Europe

MADRID — Spanish soccer boss Luis Rubiales refused to quit on Friday for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup victory, fuelling anger among players and government ministers who decried his actions as unacceptable macho behavior.

The government cannot sack Rubiales, who is head of the independent Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). But it will seek to suspend him using a legal procedure before a sports tribunal, the head of the state-run sports council, Victor Francos, told reporters.

MADRID — Spanish football federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales plans to resign on Friday after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against him over his unsolicited kiss on the mouth of player Jenni Hermoso during celebrations after Spain's Women's World Cup victory, Cadena Ser radio reported on Thursday.

Rubiales has been under fire after kissing Hermoso on the lips while handing the team their medals after they beat England 1-0 in the final in Sydney on Sunday.

As the 2023-24 Premier League season approaches and players continue to transfer to new clubs it’s time to answer the all-important question. How many Americans play in the Premier League?

Here’s a list of the Americans expected to get some minutes in the EPL next season.

Where is Pep Guardiola?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will miss his side's Premier League clashes against Sheffield United and Fulham after undergoing back surgery, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

Guardiola's assistant Juanma Lillo will take charge of the team.

Pep Guardiola has today undergone a routine operation on a back problem.

Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.

MADRID — The Spanish soccer federation chief's public apology for his unsolicited kiss of national player Jenni Hermoso during celebrations of Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup was "not enough", Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Tuesday.

The incident - which happened as Luis Rubiales handed the women's team gold medals after they beat England 1-0 in the final on Sunday - sparked outrage within and outside Spain, with many, including ministers, demanding Rubiales' resignation.

Christian Pulisic had a memorable Serie A debut with AC Milan on Monday setting up one goal and scoring one of his own in a 2-0 victory vs. Bologna.

Pulisic’s goal vs. Bologna is arguably one of the best goals in his career. In the 21st minute the USMNT star linked up beautifully with his former Chelsea teammate Olivier Giroud and then rifled a shot from 20 yards out.

Despite three Bologna defenders around him, Pulisic still got his shot off. Bologna’s goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski had no chance saving that one.

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood will leave Old Trafford, he and the Premier League club said on Monday, to avoid being a "distraction" despite being cleared of allegations of assault and attempted rape.

Greenwood, who was suspended by United in January 2022 when accusations against him surfaced on social media, was charged with attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault last October. 

Spain defeated England 1-0 in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday in Sydney, Australia, and became world champions for the first time in their history.

Olga Carmona’s strike in the 29th minute proved to be the difference. The 23-year-old fullback had a perfect low effort into the bottom corner that Golden Glove winner Mary Earps couldn’t keep out.

OLGA CARMONA HAS DONE IT!

SPAIN TAKES THE 1-0 LEAD pic.twitter.com/zqJBDRXngJ