As reports flood in that President Donald Trump had a word with Gianni Infantino, US star striker Folarin Balogun is available to play in the World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium after his one-game ban was suspended by Fifa.
BBC Sport reports that Belgium are considering an appeal against the controversial decision Balogun’s straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in their last-32 tie.
Trump has thanked Fifa for ‘reversing a great injustice’ in a post on Truth Social.
Shamrock Rovers have brought Jonathan Afolabi home to Tallaght after announcing the signature of the former Ireland Under 21, Celtic and Bohemians striker on a long term deal.
RTE Sport reports that Afolabi has signed from KV Kortrijk of the Belgian Pro League and spent time in the Rovers academy as a teenager before spells at Southampton and Celtic.
Maltese side Floriana await Shamrock Rovers in the Champions League first round clash on Wednesday with their coach adamant that the Hoops are the hardest possible side to face at this stage of the competition.
“If you ask me if I want maybe one more week, that would be better for us. But we don’t have this time, so we will play and we should do the best we can in this time,” Daniel Portela told the Irish Independent.
England showed real attitude to beat Mexico at altitude but now they face the Viking that is Erling Haaland for a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup after the Manchester City star stunned Brazil with both goals in the 2-1 win in New Jersey.
“You don’t see any other player doing that,” former Scotland winger Pat Nevin told the BBC after the second goal. ”There was not a chance there. There wasn’t a half chance, quarter chance. Nothing.”
Former Newcastle United and Everton defender Neil McDonald is to return to Irish football as assistant manager at Cork City under Barry Robson, according to the Irish Examiner.
John Fallon reports that former Limerick boss McDonald will replace David Meyler following his departure for a return to Hull City.
