Sports
Raphael Varane To Depart Man Utd
Manchester United’s Raphael Varane has sent shockwaves through the footballing world with his decision to bid farewell to the club at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old French defender, who made the switch from Real Madrid in 2021 for a hefty £34 million ($43 million), announced his departure on Tuesday.
Raphael Varane, a crucial figure in Manchester United’s recent history, played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first trophy in six years, the 2023 League Cup.
However, despite this triumph, United’s current season has been nothing short of a nightmare, with the team languishing in eighth place in the Premier League and facing slim chances of European qualification, having suffered 14 defeats.
Varane’s time at United has been marred by injuries, with his last appearance dating back to a 4-3 defeat against Chelsea on April 4.
He said “To you guys, supporters of Manchester United it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt,” Varane said on social media.
“The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane, the atmosphere was amazing. I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man United to understand what that represents.
“Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future. The new owners (United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe) are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.” he added
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed optimism about Raphael Varane’s potential involvement in the FA Cup final later this month, hoping that Varane could contribute to securing another trophy for the club.
With Newcastle set to visit Old Trafford on Wednesday and United traveling to Brighton for the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, ten Hag outlined the plan for Varane’s inclusion in the upcoming matches.
Ten Hag said on Tuesday “We plan [for] him. Definitely for the last games. Not tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game (the FA Cup final).”
Manchester United released a statement confirming Raphael Varane’s departure from the club, praising his significant contributions characterized by “great class and experience” during his tenure.
The statement highlighted Varane’s exceptional defensive prowess, which has been a cornerstone of his impact on the team since his arrival.
Varane, heralded as one of the most decorated defenders of his era, boasts an impressive resume, including four Champions League titles and three La Liga triumphs during his illustrious 10-year stint at Real Madrid.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and their journey to the final in the 2022 edition.
Despite his international success, Varane made the decision to retire from international football at the age of 29, citing the immense physical and mental pressures associated with elite-level competition.
Sports
World Cup Earthquake: Tunisia Sack Coach After Just One Match
Tunisia have sent shockwaves through the football world after dismissing head coach Sabri Lamouchi following just one game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Tunisian Football Federation announced the decision on Monday after the North African nation suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group F clash.
SEE ALSO: Super Eagles Thrash Tunisia 3-2, Advance To AFCON Round Of 16
The loss prompted swift action from football authorities, making Lamouchi the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after managing only one match at the tournament.
In a bid to rescue their campaign, Tunisia have appointed experienced French coach Herve Renard to take charge of the team until the end of the World Cup.
Confirming the appointment, the Tunisian public broadcaster quoted federation president Moez Nassari as saying:
“The president of the Tunisian Football Federation, Moez Nassari, announced that an official agreement had been reached with French coach Herve Renard for him to take charge of the national football team until the end of the 2026 World Cup.”
Renard brings a wealth of international experience to the role.
He is best remembered for leading Saudi Arabia to a stunning victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He also previously coached the France women’s national team.
Lamouchi, 54, was only appointed Tunisia coach in January but endured a difficult spell in charge. During his short tenure, he managed just one victory in five matches, a narrow 1-0 win against Haiti.
The crushing defeat to Sweden has left Tunisia’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging by a thread.
The Carthage Eagles now face crucial Group F fixtures against Japan and the Netherlands, with Renard tasked with reviving their World Cup ambitions.
Tunisia will take on Japan on Saturday before concluding their group-stage campaign against the Netherlands in what could determine their fate at the tournament.
Sports
Edo Queens Clinch Second NWFL Premiership Title
Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership following a determined 0–0 draw against Bayelsa Queens in the final matchday of the Super Six playoffs at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday.
Bayelsa Queens entered the decisive fixture needing an outright victory to secure the title, while Edo Queens required only a draw. The Benin-based side executed their game plan with discipline in a tightly contested encounter that saw both teams create chances but ultimately cancel each other out.
The result sealed a second NWFL Premiership crown for Edo Queens, reaffirming their status as one of the dominant forces in Nigerian women’s football. It also places them alongside Bayelsa Queens as the only clubs to have won the league twice within the last six seasons.
ALSO READ: Ronaldo Nets 967th Career Goal as Al Nassr Maul Al-Najma 5-2 in Saudi Pro League
Head coach Moses Aduku further etched his name in the competition’s history, becoming the first manager to win three NWFL Premiership titles in six seasons. He previously guided Bayelsa Queens to the title in 2022 before leading Edo Queens to triumphs in 2024 and 2026.
Elsewhere on Matchday 5, Nasarawa Amazons and hosts Rivers Angels played out a goalless draw, while FC Robo Queens came from behind to secure a 1–1 draw against Abia Angels.
Final standings saw Edo Queens top the Super Six table with 10 points, finishing two points ahead of Bayelsa Queens in second place, with Nasarawa Amazons completing the top three. Abia Angels ended their debut campaign with six points, while FC Robo Queens and Rivers Angels finished on four points apiece.
The individual accolades saw FC Robo Queens’ Oluwakemi Adegbuyi named Player of the Season, while Abia Angels’ Fatima Oloko picked up Goalkeeper of the Season. Abasiofon Uwah (Rivers Angels) and Atume Doosuur (Edo Queens) shared the Golden Boot with 13 goals each, and Rivers Angels were awarded the Fair Play Prize.
As champions, Edo Queens will represent Nigeria at the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Burkina Faso from August 13 to September 5, where they will aim to secure qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League and a potential pathway to the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.
The grand finale was attended by key dignitaries including NFF board member Aisha Falode, former board member Barr. Chris Green, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Peter Akpe, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Daniel Igali, Edo State Sports Commission Chairman Desmond Enabulele, NFF Director of Competitions Ruth David, and Bendel Insurance Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe.
Sports
US Threatens to Deport Influencers Covering the World Cup for Profit
The United States government has issued a stern warning to foreign social media influencers and content creators planning to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cautioning that they could face deportation if they earn money while in the country on tourist visas.
The warning, issued by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday, comes as millions of football fans and thousands of independent content creators converge on North America for the month-long tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
ALSO READ: World Cup 2026 Tickets Spark Backlash As Prices Soar 41 Times Face Value
According to US authorities, foreign nationals entering the country on a B-2 tourist visa are not permitted to engage in paid work or receive income from activities carried out while in the United States.
“Having the sole purpose of the visit be content creation (as an influencer), thereby generating income from U.S. sources while in the country, is considered work and requires the appropriate visa,” the agencies said.
The government stressed that tourist visas are intended for leisure, vacations, family visits, and medical treatment, and do not authorize employment or income-generating activities.
Officials warned that anyone found violating the terms of their visa could face immediate visa cancellation, deportation, and possible restrictions on future travel to the United States.
The directive applies to influencers and content creators who monetize content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook while attending the World Cup.
Authorities also clarified that working for a media outlet while in the country on a tourist visa is prohibited under the same regulations.
Immigration lawyer Alex Galvez noted that foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their entry could lose their tourist visa privileges.
However, he suggested that some influencers might have legal grounds to challenge enforcement actions if their social media accounts are registered in their home countries and payments are received outside the United States.
The warning comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19, is expected to attract a record number of digital creators documenting the tournament for global audiences.
The issue has also fueled broader concerns over immigration restrictions surrounding the tournament.
The International Sports Press Association recently criticized what it described as unfair visa limitations affecting some journalists seeking entry into the United States.
In a separate incident, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was reportedly denied entry into the country ahead of the competition.
The US government’s tough stance follows previous immigration enforcement actions involving high-profile influencers.
Recall that in 2025, TikTok sensation Khaby Lame was detained by immigration authorities at Las Vegas airport and later self-deported after allegedly overstaying his visa.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also confirmed it will assist with security operations at World Cup venues, underscoring the administration’s broader immigration enforcement measures during the tournament.
As the world’s biggest football event gets underway, foreign influencers hoping to cash in on World Cup content are being reminded that violating US visa rules could come at a heavy cost.





