Liverpool lift Premier League trophy after Palace draw
Arne Slot's team secured their record-equalling 20th English crown by beating Tottenham in April. The trophy presentation was held back for the final game of the season.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool lifts the trophy after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk lifted the Premier League trophy after Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday. It was the first time in 35 years that Liverpool celebrated a title with their own fans.
Arne Slot's team secured their record-equalling 20th English crown by beating Tottenham in April. The trophy presentation was held back for the final game of the season.
Liverpool’s previous title in 2020 was celebrated behind closed doors because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Then-captain Jordan Henderson lifted the trophy in an empty stadium.
This time, Liverpool celebrated their first title in front of a full Anfield since 1990. Around 61,000 fans joined the celebrations along with club legends.
"It's always special to win something, but at certain clubs maybe a little bit more," Slot said.
"I don't think you expect anything like this. If you look at the Premier League in the last few seasons it was always a race to the end.
"To be part of it was already nice, let alone to win it."
Alan Hansen, captain of the last Liverpool team to lift the trophy at a full Anfield in 1990, handed the silverware to Van Dijk.
Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool's manager 35 years ago, was in the stands. Jurgen Klopp, who managed the 2020 title-winning team before leaving last year, also watched the celebrations.
Fireworks, smoke and red ticker tape filled the air as the players took the trophy around Anfield. Banners and flags in the Kop stand paid tribute to the team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, expected to leave for Real Madrid after his contract expires in June, also took part in the celebrations. He had been booed during a recent draw with Arsenal after announcing his decision to leave.
On Sunday, Alexander-Arnold was cheered when he came off the bench for his final appearance at Anfield. The Liverpool-born defender kissed his badge in response.
"I've played hundreds of games for the club but I've never felt so loved and cared for than today," Alexander-Arnold said.
Liverpool did not win any of their four games after clinching the title. But the celebrations went on. Before kickoff, Palace's players gave Liverpool a guard of honour, and Liverpool later returned the gesture for the FA Cup winners.
Ismaila Sarr scored in the ninth minute for Palace. Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was shown a straight red card for a foul on Daichi Kamada in the 68th minute after earlier being booked for diving.
Mohamed Salah equalised in the 84th minute, finishing with his 29th goal of the season. This equalled the record for most goal involvements in a Premier League season, held by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, both with 47 in a 42-game season.
Salah won the Premier League golden boot for the fourth time.
"It's incredible. Last time we did not have the chance to lift the trophy in front of the Kop. Today we have the chance," Salah said.
"It is an incredible feeling. Winning the second one with the fans in Anfield, you can see what it means."
Liverpool’s players stood in a long line to sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' after the presentation. The celebrations are expected to continue on Monday when Liverpool will parade the trophy through the city on an open-top bus.
INDIA could face a ban from world football for the second time in three years after FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to adopt a new constitution by October 30.
FIFA and the AFC sent a joint letter to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, expressing concern over the delay in finalising and adopting the constitution.
"Failure to meet this schedule will leave us with no alternative but to refer the matter to the relevant FIFA decision-making body for consideration and decision," the letter said.
"AIFF must regard this communication as binding and requiring immediate compliance in order to safeguard its rights as a member of FIFA and the AFC," it added.
The AIFF constitution has been pending in the Supreme Court since 2017.
If suspended, India’s national teams and clubs would not be allowed to compete in international competitions.
In August 2022, FIFA suspended India citing third-party interference after the Supreme Court appointed a committee of administrators to oversee the AIFF. The ban was lifted a few days later, allowing Chaubey’s election to go ahead.
Meanwhile, Indian club football is facing uncertainty. The Indian Super League (ISL) has been delayed this season due to a dispute between the AIFF and its commercial partner.
The rights agreement between AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited, which runs the ISL, ends on December 8 and has not been renewed. Without a resolution, the ISL, usually held between September and April, risks cancellation, putting thousands of players and staff at risk of losing their jobs.
Last week, players’ union FIFPRO Asia/Oceania raised the issue with FIFA.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
FILE PHOTO: The 'No room for racism' handshake board and banner can be seen as players and match officials take part in the pre-match handshakes prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Fulham FC at Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
THE 2024-25 UK soccer season saw a rise in reports of sexism, transphobia and faith-based abuse, said the UK-based anti-discrimination and inclusion charity Kick It Out.
A Kick It Out statement said the charity received 1,398 reports of abuse, up from 1,332 last season.
It said the reports came from people who said they had experienced or witnessed discrimination online or at a grassroots, non-league or professional game. The charity did not identify the abusers.
Sexism and misogyny increased by 67 per cent, while faith-based abuse also saw a sharp rise. Reports of homophobic abuse fell slightly but transphobic abuse doubled last season, said Kick It Out, who incorporate incidents from across professional soccer, grassroots and social media.
Reports of racist incidents in professional soccer rose from 223 to 245, despite a drop in overall reports of racism across all levels of the game.
"These figures show that discrimination remains deeply embedded across the game, but the rise in abuse in youth football should be a wake-up call," Kick It Out CEO Samuel Okafor said in a statement on Tuesday (5).
"What we're seeing now is that fans aren't just reporting abuse, they're demanding action. There's been a clear shift this season in how people are calling out sexist behaviour, both online and in stadiums, and asking football to treat it as seriously as any other form of hate.
"Fans are doing their part by speaking up. It's now up to football authorities, tech companies and government to show they're listening, and to act."
KHALID JAMIL made history on Friday (1) by becoming the first Indian to lead the national football team as head coach in 13 years, beating Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic to secure the position.
The last Indian to serve as head coach of the men's national team was Savio Medeira, who held the role from 2011 to 2012.
The 48-year-old Jamil, who famously guided unfancied Aizawl Football Club to the I-League title in 2017, faces the challenging task of reversing the struggling Indian team's declining fortunes.
A former India international currently managing Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, Jamil was selected by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) executive committee after being shortlisted by the technical committee led by legendary striker IM Vijayan.
An AFC Pro Licence Diploma holder, Jamil will succeed Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who parted company with the AIFF last month following India's recent struggles.
"The AIFF ExCo has picked Khalid Jamil as the new head coach, but his tenure has not yet been decided. We will do that after discussions with him and amongst ourselves," AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said after the meeting.
"Jamil wanted a three-year tenure. Some ExCo members said it could be one year or two years. But it will be a long-term tenure, maybe two or three years, and performance-based."
The AIFF president made it clear that Jamil will be a full-time national team head coach and will not be associated with any other club, unlike his predecessor Manolo who had played a dual role with ISL side FC Goa. "Jamil will only be head coach of the national team," Chaubey confirmed.
Jamil's first assignment will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting August 29. He faces the tough task of reversing India's poor recent performances after losing 1-0 to lower-ranked Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10, leaving the country in danger of missing out on qualifying for the continental showpiece in 2027.
Following the CAFA Nations Cup, India will play AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches against Singapore on 9 and 14 October.
The biggest achievement of Jamil's decade-long managerial career was leading Aizawl FC to the 2016-17 I-League title, upstaging big-spending giants like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Bengaluru FC with a minimal budget. The unassuming Mumbaikar also guided NorthEast United (2020-21) and Jamshedpur FC (2024-25) to the ISL play-offs.
Jamil received strong support from football legends. Vijayan favoured an Indian coach, noting that the country had a much higher FIFA ranking with Indian coaches like Sukhwinder Singh and Syed Nayeemuddin.
"He (Vijayan) strongly recommended Khalid Jamil, as he has already been conferred with the AIFF's Men's Coach of the Year Award on two occasions (2023-24 and 2024-25)," the AIFF said in a release.
Former India coach Amrando Colaco, currently adviser to Chaubey, and technical committee vice-chairperson Shabir Ali also advocated for an Indian head coach.
"Colaco and Mr Ali expressed their views that the AIFF should prioritise selecting an Indian coach for the senior men's national team... they believe that Indian coaches need to be given a fair chance to prove themselves," the AIFF said.
Former India players and current executive committee members Pinky Bompal Magar, Thongam Tababi Devi and Climax Lawrence also supported the decision.
"The house felt that since India are set to participate in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 later this month, followed by back-to-back AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore in October, Jamil would be a better option, since he has been working with Indian players on a regular basis," the AIFF explained.
The federation had received 170 applications, including from former Liverpool stars Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell.
(PTI)
Keep ReadingShow less
Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh lift the UEFA Women's EURO trophy after their team's victory in the final match between England and Spain on July 27 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo: Getty Images)
CHLOE KELLY scored the winning penalty as England defeated Spain 3-1 in a shootout to claim the Euro 2025 title on Sunday. The final ended 1-1 after extra time, giving England their second consecutive European Championship victory.
Sarina Wiegman’s side had earlier staged a comeback in the tournament, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Sweden in the quarter-finals on penalties and overcoming Italy in the semi-finals with another extra-time goal from Kelly.
Spain strike first
Spain, who are world and Nations League champions, opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Ona Batlle’s cross caught the England defence off guard, allowing Mariona Caldentey to head past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
England faced further trouble when Lauren James picked up an ankle injury. Kelly came on as her replacement just before half-time, a change that proved crucial.
Russo levels for England
Kelly strengthened England’s left side and delivered the cross for Alessia Russo to head in the equaliser in the 57th minute.
Spain continued to dominate possession but failed to convert their chances as the match went into extra time and then penalties.
Shootout drama
Spain took an early advantage in the shootout when Cata Coll saved Beth Mead’s attempt. Hampton responded by saving penalties from Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati, giving England the edge.
Coll denied Leah Williamson to keep Spain in contention, but Salma Paralluelo missed her spot-kick. Kelly then stepped up to take the decisive penalty.
Kelly’s winning moment
Kelly, who had scored the extra-time winner in the 2022 final against Germany, used her familiar prancing run-up before firing the ball into the net. She celebrated with her teammates in front of England fans.
"I'm so proud, so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge, and I'm so proud to be English ... I was cool, I was composed and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net," Kelly said.
The match was the first Euro final decided by penalties since the inaugural edition in 1984, when England lost to Sweden.
Reaction from players
Hampton praised her team’s resilience. "Unbelievable, incredible, showing throughout this tournament we can come back when we go a goal down, and we have that grit," she said.
"We've got English blood in us, so we never say die and we just keep going, and we did that today."
Spain’s Bonmati expressed her disappointment. "I don't have much emotion left to be honest. I have emptied myself of emotion. We are all exhausted," she said.
"I have to say sorry, because it was my fault in the end, but I was not able to score it (the penalty). Congratulations to our opponents. In my opinion we were superior in the match, (but) on some occasions, that's not enough in football."
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Kickstart players at at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground.
A GROUP of young footballers from Bengaluru trained at Tottenham Hotspur’s facilities in London this week as part of the club’s partnership with Kickstart FC.
The visit included technical training sessions delivered by Tottenham's Global Football Development coaches, health and nutrition workshops, and matches against grassroots teams in the UK. Former Spurs captain Ledley King conducted a coaching masterclass during the programme.
Ledley King said: “The first time I went out to India, with Ossie, you could see how passionate this group were about football and their development. There are some very good players, so it’s just about reinforcing the small details that make a big difference, making sure they move away before receiving the ball and keeping their concentrations levels high, for example.
Ledley King talks to Kickstart players.
“It’s always great to speak to a few of the players about different aspects of their game, and they’re eager to learn, so I am sure coming over here, to these world class facilities, and working with our coaches is going to bring their game to another level.”
The club announced its partnership with Kickstart FC during a visit to Bengaluru by Ledley King and Ossie Ardiles in November 2023. The initiative is aimed at supporting the development of local players and coaches in India by sharing training methods used at the Spurs Academy.
Among the visiting players was 16-year-old Vivek, who is preparing for a series of college football trials in the USA.
Vivek said: “I started playing football when I was 11 years old and have played for Kickstart for many years. It’s been a long journey, a tough journey, but I have worked very hard to get to where I am now.
“When I heard Tottenham Hotspur were our partners, I was literally jumping up and down on my bed, as I knew I would get the opportunity to train at these amazing facilities! When I visited the training ground last year it really sparked something in my brain, to motivate me to work harder, in order to improve my level.”
Laxman Bhattarai, CEO and Co-Founder at Kickstart FC, said: “This is the second year that Vivek has come to Tottenham Hotspur, last year he was keen to make an impact in front of Ledley and the other coaches. This year, he arrived in the UK with a lot more maturity, and these sessions have really helped him ahead of his trials in the USA.
“It has been an amazing journey with Tottenham Hotspur since we signed the partnership, which is all about bringing Indian football to another level and how we can bring a group of talented young footballers to a global platform. We are very thankful to the global football development team at Tottenham Hotspur for their support. We look forward to returning very soon.”
Danny Mitchell, Head of Global Coaching for Tottenham Hotspur, said: “It has been a real privilege for the Club to host representatives from Kickstart FC at our Training Centre again this year. Our partnership with Kickstart aims to provide a lasting impact on the Indian football landscape and we are particularly proud of the progress of Vivek, who will be undertaking college trials in the USA, serving as an example of the impact the programme can have on developing young players in the region.”
Kickstart FC’s women’s team recently finished runners-up in the Indian Women’s League. The partnership also focuses on developing women’s football in Karnataka.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Global Football Development team works with around 45,000 players and coaches every year.