Leicester docked six points for breaching spending rules
Leicester City have been docked six points in the current Championship campaign after an independent regulatory commission found they had breached the English Football League's spending rules, the Premier League said on Thursday, Reuters reported.
The deduction leaves Leicester 20th in the second-tier table, above the relegation zone on goal difference.
The Premier League referred Leicester to an independent commission in May over the alleged breach of EFL profitability and sustainability rules in the three years up to 2023-24. A week-long hearing took place in November, according to Reuters.
Benzema scores hat-trick on his debut for Al-Hilal
Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick and grabbed an assist on his debut for Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal as they thrashed lowly Al-Akhdoud 6-0 on Thursday, Reuters reported.
The 38-year-old joined Al-Hilal on Monday after reports said he turned down an offer to extend his contract with Al-Ittihad, who he joined on a free transfer in 2023 after 14 years with Real Madrid.
The former France striker made an immediate impact for his new side as he broke the deadlock in style with a back-heel touch after seizing on a loose ball inside the area shortly after the half-hour mark, according to Reuters.
Guardiola seeks rule change to make Guehi eligible for League Cup final
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will ask the Football League for permission to play Marc Guehi in the League Cup final against Arsenal even though the England defender is ineligible for the Wembley showdown, AFP reported.
Guehi, signed from Crystal Palace in January, was forced to watch from the sidelines as City beat Newcastle 3-1 in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday.
City's 5-1 aggregate victory set up a date with the Premier League leaders Arsenal in the final on March 22, but Guehi is not currently allowed to feature in the showpiece, according to AFP.
Late Williams strike sends Athletic into Copa del Rey semis, Real Sociedad join them
Inaki Williams came off the bench to thump home a 96th-minute winner as Athletic Bilbao edged Valencia 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals, Reuters reported.
Valencia forward Umar Sadiq had an eventful first half, scoring at both ends.
He first headed into his own goal in the 26th minute while trying to clear a free kick, before making amends nine minutes later when Athletic goalkeeper Alex Padilla spilled a routine ball and Sadiq pounced to fire in the equaliser, according to Reuters.
