Fifa has been accused of a “monumental betrayal” by fan representatives after it emerged that the cheapest tickets for next summer’s World Cup final will cost more than £3,000. Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which represents fans across the continent, described the prices as “extortionate” and called for an immediate halt to ticket sales
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The Republic of Ireland will face co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and South Korea if they qualify via the play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. England have been drawn against Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L for next summer’s World Cup finals in North America. Scotland have been drawn against five-times world champions Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, as well as Haiti, in Group C. Wales or Northern Ireland will head to Group B if they emerge victorious in the play-offs, alongside co-hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.
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Ireland face a trip away to the Czech Republic in their World Cup play-off semi-finals following the draw today in Zurich. Should Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side overcome that challenge they will enjoy home advantage against either Denmark or North Macedonia. The Danes defeated Ireland 5-1 in 2017 to book a place at the 2018 World Cup. Elsewhere Northern Ireland will face Italy in their semi-final clash with the winner set to face Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina.
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Italy have appointed former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their manager. The AC Milan legend replaces Luciano Spalletti, who announced his own sacking at a news conference last week. Gattuso, 47, made 73 appearances for Italy and was a member of their 2006 World Cup-winning squad, and will now lead his country into the same tournament 20 years later.
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Real Madrid have appointed their former midfielder Xabi Alonso as manager on a three-year deal. Alonso, who made 236 appearances for Real Madrid as a player, announced earlier this month that he would leave his role as Bayer Leverkusen boss at the end of the season. Former Liverpool and Spain midfielder Alonso, who has signed a deal running until 30 June 2028, succeeds Carlo Ancelotti.
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