2023 UEFA Champions League draw analysis: Winners, losers and the Group of Death - Sportsnet.ca

The journey to become crowned the best club in Europe begins next month when the group stage of the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League campaign kicks off.

On Thursday, European soccer’s governing body conducted the group stage draw in Monaco to pool 32 teams across the continent into eight first-round groups.

Here’s a look at the groups.

GROUP A

Bayern Munich (Germany), Manchester United (England), Copenhagen (Denmark), Galatasaray (Turkey)

Marquee matchup: Manchester United is back in the Champions League after a two-year absence and will be looking forward to going up against its rivals Bayern Munich, whom they’ve clashed with 11 times in this competition. These two teams are the class of Group A, so it’s more than likely that their pair of matches will decide first place.

The big question: Can Canadian Alphonso Davies and Bayern Munich put an end to a disappointing streak of three consecutive quarter-final exits in the Champions League and reassert itself as the dominant force in European club soccer by winning the continental competition for a seventh time?

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GROUP B

Sevilla (Spain), Arsenal (England), PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands), Lens (France)

Marquee matchup: Sevilla and Arsenal both play vibrant and entertaining brands of soccer, so the two matches between the Sevillistas and the Gunners should make for must-see TV. Plus, Mikel Arteta will have a point to prove – despite his success as manager of Arsenal, the Spaniard is still somewhat underappreciated in his native Spain.

The big question: Can seven-time UEFA Cup/Europa League winners Sevilla take the next step in its evolution and win the Champions League after dominating UEFA’s secondary tournament for the past 17 years?

GROUP C

Napoli (Italy), Real Madrid (Spain), Braga (Portugal), Union Berlin (Germany)

Marquee matchup: Real Madrid is unbeaten in four games (with three wins) against Napoli in their previous European Cup/Champions League encounters. But the Italians enter this year’s tournament as the favourites to top Group C after winning Serie A last season, and buoyed by the supreme attacking talents of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen.

The big question: After slowly coming up through the ranks, what kind of impression will Union Berlin make in its debut season in the Champions League after previously competing in the UEFA Conference League and the UEFA Europa League over the past two years?

GROUP D

Benfica (Portugal), Inter Milan (Italy), Salzburg (Austria), Real Sociedad (Spain)

Marquee matchup: Benfica gave Inter Milan a stern challenge in the quarter-finals of last season’s Champions League before succumbing over two legs. The Portuguese outfit won a lot of plaudits for their attacking display in the second match on the series and will be eager to prove they belong among Europe’s elite.

The big question: Will Inter Milan be able to duplicate its magical and surprising run to last year’s Champions League final and win the tournament for the first time since 2010 during its historic treble season?

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GROUP E

Feyenoord (Netherlands), Atlético Madrid (Spain), Lazio (Italy), Celtic (Scotland)

Marquee matchup: Feyenoord beat Celtic in the 1970 European Cup final, but Atlético Madrid vs. Lazio is this group’s most intriguing matchup as it will see manager Diego Simeone facing the Italian team with whom he won a Serie A title, a Coppa Italia and a UEFA Super Cup during his distinguished playing career.

The big question: Will Celtic finally put its underperforming ways in Champions League behind it and advance to the knockout round for the first time since 2012-13?

GROUP F

Paris Saint-Germain (France), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), AC Milan (Italy), Newcastle (England)

Marquee matchup: It has to be AC Milan vs. Newcastle given that the English club paid a reported €70-million transfer fee to the Rossoneri this summer as part of a move that made the sublimely talented midfielder the most expensive Italian player in history.

The big question: How will a star-studded PSG side led by Kylian Mbappe fare in the “Group of Death” now that Lionel Messi is in MLS and Neymar has moved to Saudi club Al Hilal?

[brightcove videoID=6333127053112 playerID=JCdte3tMv height=360 width=640]

GROUP G

Manchester City (England), Leipzig (Germany), Red Star Belgrade (Serbia), Young Boys (Switzerland)

Marquee matchup: Manchester City vs. Leipzig should be pretty interesting if for no other reason than the Germans made the Premier League side sweat when it earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their round-of-16 battle in last season’s Champions League. City responded by posting a 7-0 win in the return match, but Leipzig turned heads and earned the respect of the eventual tournament winners in that first game.

The big question: After a treble-winning season in 2022-23, can Man City become the first team to repeat as Champions League holders since Real Madrid three-peated from 2016 to 2018?

GROUP H

Barcelona (Spain), Porto (Portugal), Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine), Royal Antwerp (Belgium)

Marquee matchup: La Liga champions Barcelona were handed a favourable draw, but the matches against Porto could prove tricky for the Blaugrana. The Portuguese outfit pushed eventual finalists Inter Milan to the brink of elimination in the round-of-16 in last season’s Champions League, so they won’t be intimidated by Barca’s big reputation.

The big question: Will modest Belgian side Royal Antwerp be completely out of its depth during its first Champions League season while competing in a group with three other experienced European campaigners?

John Molinaro is one of the leading soccer journalists in Canada, having covered the game for over 20 years for several media outlets, including Sportsnet, CBC Sports and Sun Media. He is the editor-in-chief of TFC Republic, a website dedicated to in-depth coverage of Toronto FC and Canadian soccer.

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2023-08-31 20:01:00Z
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Kelly to be CFL's highest-paid player with new three-year, $1.865M deal - TSN

Chad Kelly is set to become the CFL's highest-paid player under his new contract, with a total value of $1.865 million, TSN's Farhan Laji reports.

Kelly inked a three-year extension with the Toronto Argonauts on Thursday amid a breakout campaign in which he's helped guide the team to an 8-1 record. According to Lalji, Kelly will earn $615,000 in the first year and $625,000 in the following two seasons.

"Highest paid in the @cfl @ckelly_6 🤝✍️ Thank you for trusting me throughout this process, staying patient, and balling out every week!!" Kelly's agent Lambiris captioned an Instagram photo on the extension. 

Lalji adds that there was also additional dollars added to Kelly's 2023 salary and performance bonuses were converted to hard dollars.

Kelly’s deal is worth 1.865 million over the next 3 years. Years are 615k, 625k, 625k. There was also additional dollars added to 2023 and performance bonuses were converted to hard dollars. @CFLonTSN @TSN_Sports https://t.co/fXKGCdhV9L

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) August 31, 2023

Kelly is in his first season as the Argonauts starter, but entered in relief of the injured McLeod Bethel-Thompson in last year's Grey Cup and led the Argonauts to the title.

The 29-year-old is one of the leading candidates for Most Outstanding Player so far this year, completing 149 of his 213 passes for 2,377 yards and 16 touchdowns with seven interceptions across nine games. He also has six rushing touchdowns and 135 yards on the ground.

“The level of exhilaration on this day is only rivaled by the excitement Chad Kelly provides every time he takes the field!” general manager Michael “Pinball” Clemons said in a team release Thursday. “Today’s news is not just great for the Toronto Argonauts, its outstanding for our league. Not only has he played lights out football but he has seemed to raise the level of opposing quarterbacks we’ve faced.

"However, the greatest part of this story is what you don’t see. Mr. Kelly has led this team from the offseason back in the winter to a team that’s become a consistent winner. A competent voice, a leader by example, he’s raised the level of his peers and prioritized the team amidst his All-Star stats! He arrives early and stays late…Phenomenal! On top of all that, Chad is, and will continue to be, a pillar for us in the team’s commitment to the community and youth football development in Toronto”

Toronto will next be in action on Monday, visiting the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in their Labour Day Classic.

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2023-08-31 16:46:21Z
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HIGHLIGHTS: New York City FC vs. CF Montréal | August 30, 2023 - Major League Soccer

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2023-08-31 02:32:11Z
2374194022

Toronto Blue Jays blank Washington Nationals 7-0 in rubber game of 3-game series - CTV News Toronto

Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt threw eight shutout innings and Alejandro Kirk drove in three runs to help the Toronto Blue Jays to a 7-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.

Bassitt allowed just three hits and a walk as the Blue Jays took the rubber game of the three-game series at Rogers Centre. He had three strikeouts over the 110-pitch outing.

Kirk scored twice and had three of Toronto's 12 hits. Santiago Espinal had two RBIs and Davis Schneider had two runs.

Right-hander Jay Jackson recorded the final three outs.

Toronto (73-61) entered play 3 1/2 games out of a playoff spot in the American League.

The Blue Jays are chasing the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, who began the day in a virtual tie for the West Division lead and the last two wild-card spots.

It was Toronto's 13th shutout win of the season. The Blue Jays improved their interleague record this year to an MLB-best 28-15.

Toronto was aggressive from the outset in the mid-afternoon matchup and it paid off with an early lead.

Nationals starter Patrick Corbin (9-12) walked Schneider and gave up a single to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They completed a double-steal before both players scored on a Kirk double.

Kirk doubled again in the fourth as the Blue Jays put up two more runs.

He took third on a single by Ernie Clement and scored on an Espinal single. Cavan Biggio drove in Clement with a sacrifice fly.

Bassitt (13-7), who entered with losses in four of his last six decisions, held the Nationals to two singles over the first four frames.

He gave up a two-out double to Jacob Young in the fifth but picked him off to erase the threat.

Bassitt leads the major leagues with eight starts of at least six scoreless innings. Roger Clemens set the team record of nine in 1997.

Toronto piled on in the sixth inning by recording four straight hits that pushed two more runs across.

Kirk started the rally with a single and later scored on a Clement single. Daulton Varsho scored on an Espinal single to make it 6-0.

Corbin allowed six earned runs and 10 hits over five innings. He walked a batter and had five strikeouts.

Kirk added another RBI with a sacrifice fly in the seventh that brought home Schneider.

Announced attendance was 39,303 and the game took two hours 23 minutes to play.

TIGHT BELT

Toronto's Brandon Belt was still nursing a minor back issue Wednesday that prevented him from a potential pinch-hitting assignment a night earlier.

Belt was getting loose late in Tuesday's game when back spasms left him unavailable.

Manager John Schneider said Belt was "feeling a little bit better" for the series finale but he was not in the starting lineup.

REAL MCCOY

Recent Triple-A call-up Mason McCoy made his big-league debut for Toronto in the eighth inning.

He came on as a pinch-hitter for Clement and struck out in his lone plate appearance.

COMING UP

The Blue Jays are off Thursday. Toronto will kick off a six-game road trip against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night.

The Nationals will return home for a four-game series against the Miami Marlins starting Thursday evening.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 30, 2023.  

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2023-08-30 21:59:11Z
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Venus Williams falls in straight sets in her 24th US Open | 2023 US Open - ESPN

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2023-08-30 00:49:21Z
2377693725

John Herdman explains Canada to Toronto FC move: “I need a different path now” | MLSSoccer.com - MLSsoccer.com

MLS Disciplinary Summary

National Writer: Charles Boehm

John Herdman explains Canada to Toronto FC move: “I need a different path now”

Matchday 29: What to know, how to watch on MLS Season Pass

Armchair Analyst: Matt Doyle

Thoughts & Numbers: What I'm watching for in MLS Matchday 29

Playoff Scenarios

Who can clinch playoffs on Wednesday (Matchday 29)

Disciplinary Committee Decision

LA Galaxy's Riqui Puig fined by MLS Disciplinary Committee

WHAT A SAVE! Check out the best stops in Matchday 28!

Disciplinary Committee: 08.26.23 LAG-CHI Puig Hands to the faceheadneck 82min

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John Herdman: How big is the challenge at Toronto FC?

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2023-08-29 22:50:19Z
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John Herdman hired as new Toronto FC head coach - The Athletic

John Herdman has been hired as Toronto FC’s new coach and will leave his post as Canada’s men’s national team coach immediately, The Athletic has learned.

Multiple sources with knowledge of the hiring process confirmed the appointment of Herdman on a multi-year contract.

The 48-year-old leaves Canada Soccer after first being hired in 2011 to take over Canada’s women’s national team. He overhauled the women’s program and won two Olympic bronze medals.

Herdman then guided Canada to its first World Cup with the men’s national team since 1986.

However, multiple sources indicated to The Athletic that continued instability within Canada Soccer’s financial state moving forward as well as a fractured dressing room under Herdman after the World Cup contributed to him taking the TFC job.

TFC has just nine matches remaining this season and while they are not mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, they are in last place in the Eastern Conference with 19 points after 26 matches.

TFC fired head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley on June 26, naming Terry Dunfield interim manager. Jason Hernandez has since been named general manager.

Herdman will not be in charge for TFC’s next game, against Philadelphia Union on August 30.

There is no word on Herdman’s immediate replacement. Canada’s next match is a friendly against Japan on October 13.

GO DEEPER

John Herdman: The English coach out to transform Canadian football

(Photo: Candice Ward/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

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2023-08-29 03:52:15Z
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Alexandra Paul, Canadian Olympic figure skater, dies in car crash at 31 - Global News

Former Olympic figure skater Alexandra Paul has died, according to Skate Canada. She was 31.

Paul, who competed for Canada in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, died on Tuesday in a seven-vehicle collision in Melancthon Township, a rural community in Dufferin County, Ontario.

According to police, a transport truck entered a construction zone on Country Road 124 before it crashed into a lineup of stopped cars. Paul and her infant son were in one of the vehicles.

Paul did not survive the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene. The baby was reportedly taken to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Skate Canada, the country’s governing body for the sport, described Paul as a “shining star on and off the ice.”

“Alexandra’s dedication, passion, and remarkable talents have left an indelible mark on the world of figure skating,” Skate Canada said in a statement.

“As we remember Alexandra’s contributions to the sport, we also reflect on the camaraderie and sportsmanship she exemplified,” they continued. “She was not only an accomplished athlete but also a true role model for aspiring skaters, demonstrating the values of resilience, perseverance, and sportsmanlike conduct.”

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Paul and her partner and husband, Mitchell Islam, competed together to win several international medals. Together, they won three Canadian Championship medals and placed 18th at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014.

Paul retired from competitive figure skating in 2016.

She and Islam welcomed their first child together last year.

4:33 Skating with Canadian athletes to raise money for Alberta Children’s Hospital

— With files from The Associated Press

&copy 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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2023-08-28 15:02:55Z
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Spanish soccer chief's mother starts hunger strike over World Cup kiss - The Globe and Mail

The mother of suspended Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales locked herself inside a church and started a hunger strike to protest against her son’s treatment over his kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the world cup victory, family members said.

“She has gone on hunger strike, she does not want to leave the church,” Vanessa Ruiz, a cousin of Rubiales, told reporters outside the parish church of Divina Pastora in the family’s hometown of Motril, southern Spain.

Rubiales’ mother Angeles Bejar was holed up inside with her sister. Ruiz described Bejar as a “woman of great faith who has sought refuge in God,” and said the family wanted Hermoso to “tell the truth” that the kiss was not forced. Rubiales, who is head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was suspended on Saturday by FIFA amid a furor after he kissed Hermoso on the mouth during the awards ceremony following Spain’s World Cup win in Sydney on Aug. 20. Hermoso says she did not want to be kissed. RFEF has called regional federations to an urgent meeting on Monday to evaluate the situation, which has spiralled into a national argument over women’s rights and macho behaviour.

Spain’s High Court prosecutor said on Monday afternoon it had launched a preliminary investigation into what happened and would contact Hermoso to ask if she wants to press charges.

A spokesman for the court told Reuters it had received several complaints but would only launch a full inquiry if Hermoso sought one.

Rubiales, 46, has been defiant over the kiss, arguing it was consensual. Hermoso, her teammates and the Spanish government say it was unwanted and demeaning.

At a federation meeting on Friday where he had been widely expected to step down, Rubiales instead refused to quit, seeking to defend his behaviour and calling the kiss “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual.”

RFEF has said Rubiales will defend himself legally to prove “his complete innocence.”

Spain’s Acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz met on Monday with representatives of the women’s players’ union FUTPRO, which represents Hermoso, and the Association of Spanish Footballers, to ensure football “has decent conditions and spaces free of sexist violence.” She told journalists afterwards that macho behaviour was “systemic” in Spain and had been shown in its worst form by the incident.

Diaz, who is also deputy prime minister in the acting socialist government pending the formation of a new government following July elections, also condemned RFEF members who applauded Rubiales’ non-resignation on Friday. Diaz called for victims of sexual harassment and violence to be better protected.

“On Friday we saw the worst of Spanish society, of the structural machismo of this country,” she said. “They clapped and humiliated and made fun of a person they had the obligation to protect under the sports law and far from doing that, they inflicted more damage, more pain, more vexation.

“In my personal opinion, the coaches who applauded Mr Rubiales are not qualified to continue in their posts.”

Rubiales’ mother Bejar told Spain’s EFE news agency her hunger strike would last “until a solution is found to the inhumane and bloody hunt they are carrying out against my son with something he does not deserve.”

Rubiales’ cousin Ruiz said his family was “suffering a lot for him, we don’t think that what’s happening is fair.”

“He has been judged ahead of time. We don’t think this is normal and we want them to leave us alone. The statements speak for themselves. There are videos, there are audios,” she said.

Hermoso has said she did not consent to the kiss and felt “vulnerable and the victim of an aggression.”

Gender issues are a prominent topic in Spain. Tens of thousands of women have taken part in street marches protesting against sexual abuse and violence, and the Socialist-led coalition government has reformed laws including around equal pay and abortion rights.

Feminist groups have called a demonstration on Monday in Madrid entitled “With You Jenni.” Hundreds of people participated in another on Sunday in Salamanca against Rubiales.

All 23 players on Spain’s cup-winning squad including Hermoso, as well as dozens of other squad members, said on Friday they would not play internationals while Rubiales remained head of the federation. Their next match is away to Sweden in the Nations League on Sept. 22.

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2023-08-28 11:01:30Z
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Former CFL coach Stubler dead at 74 - TSN

Rich Stubler, who served as an assistant coach or head coach with six different CFL teams, has died. He was 74.

An official at Clearwater Academy International, a prep school in Florida where Stubler had served as defensive co-ordinator, confirmed Stubler's passing.

The cause of death wasn't immediately known.

Stubler, of Glenwood Springs, Colo., first came to Canada in 1983 as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' defensive co-ordinator, a post he led through 1986.

He also spent time with the Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Elks, B.C. Lions, Calgary Stampeders and Montreal Alouettes, sometimes having multiple stints with an organization.

For example, Stubler had four different tenures with Toronto, including as head coach in 2008 but was fired after compiling a 4-6 record through 10 games.

Stubler also had multiple stints with Edmonton and B.C. either as a defensive co-ordinator or position coach.

Stubler was part of five Grey Cup-winning teams during his time in Canada and was regarded as one of the CFL's most innovative defensive coaches.

Stubler's coaching resume also included stops in the NCAA at Colorado, New Mexico, Southern Methodist, Colorado State, New Mexico State, Oregon as well as the Arena Football League's Detroit Fury.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 27, 2023.

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2023-08-27 22:14:38Z
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One week after sullying the Women's World Cup, Luis Rubiales is now a Spanish soccer outcast - CTV News

BARCELONA, Spain -

One week after the president of the Spanish soccer federation kissed a player during the Women's World Cup awards ceremony, his reputation is in tatters and he's out of his job.

Luis Rubiales, whose leadership of Spanish soccer had already been marked by successes tinged with scandal, wrecked his career by offending millions worldwide with his conduct at the final in Sydney, Australia, when he also grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture.

"Rubiales cannot run Spanish soccer again," Spanish minister Maria Jesus Montero said Sunday, a day after he was provisionally suspended by FIFA for 90 days.

"We had enough of him when he marred the great triumph of women's soccer with his intolerable attitude."

FIFA moved against Rubiales after he refused to step down and defiantly told an emergency assembly of his federation on Friday that he was the victim of a "witch hunt" by "false feminists."

On a day that will go down as one of the ugliest in Spanish soccer, Rubiales said that forward Jenni Hermoso had consented to the "mutual" kiss. Hermoso replied in two statements to say that was false and that she considered herself the victim of an abuse of power. She also accused the federation of trying to pressure her into supporting Rubiales. The federation hit back by saying she was lying and that it would take legal action against her.

As part of his suspension of Rubiales, FIFA disciplinary judge Jorge Palacio ordered Rubiales and the federation not to contact Hermoso.

Spain's government is also pursuing his permanent removal in Spain's Administrative Court for Sports. The court will meet next week to consider the government's lawsuit for an alleged abuse of power and for allegedly committing acts that tarnished the dignity and decorum of a sporting event. If found guilty, Rubiales could be ruled unfit to hold office.

Rubiales was replaced by his vice president Pedro Rocha, who will act as interim chief in his absence. Rocha is considered to be a confidant of Rubiales.

On Sunday, Rocha called an emergency meeting of the regional federation chiefs to discuss the crisis.

The behaviour of Rubiales not only has tarnished the greatest feat of Spanish women's soccer, it has also torn apart his federation.

The only public support Rubiales has received came during Friday's general assembly when he was applauded several times by parts of the mostly male crowd, which was made up of regional federation officials, coaches, referees and players from lower divisions.

But his refusal to go quietly led to some resignations from his board, including the vice president in charge of women's soccer.

Those who applauded his diatribe included women's coach Jorge Vilda -- Hermoso's coach -- and Spain's men's coach Luis de la Fuente. But once FIFA took down Rubiales, it took only hours for both coaches to issue statements sanctioning their suddenly former boss.

Rubiales is a 46-year-old former player who headed a players' union -- which this week joined the chorus demanding his resignation -- before he was elected to run the federation in 2018. He has not shied away from controversy since, but has shored up internal support by boosting revenues.

Rubiales made 339,000 euros (US$365,000) in 2021 after taxes, for presiding over the federation with a budget of 382 million euros (US$412 million). The federation runs Spain's men's and women's national soccer teams and its semi-professional and amateur soccer leagues. It also organizes the referees. The government maintains some oversight of the entity but it cannot name or remove its executives.

Weeks after becoming the most powerful man in Spanish soccer, Rubiales showed he wouldn't tolerate any act that he considered disloyal when he fired the coach of Spain's men's team just two days before its first match at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Julen Lopetegui had just agreed to join Real Madrid after the tournament, but Rubiales felt he had betrayed the national team and sacked him.

Rubiales revolutionized the Spanish Super Cup in 2019 by expanding it from two to four teams and taking it to Saudi Arabia -- now the big draw for top European talent like Cristiano Ronaldo -- in exchange for 40 million dollars a year. The clubs and federation loved the cash, but the move was criticized by women's and human rights groups for the regime's treatment of women and minorities. Spanish authorities also scrutinized the deal, and an investigative judge is probing the legality of the Super Cup contracts that apparently included money going to then Barcelona player Gerard Pique.

In part, Rubiales was tolerated because he was considered better than his predecessor, Angel Maria Villar, who was in power for nearly three decades before he ended up behind bars for widespread corruption.

Rubiales increased his hold on power by becoming a vice-president with UEFA, which has remained silent on the scandal. Rubiales was spearheading what promised to be his greatest prize: a joint bid to host the 2030 men's World Cup with Portugal, Morocco and possibly Ukraine.

But it seems the greatest sporting achievement of Spanish soccer under his watch has led to his downfall -- unless he can successfully fight against both FIFA and Spain's government.

The response from Spanish society has been overwhelmingly supportive of Hermoso and against Rubiales.

Her Spain teammates, along with more than 50 others women players, said they would not play for Spain as long as he remains.

Messages in support of the player and condemning Rubiales have poured in from Spanish and foreign players, the most powerful soccer clubs -- Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao, Valencia, among others -- and from political parties from the far left to the center right.

"Luis Rubiales is finished," the president of Spain's women's league, Beatriz Alvarez, told The Associated Press. "He has dug his own grave with his acts and his words."

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2023-08-27 14:30:00Z
2364708182

Canada sets FIBA World Cup assists record in rout over Lebanon - Sportsnet.ca

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1. Canada sets FIBA World Cup assists record in rout over Lebanon  Sportsnet.ca
2. France v Latvia – World Cup Chat Party | ⚡🏀 #FIBAWC | #WinForAll  FIBA - The Basketball Channel
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4. Guerschon Yabusele feels Canada loss has inspired other teams against France  Eurohoops
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2023-08-27 11:17:00Z
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Messi scores dazzling goal in MLS debut, leads Miami over Red Bulls - TSN

HARRISON, N.J. (AP) — Lionel Messi scored a dazzling goal in the 89th minute of his Major League Soccer debut, helping Inter Miami beat the New York Red Bulls 2-0 on Saturday night and end an 11-match league winless streak.

Forty-eight years after Pelé joined the North American Soccer League's New York Cosmos in an effort to jumpstart soccer in the United States, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner entered in the 60th minute.

Jordi Alba made an acrobatic leap to blindly center Sergio Busquet's cross back pass to Messi. The 36-year-old star dribbled through three defenders and side-footed the ball to Benjamin Cremaschi. The 18-year-old American one-touched the ball back and Messi sprinted toward goal and let it bounce in off his left foot from in front.

Messi has 11 goals in nine games for Miami in all competitions.

The match drew the Red Bulls’ first home sellout this season, and resale tickets were listed for over $1,000 in the week leading to the game.

Messi followed David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović to a far-more stable league that hopes to one day challenge the more established American sports in popularity.

Chants of “We Want Messi!” began in the sixth minute and a loud “Mes-si!” “Mes-si!” reverberated throughout in the 35th. Diego Gómez, a 20-year-old Paraguayan forward among four Miami starters making MLS debuts, scored in the 37th minute.

Fan focus was on Messi when he started to warm up three minutes into the second half, and a roar erupted when Martino signaled for him to take off his pinny and head to the center stripe.

Messi played his first Miami game on July 21 in the Leagues Cup and scored 10 goals in seven games in that competition and a U.S. Open Cup semifinal.

Miami had not won a league match since May 13 against New England and had just one road victory, on April 29 at Columbus.

The streets around Red Bull Arena were packed 2 1/2 hours before the match, filled with dozens of scalpers and people selling unlicensed Messi jerseys. A simulcast of the game was scheduled on a videoboard in Times Square. About half wore Messi jerseys from Argentina, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Miami.

Miami scored the first goal when Alba, like Messi and Busquets making debuts, took a free kick after a foul by Andrés Reyes and the ball was punched out by goalkeeper Carlos Coronel.

Robert Taylor played the ball wide to Noah Allen, and the 19-year-old defender made a diagonal pass to Gómez, who settled with a touch and put the ball inside the far post with a left foot shot from about 14 yards.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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2023-08-27 01:50:00Z
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Former Canadian Olympic skater Alexandra Paul killed in car crash - CityNews Toronto

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1. Former Canadian Olympic skater Alexandra Paul killed in car crash  CityNews Toronto
2. Barrie lawyer, former Olympian mourned following crash  OrilliaMatters
3. Skate Canada says former Olympian Alexandra Paul killed in car crash - Canada News  Castanet.net
4. Former figure skating Olympian from Barrie, Ont., identified as new mom killed in Melancthon crash  CTV News Barrie
5. Woman killed in multi-vehicle crash north of Orangeville identified as former Olympic figure skater  CP24
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2023-08-26 12:25:45Z
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Leake's club-record fourth punt-return TD rallies Argos past Stampeders - TSN

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5. Stampeders fall to Argos, continues streak of disappointing losses  Calgary Sun
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2023-08-26 04:42:40Z
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Report: 49ers trade Trey Lance to Cowboys - theScore

The San Francisco 49ers are trading quarterback Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fourth-round pick, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Lance was selected third overall by the 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft. He lost the backup quarterback job to Sam Darnold earlier this week. Lance was supposed to play in the 49ers' preseason contest Friday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan permitted Lance to miss practice Wednesday after he was named the No. 3 quarterback. He returned to the team Thursday morning.

"If we can find a landing spot for Trey that is a really good one for him and works for our organization, that's not something that we'd turn a blind eye to," 49ers general manager John Lynch told KNBR radio Thursday.

The North Dakota State product is owed $6.5 million in guaranteed salary over the next two seasons, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Lance will now slot into the Cowboys' quarterback room, which includes Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, and Will Grier.

Prescott signed a four-year, $160-million contract extension in 2021. The two sides have reportedly had talks about another extension to lock up the passer long-term. He's set to have a $59.4-million cap hit in 2024, according to Over The Cap.

Lance has battled injuries since entering the league. He suffered a broken finger in the 2021 preseason and dealt with a knee injury that held him to only two starts in six games during the campaign. The signal-caller was named the starting quarterback in 2022 but suffered a season-ending broken ankle in Week 2.

Lance's eight total games with the 49ers are the fewest by any top-five pick with the team he debuted with since the common draft era began in 1967, according to Field Yates of ESPN. Ja'Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Micah Parsons were all selected after Lance.

The 23-year-old has 797 passing yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions in four career starts.

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2023-08-25 23:26:36Z
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Spanish soccer president refuses to resign despite kissing a player on the lips at Women's World Cup - CBC Sports

Facing his possible removal from office, the president of the Spanish soccer federation refused to resign Friday despite an uproar for kissing a player on the lips without her consent after the Women's World Cup final.

Luis Rubiales defiantly told an emergency general assembly of the federation "I won't resign" four times in quick succession and claimed he was a victim of a witch hunt by "false feminists."

Several Spanish media outlets had reported on Thursday that Rubiales was planning to step down after grabbing and kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the award ceremony after Spain beat England in the final in Sydney, Australia, marring the title celebrations in front of a global audience.

Instead, he said the kiss was "mutual and with the consent" of Hermoso and painted himself as a victim. He received various applause from the overwhelming male assembly.

Jenni Hermoso said “she didn’t enjoy” being kissed by Spanish football president Luis Rubiales who has now apologised to any “people who felt hurt”<br> <a href="https://t.co/ZaqZhuQtIO">pic.twitter.com/ZaqZhuQtIO</a>

&mdash;@EricNjiiru

Among those who applauded his decision to cling to power were women's national team coach Jorge Vilda and men's national team coach Luis de la Fuente.

Hermoso had said in a video streamed on social media after the kiss last Sunday that "I didn't like it, but what can I do?" Later, her players' union issued a statement on her behalf saying that it would defend her interests and ensure that the act "does not go unpunished."

The federation's first attempt to respond to the scandal was a statement it released in the name of Hermoso in which she downplayed the incident. Later, a local media report by sports website Relevo.com said that the federation had coerced her into making the statement. The federation has denied this to The Associated Press.

Rubiales' version

In the version that Rubiales told the assembly, he said Hermoso had lifted him up in celebration and he asked her for "a little kiss?" and she said yes.

"The kiss was the same I could give one of my daughters," Rubiales said.

He said that he would defend his honor in court against politicians, including two ministers, who called his kiss an act of sexual violence.

Alexia Putellas, Hermoso's teammate and a two-time Ballon d'Or winner as the best player in the world, posted a message of support on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

"This is unacceptable," the Barcelona player wrote. "I'm with you, my teammate, Jenni Hermoso."

Acting Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz, one of the ministers Rubiales said he would sue, also spoke out against the soccer official.

"The government must act and take urgent measures: impunity for macho actions is over," Diaz said. "Rubiales cannot continue in office."

The president of Spain's women's league, Beatriz Alvarez, told Spanish state broadcaster RTVE that she was not surprised because Rubiales' "ego is above his dignity."

"What surprises and scandalizes me are his words," Alvarez said. "Every time he speaks he shows what kind of person he really is."

The 46-year-old Rubiales is under immense pressure to leave his post because of his conduct after Spain's 1-0 victory over England on Sunday.

Since Rubiales became a national embarrassment, criticism and calls for him to go have mounted day after day, with Spain's acting prime minister, players' unions, and finally voices from inside men's soccer saying he must go. The only relevant institution to remain silent has been European soccer body UEFA, for which Rubiales is a vice president. Until Friday's assembly, he had received no public support in Spain.

FIFA, the governing body of soccer, opened a disciplinary case against Rubiales on Thursday. The FIFA disciplinary committee was tasked with weighing whether Rubiales violated its code relating to "the basic rules of decent conduct" and "behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute."

WATCH | Spain captures Women's World Cup title:

Spain wins Women’s World Cup over England

5 days ago

Duration 1:59

Spain took home its first Women’s World Cup trophy with a 1-0 win over England that came despite major off-field disputes that saw 15 players walk away from the team last year.

No timetable for ruling

FIFA gave no timetable for a ruling. The body's disciplinary judges can impose sanctions on individuals ranging from warnings and fines to suspensions from the sport.

Rubiales, who led the Spanish players' union for eight years before taking over as federation president in 2018, is currently heading the UEFA-backed bid to host the men's World Cup in 2030. Spain is bidding with neighboring Portugal and Morocco, and also possibly Ukraine.

The investigation by FIFA came after Spain's acting prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, said Rubiales' attempt to apologize, which came after he initially insulted his critics, was unconvincing and that "he must continue taking further steps" to be held accountable.

Spain's Higher Council of Sports, the nation's governing sports body, responded to Rubiales on Friday by saying it was immediately referring the complaints it has received from two federation assembly members, Spain's women's league and Diaz's political party to Spain's Administrative Court for Sports. Rubiales could be deemed unfit to hold office if the court finds that he violated laws or regulations sanctioning sexist acts.

"The speech by Mr. Rubiales before the general assembly of the Spanish soccer federation is absolutely incompatible with representing Spanish sports and with the values of an advanced society like Spain's," Spain's Higher Council for Sports said.

The Netherlands-based FIFPRO player's union, which had already demanded action against Rubiales, reiterated its position after his speech. It said that it "welcomed" the moves by FIFA and Spain, and asked UEFA to open its own disciplinary case against its vice president.

Shortly before the kiss, Rubiales grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture with Queen Letizia of Spain and 16-year old Princess Sofia standing nearby.

Rubiales only offered an apology for the crotch grab, saying it was in a moment of "euphoria" and directed toward Vilda on the field.

The first members of the elite in Spanish men's soccer spoke out against Rubiales on Thursday, when it looked like he was bowing out. Their words of reproach continued to trickle in after Rubiales' diatribe on Friday.

"What an embarrassment," former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas said on X. "We should have spent the last five days talking about our women players, about the joy they gave us all! About how proud we are that they gave us a title that we didn't have in women's soccer, instead.ª"

Real Betis forward Borja Iglesias, who has occasionally been called up for Spain's national team, said he would not play for his country again "until things change."

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2023-08-25 13:43:27Z
2364708182

Spanish soccer president refuses to resign despite kissing a player on the lips at Women's World Cup - CP24

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The president of the Spanish soccer federation refused to resign Friday despite an uproar for kissing a player on the lips without her consent after the Women’s World Cup final.

Luis Rubiales defiantly told an emergency general assembly of the federation “I won’t resign” four times in quick succession and claimed he was a victim of a witch hunt by “false feminists.”

Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the award ceremony after Spain beat England in the final in Sydney, Australia, marring the title celebrations in front of a global audience.

Several Spanish media outlets had reported on Thursday that Rubiales was planning to step down.

Instead, he said the kiss was “mutual and with the consent” of Hermoso and painted himself as a victim. He received various applause from the overwhelming male assembly.

Among those who applauded his decision to cling to power were women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda and men’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente.

Hermoso had said in a video streamed on social media after the kiss last Sunday that “I didn’t like it, but what can I do.” Later, her players’ union issued a statement on her behalf saying that it would defend her interests and ensure that the act “does not go unpunished.”

The federation’s first attempt to respond to the scandal was a statement it released in the name of Hermoso in which she downplayed the incident. Later, a local media report by sports website Relevo.com said that the federation had coerced her into making the statement. The federation has denied this to The Associated Press.

In the version that Rubiales gave to the assembly, he said Hermoso had lifted him up in celebration and he asked her for “a little kiss?” and she said yes.

“The kiss was the same I could give one of my daughters,” Rubiales said.

He said that he would defend his honor in court against politicians, including two ministers, who called his kiss an act of sexual violence.

The 46-year-old Rubiales is under immense pressure to leave his post because of his conduct before and during the award ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Sunday.

Since Rubiales became a national embarrassment, criticism and calls for him to go have mounted day after day, with Spain’s acting prime minister, his government, players’ unions, and finally voices from inside men’s soccer saying he must go. The only relevant institution to remain silent has been European soccer body UEFA, for which Rubiales is a vice president. Until Friday's assembly, he had received no public support in Spain.

FIFA, the governing body of soccer, opened a disciplinary case against Rubiales on Thursday. The FIFA disciplinary committee was tasked with weighing whether Rubiales violated its code relating to “the basic rules of decent conduct” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.”

That move by FIFA came after Spain’s acting prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said Rubiales’ attempt to apologize, which came after he initially insulted his critics, was unconvincing and that “he must continue taking further steps” to be held accountable.

Spain’s Higher Council of Sports, the nation’s governing sports body, pledged it would act quickly to consider various formal complaints filed against Rubiales to see if he had broken Spain’s sports law or the federation’s own code of conduct that sanction sexist acts. If so, Rubiales would face being declared unfit to hold his office by Spain’s Administrative Court for Sports.

Shortly before the kiss, Rubiales grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture with Queen Letizia of Spain and 16-year old Princess Sofía standing nearby.

Rubiales only offered an apology for the crotch grab, saying it was in a moment of “euphoria” and directed toward Vilda on the field.

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2023-08-25 11:29:53Z
2364708182

Computer chip in CFL balls means Demski's TD celebration is a no-go - Winnipeg Sun

Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Nic Demski makes a catch during a team practice on Aug. 7, 2023. Photo by Kevin King /Winnipeg Sun

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If Blue Bombers receiver Nic Demski scores his sixth touchdown of the season against the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday, he will have to come up with a different way of celebrating — or it will cost him.

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Whenever Demski hits pay dirt in a home game, he rewards his hometown fans by tossing the ball into the stands.

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“I love it,” he said, Wednesday. “I love how much support we get in Winnipeg, not just being from here, but also being a Blue Bomber. I love how crazy this stadium goes. That’s my souvenir to the fans. If I score here, you can go home with a souvenir.”

Not on Thursday.

The teams will be using footballs with computer chips inserted, part of the CFL’s effort to broaden its statistical data.

The Bombers and Alouettes have been told they can’t keep any balls as souvenirs, and shouldn’t throw them to fans, either.

“So I just want to say I’m sorry to the fans right now,” Demski said. “Hopefully the fans can appreciate the reason why. That’s installed in my mind, when I score. Hopefully I can think twice before I do that.”

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Defensive end Willie Jefferson, who’s been known to score touchdowns on occasion, says the fine is $500.

“It’s a big fine,” receiver Kenny Lawler said. “I’ll have to run up to him (Demski) and tell him. If you want to see a game cheque this week, don’t throw that ball.”

In the euphoria of the touchdown moment, it might be a hard habit to break.

“I was joking with Demski, I guarantee that at some point he’s just going to subconsciously score and toss that thing in the stands,” fellow receiver Dalton Schoen said. “So we’ll see what happens with that.”

Schoen is under the impression it’s not just a one-week thing.

“I’ve never thrown one in the stands, and I guess I’ll never get to,” he said. “I was going to try that at some point.”

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Not being able to keep a ball from a special touchdown will be a bummer for some players.

Schoen has already held onto two from this season: his first touchdown and another one that meant a lot to him in Montreal.

“A double-move, in the rain, tough catch,” he said. “I like to keep a couple, just to give to people back home who’ve been supporting me, family and stuff like that.”

On the relatively rare occasion that Jefferson intercepts a pass or picks up a fumble and goes to the house (he has done it five times in his career), he brings the ball home.

“I give them to my wife and my daughters,” he said.

This week, at least, they’ll have to settle for a replacement ball from equipment manager Brad Fotty.

All this raises a question nobody seems able to answer.

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“I want to know how the heck they get a chip into the ball,” Lawler wondered.

NOT GREEN WITH ENVY

Ask Deatrick Nichols if opposing quarterbacks are throwing his way much, and he breaks into a grin.

“No, not at all,” the Bombers defensive back said. “It’s part of the game. You can’t let that distract you or feel like you’re having an off or bad game, or you think you should do more. But that’s why I like this team. It really doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”

The man playing right next to him is getting a ton of it these days.

Demerio Houston leads the CFL with seven interceptions, returning the last one for a touchdown.

Earlier this week, head coach Mike O’Shea gave some of the credit to Nichols, who in his third CFL season is getting the ultimate compliment: Teams staying away from him.

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“Deatrick is really good and a great communicator,” O’Shea said.

Nichols just calls his year “solid.”

“We’re 8-2,” he said. “I’m feeling great. I can’t ask for any more.”

Not even a little more action?

“Not at all. That’s my teammate. We work with each other, we grind, we sweat, tears and everything together. It’s just his time to shine.”

On Nichols’ other side, safety Brandon Alexander is expected to play, despite missing practice all week.

“He should be fine,” O’Shea said. “He’s just under the weather.”

SPECIAL APPRECIATION

Winnipeg’s punt-return game has been lacking since the injury to Janarion Grant.

O’Shea says it’s a combination of his team’s blocking and a trend to really good punt cover teams.

“We’re at a point in the CFL now where the punters are phenomenal, the placement, the distance, the hang,” O’Shea said. “Team are getting creative with how they cover, who they cover with. I don’t know that too many fans are specifically watching the punt game and punt cover teams … usually you’re probably off getting a beer at that point.

“It’s too bad. Because it’s a pretty neat time in the CFL right now for punt teams.”

You can take the man out of special teams, but you can’t take special teams out of the man.

pfriesen@postmedia.com

Twitter: @friesensunmedia

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