FOOTBALL

BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW In a landmark moment for Indian sports journalism, celebrated Assamese photojournalist Gitika Talukdar has once again earned global recognition after receiving official FIFA accreditation to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The assignment marks her third consecutive Men’s FIFA World Cup appearance following successful coverage of Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 […]

BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Aston Villa FC produced one of the greatest nights in the club’s modern history as they defeated SC Freiburg 3-0 in the UEFA Europa League Final on Wednesday, ending a 30-year wait for major silverware and capturing their first European trophy in 44 years. Under the guidance of master tactician Unai

BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW The two premier competitions in Sri Lanka’s football calendar — the professional Super League Championship and the Inter-Club FA Cup Tournament — are scheduled to commence next month, according to Sri Lanka Football Federation President Jaswar Umar. Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday at Football House, Umar confirmed that the

BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Southampton FC have formally launched an appeal after being sensationally removed from the Championship play-offs by an independent disciplinary commission, following findings of regulatory breaches related to alleged spying. The ruling, issued on Tuesday evening, not only expelled Southampton from the promotion play-offs but also reinstated Middlesbrough FC into the competition,

BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to make football history after being selected in Portugal national football team’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, a tournament that will mark his record-breaking sixth appearance at the global showpiece. At 41 years old, Ronaldo continues to extend one of the most

BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Arsenal FC moved to within touching distance of a historic Premier League triumph after grinding out a tense 1-0 victory over Burnley FC on Monday night, keeping alive their dream of ending a 22-year wait for the English league title. A decisive first-half header from Kai Havertz proved enough to separate

BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW United States President Donald Trump has publicly criticised the soaring ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026, admitting that he personally would refuse to pay the reported $1,000 (£736) fee for the United States’ opening match against Paraguay. The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States,

BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE , ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Gianni Infantino has praised the sporting enthusiasm of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a recent football session with children in Sikkim, highlighting the growing global recognition of India’s engagement with the sport. The FIFA President shared an image on social media featuring PM Modi actively playing football with young