Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings ranging from periods of intense emotional “highs” (mania) to deep “lows” (depression).

Carlos Díaz, 34, one of seven medical professionals charged in connection with Maradona’s death, appeared before the court in Buenos Aires on Thursday, where he faces a charge of manslaughter with reckless intent for allegedly prescribing inappropriate medication.

According to Argentine media reports, Díaz told the court that Maradona’s mental health condition was complex and deeply intertwined with substance dependency.

“There was bipolar disorder and narcissism,” Díaz was quoted as saying. “He could bring a country to its knees, but one glass of alcohol could bring him to his knees.”

Díaz said he first met the former Argentina captain on October 26, 2020 — less than a month before his death — and was alarmed by Maradona’s condition. He recalled seeing the football great drinking wine at the time, an image he said reminded him of his late father, who struggled with alcoholism.

The psychologist told the court that he believed Maradona was willing to change his lifestyle and that his treatment approach was centred on complete abstinence from alcohol. He added that toxicology findings indicated the football legend had gone 23 days without drug use before his death.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, Maradona enjoyed a glittering career with clubs such as Boca Juniors, FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli, and famously captained Argentina to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, following surgery for a subdural hematoma. His death shocked the football world and prompted widespread mourning across Argentina and beyond.

The trial is seeking to determine whether members of his medical and care team bear criminal responsibility for his death, with prosecutors alleging negligence in his treatment and supervision during his final days.

Also testifying on Thursday was neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, another of the defendants. He told the court that Maradona’s home-based care was appropriate under the circumstances and was never intended to function as an intensive-care unit.

The case continues to draw intense public interest in Argentina, where Maradona remains a revered national figure, even as questions persist over the circumstances surrounding his final days.

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Infantino ​confirmed he would run for the 2027–2031 term in ⁠the closing moments of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, which ​comes less than two months before the start of the World ​Cup.

The election will be held on March 18 in Morocco, which is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup.

Infantino said he was “honoured ​and humbled” to have the chance to run for a ​fourth term.

The Italian-Swiss took office in 2016, replacing Sepp Blatter, and was re-elected ‌unopposed ⁠in 2019 and 2023.

Infantino has pushed for the expansion of FIFA competitions during his tenure, with this year’s World Cup in North America the first to feature 48 teams, while the ​women’s tournament in ​2023 has been ⁠expanded to 32 teams.

Infantino’s tenure has also drawn some criticism over issues such as high World ​Cup ticket prices and the decision to award ​the ⁠inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump at the World Cup draw in December.

Earlier this month, the council of South ⁠American ​football’s governing body (CONMEBOL) said in a statement ​it would unanimously support the 56-year-old if he decided to seek another ​term.

-Reuters

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The club is one of Canada’s most historic football institutions and has long been a central part of Vancouver’s sporting identity.

Around 100 fans gathered as delegates arrived for the annual FIFA meeting in Vancouver, chanting, singing and waving club flags in a show of solidarity. The demonstration comes just days after Vancouver Whitecaps FC revealed difficulties in securing a buyer willing to keep the club in the city.

The Whitecaps disclosed earlier this week that “stadium economics, venue access and revenue limitations” have complicated efforts to sell the club, despite a 16-month search for new ownership.

Season ticket holder Derek Hawksworth said supporters felt compelled to act amid growing fears of relocation.

“I wanted to come down given the threat of the team possibly moving,” he said. “It’s a rich history with the Whitecaps in North America… we want Vancouver to stay and not relocate. The history is here, and we want to continue with that history moving forward.”

The Vancouver Whitecaps are a professional football (soccer) club based in Vancouver, Canada. They currently compete in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-tier league in the United States and Canada.

Concerns were heightened by reports that cities such as Las Vegas and Phoenix are leading contenders should the club relocate.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has urged intervention, calling on the provincial government — which owns BC Place — to negotiate a “bridge deal” that would allow the team to remain while plans for a new stadium are explored. The club’s current lease at BC Place expires at the end of the year.

Despite the off-field uncertainty, the Whitecaps have been one of the standout teams this MLS season. They currently sit second in the Western Conference with 24 points from nine matches, just three points behind the San Jose Earthquakes.

For supporters, however, performances on the pitch offer little comfort as the future of their club hangs in the balance — a situation they hope global football leaders gathering in Vancouver will not ignore.

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For AS FAR, the occasion goes far beyond another final appearance. It marks the culmination of a 41-year wait since their only triumph in 1985, when they became the first Moroccan club to win Africa’s premier club competition. Next week’s first leg in Pretoria will set the tone before the decisive return encounter in Rabat on May 24, where a new chapter could be written in front of their home supporters.

According to Cafone, the stakes are immense: a record $6 million prize and qualification for global club competitions, elevating the fixture from a continental showdown to one of the most consequential matches in the club’s history.

A revival decades in the making

Cafone highlights that FAR Rabat’s resurgence this season represents a significant shift in Moroccan football’s continental narrative. While clubs like Wydad Casablanca and Raja Casablanca have dominated African competitions in recent years, FAR had largely remained on the periphery—until now.

Their path to the final has been built on resilience and discipline. In a tense semi-final, they edged RS Berkane 2-1 on aggregate, winning the first leg 2-0 in Rabat before surviving a 1-0 defeat away.

Cafone notes that the second leg in Berkane tested FAR’s composure, with goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti emerging as a key figure, producing crucial saves under late pressure to preserve their aggregate lead. In attack, players such as Ahmed Hammoudan, Mohamed Hrimat and Reda Slim have provided the cutting edge.

Clash of styles and experience

Cafone contrasts FAR’s structured, defensively disciplined approach with the fluid attacking style of Sundowns, one of Africa’s most consistent sides in recent years. The South African champions booked their place in the final with a composed 2-0 aggregate victory over Espérance de Tunis, powered by decisive contributions from Colombian forward Brayan León.

While Sundowns bring greater recent continental pedigree, Cafone points out that FAR can draw confidence from Morocco’s broader dominance in African football over the past decade. Their presence in the final not only sustains that trend but also offers a chance to restore their own standing among the continent’s elite.

Home advantage and historic stakes

The structure of the final could yet favour FAR Rabat. Hosting the second leg at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex provides a potentially decisive advantage—particularly if they can secure a positive result in Pretoria.

Under coach Alexandre Santos, Cafone observes, FAR have developed into a side capable of absorbing pressure and managing high-stakes encounters. That tactical discipline will be critical against a Sundowns team known for its flexibility and attacking depth.

Beyond tactics, however, the final carries deeper symbolism. For Sundowns, it is an opportunity to reinforce their modern dominance with another continental title. For FAR Rabat, as Cafone emphasises, it is something more profound—a chance to reconnect with a golden past and redefine their future.

After four decades in the shadows, the Moroccan giants now stand one step away from reclaiming their place at the summit of African club football.

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The opening leg between Morocco’s AS FAR and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will now take place on Sunday, May 17, instead of the initially fixed Friday, May 15. The return leg remains unchanged and is set for Sunday, May 24, in Rabat.

The first leg will be staged at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, while the decisive return fixture will be held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, where AS FAR will look to capitalise on home support.

The adjustment follows a formal request by Mamelodi Sundowns, who sought a 48-hour postponement to address logistical concerns, including attendance, scheduling, and preferred kick-off conditions. The South African side pushed for a weekend fixture to maximise fan turnout and enhance the matchday atmosphere for a continental final—an appeal CAF has now granted.

Although the exact kick-off time is yet to be confirmed, the revised schedule gives Sundowns the Sunday slot they desired, potentially boosting crowd presence in Pretoria.

For AS FAR, the final presents a historic opportunity to secure only their second CAF Champions League title—and their first since 1985, when they became the first Moroccan club to lift Africa’s premier club trophy. Their journey to the final included a hard-fought semi-final victory over RS Berkane, fueling optimism in Rabat that continental glory is within reach.

The Moroccan side could benefit significantly from hosting the second leg, especially if they can secure a favourable result away in Pretoria.

On the other hand, Mamelodi Sundowns are targeting a second continental crown, having previously won the title in 2016. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most consistent clubs in recent years, the Pretoria-based side will aim to take advantage of the home leg before heading to Morocco.

Moroccan clubs have asserted strong dominance in African competitions over the past decade, with sides such as Wydad Casablanca, Raja Casablanca, RS Berkane, and now AS FAR regularly reaching the latter stages of continental tournaments, underscoring the country’s growing influence on the African football landscape.

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Viktor Gyokeres sent the Premier League leaders ahead from the spot just before the interval after he was fouled, but Alvarez followed suit 10 minutes into the second half after Ben White’s handball.

Arsenal were upset at a late penalty decision being overturned following a VAR review when David Hancko made contact with Eberechi Eze in the area.

Atletico had the better of it for long periods, but Arsenal’s solid defending helped them leave the Spanish capital in a good position to return to the Champions League final 20 years after their last appearance.

What the game lacked in the dizzying goal rush of Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-4 win over Bayern Munich in the other semi-final the night before, it was replaced with tension and a desperation not to fall behind.

Toilet paper rained down from the stands of the Metropolitano stadium minutes before kick-off, in a striking — if wasteful — display, which invited cynical jokes from some quarters about the calibre of the spectacle ahead.

In a tussle between arguably the continent’s two biggest teams never to lay a finger on the trophy neither wanted to blink first.

Atletico still have an outdated defensive reputation but pinned Mikel Arteta’s miserly Arsenal back in the early stages, with David Raya tipping Alvarez’s shot around the post.

The Gunners, a long way from Arteta’s eve-of-the-game demand, dominate proceedings, looked to smash and grab, with Marc Pubill blocking from Martin Odegaard on a quick breakaway.

Noni Madueke, starting on Arsenal’s right flank with Bukayo Saka only fit for the bench, hammered just wide from distance as last year’s beaten semi-finalists sporadically emerged from their half.

The next time they did, Gyokeres won a penalty. The Swedish striker, who might not have started if Kai Havertz was fit, exchanged passes with Martin Zubimendi, and Hancko clumsily shoved him in the back from behind.

Diego Simeone and Atletico veteran Antoine Griezmann begged for the decision to be reviewed but VAR saw no reason to intervene.

Gyokeres took the spot-kick himself, walloping it past Jan Oblak, who dived the right way but stood no chance of keeping it out.

Three-time runners-up Atletico, back in the semi-finals for the first time in nine years, came out guns blazing in the second half.

Raya saved Ademola Lookman’s drive with Gabriel blocking Griezmann’s follow-up.

The hosts pulled level from the penalty spot after White handled Marcos Llorente’s shot, the ball bouncing up and hitting his arm, which was away from his body.

Alvarez took it, and having missed in Atletico’s Copa del Rey final shoot-out defeat earlier in April, this time made no mistake with an unforgiving blast rivalling Gyokeres’s first-half effort.

MLS-bound Griezmann looped a shot off the crossbar and then sent the rebound off target as Atletico turned the screw in pursuit of an advantage to take into next Tuesday’s second leg.

Nigeria international Lookman twice came close and could end up ruing his missed chances.

Arsenal thought they had won a second penalty when substitute Eze went down under a sluggish Hancko challenge, but the referee changed his mind after a VAR review, deciding the Slovakian defender’s contact was minimal.

Arsenal next take on Fulham as they continue their battle with Manchester City for the Premier League title. At the same time, with little to play for in La Liga, Simeone will rotate heavily before this tie is decided in London.

-AFP

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According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the delegation, which included the federation secretary general Hedayat Mombeni and his deputy Hamed Momeni, arrived in Toronto with valid visas but chose to return to Turkey after what they described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration officials.

The officials had been en route to Vancouver to participate in the FIFA Congress, a gathering that has taken on heightened significance with the FIFA World Cup less than two months away.

In a statement carried by Tasnim, the Iranian federation said the treatment of its officials amounted to an insult, particularly given Taj’s past affiliation with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Canadian authorities declined to comment on the specific case, citing privacy laws, but reiterated a longstanding policy regarding individuals linked to the IRGC.

“We have been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” the government said, noting that it has taken measures to hold the organisation accountable.

Canada formally designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in 2024, a move that has since influenced immigration decisions involving individuals associated with the group. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree reinforced that position, stating that members of the IRGC are not welcome in the country.

The controversy has also drawn criticism from the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, which questioned why Taj had been granted special permission to travel in the first place, arguing that such exemptions undermine Canada’s human rights commitments.

FIFA caught in the middle

Football’s global governing body, FIFA, has reportedly expressed regret over the incident and is seeking to resolve the situation. According to Tasnim, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected to meet with the Iranian delegation at FIFA headquarters.

A source at the Congress indicated that FIFA had dispatched a representative to mediate at Toronto airport, but the effort failed to prevent the delegation’s withdrawal.

The absence of Iranian officials was also felt at the Asian Football Confederation gathering in Vancouver, further underlining the ripple effects of the incident.

The episode raises doubts over Iran’s participation logistics in the upcoming World Cup, particularly given the tournament’s multi-country hosting format.

While America’s  Marco Rubio has indicated that Iranian players would be allowed to compete, he made clear that individuals with IRGC ties would not be permitted entry into the United States.

A delegate at the AFC Congress summed up the concern: if entry issues are already emerging in Canada, widely regarded as one of the more accessible host nations, the situation could become more complicated in other host countries.

Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub also warned that visa uncertainties are casting a shadow over preparations, calling for a clearer separation between politics and sport.

The incident comes at a particularly sensitive time, with geopolitical tensions involving Iran continuing to shape international relations. These dynamics are increasingly spilling into football administration, traditionally governed by principles of neutrality and inclusivity.

Iranian authorities are reportedly seeking guarantees to ensure smooth participation at the World Cup, including discussions around travel arrangements and, in extreme scenarios, alternative venues.

For FIFA, the challenge will be to maintain the integrity and inclusiveness of the tournament while navigating the complex political realities imposed by host nations.

With the World Cup fast approaching, the Toronto incident may prove to be more than an isolated diplomatic episode—it could be an early signal of the logistical and political hurdles that lie ahead for one of football’s most globally anticipated events.

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Nearly three decades after their landmark collaboration that produced the now-defunct Meridian Cup, Africa and Europe’s football governing bodies have rekindled their strategic partnership with a fresh Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The Confederation of African Football and UEFA on Tuesday signed a new agreement in Vancouver, Canada, marking a renewed commitment to deepen cooperation, drive development, and expand football’s social impact across both continents.

The agreement, signed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, echoes the spirit of the January 1997 accord in Lisbon, Portugal, which led to the creation of the Meridian Cup. This intercontinental youth competition has since been discontinued.

The new MoU, which will run until June 30, 2031, sets out a broad framework for collaboration, anchored on shared values of inclusion, solidarity, integrity, and openness, while positioning football as a vehicle for social cohesion and development.

Motsepe noted that African football has recorded “significant growth” in recent years and stressed that the renewed partnership with UEFA would strengthen long-standing ties between the two regions.

“This partnership includes youth and women’s football, development, education and training of coaches and referees, as well as governance and institutional development,” Motsepe said. “By combining our expertise and resources, we will ensure that football remains a source of hope, joy, and unity for millions.”

Čeferin, on his part, highlighted the broader societal impact of football across Europe and Africa, describing both regions as home to “extraordinary football landscapes.”

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for young players while advancing women’s football and promoting wellbeing,” he said. “By working closely with CAF, we aim to invest in people, share expertise, and strengthen football’s positive and lasting impact on communities.”

Under the agreement, both confederations will collaborate across several strategic areas, including youth and women’s football competitions, long-term development programmes, coaching education, refereeing exchanges, and institutional knowledge sharing.

The deal also provides for observer programmes at major tournaments, joint participation in conferences, and cooperation in football medicine and education pathways, alongside regular governance reviews to ensure effective implementation.

The renewed partnership is widely seen as a modern evolution of the 1997 collaboration, one that seeks to move beyond competitions like the Meridian Cup toward a more holistic and sustainable development model for the global game.

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Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will begin their campaign for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games from the second round of the African qualifiers after being granted a bye in the opening stage.

The draw, conducted on Wednesday in Cairo by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), placed Nigeria among 29 higher-ranked teams exempted from the first round of the series.

The Super Falcons will take on the winner of the first-round clash between South Sudan and Comoros in their opening fixture of the qualifiers.

A total of 35 nations are competing for just two available slots allocated to Africa for the women’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, underlining the intensity and high stakes of the qualification process.

The qualifiers will be contested over five knockout rounds on a home-and-away basis, leaving little room for error as teams battle for continental representation on the global stage.

The first round involves the six lowest-ranked teams—Sudan, Mauritius, Djibouti, South Sudan, Madagascar and Comoros—based on the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings. Winners from this stage will advance to face each other again before the 29 seeded teams, including Nigeria, enter the fray.

Nigeria will be aiming to consolidate their status among Africa’s elite women’s football nations, having qualified for the most recent Olympic tournament alongside Zambia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Although the Super Falcons boast a notable Olympic pedigree, having made their debut at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and subsequently appearing at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and Paris 2024, qualification has not always been easy.

The 16-year gap between their last two participations in Beijing 2008 and Paris 2024 illustrates the tough time they have endured in the qualifying series.

With the women’s football event at Los Angeles 2028 set to feature 16 teams—including hosts the United States—Nigeria’s path to qualification is expected to be demanding.

Attention will now shift to the preliminary encounter between South Sudan and Comoros, as Nigeria’s technical crew intensify preparations ahead of their second-round entry point.

For the Super Falcons, the mission is clear: successfully navigate a rigorous qualifying campaign and secure a return to the Olympic stage in 2028.

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The FIFA Council, meeting in Vancouver ahead of the ​76th FIFA Congress, approved a 15% increase in the resources to ⁠be distributed to all 48 participating member associations at next year’s tournament in ​Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The total pot will rise to $871 million, FIFA ​said, with each participating team receiving increased preparation money of $2.5 million, up from $1.5 million.

Qualification money will also increase from $9 million to $10 million, while FIFA said additional team contributions would include subsidies ​for team delegation costs and increased team ticketing allocations totalling more than $16 ​million.

“FIFA is proud to be in its most solid financial position ever, enabling us to help ‌all ⁠our Member Associations in an unprecedented way,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.

“This is one more example of how FIFA’s resources are reinvested back into the game.”

The sheer scale of staging a tournament across North America, with long-haul travel, differing tax ​regimes and significant ​operational demands, had ⁠prompted unease among some participating nations.

UEFA had passed on concerns from several European associations that teams could find it difficult ​to break even unless they progress deep into the competition.

The ​2026 World ⁠Cup will be the first edition of the men’s tournament to feature 48 teams, up from 32, and will be staged across the United States, Canada and ⁠Mexico.

The increased ​distribution comes as FIFA prepares for the biggest ​and most commercially lucrative World Cup in history, with more teams, more matches and expanded revenue ​opportunities across ticketing, sponsorship and broadcast rights.

-Reuters

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