Grace Chanda to join the NWSL's Pride after the Paris Olympics

The Orlando Pride have signed Zambian midfielder Grace Chanda through the 2025 season with a mutual option for 2026. Chanda has played for Madrid CFF since 2022 and is expected to join the Pride following Zambia's appearance in this summer's Olympics. Chanda joins fellow Zambian Barbra Banda on the Pride.

Uruguay striker Cavani retires from international soccer weeks before Copa America

Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani is retiring from international soccer three weeks before the start of the Copa America. The 37-year-old Cavani had been a mainstay for Uruguay for the past two decades. He was selected by coach Marcelo Bielsa to play in the Copa that starts June 20 in the United States. Cavani announced his international retirement in a statement on his social media platforms. Cavani scored 58 goals in 136 matches for Uruguay. He played at the past four World Cups.

Paqueta to stay in Brazil squad ahead of Copa America as he fights spot-fixing charges in England

Brazil says Lucas Paqueta can continue to play for the national team while he fights spot-fixing charges by the English Football Association. Paqueta plays his club soccer for West Ham and is alleged to have deliberately received yellow cards during Premier League matches to influence betting markets. He was charged with misconduct on May 23 and faces a long ban if found guilty by English soccer authorities. Paqueta has denied the charges but has yet to issue a formal response. Brazil says Paqueta will stay in the squad ahead of the Copa America starting June 20 and remains free to play in upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States.

Columbus Crew's Wilfried Nancy, the only Black head coach in MLS, looks to inspire as well as win

Coach Wilfried Nancy led the Columbus Crew to the MLS Cup championship last year in his first season at the helm. The 47-year-old Frenchman was the first Black coach to win the title. Nancy is aware he's a role model as the league looks to promote more Black coaches. He says he can best do that by remaining true to himself. His team will vie for another title on Saturday when it plays Pachuca in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final in Mexico.

Austin signs Ghana international Osman Bukari on transfer from Red Star Belgrade

Austin FC says Ghana international winger Osman Bukari will join the MLS club in a transfer from Red Star Belgrade. The 25-year-old joins Austin as one of the team's Designated Player signings. The move comes a week after Austin waived designated player Emiliano Rigoni and bought out the remainder of his contract. Rigoni scored six goals in 51 matches with Austin. Bukari spent the past two seasons with Red Star Belgrade. He scored 25 goals and made 20 assists as the club won consecutive Serbian league championships and consecutive Serbian Cups. He also has three goals in 17 appearances with the Ghana national team. He played for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup.

Judge includes ex-player Gerard Piqué in probe into Saudi Arabia deal for Spanish Super Cup

A Spanish judge has expanded her investigation into the Spanish soccer federation's deal to take the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia to include former player Gerard Piqué. In court documents made available to the press, judge Delia Rodrigo formally included the ex-Spain and Barcelona defender in a group of people now under official investigation. The probe is examining suspicions of corruption and money laundering in the hosting of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia in a lucrative move made by former federation president Luis Rubiales in 2019. The case is still at its investigative phase. The judge can either conclude to shelve it or recommend it go to trial.

Darke and Donovan to head Fox Euro 2024 coverage, Strong and Holden work Copa America

Ian Darke will pair with Landon Donovan as Fox's lead broadcast team at this year's European Championship, while John Strong and Stu Holden work the Copa America. With the tournaments overlapping, the network will use seven announcing teams. Darke is a longtime ESPN broadcaster who first worked for Fox when he was paired with Donovan at the 2022 World Cup. Darke is among seven British broadcasters on the four Euro 2024 announce teams. Strong and Holden, a former U.S. midfielder, were Fox's lead team at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Youth soccer league making changes after 25 reports of racism

The Utah Youth Soccer Association, known as UYSA, is working to improve its response to racism on the soccer pitch.

Kieran McKenna signs 4-year deal to remain Ipswich manager

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has signed a four-year contract extension after reportedly being considered for head coaching roles at higher-profile Premier League clubs. McKenna led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from England's third tier to the top flight. His impressive work led to him being mentioned as a potential candidate for the vacant roles at Chelsea and Brighton. Manchester United was also reportedly interested in McKenna after his previous work as a coach at Old Trafford. But he has ended speculation about his future by signing a contract that runs through to 2028.

Kompany to stick with same footballing principles after swapping Burnley for Bayern Munich

Vincent Kompany insists his footballing principles will not change after swapping the Championship for the Champions League by making the unlikely move from Burnley to Bayern Munich. Kompany led Burnley to promotion to the Premier League in his first season at the northwest English club only to get a reality check when his bold and attacking style of play was exposed in the top division. Burnley's relegation led to accusations by some that Kompany's tactics were naïve. The former Manchester City and Belgium defender says he was proud to have stayed consistent "in the very highs and the very lows" and will be working the same way at Bayern.

Red Bull adds to soccer portfolio by buying minority stake in English club Leeds

Red Bull has bought a minority stake in English soccer club Leeds in a deal that will also see the energy drink company become the team's shirt sponsor next season. The club has announced a "multi-year agreement" with Red Bull. The company's other soccer interests include stakes in Leipzig in Germany and Salzburg in Austria. Leeds missed out on a return to the Premier League for next season by losing to Southampton in the second-tier Championship playoff final on Sunday.

Maradona's heirs lose court battle to block auction of World Cup Golden Ball trophy

A French court has ruled the auction of a trophy that was awarded to the late Diego Maradona after the 1986 World Cup can go ahead as planned despite opposition from his heirs. Their lawyer told The Associated Press on Thursday that the court ruling "was not favorable." Maradona's heirs have tried to stop the auction of the Golden Ball trophy he received for being the best player of the 1986 World Cup by starting an urgent judicial procedure. The auction has been set for next Thursday.