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UEFA hands Benfica’s Prestianni six-match suspension for discrimination against Vinicius during Champions League match Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was handed a six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct that ​was deemed homophobic in a Champions League match against ‌Real Madrid, UEFA announced on Friday.Prestianni will ​effectively be banned for two more matches ⁠after UEFA said that a further three-match suspension would be “subject to a probationary period of two years, starting from ‌the date of the present decision.” He has already served a one-match provisional suspension.The ‌Argentine winger was accused of directing a ‌slur ⁠at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during ⁠the Spanish side’s 1-0 Champions League playoff first-leg win in February.The first leg was suspended for 11 minutes shortly after Vinicius ​gave Real the ‌lead early in the second half.Television footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt repeatedly before making comments that Vinicius and nearby teammates interpreted ‌as a racial slur against the 25-year-old.ALSO READ | Millwall receives apology over use of club badge in anti-racism bookletPrestianni ​had denied the accusation that he had made a racist comment, saying Vinicius misheard ⁠him. Real’s Aurelien Tchouameni said the Argentine told him he did not call Vinicius a “monkey” but directed ‌a homophobic comment at him.UEFA also said it would request FIFA to extend the suspension worldwide.The suspension also includes the one-match provisional suspension Prestianni served during the second leg of their knockout playoff on February 25, which Real Madrid won 2-1 ‌to advance.Benfica said it had been notified about the sanction ​imposed on Prestianni.“Of the three-match effective ban, one has already been served and the ⁠remaining two must be served in UEFA matches or ⁠Argentina national team matches in a FIFA context,” Benfica said.Prestianni has played for Argentina ‌only once, making his debut as a late substitute in a friendly game against Angola in ​November.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #UEFA #hands #Benficas #Prestianni #sixmatch #suspension #discrimination #Vinicius #Champions #League #match

UEFA hands Benfica’s Prestianni six-match suspension for discrimination against Vinicius during Champions League match

Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was handed a six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct that ​was deemed homophobic in a Champions League match against ‌Real Madrid, UEFA announced on Friday.

Prestianni will ​effectively be banned for two more matches ⁠after UEFA said that a further three-match suspension would be “subject to a probationary period of two years, starting from ‌the date of the present decision.” He has already served a one-match provisional suspension.

The ‌Argentine winger was accused of directing a ‌slur ⁠at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during ⁠the Spanish side’s 1-0 Champions League playoff first-leg win in February.

The first leg was suspended for 11 minutes shortly after Vinicius ​gave Real the ‌lead early in the second half.

Television footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt repeatedly before making comments that Vinicius and nearby teammates interpreted ‌as a racial slur against the 25-year-old.

ALSO READ | Millwall receives apology over use of club badge in anti-racism booklet

Prestianni ​had denied the accusation that he had made a racist comment, saying Vinicius misheard ⁠him. Real’s Aurelien Tchouameni said the Argentine told him he did not call Vinicius a “monkey” but directed ‌a homophobic comment at him.

UEFA also said it would request FIFA to extend the suspension worldwide.

The suspension also includes the one-match provisional suspension Prestianni served during the second leg of their knockout playoff on February 25, which Real Madrid won 2-1 ‌to advance.

Benfica said it had been notified about the sanction ​imposed on Prestianni.

“Of the three-match effective ban, one has already been served and the ⁠remaining two must be served in UEFA matches or ⁠Argentina national team matches in a FIFA context,” Benfica said.

Prestianni has played for Argentina ‌only once, making his debut as a late substitute in a friendly game against Angola in ​November.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#UEFA #hands #Benficas #Prestianni #sixmatch #suspension #discrimination #Vinicius #Champions #League #match

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Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was handed a six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct that ​was deemed homophobic in a Champions League match against ‌Real Madrid, UEFA announced on Friday.

Prestianni will ​effectively be banned for two more matches ⁠after UEFA said that a further three-match suspension would be “subject to a probationary period of two years, starting from ‌the date of the present decision.” He has already served a one-match provisional suspension.

The ‌Argentine winger was accused of directing a ‌slur ⁠at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during ⁠the Spanish side’s 1-0 Champions League playoff first-leg win in February.

The first leg was suspended for 11 minutes shortly after Vinicius ​gave Real the ‌lead early in the second half.

Television footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt repeatedly before making comments that Vinicius and nearby teammates interpreted ‌as a racial slur against the 25-year-old.

ALSO READ | Millwall receives apology over use of club badge in anti-racism booklet

Prestianni ​had denied the accusation that he had made a racist comment, saying Vinicius misheard ⁠him. Real’s Aurelien Tchouameni said the Argentine told him he did not call Vinicius a “monkey” but directed ‌a homophobic comment at him.

UEFA also said it would request FIFA to extend the suspension worldwide.

The suspension also includes the one-match provisional suspension Prestianni served during the second leg of their knockout playoff on February 25, which Real Madrid won 2-1 ‌to advance.

Benfica said it had been notified about the sanction ​imposed on Prestianni.

“Of the three-match effective ban, one has already been served and the ⁠remaining two must be served in UEFA matches or ⁠Argentina national team matches in a FIFA context,” Benfica said.

Prestianni has played for Argentina ‌only once, making his debut as a late substitute in a friendly game against Angola in ​November.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

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Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday. Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.” A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury. He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games. Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season. A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25. The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals. Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators. Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022. “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision. “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #AvalancheMay 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.

Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, $54 million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.

“Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”

A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.

He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.


Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.

A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.

The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.

Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.

Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.

“He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.

“He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche">Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday. Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.” A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury. He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games. Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season. A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25. The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals. Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators. Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022. “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision. “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup">Every referee selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup. #referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup">Every referee selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup

The ICC World Cup 2027 is likely to run from October 4 to November 21, according to reporting by ESPNCricinfo.

The quadriennial 50-over showpiece will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. South Africa’s eight venues (Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Centurion, Durban, East London, Gqeberha, Johannesburg, and Paarl) are expected host a bulk of the games, with Zimbabwe hosting eight to ten games, and Namibia three.

ALSO READ: Unfazed by World Cup snub, Vastrakar focuses on recovery for India comeback

According to the report, the dates were finalised at the ICC board meeting in Ahmedabad earlier this month, and the finer details will be agreed upon at the AGM in Edinburgh later this month.

The ODI World Cup will return to a 14-team format in 2027, with teams split into two groups of seven teams each. The top three from each stage advance to the Super Six stage, followed by semifinals and a final.

This is the second time South Africa and Zimbabwe have co-hosted the World Cup after 2003, while Namibia will host for the first time.

Published on Jun 11, 2026

#ICC #World #Cup #run #October #November #reports">ICC World Cup 2027 likely to run from October 4 to November 21: reports The ICC World Cup 2027 is likely to run from October 4 to November 21, according to reporting by ESPNCricinfo.The quadriennial 50-over showpiece will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. South Africa’s eight venues (Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Centurion, Durban, East London, Gqeberha, Johannesburg, and Paarl) are expected host a bulk of the games, with Zimbabwe hosting eight to ten games, and Namibia three.ALSO READ: Unfazed by World Cup snub, Vastrakar focuses on recovery for India comebackAccording to the report, the dates were finalised at the ICC board meeting in Ahmedabad earlier this month, and the finer details will be agreed upon at the AGM in Edinburgh later this month.The ODI World Cup will return to a 14-team format in 2027, with teams split into two groups of seven teams each. The top three from each stage advance to the Super Six stage, followed by semifinals and a final.This is the second time South Africa and Zimbabwe have co-hosted the World Cup after 2003, while Namibia will host for the first time.Published on Jun 11, 2026 #ICC #World #Cup #run #October #November #reports

Unfazed by World Cup snub, Vastrakar focuses on recovery for India comeback

According to the report, the dates were finalised at the ICC board meeting in Ahmedabad earlier this month, and the finer details will be agreed upon at the AGM in Edinburgh later this month.

The ODI World Cup will return to a 14-team format in 2027, with teams split into two groups of seven teams each. The top three from each stage advance to the Super Six stage, followed by semifinals and a final.

This is the second time South Africa and Zimbabwe have co-hosted the World Cup after 2003, while Namibia will host for the first time.

Published on Jun 11, 2026

#ICC #World #Cup #run #October #November #reports">ICC World Cup 2027 likely to run from October 4 to November 21: reports

The ICC World Cup 2027 is likely to run from October 4 to November 21, according to reporting by ESPNCricinfo.

The quadriennial 50-over showpiece will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. South Africa’s eight venues (Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Centurion, Durban, East London, Gqeberha, Johannesburg, and Paarl) are expected host a bulk of the games, with Zimbabwe hosting eight to ten games, and Namibia three.

ALSO READ: Unfazed by World Cup snub, Vastrakar focuses on recovery for India comeback

According to the report, the dates were finalised at the ICC board meeting in Ahmedabad earlier this month, and the finer details will be agreed upon at the AGM in Edinburgh later this month.

The ODI World Cup will return to a 14-team format in 2027, with teams split into two groups of seven teams each. The top three from each stage advance to the Super Six stage, followed by semifinals and a final.

This is the second time South Africa and Zimbabwe have co-hosted the World Cup after 2003, while Namibia will host for the first time.

Published on Jun 11, 2026

#ICC #World #Cup #run #October #November #reports

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