Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has furiously dismissed rumours suggesting the squad has given up on their season amid a grim Premier League relegation battle. Speaking ahead of a crucial Champions League round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid, the Dutchman passionately defended his teammates, insisting everyone at the club is fully committed to turning their dire situation around.

Arsenal have been caught in another refereeing storm after the Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel confirmed Brighton were wrongly denied a penalty in their recent Premier League clash. The Seagulls fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal on March 4, but officials have now admitted a VAR error spared Mikel Arteta’s side from potentially conceding from the spot.

Argentina’s most-capped goalkeeper, Sergio Romero, has hung up his gloves at the age of 39. The former Manchester United star, who enjoyed a trophy-laden career spanning nearly two decades, has reportedly stepped away from the pitch due to family reasons. After a final stint in his homeland with Argentinos Juniors, the veteran shot-stopper is now preparing to transition into a new role on the touchline.

Robert Lewandowski is reportedly ready to slash his wages to remain at Barcelona as he enters the twilight of his career. Despite lucrative interest from MLS and the Saudi Pro League, the Polish icon is said to be prioritising his family’s comfort in Catalonia and wants a contract extension at the Spotify Camp Nou.

MLS announced its playoffs schedule Monday, with the postseason set to begin Nov. 18 and culminate with MLS Cup on Dec. 18. While the format is identical to last year's playoffs, the later start means there will be no interruptions for international windows, as the tournament begins after the November FIFA break. In years past, the league has been criticized for scheduling playoff matches through international windows - leading to lengthy gaps between rounds.

Lionel Messi was left out of Inter Miami's squad as they played out a goalless draw against Charlotte. But the decision to leave Messi out of the squad was strategic rather than injury-related as, having played the full 90 minutes against Nashville SC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 just days prior, the Inter Miami coaching staff opted to protect their prized asset.

Real Madrid apparently intends to offload some of its deadwood next summer.

Juventus have been in touch again with Dusan Vlahovic’s representatives in an attempt to reach an agreement on a contract extension for the Serbian striker

Barcelona have reportedly identified Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni as a primary defensive target for the upcoming summer transfer window. Following their failure to adequately replace Inigo Martinez last year, sporting director Deco has prioritised the acquisition of a top-tier, left-sided centre-back. While the Italian international fits the club's desired profile perfectly, a potential deal hinges on the Catalan giants navigating their ongoing financial constraints.

Catarina Macario is set to make history by leaving Chelsea to join the San Diego Wave in the National Women's Soccer League. This groundbreaking transfer is reported to be the most lucrative contract ever signed in women's professional football, signalling a massive shift in the sport's financial landscape and bringing the American international back to where her career began.

Winners win trophies. That was the simple message that Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor gave her players before Sunday’s League Cup final. It clearly got through, too, because her Blues put on a performance of champions to beat Manchester United and win the first silverware of the season, while sending a message to the rest of England - and Europe - that, despite a disappointing campaign so far, they are still a huge threat.

GOAL reviews top USWNT performances abroad, from Naomi Girma’s injury to Alyssa Thompson’s first League Cup with Chelsea and Heaps, Yohannes lifting the French Cup with Lyon.