Saudi Arabia confirmed as 2034 FIFA World Cup hosts

The 2034 men’s football World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, while Spain, Portugal and Morocco will be joint hosts for the 2030 tournament, world governing body Fifa has confirmed. Three matches in the 2030 tournament will also be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to mark 100 years of the competition. The hosts for both World Cups were confirmed at Wednesday’s Extraordinary Fifa Congress meeting following a vote.

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Salah sinks Girona as Liverpool make it six wins from six

Liverpool are all but through to the Champions League last 16 after Mohamed Salah’s penalty clinched victory at Girona. Arne Slot’s side were gifted a second-half spot-kick when Donny van de Beek caught Luis Diaz’s heel in the penalty area. Salah dispatched his penalty with ease, sending Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga the wrong way to net his 46th Champions League goal.

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Referee David Coote sacked by PGMOL following investigation

Referee David Coote has had his employment terminated following the emergence of a video where he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. PGMOL confirmed the decision in a statement saying that a thorough investigation had concluded he was “in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable”.

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Norris eases to victory in Abu Dhabi as McLaren clinch Constructors’ championship

Lando Norris secured McLaren’s first Formula 1 constructors’ championship for 26 years with victory in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Norris led from start to finish and his fourth win of the season was enough to seal the championship by 14 points, despite Ferrari finishing second and third with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton ended his Mercedes’ career with a fourth place finish ahead of teammate George Russell.

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Dan Ashworth leaves role as Manchester United sporting director

Dan Ashworth has left his position as Manchester United’s sporting director after only five months at the club. United recruited Ashworth from Newcastle to much fanfare and expense but they have come to a mutual agreement to part ways. Talks were held between Ashworth and the chief executive Omar Berrada last night and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe signed off on the 53-year-old’s departure.

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