Soccer

2/20/2026 |  MLS Stadium Construction Boom Shows No Sign of Slowing (Front Office Sports) The MLS stadium boom is alive and well as the 2026 season kicks off this weekend, beginning what will be an unprecedented stretch of change for the league over the next several years.
After six MLS clubs moved into soccer-specific venues between 2021-2025, three more are set to open new stadiums over the next three years: Inter Miami in April, New York City FC in 2027, and Chicago Fire FC in 2028. The New England Revolution are also closing in on a potential stadium deal.

2/18/2026 |  Benfica’s Prestianni denies racially insulting Real Madrid’s Vinícius in Champions League game (Associated Press (AP)) MADRID (AP) — Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni has denied racially insulting Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match when he covered his mouth with his jersey.
“I have never been racist with anyone and I regret the threats that I received from Real Madrid players,” the 20-year-old Argentina forward, who faces a potential 10-match ban if found guilty of racial abuse in UEFA’s disciplinary code, said on X. The European soccer governing body said Wednesday it has appointed a special investigator to gather evidence.

2/18/2026 |  Vinícius Jr. racism allegation prompts UEFA investigation (ESPN) UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate allegations of a racist ‌slur directed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during Tuesday's Champions League playoff match at Benfica.

2/18/2026 |  Benfica's Prestianni denies racially insulting Real Madrid's Vinícius in Champions League game (Fox Sports) MADRID (AP) — Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni has denied racially insulting Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match when he covered his mouth with his jersey.

2/18/2026 |  BOXXER’s Ben Shalom enters the pitch with new football agency (Insider Sport) With young footballers being exposed to more business opportunities than ever, NXXT PLAY aims to bring a combat sports angle to brand management.
Ben Shalom, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of boxing promotion company BOXXER, has moved into football with the launch of player agency NXXT PLAY.
Co-founded with FIFA-licensed agent Danny Knowles, NXXT PLAY will initially focus on players under the age of 24. The agency officially launched on 16 February, with the aim of developing young talent both on and off the pitch.