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Euro 2022: Ukrainian referee Maryna Striletska hoping to forget about war

Maryna Striletska's life was turned upside down one morning in February when she woke to find her dogs barking and her husband weeping in front of the television.

"I'll never forget the moment," she tells BBC Sport. "He was watching the news with tears in his eyes and said 'the war has started'."

One of Ukraine's top assistant referees, Striletska had made history just four months earlier as part of the first all-female team to oversee an England men's international.

But that World Cup qualifier between Gareth Southgate's side and minnows Andorra at the Estadi Nacional felt like a world away as army vehicles rolled through her village, 19 miles from the Russian border.

"In the first day, for 24 hours, trucks and military cars came through," she recalls. "The Russian army were friendly, asking us which way to Kyiv.

"They thought we needed help, brought flowers and bread, but after a week they realised we didn't want this help. After that they started to be angry and started shooting civilian cars and I thought maybe I want to leave."

Eventually, Striletska did exactly that, packing her belongings into just one bag and setting out on an arduous dash to safety in Switzerland.

Since then, the 38-year-old has taken up her flag again as an assistant referee in the Swiss men's third division. Next month, she will arrive in England to officiate at the Women's Euros.

The refereeing family has thrown the Ukrainian trailblazer a lifeline. But speaking on Zoom from the bedsit she now shares with her daughter Eva in Basel, she says her outlook on life has changed forever.

'The referee world is like a big family'

Raised in Luhansk, Striletska was more interested in athletics than football as a teenager, but she combined the two at university and played on for six years after her graduation.

"I ran like a crazy horse because I was doing athletics," she says. "I wasn't so good with the ball, but I like running!"

The former midfielder was persuaded to put her athleticism to a new use in 2006, when the Ukrainian FA sought to recruit female referees in each of the country's 24 regions.

"In that time, we had maybe 10 girls in Ukraine refereeing, so each federation decided to find one girl," she says. "They asked me and at the time I was not so happy, but I tried."

Today, Striletska is one of a raft of top-drawer Ukrainian female officials, who include the first woman to referee in the country's men's Premier League, Kateryna Monzul.

Striletska has assisted Monzul in the women's World Cup, Olympics, Euros and Champions League, as well as the men's Europa League, Nations League and under-21 European qualifiers.

Assistant Svitlana Grushko, Referee Kateryna Monzul and assistant Maryna Striletska warm up prior to the match between Andorra and England

Maryna Striletska (right) alongside Kateryna Monzul (centre) and Svitlana Grushko before England's men's World Cup qualifier with Andorra

Kieran Trippier of England talks to assistant referee Maryna Striletska during the match between Andorra and England in October 2021

Maryna Striletska was part of the first all-female referee team to oversee an England men's international

"It's our team, Kateryna, me and Oleksandra [Ardasheva] or Svitlana [Grushko]," she says. "This is a small team, a small family. It's really like sisters.

"But now, since the war has started, I'm seeing that the referee world is like a big family and I feel I am part of that; people want to help."

'For three weeks I cried every day'

It was mid-March when Striletska finally decided to heed the advice of her sister in Switzerland and flee war-torn Ukraine.

The home life she had known - weekends working as an assistant or video assistant referee in the Ukrainian men's Premier League and evenings coaching two girls' teams - was already over.

But the constant fear of bombing from low-flying planes as they roared over her house and concerns for 11-year-old Eva's safety had begun to take its toll.

So, Striletska packed her daughter, a friend's wife and their two children into a car and set off for Poland, sitting at the wheel for hours at a time to beat nightly curfews.

"It was difficult because all the road signs had been taken down," she says. "We had to hide in a village on the journey while we waited for tanks to pass through.

"One time we went to a church and slept on the floor, I'd driven for 18 hours and just wanted to sleep. At 6am we would start again.

"It took me four days. After we got to the border we were queuing for 17 hours, but then after that it was easy - I felt we were safe."

Striletska could only hope that her husband and fellow football coach, Sergiy, would be safe as he had to stay behind.

"He will defend our home because for us it is a second time," she says. "We used to live in Donbas and in 2014 we lost everything and I never saw my parents again before they died."

Reunited with her sister in Switzerland, Striletska initially struggled to think about anything apart from her husband and the war, but football has given her an outlet.

"For three weeks I cried every day," she says. "I was forgetting I was in the world of football because I was thinking about the war. That's why I had to start refereeing."

Maryna Striletska in Lucerne

Maryna Striletska says she is grateful for all the help she has received since arriving in Switzerland

Striletska says the Ukrainian FA, having offered to help all its referees, contacted their Swiss counterparts on her behalf; they gave her matches in the men's third tier Swiss Promotion League.

"I'm so thankful for this because the Swiss federation have given me a lot of games," she says. "It helps because at least for two hours I can forget about the war and just see defenders, attackers, offsides!"

'Enjoy the moment'

With her daughter settling in school, Striletska has been spending her days following her Fifa fitness programme and learning German.

"Switzerland are doing a lot for Ukrainian people, all museums, trains, buses are free for us," she says. "I really can't thank this country enough, they've even organised a free language course for us."

Despite her gratitude, Striletska is desperate for a speedy return to her homeland. For now, though, she stays in touch through the internet.

"Now our region is more or less normal, the Russians have gone to Donbas and the east," she says. "Sometimes my husband says they hear explosions, but not like it was before. Even our sports hall starts work and I'm doing training sessions with the girls online."

Another morale boost is the call-up for a second women's Euros alongside Monzul, who also left Ukraine and has since refereed in the women's Serie A in Italy.

"I was really happy to get the news about the Euros," Striletska says. "It's an unbelievable feeling, I can forget about the war and I'm looking forward to us working together again."

The two were last in the UK in November for Arsenal's Women's Champions League tie with Danish side HB Koge in Borehamwood, then England's Women's World Cup qualifier with Austria at the Stadium of Light.

Striletska's life has changed beyond recognition since then, and so have her values.

"After this I realise you don't need a lot in life," she explains. "Money is not important, the most important thing is relations between people.

"People are helping me, talking to me, bringing fruit for my daughter, small things but helpful, and these are the things that are important in our life.

"We're always trying to reach higher, work harder, buy things, but really, you just need to enjoy the moment."

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James McClean: Wigan winger predicts 'very exciting future' for Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland winger James McClean says a perfect mix of youth and experience promises a positive future for the team.

Stephen Kenny's side bounced back from two Nations Cup defeats with an impressive 3-0 win over Scotland and a draw with leaders Ukraine.

"There's a really good blend of youth and experience in there," said McClean.

"The more games the young lads play the better they're going to be, which bodes well for a very exciting future."

Collins stunner helps Republic to Ukraine draw

Obafemi stars as Republic comfortably beat Scots

McClean returns to Wigan after ending Stoke stint

The 33-year-old Wigan Athletic player added: "The young players have so much ability - over the past year they have have gelled together with the senior lads.

"It's a very good place to be at the minute. Everyone gets on very well and I'm very happy to be part of that."

Young guns

Youth came to the fore in the Dublin win over the Scots with forward pair Michael Obafemi and Troy Parrott inspiring the Irish to a much-needed victory after a disappointing start to their Nations League campaign.

A shock defeat by Armenia in their opener was their first in nine games and it was followed by a home loss at the hands of Ukraine.

That brought the Republic's winless run in the Nations Cup to 12 games and the pressure was again on manager Kenny, but the Scotland win and draw with Ukraine in Poland has restored confidence.

James McClean believes the Republic have a brighter future with Stephen Kenny in charge

James McClean believes the Republic have a brighter future with Stephen Kenny in charge

McClean captained the side in the Lodz encounter against the Ukrainians on his 94th appearance for the Republic.

He played under Kenny at Derry City before starting his career in England in 2011 and helped Wigan to the League One title last season.

McClean has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet at international level and believes Kenny is the right man to take the team forward.

"I still feel I'm able to perform at that level and still have a lot to offer - the manager feels the same as he's still picking me," he said.

"The body feels good, I feel I'm still performing, so while that's still the case I don't see any reason to call it a day just yet.

"It's been some journey - Stephen brought me through at Derry in 2008 and it's been some run for both of us.

"He's still as passionate and his attention to detail has never changed. He still has that winning mentality and I don't think that will ever leave Stephen.

"We knew at some stage we would get it right. Over the last 18 months we've shown we're on the right path - long may that continue."

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Lucy Bronze: England defender joins Barcelona after Manchester City exit

England defender Lucy Bronze has signed for Barcelona on a two-year deal.

In May, Manchester City announced the 30-year-old would leave the club when her deal expired on 30 June.

The 2020 Best Fifa Women's Player rejoined City for a second spell in September 2020 after three years with Lyon.

"I'm very happy to play for a club like FC Barcelona, one of the biggest teams in the world. I really want to start working with the team," Bronze said.

"After a couple of conversations, you can't say no to Barca."

Barcelona are the current champions of Spain's Primera Division and were Champions League runners-up to Lyon last season.

Bronze had been linked with a move to the USA, with Real Madrid also showing interest.

She won five major trophies with City, with two of those arriving in her second spell with the club, and made a total of 111 appearances, scoring 14 goals.

It is Bronze's second move abroad after she left City for Lyon in 2017, where she won three consecutive Champions League titles.

Analysis - BBC Sport, Emma Sanders

Bronze was tight-lipped over her future when asked this month and she was heavily linked with a move to America.

However, the season in America is already under way and Bronze is currently in training for the European Championship, which starts on 6 July in England.

She could still end up in the US in the future, but this move to Barcelona is a significant one as Bronze and the club will look to return to winning ways in the Champions League.

Bronze enjoyed success in that competition while at Lyon, winning three European titles, but did not go beyond the quarter-final stage with Manchester City

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Sadio Mane: Liverpool striker to join Bayern Munich in deal worth up to £35m

Liverpool have agreed a 41m euro (£35.1m) deal to sell Sadio Mane to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

The Reds will get a fixed 32m euros (£27.4m) with an additional 6m euros based on appearances and 3m euros based on individual and team achievements.

Liverpool turned down two bids from Bayern before the two clubs settled on a move for the 30-year-old, whose deal with the Reds ran until next summer.

He joined Liverpool for £31m plus £2.5m in add-ons from Southampton in 2016.

Since then, Mane scored 90 Premier League goals for the Anfield club and finished last season with 23 goals in all competitions.

News of his departure follows Tuesday's signing of Uruguay forward Darwin Nunez from Benfica for an initial £64m.

Sadio Mane: What does forward's departure mean for Liverpool?

Alongside fellow forwards Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, who are both 30, Mane has been integral to Liverpool's success in recent years.

The trio helped the club win the Champions League in 2019 and then end a 30-year wait for the league title in the following season.

This has also been an exceptional year for Mane, who won the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal before helping Liverpool win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and finish runners-up in the Premier League and Champions League.

Mane is expected to replace Robert Lewandowski at Bayern, with the Poland international set to lave the German club having been linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona.

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Ian Baraclough: Gerry Armstrong says Northern Ireland manager has 'to be given time'

Former Northern Ireland striker Gerry Armstrong says manager Ian Baraclough should be given time "to develop players and show the team's true potential" after a disappointing start to the Nations League campaign.

Northern Ireland have just two points from their first four fixtures.

It has left Baraclough's position under threat, but Armstrong said: "I think we have good days coming ahead.

"We've got young players being developed and that's key."

Baraclough, 51, came in for criticism from a section of the Northern Ireland support during June's Nations League League C Group 2 games, which yielded two draws and two defeats against three teams ranked lower in the Fifa rankings.

A 1-0 home loss to Greece was followed by a 0-0 draw in Cyprus, a 3-2 reverse in Kosovo and 2-2 draw with Cyprus in Belfast.

Northern Ireland's remaining fixtures in the competition are at home to Kosovo on 24 September and in Greece on 27 September.

Baraclough running out of excuses as poor form continues

"For me, you have to give Ian time. Give him to the end of the tournament and then you can judge him then," Armstrong told BBC Radio Ulster's Sportsound Extra Time programme.

"I was disappointed with some of the performances and he would have been as well. We need to see more than that and you have to keep moving forward.

"We expected more than that when facing that type of opposition but I hope the results turn round.

"We have to learn from the mistakes we got punished for. We need to go and win our next game and when the competition is over then we can reflect."

'We have a lot more to give'

Baraclough fielded a number of young players during the games and the 68-year-old Armstrong, who famously scored his country's winning goal against Spain at the 1982 World Cup, believes they must be given an opportunity to find their feet.

"It's difficult for players at the end of a long season, especially ones who don't have experience, but then you don't get experience unless you play," added the 63-cap former Tottenham and Watford forward.

"It took me seven or eight internationals to find out what it was all about and then to make progress.

"Players need to recharge their batteries over the summer with their clubs and we need to be positive and have belief for the future.

"There are some fantastic players and some great young talent in the squad.

"I feel we haven't shown our true potential. We have a lot more to give."

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Marc Roca: Leeds United sign Spanish midfielder from Bayern Munich

Leeds have signed Spanish midfielder Marc Roca from Bayern Munich on a four-year deal understood to be worth £10m.

The 25-year-old becomes the club's third summer signing following the arrival of Red Bull Salzburg duo Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen.

The former Spain Under-21 international made 24 appearances for Bayern.

He did not score a goal for the German club and leaves the Bundesliga two years into a five-year contract, having signed from Espanyol in 2020.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, the defensive midfielder said: "I stayed at Bayern for two years and I want to play more games. It's a good opportunity for me to be here and I'm very happy.

"You always know about Leeds and their history. It's an incredible team and an incredible atmosphere at Elland Road. Everybody talks about it and I'm happy to be here."

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Tottenham sign Yves Bissouma from Brighton on four-year deal worth £25m plus add-ons

Tottenham have completed the signing of 25-year old Mali midfielder Yves Bissouma from Brighton on a four-year deal worth £25m plus add-ons.

He becomes Spurs' third summer signing, following the arrival of goalkeeper Fraser Forster and winger Ivan Perisic on free transfers.

Bissouma made 124 appearances for the Seagulls after joining the club from Lille in July 2018.

The north London club were initially interested in signing him in January.

The coveted central midfielder started 26 Premier League games for the Seagulls last season, scoring once.

He played an influential role for Graham Potter's side as they secured ninth place in the Premier League - the highest finish in the club's history.

Potter says the transfer is "very good" for the player and the south coast club.

"Yves has shown his undoubted ability and been an important player for us during his time with us," he said.

"Now he has a new challenge with Tottenham, including the opportunity to play Champions League football, and everyone at the club wishes him well."

Bissouma said last September it was not his time to leave Brighton but that he wanted to play in the Champions League, which Spurs have qualified for next season.

The deal follows Brighton's signing of Paraguay forward Julio Enciso on a four-year deal.

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

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Porto agree to sell Fabio Vieira to Arsenal in £34m deal

Porto say they have agreed to sell midfielder Fabio Vieira to Arsenal in a 40m euro (£34.2m) deal.

The Portuguese club released a statement saying Arsenal would pay an initial 35m euros (£29.9m) for Vieira with the rest in potential add-ons.

Vieira, 22, has yet to win a senior cap for Portugal but was voted player of the tournament at last year's European Under-21 Championship.

He provided a league-high 14 assists in the Primeira Liga last season.

Vieira also scored six goals in 27 league outings as he helped Porto claim the top-flight title in Portugal.

He has been capped 21 times by Portugal Under-21s and will become the Gunners' third summer arrival, following USA goalkeeper Matt Turner and teenage Brazilian forward Marquinhos.

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Sadio Mane: What does forward's departure mean for Liverpool?

It is a sign of a very good player when even the euphoria of signing one of world football's most exciting attacking talents cannot entirely compensate for his departure.

This is the place where Liverpool find themselves - delighted at the record arrival of Darwin Nunez, but saddened at end of Sadio Mane's stellar six years at Anfield.

Mane's move to Bayern Munich leaves one of the Premier League's greatest forward lines in history shorn of a key component - one who has scored 120 goals in 269 games to help Liverpool win every major trophy available.

BBC Sport looks at the impact the Senegal striker had at Liverpool and what their remodelled forward line needs to thrive without him.

Sadio Mane: Liverpool striker to join Bayern Munich in £35m deal

'He has been unbelievable'

How Sadio Mane "volleyed" Liverpool into the FA Cup final

As the season wore on with plenty of talk but no confirmation of a contract extension for Mane, Mohamed Salah or Roberto Firmino beyond 2023, the likelihood grew of one or more of them departing.

Before the Champions League final with Real Madrid, Salah pledged he would be at the club next season, but Mane was more coy on his future and has now forced Liverpool's hand.

His departure acts as something of a bookend to the first phase of Jurgen Klopp's tenure as manager, during which the club have risen to the top of the global game.

Mane was the German's first major signing at Liverpool, taking what has become a well-worn path from Southampton to Merseyside for £34m in 2016.

His 13 goals in his first season helped Liverpool return to the Champions League after a couple of seasons out of it, paving the way for the remarkable run of success that followed.

Within two years they were champions of Europe and 12 months later won the Premier League for the first time in 30 years.

They have also been Champions League runners-up twice and finished second in the Premier League twice, including the 2021-22 season in which they won the FA and League Cup.

The summer after Mane's arrival, Salah signed and, along with Firmino, formed one of the finest forward lines in English football history. It produced 338 goals in five seasons in all competitions.

Sadio Mane's six seasons at Liverpool

In that time, Mane has shown a positional versatility few possess, playing on the right in his first season, then switching to a predominantly left-sided role to accommodate Salah and, more recently, excelling centrally.

With this trio moving into or near to their 30s, the evolution of Liverpool's attacking stable was already well under way before Mane's departure, with the signing and integration of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz and the recent acquisition of exciting young talent Fabio Carvalho from Fulham.

The signing of Nunez before the summer transfer window opened was another proactive move from Liverpool.

Mane, though, has shown no signs of fading. Far from it. His form in the second half of 2021-22 was exceptional, contributing as much as anyone to the club fighting on four fronts until the very end.

He scored home and away against Villarreal in the Champions League semi-finals. It was his goal that earned Liverpool a Premier League point at Manchester City in April and his superb header that kept their title bid alive at Aston Villa the following month.

In total he netted 13 times in 27 games - operating largely as a number nine - after helping Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations in February. He scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Egypt in the final.

"For the past four or five years he's been unbelievable," former Manchester City midfielder and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure told BBC World Service.

"Without any disrespect to Mohamed Salah, who was done brilliantly as well, Raheem Sterling, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, how can you tell me this lad is not in the top three of the Ballon d'Or? How is it possible?

"In term of winning trophies, he is up there. Liverpool at the moment are everywhere - Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup."

With Mane now joining Divock Origi out of the Anfield exit and Takumi Minamino available for a move, all eyes will be on who comes in to bolster Liverpool's attacking resources.

Darwin's theory of evolution

An instinctive eye for goal is a given in a potential Mane successor, with the forward averaging 20 goals a season in all competitions at Liverpool, many of them well-taken, predatory first-time finishes with feet or head.

Last season his 16 league goals fell just short of his expected goals (xG) tally of 18.34, according to Opta, with his shot conversion rate of 16.33% lower than some of his peers but on a par with team-mates Jota (16.67) and Salah (16.55).

Mane has great awareness and timing to both find space and capitalise upon it. Allied to this is his dribbling and passing ability, making him as difficult a foe outside the box as in it.

Strength, speed and acceleration are huge assets of his, not only in helping his attacking output, but for what he brings to a team who like to press fiercely from the front.

According to football statistics site FBref.com, Liverpool's proactive approach to the market has already paid off, with Diaz and Jota the two closest matches to Mane in style and output in the winger and forward categories respectively.

Jota provided very similar attacking numbers (21 goals and eight assists), provided an even more efficient pressing game and demonstrated a versatility to operate across the forward line.

In just a few months, Diaz has shown he can provide goals, assists and more from the left side of attack, with his directness and slightly superior dribbling helping him create 1.54 chances per game to Mane's 1.21 last season.

Rather than a direct Mane replacement then, Nunez ticks a slightly different box - as a predominantly central striker with an ability to roam to good effect and with an elite eye for goal.

Why Liverpool made Nunez their potential record signing

Last season the 22-year-old scored 34 goals in 41 games for Benfica, including two against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals. But for some better-timed runs and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, he could have had three or four at Anfield alone.

Quick, skilful, an extremely proficient ball carrier - it is clear to see why Klopp is so enthused by Nunez's signing, telling the Liverpool website: "He has all the pieces we look for. He can set a tempo, brings energy, can threaten space from central and wide areas and he is aggressive and dynamic with his movement."

Above all, though, Nunez can finish. In the past year his goals per shot (0.31 per 90 minutes) and non-penalty xG (+0.41 per 90) puts him in the 99th percentile among his attacking peers in Europe's top five leagues, according to FBref.

As Klopp also recognised, the Uruguayan is a "work in progress" who will be granted the time to develop as part of some "wonderful attacking options".

Mane may have pushed for his exit somewhat, but in their clever forward planning and spending big on a supreme talent, Liverpool have sought to minimise the transition period to what could become another feared front three.

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Declan Rice: Uefa bans West Ham midfielder for two games for referee rant

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has been banned for two games by Uefa after an angry rant at the referee following his side's Europa League semi-final defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt.

The England player accused Jesus Gil Manzano of "corruption" in a video that appeared to be taken in the tunnel following the game on 5 May.

Hammers boss David Moyes and defender Aaron Cresswell were sent off in the 1-0 defeat in Frankfurt.

Moyes has been banned for one game.

Rice will miss both legs of West Ham's Europa Conference League play-off in August.

"Ref, ref, it's so poor, all night, it's so bad," Rice shouted at the Spanish official in the video. "How can you be that bad, honestly? You've probably been paid."

West Ham confirmed at the time they would not take any action against Rice. Moyes said: "If Uefa punish him that's down to them, but not on my watch."

The Hammers have been fined £1,500 because their fans used fireworks at the game in Frankfurt, while the hosts have also been punished.

Frankfurt must play one game behind closed doors - with the penalty suspended for two years - and have been fined £69,000 for six offences relating to their fans.

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SPFL fixtures 2022-23: Champions Celtic start against Aberdeen, Rangers visit Livingston

Celtic will start their Scottish Premiership title defence at home to Aberdeen on Sunday, 31 July, with Livingston v Rangers launching the season the previous day at 12:00 BST.

Promoted Kilmarnock return to the top flight by hosting Dundee United, with Lee Johnson's league debut as Hibernian manager a trip to face St Johnstone.

Hibs entertain Edinburgh rivals Hearts on the second weekend of the season.

The first Old Firm derby is on 3 September with Rangers at Celtic Park.

All the Premiership fixtures

All the Championship fixtures

All the League 1 fixtures

All the League 2 fixtures

The Premiership has a five-week break for the World Cup after the 16th round of matches on 12 November and resumes on 17 December - the day before the final in Qatar. The lower leagues continue during the shutdown.

Cove Rangers, having secured a third promotion in four years, play their first-ever Championship game when they welcome Raith Rovers on the opening weekend.

Queen's Park - back in the second tier for the first time since 1983 - begin away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, while relegated Dundee face visitors Partick Thistle.

In League 1, newcomers Kelty Hearts welcome fellow promotion winners, the rebranded Edinburgh FC, and Dunfermline Athletic begin their bid to bounce back from relegation at home to Alloa Athletic.

Pyramid play-off winners Bonnyrigg Rose make their SPFL debut with a League 2 home match against Forfar Athletic.

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Marc Roca: Leeds United sign Spanish midfielder from Bayern Munich

Leeds have signed Spanish midfielder Marc Roca from Bayern Munich on a four-year deal understood to be worth £10m.

The 25-year-old becomes the club's third summer signing following the arrival of Red Bull Salzburg duo Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen.

The former Spain Under-21 international made 24 appearances for Bayern.

He did not score a goal for the German club and leaves the Bundesliga two years into a five-year contract, having signed from Espanyol in 2020.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, the defensive midfielder said: "I stayed at Bayern for two years and I want to play more games. It's a good opportunity for me to be here and I'm very happy.

"You always know about Leeds and their history. It's an incredible team and an incredible atmosphere at Elland Road. Everybody talks about it and I'm happy to be here."

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Marcelo: Real Madrid defender leaves after winning 25 trophies

Real Madrid defender Marcelo fought back tears as he said farewell to the club where he has played for 15 years.

The 34-year-old, who is the most decorated player in Real history with 25 trophies, will leave when his contract expires at the end of June.

He said he is not retiring but did not know where his next club will be.

"Today is the happiest day since I've been in Madrid because as I leave I realise I've left a legacy," he said.

Marcelo, who won five Champions Leagues and six La Liga titles during his time at the Bernabeu, was honoured at a special ceremony in recognition of his career.

He was also presented with Real's gold membership badge by president Florentino Perez.

'A wonderful moment' - Marcelo makes history for Real

Marcelo has been linked with Turkish side Fenerbahce and French club Marseille.

Asked if he felt his service should have entitled him to another year with Real, he said: "I did not want to stay for another year or two out of pity.

"I'm always going to support Real Madrid and together we've decided to leave it well, and through the front door.

"I don't feel like a legend. Life doesn't end here. I'm going to continue playing. I believe I can continue but I'm not thinking much about the future.

"The most difficult thing is to say goodbye. To put on this shirt has been the most beautiful."

Marcelo made 545 appearances for Real in all competitions after joining from Brazilian side Fluminense in 2007.

Perez said: "We wanted to pay a passionate tribute to our great captain. We speak of a legend, the player with the most titles in the history of Real Madrid.

"Dear Marcelo, you have accomplished all the dreams. You have won absolutely everything.

"You are without doubt one of the best full-backs in the history of world football, a unique player."

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England will make a late check on Phil Foden's fitness to see if he could play Tuesday's Nations League game with Hungary at Molineux.

Foden missed the games in Hungary, Germany and at home to Italy after testing positive for coronavirus.

Boss Gareth Southgate said: "We've got to chat with our physical performance guys and our medical team really.

"He's back in training but there's a reality of how much conditioning he's had over the last three weeks."

The game with Hungary will be played in front of a sell-out crowd of about 32,000.

The first Nations League tie in Budapest - and England's encounter with Italy at Molineux - were played in front of only children and their accompanying adults as a result of punishments against the Hungarian and English FAs respectively.

England are bottom of Group A3 after losing 1-0 in Hungary and drawing with Germany and Italy.

Midfielder Conor Gallagher is the only outfield player yet to play this month.

"He'll have a chance," added Southgate. "The reason is just the teams we've picked, the formations we've picked, haven't necessarily fitted up to this point.

"Also, you have to earn your England caps. Although we're trying to look at things, everybody has to be patient."

England have only scored once this month - Harry Kane's late penalty against Germany for his 50th international goal.

Raheem Sterling is the only other player in the squad in double figures for England goals.

Captain Kane said: "If you look over the last two, three years we've definitely had goals in different areas in terms of set-plays, defenders getting goals, midfielders picking up with goals.

"In any top team, you're going to probably have a main striker that gets the majority of the goals, a main attacking winger who is going to get some goals.

"I'm sure every lad that puts on an England shirt wants to score and get assists and affect the game."

Potential for crowd problems?

There are concerns about crowd trouble in Wolverhampton, with two of England's four games so far having restricted attendances - and problems when they have met Hungary recently.

July 2021 - Uefa fines Hungary and orders a three-game stadium closure (one suspended) for racist and homophobic behaviour by fans during Euro 2020.

July 2021 - Uefa fines England and orders a two-game stadium closure (one suspended) as a punishment for the unrest at Wembley during the Euro 2020 final.

September 2021 - Fans are allowed at Hungary v England (because it is a Fifa World Cup qualifier) and England players are racially abused. It results in a two-match stadium closure (one suspended).

October 2021 - Hungary fans clash with police at Wembley and then boo the home players taking the knee. Hungary fans are banned from the next game against Poland by Fifa as a result.

June 2022 - The game is played 'behind closed doors' in Budapest, but there are boos from a 30,000 crowd made up of kids and their accompanying adults.

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Spain saw off the Czech Republic at La Rosaleda Stadium in Malaga to move into top spot in Nations League Group A2.

Spain saw off the Czech Republic at La Rosaleda Stadium in Malaga to move into top spot in Nations League Group A2.

Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler slotted in from Marco Asensio's pass to open the scoring before substitute Pablo Sarabia doubled the hosts' lead.

The 30-year-old tapped in from close range after Barcelona winger Ferran Torres flashed a ball across goal.

Spain were dominant, enjoying 72% of possession, and Sarabia curled another narrowly wide from the edge of the box.

The visitors did have chances of their own in the first half, but Vaclav Cerny and Jan Kutcha both failed to convert.

Victory for Luis Enrique's side saw them leapfrog Portugal, who w

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Possible introduction of kick-ins discussed by football's lawmakers Ifab

The possible introduction of kick-ins has been discussed at the latest meeting of football's lawmaking body.

The International Football Association Board (Ifab) held its annual general meeting in Doha on Monday.

And while the body said there were talks over kick-ins, there were no plans to trial them yet.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, head of global development for world governing body Fifa, included the idea among several new proposals last year.

"Proposals were made to test kick-ins," said Fifa president Gianni Infantino. "While we may be a bit sceptical on some of these measures... if some proposals are there to help the game, we will not know it before we look into it, so we will look into these proposals as well."

Throw-ins have been used in football since the 1860s, with the Football Association removing the kick-in option in 1863.

Speaking last year, Wenger said throw-ins and free-kicks were the "two big time-wasters at the moment".

He added: "The target is to make the game more spectacular and quicker, and maybe with throw-ins you could play with your feet, in a limit of five seconds for example.

"But it has to be tested and then has to be accepted by the Ifab."

Meanwhile, semi-automated video assistant referee (VAR) technology could be ready in time for the Qatar World Cup.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said a decision would be taken before the tournament begins in November, however Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the governing body's referees committee, added: "I'm confident it can go ahead."

The technology, which uses automated ball detection to enable offsides to be highlighted within seconds, will continue to be trialled.

The use of five substitutes has now been introduced into the laws of the game.

However, the trial of additional permanent concussion substitutes has been extended until August 2023 - despite calls by campaigners for temporary concussion substitutions to be introduced.

Emerson Royal of Tottenham Hotspur is checked for signs of concussion

The option to temporarily replace players while they undergo a head injury assessment is still unavailable

Ifab initially approved a trial which only allowed for permanent concussion substitutions in December 2020 - despite the Professional Footballers' Association calling for temporary substitutions to be included as part of the testing.

The rule allows for a permanent substitution to be made if a player suffers a head injury - regardless of the number of replacements a team has already used.

Although temporary substitutions were reconsidered, Ifab said: "Members agreed that the trials should continue to focus on permanently removing any player with actual or possible concussion to ensure this player does not continue taking part.

"It was agreed that further education is needed to ensure the trial protocols are applied correctly."

Prior to Ifab's latest decision, campaigner Dawn Astle, daughter of former England and West Brom striker Jeff Astle - who died in 2002 of a brain condition linked to heading footballs - said "players are being put at risk" by current rules.

Measures including body cameras worn by referees could also be trialled in an attempt to to improve the safety of officials in adult grassroots football.

Research last year suggested more than 90% of grassroots referees have experienced abuse, leading to fears the treatment of officials at grassroots level could cause many to leave the sport for good.

The Football Association proposed a discussion on a body camera pilot to Ifab earlier this year following calls from referees and local league administrators.

Who'd be a ref? How rising abuse threatens grassroots football

The use of five substitutes was initially introduced during May 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Premier League was the only major competition not to continue with the rule for the 2020-21 season, but top-flight clubs agreed to return to five substitutions from the start of the 2022-23 campaign.

It has also been decided the number of named substitutes in matchday squ

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Derby County: Chris Kirchner withdraws bid to buy League One side

Chris Kirchner has withdrawn his bid to buy League One side Derby County.

BBC Sport has been told Kirchner took the decision due to the difficulty he has had transferring funds to the UK.

Derby's administrators had given the American a deadline of 10 June to complete the deal and are now talking to other parties to find a buyer.

The Rams, managed by Wayne Rooney, were deducted 21 points during last season, finishing 23rd in the Championship to drop down to League One for 2022-23.

Derby have been in administration since September 2021 and Kirchner was named as preferred bidder on 6 April and granted exclusivity over the process.

Contracts were exchanged last month, but delays were encountered over completing the takeover, which was initially due to be done by 31 May. He then failed to meet Friday's deadline. set by administrators Quantuma.

Despite providing proof and sufficiency of funding to the English Football League and passing the governing body's owners & directors' test, Texas-based Kirchner was not able to conclude a deal with administrators.

A spokesperson on behalf of the joint administrators of the club said: "We're aware some will be concerned by this news, however, the joint administrators wish to reassure the club's staff, players and supporters they are continuing to actively engage with a growing number of interested parties, each of whom have a real willingness to complete a deal as soon as possible."

Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is among those interested in buying Derby, who were English top-flight champions twice in the 1970s, European Cup semi-finalists in 1972-73 and last played in the Premier League in the 2007-08 season.

On Sunday, the EFL said it would become closely involved in the sale of the Rams in order to secure their future in the league.

Conditions suspending Derby's expulsion from the league, imposed when they went into administration, have been changed.

The EFL now wants to be informed of all discussions between Quantuma and potential bidders.

In a statement, the league said it was "increasingly concerned" the delays presented "a real risk to the integrity of next season's competition", with the EFL fixtures being released in less than a fortnight.

Confirming it had received notification of Kirchner's withdrawal, the EFL said on Monday evening it "reiterates its commitment, made over the weekend, to work proactively alongside the administrators of the club as they continue to engage with a number of interested parties, so that the objective of concluding a sale is achieved at the earliest possible opportunity."

'It could be a blessing in disguise' - analysis

Ed Dawes, BBC Radio Derby

"It's another blow for the Rams' fans, who really have had such a tough time since September and social media is reflecting that.

"They're really cross that this has wasted so much time, considering the start of the season is just around the corner (30 July).

"But it could be a blessing in disguise because this process has been going on for a such a long time.

"On 17 May Chris Kirchner declared he would be the next owner of Derby County. Since then he's failed to provide the funds to close that deal. Deadlines have come and gone with excuses.

"As far as I understand, there are six to eight other bidders who are happy to put forward bids for the football club. I'm not worried that it'll be a problem to appear in League One next season.

"Derby will have a team to put out, a deal will be done. It's just that unfortunately, because of the [exclusivity] contract that was entered to allow Chris Kirchner to have first dibs, it's wasted so much time and other people have been circling, waiting to close a deal if it does collapse - and it now has."