3:04 PM ET U.S. women’s national team and Portland Thorns defender Becky Sauerbrunn described the last several weeks, in which allegations of verbal abuse and sexual coercion have roiled the National Women’s Soccer League, as “heavy” and “really tough.” Sauerbrunn spoke to reporters ahead of the U.S. team’s friendly this Thursday against South Korea (8
Football
11:31 AM ET The summer transfer window was unlike any other; see all the major deals and check out how we graded the biggest signings. And just because the window is shut until January, that doesn’t mean the rumours won’t keep coming. Here is the latest gossip and speculation. TOP STORY: Man City, United to
4:34 AM ET Associated Press More than a dozen European nations are considering the option of quitting FIFA as a last resort in the fight to prevent biennial World Cups, sources told the AP. Plans to double the frequency of World Cups were pitched by FIFA President Gianni Infantino on a private call on Tuesday
7:34 AM ET Karim Benzema was not in court because of professional obligations. Photo by Stanislav Vedmid/DeFodi Images via Getty Images France and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema went on trial in absentia on Wednesday, charged with complicity in the attempted blackmail of former international teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape. Prosecutors allege that Benzema,
5:12 AM ET Emiliano Sala died in a plane crash. Loic Venance/AFP/Getty Images Flight organiser David Henderson acted “recklessly and dangerously” in organising a flight carrying Emiliano Sala, a court has heard. The prosecutor said that Henderson hired a pilot who wasn’t qualified for competent for the journey. Both Sala and the pilot David Ibbtotson died
5:34 AM ET Steve Bruce has left Newcastle by mutual consent. Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images Steve Bruce is out as Newcastle United manager, the club have announced. Bruce, who managed his 1,000th game on Sunday as Newcastle lost 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur had been under pressure following a winless start to the Premier League
6:25 PM ET MADRID — When you’re hot, you’re hot, and nobody in world football is hotter than Liverpool‘s Mohamed Salah right now. Sometimes players hit such a rich vein of form that they catch every break and enjoy whatever slice of luck goes their way — and then there are those like Antoine Griezmann,
6:56 PM ET Alex Kirkland Rodrigo Faez Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s performance in their 5-0 Champions League away win at Shakhtar Donetsk but admitted it will be “another story” against Barcelona in El Clasico this weekend. – Stream Barcelona vs. Real Madrid on ESPN+: Oct. 24, 10.15 a.m. ET (U.S. only)
4:20 PM ET United States women’s national team and Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan said that she is optimistic when it comes to the demands the NWSL Players Association is making of the NWSL but that the league is still too “reactive” and more trust needs to be built between the two sides. Speaking to
4:57 PM ET Liverpool secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday at the Wanda Metropolitano. A Mohamed Salah brace and a Naby Keita volley sealed the points for Jurgen Klopp’s side to make it three consecutive wins in the competition. – ESPN+ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup,