His short spell as interim boss was marked by an early exit in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey against second-tier Albacete and several painful defeats in La Liga that ended Real's title hopes.

A comeback that once appeared unlikely had gradually come back into view through improved domestic performances after a difficult period in his career.

Iran's football federation announced on Tuesday its national team's schedule for the group stage of the World Cup, a tournament that is beginning under difficult circumstances for the Islamic republic.

With a revamped format and an increased number of participating teams, the tournament is shaping up to be an unprecedented mega-spectacle.

Hasan Mahmud has become the first cricketer from Bangladesh to play county cricket for Kent, the English county said on Tuesday following his signing.  The right-arm pacer will play in six Rothesay County Championship matches, starting in June and running until the end of the season.

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio will take charge of the opening match of the FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa, leading a three-man Brazil team for the curtain-raiser in Mexico City.

The Tigers remain winless against Australia across six home ODIs.

Iran's football federation on Tuesday said the United States has revoked its allocation of tickets for its World Cup group games.

The embassy highlighted several surprising commonalities between the two countries to build a case for why Bangladeshis should adopt Norway as their second team.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson said he will be playing for former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota at the World Cup after receiving a letter from the late Portuguese forward's widow ahead of the tournament.

Bangladesh ended a 21-year wait for an ODI victory over Australia with an emphatic 86-run win via the DLS method in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.

Abahani now need only to beat Mohammedan to secure a fourth consecutive title, having already defeated Prime Bank earlier in the season.

The series marks Australia's first ODI tour of Bangladesh in 15 years, with the visitors aiming to bounce back after their recent ODI series defeat to Pakistan.

World Cup fever was evident around the stadium, where Spain shirts dominated the stands alongside Barcelona jerseys, reflecting the club's strong representation in Luis de la Fuente's squad.

Brazil's all-time record scorer underwent an MRI scan on Monday which showed he is "making good progress in his treatment" amid hopes that he will be able to play a part for Carlo Ancelotti's side in the United States.

Is this truly an elected leadership -- or an institution reflecting itself, then calling that reflection democracy?

Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson are facing a probe by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaking team rules in the early hours of Monday morning following England's win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.

Brazil star Bruno Guimaraes insisted Monday his team should get "the respect they deserve" as they get ready to kick off their bid to win a record-extending sixth World Cup.

Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, was denied entry to the United States, a sports ministry official told AFP on Monday.

France international Ibrahima Konate has agreed a four-year deal with Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool, a source close to the negotiations told AFP on Monday.