Rubiales finally resigns, Antony takes Man United leave of absence, Sancho showdown talks

Here, talkSPORT.com keeps you updated on the latest news and reaction...

Luis Rubiales resigns as Spanish FA president in interview with Piers Morgan

Antony takes leave of absence from Man United to deal with abuse allegations

Jadon Sancho set for showdown talks with Erik ten Hag

Hansi Flick sacked as Germany manager after humiliating defeat to Japan

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Jadon Sancho is reportedly set for crunch talks with Erik ten Hag over his Manchester United future.

The winger left the United coach furious after claiming that he was lying over claims of below par training performances.

Ten Hag insisted that Sancho had not performed well enough in training to warrant a space in the squad for their defeat to Arsenal.

But the 23-year-old took to social media and claimed that Ten Hag's comments are 'completely untrue' and that he was being made a 'scapegoat'.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Ten Hag has been left deeply unimpressed by Sancho's remarks and talks are planned over his career on Monday.

However, it is further stated that even if the player apologises, his United career might be over.

a minute ago

Manchester United announced winger Antony will delay his return to the club after allegations of domestic abuse.

The 23-year-old denies the claims made against him in police reports in Brazil by former partner Gabriela Cavallin. Investigations are ongoing.

A statement from the Premier League club read: "Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony.

"Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday. However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.

"As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse."

The player himself added: "I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me.

"This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction to my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club. I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible."

2 minutes ago

Luis Rubiales has announced he has resigned as Spanish football federation president following the controversy over him kissing Jenni Hermoso.

Rubiales kissed the player on the lips during the trophy presentation after Spain's victory over England in last month's World Cup final, but Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual.

He revealed the news to TalkTV host Piers Morgan and then posted a statement on his social media.

The 46-year-old wrote: "After the rapid suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the rest of proceedings open against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position.

"Insisting on waiting and holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football."

He added: "I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to prevail.

"My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the effects of excessive persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that on the street, more and more every day, the truth is prevailing."

8th Sept 2023, 19:39

That's all for talkSPORT.com's live football blog for Friday.

Be sure to come back in the morning where we'll have all of the latest news and hot takes ahead of England's clash with Ukraine.

8th Sept 2023, 19:12

A Leeds fan who confronted Eddie Howe at Elland Road last season has been jailed.

David Derbyshire, aged 35, of Marley Street, Beeston, has been given a 12-week custodial sentence and a six-year football banning order at Leeds Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Mr Derbyshire pleaded guilty to charges of entering the playing area at a designated football match without lawful excuse and common assault against Eddie Howe.

The incident occurred at Elland Road on May 13 this year.

Chief Superintendent Richard Close led the police operation at the Yorkshire ground during that match.

He said: "Criminal behaviour of this kind is completely unacceptable, particularly where club staff or players are targeted during a large-scale sports event such as this.

"I know that fans of the sport, regardless of their club affiliations, will join us in condemning anyone who acts in this way. 

 "We will always treat incidents like this very seriously and we work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to fully investigate any offences and take robust action against those responsible, including seeking football banning orders against them." 

8th Sept 2023, 18:18

Darren Bent believes that Eddie Howe will be under pressure at Newcastle if he struggles to get in the Champions League again next season.

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Bent said: "The job he's done at Newcastle, nobody can discredit what he's done because they finished fourth and a lot of fans thought they'd overachieved by getting into the top four which is fair play, brilliant.

"Expectations change. Pressure changes and by finishing in the top four you jump a few steps. People might have thought you challenge for the Europa League, then the Champions League and then the league but you got into the top four and now you're with the big boys.

"Eddie Howe has done a good job but these owners with the money that they've invested, they're going to want Champions League football again.

"They're not going to want to be finishing eighth. They're in the Champions League, they've got a fantastic group and you don't want that to just last one season.

"It's about building blocks and so you want to be in it this season and next season and cement yourself in that top four - that's how the club gets bigger and the revenue gets more.

"If you finish eighth and you take all of these steps backwards, of course Eddie Howe will be under pressure because when you're at a top club it comes with the territory and no manager at a top club gets a free ride without them going onto the next one.

"These Saudi Arabian owners are ambitious and want Newcastle to be one of the biggest clubs in the world, but you're not one of the biggest clubs if you finish eighth."

8th Sept 2023, 17:17

Marc Cucurella rejected several opportunities to move away from Chelsea this summer, according to reports.

Fabrizio Romano has made several claims about the full-back and his failed transfer out of Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard was signed for £62million from Brighton last summer but his move to London has not worked.

The Blues were keen to get him out of the club this summer and were willing to accept heavy losses on any transfer fee.

Man United were interested in a late swoop, but backed out of a deal as the defender has already played in the Carabao Cup for Chelsea this season and would therefore be cup-tied if he signed for another English team. They ultimately landed Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham instead.

It is claimed Man City launched a bid to sign him in January, but that was rejected by Chelsea.

The Blue then offered the player possible loan moves to Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig, Real Sociedad and Sevilla, but Romano reports Cucurella turned all those moves down.

The 25-year-old doesn't appear to be in Mauricio Pochettino's plans at Chelsea, having yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season.

His only game so far this term has come in the Carabao Cup, in a 2-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon in the second round.

8th Sept 2023, 16:29

Liverpool will now be without their captain Virgil van Dijk for their next Premier League game as a result of the FA's decision.

The Reds next face a trip to Wolves on Saturday, September 16 after the international break.

Jurgen Klopp's side have three wins and one draw from their first four games of the new season and sit third in the table.

FULL STORY

8th Sept 2023, 16:23

A blow for Liverpool - Virgil van Dijk has been fined £100,000 and suspended for an additional game by the FA.

The Dutch defender has been punished after he admitted using 'abusive and insulting words towards a match referee' in Liverpool's win over Newcastle on August 27.

Van Dijk was sent off against the Magpies and argued with officials before he walked off the pitch, although Liverpool went on to win the match 2-1.

The red card meant Van Dijk missed Liverpool's Premier League win over Aston Villa last weekend, but he will now sit out for an additional match.

It is claimed he has been punished for saying his sending off was 'a f****** joke'.

An FA statement read: "The defender admitted that he acted in an improper manner and used abusive and insulting words towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute, and the sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent regulatory commission."Full written reasons for this case will be published in due course."

8th Sept 2023, 16:18

Kostas Tsimikas is set to sign a new contract at Liverpool, according to reports.

James Pearce from The Athletic claims the Greece international has agreed a two-year extension to commit his future to the Anfield club until 2027.

Tsimikas - affectionately dubbed 'The Greek Scouser' by Liverpool fans - has been firmly the second-choice left-back under Jurgen Klopp since his arrival from Olympiacos.

The £11.75million signing has made 62 Liverpool appearances in all competitions since 2020, and has only made one substitute appearance so far this season with Andy Robertson ahead of him.

But it appears he is happy with his role as he's set to put pen to paper on a new deal.

The report adds that Tsimikas is 'a valued member of Jurgen Klopp's squad' despite his reduced minutes.

The Greek ace is said to be 'happy and settled' on Merseyside and Klopp is keen to secure his long-term future.