You can understand why Ilicali feels his Hull team and their fans have been hard done by.

It should have been a triumphant build-up to the play-off final, but it ended up being a week of distraction as Spygate took up the headlines.

The Tigers had a week preparing to play Southampton, then they had to rip up those plans and pivot to Middlesbrough.

By the time the peal was heard on Wednesday night, and Hull were sure they would play Boro, they had just two days’ training left.

Ilicali’s legal team may believe they have a case that Hull should not have to play the final, that they should be automatically promoted. After all, Boro had been eliminated.

Yet this is not how sporting sanctions work in English football, and there seems little chance of a legal challenge being successful.

The precedent is that if a team breaks a regulation in a knockout competition – which the play-offs are – their opponents go through to the next round.

Take the EFL Trophy this season.

In January, Luton Town lost 2-1 at home to Swindon Town in the round of 16.

Swindon were then drawn to play Plymouth in the quarter-finals – but it was discovered that the Robins had fielded two ineligible players against Luton.

Swindon were expelled and Luton reinstated.

The independent disciplinary commission did not put Plymouth directly through to the semi-finals, or go back to the last 32 to find new opponents for Luton in the last 16.

Just as with Boro in the play-offs, Luton progressed to the next round.

Luton, after at one stage being knocked out, would go on to beat Stockport in the final at Wembley and lift the trophy.

What about Ilicali’s claim that Wrexham should have been reinstated? That has little ground either.

Even if you plied Southampton’s four-point penalty to this season’s league table, they would still be in the play-offs against Middlesbrough. Wrexham would still be seventh.

Plus, the league season and the play-offs are considered separate tournaments, which is why the independent disciplinary commission felt it was necessary to ply two punishments – the points deduction and expulsion.

How about Ilicali’s claim that the Southampton v Middlesbrough games should not have taken place?

The issue here, of course, is due process – taking action to stop the game hpening would imply guilt on the part of Southampton.

The EFL opened an investigation on 7 May, the same day it was told about the spying on Boro. It charged them the next day and then, as per EFL regulations, the process was handed over to an independent body.

Hull may feel aggrieved but there is nothing in the decision of the independent disciplinary commission which has deviated from the usual judgements in English football.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark said her decision not to play Wednesday because of back soreness was largely dictated by her confidence level in her body, particularly as she returns from a variety of injuries that limited her to 13 games last season.

“I think, at the end of the day, it’s me and my confidence,” Clark told reporters Friday before returning against the visiting Golden State Valkyries. “Coming back from injury and having however many soft tissue injuries [in 2025] is a real mental challenge.”

Clark, who missed her first game of the season Wednesday in a win over the Portland Fire, acknowledged that though people expect her confidence to be steady, it can still be up and down.

“These are the best players in the world, and if I don’t feel 100% confident in my body on Game 5 of the year, I don’t know if that’s really worth it in that scenario,” she said.

Clark played 32 minutes Friday, posting 22 points and nine assists in a 90-82 win over the Valkyries.

“Yes, I played USA Basketball [this offseason], but I didn’t play 32 minutes, super physical,” Clark said postgame. “That’s the difference for me right now, but I feel great. I think a lot of the times, it’s for me the next day, understanding how my body feels and understanding that a little bit better. Obviously, your adrenaline is pumping, you don’t always understand right after the game. … Overall, I feel good. It’s just continuing to take care of my body.”

The Fever have six days before their next game, a rematch Thursday against the Valkyries in San Francisco.

Before Friday’s tip-off, Clark detailed the lead-up to Wednesday’s game, saying she received treatment Tuesday, which wasn’t unusual for her, and proached Wednesday as if she was “100% playing.” Once she woke up feeling a little sore Wednesday, Clark did some physical thery at home, then got in a pregame workout and lift at Gainbridge Fieldhouse before deciding not to suit up.

The WNBA confirmed to ESPN on Thursday that it gave the Fever a warning after Clark, who White said did not practice Tuesday, did not pear on the injury report until 100 minutes before Wednesday’s tip, at which point she was ruled out.

“My reaction [to the warning] is, for what?” White said. “Because we did things the right way.”

White wasn’t the only one who expressed frustration with the public reaction to the situation.

“Want to know what I ate for breakfast, too?” Clark asked sarcastically, before listing her morning meal in detail.

“I actually went back and looked because of all these narratives that are going crazy online, about when I told my mom I wasn’t going to play the game: 4:47,” Clark said. “You guys found out at 5:20. So one of the most important people in my life found out 40 minutes before you guys.”

Clark said she feels she is putting her body in the best possible position to get through the season and feels good with where she’s at physically. But she said that doesn’t negate the mental hurdle that comes with returning from injuries, especially because she feels at times last year, she probably pushed her limits too much.

“I think there’s moments where maybe I get in my head a little bit, and that’s understandable,” Clark said. “I need to have a little grace with myself. I need people to give me a little bit of grace, too. When you go through so many things, it becomes a little bit traumatizing, too.”

Clark said she hopes her back soreness is not something that hinders her, adding that she’s “doing everything I can to put myself in the best position I can recovery-wise … and to play the next game.”

George Russell bounced back after a difficult recent run to beat Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli to sprint pole at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The Briton, who is 20 points adrift of the Italian after four races this season, headed Antonelli by 0.068 seconds after being fastest on both runs in final qualifying.

Lando Norris headed an all-McLaren second row, 0.315secs off pole and 0.019secs in front of team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Ferrari and Red Bull completed a two-by-two top eight with Lewis Hamilton ahead of Charles Leclerc and then Max Verstpen in front of Isack Hadjar.

Russell came to Montreal looking to turn around what he admitted had been a “turbulent” start to the season, in which Antonelli has won three of the four grands prix so far, and he has started the weekend off well.

“It feels great after a tough Miami but I never doubted myself,” said Russell. “I always knew what I could do. This is an amazing circuit, high grip, and feels like you’re driving a proper grand prix car.”

Mercedes have a major upgrade on their car for this race and Russell said it had made a significant difference.

“It’s definitely feeling great,” he said. “The team have done a great job to bring this forward. Pleased to have it on the car and pleased to be back in P1. It’s been a little while but still a big focus for tomorrow.”

Antonelli said he had started his l with his tyres under temperature and described his session as “messy”.

McLaren also brought an upgrade to Montreal, their second in as many races, but while it kept them within range of Mercedes it was not enough to counterbalance the effect of Mercedes on this track, where the world champions have often struggled.

Norris said: “A good surprise. After this morning, we were a little bit worried about how far off we were. More just the lack of confidence in the car.

“But we changed some things on the car and seemed to make a good improvement. I could have got more out of it, but not enough to close the g to the guys ahead.”

Hamilton was 0.361secs off pole and 0.084secs ahead of Leclerc on a circuit where he shares the record number of wins with Michael Schumacher.

The seven-time champion was pleased with his performance, saying his decision not to go into the Ferrari simulator before this race, because of a feeling it was leading to incorrect set-up choices, had paid off.

“Probably the best qualifying session we’ve had for some time,” said Hamilton. “Great work with the engineers.

“The car felt really fantastic from P1. We made just subtle changes going into qualifying. Q1 and Q2 was looking good and then I don’t know what the others are able to turn up a bit more, but I am just hpy to be in the fight.

“I was having so much fun out there, and the fact I didn’t do the sim and it was the best I felt all year. I chose a set-up we’ve not used before and it’s transformed the car for me.”

Verstpen, struggling with a car he said was “jumping” at the rear, was just 0.101secs clear of team-mate Hadjar.

“My feeling in the car was not very good,” said Verstpen. “I was struggling a lot with the ride. All over the bumps I couldn’t put my foot down. Actually my feet were even flying off the pedals and it made it very difficult to be consistent.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11, but many players who were set to star for their countries will be forced to miss out because of injury, or are racing to recover in time to play.

Who has been ruled out for the tournament, and who still has a chance to feature this summer? Here’s the latest on the key injuries impacting World Cup-bound teams.

– 2026 FIFA World Cup: Format, groups, full match schedule, more

Will miss the World Cup

Estêvão, Brazil

Injury: Torn hamstring

Estêvão pulled up against Manchester United in ril with a hamstring injury that left him in tears. The initial prognosis was positive, suggesting a two-week absence, but it soon became clear things were much more serious, and he has been left off Brazil’s preliminary squad.

This is a major issue for Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is also without Rodrygo. Estêvão was a likely starter in a team that did not score freely during qualifying. They still have Vinícius Júnior and Rhinha to call upon, but the depth options suddenly look a lot bleaker than they should. And this has handed 34-year-old Neymar a lifeline; he has taken Estêvão’s spot in the preliminary squad.

Serge Gnabry, Germany

Injury: Torn adductor

An adductor injury sustained in mid-ril ruled Gnabry out for the rest of the domestic season for Bayern Munich and the World Cup for Germany. He was set to play a major part for his nation this summer; no player played more games (eight) across qualifying and March’s friendlies.

His absence could open the door for Jamal Musiala — back from his own injury nightmare — to start for Die Mannschaft. It also strengthens fellow Bayern star youngster Lennart Karl‘s chances of making the squad.

Rodrygo, Brazil

Injury: Torn ACL and meniscus

Real Madrid‘s shock 1-0 loss to Getafe in March was made all the worse by the fact they lost Rodrygo to serious injury in the process. A torn ACL and meniscus ruled him out for what is likely to be the rest of 2026.

He was second-top scorer with three goals during a difficult qualifying campaign for Brazil. With Estêvão also an injury concern ahead of the tournament, the Seleção look light on the wings. They may yet turn to 34-year-old Neymar in response.

Xavi Simons, Netherlands

Injury: Torn ACL

Tottenham Hotspur‘s first Premier League win of 2026 — 1-0 against Wolves at the end of ril — came at a great cost: Simons tore an ACL in the second half.

While no guaranteed starter, Simons was set to play a strong role across the attacking midfield line for the Dutch. This injury strengthens Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders‘ grip on the playmaking role and potentially reopens the door for Justin Kluivert — who is about to return from a four-month knee injury of his own — to make a late bolt for the squad.

Kaoru Mitoma, Jan

Injury: Torn hamstring

Brighton star Mitoma picked up a hamstring injury in Brighton’s 3-0 win over Wolves last weekend and did not make the final squad.

“The medical team assessed that it would be difficult for him to get back to fitness during the tournament,” coach Hajime Moriyasu said in Tokyo on Friday.

The news will come as a huge blow to Jan’s hopes of progressing to the final stages of the tournament. They will vie with Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F as Mitoma is widely regarded to be one of Jan’s best players, and scored the winner in their triumph over England in March.

Hugo Ekitiké, France

Injury: Torn Achilles tendon

Ekitiké hit the deck very suddenly during Liverpool‘s 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in ril, and it quickly became clear why.

An excellent debut season with the Reds had helped him work his way into Didier Deschamps’ squad, scoring in both the November and March international breaks, and he looked set to nab a place in Les Bleus‘ squad. Crystal Palace‘s Jean-Philippe Mateta might be the next man up, but fit-again, experienced Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso is also getting some buzz.

Éder Militão, Brazil

Injury: Torn hamstring

Militão has endured a series of bad injuries over the past few years, with the latest — a hamstring tear that required surgery — ruling him out of the World Cup.

Those previous physical issues had already seen his influence for the Brazilian national team fade, with Arsenal‘s Gabriel Magalhães rising to partner PSG’s Marquinhos regularly in the center, but he would still have been a valuable squad member — and potentially an option at right back. As a result of this, Bremer (Juventus), Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro) and perhs even Roger Ibañez (Al-Ahli) look set for more prominent roles.

Patrick Agyemang, United States

Injury: Torn Achilles tendon

Agyemang’s very impressive first season in English football ended prematurely as he tore an Achilles against Stoke City in early ril.

He wasn’t expected to lead the line for the USMNT on home soil, but he was certainly in the mix as an option off the bench. Mauricio Pochettino will still look primarily to Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi for goals, but this might help bring Josh Sargent in from the cold as a third option.

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2:58

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Jerdy Schouten, Netherlands

Injury: Torn ACL

PSV midfield enforcer Schouten suffered severe cruciate ligament damage while stretching to intercept a ball against Utrecht in ril. The 29-year-old said he “felt right away that [something] was wrong.”

He did not command a starting spot but was likely next man up if Frenkie de Jong or Ryan Gravenberch needed a breather. That role will now likely pass to hugely experienced 35-year-old Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon.

Lewis Miller, Australia

Injury: Torn Achilles tendon

Miller underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon in February after injuring himself in Blackburn Rovers‘ 3-1 win over Queens Park Rangers in the Championship, kickstarting a minimum nine-month recovery period that will see him miss the World Cup.

The defender’s absence represented a significant blow to Socceroos boss Tony Popovic, who had started the 25-year-old at a right wing-back in every one of the qualifiers he took charge of. On a personal level, it also represented a devastating blow for a player who had toiled tirelessly to return to the national team following his errors in Australia’s heartbreaking elimination in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Asian Cup. His absence has seen Grazer AK‘s Jacob Italiano emerge as a likely starter at the World Cup.

Johnny Cardoso, United States

Injury: Ankle sprain

The Atletico Madrid midfielder is going to miss the World Cup after suffering a high-grade right ankle sprain that requires surgery. Cardoso recently made a substitute pearance in Atleti’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal tie.

Cardoso had been in a strong position for a spot on the United States’ World Cup roster, potentially even slotting in next to Tyler Adams in the starting XI. He was third on the central-midfielder depth chart in the latest edition of ESPN’s USMNT big board. Middlesbrough‘s Aidan Morris, a midfielder who was firmly on the bubble, potentially stands as the biggest beneficiary, and creative attacker Alejandro Zendejas of América might be another option if U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino decides to bolster a different position.

Takumi Minamino, Jan

Injury: Torn ACL

Minamino tore an ACL in a French Cup bout with Auxerre in December, which made him one of the World Cup’s earliest injury doubts.

Incredibly, despite these injuries typically demanding a minimum of six months’ recovery, he resumed training in March in a bid to make this summer’s tournament. However, he failed to convince the selectors and was not named in Jan’s 26-man squad released on Friday.

Matthijs de Ligt, Netherlands

Injury: Back

Bad news for the Oranje as the veteran defender De Ligt, 26, has failed to recover from a long-standing back issue and has had additional surgery in a bid to return fully fit for the start of the 2026-27 European club season.

De Ligt hasn’t played for Manchester United since Nov. 30 following this injury and despite working his way back to fitness over the past few weeks, he has since gone under the knife as his rehab wasn’t going according to plan. United don’t expect him to return until early in the new campaign.

Fermín López, Spain

Injury: Metatarsal fracture

The injury bug continues for the European champions as Barcelona midfielder Fermín López is set to miss the World Cup after fracturing a metatarsal in his right foot during his club’s win against Real Betis on May 17. The club confirmed the injury and says he will undergo surgery.

López is coming off a season where he scored 13 goals and got 17 assists in all competitions for Hansi Flick’s side and was expected to play a key role in Spain’s midfield this summer in North America.

With seven cs to his name, López was a member of the squad that won the European Championship in Germany in 2024 and won Olympic gold in Paris the following month. However, with his absence, manager Luis de la Fuente will need to reshuffle the pack of his midfield.

Concerning

Lamine Yamal, Spain

Injury: Partially torn hamstring

Yamal hurt his hamstring while scoring a penalty against Celta Vigo in ril. It all but ended his season with Barcelona early and placed a question mark over how quickly he’ll be ready to play at the World Cup. It is likely that he will miss the opening match of the group stage against Ce Verde and is doubtful for the second match against Saudi Arabia.

If Spain coach Luis de la Fuente must do without Yamal at times, he could turn to Ferran Torres or Álex Baena to fill the void, or switch Nico Williams to the right flank.

Alphonso Davies, Canada

Injury: Hamstring

On Friday, Bayern Munich confirmed that their fullback — and Canada ctain — Davies will be out for “several weeks” following an injury sustained against Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg. The timeline isn’t kind for his World Cup hopes, with Canada set to begin their campaign on June 12 against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto.

Davies has endured several injuries this season and has made just six Bundesliga starts for Bayern Munich in 2025-26, having battled back from a cruciate ligament tear, illness and a partially torn hamstring. Canada have been in touch with Bayern’s medical team and will be hoping for good news over the coming weeks, as there really isn’t a natural replacement for Davies considering his abundant talents.

Mikel Merino, Spain

Injury: Fractured foot

Merino suffered a stress fracture in his foot in early February and hasn’t played since. He is targeting a return to action in time for the Champions League final, which could be enough to prove his fitness ahead of Spain’s squad selection.

If he fails in that bid, Fabián Ruiz will become first choice in that particular midfield role, potentially opening up a spot in the squad for Gavi or Pablo Barrios to fill out.

Cristian Romero, Argentina

Injury: Partially torn MCL

In mid-ril, Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey pushed Romero into Tottenham goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky, and Romero damaged his knee. The Tottenham ctain left the pitch in tears, knowing his World Cup was now in jeopardy.

A crucial presence at the back for La Albiceleste, he started 14 qualifying games at center back and embodies the mix of skill and aggression that has led the nation to huge recent success. In Romero’s absence, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez would likely partner Benfica‘s Nicolás Otamendi, but the drop-off in quality and experience beyond that is steep.

Marc-André ter Stegen, Germany

Injury: Torn thigh muscle

Ter Stegen hasn’t played for Germany for close to a year. Injury troubles and fierce competition at Barcelona held him back from the pitch, prompting him to join Girona on loan in January in search of form and fitness — but he made just two pearances before tearing a thigh muscle.

Asked recently if he would recover in time for consideration, he replied, “We’ll see at the end of the season whether I make it, but it’s difficult.” That places his chances at close to zero, meaning Die Mannschaft coach Julian Nagelsmann will be preparing to press ahead with Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann as the No. 1.

Tino Livramento, England

Injury: Thigh

Livramento has been plagued by injuries this season. In September, he was stretchered off with a knee injury. He did well to recover, but he now has a thigh problem that has ended his season.

It peared as if England manager Thomas Tuchel saw the 23-year-old as a first-choice fullback — likely on the left, if everyone is available — but at least the Three Lions are well stocked in this area. Nico O’Reilly (Man City) or Lewis Hall (Newcastle) would be next up, while Djed Spence (Spurs) can cover either side, just like Livramento.

Mohammed Kudus, Ghana

Injury: Hamstring

Kudus sustained a serious quadriceps injury in January. Then, when on the cusp of returning in ril, he suffered a setback to his hamstring that placed his World Cup participation in doubt.

This is a major blow for Ghana, who look to Kudus for moments of inspiration. His absence would ramp up the responsibility on Antoine Semenyo, while it might also force manager Carlos Queiroz to find another dribbler from somewhere. Unfortunately they’re in short supply, so Atalanta’s Kamaldeen Sulemana, who hasn’t had a good season, or even Lyon’s Ernest Nuamah, who is just returning from a long absence, could move into the frame.

Jurriën Timber, Netherlands

Injury: Groin

Timber has not featured for Arsenal since March 14 as he continues to recover from a groin injury, and he might not return before the end of the club season. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the injury has been a difficult one for the Dutch defender and for the club, as Timber was not initially expected to miss this much time.

While the Netherlands are strong in defense, Timber has emerged as a key player for Ronald Koeman‘s squad, starting at center back and fullback during World Cup qualification. Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij and Manchester City‘s Nathan Aké are among the players who could be asked to step up if Timber isn’t fully fit for the tournament.

Nahuel Molina, Argentina

Injury: Thigh injury

Molina played only the last 30 minutes of Atleti’s 1-0 loss to Celta Vigo in May but still came out of it with a muscle problem. Argentinian media report that he will miss two to three weeks with a thigh injury, which will greatly concern national boss Lionel Scaloni.

Seen as a key player for La Albiceleste, Molina started 14 of the 18 qualifying games. Gonzalo Montiel — the man who scored the winning penalty in the 2022 final — would be the next player up, while 22-year-old Agustín Giay could sneak in after getting his first c in March.

Jose Giménez, Uruguay

Injury: Ankle sprain

Giménez was substituted after just 20 minutes of Atleti’s 1-0 loss to Celta Vigo in May due to a sprained ankle, which the club medical report went on to describe as “severe.”

The Uruguayan center back is no stranger to injuries, but this one feels particularly cruelly timed as he was set for a major role at the heart of La Celeste‘s defense. This will place an extra burden on Barcelona‘s Ronald Araújo to stay fit and lead from the back, plus firm up the spot of Wolves’ Santiago Bueno in the squad.

Aiden O’Neill, Australia

Injury: Ankle

O’Neill was forced from the field 36 minutes into New York City FC‘s 2-0 loss to D.C. United in early May, throwing a late spanner into what increasingly peared to be a settled Socceroos midfield duo of him and St Pauli skipper Jackson Irvine. There has been no official word on the severity of his injury — Pigeons coach Pascal Jansen confirmed he’d been carrying an ankle injury before the incident — but the 27-year-old was absent from NYCFC’s subsequent win over Columbus.

O’Neill’s absence ostensibly would have opened the door for Patrick Yazbek to push his case for a start, only for him to suffer a quad injury during warm-ups for Nashville SC‘s Concacaf Champions Cup clash with Tigres, casting serious doubt over his own World Cup ambitions. In their place, Paul Okon Jr., Alex Robertson, Cammy Devlin, Max Balard, Anthony Cáceres, and Connor Metcalfe could press for minutes, while the door has been pushed further ajar for veteran Mathew Leckie to pear at a fourth World Cup.

Should play

Chris Richards, United States

Injury: Torn ankle ligaments

The Crystal Palace center back tore two ligaments in his ankle, according to Palace manager Oliver Glasner, and is “50/50” to play in the UEFA Conference League final on May 27.

However, a source told ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle that Richards is expected to be match fit soon, and his readiness for the World Cup is not currently in doubt. Toulouse‘s Mark McKenzie and FC Cincinnati‘s Miles Robinson are behind Richards on the depth chart and would be the most likely candidates to step up if there are any setbacks.

Wataru Endo

Injury: Ruptured ankle ligaments

Endo has had a season to forget. Not only did he barely see the pitch for Liverpool, but in his sole Premier League start, away to Sunderland in February, he ruptured ankle ligaments.

Arne Slot recently stated that the Janese ctain is back on the grass and hoping to play again before the end of the season. Understandably, Blue Samurai manager Hajime Moriyasu will be praying that comes to pass, as Endo is a crucial part of his nation’s engine room, and the news Friday that he was in the 26-man squad will be a huge relief to a team carrying some injuries to key players who didn’t make it (Minamino, Mitoma).

Mohamed Salah, Egypt

Injury: Hamstring

Salah tweaked a hamstring in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last month but is expected to play for Liverpool again before the end of the season.

Arda Güler, Türkiye

Injury: Pulled hamstring

Güler pulled a hamstring in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves in ril, which likely brings his domestic season to a close. His goal now is to recover for the World Cup, and he looks on track to do so.

Achraf Hakimi, Morocco

Injury: Pulled hamstring

Hakimi pulled his hamstring in the closing stages of PSG’s 5-4 first-leg Champions League semifinal win over Bayern Munich and missed the second leg, but he’s expected to recover in time for the tournament.

Luca Zidane, Algeria

Injury: Fractured jaw and chin

Granada goalkeeper Zidane, son of the legendary Zinedine, fractured his jaw and chin in a nasty clash last month, but he has had surgery and expects to miss only three weeks. He described the incident as “more frightening than serious.”

Luka Modric, Croatia

Injury: Fractured cheekbone

Modrić has been shut down for the season with AC Milan after a “complex multifracture” to his cheekbone. There’s confidence he’ll heal up just fine to ctain Croatia this summer.

Reece James, England

Injury: Pulled hamstring

James returned for Chelsea in their draw at Liverpool after his latest hamstring injury. If he can remain fit between now and the end of the season, he has every chance of being England’s first-choice right back for the World Cup.

Arbeloa’s announcement will come as no surprise to Real Madrid fans. With Jose Mourinho emerging as the frontrunner to succeed the Spaniard, Saturday’s home game against Athletic Club is set to be Arbeloa’s final match in charge after just five months in the role.

Real supporters are likely to reflect on Arbeloa’s tenure with dispointment. Results fell short of the club’s relentless standards, with two consecutive trophyless seasons and rivals Barcelona winning La Liga with a 14-point margin.

Arbeloa’s deep ties to Madrid and his passion for the badge were never questioned, and some would say stepping into the position midway through the season was an impossible task. However, the inconsistency in results, the lack of silverware, dressing-room tensions and the pressure of competing at a club where success is demanded immediately meant his time on the bench was always likely to be brief.

The next question now is when Arbeloa’s successor will be officially announced, and that process could take longer than expected. Last week, club president Florentino Perez confirmed that presidential elections would be held and he would be standing for re-election.

However, the situation has become more complicated after Spanish media reported businessman Enrique Riquelme has officially taken the first steps toward challenging Perez for the presidency. Should his candidacy be validated, Real Madrid would face its first contested presidential election in nearly two decades.

Riquelme must meet certain requirements needed to challenge Perez and will need to formalise his candidacy by Saturday, the day of their final game of the season. A confirmed election process would likely put Perez’s plans to bring Mourinho back on hold until a vote date is decided.