France

French giants Lyon RELEGATED from Ligue 1 due to financial trouble

Olympique Lyonnais have been relegated to Ligue 2, French football's financial watchdog (DNCG) said on Tuesday following an audit of the club.

Lyon were provisionally demoted by the DNCG in November for financial mismanagement and the decision was confirmed on Tuesday.

Lyon relegated to Ligue 2

Club World Cup to feature NBA-style 'halftime interviews and team entrances'

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States, is embracing a bold and entertainment-driven approach with unique elements inspired by the NBA. 

Players and managers will be interviewed live during halftime of matches, a first for a FIFA-sanctioned tournament. 

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Lamine Yamal says Nations League clash against Dembele is not a Ballon d'Or decider

June 2 (Reuters) - Spain's Barcelona striker Lamine Yamal has said the Ballon d'Or award won't be decided by performances on Thursday when he and France's Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele take part in the Nations League Final Four.

Spain and France meet in Stuttgart for a place in the final, with the winners facing either Germany or Portugal who play in the other semi-final on Wednesday.

Watch: Filthy Ousmane Dembélé backheel vs Inter one of best PSG highlights in 5-0 thrashing

Paris Saint-Germain won their first Champions League title in style on Saturday with a dazzling 5-0 victory against Inter Milan full of world class moments. One highlight we loved was a fantastic Ousmane Dembélé backheel vs Inter that sprung the attack for PSG’s third goal.

In the 63rd minute the Frenchman was being closed down by two defenders and escaped the pressure with a perfect layoff to Vitinha. The clever move opened up the Inter defense and Vitinha slipped the ball through to Désiré Doué who finished coolly.

Dembélé backheel vs Inter

Prince William stuns fans as guest pundit with incredible Aston Villa analysis

Prince William made a surprise appearance as a guest pundit on TNT Sports this week, earning rave reviews from fans after displaying impressive soccer knowledge during a pre-match segment alongside former England defender Rio Ferdinand.

The Prince of Wales, a lifelong Aston Villa supporter, joined the broadcast ahead of one of the biggest matches in the club’s modern history — a UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash against French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Watch: Korbin Albert sits down a defender and launches rocket into roof of the net

A fantastic Korbin Albert goal vs Guingamp early in the second half of PSG’s 6-2 league victory on Friday was another highlight reel moment for the American midfielder.

Albert did brilliantly to sit down a defender before unleashing a powerful shot with the goalkeeper having no chance.

Korbin Albert goal vs Guingamp

Major League Soccer is a top ten league in the world, according to Opta

MLS is the real deal, folks.

Major League Soccer has solidified its position among the world’s top-tier soccer leagues, now ranked as the ninth-best league globally, according to Opta Analyst.

MLS ranked as ninth-best league in the world, over EFL Championship and Eredivisie

This milestone places MLS above renowned leagues like the English Championship and the Dutch Eredivisie — two leagues in Europe with long histories of having top soccer talents.

FIFA dramatically lower ticket prices for 2025 Club World Cup; U.S. fans not interested

In a surprising move, FIFA has significantly slashed ticket prices for this summer’s inaugural 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.

2025 Club World Cup ticket price drop: FIFA 'panicking' amid low fan interest

Reports from Mail Sport indicate that the cost of the cheapest seats for matches at the last-16 stage and beyond has been reduced by as much as $385, with some tickets for the semi-finals plummeting from an eye-watering $526 to just $140.

USMNT Abroad: All action from Americans in Europe this weekend

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

USMNT Abroad: All action from Americans in Europe this weekend

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Josh Sargent (Norwich City)

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