona, the place he played for nearly two decades, he joined Inter Miami in 2023. (With AP Input)
19 March,2026 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe 2025/26 UEFA Champions League has reached its business end. Following a dramatic round of 16 that saw traditional powerhouses clash and underdogs falter, the quarter-final lineup is officially set. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Arsenal will be the favourites on the road to Budapest.Real Madrid knocked out Man City in the last round, while Bayern Munich thrashed Atalanta. In the other match, PSG cruised past Chelsea with an 8-2 thrashing. Arsenal continued their fine form against Leverkusen, and Liverpool overcame a 1-0 deficit to beat Galatasaray. The UCL Quarter-final lineup: Real Madrid vs. Bayern MunichAfter defeating Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate, Real Madrid will take on Bayern Munich, who looked fearsome in their 10-2 crushing of Atalanta. Madrid and Bayern are two of the European powerhouses and have won multiple UCL titles. This will be, without doubt, the headline act of the Champions League quarterfinal line-up. PSG vs. LiverpoolParis Saint-Germain, the reigning champions, are facing a significant obstacle in Liverpool as they look to defend their title. In the round of 16, PSG showed off their might by defeating Chelsea with eight goals, but Liverpool showed their strength by overcoming a first-leg deficit against Galatasaray at a boisterous Anfield. With both teams stacked with attacking talent, it would be a thrilling encounter over both legs. Barcelona vs. Atlético MadridFollowing an incredible 7-2 second-leg victory over Newcastle, led by Lamine Yamal's brilliance, Barcelona enters as the form team. After defeating Tottenham, Atleti will use their characteristic defensive tenacity to hinder Barça's free-flowing offence. Both the La Liga giants, fresh from their Spanish Cup semi-final meeting, will hope to put on another classic for the fans.Arsenal vs. Sporting CPAfter easily defeating Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal is still the Premier League's best chance. They take on Sporting CP, who astonishingly overcame a 3–0 deficit against Bodø/Glimt to deliver the tournament's most compelling narrative thus far. While Sporting are capable of an upset, Arsenal will start as heavy favourites. The first legs are scheduled for April 7–8, with the decisive returns on April 14–15.
19 March,2026 01:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Atharva UpasaniADVERTISEMENT
-1773984046878_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Sarina Wiegman (Pic: X)")
-1773912172846_d.png "Lionel Messi (Pic: AFP)")
-1773907144708_d.png "Bayern Munich will face Real Madrid (Pic:AFP)")