From transfer twists and new managerial moves to Morocco’s bold F1 bid and World Cup qualifiers heating up in Asia, this week in sport has delivered on all fronts [Getty/TNA]
From high-stakes transfer drama to bold plans for a Formula 1 return to Africa, and crucial World Cup qualifiers in Asia, this week has seen huge drama from football to motorsport. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has turned down a record-breaking offer from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, who quickly shifted focus by appointing Simone Inzaghi as their new manager after his Champions League final loss with Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Morocco has unveiled a bold $1.2 billion plan to bring Formula 1 back to Africa, with a mega-complex near Tangier aiming to land a spot on the global racing calendar. Over in Asia, the battle for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, with Iran and Japan already qualified and several other nations - including Qatar and Jordan - entering a decisive final stretch.
Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes snubs £700k-a-week Saudi switch, Al-Hilal lure Inzaghi after UCL loss
Bruno Fernandes has rejected a staggering $895,000-per-week offer (£700,000) from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, choosing instead to remain at Manchester United despite the English Premier League side failing to qualify for European football next season. The United captain, 30, held discussions with his family before informing the Saudi Pro League club of his decision to stay at Old Trafford.
The club had been preparing a $135.6 million (£100 million) bid and was confident of securing the Portuguese midfielder ahead of this summer's transfer window. Fernandes' choice to remain loyal to United, despite the club’s recent struggles, has been welcomed by fans and staff alike.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal has quickly moved on from their failed pursuit of the Portuguese star by finalising a deal with Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi. The 49-year-old Italian, fresh off a heavy 5-0 Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, will become the world’s highest-paid manager.
Inzaghi leaves Inter after four years at the helm, having won six domestic trophies and reached two Champions League finals. His departure was confirmed following a meeting with club president Giuseppe Marotta on Tuesday. Al-Hilal is preparing for the Club World Cup by attempting to entice other European stars, including Victor Osimhen, Ederson, and Theo Hernandez.
Morocco unveils $1.2bn plan to bring Formula 1 to Africa
Morocco is positioning itself to host Africa's next Formula 1 Grand Prix with an ambitious $1.2 billion (£887 million) development near Tangier. This mega-project, located 20 kilometres south of the coastal city, aims to feature a Grade 1 racing circuit suitable for F1 and MotoGP, alongside a theme park, shopping mall, and marina.
Former McLaren and Lotus team principal Eric Boullier, who is leading the project, conducted a feasibility study confirming the site's suitability for Formula 1 racing. He envisions the project as a significant economic and regional boost, with key infrastructure such as hotels and an airport located within 15 kilometres of the site. The plan has already attracted $800 million in private investment, with hopes for further funding pending high-level approval in Morocco.
Morocco joins South Africa and Rwanda in expressing interest in bringing F1 back to Africa - the only inhabited continent without a current race. The last African Grand Prix was held in South Africa in 1993. South Africa is considering races at the Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg or a new Cape Town street track, with all countries aiming to secure a spot on the crowded 24-event F1 calendar by as early as 2027.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has emphasised the importance of expanding into Africa, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has advocated for a race on the continent. Morocco’s Tangier project could become a pivotal step in bringing the pinnacle of motorsport back to Africa.
Four more teams set to qualify as AFC World Cup race enters final stretch
The race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reaching a critical stage in Asia, with the final two matchdays of the AFC third round set for 5 and 10 June.
Iran and Japan have already secured their places at the tournament, and four more teams will join them by finishing in the top two of their respective groups. The remaining third- and fourth-placed sides will move on to a fourth round, where two additional spots and one intercontinental play-off berth are up for grabs.
In Group A, Julen Lopetegui will take charge of Qatar for the first time in a must-win clash against Iran at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday. The former Spain and Real Madrid manager is Qatar's fourth coach in this qualifying cycle and is tasked with keeping the team's World Cup hopes alive through the long road of the Asian qualifiers. Currently fourth in the group with 10 points, Qatar must hold that position to progress to the next round. A slip-up could open the door for Kyrgyzstan, who sit just four points behind, to overtake them.
Group leaders Iran are already through and unbeaten so far. Coach Amir Ghalenoei has said his side remains focused on improving their FIFA ranking, even with key players like Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Jahanbakhsh sidelined by injury.
Group B is the most competitive, with South Korea, Jordan, Iraq, and Oman all battling for the top two spots. Jordan is close to a historic first World Cup appearance and could secure it with a win over Oman, provided that Korea defeats Iraq. In Group C, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia remain in contention to join Japan, with the Socceroos able to qualify as early as 5 June, depending on other results.
The matches scheduled for 5 June include several decisive fixtures: Australia v Japan, Indonesia v China PR, Bahrain v Saudi Arabia, Oman v Jordan, the UAE v Uzbekistan, Iraq v South Korea, Kuwait v Palestine, North Korea v Kyrgyzstan, and Qatar v Iran.
The matches scheduled for 10 June include: Japan v Indonesia, China v Bahrain, South Korea v Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan v UAE, Uzbekistan v Qatar, Iran v North Korea, Jordan v Iraq, Palestine v Oman, and Saudi Arabia v Australia.