Off the Pitch

PFA study shows one in five players in England top-tier leagues using nicotine pouches or tobacco products

May 29 (Reuters) - One in five professional players who took part in a study commissioned by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) said they were using nicotine pouches, tobacco sachets (snus) or both, research showed on Tuesday.

One in five players from EPL, ELF and WSL consume nicotine

The study, conducted by Loughborough University, surveyed 628 male players in the Premier League and EFL, as well as 51 players from the Women's Super League.

Messi fans in Vancouver outraged following 'unexcused' absence against Whitecaps

No Messi, no party.

Fans in attendance for the Vancouver Whitecaps match against Inter Miami last Saturday, who were most certainly expecting to see Lionel Messi on the pitch at the time of buying their tickets, were not impressed with the Argentine’s ‘unexcused’ absence.

Vancouver fans' reaction to Lionel Messi's absence vs. Whitecaps

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets all skip out on game vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

Soccer fans in Vancouver were incredibly disappointed on Thursday when it was announced that Inter Miami’s biggest stars aren’t making the trip to Canada for Saturday’s game.

Despite all three being healthy and playing in Inter Miami’s previous game vs. D.C. United, the trio will hang back home.

Tickets prices skyrocketed for what was expected to be a record 50,000+ attendance at BC Place. The Whitecaps released a statement sharing their disappointment with fans and offering 50% off food and drinks.

Mohamed Salah shaves off trademark afro in start of new era following Klopp exit

Salah has let go of his iconic afro.

Mohamed Salah debuts new hairstyle on social media

Mohamed Salah shocked the soccer world on Friday after debuting his new look on social media, showing he had cut off his distinctive afro ahead of the summer holiday and the new era at Anfield.

Minnesota United star Reynoso seen in video with bag full of cash and a man with a gun

The Emanuel Reynoso video of him with stacks of cash and a gunman is the latest chapter in his bizarre time with Minnesota United. His spell with the MLS side is likely to come to an end soon as he’s expected to transfer to Liga MX’s Club Tijuana.

Reynoso has caused problems for opposing defenders with 56 goal contributions in 101 appearances with Minnesota since joining in 2020. He’s caused as much trouble off the field as well with several controversies and suspensions.

The latest Emanuel Reynoso video is just another addition to the collection.

Here are the top seven nuttiest soccer fans we’ve all met at one point

Soccer fans who have attended games from the professional level down to the youth level can agree there’s a wide range of supporters out there.

People of different backgrounds, characteristics and traits all blend together like PB&J into a melting pot of fandom.

Soccer and peanuts may seem quite different from each other, however what they both do well is bring together all different kinds of people. 

Peanuts have more protein than any nut (7g per serving), containing more than 30 essential vitamins and minerals, and are a good source of fiber and good fats.

Toni Kroos announces his plans to retire after Euro this summer

Germany and Real Madrid midfielder and legend Toni Kroos is hanging up his boots he announced on Tuesday. One of the greatest midfielders to ever do it will compete for his sixth UEFA Champions League trophy and Euro 2024 before he finishes playing.

Kroos began his career with Bayern Munich, played with the club until 2014 winning a Champions League title and then made his big move to Madrid.

The rest is history.

Toni Kroos retires

Southampton fan hilariously celebrates with prosthetic leg during EFL playoff win

Southampton are one win away from securing promotion back to the Premier League and their fans are loving it. One Southampton fan leg celebration has gone viral.

You might read “Southampton fan leg celebration” and wonder if we’re referring to him doing a dance with his leg, the stanky leg perhaps. No, we mean a Southampton fan was spotted in the crowd celebrating a goal with an actual prosthetic leg.

The person in charge of Southampton’s social media couldn’t have selected a more perfect caption.

Southampton fan leg celebration

Napkin used by Barcelona to sign Lionel Messi back in 2000 sells for nearly $1 million

The napkin on which Barcelona promised to sign Lionel Messi when he was a 13-year-old has been sold for $969,000, auction house Bonhams said on Friday.

The napkin was signed in December, 2000 by Barca's former sporting director Carles Rexach and transfer advisor Josep Minguella along with Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli over lunch at a tennis club.

Lionel Messi napkin sells for nearly $1 million

NWSL teams to face Europe’s elite in inaugural Women’s Club World Cup, announces FIFA

The first edition of the Women's Club World Cup has been proposed to start during January-February 2026 and the 16-team tournament will be held every four years, world soccer governing body FIFA said on Wednesday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino in May 2021 revealed their plans to introduce the Women's Club World Cup as part of a plan to "revolutionize" the female game.

FIFA, whose council met in advance of the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, did not provide any further details at this stage.

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