Two admired coaches at opposite ends of their careers, with shared values of loyalty to their overachieving small-city clubs, will contest the Europa League final Wednesday.

Xabi Alonso has led unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen to an instant classic soccer story in his first full season in the job at age 42.

FIFA was urged by international lawyers Wednesday to uphold its own policy and scrutinize Saudi Arabia's human rights record before picking the kingdom to host the men's 2034 World Cup.

A 22-page document was delivered to FIFA headquarters in Zurich on behalf of Mark Pieth and Stefan Wehrenberg of Switzerland and British barrister Rodney Dixon. They offered to work with FIFA on an action plan and monitoring of Saudi Arabia by independent experts.

Toni Kroos will retire from soccer after the 2024 European Championship, Real Madrid said Tuesday.

Madrid said the 34-year-old German international "has decided to bring an end to his time as a professional footballer following Euro 2024."

Saudi Arabia's move into tennis will now include a multiyear deal to sponsor the WTA women's rankings.

The WTA released word of its partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) on Monday, a move that follows last month's news that the kingdom will host the tour's season-ending championships in Riyadh starting this year and February's announcement that it will sponsor the ATP men's rankings.

Rafael Nadal returned to Roland Garros on Monday to practice and try to figure out whether to compete at the French Open, a tournament he has won a record 14 times.

The 37-year-old Spaniard showed up late in the afternoon with his coach, Carlos Moya, and a couple of sparring partners at Court Philippe Chatrier, which was open to the public.

Arne Slot will take on one of the most daunting challenges in soccer by replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager.

Slot was confirmed on Monday after he signed a long-term contract with the six-time European Cup winner and 19-time English champion.

Lionel Messi is in and Paulo Dybala is out of Argentina's squad for friendlies against Ecuador and Guatemala before defending its Copa America title next month.

The squad of 29 players announced on Monday will be cut by three by coach Lionel Scaloni when he finalizes the group on June 12.

Galatasaray was denied clinching the Turkish league title on Sunday by losing 1-0 at home to second-place Fenerbahce which played with 10 men for most of the game against its fierce rival.

The Istanbul derby had seemed likely to settle the title with Galatasaray leading by six points and needing just a draw in its home stadium where it won all 18 previous league games this season.

Manchester City fans could hardly stand the wait for the final whistle.

Not because they feared a last-minute twist and the unlikeliest of comebacks from West Ham.

Barcelona routed Rayo Vallecano 3-0 to secure the lucrative second place in the Spanish league on Sunday, while champion Real Madrid drew 4-4 at Villarreal with Norway striker Alexander Sorloth scoring all four goals for the hosts.

There won't be much left to fight for in the final round next weekend as Cadiz became the last team to be relegated after being held to a 0-0 draw at home against Las Palmas. Real Sociedad secured the last Europa League spot with a 2-0 win at Real Betis, which was left with a place in the Europa Conference League.