Sports
AFCON fallout deepens as Sadio Mane ordered to return MVP award
African football is grappling with a crisis that has shifted the narrative of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from a dramatic final to a defining battle over governance, legitimacy, and the limits of authority, with Sadio Mane at the center after being ordered to return his Player of the Tournament award.
What unfolded in Rabat on Jan. 18, 2026 was initially remembered as a tense, hard-fought decider. Senegal edged Morocco 1-0 after extra time, sealing what appeared to be their second continental crown.
But that on-field result has since been erased, replaced by a ruling that has shaken the foundations of the tournament.
At the heart of the controversy is Confederation of African Football, whose appeals board determined nearly two months later that Senegal forfeited the match.
The decision stemmed from a flashpoint deep in stoppage time, when referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after a VAR review involving Brahim Diaz.
Senegal’s bench, led by coach Pape Thiaw, reacted by pulling players off the pitch in protest.
The match was suspended for over 15 minutes as tensions spilled into the stands.
Security forces intervened, and it took the intervention of Mane to restore order and bring his teammates back.
When play resumed, the moment that triggered the chaos appeared to dissolve.
Diaz missed the penalty, denied by Edouard Mendy, and Senegal regrouped to win the match in extra time through Pape Gueye.
In the immediate aftermath, Mane was named Player of the Tournament, recognized for both his performances and leadership in defusing a volatile situation.
That narrative has now been dismantled.
CAF ruled that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal constituted a violation of competition rules, specifically provisions governing refusal to continue play.
The result was annulled and replaced with a 3-0 default win for Morocco, handing the hosts their first AFCON title in nearly five decades.
What has elevated the dispute from controversy to crisis is what followed.
CAF did not stop at the team result. It moved to align every individual accolade with the revised outcome, triggering a rare and sweeping post-tournament recalibration.
In a directive that has stunned players and officials alike, Mane has been asked to return his MVP award, a decision that cuts to the core of how individual excellence is judged.
The award has now been reassigned to Diaz, whose tournament tally of five goals and consistent influence for Morocco positioned him as a leading contender even before the final.
With the revision, he is no longer just a standout performer but the official face of a tournament rewritten after its conclusion.
For Senegal, the response has been defiant. Federation officials have rejected the ruling outright, describing it as unjust and unprecedented.
Plans are underway to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a process that could take months and potentially redefine the outcome once again.
Reports indicate the disputed trophies, both team and individual, have been secured domestically, signaling a refusal to recognize CAF’s authority on the matter.
Beyond the immediate standoff, the broader implications are significant.
Critics argue that retroactively altering both results and awards undermines the integrity of competition, eroding the principle that matches are decided on the pitch.
The delay in CAF’s ruling has also drawn scrutiny, raising questions about consistency, transparency, and timing in disciplinary decisions.
The Turkish national team arrived in the United States on Tuesday to start the final phase of its preparations for the 2026 tournament, ending a 24-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
A special charter flight carrying head coach Vincenzo Montella’s squad landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida after departing from Istanbul.
Also traveling with the delegation were Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu and members of the federation’s executive board.
The team was welcomed upon arrival by Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United States, Sedat Önal, and Miami Consul General Resul Şahinol before making the short journey to its hotel in the Miami area.
Dozens of Turkish supporters gathered outside the hotel, greeting the players with flags, chants and songs as excitement continued to build ahead of the country’s first World Cup appearance since finishing third at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
Hacıosmanoğlu said the transatlantic trip had gone smoothly as the squad settled into its temporary base in South Florida.
Türkiye will complete its final tune-up for the World Cup with a friendly against Venezuela at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on June 6. The match will serve as Montella’s last opportunity to fine-tune his side before the tournament begins.
Following the Venezuela fixture, the team will relocate to Mesa, Arizona, on June 7, where it will establish its official World Cup base camp at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. The sprawling training complex will provide Türkiye with modern facilities, recovery areas and training pitches as the squad prepares for the demands of a tournament spread across North America.
A community event scheduled for June 8 will give local supporters and members of the Turkish-American community an opportunity to meet players and watch portions of training as anticipation continues to grow.
Türkiye enter the World Cup in Group D alongside co-host United States, Australia and Paraguay. The group presents a challenging path, but one many Turkish supporters believe can be navigated by a squad that blends established European stars with one of the country’s most promising generations in years.
Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Real Madrid playmaker Arda Güler and Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız are expected to lead Türkiye’s bid to reach the knockout rounds under Montella.
The campaign begins against Australia at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on June 14, a match that could prove decisive in shaping the group’s early standings. Türkiye will then face Paraguay before closing the group stage against the United States.
Ticket prices for the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden in 27 years are climbing again, with the cheapest entry for Game 3 on June 8 back above $4,000 on the secondary market.
Ticket tracking service TicketData told Field Level Media that prices for Game 2 briefly “came back down to reality” within 48 hours after surging in the immediate aftermath of the Knicks clinching their Finals berth last week. However, over the past three days, prices have risen 20 percent as supply remains extremely limited.
As of Monday night, the lowest available ticket for Game 3 was listed at $3,789, while the most expensive listing for the series is $5,322 for a potential Game 6 in New York on June 16.
By contrast, ticket prices for games in San Antonio are down nearly 50 percent from where they were after the Spurs eliminated Oklahoma City in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals. The get-in price for Game 1 on Wednesday night has dropped 62 percent over the past three days, while Game 2 on Friday night is down 49 percent.
TicketData said a contributing factor is that fewer Knicks fans are likely to travel than initially expected because of the cost of flights from New York-area airports to San Antonio. That could change if the series goes the distance, with the get-in price for a potential Game 7 in San Antonio still holding at $3,863.
If ticket prices for games at MSG hold, they would be more expensive than each of the past two Super Bowls, which had day-of-game get-in prices of $3,251 in 2025 and $2,002 this year. The average Super Bowl get-in price since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic has been $3,914, according to TicketData.
The company said the Knicks’ focus on ensuring their season-ticket holders are fans and not professional resellers has contributed to the limited supply on the secondary market. There is also wide appeal for the matchup against the Spurs and rising superstar Victor Wembanyama.
Outside of the World Cup and the Stanley Cup Final, the next most expensive sporting event through the end of the year is currently UFC 329. The card featuring the return of Conor McGregor against Max Holloway has a get-in price of $1,432.
Robert Lewandowski’s future is emerging as one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer storylines, with Fenerbahçe among the clubs attempting to lure the veteran striker as he approaches the end of his contract with Barcelona.
The Polish star, who turns 38 in August, is officially a free agent after a below-average 2025-26 season and Fenerbahçe have already opened discussions with his representatives as they explore the possibility of bringing one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers to Istanbul.
While no agreement has been reached, the Turkish giants are closely monitoring developments and are eager to move to the front of the queue after Lewandowski bid farewell to Barcelona, bringing his four-year chapter with the Catalan club to an end.
Barcelona chapter
Lewandowski arrived at Barcelona from Bayern Munich in 2022 in a deal worth around 50 million euros ($58.2 million) and quickly justified the investment.
Over four seasons in Catalonia, he remained one of the club’s most reliable attacking weapons, combining elite finishing with the experience and leadership expected from a player who has spent more than a decade among world football’s most feared forwards.
Despite his continued productivity, Barcelona ultimately decided against extending his stay under existing financial terms. Reports suggested the club were willing to offer only a short-term extension accompanied by a reduced salary and a diminished role in the squad.
Those conditions reportedly failed to convince Lewandowski’s camp, and the two sides ultimately decided to part ways once his contract expires on June 30.
Even in the twilight of his career, the striker continues to deliver goals at a high level, reinforcing the belief among potential suitors that he still has plenty to offer at the top of the game.
Fenerbahçe eye statement signing
For Fenerbahçe, the pursuit represents far more than a routine transfer.
The club view Lewandowski as a marquee acquisition capable of transforming their attack and elevating their profile both domestically and across Europe. Bringing a player of his stature to the Turkish Süper Lig would send a powerful message about the club’s ambitions ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Interest in the former Bayern Munich star is not new. Fenerbahçe were linked with Lewandowski in late 2025 and reportedly proposed an 18-month contract, an offer that failed to gain traction as the player sought greater long-term security.
Now, with Lewandowski officially available on a free transfer, the Istanbul club have revived their pursuit and are exploring whether circumstances have shifted in their favor.
Election politics
The race to sign Lewandowski has also become intertwined with Fenerbahçe’s presidential election.
Presidential candidate Hakan Safi has reportedly identified the Polish forward as one of the centerpiece targets of his football project, presenting him as part of an ambitious recruitment strategy designed to energize supporters ahead of the vote.
Safi has also been linked with interest in other high-profile forwards, including Serhou Guirassy, as he seeks to showcase a bold vision for the club’s future.
The political dimension has increased attention on the Lewandowski saga, adding pressure on decision-makers to deliver a headline-grabbing signing during a crucial period for the club.
Several options remain on the table
Fenerbahçe are unlikely to have a clear run at the striker.
Major League Soccer remains a realistic destination, with Chicago Fire among the clubs most frequently linked to Lewandowski. Head coach Gregg Berhalter has publicly expressed admiration for the veteran forward, fueling speculation that the American club could make a serious push.
Saudi Pro League sides are also expected to enter the conversation, armed with the financial muscle to offer lucrative contracts.
Meanwhile, several European clubs continue to monitor developments, although some earlier interest appears to have cooled as teams weigh the risks and rewards of signing a player approaching his 38th birthday.
Fenerbahçe’s pitch centers on three key factors: a leading role on the field, a competitive financial package and the opportunity to play in front of one of football’s most passionate fan bases at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
Whether that proves enough remains uncertain.
Career-defining final chapter
Lewandowski has consistently prioritized competing at the highest possible level, a stance that reportedly influenced previous decisions to reject interest from Türkiye.
His next move is expected to be shaped by a combination of sporting ambition, family considerations and long-term career planning.
Should he choose Fenerbahçe, the transfer would rank among the most significant signings in recent Turkish football history. The club would gain an elite finisher capable of delivering immediate results while also providing invaluable mentorship to younger attackers.
For Lewandowski, it would represent a fresh challenge in a fiercely competitive football environment where established stars have often extended their careers and continued scoring at an impressive rate.
Türkiye Tuesday announced its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming the group that will represent the national team at the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Head coach Vincenzo Montella has finalized a balanced roster built on a mix of Europe-based talent and leading players from Türkiye’s top clubs as the team prepares for its first World Cup appearance since 2002.
Standby players
Goalkeeper Muhammed Şengezer, along with Aral Şimşir and Demir Ege Tıknaz, were not included in the final 26.
However, they will still travel to the U.S. as standby options under FIFA regulations that allow injury replacements before a team’s first match, and for goalkeepers throughout the tournament.
Departure and final warm-up
The squad departs at 13:30 local time today for its base camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Before the tournament begins, Türkiye will play its final warm-up match against Venezuela on June 7 at Inter Miami Stadium.
Group D challenge
Türkiye has been drawn in Group D alongside Australia, Paraguay and host nation United States. The group stage fixtures are:
June 14: Australia vs Türkiye, Vancouver
June 20: Türkiye vs Paraguay, San Francisco Bay Area
June 26: Türkiye vs United States, Los Angeles
The 26-man squad
Goalkeepers
Altay Bayındır (Manchester United), Mert Günok (Fenerbahçe), Uğurcan Çakır (Galatasaray)
Defenders
Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı, Çağlar Söyüncü, Mert Müldür, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Merih Demiral, Ozan Kabak, Samet Akaydin, Zeki Çelik
Midfielders
Hakan Çalhanoğlu, İsmail Yüksek, Kaan Ayhan, Orkun Kökçü, Salih Özcan
Forwards and attackers
Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Yunus Akgün, Can Uzun, Deniz Gül, İrfan Can Kahveci, Oğuz Aydın
Türkiye enters the tournament with growing expectations after a strong qualifying campaign and a steady rise under Montella. The squad’s attacking core, led by Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, is seen as the centerpiece of a new generation aiming to push beyond the group stage.
Real Madrid Turkish midfielder Arda Güler capped his breakthrough 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign by being named UEFA’s Revelation of the Season, while Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia claimed the competition’s top individual award after leading the French club to another European title.
UEFA announced its annual honors following the conclusion of the tournament, recognizing players who defined a campaign that featured the league-phase format, dramatic knockout ties and PSG’s successful title defense.
At just 21, Güler completed his transformation from promising talent to one of Europe’s most influential young midfielders.
The Turkish international was awarded UEFA’s inaugural Revelation of the Season honor, a newly introduced award recognizing young players who take a major step forward and make a significant impact on the competition.
After playing a limited role during the previous campaign, Güler became a key figure in Real Madrid’s midfield, logging 1,030 Champions League minutes across 14 appearances, including 13 starts.
His playing time increased more than sevenfold compared with the 2024-25 season, highlighting the scale of his development.
Güler finished the tournament with two goals and four assists while emerging as one of Madrid’s primary creative outlets.
His composure in possession, ability to dictate tempo and vision in the final third helped establish him as a regular starter in Europe’s biggest club competition.
One of his defining performances came in Real Madrid’s league-phase victory over Juventus in October, where he earned Player of the Match honors after controlling proceedings from midfield.
His biggest contributions arrived in the knockout rounds. Güler scored both of his Champions League goals in the quarterfinal against Bayern Munich, helping Madrid navigate one of the competition’s toughest ties. He also maintained a passing accuracy close to 88%, further underlining his growing influence as a deep-lying playmaker.
UEFA’s Technical Observer Group praised his maturity, consistency and ability to impact high-pressure matches, making him a clear choice for the breakthrough award.
The recognition marks another milestone in Güler’s rapid rise and further strengthens his status as one of Turkey’s brightest football talents.
Kvaratskhelia powers PSG to another European crown
While Güler claimed the breakthrough honor, Kvaratskhelia was recognized as the Champions League’s best player after spearheading PSG’s successful title defense.
The Georgian winger played a decisive role throughout the campaign, helping PSG secure back-to-back European titles following their penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in the final in Budapest.
Kvaratskhelia combined flair, creativity and efficiency, finishing the tournament with 10 goals and six assists. His 16 goal contributions made him one of the most productive players in the competition and a constant threat on PSG’s left flank.
Perhaps most impressively, he became the first player in Champions League history to register a goal contribution in seven consecutive knockout-stage matches, a record that highlighted his consistency on the biggest stage.
Across all competitions, the 25-year-old made 48 appearances and scored 19 goals, continuing his rise among the elite attackers in world football.
Kvaratskhelia succeeds teammate Ousmane Dembélé as UEFA’s Player of the Season and was widely regarded as the driving force behind PSG’s European success.
PSG dominate Team of the Season
UEFA’s Technical Observer Group also unveiled the Champions League Team of the Season, with PSG’s dominance reflected in five selections.
Finalists Arsenal contributed three players, while Bayern Munich had two representatives and Atlético Madrid one.
UEFA Champions League Team of the Season
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Arsenal)
Defenders
Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)
Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Midfielders
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards:
Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
Harry Kane (English footballer)
PSG’s strong presence in the team reflected their sustained excellence throughout the competition and underscored the club’s continued success in the post-Kylian Mbappe era.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has bagged the NBA Most Valuable Player again and is widely viewed as the league’s top player, with only three-time MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets making a strong case otherwise.
But the Oklahoma City Thunder star called the 2025-26 season a failure on Sunday, a day after the Thunder fell to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, ending their bid for back-to-back NBA titles. The Spurs advanced to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, while Gilgeous-Alexander begins an offseason that arrived sooner than expected.
“I failed at my goal,” Gilgeous-Alexander said during his exit interview. “I didn’t achieve what I wanted to achieve. But I learn the most about myself and make the greatest improvements in my career when I fail and don’t get what I want. I look at this no different. I didn’t get where I wanted to go this season. There’s a reason for that. Now I have to look at that reason and try to make sure it never happens again.”
The Thunder had been considered strong favorites to reach the NBA Finals for much of the season.
Oklahoma City started 24-1 and also put together a late-season 19-1 run toward the end of its 64-18 campaign. The Thunder then won eight straight games to open the postseason before running into trouble against the Spurs.
Still, Oklahoma City held a 3-2 series lead before being routed 118-91 in San Antonio in Game 6. The Spurs also outplayed the host Thunder in Game 7, prevailing 111-103.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 25.9 points in the series, including three games of 30 or more, but shot just 40.9% from the field, well below his 55.3% mark in the regular season, when he averaged 31.1 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander shot less than 37% four times in a series in which Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was a constant obstacle.
“There’s a guy on their back line who is a little bit different,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of Wembanyama. “They funnel everything to him. It’s a really good defense. But it’s not impossible to score. I just think it’s very different.”
The Thunder were hurt by not having fellow star Jalen Williams for Game 7 because of a left hamstring injury. He played in just three games in the series and five in the postseason due to the injury.
Williams believes the series would have gone differently if he had been healthy.
“Obviously I think I could have made an impact,” Williams said. “I think we could have won if I played. We went to seven with them without me playing. I don’t think I make us worse. That’s really my answer to that. But it’s also hats off to them. What do you want them to do about me being hurt?”
Ajay Mitchell, who filled in well for Williams, missed the final four games after sustaining a right calf strain. His absence also hurt.
One player drawing scrutiny over the Oklahoma City collapse is big man Chet Holmgren, who was outplayed by the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama. He averaged just 10.7 points in the series and was virtually non-existent in Game 7, finishing with four points on 1-of-2 shooting and four rebounds in 33 minutes.
“I feel like part of it was being closed out heavy,” Holmgren said. “Then also just being a little bit out of rhythm sometimes. I feel like there were definitely opportunities to get more attempts up that I didn’t in the moment. That’s an area to improve.”
Wembanyama averaged 27.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in the series for San Antonio.
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