9:53 PM ET Associated Press Six people have been detained for their alleged involvement in a scheme to possibly fix a Copa del Rey game, Spanish police said on Friday. The game under investigation was Levante‘s 8-0 victory at lower-tier Huracán Melilla on Dec. 2, 2021. The game was in Melilla, one of Spain’s two
Football
1:39 PM ET France captain Wendie Renard said on Friday that she will not play at this year’s Women’s World Cup to preserve her mental health, adding that she “can no longer support the current system.” Two other players, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani, followed suit later on Friday. Renard, who is widely considered to
5:30 PM ET Graham Potter left Brighton to replace Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea manager last September. Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images Graham Potter has revealed both he and his family have received death threats from Chelsea supporters frustrated at the team’s disappointing form. The Blues have won just two of their last 14 matches across
5:30 PM ET Rob DawsonCorrespondent Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has said he is constantly having to control his aggression towards his opponents in order to avoid picking up suspensions. Martinez has impressed at Old Trafford since his summer move from Ajax, winning plaudits especially for his combative style. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga,
3:08 PM ET Cesar Hernandez The LA Galaxy‘s Major League Soccer season opener against crosstown rival LAFC has been postponed because of a storm that has battered the West Coast, the clubs have confirmed. Initially scheduled for Saturday at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl, a new date has yet to be determined for the El Trafico rivalry
11:49 AM ET Adriana Garcia Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has said he believes red-hot Vinicius Junior will lead the team’s attack for many years to come. Vinicius, 22, scored twice, set up another goal and was voted UEFA’s player of the match in Madrid’s come-from-behind 5-2 win at Liverpool in the Champions League round
3:57 PM ET Associated Press The union for Major League Soccer players criticized FIFA, its rules-making body and the league for failing to allow trials of temporary substitutes to replace players suspected of sustaining concussions. The International Football Association Board said Jan. 18 that no consensus was reached on the proposal for trials by MLS
1:42 PM ET Adriana Garcia Spanish referee Xavier Estrada Fernandez has filed a criminal lawsuit in a Barcelona court against former senior referee Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira for alleged sporting fraud, according to reports. Negreira is being investigated by the Spanish prosecutor’s office for receiving payments from Barcelona between 2016 and 2018 for consultancy work,
6:40 AM ET Manchester United were drawn against Real Betis in the Europa League round of 16 on Friday, while Arsenal will take on Sporting CP. Erik ten Hag’s side edged a thrilling playoff with Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in Thursday’s second leg and remain in the
5:59 AM ET Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is close to agreeing terms on a new long-term contract with the club, sources have told ESPN. Arsenal triggered an option at the turn of the year to extend his existing agreement through to 2024 while talks continued over a fresh deal. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga,