Informational/Did You Know

BERLIN — Champions League club Union Berlin on Wednesday parted ways with coach Urs Fischer following a nine-game losing run in the Bundesliga that has left them in last place and appointed the first woman as assistant coach in Bundesliga history.

They appointed youth coach Marco Grote as the interim coach with Marie-Louise Eta as his assistant, making the 32-year-old the first female coach at a Bundesliga club.

Eta is a former professional player and Champions League winner who retired in 2018 and who played most of her career under her maiden name of Bagehorn.

BERLIN — Organizers of Euro 2024 on Wednesday unveiled the official ball for the continental tournament next year, with its colorful pattern designed to reflect the energy of the event and with built-in technology to assist in VAR decisions.

Tournament director Philipp Lahm, along with others including Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, led the reveal of the Adidas-made "Fussballliebe" (love of football) on the Maifeld, next to Berlin's Olympic stadium, where the final will be played on July 14.

Long-time Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has been named as head coach of the United States women's national soccer team, tasked with righting the ship after the country's most disappointing Women's World Cup campaign.

The 47-year-old from London is one of the game's most successful professional coaches, guiding Chelsea to 13 major trophies in her 11 seasons with the Women's Super League club.

Hayes' deal with the U.S., which will reportedly run through at least 2027, will make her the highest paid women's soccer coach in the world, U.S. Soccer said on Tuesday.

NEW YORK — The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has agreed a four-year media deal with broadcasters ESPN, CBS, Prime Sports and Scripps' ION Network, the league said on Thursday.

The NWSL described the deal, worth a reported $60 million annually, as the "largest media investment in women's sports history", promising "record-breaking distribution and revenue" for the top-flight American league.

New NWSL broadcast deal

Deal is DONE.

The game has changed.

The United States men’s national team roster for two Concacaf Nations League games against Trinidad and Tobago was revealed on Thursday and fans will have one big question. Why is Pulisic not playing vs Trinidad and Tobago?

Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah are U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter’s preferred starting wingers, however neither were included in the latest roster.

This is because the attacking pair are both recovering from hamstring injuries.

UPDATE: After an MRI scan it was confirmed that Pulisic didn't suffer any major injury and could return soon.

Christian #Pulisic: la risonanza ha escluso lesioni ai muscoli flessori coscia sinistra. Ieri sera ha riportato solo una contrattura.

The United States women’s national team are set to hire Chelsea women’s head coach Emma Hayes to fill the void left behind following Vlatko Andonovski’s departure.

Final details between Hayes and the USWNT are still being ironed out as she will see out her final season with the Blues which won’t end until May.

When will Neymar be back?

Brazil forward Neymar underwent surgery on Thursday after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty.

The 31-year-old was forced off during Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay two weeks ago before an MRI scan confirmed the extent of his injuries.