"I’m gutted for the fans"

Darren Purse speaks after a frustrating evening for Sligo Rovers. https://t.co/un4JiCO9yh

— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) October 9, 2026

Heading into the fixture under the management of Darren Purse, Sligo knew that anything less than a victory would seal their relegation fate. Sitting cast adrift at the bottom of the table, their fate was sealed following a devastating second-half collapse.

Shelbourne Show No Mercy in Five-Star Display

John Russell’s Shelbourne side put on an offensive masterclass, moving up to fourth in the table—two points clear of Derry City, who hold a game in hand. The Dublin outfit was ruthless after the interval, capitalizing on Sligo’s defensive frailties.

• Daniel Kelly: Opened the scoring in the 13th minute, bagging his seventh league goal of the season.
• Ademipo Odubeko: Added Shelbourne’s second shortly after half-time before being forced off due to an injury sustained during the goal.
• John Martin: Made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring with his very first touch and later adding a fifth to cap off the rout.
• Milan Mbang: Struck just before the hour mark to comfortably put the game beyond reach.

Sligo had briefly shown resilience before the break. Despite being dominated in possession and nearly conceding from a Kerr McInroy 25-yard thunderbolt that struck the underside of the crossbar, Sligo equalized right on the stroke of half-time. A defensive mix-up between Shels keeper Ed Beach and Milan Mbang allowed Kaiyne Woolery to bundle the ball home, sending the sides in level at 1-1.

A Second-Half Collapse

Hopes of a miraculous escape were quickly extinguished in the second period. Just five minutes after the restart, Odubeko restored Shels’ lead. Substitute John Martin then made it 3-1 within sixty seconds of entering the pitch, heading home a pinpoint cross from Kelly.

As Sligo’s defense completely capitulated, Mbang made it 4-1 before Martin notched his second of the night in the 61st minute. Shels comfortably coasted through the remainder of the match, missing several chances to inflict an even heavier defeat.

Looking Ahead to 2027

For Sligo Rovers, the relegation marks the culmination of a miserable run of form that saw them lose their last four league matches and fail to register a single win in over three months. Substantial soul-searching now awaits the club as they prepare for life in the second tier.

Sligo will play out the remainder of their Premier Division fixtures against Dundalk (home), Shamrock Rovers (away), and a final-day clash against Derry City (home) before turning their attention to a rebuilding phase in the First Division next season.

The post Sligo Rovers Relegated After Heavy 5-1 Defeat to Shelbourne at Tolka Park appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Sarina Wiegman’s side traveled to Heraklion with high expectations and delivered a professional performance. Despite an early scare when Lauren James saw her opening effort ruled out for offside—followed closely by Greece’s Ioanna Papatheodorou striking the crossbar—England quickly took control.

How England Secured Their Advantage

The breakthrough came courtesy of Georgia Stanway, who netted her fifth goal of the qualifying campaign right before the half-time whistle to give the Lionesses a crucial lead.

Things to work on
Maya Le Tissier’s performance
Lauren James playing in the ten

Sarina Wiegman spoke to Katie Shanahan following England’s 3-1 win over Greece https://t.co/CGUVcJTlRF

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 9, 2026

After the interval, England pressed home their advantage:

• Maya Le Tissier doubled the lead, scoring her very first senior international goal for her country.
• Alessia Russo added a third to effectively put the game beyond Greece’s reach.

England will now take a comfortable two-goal cushion back home for the second leg at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday. The aggregate winner of this tie will advance to face either Slovakia or Ukraine in the next round for a coveted spot at next summer’s tournament.

Belgium Edge Out Poland in Path B Battle

Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Belgium claimed a vital 1-0 home victory over Poland in Leuven. Carla Ward’s side established their winning edge thanks to a dramatic added-time goal from Elena Dhont right at the end of the first half.

The victory keeps the Belgians in pole position within Path B as both nations battle for supremacy, with the ultimate prize potentially leading to a clash against Ireland in the subsequent qualifying phase.

Other Play-Off Results at a Glance

Action across the European play-offs yielded several decisive first-leg results:

• Wales edged past Albania with a narrow 1-0 away victory.
• Scotland secured a solid 2-0 win away against Czechia.
• Northern Ireland face an uphill battle in their return leg after falling 4-0 to Portugal.

As the second legs approach, teams are one step closer to locking in their places on the world stage, with tensions and stakes running high across the continent.

The post Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Strong Starts for England and Belgium in Play-Off First Legs appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

A Mixed Bag of Results in the Nations League

During the recent international fixtures, the Boys in Green managed to secure just a single victory—a win against Israel. However, mixed results across the rest of the campaign ultimately impacted their standing.

Ireland picked up draws against both Israel and Austria, but suffered a disappointing away defeat to Kosovo, a side that capitalized on the fixture to climb two places up to 76th in the world rankings.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad will certainly look back at missed opportunities to close out matches strongly. In Dublin, Ireland initially stunned Austria with a 2-0 lead, highlighted by a stunning wonder goal from Troy Parrott, only to concede a second-half comeback and settle for a single point. A remarkably similar narrative played out in their home fixture against Israel, where an early lead dissolved into a draw.

How Other Nations Fared

Ireland’s opponents and neighboring nations also saw movement in the global table:

• Austria: Moved up one place to 22nd overall after securing a victory over Israel and taking four points from their fixtures against Kosovo.
• Northern Ireland: Enjoyed a massive surge, climbing six places to 64th following an impressive eight-point haul from four games that places them at the top of Group B2.
• Scotland: Slipped one place to 43rd.
• Wales: Dropped one spot to 39th.
• England: Maintained their position holding steady at 4th in the world.

Looking Ahead

The Republic of Ireland will look to stabilize their campaign and recapture momentum when they conclude their UEFA Nations League B3 fixtures next month. The team faces a crucial away trip to group leaders Austria before returning home to face Kosovo.

The post Republic of Ireland Slip to 56th in Latest FIFA World Rankings After Mixed International Window appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Vega, 55, who represented Switzerland at Euro 96 and played for Spurs between 1997 and 2001, is the first candidate to publicly declare a run against Infantino. His entrance into the race comes amid mounting governance controversies and declining support for the current FIFA leadership.

“Football is in the Emergency Room”

In a scathing statement addressing the global football community, Vega did not mince words regarding the current state of the sport’s world governing body:

“I am standing because my life has prepared me to serve the game. I stand before the global football family with humility, determination and a profound sense of responsibility. Football does not belong to presidents, confederations or administrators. Football is greater than any position, any individual or any institution. Football is in the emergency room, on life support. We cannot wait any longer. FIFA needs a new direction and fundamental reform.”

Growing Discontent Among European Associations

Vega’s presidential bid arrives at a tumultuous time for FIFA and Infantino, who plans to seek a fourth term. A series of recent missteps and strategic failures have fractured relationships across the footballing landscape:

• Rejected Investment Plans: Infantino faced intense pressure after a controversial private investor plan—aimed at creating a commercial vehicle to run the World Cup—was rejected by three major confederations, including European governing body UEFA.
• Loss of European Confidence: UEFA has explicitly stated it has lost confidence in Infantino’s administration. Multiple European football associations, including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, have withdrawn their support.
• Governance Scandals: Deep discontent surrounds FIFA’s handling of the Folarin Balogun case at the World Cup. Furthermore, reports surfaced this week claiming FIFA administrators ignored their own legal counsel, improperly allowing DR Congo to participate in an intercontinental play-off despite fielding an ineligible goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi.

The Battle Lines Drawn Ahead of UEFA and CAF Meetings

As European football association presidents and general secretaries gather in Berlin for a UEFA Top Executive Programme (TEP) meeting, FIFA governance remains at the top of the agenda. While UEFA leadership is actively committed to finding a credible alternative candidate to challenge Infantino, a final consensus on an opponent is unlikely to be reached immediately. The official deadline for candidate submissions is November 18.

Meanwhile, Infantino is working to shore up his international power base. This week, the current FIFA president is attending the Confederation of African Football (CAF) strategy conference in Cape Verde alongside FIFA’s chief of global football development, Arsène Wenger.

While Infantino retains formidable backing in South America and parts of the Middle East—including strong commitments from Qatar and Saudi Arabia—the entry of a player-turned-administrator like Ramon Vega signals that the upcoming FIFA election will be fiercely contested both on and off the pitch.

The post Former Spurs Defender Ramon Vega Enters Race to Challenge Gianni Infantino for FIFA Presidency appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Coming into the match, Jim Crawford’s squad faced a high-stakes scenario: they needed to match or better Slovakia’s result away against Andorra to advance. While Slovakia ultimately claimed a late 2-1 win, the Boys in Green preferred to take matters into their own hands, snapping a historical winless streak against their age-grade rivals with a fearless, high-energy performance.

Lonergan and McManus Lead the Charge

Lee Carsley’s Young Lions arrived on Leeside having already wrapped up automatic qualification following a scoreless draw against Slovakia last week. Despite their formidable, star-studded lineup—and an early opener from Tyler Dibling—England’s previously unbeaten Group D record quickly unraveled.

Ireland responded with immense resilience. Waterford striker Tommy Lonergan and Conor McManus both found the back of the net to overturn the early deficit and put the hosts ahead. Lonergan, currently enjoying stellar form as the League of Ireland Premier Division top scorer, sealed the historic result shortly after the hour mark. Ramping up the crowd’s ecstasy, he rifled home his fourth goal in just three games to extend Ireland’s lead to 3-1.

Looking Ahead to the Play-Offs

With the impressive scalp secured, the Republic of Ireland U21s now turn their attention to Friday’s upcoming play-off draw. The Boys in Green will join a competitive pot featuring:

• Greece
• Finland
• Denmark
• Turkey
• Netherlands
• Czechia
• Iceland

A tense two-legged clash now stands between Jim Crawford’s side and a place at next year’s prestigious tournament finals in Albania and Serbia. Based on their performance under the Friday-night-style lights in Cork, this Irish side is more than ready for the challenge.

Match Lineups

Republic of Ireland: Noah Jauny; Oisin Gallagher, Sean Grehan (c), Alex Murphy; Cathal McCarthy, Rory Finneran, Jacob Deveney, Conor McManus (Darius Lipsiuc 64); Jamie Mullins (Michael Noonan 82), Trent Kone-Doherty (Romeo Akachukwu 72); Tommy Lonergan (Grady McDonnell 82)

England: Tommy Setford; Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Stephen Mfuni, Max Alleyne, Amario Cozier-Duberry (Tyrique George 61); Joshua King, Sydie Peck (William Lankshear 68), Archie Grey (c), Tyler Dibling (Harrisson Armstrong 61), Divin Mubama, Ethan Mwaneri (Divine Mukasa 46)

Referee: Allesandro Dudic (Switzerland)

The post Historic Night in Cork: Ireland U21s Overpower England to Secure Euro Play-Off Spot appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Allegations Surrounding Lionel Mpasi

According to investigative reports by The New York Times and Le Monde, legal counsel for FIFA became aware as early as March that DR Congo’s Lionel Mpasi was allegedly ineligible to play. Internal legal advisors reportedly recommended several potential sanctions, including:

• Disqualifying DR Congo from their crucial intercontinental play-off match against Jamaica that same month.
• Issuing a formal ban against Mpasi.

Despite these internal warnings, no action was ultimately taken by FIFA. Mpasi went on to represent DR Congo at the tournament finals in North America, featuring prominently in their matches—including a high-profile fixture against England in the last 32.

In response to the unfolding reports, CONCACAF (the confederation representing Jamaica) issued a statement emphasizing the importance of fair play and regulatory consistency:

“CONCACAF takes player eligibility matters very seriously and expects the applicable regulations and procedures to be applied consistently and fairly in all competitions. Any concerns regarding player eligibility, particularly those that may affect the integrity of a competition or the interests of one of our member associations, should be thoroughly reviewed and addressed through FIFA’s appropriate governance and disciplinary bodies…”

Mounting Pressure on Gianni Infantino

This fresh eligibility controversy compounds an already difficult period for Gianni Infantino, who is dealing with several overlapping crises:

• The Folarin Balogun Case: United States striker Folarin Balogun had a one-match red card suspension suspended by FIFA’s disciplinary committee, enabling him to play in the last-16 clash against Belgium. Political scrutiny followed when U.S. President Donald Trump publicly admitted to personally calling Infantino to review the decision, sparking major concerns over political interference. While FIFA maintains that its disciplinary committee operates independently and denies Infantino intervened, the optics have raised red flags.
• Governance and Investment Plans: Infantino has faced intense pushback over his handling of a proposed private investment plan for a commercial vehicle intended to run major FIFA tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
• Formal Ethics Complaints: The Norwegian football federation has formally lodged complaints with FIFA’s ethics committee and its governance, audit, and compliance committee. These complaints cover the Balogun suspension handling, the private investment framework, and the controversial awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize last year to President Trump.

As international football federations and regional bodies demand transparency, FIFA faces growing calls for an independent review to restore trust in its regulatory integrity and governance structures.

The post FIFA and Gianni Infantino Face Fresh Scrutiny Over DR Congo Goalkeeper Eligibility Scandal appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Match Details and Kick-Off Time

• Fixture: Republic of Ireland U21 vs. England U21
• Date: Tuesday, October 6th
• Venue: Turner’s Cross, Cork
• Kick-Off Time: 6:00 PM

Where to Watch Ireland U21s vs England

Traditional terrestrial television broadcasters will not carry live coverage of this crucial fixture. Instead, the match will be streamed exclusively live on LOI TV.

Fans looking to catch the action can purchase a match pass stream directly through the LOI TV official website for €9.99.

What is at Stake for Ireland?

A place in the play-offs for next summer’s European Championships is firmly on the line. Securing all three points against England will guarantee Jim Crawford’s side second place in the group and a berth in the play-offs.

Depending on results elsewhere—specifically Slovakia’s away fixture against Andorra—Ireland could still finish second with a draw or even a defeat. However, with Slovakia heavily favored to overcome Andorra, a positive result against group-toppers England remains the safest route to prolonging the qualification campaign.

Historically, the Ireland U21s have never qualified for the European Championships at this age group, with their closest brush coming via a heartbreaking play-off penalty shootout defeat to Israel in 2022.

Team News and Squad Previews

Confidence is running high in the Irish camp following an impressive international window last month, which featured a crucial 2-0 away win against Slovakia followed by a dramatic 4-3 thriller over Kazakhstan. Manager Jim Crawford is expected to deploy a largely settled starting XI, with rising talents like Trent Kone-Doherty, Jacob Devaney, and Rory Finneran anticipated to play influential roles.

On the opposing side, Lee Carsley’s England squad has already secured top spot in the group and guaranteed qualification for next summer’s finals. Despite already qualifying, the Young Lions boast a star-studded roster featuring captain Archie Gray (Tottenham Hotspur), Ethan Nwaneri (on loan at Borussia Dortmund from Arsenal), Tyler Dibling (Everton), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), and Josh King (Fulham).

Make sure to tune into LOI TV this Tuesday at 6 PM to back the Ireland U21s in what promises to be an electric night of football at Turner’s Cross!

The post How to Watch Ireland U21s vs England: Channel, Kick-Off Time, and Play-Off Scenarios appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Injury Concern Arises on International Duty

Jacquet was left out of Zinedine Zidane’s France squad for their 4-1 Nations League victory over Belgium after sustaining a fitness setback. The French Football Federation confirmed that the young center-back suffered a “strain to his left hamstring,” while Zidane described him as being “slightly injured” in his post-match press conference.

The timing is particularly frustrating for Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola. Jacquet had recently broken into the senior French setup, playing the previous two matches, and has been an indispensable part of the Reds’ backline this season. He has featured in all seven matches for Liverpool, cementing his place by starting six alongside defensive stalwart Virgil van Dijk.

Potential Defensive and Attacking Headaches for Iraola

While Iraola does possess defensive cover—namely on-loan Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo and seasoned campaigner Joe Gomez—losing Jacquet for the visit of Manchester City would deal a considerable blow to Liverpool’s defensive stability.

Compounding matters further, Liverpool are dealing with mounting concerns at the opposite end of the pitch:

• Alexander Isak: Sent home after just one match with Sweden due to a minor thigh problem.
• Cody Gakpo: A more pressing concern after picking up an ankle injury while away with the Netherlands.

If Isak and Gakpo are sidelined, Iraola will be forced to shuffle his attacking pack significantly. Summer signing Bradley Barcola could be asked to fill a central role—despite being more naturally suited to the flanks—while playmaker Florian Wirtz might be pushed further forward from his usual number 10 position.

High Tension at Anfield

Sunday’s fixture promises to be a fiery affair, as Manchester City travels to Merseyside for their first match since an independent commission found the club guilty of the vast majority of charges relating to financial breaches.

With critical squad depth potentially compromised by injuries to key players across the pitch, Iraola will be desperately hoping for positive news from the Liverpool medical room as matchday approaches.

The post Liverpool Face Nervous Wait Over Jeremy Jacquet Ahead of Manchester City Showdown appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The high-profile return of the Republic of Ireland international to his hometown club in January—following 15 successful years in English football—initially sparked immense excitement among the Candystripes faithful. However, that goodwill quickly evaporated amid a cascade of off-field friction, public criticisms, and an ongoing contract standoff.

Key Revelations from the PFAI Statement

According to the official PFAI release, McClean’s return has been marred by procedural missteps and fitness disputes behind the scenes. Notable claims from the statement include:

• No Pre-Signing Medical: The statement alleges that McClean was originally signed by Derry City without undergoing a medical examination.
• Fitness and Training: While dealing with intermittent hip issues, the 37-year-old insists he is “fit and well,” having completed nine weeks of full training and featuring in an internal match.
• Contract Dispute: Legal backing from PFAI solicitor Stuart Gilhooly SC suggests the root of his omission lies in an August dispute where the club allegedly attempted to invoke Section 18 of the Standard Players Contract—claiming permanent incapacity—without adhering to required independent medical assessments.

McClean’s Apology to Derry City Fans

Alongside the legal and contractual disputes, McClean issued a direct, heartfelt message to the club’s supporters. While acknowledging past missteps, the veteran winger firmly defended his commitment and capabilities:

“I accept that some of my actions over the past few months were misjudged, and my frustrations should have remained in-house. I take responsibility for that – and I apologise. Derry City is my club, and I respect everyone who cares about it as much as I do.

I was asked to help drive standards, to speak up, and to use my experience to further professionalise my hometown club… But I cannot understand or accept that I have been treated this way over the past few months.

I will decide when I retire. Nobody else will make that decision for me. When that time comes, my body will tell me. This is my life and my career… I am ready to play when called upon.”

What Lies Ahead?

Following the departure of manager Tiernan Lynch—whom McClean had publicly criticized during a World Cup punditry stint—the path back to the first team remains fraught with complexity under successor Mark Connolly. With legal backing and a public plea now on the table, the coming weeks will determine whether McClean can mend fences and feature on the pitch for Derry City once more.

The post James McClean Breaks Silence: Derry City Apology Issued Amid Combative PFAI Statement appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Those few minutes have become an extension of the sporting event itself. Whether you’re watching football at home, following rugby in the pub or standing beside a GAA pitch wondering why you didn’t bring a warmer coat, the break has its own collection of habits and distractions to suit anyone.

One Match Suddenly Becomes Five

A supporter will often spend half-time discussing the first half, but the conversation now competes with an impressive amount of information arriving through your phone. You’ll check results from other grounds, look at the league table and discover that a player in another match has somehow been booked twice in four minutes. Group chats become amateur analysis desks, usually featuring at least one member who’s convinced the referee has a personal grievance against their club.

Some fans also wander beyond match coverage and into the wider selection of sports and gaming content available online. A person comparing entertainment platforms could consult something like GambleGuru’s independent Irish casino guide, while somebody else might open a puzzle, play a short mobile game or inspect the odds for the second half. None of these activities needs to become the main event. They’re simply among the many digital detours competing for attention while the players are taking a.

Half-time browsing isn’t very organised as you’ll begin by checking a substitution and end up reading about a former midfielder’s restaurant or watching a clip from a match played twelve years ago. The break may be short, but it doesn’t stop the internet from giving it a good slice of ambition.

The Second Screen Has Changed How You Watch

Watching sport with a phone nearby gives you access to details that broadcasters can’t always cover with immediate effect. You can check a player’s recent form, find an alternative camera angle or confirm whether the rule being confidently quoted from the sofa has existed since 2019. A tactical change becomes easier to spot once you’ve seen the average positions, while a replacement carries more significance when you know he’s returning from injury. During a busy weekend, score apps also let you follow several competitions without abandoning the game in front of you.

The downside is that your phone doesn’t understand the concept of half-time. It’ll continue offering notifications, videos and unrelated headlines after play resumes. One quick glance can become ten minutes, during which the match produces a goal, a red card and the only genuinely interesting thing the commentator has said all afternoon.

Experienced second-screen users develop a rough system. They check what they need during stoppages, silence unnecessary alerts and put the device down when the action returns. It’s hardly a heroic act of self-discipline, but it does prevent you from learning about an important goal through the group chat while the television is directly in front of you.

Stadium Breaks Have Their Own Logic

Half-time inside a stadium is a completely different activity from half-time on the sofa. Your priorities become incredibly basic: find food, visit the facilities and get back before anything happens.

The same break feels different across sports. A rugby crowd might spend it discussing territory and missed kicks, while football supporters examine whether the midfield is being overrun. At a GAA match, the talk can move rapidly between individual battles, shooting accuracy and whatever weather has arrived sideways across the stand.

Phones still appear, although connectivity doesn’t always cooperate when thousands of people try to use the same network. A page that loads instantly at home can suddenly behave as though it’s being delivered by a tired pigeon. Supporters adapt by checking downloaded tickets in advance, taking screenshots of travel details and accepting that video replays can wait.

The break also belongs to the live venue. Music, announcements and on-pitch activities fill the silence, while supporters spot acquaintances several rows away and attempt conversations through elaborate hand signals. Watching at home gives you more information, but being there gives half-time a social quality that an app can’t reproduce.

A Short Break Can Reset the Whole Match

Half-time isn’t only useful for spectators. It can change the direction of the contest. Coaches have a small window to correct positioning, alter the press or settle players after a frantic opening period. A team that looked disorganised can return with a clearer plan, leaving everyone outside the dressing room to speculate about what was said.

Viewers perform their own reset. You refill a drink, reconsider the first half and decide whether the match is genuinely poor or merely tense. The pause can restore patience after a scrappy spell, particularly when every misplaced pass has been treated as a personal insult.

Digital distractions have made those minutes slightly busier, though they haven’t made the basic ritual disappear. Supporters still argue over decisions, predict substitutions and convince themselves the next goal is inevitable. Phones have simply added more material to inspect while doing it.

The post The Curious Things Sports Fans Do at Half-Time appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.