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Egyptian FA boss files official complaint against referee François Letexier

The Egyptian national team does not want to remain silent about its right and about what happened in the Argentina match, which it considers to be “refereeing injustice”.

Egyptian journalist Essam Mahmoud had reported that the Egyptian Football Association, represented by its president, would file an official complaint with FIFA against French referee François Letexier.

The Egyptian Football Association is demanding that the referee be suspended from officiating these matches after the Egyptian national team lost to the Argentinian national team by a score of 2-0.

Zlatko Dalic is no longer Croatia head coach

Croatia has confirmed Zlatko Dalic will not continue as head coach.

Dalic’s contract expired once the nation’s World Cup journey came to an end and there had been suggestions Croatia wanted him to stay on.

Instead, Dalic opted to bring his nine-year stint to a close.

“Head coach, thank you for everything – the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia, both on and off the pitch,” a Croatian Football Federation statement read.

“The results speak of your coaching virtues. The respect you’ve earned from your players, staff, and opponents speaks volumes about the person you are.”

Pape Gueye breaks silence on national team break

After the “Lions of Teranga” were knocked out in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Pape Gueye announced that he would not return to represent the national team as long as the current coaching staff remained in place.

In a statement posted on his social media accounts on July 7, the Villarreal midfielder explained his decision, which sparked widespread debate.

Facing a wave of criticism, the Villarreal midfielder sought to clarify his position.

On Instagram, he reaffirmed his love for his country: “I love my country and the national team more than anything.

I know exactly what it means to wear our colors. I have always put the team above my personal interests and I will continue to do so.”

Paraguay FA President prays France don’t win World Cup

Paraguayan Football Association President Robert Harrison has said he hopes France do not win the World Cup after Paraguay’s elimination against Les Bleus.

France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the decisive penalty in Philadelphia to send the French team into the quarterfinals.

Speaking after the match, Harrison criticized the conduct of France players, saying he was surprised by what happened after the final whistle.

“France has a chance to win the World Cup, and I hope they don’t,” Harrison said, according to statements reported by Paraguayan newspaper ABC.

He added that he hoped France would not lift the trophy because of the “actions” of French players after the match, pointing especially to Mbappe.

The Paraguayan government also distanced itself from Amarilla’s comments, saying they do not represent the government’s or the Paraguayan people’s position.

Golden Boot Race: Messi maintains lead

Lionel Messi remains the top scorer of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with three games to go.

Messi helped Argentina record a superb turnaround against Egypt in the round of 16 of the tournament.

Egypt, who felt hard done by the referee, took a two-goal lead, and with 16 minutes to go, Cristian Romero sparked a comeback.

The defending world champions levelled the score through their captain, Messi, before Enzo Fernandez headed home the winning goal in the 90+3 minutes.

Here is how the race for the Golden Boot shapes up:

8 goals: Lionel Messi, Argentina
7 goals: Kylian Mbappé, France
7 goals: Erling Haaland, Norway
6 goals: Harry Kane, England
4 goals: Jude Bellingham, England
4 goals: Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain
4 goals: Ousmane Dembélé, France
4 goals: Ismaïla Sarr, Senegal
4 goals: Vinícius Júnior, Brazil
4 goals: Julián Quiñones, Mexico

GFA denies Prince Owusu extortion reports

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been called upon to deny what they describe as “false and malicious” claims and allegations against them during the 2026 FIFA World Cup period.

An audio conversation between a woman positioning herself as the aunt of FC Toronto’s captain and striker, Prince Owusu, about the GFA went viral following the elimination of the Black Stars of Ghana from the tournament.

The aforementioned woman alleged that the GFA approached Owusu, a German-born Ghanaian player, to invite him to play for the 4-time African champions at the World Cup with a catch.

The catch? She emphatically stated the GFA requested a split of 70-30 of Owusu’s potential earnings in bonuses and appearance fees he could’ve had at the tournament, but the player wanted a 50-50 split, which the GFA ended up not calling him up for the tournament.

In response to the claims, the GFA “categorically and unequivocally” denied them, insisting they were “fabricated and intended to tarnish” its image.

The GFA also stressed that it does not invite players, but the head coaches of the national teams do; full payments are transferred to players’ bank accounts with proof. It is in full compliance with the strict FIFA rules on bribery and extortion.

The handlers of Ghanaian football, in conclusion, challenged the accusers to provide proof for their allegation. The GFA is considering taking legal actions against “individuals and platforms” responsible.

Prince Owusu, however, issued a statement on Tuesday, July 7, distancing himself from the allegations.

2026 WAFCON: Algeria announce 23-player squad

Farid Benstiti has unveiled Algeria’s 23-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The head coach of the Greens has announced the list of players called up to prepare for the 2026 Women’s AFCON, with their opening match scheduled for July 26 against Senegal in Rabat.

A three-week training camp begins this Monday to fine-tune the final details ahead of Algeria’s sixth appearance at the tournament.

Goalkeepers: Chloé N’Gazi, Amel Benaissa, Asma Haleyi

Defenders: Lina Abadou, Ouassila Alouache, Mélissa D’Oria, Sarah Guellati, Inès Belloumou, Marine Belkhiter, Rania Khezami, Lise Smits Ouraghi

Midfielders: Mélissa Bethi, Wassila Bouzid, Manel Dafeur, Anissa Hamideche, Amira Ould Braham, Sofia Bekhaled

Forwards: Lina Boussaha, Lina Bendris, Mélissa Ikene, Inès Khiri, Naïma Naili, Kahina Ournani, Lou Taleb Muller, Inès Adjabi, Inès Boutaleb

There is no Ati-Zigi camp or Benjamin Asare camp – Benjamin Asare

Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has shot down reports of division in the team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There have been claims, particularly by a sports analyst known as Coach Nimely, about camps in the men’s senior national football team.

Many have fallen in love with the Hearts of Oak captain Asare since he made his debut for the Black Stars in 2025, despite a few sceptics.

Others also prefer St Gallen’s Lawrence Ati-Zigi, having kept post for Ghana before the introduction of the 32-year-old Asare.

Speaking exclusively on the Max Sports Pack show, Asare refuted the widespread reports of camp division between himself and Ati-Zigi.

“There is no Ati-Zigi camp or Benjamin Asare camp. Whoever the coach selects will be able to do the work. So there is nothing like Ati-Zigi or Asare camp,” he said.

Ghana suffered elimination from the competition after losing 1-0 to Colombia in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

My problem is with you, not France— Amarilla replies Mbappe

Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla has published an open letter addressed to France captain Kylian Mbappe following the controversy sparked by her earlier racist remarks after Paraguay’s World Cup elimination. City & Local Guides

The senator had initially come under heavy criticism after insulting Mbappe following France’s victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16. Her comments included racist and personal attacks that triggered backlash online and condemnation from the French Football Federation.

Mbappe later responded publicly, calling Amarilla “a despicable woman” and accusing her of spreading hatred and racism.

Now the Paraguayan politician has answered back with a lengthy statement attempting to justify her reaction while also demanding an apology from the French star.

“The problem is between you and me. I have never said anything against France,” Amarilla wrote, insisting that she has long admired French culture and education.

The senator claimed her anger toward Mbappe began before the match due to comments she interpreted as disrespectful toward Paraguay. She specifically referenced remarks in which Mbappé allegedly said France would “put their hands in the dirt,” arguing that Paraguayans understood the phrase as referring to their national team.

According to Amarilla, Mbappe also showed “contempt” toward Paraguayan players during the match and behaved disrespectfully toward goalkeeper Orlando Gil after the final whistle by refusing to shake his hand.

Source: Morocco World News

Deschamps rumoured to challenge for FIFA presidency

France head coach Didier Deschamps is rumoured to challenge for the FIFA presidency in 2027.

The current president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has come under enormous pressure in recent times for defending a controversial decision.

An independent committee under FIFA suspended a red card handed to Folarin Balogun of the United States of America team in a round of 32 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The striker was cleared to play in the round of 16 game against Belgium following the intervention of the American president, Donald Trump.

FIFA’s decision on the subject matter caused an uproar with other member nations, warning of the bad precedent it tends to create.

TalkSport’s reporter Max Scott revealed that there have been growing calls for Infantino to step down from his role, but the Italian is apparently ignoring his opposition.

He carried on that Deschamps, who will leave his role as France head coach after the World Cup, is being groomed to challenge for the FIFA presidency.

Infantino remains unfazed by critics, as he has managed to garner the backing of the majority of continental associations.

Max TV