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Mikel Arteta’s stance on changing Arsenal captain amid Martin Odegaard woes

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Calls for Mikel Arteta to reconsider Martin Odegaard’s role as Arsenal captain have grown louder following a string of underwhelming performances from the Norwegian midfielder.

Once seen as the heartbeat of the team, Odegaard has struggled to recapture his early-season form since returning from a knee injury that sidelined him for three months.

While fans welcomed his comeback in November, the playmaker has managed only one Premier League goal in 2025 as Arsenal’s title challenge faded against a dominant Liverpool side.

Though Odegaard has registered three assists in his last three league matches, questions about his leadership intensified after he was blamed for a crucial mistake during Crystal Palace’s late equaliser at the Emirates.

His influence was also missing in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of PSG, where he failed to make an impact.

These performances haven’t escaped the attention of pundits like Alan Shearer and Frank Leboeuf, who have openly criticised the 26-year-old’s recent form.

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has gone a step further, urging Arteta to hand the captain’s armband to Declan Rice.

Odegaard, who took over the role in 2022 following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, also captains the Norway national team.

However, with Arsenal now facing a sixth consecutive season without a major trophy, his leadership has come under scrutiny.

Several players have led the Gunners at various points this season, including Jorginho, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Magalhaes.

But Rice, despite being praised for his leadership qualities, has yet to officially wear the armband in a Premier League match for Arsenal. Given his experience as West Ham and England captain, many believe he is well-suited to lead the North London side.

Despite the growing debate, it appears Arteta remains confident in Odegaard’s leadership. According to The Athletic, the Arsenal boss is expected to retain Odegaard as captain next season.

Rice, who has been vocal in his support, echoed that sentiment in a recent interview ahead of the PSG clash. He acknowledged that form dips are natural and emphasized Odegaard’s commitment and influence in the dressing room.

Rice described his teammate as a model professional, highlighting his consistency, dedication, and the respect he commands among the squad.

According to him, Odegaard’s influence goes far beyond what fans see on the pitch, praising his vocal leadership and the way he pushes the team forward.

The midfielder was emphatic in his support, stating he wouldn’t want anyone else wearing the captain’s armband, a view he believes is shared by the rest of the team.

As the Gunners prepare for another push next season, the question of who should lead them remains a hot topic. While some call for change, others believe Odegaard still has plenty to offer as Arsenal’s captain.

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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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