Football
Chelsea fans convinced Liam Delap will break curse after picking squad number
Chelsea supporters have found new hope following Liam Delap’s confident arrival, with the young striker choosing to wear the iconic yet often maligned No.9 shirt after completing a move from Ipswich Town.
Delap, who impressed during his single season with the Tractor Boys, secured a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge that runs until 2031, after Chelsea activated his £30 million release clause.
His signing marks Chelsea’s first addition of the summer, and thanks to FIFA’s special 10-day June transfer window, he’s eligible to link up with the team right away. This could see him feature in the Club World Cup set to take place in the United States.
However, participating in the tournament means he would have to miss the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia.
The 22-year-old forward, speaking to the club’s official media, emphasized his ambition and belief in the Chelsea project.
He acknowledged the club’s stature and the exciting direction under head coach Enzo Maresca, expressing his desire to help bring more trophies to west London.
Delap’s commitment and vision have already begun to resonate with fans, who see him as a symbol of confidence and progression.
Despite interest from Manchester United, Chelsea won the race for Delap’s signature, with United’s lack of European football believed to have influenced his decision.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are returning to the Champions League for the first time since 2022, following a fourth-place finish under Maresca’s leadership in his debut season.
Delap’s history with Maresca dates back to their time at Manchester City’s under-23 setup during the 2020–21 campaign, and later when the Italian served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant with the senior team.
Although Delap made only a handful of senior appearances for City, he gained valuable experience on loan at Stoke, Preston, and Hull before making his mark in the Premier League with Ipswich, scoring 12 goals in his debut top-flight season.
Chelsea have struggled with depth up front throughout the season, with injuries to Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu leaving them short-handed. Of the two, only Jackson has found the net in league play, and the need for more reliable options has been apparent for some time.
Delap’s arrival addresses that concern, and despite the history of high-profile strikers failing under the weight of the No.9 shirt—names like Romelu Lukaku, Fernando Torres, Radamel Falcao, and Gonzalo Higuain—many fans believe Delap’s mental strength sets him apart.
The sentiment among the fanbase is overwhelmingly positive. Social media has been abuzz with praise for Delap’s bold decision to wear the number that has haunted so many before him.
One supporter noted that choosing the No.9 shows elite mentality, while another pointed out that Tammy Abraham once wore the same shirt and proved himself. The consensus is that talent and determination matter more than superstition, and many are confident Delap has what it takes to thrive at Chelsea.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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