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.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino attends a meeting of the FIFA Task Force at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura
THE Women's World Cup will be expanded from 32 to 48 teams, like the men's competition, starting with the 2031 edition, FIFA announced on Friday (9).
The FIFA Council unanimously agreed to enlarge the competition "given the remarkable recent strides made by women's football across the world," the sport's governing body said.
The 48-team tournament will adopt a 12-group format, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104 and extending the tournament by one week, FIFA said.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the expansion followed the success of the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, won by Spain.
"The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, the first in which teams from all confederations won at least one game and teams from five confederations reached the knockout stage, among many other records, set a new standard for global competitiveness," said Infantino.
"This is not just about having 16 more teams playing ... but taking the next steps in relation to the women's game in general by ensuring that more FIFA Member Associations have the chance to benefit from the tournament to develop their women's football structures," he said.
"This decision ensures we are maintaining the momentum in terms of growing women’s football globally."
The 2027 tournament in Brazil, which will be the tenth edition of the women's event, will remain at 32 teams.
FIFA have still to ratify the 2031 and 2035 hosts.
The 2031 edition is expected to take place in the US, sole candidate to host the tournament.
The UK, including 2023 finalists England, are bidding to host the 2035 event.
"I can confirm as part of the bidding process that we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035," Infantino said last month.
The men's tournament will be expanded to 48 teams for the World Cup in 2026, to be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
On Friday, the FIFA Council also adopted new anti-racism measures notably by increasing fines.
Federations will also have to bring their own Disciplinary Code into compliance, and FIFA can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if they believe national sanctions are insufficient, as is the case in doping cases.
The 211 FIFA Council members were also informed about preparations for the 75th FIFA Congress that will take place on May 15 in Asunción, Paraguay.
The FIFA Council also approved the strategy to support Afghan women footballers, which includes the creation of an Afghan Women's Refugee Team (AWRT).
"FIFA is engaging directly with the relevant players," football's governing body said.
"This is a landmark initiative," added Infantino. "FIFA is committed to giving every girl the possibility to play football."
LIVERPOOL beat Tottenham 5-1 at Anfield on Sunday to win the Premier League title, securing a record-equalling 20th English top-flight crown.
Arne Slot’s team came from behind after conceding an early goal and dominated the match, driven by strong support from the 60,000-plus crowd.
Liverpool are now level with Manchester United as the joint-most successful club in English top-flight history.
It is Liverpool’s second Premier League title and the first won in front of fans since 1990. Their 2020 title was celebrated without crowds due to Covid restrictions.
Slot, in his first season in English football, said he had built on the work of Jurgen Klopp, who left last year after a nine-year spell.
"Almost the whole season we were on the top of the league and had a team that could win it," he told Sky Sports.
"We know how tough the Premier League is, but we always had the belief we could win it.
"The work Jurgen (Klopp) and (assistant) Pep (Lijnders) left, the culture, work-rate, quality, was outstanding. We started (the season) really well and maybe it helped that (Manchester) City had a difficult spell that they have not had in five years.
"When the season started we would have been happy with top four. But I don't think that is fair on the players as they are much better than that and they have shown it this season."
Liverpool began strongly after the traditional rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone," but Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke scored early. Liverpool responded quickly with goals from Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister to take the lead.
Cody Gakpo added a third, finishing into the bottom corner after Tottenham failed to clear. Liverpool fans continued to sing as the team pushed for more goals.
Mohamed Salah scored Liverpool’s fourth goal, receiving a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai before cutting inside and shooting into the bottom corner. Salah celebrated by taking a selfie in front of the Kop with a fan’s phone.
Liverpool added a fifth when Spurs defender Destiny Udogie scored an own goal with 21 minutes remaining.
As the final whistle approached, "You'll Never Walk Alone" was sung again, with scarves raised around Anfield.
Liverpool are on 82 points, 15 clear of second-placed Arsenal with four games remaining. Tottenham are 16th after their 19th defeat of the season, increasing pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.
Thousands of fans gathered outside Anfield before kick-off, setting off flares and selling flags and scarves marking Liverpool’s 20th title.
Manchester City, who were favourites at the start of the season, struggled for form. Arsenal became Liverpool’s main challengers but dropped points through draws.
There were concerns about how quickly Liverpool’s players would adapt to Slot’s methods.
However, the team maintained consistent performances despite speculation over the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Salah and Van Dijk have signed two-year contract extensions, while Alexander-Arnold is reportedly close to a move to Real Madrid.
"A lot of emotions before the game, during the whole week, but we got the job done and we are truly deserved champions of England," said Van Dijk.
"The most beautiful club in the world and I think we deserve all of this."
(With inputs from agencies)
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Surekha Griffiths speaks to students during a football session.
“IF YOU don’t see it, you assume it’s not for you.”
For Surekha Griffiths, an award-winning grassroots referee, this simple truth has shaped her journey in football. A mother of two, she took up officiating after being encouraged by her children.
Today, she is not only a role model for aspiring referees, but also an advocate for greater diversity in the game. Griffiths’ love for football started at home.
“My husband absolutely loves watching me and he loves watching the boys, but he hates football. So as far as the boys are concerned, they’ve grown up with their mum being a football lover,” she told Eastern Eye in an interview.
And , takes part in on-pitch activities
Watching her children play, she realised she already had a deep knowledge of the game.
“They said, ‘Mum, you know everything about football… why don’t you do it?’”
That encouragement pushed her to overcome initial hesitation. “What I immediately wanted to say was, ‘No, mums don’t do it,’” she admitted. But her children’s confidence in her abilities made her reconsider.
“They’re not growing up in the same generation I grew up in. They were clear – ‘Mum, you’re the one who’s got an interest in football’.
” Determined to set an example, Griffiths enrolled in a refereeing course with Middlesex FA. What started as a way to support her children’s matches soon became much more. “For the last three years or so, I’ve been officiating their games when I can, but now they get appointed referees as well by the county. So, I do lots of other games.”
Her refereeing experience has expanded to include a variety of matches, from grassroots games to the Middlesex FA Pan-Disability League. Griffiths believes refereeing is as rewarding as playing, and she hopes to inspire others among the south Asian communities to consider the role.
Like many referees, Griffiths faced challenges early on.
“My initial challenges were always my own feeling of being an imposter,” she said. “My view of what a referee was – middle-aged, usually white male – made me feel like I didn’t belong.”
Stepping onto the pitch, particularly when officiating men’s and boys’ matches, made her self-conscious. “I was carrying that energy with me… I was tuning into the abuse, the shouting, and it was affecting my performance.”
However, she soon learned to focus on her authority and the laws of the game. “My local county was brilliant. I did the work to focus on how to put my authority on that pitch while still going unnoticed.”
Experience helped her grow in confidence. “I’ve not changed into a man, I’ve not gone younger, but I’ve now learnt how to make those things unimportant. That was me letting go of feeling like an imposter.”
Griffiths took part in this year’s Biggest Ever Football Session alongside England and Arsenal legend Rachel Yankey on March 7.
“What’s brilliant is that I have been asked to be involved in a session at a high school,” she said. “That’s where sustainability comes in – football making links with schools, where children, women, and girls are most influential.”
As in previous years, the Biggest Ever Football Session encouraged schools to provide on-pitch opportunities for girls to play the game. However, aligning with the FA’s new Made For This Game campaign (highlighting non-playing roles in the game), this year’s event also featured offpitch sessions, including coaching, refereeing, and journalism.
At the event, Griffiths worked alongside Yankey to promote these roles. “She’s a fantastic advocate for the women’s game, decorated with everything she’s done,” Griffiths said. “I’ll be there to watch sessions, officiate some mini-games, and talk to students about the different roles in football.”
She emphasised that football isn’t just about playing.
“Not everybody is sporty, but they want to be involved in sport. Football should be represented by society now, and that includes women and girls – not just on the pitch, but as referees, coaches, administrators, or secretaries.”
Griffiths conceded that while she “loved being involved in football, but I know I’m not good at playing it”.
She said, “I never played growing up, but I loved watching it. We need representatives across all areas of the game, because that’s when football can truly be equal.”
As a British Asian referee, Griffiths hopes her visibility encourages others from similar backgrounds.
“It’s great if I’m inspiring people, but I’m not trying to inspire – it just happens,” she said.
“If you don’t see it, you assume it’s not for you.”
She noted that cultural expectations can sometimes discourage participation. “Sport is still seen as very masculine. In many south Asian and other Asian cultures, being involved in a masculine sport isn’t always valued. There’s also a desire to pursue stable career paths, so roles in football might not be encouraged.”
However, Griffiths has found support from her family.
“My dad is very proud of the work we’re doing in football. My kids are growing up believing in equality,” she said.
“I’m bringing them up as feminists – not because they think women are better than men, but because they believe in equality.”
With parents of Hindu-Punjabi heritage from India, Griffiths has strong ties to the country and visits regularly.
“My mum was born in Bombay, my dad is from Delhi. My husband, who is white British, is very proudly married to someone from a south Asian background, and we try to bring our children up with a real balance of both cultures.”
She has seen India’s love for sport firsthand. “If you drive through Bombay on a normal day, the traffic is ridiculous. But if India is playing cricket, there’s no traffic – everyone is at home watching,” she said.
While cricket remains dominant, she believes football is growing.
“Sport as a career in India is very respected. I think we’re not too far away from seeing a very successful Indian international team.”
For young people, especially girls, who are interested in refereeing, Griffiths has a message: go for it.
“If you’re interested in refereeing and don’t know where to start, contact your local county FA. Speak to people, go to local clubs – they can direct you.”
She also urged young referees to push past self-doubt.
“Don’t let your own unconscious bias or thoughts of what you think a referee looks like limit your future,” she said. “You are paving the way for others to do something great in the future, so don’t hold back.”
Griffiths firmly believes football has a place for everyone. “If refereeing isn’t for you, find another role in football. There’s definitely a place for all girls and women in the game if they’re interested in it.
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Lionel Messi in action against Venezuela in Kolkata in 2011
LIONEL MESSI and the Argentina national team will visit Kerala in south India for an exhibition match in October.
It will mark Messi’s return to the country 14 years after his first visit.
In November last year, Kerala sports minister V Abdurahiman announced that Argentina would play two friendly matches in the city of Kochi.
Last Wednesday (26), HSBC India confirmed that it had become the official partner of the Argentine team, aiming to collaborate and promote football in India. The bank announced that the exhibition match will take place in October.
“Under this partnership, the Argentina national football team, including legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit India for an international exhibition match in October 2025,” HSBC India said.
Messi’s first appearance in India was in September 2011, when Argentina played a World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela in Kolkata. Argentina won the match 1-0 at the Salt Lake stadium.
MAMATA BANERJEE, chief minister of the Indian state of West Bengal, has announced that Manchester City has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a sports school in the state.
The Premier League club, which has won the league title for four consecutive seasons, is expanding its football education initiatives in the region.
Banerjee said the move would strengthen Bengal’s sporting ecosystem and highlighted the state’s growing interest in sports.
Last year, Manchester City and Techno India Group launched the first Manchester City Football School in India, based in Kolkata.
The school offers a football education programme based on the coaching philosophy of the club.
The programme is designed to provide students with training led by official Manchester City coaches. These coaches will be relocating from Manchester to Kolkata to oversee the curriculum and deliver a structured football training experience.
Following the announcement last year, Jorgina Busquets, Managing Director – Football Education, Recreation and Partner Clubs for City Football Group, said, "We are delighted to be opening our first Manchester City Football School in Kolkata with Techno India Group, who are a leading education provider to children and young adults throughout West Bengal."
"We are looking forward to creating a first-class educational experience, through the presence of fully trained, full-time Manchester City coaches, based on the same approach and methodology that we use in our programmes in Manchester, tailored to the level of each player."
Debdut Roychowdury, Director – Techno India Group, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, "It is with immense pride and excitement that we join forces with Manchester City Football to bring their renowned football training expertise to the heart of Indian football, West Bengal."
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