A defiant Luis Rubiales has said he will not resign as president of the Spanish football federation despite facing widespread criticism and disciplinary proceedings over his behaviour at last Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final.

The 46-year-old kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy and medals presentation after Spain’s victory over England in Sydney.

He had earlier grabbed his crotch in celebration while stood metres away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter in the stadium’s VIP area.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee opens disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish FA

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia)

Football’s world governing body FIFA opened disciplinary proceedin…

Lee Johnson has been sacked as Hibernian manager.

Hibs confirmed Johnson had departed less than 24 hours after a 3-2 home defeat by Livingston meant they had lost their opening three cinch Premiership matches.

Chief executive Ben Kensell said on the Hibernian website: “The club has taken the tough decision to relieve Lee Johnson of his duties following a disappointing start to the domestic campaign.

“We wish Lee and his coaching staff all the best for the future and thank them for their efforts.”

Hibernian FC can confirm that that Lee Johnson has departed the Club as First Team Manager.

— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC)

The change comes ahead of Thursday’s Europa Conference League play-off second leg against Aston Villa w…

Joe Hart insists Manchester City s players will not be distracted by the hype surrounding Pep Guardiola s forthcoming arrival as they fight for trophies on four fronts.

City returned to Premier League action at Sunderland on Tuesday, their first match since the announcement that Bayern Munich boss Guardiola would replace Manuel Pellegrini at the end of the season.

Sergio Aguero scored the only goal after 16 minutes, but the visitors impressive start subsided and they were indebted to some fine saves from England goalkeeper Hart to hold their relegation-threatened opponents at bay.

The 2011-12 and 2013-14 champions are three points behind Leicester City as they prepare to host the league leaders on Saturday and Hart believes focusing on the impending appointmen…

The football world has hailed Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson following the news that he will retire at the end of the season.

The club announced on Wednesday that the Scot will bring his 27-year stint in charge to a close at the conclusion of the current Premier League campaign.

With the 71-year-old having won 38 trophies, the most recent being this season s Premier League crown, in his time at Old Trafford, news of his retirement has understandably attracted a host of tributes.
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, who helped deny Ferguson and United the Premier League title in dramatic circumstances last season, wrote on Twitter: Sir Alex, one of the best managers of all time. After 26 years of success in the game, we all owe him a tribute.
Ferguson has also r…

New FIFA president Gianni Infantino is keen to put a stop to comparisons between himself and predecessor Sepp Blatter.

Infantino was elected in Zurich on Friday and replaces Blatter, whose hometown lies just six miles from that of his Swiss compatriot.

Blatter saw his reign come to an end amid allegations of corruption at world football s governing body and is now serving a reduced six-year ban from the sport over a payment of two million Swiss francs (£1.3million) made to UEFA boss Michel Platini in 2011 that infringed upon FIFA s Code of Ethics.

And Infantino is keen to shift the spotlight away from the common ground he shares with Blatter, telling SonntagsBlick:  Infantino is Infantino, Blatter is Blatter.

Infantino, who served as UEFA general…

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says Atletico Madrid s transfer ban has changed everything for Alexandre Lacazette, as speculation surrounding a move to Manchester United intensifies.

Atletico had been on the brink of signing the France international until they lost an appeal against their transfer ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday.

Diego Simeone s side are now unable to sign players until January 2018 at the earliest, complicating the future of Lacazette as well as their star man Antoine Griezmann, who had previously been strongly linked with a move to United.

As well as United, Lacazette, 26, has also been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool – although Aulas discussed the possibility of him remaining at Lyon.

Real [i…

Wilfried Zaha should leave Crystal Palace to move to a bigger club, according to Sam Allardyce, but Eagles boss Roy Hodgson expects his star player to stay.

Zaha hit nine goals to help Palace stay in the Premier League last season and has been linked with a move to Chelsea, having reportedly rejected a new contract.

The club are said to have turned down a bid of £30million plus midfielder Danny Drinkwater from Chelsea and are rumoured to want £70m for the winger, who rejoined the club on a permanent deal in 2015 after failing to make the grade at Manchester United.

It has been claimed Zaha has told his team-mates he wants to leave but Hodgson has denied the speculation.

I don t read those stories to be perfectly honest, they circulate all the time, Hod…

Napoli have been linked with a surprise move for Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, according to the Daily Star.

The Serie A side are on the lookout for a new shot stopper with current number one Pepe Reina a target for Paris Saint Germain, and have identified Mignolet as a potential target.

The Belgium international began the campaign as Jurgen Klopp’s first choice ‘keeper but was dropped for the Reds match with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, which they won by four goals to nil with Loris Karius keeping the Gunners at bay.

Mignolet moved to Anfield from Sunderland in the summer of 2013 and has since racked up one hundred and eighty- two appearances in all competitions having also played over a century of times for the Black Cats.

Internationally…

Julian Nagelsmann is to become the new Bayern Munich head coach and has agreed a five-year contract beginning on July 1, the Bundesliga club announced on Tuesday.

Bayern, who are on the verge of a ninth successive Bundesliga title, have agreed to terminate the contract of Hansi Flick, who informed the club he did not want to stay in charge beyond this season.

Julian Nagelsmann represents a new generation of coaches, Bayern president Herbert Hainer said in a statement.

Despite his young age, he has had an impressive career. We are convinced that, with Julian Nagelsmann, we will build on the great successes of the past few years.

Julian Nagelsmann to join FC Bayern as head coach. Hansi Flick s contract will be terminated upon request.

— FC Bay…

It does not make sense for the DBU not to accept that offer. The agreement has been worked on for years and should only run one month longer. Sign it, and we will sit on the plane immediately. We are ready and we will play.

We could all be at home with our clubs, who pay our wages – at home with our wives and children. There is only one reason we are here, and it s not money. 

We re here because we love to play for Denmark and are proud of the many millions we play for and the breadth of Danish football, and the work we do for the whole of Danish football – for example, meeting up for the DBU events and their sponsors, as we have always done.

The players fully agree that conversation, negotiation and playing international matches must be the way forward.…