UEFA, FIFPRO urge action on player welfare after Yamal, Dembele injuries
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and player union FIFPRO President David Terrier called on Monday for action to safeguard player health, warning that the congested fixture calendar has reached a tipping point, Reuters reported .
Their joint statement came after Barcelona coach Hansi Flick's criticism of Spain's handling of Lamine Yamal's groin injury, in which he said the 18-year-old was given painkillers to play in World Cup qualifiers despite complaining of discomfort.
Paris St Germain said this month they were seeking corrective measures and accused France's medical staff of ignoring their recommendations on injury risks after Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue returned to the club injured, according to Reuters.
Revolution fire head coach Caleb Porter
The New England Revolution fired head coach Caleb Porter in his second season on Monday, Reuters reported .
The Revolution are 8-14-8 (32 points) and in 11th place in the MLS Eastern Conference. They are 10 points out of the final playoff position in the conference and also failed to qualify for the postseason in Porter's debut season.
The 2024 club tied a franchise record for losses by finishing 9-21-4 (31 points).
Assistant coach Pablo Moreira will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, according to Reuters.
Gladbach sack manager Seoane after goalless start to season
Borussia Moenchengladbach have fired manager Gerardo Seoane, the Bundesliga club said on Monday, after the German side failed to score in three league games this season, culminating in a 4-0 home loss to Werder Bremen, Reuters reported.
Gladbach are 16th in the standings on one point, their poor run extending to 10 league games without a win including last season.
"After an intensive review of our start to the season, we have come to the conclusion that we have to make a change in the position of head coach," Gladbach Sporting Director Roland Virkus said in a statement, according to Reuters.
France World Cup winner Umtiti retires at 31
Former Barcelona centre back Samuel Umtiti, a key figure in France's triumphant 2018 World Cup campaign, has announced his retirement at the age of 31, Reuters reported.
A product of Olympique Lyonnais' academy, Umtiti joined Barcelona in 2016 and made 133 appearances for the club, helping them to two LaLiga titles.
Umtiti, whose career was hampered by chronic cartilage problems in his knee, last played for Ligue 1 club Lille, according to Reuters.
