Former FIFA referee Darren Cann has cast a strong verdict on the decision that saw Enzo Fernandez given his marching orders for a second yellow card during the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday night.
Just moments after the Argentina star had been shown a first caution for a heavy tackle on his Spain opponent, the Chelsea midfielder then received a second for showing dissent.
It is unconfirmed that was the case for why the second booking was issued, but commentary seemed to believe so, despite the tackle itself being described by Wayne Rooney as ‘silly’ as well.
Former Referee Casts Verdict on Enzo Fernandez Dismissal in World Cup Final
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Cann, who himself has managed the high-pressure situation of officiating a World Cup final, said while live on duty for the BBC’s coverage:
“Correct, no argument guys, it’s a clear second yellow card for Enzo [Fernandez], and the red card is absolutely correct in my opinion. I do not expect the VAR to intervene.”
The Red Devils lost Casemiro earlier in the summer following the expiration of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has also been ruled out with a serious knee injury.
United also need to build a bigger squad heading into the new season, after they managed to qualify for the Champions League under Michael Carrick.
As a result, we could see another midfielder arrive through the door, while they may also look to reinforce other areas of the pitch.
The Senegalese international enjoyed an impressive season with Palace recently, scoring nine goals in the Europa Conference League as they lifted the trophy.
Sarr considers a move to Old Trafford his dream transfer, which could give United a huge boost in the race to secure his signature.
It remains to be seen whether Palace would be willing to sit at the negotiating table for Sarr, but it certainly feels unlikely that United will be able to get him on the
Leeds have opened talks to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window as they continue to improve Daniel Farke’s squad.
Leeds have confirmed two new additions in the summer transfer window so far. Harry Wilson on a free transfer after he left Fulham and Tarik Muharemovic from Italian side Sassuolo.
The Yorkshire club will likely continue looking to bring in reinforcements after a successful first season back in the Premier League, which saw them steer themselves away from the relegation zone.
Farke has been trusted to be given a big transfer budget this summer after Leeds defied all the odds by avoiding relegation.
Many expected Leeds to fail to avoid dropping down to the Championship, but Farke’s side did a phenomenal job in staying in the Premier League.
The Yorkshire club are among a number of teams who have opened the door to the Premier League after an impressive spell in Ligue 1.
The report claims that Monaco are demanding in the region of £40 million to allow the American international to depart in the summer window.
Balogun, described as ‘ruthless’, also has interest from the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Atletico Madrid, but the strongest interest comes from the Premier League.
Considering the amount of interest in Balogun this summer, it could be a difficult deal for Leeds to get over the line.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Leeds should have other priorities
REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Leeds’ main priority for the remainder of the window shouldn’t be to bring in a new centre forward.
Farke’s side brought in Dominic Calvert-Lewin following the expiration of his contract at Everton last summer, and the English striker quickly adapted to life at Elland Road.
Especially for a fee in the region of £40 million, Leeds could certainly use that money more wisely in other positions, with a striker simply not a priority at this moment.
Where their priority should be remains to be seen, but they do appear to be pushing to sign a new midfielder.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin was a notable absentee at MetLife Stadium as Spain were crowned World Cup champions for the second time, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
His absence raised eyebrows given his standing in the game, with a European nation in the final and Ceferin also serving as FIFA’s own vice-president.
Reports have since emerged suggesting a deeper rift lies behind the decision, one that stretches back through several flashpoints of the tournament and points to a fractured relationship at the very top of the game’s governing bodies.
Ceferin’s Relationship with Infantino Reportedly in Tatters
According to The Times, the relationship between Ceferin and FIFA president Gianni Infantino has broken down significantly, with the handling of Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension cited as the final straw.
Balogun was sent off during USA’s Round of 32 win over Bosnia, a decision that appeared harsh at the time, but given FIFA had no appeal system in place for the tournament, the Monaco forward looked destined for a one-match ban. However, it later emerged that Donald Trump had personally contacted Infantino over the matter, with White House official Emily Goodin confirming:
“The President and Infantino did speak, and the President wanted to better understand the reason why a red card was given and why there was a suspension.”
The suspension was ultimately paused for a year, a move UEFA blasted as having “crossed a red line” in a scathing statement.
Ceferin Also Frustrated by Referee Treatment and Expansion Plans
Ceferin is also said to be unhappy with how Somali referee Omar Artan was treated after being denied entry to the United States, as well as the handling of Iran throughout the competition.
Artan has since been handed the UEFA Super Cup between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain as something of a consolation. Beyond individual incidents, Ceferin remains firmly opposed to further World Cup expansion, with this year’s 48-team format already the largest in history and Infantino pushing for a future 64-team tournament that could take over six weeks from start to finish.
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He’s also been critical of ticket pricing at this World Cup, with UEFA notably declining to adopt several rule changes trialled at the tournament, including red cards for players covering their mouths during confrontations.
