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Find here all the latest live football news: results from Ligue 1, La Liga, Premier League, and the biggest European and international competitions. Follow the latest transfers, match summaries, standings, and upcoming fixtures. Don’t miss any of today’s football news on Aballou, your site dedicated to football enthusiasts.

CAF president Motsepe announces AFCON expansion and Morocco to host two continental tournaments
AFCON

Motsepe Unveils Africa-wide Shake-Up: AFCON to 28 Teams and Morocco to Double-Host Continental Showdowns

Patrice Motsepe, president of CAF, announced key reforms for the continent's football calendar. Morocco will host the U17 Africa Cup of Nations and will retain hosting duties for the Africa Women Cup of Nations on the planned dates. The announcements point to a broader plan to grow and diversify Africa's championships. The African Super League is expected back by year-end, and AFCON is projected to rise to 28 teams in the future. It’s a bold chapter—let’s see if the trophies fit in Morocco’s trophy room.

Arsenal suffer a new injury during international break
Premier League

Arsenal's Injury Toll Grows During International Break: Nine Withdrawn and Counting

Arsenal confirm another injury during the international window, marking the ninth player pulled from duty this break. Piero Hincapié and Dinel Castillo are ruled out of Ecuador’s squad after medical tests, forcing their return to London. The Gunners brace for a demanding run-in with FA Cup and Champions League ties on the horizon. Arteta’s squad depth is stretched as the season heads into its decisive phase.

Patrice Motsepe press conference AFCON 2025 Morocco advantage fairness
AFCON

Motsepe Defends Fair Play: CAF President Addresses Morocco’s AFCON 2025 Edge Debate

Patrice Motsepe, president of CAF, faced tough questions in Cairo about whether Morocco enjoyed an on-field or procedural edge in AFCON 2025. He insisted that CAF treats all federations equally and that decisions are applied consistently. He acknowledged there is more work to reach the highest standards and to safeguard independent committees. The discussion also touched on the possibility of Olympic CAS decisions and the ongoing debate surrounding the Senegalese title. The article closes with a light note on CAF’s commitment to fairness and a couple of sharp quips.

USA Belgium jersey color clash in a friendly ahead of World Cup 2026
jersey-confusion

Color Confusion on the Field: Jerseys Turn USA–Belgium Friendly into a Comedy of Color

A pre-World Cup tune-up between the United States and Belgium turned unexpectedly silly as nearly identical jersey colors blurred the players. Spectators and players alike struggled to tell sides apart, sparking blame and ribbing from fans and pundits. Belgium emerged with a 5-2 win, while broadcasters and organizers faced apologies and defenses over the wardrobe chaos. The episode added a light-hearted chapter to the World Cup buildup, with a few candid quips from players and analysts.

Motsepe addresses refereeing bias during CAF meeting in Cairo
Africa Cup of Nations

Motsepe’s Bold Call: Axe Bias, Unite Africa, and Rally Senegal for Fair Play

Patrice Motsepe acknowledged referee bias within African football during a CAF meeting in Cairo and emphasized ongoing development to professionalize officiating. He highlighted Africa’s referees as among the best in the world while calling for better training and pay. The CAF president also reinforced ties with FIFA to uplift officiating standards and sent a unifying message to Senegal and Morocco. He plans to visit Senegal in the coming weeks to continue this dialogue.

Barça physiotherapist Juanjo Brau with Lionel Messi
football

In the Shadow of a Legend: Barca’s Ex-Physio Reveals Messi’s Hidden World

Juanjo Brau, long-time Barça physiotherapist, recalls his daily work with the club’s stars, especially Messi. He spent over 25 years at Barcelona, including seven as head of medical services, always by the Argentine’s side. He shares the emotional and strategic challenges of injury management at the highest level and why saying no to a star was sometimes necessary. His new book, What You Don’t See About Football, offers behind-the-scenes reflections on protecting elite players. A touch of humor lightens a career defined by discipline, loyalty, and hard truths.

Egypt Spain friendly Kabakov referee Getty
friendly

Referee Shake-up: Bulgarian Official Kabakov to Officiate Egypt vs Spain Friendly

Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov, currently suspended at home, will officiate the Egypt vs Spain friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The match takes place at Espanyol’s stadium as both teams tune up for the tournament. Marca notes Kabakov’s top status in Bulgaria, despite an indefinite VAR-related ban this season. He has past ties to Spain’s coach and some players, including a notable U21 European Championship semifinal from 2019. Egypt and Spain come into the game after solid domestic results, adding extra spice to this international clash.

Hamad Al-Yami knee injury sidelining Al Hilal
Saudi Pro League

When the Knee Bites Back: Al Hilal's Defender Drops Out as Season Looms

Al Hilal received a fresh blow as defender Hamad Al-Yami suffered a serious knee injury during a postponed match. He underwent surgery in Finland in early March, with reports suggesting an end-of-season return is unlikely. The team remains second in the Saudi Pro League and faces a tough run of games post-break, including AFC Champions League Elite duties. Al-Yami joined Hilal in 2021 from Al Qadsia and had been on loan to Al Shabab in 2023-24 before returning to the champions. This setback tests Hilal’s depth as they chase the title.

Rashford on loan at Barcelona under Hansi Flick's strict demands
mercato

When Flick Sets The Bar: Rashford's Barcelona Future Hinges on Strict Demands

Raphinha's injury opens a window for Marcus Rashford to cement his role at Barcelona after his loan from Manchester United. AS reports that Hansi Flick is laying down clear, tough technical requirements to elevate his performance. Flick seeks higher defensive effort, deeper tactical understanding, and consistent input throughout games. Rashford is viewed as an immediate impact player now, but Flick wants a more stable, team-first version. The English forward's season has been productive, yet his Barça future remains under scrutiny.

Portugal vs Mexico Ronaldo pre-World Cup 2026
World Cup 2026

Ronaldo Sparks a World Cup Preseason Dilemma for Portugal

Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, says Cristiano Ronaldo caused a tactical hiccup for a teammate ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Mexico friendly finished goalless with Ronaldo sidelined by injury. Paulinho’s return drew praise, while Vitinha impressed in midfield. Martinez praised five days of camp and the team’s resilience after multiple half-time changes. Portugal remains in Group 11 as they approach the World Cup.

Mohammed Nour at Al Ittihad dressing room as football adviser
Saudi Pro League

Back in the Fortress: Mohammed Nour Returns as Al Ittihad's Football Adviser

Mohammed Nour has been appointed as a special adviser to Al Ittihad's football operations, with access to the dressing room. The move is part of a broader plan to stabilize a challenging season for the club. Alongside Nour, Hamad Al Muntashri also joins as adviser to the board for football, signaling a two person strategy to reset the team. Al Ittihad faces a tough road in the Saudi Pro League after an early cup exit and a mid table position.

Mbappé fitness comeback in Maryland during France vs Colombia friendly
comeback

Is Mbappé Back at His Scary Best? Real Madrid Monitors a Fitness Comeback in a Maryland Friendly

Real Madrid keeps a close eye on Mbappé in a Maryland-friendly between Colombia and France, as the star seeks to prove his fitness for the season’s final stretch. The match serves as a crucial test after a knee issue and a lengthy absence. Madrid are optimistic following Mbappé’s strong performance for France against Brazil, hinting at a full return. Deschamps may rotate his lineup tonight, with Mbappé possibly coming on as a substitute in the second half.