Football

Tickets for a rare women’s football semi-final between Suwon FC and North Korea’s Naegohyang sold out in 12 hours. The historic clash marks the first North Korean team visit to South Korea since 2018.

Manchester City closed the gap on Arsenal with a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. Pep Guardiola admitted the title race depends on Arsenal’s results, while City prepare for the FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Iran confirmed its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite regional conflict, with federation president Mehdi Taj stressing it as a “major diplomatic asset.” Conditions include respect for Iran’s anthem, flag, visas, and security assurances.

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were boosted by a dramatic VAR decision in their 1-0 win at West Ham. A stoppage-time equaliser was disallowed, sparking huge debate and leaving the Gunners within reach of their first crown since 2004.

Arsenal’s title push faces West Ham, Spurs fight for survival against Leeds, and Chelsea seek redemption versus Liverpool. With City faltering, the weekend promises drama across the Premier League’s title and relegation races.

Real Madrid have opened disciplinary proceedings after a heated training ground incident between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. The fallout leaves Valverde sidelined ahead of the Clasico, adding tension to Madrid’s troubled season.

Manchester City sealed their first Women’s Super League crown in a decade without playing, as Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Brighton ended their title hopes. The triumph also halted Chelsea’s six-year dominance in the league.

Paris Saint-Germain showed defensive steel to hold Bayern Munich and book a second straight Champions League final. Ousmane Dembele struck early, while Luis Enrique hailed his side’s maturity ahead of a showdown with Arsenal.

Arsenal’s Champions League elimination of Atletico Madrid has intensified scrutiny on Diego Simeone, whose side face a fifth straight season without silverware. His cryptic response leaves doubts over whether he will continue.

With the FIFA World Cup just a month away, major Asian markets including India, China, Thailand and Malaysia have yet to secure broadcast rights, leaving millions of fans anxious about watching football’s biggest tournament.