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

Denny Medley (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

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

Lisi Niesner via Reuters

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.

“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.

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

Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

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?

Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

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.

Cristian Romero played a big role for his country in what, ultimately, was disappointment at the World Cup.

Argentina came in for major criticism for the way they went about things in the semi-final with England and the final against Spain, but the Tottenham captain impressed at the heart of defence.

He notably scored La Albiceleste’s first goal that sparked a 3-2 win over Egypt on Tuesday after initially trailing 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining.

Now the centre-back’s World Cup participation is at an end, Romero’s Tottenham future has become a huge talking point amid the possibility of a summer exit with Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and now Inter Milan heavily linked with signing the 28-year-old. Reports on social media on Monday suggested that the “basic framework of an agreement” was in place with Inter for a €40million (£34million) deal.

What next for Tottenham and Romero?

Romero, described by Lionel Messi before as the “best defender in the world”, has been linked with a transfer away from Tottenham in previous summers but he has so far remained in N17.

However, this could finally be the year the club cash in on him after strengthening their backline with the summer additions of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi.

In an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT, former Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel gave his thoughts on what comes next for the World Cup winner.

“I think so,” said the ex-goalkeeper on whether this is the summer where Romero heads for pastures new. “You know he’s had some interesting moments at Tottenham both on and off the pitch. For whatever reason, I don’t know if he plays brilliantly for Argentina, although they’re leaking a few goals this World Cup.

“His attitude at times with Tottenham, I think he was one of the issues over the last couple of seasons, which is a shame, not, you know, one of the solutions. So I can fully understand the club wanting to part ways, and I fully understand why they’ve brought other players in.”

There will be a new-look defence at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

It has been all change in the heart of defence for Roberto De Zerbi so far this summer.

Spending £52million on the addition of van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion, Senesi, Romero’s Argentina teammate, has also moved to the club on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

Radu Dragusin departed Tottenham after two-and-a-half years in north London to join Fiorentina on loan for the 2026/27 season.

The Romanian’s move to Florence will become permanent if specific performance-based criteria are met due to an obligation in the agreement struck between the clubs.

Another defender who also headed to exit door was Luka Vuskovic, despite never playing a senior game for Tottenham, with the Croat completing a £46million move to Brighton that could rise to £50million with add-ons.

As things stand, Tottenham have Romero, Senesi, Van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Kota Takai and Ashley Phillips as centre-back options.

There is expected to be some more movement there before the summer transfer window closes, with Romero a possible outgoing if Spurs believe the time is right to sell their captain.

Brad Friedel was speaking in association with Tonybet. Tonybet’s World Cup Card Collection campaign can see Canadian customers win up to $150,000 CAD.