Sports
Football’s Lawmakers Say Argentina Decision Was Wrong
There have been plenty of conspiracy theories when it comes to Argentina making it all the way to the final of the World Cup, and almost winning it despite a dismal showing against Spain in the showpiece event in New Jersey.
The South American side were very fortunate in their last 16 clash with Egypt to see an incredible Egyptian goal ruled out for a foul that took place long before the goal was scored, way back near the Argentina goalline.
There were then plenty of complaints during the semi-final match with England that Argentina stars were not punished with yellow cards for some less than savoury tackles. The South Americans then took that mindset into the final against Spain, with 25 fouls committed and just two shots – both coming in extra-time after they were 1-0 down.
Argentina got a major helping hand in the quarter-final too
And another decision in an Argentina match in the lead-up to the final is now under review by football’s lawmakers IFAB (International Football Association Board).
Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-final after extra-time, but they did so against ten men after Swiss star Breel Embolo had been sent off in the second half for a second yellow card.
That second yellow card came after a VAR overturn of a decision. On-field referee Joao Pinheiro had initially deemed that Leandro Paredes had fouled Embolo, with a free-kick going Switzerland’s way.
However, after looking at replays, VAR suggested Pinheiro overturn the decision with no contact being made on the Swiss player and therefore no foul being committed.
As a result, Embolo was booked for simulation and it being his second yellow card he was sent off, leading to Swiss head coach Murat Yakin to admit that it “destroyed our game”.
IFAB to conduct review into VAR protocol
Now, IFAB have said that the mistaken identity clause should only be used to identify the player who committed an offence rather than the offence itself being reviewed or changed, like with simulation. That would mean Embolo should not have seen red.
In a statement, IFAB said: “A yellow card (caution) which is not a second yellow card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offence that was penalised; the offence itself cannot be reviewed/changed.
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“The use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation during the World Cup was well received and will be included in the detailed review of the VAR protocol announced in circular no. 32. However, it may not be used as such until that review is concluded.”
Argentina certainly got the rub of the green on their run to the final.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sent a message to a member of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad, one week after the South Americans were defeated in the final by Spain.
FIFA are currently investigating Argentina to determine whether their players and coaching staff violated any of their disciplinary code in the aftermath of the World Cup final on July 19.
Several Argentina players, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, were involved in physical altercations with their Spanish counterparts after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Argentina have been heavily criticised for their post-match conduct after being outclassed by Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Aside from the physical altercations, Argentina’s players were also seen with their backs turned when Rodri lifted the World Cup. Lisandro Martinez has provided an explanation, insisting it was not a show of disrespect towards Spain, but it was seen as another unsavoury incident that marred world football’s biggest fixture.
Infantino Sends Message to Nicolas Otamendi
However, Infantino has shown support towards Argentina in the aftermath of the final, despite FIFA’s ongoing investigation.
An eye-opening letter to the Argentine Football Association from the under-fire FIFA boss was leaked over the weekend.
And now Infantino has issued a public show of support for Nicolas Otamendi, who announced his international retirement last week.
Otamendi didn’t appear to be involved in a physical altercation after the World Cup final but was seen lambasting his former Manchester City teammate Rodri, reportedly calling him an “idiot” due to comments made about Argentina in the build-up to the final.
Over on Instagram – where Infantino has been particularly active in recent days, posting a 15-slide defence of the 2026 World Cup earlier this week – the FIFA president dedicated a post to Otamendi, writing: “Congratulations Nicolas Otamendi on an outstanding international career.
“A FIFA World Cup winner in 2022, a FIFA World Cup finalist once again in 2026 and one of Argentina’s most-capped players with 139 appearances, your leadership and determination helped shape a remarkable era for your national team.
“Thank you for the unforgettable moments you gave football fans around the world while proudly representing Argentina. I wish you every success in your next chapter.”
Infantino included love heart and clapping emojis and signed off with the hashtag: “#FootballUnitedTheWorld”.
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Comments on Infantino’s Instagram post have been turned off. It’s not difficult to imagine the type of reaction this post would have received from the wider football community.
Meanwhile, La Liga president Javier Tebas has slammed Infantino on X (Twitter), labelling his staunch defence of this summer’s World Cup as “pathetic”.
One thing can be said about the Liverpool supporters — they will get behind their players and their manager before a ball has even been kicked.
And the Reds’ new boss, Andoni Iraola, may not have yet had the chance to earn the endearment of the fans, but he has already been gifted his own chant ahead of his first Premier League campaign in charge of the Merseyside outfit.
The Spaniard earned acclaim in 2025/26, guiding Bournemouth to sixth place and European qualification for the first time in the club’s history. Iraola’s passion translated to the Liverpool fans during his first interviews as manager, resulting in a stadium-ready chant for the season opener.
Liverpool Fans’ Andoni Iraola Chant Lyrics
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
The Kop have penned some memorable chants over the years for their most popular players and their new arrivals. An early draft for Iraola’s song took inspiration from The Kinks’ famous hit “Lola”. However, one well-liked entry, which has now been viewed over 1.8 million times on X, seems to have stormed into pole position.
Merseyside-based singer-songwriter Kieo has provided both the lyrics and song inspiration for the latest additon to the Anfield songbook:
No pasaran the pledge that makes us fight
Adelante is the cry amongst The Kopites
Let us sing for Liverpool tonight
Tune for Liverpool’s Andoni Iraola Chant
Kieo has earned a solid following on Merseyside, regularly performing in and around Anfield, but he may just be about to write himself into Anfield folklore should his viral chant gain traction heading into the new Premier League season.
The singer-songwriter’s lyrics are set to “Viva la Quinta Brigada” by Irish folk artist Christy Moore. When translated into English, the song’s title means “Long live the Fifth Brigade.” The original track pays tribute to the brave Irish citizens who volunteered to help Spain in their war against General Franco’s fascist regime during the Civil War in the 1930s.
The inspiration behind the chant bears resemblance to another Liverpool cult figure’s chant. Federico Chiesa’s anthem is also set to an anti-fascist song, “Bella Ciao”, which provides a good omen ahead of Iraola’s first campaign.
But the anti-fascist element has a deeper meaning that will surely resonate with the Liverpool manager. Iraola hails from the Basque Country, a region which was strongly targeted by Franco due to its unique cultural language and identity.
Raised in a distinct region of Spain, Iraola’s upbringing is likely to resonate with Liverpool both as a club and a city. The maritime city is well known for its left-wing values and working-class identity. Athletic Bilbao, the Basque Country club Iraola made 510 appearances for, famously prioritise local academy prospects over global scouting, only signing and fielding players who have a Basque Country connection.
Other Andoni Iraola Chants
Liverpool have more than a few Spanish greats lining the pages of its history books and the supporters have already adapted one of their cult Spanish players’ songs for the new manager. The classic “He drinks Sangria” melody, originally adapted for Champions League winner Luis Garcia, has found new life as an Iraola chant. The new lyrics make reference to the manager’s move from Bournemouth and his pressing style of play.
A quicker-paced chant has also been making the rounds on TikTok and is sure to be on the lips of supporters if Liverpool find themselves returning to greater fortunes this season:
Woke up this morning to the Reds on top, A forty-yarder flying into the Kop, Who’s the man that makes us play? I-RA-O-LA!
Former two-time UFC champion Conor McGregor has revealed the timeline for his return to the UFC, following his disappointing loss in the Octagon earlier this month.
Notorious made a highly-anticipated return to MMA five years after his last fight for Dana White’s promotion. But sadly, a fairytale return at UFC 329 wasn’t on the cards for McGregor. After missing two high kicks in the early moments of the fight against Max Holloway, the Irishman dropped to the canvas, favouring his knee. After struggling to his feet, the referee called the fight, handing Holloway victory via TKO.
McGregor confirmed a difficult diagnosis after the fight, sharing that he had torn both his meniscus and ACL. UFC president Dana White revealed that he would be out of action for at least a year.
McGregor Contract Situation
The UFC legend celebrated his 38th birthday earlier this month. With or without injury, the Irish fighter is no spring chicken. McGregor is contracted for one more fight in the UFC and with this serious knee injury and his age, there’s a good chance that it will be his last for Dana White’s promotion.
The fighter seemed to back this suggestion with his latest Instagram update on his MMA career, with a 2027 comeback the goal for McGregor.
“What was to be a generational beating is now to be reset. IFW 2027 The Last Dance,” wrote a determined McGregor. ‘IFW 2027’ is a reference to International Fight Week, which is historically held in early July in Las Vegas and headlined by a UFC pay-per-view.
Who will be McGregor’s Final Opponent?
The proposed 2027 retirement match will bring the curtain down on one of the UFC’s biggest stars. So, understandably, fans are curious about whom the Irishman plans to fight in his final bout. McGregor responded to an X user’s question about that exact topic earlier this month, and it seems that Notorious wants to right the wrongs of his unfortunate UFC 329 outing by locking in a rematch with Max Holloway.
However, the prospect of being McGregor’s final opponent is a huge carrot. In fact, one so huge that it has tempted an already retired UFC star back to the Octagon. The Irishman’s former opponent, Dustin Poirier, has laid down the gauntlet to the injured fighter: “I’ll tell you what, whenever he is healed up, hit me up, Conor.
“I’ll come back and whip you again. I would come back to whip again at 170 [pounds], I don’t think he would.”
Poirier has fought McGregor three times, winning twice against the former UFC champion. And the retired American is clearly keen to try and secure the hat-trick against his old rival. For now, Holloway is the target for the rehabbing McGregor, but the war cry from Poirier may have the Irishman thinking about a John Cena-style retirement tour when he gets back to full fitness.
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