National Teams

Marta Withdrawn From Brazil Squad After Positive COVID-19 Test

Brazil's six-times world player of the year Marta has tested positive for COVID-19, the country's soccer governing body (CBF) said on Saturday.

Marta, 34, has been withdrawn from the national team that is set to face Ecuador in two friendly matches at home on Nov. 27 and Dec. 1.

FIFA Hands Haiti Football President Lifetime Ban For Sexual Abuse Of Female Players, Including Minors

FIFA has banned Haiti's football federation president Yves Jean-Bart for life after finding him guilty of sexually harassing and abusing multiple female players, including minors, global soccer's governing body said on Friday.

FIFA provisionally suspended Jean-Bart in May while it investigated multiple allegations against him by victims, their friends and family members detailing how he coerced girls into sex by threatening they would lose their places in national team programm. Jean-Bart has denied the allegations.

New FIFA Rule Protects Female Players’ Maternity Leave Rights

FIFA is to introduce new regulations to protect the rights of women players, including mandatory maternity leave, world soccer's governing body said on Thursday.

The reforms have been put forward by FIFA's Football Stakeholders Committee (FSC) and will go to FIFA's Council next month for approval.

While many players in Europe are already protected by employment law in their given countries, FIFA says its aim is to create "new global minimum standards" for female players all over the world, given the rapid emergence of new clubs and leagues globally.

Thibaut Courtois Scores On Himself From A Difficult Angle

My favorite Thibaut Courtois moments are when he looks like Frankenstein’s monster, letting out a world-weary scream while the football rolls through his way-too-long-legs.

“Why would my creator make me like this?! All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things!” Courtois can frequently be heard saying. 

Scotland’s Dramatic Playoff Win Captured An Insane TV Rating

When the USWNT defeated the Netherlands in the final of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a broadcast average of 14.27 million and peak audience of 20 million — along with a 10.0 overnight metered market rating — showcased the unifying power of the team over the course of an unforgettable month in France. A captivated nation tuned in to watch back home, creating an event that performed 22 percent higher than the 2018 men’s final.

After Massive Win Over Colombia, Ecuadorean Footballer Turns To Twitter To Find Lost Passport

Ecuadorean footballer Pervis Estupiñan lost his passport after his country's World Cup qualifying win over Colombia and took to social media on Wednesday to appeal for help in finding it.

"I want to make a call to help me find three black bags and a passport I lost yesterday in Carapungo (Quito)," the Villarreal player said on Twitter.

"I'd be so thankful if anyone who finds them can send me an email" he added alongside his personal email address.

Northern Ireland Relegated In Nations League After Covid Forces Norway Forfeit

Northern Ireland has been relegated from Nations League B after Romania was awarded a 3-0 win over Norway for their canceled match on Sunday.

Norway's health ministry prevented the team from travelling to Bucharest and insisted they went into quarantine following a positive test for Galatasary right back Omar Elabdellaoui, forcing the game to be canceled.

The matter was submitted to the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, who confirmed that Norway had forfeited the match.

Uruguay Hits Post Twice, Cavani Sent Off In 2-0 Defeat To Brazil

MONTEVIDEO — First half goals from Arthur and Richarlison gave Brazil a 2-0 win away at Uruguay on Tuesday and maintained their 100-percent record in the South American World Cup qualifiers for Qatar 2022.

Brazil were missing a host of players through COVID-19 and injury, including talismanic striker Neymar, but they were too strong for their opponents, who have not beaten them since 2001.

Löw Admits Defeat Was Deserved. It Begs The Question: Why Is He Still In The Job?

Germany coach Joachim Löw was at a loss to explain his side's humiliating 6-0 loss to Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday which caused them to miss out on a place in the competition's final four.

"I really don't know what happened to the team," Löw told reporters after Germany's heaviest defeat in 89 years and their worst in competitive football. "We had hardly any chances and we didn't win a single individual battle out on the pitch."

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