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Mary Earps announces shock retirement from England before European Women’s Championship

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Mary Earps has officially announced her retirement from international football, just 39 days ahead of England’s campaign in the UEFA Women’s European Championship. The 32-year-old goalkeeper, currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain, has earned 53 caps for England and played a vital role in the team’s triumphant run at Euro 2022.

Throughout her international career, Earps lifted multiple titles, including the Women’s Finalissima, the SheBelieves Cup, and the Arnold Clark Cup on two occasions.

She also stood in goal during England’s heartbreaking loss to Spain in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.

Despite her achievements, recent indications suggested Earps was no longer the first-choice goalkeeper, with manager Sarina Wiegman expected to favor Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the upcoming tournament.

England will face France, the Netherlands, and Wales in Group D, starting on July 5, but Earps will not be part of the squad.

In her official statement, Earps shared that stepping away from the national team was a deeply considered and difficult decision.

She described representing her country as the greatest honor of her life and emphasized the pride she felt wearing the England badge.

She reflected on winning Euro 2022 as the best day of her career and expressed support for her teammates in their quest for glory this summer.

Posting separately on Instagram, Earps acknowledged that her international journey has never followed a smooth path. She admitted the timing—just before a major tournament—was unconventional, but affirmed her belief that stepping down was the right decision.

She hinted at complex factors behind her choice but stressed that her reasons were personal and not meant to be the focus now. Earps pledged her support for a new generation and expressed deep emotional investment in the game, adding that she had given everything to the sport and walked away with no regrets.

Recognized as FIFA’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper in both 2022 and 2023, Earps leaves behind a legacy that helped redefine the role and elevate the women’s game in England. Reacting to her departure, Sarina Wiegman expressed disappointment, noting she had envisioned Earps playing a key role this summer.

She acknowledged Earps’ significant impact on both the team and English football, promising a proper tribute after the tournament. For now, the Lionesses will shift their focus to the Women’s Nations League and the upcoming Euros.

The Football Association confirmed that a special tribute to Earps and her contribution to the national team will take place at a Lionesses match following the summer tournament.

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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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.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

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.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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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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