Ligue Conférence : Ivan Kruzliak, un arbitre slovaque au sifflet de S…

L’UEFA a nommé Ivan Kruzliak pour la demi-finale retour de Ligue Conférence entre le RC Strasbourg et le Rayo Vallecano, jeudi soir, à la Meinau. L’UEFA a choisi l’officiel slovaque, Ivan Kruzliak pour arbitrer, jeudi soir (19h GMT) au Stade de la Meinau pour la demi-finale retour entre le RC Strasbourg et le Rayo Vallecano. L’arbitre de 42 ans totalise 37 matchs de Ligue Europa, 25 de Ligue des Champions et 4 de Ligue Conférence et a rencontré à dix reprises les clubs de Ligue 1. Un arbitre familier des clubs de Ligue 1 En C1, Ivan Kruzliak était l’arbitre principal de Benfica-Lyon (2-1, 2018), de Brest-Lverkusen (1-1, 2024) et cette saison Pafos-Monaco (2-2, novembre 2025). En Ligue Europa, il a officié à l’occasion de Marseille- Monchengladbach (2-2, 2012), Krasnodar-Lille (1-1, 2014), Sion-Bordeaux (1-1, 2015), Rennes-Arsenal, 3-1, 8e aller 2019), Lille-Ajax (1-2, 2021), mais aussi lors de Monaco-Real Socieded (2-1, 2021). Enfin, en Ligue Conférence, il a rencontré Le LOSC lors du quart de finale retour face à Aston Villa en 2024. Au cours de ces 10 rencontres face aux clubs de Ligue 1, Ivan Kruzliak a distribué 32 cartons jaunes et n’a jamais donné de cartons rouges. Il sera assisté de ses compatriotes Branislav Hancko et Jan Pozor. L’arbitre écossais, Nicholas Walsh est nommé quatrième arbitre. La VAR sera constituée de l’arbitre assistant vidéo hollandais, Pol van Boekel et l’assistant de l’arbitre assistant vidéo suisse Fedayi San. newsbetting.bond

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Steve Borthwick was backed on Tuesday by the RFU to be England’s coach at the 2027 World Cup following a review of the team’s dismal Six Nations campaign this year.

England finished a lowly fifth in the competition, managing just a solitary success in their tournament opener against Wales before losing four games in a row, having been on a 12-game winning streak in all matches after defeating the Welsh.

A statement released by the RFU after a 23-18 defeat by Italy on 7 March, the first time England had lost to the Azzurri, suggested Borthwick would be given a post-season tour that forms part of the new Nations Championship to save his job.

But it now appears the former England captain will see out a contract that runs until the end of next year.

“This has been a thorough and honest review and it’s clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer,” RFU CEO Bill Sweeney said in the statement.

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“Steve has engaged in this process with full openness and has clear plans in place to address these findings.

“We are all behind him and his coaching team going into the Nations Championship and the series of matches leading into the 2027 World Cup.”

This season saw England lose four games in a single Six Nations for the first time, a run of defeats leading to Borthwick’s position being called into question.

In keeping faith with Borthwick, the RFU have avoided a repeat of the process that led to his appointment following a poor run of results under England predecessor Eddie Jones.

Borthwick, 46, an assistant coach under Jones with Japan and England, replaced the veteran Australian boss just months out from the 2023 World Cup but still led England to third place in France.

– AFP

Photo: Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images

The post Beleaguered Borthwick gets RFU backing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Medeama SC midfielder Salim Adams has delivered a compelling argument for his inclusion in Ghana’s final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The lanky midfielder has produced a series of top-tier performances throughout this campaign. His most recent masterclass—a brace against defending league champions Bibiani GoldStars in Week 31—was instrumental in sending the “Mauve and Yellow” five points clear at the summit of the Ghana Premier League standings.

As public calls intensify for the inclusion of standout home-based players for the global showpiece in Mexico, Canada, and the USA, the former Hearts of Oak star’s chances of making the final cut look increasingly bright. Adams has expressed his absolute readiness to answer head coach Carlos Queiroz’s call to serve the Black Stars on the world stage.

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“Everything ultimately depends on the coach because, on my side, I am ready. If he decides to invite me, it would be an honour,” Salim Adams stated regarding his World Cup ambitions.

“If the call-up doesn’t come yet, I must remain consistent and keep working hard. I believe that if I continue to perform, my time will eventually come and he will invite me.”

Medeama are currently preparing for a trip to Berekum Chelsea this Wednesday for a rescheduled Week 30 fixture, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM GMT. Adams remains firmly focused on the immediate task at the Golden City Park despite the growing World Cup hype.

“We still have four critical matches to go, so we are taking it one game at a time. The victory against GoldStars is now in the past; the next challenge is Berekum Chelsea, and that is our primary target now.”

The 23-year-old boasts impressive statistics this season, having notched 11 goals in 25 appearances—a remarkable return for a midfielder. His contributions have been pivotal in Medeama’s rise to the top of the table with 56 points, establishing a vital five-point cushion over holders GoldStars.

For Ghana’s fifth FIFA World Cup appearance, the Black Stars have been paired against heavyweight opposition in Group L, where they will face England, Croatia, and Panama.