Bloody-Minded Characters Could Lift Pep Guardiola to Even More Success

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters)
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Bloody-Minded Characters Could Lift Pep Guardiola to Even More Success

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters)

One of the many tragedies of humanity is that the things we like in others – and in ourselves – are strongly related to the things we don’t like. So when we praise Pep Guardiola’s vision, precision and idealism, responsible for some of the most beautiful football ever seen, we must also evaluate his zealotry, obsession and narcissism, responsible for some of the most avoidable failures ever seen. Or, put another way, he probably is bald, definitely isn’t a fraud and absolutely that jardigan is a hate crime.

In 2008-09, Guardiola’s first season as a manager, he led Barcelona to the domestic double and the Champions League final. With Rafael Márquez, Dani Alves and Éric Abidal unavailable, and where every other human would have played Martín Cáceres or Marc Muniesa – both center-backs – at center-back, Guardiola picked Yaya Touré, a midfielder, and Manchester United were beaten 2-0.

When Touré departed in 2010, Guardiola replaced him with Javier Mascherano, whom he soon relocated to defense. The attraction was clear: players who pass quickly start attacks quickly and, in football as in all sports, speed kills. Sure enough, Barça won their third consecutive league title, then produced one of the most dominant big-game performances in history to humiliate United in the 2011 Champions League final.

In 2013 Guardiola took over at Bayern Munich. Immediately he moved Javi Martínez back into defense, and again won three consecutive league titles as well as two cups. But in Europe his team were undressed by Real Madrid and Barcelona, conceding five times against each, before being edged by the underdogs of Atlético Madrid.

At Manchester City things have continued in a similar vein: Guardiola has bought defenders and goalkeepers on account of their creative capacity, delivering two titles, various cups and numerous records. But in Europe, where the pressure is higher and margin for error lower, this approach has cost them. City have been eliminated by markedly inferior teams in three consecutive seasons despite being Europe’s best side – by far – in two of them.

In such a context it has become cliché to observe that Guardiola has not won the Champions League without the genius of Lionel Messi, but that is a fact, not a truth. In 2009 and 2011 United’s attack could have comprised Messi and Maradona and they would still have lost, because they could not get the ball off Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta in midfield.

Without Messi but with that trio Spain won the World Cup and European Championship without conceding a knockout goal; with Messi but without that trio Argentina won nothing. It is an imperfect proof, granted, but it is unarguable that there had been nothing like them before, there is nothing like them now and there will never be anything like them again. Yet Guardiola, who knows this better than anyone, has nonetheless refused to recalibrate his method.

Whether at work, in love or on a night out, we have all experienced the blinding thrill of monomania and know far too well how football consumes a person, so Guardiola’s intractability is not hard to grasp. When he joined Barcelona at 13 he was indoctrinated into an implacable and glorious ethic, then lived it daily as a player before coaching some of the greatest talents of all time into probably the greatest team of all time. How could he possibly aim lower thereafter?

But it is not just about tactics. Guardiola drills fast, agile, impressionable teams to the point of automation, which explains the murderous beatings and unparalleled points tallies: their best is the best, so when things go well no opponent can keep up. But when they do not – when circumstance forces his players to work things out for themselves and on the hoof – they are capable of collapse.

Against Liverpool in 2018 City conceded three goals in nine minutes in the league and three goals in 19 minutes in the Champions League; against Manchester United, seeking to clinch that season’s league title against their local rivals, they conceded three goals in 16 minutes; and against Spurs in last season’s Champions League they conceded twice in three minutes. This is partly down to inadequate defending but also reflects the absence of bloody-minded bastards, men who can be harnessed but never controlled.

Over the past decade Guardiola has fallen out with Touré, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto’o and, though there are on-pitch justifications for that, attitude and personality are common factors. There is an emotional criticism to be made here – the clinical perfection of Guardiola’s teams does not move those who like their football hot not cold – but a practical one too. Winning teams tend to incorporate a range of personalities, which helps them deal with the range of eventualities that can unfold during the course of a chaotic competition. Had Guardiola compromised his ideals just slightly, he might have been even more successful.

Part of him appreciates this point; during last season’s run-in, he relied on Vincent Kompany, his strongest character. But when Kompany left in the summer, rather than replace him, Guardiola spent his budget on Rodri – another skillful, clever, coachable midfielder he could not bear to be without.

Ultimately Guardiola will not change because to him his style of football is not simply a style of football but something more profound: a religious imperative and moral standard that represents where he is from, what he has done and who he is. Which might help explain why Tito Vilanova, when he had cancer, felt Guardiola was not enough of a friend; why, after three years competing against José Mourinho, Guardiola was so exhausted he needed a sabbatical; how he can preach the righteousness of Catalan independence but work for human rights abusers and defend Bernardo Silva’s Twitter post. For Pep Guardiola everything – everything – must bow to the glory of Pep Guardiola’s football, for good and for bad.

The Guardian Sport



Endrick and Yamal Shine as Vinícius Júnior’s Brazil Draws 3-3 with Spain in ‘One Skin’ Friendly 

Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
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Endrick and Yamal Shine as Vinícius Júnior’s Brazil Draws 3-3 with Spain in ‘One Skin’ Friendly 

Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)

Teenagers Lamine Yamal and Endrick took the spotlight as Brazil drew 3-3 with Spain on Tuesday in the “One Skin” international friendly that was set up to highlight the fight against racism after a series of insults aimed at the Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.

Vinícius was relatively quiet in a match in which Brazil equalized with a penalty converted by Lucas Paquetá deep into stoppage time after Rodri's spot kick in the 87th had put Spain ahead.

Brazil had rallied from two goals down with an equalizer scored by Vinícius’ future Madrid teammate Endrick, the 17-year-old Palmeiras player who had made his scoring debut with Brazil just three days previous.

The Spanish lineup was led by 16-year-old Barcelona forward Yamal, who helped set up three goals and received a standing ovation from the crowd at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium when he was substituted near the end of the match.

“Yamal and Endrick are players who have a chance to be stars at the 2026 World Cup,” Brazil coach Dorival Júnior said. “They both play at a very high level.”

The international friendly came a day after Vinícius broke down in tears while talking about the continued racist insults that he is subjected to in Spain, saying he was losing his desire to keep playing but pledged to continue his fight against racism.

Vinícius was loudly applauded when he was substituted in the 71st. The 23-year-old Brazilian, the Seleçao’s captain on Tuesday, received some of the loudest jeers when his name was introduced ahead of the match.

Brazilian players went onto the field wearing black jackets with the slogan “One Skin, One Identity.” The jackets will be auctioned to help an anti-racism campaign.

Vinícius, who has been accused of provoking fans and opponents, got into verbal altercations with Spanish players, including from the bench after leaving the match. He also shoved Spain defender Aymeric Laporte from behind while play was stopped.

Laporte tweeted after the match the question: “Maybe he wanted to dance...?” accompanied by a previous tweet with the image of Vinícius’ shove and quoting the Brazilian from Monday, when he said, “I just want to play soccer.”

The friendly game was set up by Spanish and Brazilian soccer officials amid the uproar that followed the racist insults aimed at Vinícius in a Spanish league game in Valencia 10 months ago. Many believed the incident would be a turning point for soccer in Spain, but another wave of racist abuse targeting Vinícius has followed.

While most of the attention was on Vinícius, it was Yamal threatening the most with his speed and quick moves to get past Brazilian defenders.

Rodri put Spain ahead by converting a 13th-minute penalty kick after Yamal made a run through the right side and was brought down by João Gomes inside the area.

Vinícius had Brazil’s first shot on goal in the 17th but it was easily saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Yamal set up Dani Olmo's 36th-minute goal and Rodrigo pulled Brazil closer in the 40th after a mistake by Simón.

Endrick, who will arrive in Spain at the end of the season, equalized and was also set to take the late penalty but instead gave the ball to Paquetá. The crowed jeered as it wanted to see the new Madrid player try to score again.

Vinícius went to defend Endrick from the bench after Spanish players loudly complained because of a hard foul by his future teammate late in the match.

The Spaniards appeared unsettled with how Brazilian players celebrated the late equalizer near the Spanish fans.

Spain, preparing for the upcoming European Championship in Germany, was coming off a 1-0 loss to Colombia on Friday in London.

“I'm happy because we were better than Brazil in all areas,” coach Luis de la Fuente said. “I'm proud of the match we played."

De la Fuente said he was “ashamed” by the jeers directed at Atletico Madrid forward Álvaro Morata by the crowd at the Bernabeu, where Morata used to play for earlier in his career.

Vinícius has been subjected to multiple racist insults since arriving in Spain six years ago. He complained on Monday about the lack of punishment for perpetrators and asked for help from FIFA, UEFA and other soccer institutions in the fight against racism.


Defending Champ Medvedev, No. 1 Seed Alcaraz Advance to Miami Open Quarterfinals 

Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Defending Champ Medvedev, No. 1 Seed Alcaraz Advance to Miami Open Quarterfinals 

Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)

Defending Miami Open champion Daniil Medvedev won his 350th career match to move into the quarterfinals for a fourth straight year, beating Dominik Koepfer 7-6 (5), 6-0 on Tuesday.

Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz also advanced with ease in a 6-3, 6-3 win over No. 23 seed Lorenzo Musetti.

Alcaraz, who beat Musetti in less than 90 minutes and looked comfortable as ever on the court, said he's “probably” playing his best tennis since last summer. That ankle injury from last month is no longer a concern, he said.

“I don't know if this is the best game that I'm playing, but without a doubt it's the best feeling,” the Wimbledon champion said. “I'm feeling great on the court. I'm moving great. ... I'm not thinking about the ankle anymore on the court.”

Alcaraz will face No. 11 seed Grigor Dimitrov on Thursday in the quarterfinals. Dimitrov beat No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3) after a tiebreaker in which Hurkacz was penalized for touching the net with his foot.

Tied at 2-2 in the tiebreaker, the match referee said Hurkacz’s foot touched the net as he charged forward on a return. It cost him a point. Hurkacz slammed his racquet in protest.

In a match that lasted well into Wednesday morning, 2018 finalist and No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev reached his fourth Miami Open quarterfinal with a 6-1, 6-4 win over 15th-seeded Karen Khachanov 6-1, 6-4.

No. 3 seed Medvedev, after a tight opening set, pulled away to win his ninth straight match in south Florida and continue his run at back-to-back titles.

Medvedev trailed 4-0 in the tiebreaker before rallying to take the set. He said he used that momentum to get out to a fast start and finish his milestone victory.

“I would say before the match, the desire to win is the same, but for sure, the feeling of winning, and during the match while you're winning, is different,” he said. “The feelings are different, but the desire is the same and that's what keeps me going."

Medvedev goes for victory No. 351 on Wednesday against Nicolas Jarry, the No. 22 seed who ousted No. 7 seed Casper Ruud 7-6 (3), 6-3.

Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, seeded No. 2, improved to 19-1 in matches this year with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Christopher O'Connell to reach the quarterfinals.

In the middle of the match, commentators said a spectator had fainted in the 82 degree temperatures and play was stopped. Sinner came to the sideline and passed up drinks and towels to the person.

Also advancing was Tomas Machac, who reached the quarterfinals to face Sinner with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Matteo Arnaldi.

On the women’s side, No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina outlasted No. 8 seed Maria Sakkari 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4 in a grueling match that lasted 2 hours and 48 minutes to earn a spot in the semifinals.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka defeated Yulia Putintseva 7-6 (4), 1-6, 6-3 to also make the semifinals. It was the second time that Azarenka, 34, has made it to the semifinals this season after going that far just once in 2023. She has won the Miami Open three times.


Saudi National Team Postpones Advancement to 2026 World Cup Final Qualifiers

Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi National Team Postpones Advancement to 2026 World Cup Final Qualifiers

Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi national football team has postponed its qualification to the decisive third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This came following a 1-1 draw with host Tajikistan in a match played on Tuesday evening in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for the fourth round in Group Seven as part of the second round of qualifiers.
The Saudi national team opened the scoring with a header from Feras Al-Brikan after a precise cross from Mohammed Al-Brik in the 46th minute, SPA reported.
However, the home team applied pressure to equalize, which Tajikistan succeeded in through its player Rustam Soirov in the 80th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
With this draw, the Saudi team raised its tally to 10 points, leading the group. Nevertheless, it still needs one point to officially advance to the final qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan's team increased its points to five, securing second place in the group.


Ukraine Raise Country's Spirits with Euro 2024 Qualification

26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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Ukraine Raise Country's Spirits with Euro 2024 Qualification

26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Ukraine's qualification for the Euro 2024 soccer finals has cheered a country suffering hardship in its conflict with Russia and for a few weeks in June and July the tournament will provide a welcome distraction from the harsh reality of war.
The team came from behind to defeat Iceland 2-1 in their playoff final in neutral Poland on Tuesday and book a fourth successive appearance in the continental finals, Reuters reported.
They will be in Group E with Belgium, Slovakia and Romania, who they face in their opening game in Munich on June 17.
Russia's war with Ukraine has now entered a third year and, despite heavy casualties on both sides, it shows no sign of coming to an end following Russia's invasion of February 2022.
"I am very proud to be a Ukrainian, to be of the same blood as those who are now giving their lives for our freedom," team captain Oleksandr Zinchenko said after Tuesday's victory.
"We need to talk about it, shout about it every day. This is the only way we can win. It was one of our most emotional games.
"It is an amazing feeling. I am very happy because it is another dream come true. A big thank you to our fans, they helped us through these difficult times amazingly."
Coach Serhiy Rebrov said in the build-up to the Iceland match that it was hard for his team to concentrate on football.
"The missiles are flying every day. Our mission is to show that we're all alive and fighting against the Russians and that we need Europe's support," Rebrov said.
The coach hailed the "character of our players and our nation" to keep going in a qualifying campaign where, as refugees from the war themselves, Ukraine have staged 'home' matches spread across Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised the team's resilience in difficult times.
"Thank you, team. For the important victory and making it to EURO," Zelenskiy said in a post on X.
"For proving once again, whenever Ukrainians face difficulties they do not give up and continue to fight, Ukrainians certainly win.
"In times, when the enemy tries to destroy us, we demonstrate every day that Ukrainians are and will be. Ukraine is, and will be! Glory to Ukraine!"


Australia, Iran, Iraq and Uzbekistan Advance in Asian Qualifying Tournament for World Cup

John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024.  EPA/LUKAS COCH
John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024. EPA/LUKAS COCH
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Australia, Iran, Iraq and Uzbekistan Advance in Asian Qualifying Tournament for World Cup

John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024.  EPA/LUKAS COCH
John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024. EPA/LUKAS COCH

Australia thrashed Lebanon 5-0 and became the first team to advance to the third round of Asia qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.
An early goal from Kusini Yengi in Canberra sent the Socceroos on the way to a fourth successive win in Group I and ensured progress to the next stage with two matches to spare.
Palestine stayed second in the group after beating Bangladesh 1-0 and on course for a first appearance in the third round of qualifying.
With less than two minutes on the clock, the impressive Craig Goodwin crossed from the left for Yengi to score his first goal for Australia from close range, The Associated Press reported.
Australia put the game beyond Lebanon in the first three minutes of the second half. Bassel Jradi knocked in an own goal following a corner and Goodwin fired home a third.
John Iredale came off the bench to make it 4-0 midway through the second half with his first international goal, and Goodwin added his second and Australia’s fifth with nine minutes remaining thanks to an Iredale assist.
“It means the world to me personally, and to the boys,” Iredale said. "We set out to score more goals tonight and we’re pleased we did that.
“Craig Goodwin's got an unbelievable left foot, and having him in the squad really boosts our quality. I was really pleased to help him get his second goal.”
Michel Termanini scored Palestine's winner in Dhaka four minutes into stoppage time.
Palestine has seven points, five more than Lebanon and six clear of Bangladesh.
Australia will be joined in the next stage by Iraq, which defeated the Philippines 5-0 in Manila to win a fourth straight game in Group F. Iran and Uzbekistan progressed from Group E thanks to respective wins over Turkmenistan and Hong Kong.
Son Heung-min scored for the second time in five days as South Korea defeated Thailand 3-0 in Bangkok. It was the first victory for Hwang Sun-hong, appointed as interim coach after Jurgen Klinsmann was fired in February.
“This was a difficult match, and the players came together as one and had a great desire to pull out this win,” Hwang said. “We couldn’t have won this match without the players’ drive and determination.”
Korea has appeared at every World Cup since 1986 and is top of Group C with 10 points, three clear of China — which beat Singapore 4-1 — and six above Thailand.
Saudi Arabia also has 10 points in Group G after drawing 1-1 in Tajikistan. Afghanistan defeated India 2-1 in Guwahati.
The North Korea-Japan qualifier in Pyongyang was canceled by FIFA after North Korea said it couldn't host the game.
The top two teams from each of the nine groups in the second round progress to the next group-stage round where six of Asia’s increased automatic allocation of eight World Cup places will be on offer. The first 48-team men’s World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Two more World Cup entries from Asia will be decided in a subsequent group stage in October 2025. An Asian confederation team also can advance in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled in March 2026.


Former China Football Chief Given Life Sentence for 'Huge' Bribery

Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP
Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP
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Former China Football Chief Given Life Sentence for 'Huge' Bribery

Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP
Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP

The former chairman of the Chinese Football Association has been sentenced to life in prison for accepting bribes worth $11 million, state media said Tuesday, as a string of sports officials were jailed for corruption.

Under President Xi Jinping a sweeping crackdown on official graft has struck hard at China's sports industry, especially football.

About 10 senior leaders and executives of the CFA, including former national team coach Li Tie, have been brought down in recent years.

Former chairman Chen Xuyuan took advantage of his positions at the CFA and other bodies to "illegally accept sums of money from other people totalling 81.03 million yuan ($11 million)", the Communist Party-run People's Daily newspaper said.

The bribes were "particularly huge" and his actions "seriously damaged fair competition and order", the report said.

He "caused serious consequences for the national football industry", it added.

Xi is a self-confessed football fanatic who has said he dreams of his country hosting and winning the World Cup, according to AFP.

That ambition appears further away than ever after the corruption probe and years of disappointing results on the pitch.

National skipper Zhang Linpeng last week quit international football over the "disgrace" of a World Cup qualifying draw with Singapore, before reversing his decision.

Chen held other positions in football before serving as CFA chairman from 2019 until he came under investigation in February last year.

In January, Chen appeared in a televised documentary confessing to having accepted money from those wishing to get in his good books.

"Fans can accept the fact that the state of Chinese football is bad," Chen said in the documentary.

"But they cannot forgive corruption."

Rulings in other major graft cases are expected to be announced on Tuesday, according to state news agency Xinhua.

They may include the fate of the former coach Li, who was close to Chen.

The former Everton midfielder admitted in the January documentary that he arranged nearly $430,000 in bribes to secure that position and also helped fix matches when he was a club coach.

"There were certain things that at the time were common practices in football," he said.

In separate bribery verdicts announced Tuesday, former senior CFA official Chen Yongliang was handed a 14-year sentence.

Former Chinese Super League general manager Dong Zheng received eight years.

State media also reported that Yu Hongchen, the former chairman of the China Athletic Association, had been sentenced to 13 years for the same crime.

Another case that sent shockwaves through the Chinese game and beyond was that of South Korean international footballer Son Jun-ho, who was detained by Chinese authorities last May.

Beijing said at the time that the World Cup midfielder was detained "on suspicion of accepting bribes by non-state employees", without providing details.

Seoul's foreign ministry said Monday that he had been released and returned home.

Son played for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League and also appeared in three of South Korea's four matches during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

International teammate Lee Jae-sung told media that he was grateful for Son's release.

"It broke my heart when I first heard about his detention last year," he told a press conference in Bangkok, where South Korea play Thailand later Tuesday in a World Cup qualifier.


Germany Plans Border Controls for UEFA Euro 2024

25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa
25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa
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Germany Plans Border Controls for UEFA Euro 2024

25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa
25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa

Germany will introduce temporary border controls as part of ramped-up security around soccer's 2024 European Championship which it is hosting, the interior minister said.
The tournament starts on June 14 and is set to attract 2.7 million fans to stadiums and up to 12 million at public viewing events.
"For the Euros, we are pooling the forces of the security authorities even more strongly and preparing for possible threats," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told the Rheinische Post newspaper, according to Reuters.
"During the tournament, we will conduct temporary border controls at all German borders to prevent potentially violent actors from entering," she said.
The comments follow a mass shooting at a concert in Moscow. Western intelligence has linked the attack to ISIS and France said it was raising its terror alert warning to the highest level following the attack.
Germany already has temporary controls at its borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland, as part of efforts to combat migrant smuggling gangs.
These could be extended but no specific measures have been decided yet, an interior ministry spokesperson said on Monday when asked about security surrounding the European championship.


Argentina's Di Maria Threatened by Drug Gangs in Hometown

25 March 2024, US, Los Angeles: Argentina's Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi along with teammates attend a training session at Los Angeles Coliseum ahead of the international friendly soccer match against Costa Rica. Photo: Javier Rojas/PI via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
25 March 2024, US, Los Angeles: Argentina's Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi along with teammates attend a training session at Los Angeles Coliseum ahead of the international friendly soccer match against Costa Rica. Photo: Javier Rojas/PI via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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Argentina's Di Maria Threatened by Drug Gangs in Hometown

25 March 2024, US, Los Angeles: Argentina's Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi along with teammates attend a training session at Los Angeles Coliseum ahead of the international friendly soccer match against Costa Rica. Photo: Javier Rojas/PI via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
25 March 2024, US, Los Angeles: Argentina's Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi along with teammates attend a training session at Los Angeles Coliseum ahead of the international friendly soccer match against Costa Rica. Photo: Javier Rojas/PI via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Argentina forward Angel Di Maria received a threat at his family home on the outskirts of Rosario, domestic media said, amid an intense wave of drug-related violence in the central city from which Lionel Messi also hails.
Monday's message, following a similar threat last year to Argentine captain Messi, came a week after Di Maria, now playing for Portuguese champions Benfica, said he would like to end his career at his boyhood club, Rosario Central.
"Tell your son Angel not to come back to Rosario because we will kill a family member," the message read, according to the news portal Infobae, which cited police sources.
"Not even Pullaro is going to save you," it added, referring to the provincial governor, Maximiliano Pullaro. "We don't leave paper notes. We leave bullets and dead people behind."
According to Reuters, media said the motivation for the threats remains unclear, however, with police unable to discard any potential lines of investigation.
Police did not immediately respond to a Reuters email seeking comment.
A car left a sign carrying the message addressed to the Di Maria family in front of the private neighborhood where the 36-year-old usually stays, media said.
Di Maria will start in Tuesday's friendly game against Costa Rica, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni told reporters later on Monday.
"Di Maria knows that he has our full support for whatever he needs. The important thing is that he plays, that will relax him a little."
Rosario, one of the world's largest agro-port hubs, is awash in violence as drug-trafficking groups have been lured by its appeal, experts say, as an outlet for illegal drugs to be sent other countries.
Last year's threat to Messi followed an attack by unidentified gunmen on a supermarket owned by the family of his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.
Last week, the Argentine government said it would send a bill to Congress to allow the armed forces to intervene in internal security operations to fight drug trafficking and crime in Rosario.


Saudi U21 Faces Egypt to Determine 3rd Place in WAFF Championship

Saudi Flag fluttering - File Photo/Reuters
Saudi Flag fluttering - File Photo/Reuters
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Saudi U21 Faces Egypt to Determine 3rd Place in WAFF Championship

Saudi Flag fluttering - File Photo/Reuters
Saudi Flag fluttering - File Photo/Reuters

The Saudi national under-21 (U21) team is scheduled to host its Egyptian counterpart at 20:00 Tuesday evening at Al-Fateh Club Stadium to determine third and fourth place in the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) U23 Championship in Al-Ahsa Governorate.
The Saudi national team, nicknamed “Al-Akhdar" or "the Green," held a training session on the reserve pitch in Al-Ahsa-based Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Sports City, under the supervision of Brazilian coach Marcos Suarez, SPA reported.
In addition to the Saudi Green U21, the championship includes the teams of Australia, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, South Korea, Thailand, and the UAE.


Top-ranked Swiatek, US Open Champ Gauff Knocked Out of Miami Open

Mar 25, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ekaterina Alexandrova (L) shakes hands with Iga Swiatek (POL) (R) after their match on day eight of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ekaterina Alexandrova (L) shakes hands with Iga Swiatek (POL) (R) after their match on day eight of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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Top-ranked Swiatek, US Open Champ Gauff Knocked Out of Miami Open

Mar 25, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ekaterina Alexandrova (L) shakes hands with Iga Swiatek (POL) (R) after their match on day eight of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ekaterina Alexandrova (L) shakes hands with Iga Swiatek (POL) (R) after their match on day eight of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek and US Open champion Coco Gauff have been knocked out of the Miami Open.
Swiatek lost to Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-2 on Monday night, hours after the third-seeded Gauff fell in three sets to No. 23 Caroline Garcia 6-3, 1-6, 6-2.

In the men’s draw, top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the round of 16 with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Gael Monfils.

Garcia defeated her second straight Grand Slam champion to reach Miami’s quarterfinals. She ousted four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka 7-6 (4), 7-5 on Sunday.

According to The Associated Press, Garcia said it had been a while since she had a victory over a top-10 opponent like Gauff.
“You keep working and trying to stay positive about what’s coming, that it’s going to pay off,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s very hard. But I’m lucky enough to have very good people behind me to help me and stay positive when I’m struggling.”
“It means a lot to have this little reward and keep going in the tournament,” she said.
Also moving into the quarterfinals was No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina, who defeated 17th-seeded American Madison Keys 6-3, 7-5.
Rybakina will next face No. 8 seed Maria Sakkari, who advanced to her second Miami Open quarterfinal when Anna Kalinskaya, seeded 22nd, withdrew with a right thigh injury.
Victoria Azarenka, who’s won the Australian Open twice, made the quarterfinals with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Katie Boulter.
Yulia Putintseva also advanced, defeating No. 27 seed Anhalina Kalinina straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (5), and No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula beat Emma Navarro 7-6 (1), 6-3.
Alcaraz will next face Lorenzo Musetti, who beat Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-6 (5).
Alexander Zverev, the fourth seed, defeated Christopher Eubanks 7-6 (4), 6-3, and No. 9 seed Alex de Minaur beat Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (3), 6-4.