Controversial

SEVILLE, Spain, April 27 (Reuters) - Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has apologized for his behavior in the 3-2 extra-time loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday when he was shown a straight red after he erupted in fury and threw an object at the referee.

The incident occurred when the official called a foul for a challenge by forward Kylian Mbappé on defender Eric García, denying Real a final chance to find an equalizer moments after Barcelona's Jules Kounde scored the winner in the 116th minute.

Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the referee for Saturday's Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, was brought to tears on Friday, responding to a critical video published by Real's in-house TV channel (RMTV).

The video, released on Thursday, shows what RMTV says is a series of errors made by De Burgos throughout his career.

The release is the latest in a string of edits by RMTV, criticizing Spanish officials.

Copa del Rey referee crying

The Lionel Messi Mexico rivalry quote went viral on Thursday as the Inter Miami star said there's no rivalry between Argentina and El Tri. He doubled down saying that Mexico fans believe there's a rivalry when in reality there is none.

Messi appeared on Simplemente Fútbol when he shared his feelings on the disdain Mexico fans have for him.

Lionel Messi Mexico rivalry

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé will serve a one-match suspension following his tackle on Alaves' Antonio Blanco, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said on Tuesday.

The Frenchman was shown a straight red card in Sunday's game against Alaves for a violent challenge on midfielder Blanco, with the referee overturning his initial decision to give him a yellow after a VAR review.

Mbappé one game ban

Here we go.

FIFA is planning a one-game playoff between Club América and LAFC to determine which team will replace Club León at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, according to reports from ESPN.

Real Madrid’s turbulent week took another dramatic twist on Sunday as Kylian Mbappé was shown a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Alavés midfielder Antonio Blanco in the Galacticos' away 1-0 win at Mendizorrotza Stadium.

The flashpoint came just minutes after Eduardo Camavinga had given Los Blancos a glimmer of redemption with a thunderous long-range strike, putting the visitors ahead in what was expected to be a bounce-back performance following their humiliating Champions League defeat to Arsenal.

CONMEBOL officially proposed hosting the 2030 World Cup with 64 teams, allowing more countries the opportunity to join in the celebrations for the tournament's centennial, the South American soccer governing body said on Thursday.

The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with its opening matches taking place in Uruguay, where the first World Cup was held in 1930, as well as in Argentina and Paraguay.

64 team World Cup in 2030?

April 7 (Reuters) - Brazil's soccer federation (CBF) has directed referees to punish players who stand on the ball with yellow cards, after a similar move by Dutch forward Memphis Depay in the Paulista Championship final sparked a brawl.

Three days after Dutch striker Depay's act, two players were given yellow cards for standing on the ball during a match between Bolivia and Brazil in the South American U17 Championship.