Football

Starmer attempt to reverse ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans is a dangerous own goal

Their team plays Aston Villa next month, but a fanbase that once marched through the streets chanting ‘death to Arabs’ has no right to see it

The art of surviving football failure

This year, finishing last in the WSL won’t automatically mean relegation. For West Ham and Liverpool, that might be the problem

The joy of qualifying belongs to the few, not the powerful

The Faroe Islands prove that while qualifying may be imperfect, it remains the beating heart of international football

If you want fans to make a noise, stop going 3-0 up

England manager’s moan about Wembley atmosphere suggests he doesn’t really know why fans get excited

Ronaldo can’t put a foot wrong with adoring public

The now-billionaire footballer’s financial success shows a series of smart moves

Rooney has found his voice – and a strange kind of freedom

The most famous (ex-)players understand the media game and have become skilled at tailoring their juiciest thoughts to a vast market of fans

Sporting land grab goes into overdrive

From football to darts, the kingdom’s ambitions are measured in billions

Another Guardiola disciple undone by dogma

Possession obsession cost the Englishman his job at Rangers as Pep’s way passes its sell-by date

How the World Cup shaped football’s gilded age

Books by Jonathan Wilson and Simon Kuper trace the tournament’s history through corruption, controversies and the fierce competition to host the lucrative game

Arsenal’s all too familiar slump is a big problem for Slegers

Manager must act quickly to stop slide after Champions League defeat by Lyon made it four games without a win

Football’s speed-dating transfer system

Agents and clubs are increasingly turning to an online platform to find their next match

Last-gasp Estêvão puts everything right in Chelsea’s chaotic world

Brazilian hits a 95th-minute winner to condemn champions Liverpool to third straight defeat

Why the Premier League has turned into the late, late show

More stoppage time, more subs and more corners – or just better players?

The mid-table draw that became a Hollywood thriller

With both teams going down a storm in the US, a vital market is opening for EFL clubs

Chelsea fail to convince but still lack title challengers

Man City could be the ones to give Blues a proper test in WSL race

From Glasner’s genius to Guéhi’s brilliance, relish this Palace while you can

Eagles are achieving near impossible in modern age of success without sacrificing their identity or dignity

Can Tuchel really solve England’s Bellingham problem?

Having a world-class player such as the Real Madrid icon shouldn't be a problem after all

Hooligans and politicians I can endure, but goal music? No thanks

Before long it will be the Jaws theme when the ref approaches the VAR replay screen