Football Association of Ireland CEO Jonathan Hill insists that Vera Pauw’s departure came as a result of the need for a “different and fresh approach”.
Hill’s comments came in response to claims from the outgoing Republic of Ireland manager, who oversaw the team in their recent World Cup campaign in New Zealand and Australia.
After it was announced last month that the Dutchwoman would not be having her contract renewed, Pauw issued a statement claiming that the FAI’s review into their World Cup was “flawed” and the outcome was “pre-determined”, adding that her position had been “undermined”.
At an FAI briefing on Thursday, Hill insisted that “it was clear” Pauw would not “change her fundamental approach”.
Hill said: “It’s…
The Premier League is back!
Arsenal travel to newly promoted Brentford in the opening game of the 2021-22 campaign on Friday.
Champions Manchester City face Tottenham – and possibly top transfer target Harry Kane – on Sunday, with Liverpool in action against returning Norwich City on Saturday, after Manchester United have hosted Leeds United.
So, ahead of the new season, why not give this Opta-powered quiz a go? You can find the answers at the bottom of the page
Tomorrow we begin
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC)
1. Arsenal begin against Brentford – it is the fourth time the Gunners have been involved in the opening game of a Premier League campaign, winning the other three in 2008-09, 2017-18 and 2020-21, but who did they play…
Man City nearly impenetrable, Man Utd issues masked by penalty miss, bad omens for Nuno – the Premie
Manchester City made something of a statement in their 1-0 win over potential title challengers Chelsea on Saturday, whereas Manchester United seemed to take another step back as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer s reign stuttered again.
But Solskjaer is certainly not the only top-flight manager feeling the heat – Nuno Espirito Santo s honeymoon period as Tottenham boss is well and truly over, with the Portuguese now among the favourites to be the first Premier League boss sacked this season following a 3-1 defeat in the north London derby.
Without any further ado, here are some of the more curious facts and stats from across the Premier League this past weekend…
City defence putting the guard in Guardiola
It may not have been the thrill ride neutrals were likel…
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted it is not impossible to leave out Cristiano Ronaldo as he said the superstar will not play every game this season following his stunning start to life back at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo enjoyed a remarkable second debut for United on Saturday, scoring two goals in their 4-1 Premier League rout of Newcastle United.
The five-time Ballon d Or winner, who was serenaded by fans before, during and after the match, completed a sensational return to United from Juventus last month after leaving the Red Devils for Real Madrid in 2009.
As United prepare to challenge on all fronts this season ahead of their Champions League opener at Young Boys on Tuesday, Solskjaer said the 36-year-old s minutes will be managed in 2021-22.…
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named Premier League Player of the Month for September after making a great start to his second spell with Manchester United.
Ronaldo sensationally returned to Old Trafford from Juventus at the end of August and has hit the ground running.
The Portugal captain scored twice in a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United in his first match for the Red Devils since 2009.
Ronaldo was also on target in a 2-1 Premier League win at West Ham last month and found the back of the net twice in the Champions League.
The prolific 36-year-old s 17 shots in September was more than any other player registered in the top flight.
Who else?
Your Player of the Month is:
— Premier League (@premierleague)
Ronaldo was…
Germany have been drawn against Netherlands in Group C for Euro 2020 qualifying.
Joachim Low s side lost 3-0 and drew 2-2 with Oranje in Group 1 as they were relegated in the inaugural Nations League and the two will lock horns again to reach the European Championship finals in two years time.
They share Group C with Northern Ireland, Estonia and Belarus.
Reigning European champions Portugal will meet Ukraine, Serbia, Lithuania and Luxembourg in Group B.
World Cup-winners France face Iceland, Turkey, Albania, Moldova and Andorra in Group H, while Spain are in Group F alongside Sweden, Norway, Romania, Faroe Islands and Malta.
England are in Group A with Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Kosovo.
Belgium, in Group I, face Russia, Sco…
Luka Modric has decided to play on for Croatia after the veteran captain helped his team to bronze at the Qatar World Cup.
That could mean Modric remains at the heart of the Croatia midfield at Euro 2024, by which time he will be approaching his 39th birthday.
Real Madrid playmaker Modric is not looking quite that far ahead for now, but crucially he has not ruled out extending his career for his country through to that point.
The first step for Modric will be a tilt with his country at the Nations League Finals in the Netherlands next year, with Croatia joined in that four-team tournament by the hosts, plus Italy and Spain.
Thrilled with another World Cup medal, after a silver four years ago in Russia, Modric told beIN SPORTS: This medal is very important…
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner is determined to take Premier League games to the United States and elsewhere around the globe.
The subject of leagues playing regular-season matches abroad has become a subject of debate in recent weeks, after FIFA pledged to analyse the impact of moving games.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters recently said the door was ajar for games to be played in other countries, due to a legal settlement between FIFA and US-based match promoter Relevant Sports.
Premier League fans would likely oppose overseas games more than most, with supporter protests in England having contributed to the demise of the European Super League in 2021.
Liverpool were one of the clubs at the forefront of that ill-fated project, and Werner ha…
Arsenal are ready to sell Nuno Tavares to Lazio, according to Fabrizio Romano. The well-known and well-respected journalist has reported that the Premier League club have accepted a proposal from the Serie A outfit to move on Tavarez.
Romano wrote on : “Arsenal have accepted Lazio final proposal to sign Nuno Tavares on loan with obligation to buy, fee around €7/8m.
“Arsenal will also have sell-on clause. Negotiations are ongoing with Tavares agents on personal terms.”
Tavares has been on the books of Arsenal since 2021. The Portuguese left-back has failed to make a huge impact at the North London club. The 24-year-old defender was on loan at Marseille in the 2022-23 season and spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest.
The former Po…
Australia have pulled out of the race to stage the 2018 World Cup and will instead target the 2022 tournament, it was announced here on Thursday.
We have been in discussion with FIFA for months and it is that trusting relationship with the leadership of the governing body that has caused us to focus on 2022 and decide to leave the field for 2018 to European contenders, said Frank Lowy, the head of the Australian football federation (FFA).
The decision was taken after lengthy discussions between the FFA and FIFA.
Australia s decision to withdraw its candidacy leaves the Holland-Belgium, Spain-Portugal joint bids as well as the United States, England and Russia as the 2018 contenders.
For the 2022 tournament, Australia will compete with Qatar, USA, Japan …