SOCCER

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The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has unanimously approved a new rule that will see players issued a red card for covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents. The regulation, agreed upon during a special meeting in Canada on Tuesday, will be implemented ahead of the FIFA World Cup. The move follows a controversial incident in a UEFA Champions League match in February, where an argument was obscured from officials and cameras.

FIFA proposed the change following a dispute between Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in February that caused international scrutiny.

It was about 50 minutes into the Champions League playoff game when Vinícius scored the first goal and incensed Benfica fans with his dancing celebration. Prestianni went to speak with Vinícius but kept his mouth covered with his jersey. Vinícius walked away visibly upset and immediately went to speak to the referee.

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Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new long term contract with Manchester United that will keep him at the club until 2031, ending months of speculation about his future.

The 21 year old England international had previously been tied to a deal set to run until 2027, with an option for an additional year. However, uncertainty grew earlier this season after he struggled for consistent playing time under former manager Ruben Amorim. During that period, Mainoo even explored the possibility of a loan move to Napoli in January, but the club turned down the request and made it clear they saw him as part of their long term plans.

Since Amorim's departure, Mainoo has reestablished himself in the team under interim manager Michael Carrick. He has started nearly every league match since the managerial change, missing only one game due to injury. His return to regular action has also helped him regain a place in the England squad, where he recently featured in international friendlies.

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Manchester City are facing a demanding run of fixtures after a series of scheduling changes that have left the club frustrated during a crucial stage of the season.

Pep Guardiola's side will host Crystal Palace on May 13 before travelling to face AFC Bournemouth on May 19. These matches come either side of the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 16, creating a tight sequence of three important games within a short period.

The Palace fixture had originally been set for March 22 but was postponed due to City's involvement in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. The Bournemouth match was also moved because it conflicted with the FA Cup final. Discussions between the Premier League and the clubs involved eventually led to the revised dates.

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Achraf Hakimi has been ruled out for several weeks after suffering a thigh injury during Paris Saint Germain dramatic Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. The setback comes at a crucial point in the season and means the influential full back will miss the decisive second leg of the semi final in Munich.

Hakimi played the full match in Paris as PSG secured a thrilling 5 4 victory in the first leg. During that game he made a significant impact, providing an assist for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the French champions edged past the Bundesliga side in a high intensity encounter. Despite completing the match, it later emerged that the Morocco international had picked up a right thigh injury.

In an official statement, PSG confirmed that Hakimi would remain under treatment for the next few weeks. This effectively rules him out of the return leg scheduled for 6 May in Munich, a match that will determine who advances to the final of the competition. His absence is a major concern for manager Luis Enrique, given Hakimi’s consistent presence and importance in the squad.

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Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern Munich in a dramatic nine goal contest at Parc des Princes to take a narrow advantage in their UEFA Champions League semi final.

The match delivered an intense spectacle from the opening whistle, with five goals scored in a frenetic first half. Bayern struck first through a penalty from Harry Kane after Luis Díaz was fouled. PSG responded quickly as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia curled in a precise finish before João Neves put the hosts ahead with a well placed header.

Bayern answered through Michael Olise, who produced a moment of skill to level the score. Just before the break, PSG were awarded a penalty following a VAR review that ruled Alphonso Davies had handled the ball. Ousmane Dembélé converted to restore PSG's lead.

The second half saw PSG take greater control as their attacking trio proved decisive. Kvaratskhelia added another goal after a delivery from Achraf Hakimi, and Dembélé struck again to extend the lead to three. Bayern refused to fold, with Dayot Upamecano scoring from close range before Díaz finished a move created by Kane to reduce the deficit to one.

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The BBC has confirmed that its long running football programme Football Focus will come to an end this summer, closing a chapter that has lasted more than five decades. First airing in 1974, the show has been a familiar part of Saturday lunchtime viewing for generations of football fans, often seen as the unofficial start to the weekend’s action.