Australia, Japan interested in hosting 2035 Asian Cup, says AFC
Australia, South Korea and Kuwait have formally expressed interest in hosting the 2035 Asian Cup in addition to bidding for the 2031 tournament, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
The AFC is expected to confirm hosts for both the quadrennial continental showpieces at a single annual congress following a proposal by its President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.
The governing body said Japan had also expressed interest in hosting 2035 alone, according to Reuters.
Sounders transfer Obed Vargas to La Liga’s Atletico Madrid
The Seattle Sounders transferred star midfielder Obed Vargas to La Liga giant Atletico Madrid on Monday, Reuters reported.
Vargas is signing with Atletico through June 30, 2030, and ESPN reported that the Sounders will earn a club-record transfer fee for the move.
"I couldn't be happier for Obed. He's earned this opportunity through his work ethic, competitiveness and willingness to keep getting better every day," said head coach Brian Schmetzer. "We've seen him grow into a confident, impactful player who has excelled in every situation he's faced. This is a great moment for Obed and his family, and I have no doubt that he is ready to take on this challenge with Atletico Madrid."
Diarra leads Sunderland's charge as they move up to eighth place
Sunderland's record signing Habib Diarra began to pay back his fee with a leading role as the hosts easily beat struggling Burnley 3-0 on Monday to move up to eighth in the Premier League standings, Reuters reported.
Diarra's ninth-minute shot took a deflection off Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe and although initially credited to the midfielder, it was later changed to an own goal.
But Diarra, freshly returned from winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, made sure of his name on the scoresheet with a close-range effort in the 32nd minute, his first goal for Sunderland since his move from Strasbourg in a reported club-record 30-million-pound ($40.99 million) deal, according to Reuters.
Romero criticises Tottenham's 'disgraceful' squad shortage
Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero said it was "disgraceful" that only 11 fit players were available during their 2-2 Premier League draw against Manchester City on Sunday, Reuters reported.
Romero had to withdraw at halftime due to illness with Pape Matar Sarr coming on in his place, as the North London club overcame the two-goal deficit in the second half to salvage a point.
"Great effort from all my team-mates yesterday, they were incredible," Romero wrote in a post on Instagram on Monday, according to Reuters.
