Concerns over the future of San Siro mean it will not host the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League final. The governing body has stripped the stadium of the rights to stage the game, as its future remains up in the air. UEFA are worried “the Municipality of Milano could not guarantee that the San Siro and its surroundings would not be affected by refurbishments” and have re-opened the bidding process.
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored a fine double as a classy Portugal side signed off before Euro 2024 by comfortably beating the Republic of Ireland in Aveiro. Joao Felix opened the scoring for a much-changed Portugal side in the first half, curling home after the hosts caught the Republic out with a short corner. Ronaldo then fired an unstoppable effort into the top corner early in the second half and doubled his tally with a sweeping finish on the hour mark.
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John O’Shea boosted his cause to become Republic of Ireland manager on a permanent basis after a 2-1 win over Euro 2024-bound Hungary. Troy Parrott scored a last-minute winner to earn O’Shea his first win as interim manager in a low-key affair at the Aviva Stadium. Adam Idah headed home the opener in the 36th minute before Adam Lang equalised four minutes later when he converted from close range.
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Ayoub El Kaabi struck four minutes from the end of extra time as Olympiakos beat Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final to become the first Greek side to win a European trophy. The Moroccan striker, hero of Olympiakos’ run to the final, stooped low to head in Santiago Hezze’s cross and spark pandemonium in the AEK Arena in Athens. A lengthy video assistant referee check confirmed El Kaabi’s 11th goal of the competition and their place in Greek footballing history.
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The Republic of Ireland fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat by Euro 2024-bound Switzerland in a low-key friendly in Dublin. Xherdan Shaqiri struck the winner in the 23rd minute when he curled a free-kick into the bottom corner. Granit Xhaka hit the post from 40 yards as he almost capitalised on a poor clearance by Gavin Bazunu.
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