Iran is to boycott next week’s draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup in the United States in protest at the limited allocation of visas, the Iranian football federation said on Friday.

UEFA have fined Atletico Madrid 30,000 euros ($34,749) and handed down a suspended one-match ban for travelling fans due to the “racist and discriminatory” behaviour of some supporters during last month’s 4-0 Champions League loss to Arsenal.

Nottingham Forest breezed past Malmo in the Europa League to strengthen their grip on a play-off place.

Arsenal’s Luis Munoz became the youngest player to feature in a UEFA Youth League match on Thursday when the 13-year-old came off the bench in the closing stages of their 4-2 win over Bayern Munich in the under-19 competition.

Fiji U17 football captain Maikah Dau made a quiet but memorable statement in Auckland last night after running out for Rewa FC in their opening Pacific Cup clash.

Arsenal beat Bayern Munich for the first time in a decade to maintain their 100% record in this season’s Champions League with a 3-1 home win sending Mikel Arteta’s side clear at the top of the group on Thursday.

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe scored four goals, including the second fastest hat-trick in Champions League history, to earn them a 4-3 comeback victory over hosts Olympiacos on Thursday.

Pep Guardiola celebrated taking charge of Manchester City for the 100th time in the Champions League on Wednesday, but it was Bayer Leverkusen and their fans that were left dancing at full-time.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to play his side’s opening matches at next year’s World Cup after FIFA suspended the final two games of a three-match ban on Wednesday.

Spain cannot meet Argentina and France will not face England before the World Cup final — provided they win their groups — after FIFA on Tuesday announced the draw procedure.

Labasa coach Alvin Chand says the team is ready to embrace the challenge of the Pacific Cup, which kicks off tomorrow in Auckland, New Zealand.

Everton’s last visit to Old Trafford triggered Ruben Amorim’s infamous ‘the storm is coming statement’ even though his Manchester United side won 4-0.