Sports from Thursday, March 19th, 2026
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FIFA clears Israeli settlement clubs but fines Israel FA
FIFA said it would take no action against Israeli football clubs accused by the Palestine Football Association (PFA) of competing while allegedly based in Palestinian territory, and on Thursday separately sanctioned the Israel Football Association (IFA) over breaches of its anti‑discrimination and fair‑play rules.
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FIFA mandates female coaches in their women's competitions
Every team in a FIFA women's competition will be required to have at least one female head or assistant coach, part of sweeping new regulations from football's governing body aimed at boosting the number of women coaching at the highest levels.
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Messi scores 900th career goal, joins Ronaldo in elite club
Lionel Messi scored his 900th career goal on Wednesday to become the second player to reach the mark in elite men's football after Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Buttler hopeful of England return despite T20 World Cup struggles
Former England captain Jos Buttler said he still wants to play for the national side after taking a break from cricket in the wake of their semi-final exit from the Twenty20 World Cup.
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Iran continuing World Cup preparations but will not play in US, says football president
The Iranian national team are continuing to prepare for the World Cup finals and have no intention of pulling out of the tournament even if they will not travel to the United States, Iran FA President Mehdi Taj said on Wednesday.
News
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UAE joins 21 nations in condemning Iranian attacks, closure of Strait of HormuzThe UAE has joined 21 nations in condemning the recent Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf and civilian infrastructure and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
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DoE Chairman reviews efficiency of Abu Dhabi's energy, water ecosystemAbu Dhabi's energy and water ecosystem showcases readiness and efficiency, highlighted Dr Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, after reviewing the operations of vital sites in the UAE capital.
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UAE intercepts 3 ballistic missiles, 8 drones on SaturdayUAE air defences have intercepted 3 ballistic missiles and 8 drones launched from Iran on Saturday, an update from the Ministry of Defence confirmed.
