Donald Trump’s involvement in the lead up to 2026 World Cup caused a myriad of problems, with the controversial US President’s actions in the months before the tournament sparking calls for major ‘boycotts’. It’s not the first time he’s irked anyone involved in world football, either.

The 80-year-old placed several nations that qualified for the 2026 World Cup on his travel ban list: Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. While occupants from several other countries, including Brazil, faced major problems getting into the United States.

Trump has always been a fan of banning people from entering the United States of America, even dating back to his first presidential term, which lasted from 2017 to 2021. In fact, one of the greatest footballers in history, Diego Maradona, was denied entry into the country due to Trump.

Diego Maradona’s Insult to Trump Landed Him in Hot Water

Maradona, who won the World Cup in 1986, claimed he wasn’t allowed to set foot in America after he insulted Trump in a live TV appearance.

Speaking in 2018, the late icon’s lawyer, Matias Morla, explained what had happened. Morla told Argentine TV show ”Buenos días America’ (per The Mirror):

“You can imagine, I was in the embassy and I said, ‘Diego, please don’t talk about the United States. Because the interview was with TeleSur and I know how these things go.

Maradona was managing Al Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates at the time, but needed to travel to Miami to make a court appearance in a case involving Claudia Villafane, his ex-wife.

His lawyer told him: “After this (insulting Trump), I’m going to have to represent you in Miami instead.”

Maradona Made His Feelings on Trump Very Clear

In 2019, Maradona was in charge of Mexican club Dorados. After a victory, the Argentine hero dedicated the result to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He said:

Trump was still in his first run at the White House, and his clashing of heads with Maduro has even continued into his current term. In January 2026, Trump announced the U.S. military’s capture of Maduro after a long-standing conflict.

Distressing news has emerged from the wrestling world this week, with a WWE Hall of Famer reportedly “rotting to death” in a hospital bed after images of his condition surfaced online.

Now 85 years old, the hardcore icon in question was rushed to hospital in October after suffering a stroke, but his condition has reportedly deteriorated significantly in the months since.

During an astonishing 54-year career, he built a reputation for taking part in some of the most brutal matches the sport has ever seen. His lengthy list of accomplishments includes reigns as NWA United States Heavyweight Champion, NWA World Tag Team Champion and WCWA Brass Knuckles Champion, cementing his place among wrestling’s most enduring and respected figures.

WWE Hall of Famer ‘Rotting’ in Hospital Bed as Distressing Images Emerge

Abdullah the Butcher, real name Lawrence Robert Shreve, is now bedridden and has spent months in nursing homes and hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia in the US, suffering from horrific life-threatening infections. He told a local TV news crew, as per the Daily Star (see the distressing image below):

Credit: Daily Star

His assistant, Malikah Marshall, said: “He’s not doing too well. He has a sacral wound and it started real small. And now it’s real large to where you could probably put one or two of your fists in his wound.”

The grappling specialist appeared on camera on Atlanta First News looking frail in a hospital bed as he told of his ordeal. Bedsores are caused by pressure that reduces or cuts off blood flow to the skin and can increase the risk of life-threatening bacterial infections.

Abdbullah the Butcher’s Condition is Rapidly Deteriorating

Speaking about his condition, Malikah continued: “I’ve been helping him for the past 15 years and I’ve never seen him like this. He’s lost so much weight.

A fundraising page has been set up to help cover his medical expenses. It reads: “Late last year, Abdullah suffered two strokes. He is still dealing with health issues related to the strokes and diabetes. The hospital in Atlanta is working hard to discharge him. Miss Malikah is working around the clock to maintain his care. His bills are piling up, and he needs our support more than ever.”

Professional wrestler Devon “Hannibal” Nicholson – who alleged Abdullah gave him blood disease Hepatitis C during a match – posted to his YouTube channel: “Abdullah the Butcher spending his final days literally rotting to death before he is sent off to hell.”

Nicholson won a $2 million lawsuit against him in 2014 after his WWE contract offer was rescinded when he was diagnosed with the blood disease, of which he is now cured.

Manchester United are said to be at the front of the queue to sign one of the most exciting young talents in English football this summer. The Red Devils are hoping to upgrade their midfield this summer, and they have already made a start by snapping up Ederson from Atalanta.

But with Casemiro departing, a holding midfielder is on the wishlist, and United may well add another more dynamic midfielder to the mix between now and the end of the window,

Michael Carrick is going to get plenty of money to spend in a bid to take this United team from third place to into the title conversation, and a highly-rated Premier League talent could take up a chunk of that spend.

Manchester United lead Alex Scott race

According to Sky Sports, United are one of two sides leading the race to sign AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott this summer. The report read: “It remains to be seen whether Spurs intend to try and sign both or just one of these two top midfielders. Alex Scott is also a Spurs target but Arsenal and Manchester United are the current frontrunners.”

Scott played a crucial part in Bournemouth qualifying for the Europa League, only missing one Premier League game all season. He was in contention for the England World Cup squad this summer, but he just missed out, instead serving as an injury back-up and travelling to Florida for the pre-tournament training camp.

The Cherries will understandably be desperate to keep hold of him. As things stand, the midfielder has just two years remaining on his deal, and it’s likely a new contract will need to be offered if Bournemouth are to stand a chance of keeping Scott.

The Cherries are said to be asking for around £80million to sell the 22-year-old, which could give United a decision to make. It may be tough for the Red Devils to sign two midfielders around that price, and why Scott is a box-to-box player, he is more attacking, which is arguably not what United need most after Casemiro’s departure.

Scott would be an ‘amazing’ signing for United

Bournemouth wisely snapped up Scott at the age of 19, paying a £25million fee that was questioned by some at the time. But they are likely to make a more than three-fold profit on the midfielder whenever he does leave, and they have already benefited from his talent along the way.

Now former Cherries boss said after a clash with Arsenal last season: “Alex [Scott] has been like this for many months. He was amazing. He’s in such good form. I’m so happy for him. He’s worked a lot to be at this level.”

Scott is one of a number of top young talents Bournemouth have cleverly recruited, and he was nominated for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award, which was won by Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly.