Off the Pitch

PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain will not face disciplinary proceedings after their fans unfurled a 'Free Palestine' banner before kick-off in Wednesday's Champions League game at home to Atletico Madrid, European soccer's governing body UEFA said.

The 50x20-meter banner was displayed in the Auteuil Kop of the Parc des Princes, prompting France's Interior minister Bruno Retailleau to criticize the Qatar-owned club.

PSG Free Palestine banner

PARIS — France have left Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé out of their squad to face Israel and Italy in this month's two Nations League games, coach Didier Deschamps said on Thursday as his captain's absence now stretches to four matches.

Deschamps did not say whether Mbappe, who played for Real in their Champions League home defeat by AC Milan on Tuesday, was injured, arguing his choice was a "one-off decision" and that the player "wanted to come" and join the team.

Kylian Mbappé France roster exclusion

Unless you’ve been living under a rock this week then you likely know that Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential election. FIFA President Gianni Infantino posted to Instagram to congratulate the 47th President of the United States.

Gianni Infantino Trump post

All soccer matches scheduled to be played in the Valencian region this weekend have been postponed, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said on Thursday due to the deadly floods which have killed at least 95 people.

Saturday's clash between Real Madrid and Valencia as well as Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano are among the games postponed.

Real Madrid vs Valencia postponed due to flooding

BERLIN — Former Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp defended his decision to join Red Bull as global head of soccer from next year following criticism from fans in Germany, saying the project was 'outstanding' for him.

Klopp, who ended a successful nine-year stint at Liverpool last season, also coached Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, with many of those clubs' fans angered by his decision to join Red Bull.

MADRID — Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. said on Monday that he will keep on fighting racism even if his activism is what led to him not winning the Ballon d'Or, sources close to the player told Reuters.

Vinicius took to social media after finishing second in the prestigious award voting behind Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Vini Jr. is the people’s 2024 Ballon d’Or champ. If that makes it any better.

Monday morning struck the world with some of the biggest news of the year as reports revealed that ‘clear’ Ballon d’Or favorite, Vinicius Jr., was to not travel to Paris, France, for the prestigious award’s ceremony — meaning the star Brazilian and Real Madrid forward was imminently snubbed from taking the golden ball home.