Monday, 29 June 2026
DRAKE CELEBRATES CANADA'S WORLD CUP VICTORY WITH WINNING $770K BET
Canada’s World Cup run got an extra celebrity celebration on Sunday, and it came with a hefty payday. Drake is celebrating a World Cup win on and off the pitch…
Canada's World Cup run got an extra celebrity celebration on Sunday, and it came with a hefty payday.
Drake is celebrating a World Cup win on and off the pitch after Canada defeated South Africa 1-0, cashing a seven-figure sports bet he shared with fans before kickoff.
The Toronto rapper revealed on Instagram that he risked $770,000 through Stake on Canada to advance. The wager carried a potential payout of $1,001,000. After Canada's victory, the bet officially hit, giving Drake a profit of roughly $231,000.
Before the match, Drake couldn't resist having a little fun with one of South Africa's biggest stars.
"@realblackcoffee was chirping in the DM I had to raise the STAKES," he wrote alongside a screenshot of the wager.
Canada's World Cup dream continues
Canada's victory keeps the nation's dream World Cup run alive. As one of the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, Canada advanced to the Round of 16 after edging South Africa.
For Drake, the win is just the latest chapter in his very public sports betting hobby.
Drake's long history with Stake
Through his partnership with Stake, Drake has made headlines for betting on everything from NBA Finals and UFC title fights to boxing matches and major soccer tournaments. He has regularly shared both his wins and losses with fans.
The latest payout also comes months after Bloomberg Businessweek published an investigation into Stake and Drake's gambling activity on the platform. The report found that Drake won big on slot machine games created by Easygo, Stake's parent company, at a rate far higher than the average player.
Stake disputed the findings, calling them "categorically incorrect," while cofounder Ed Craven has previously denied claims that influencers receive better odds.
The Bloomberg report also came as Stake faced legal scrutiny, including lawsuits accusing the company of operating as an illegal online casino. One lawsuit filed in Virginia described Drake and streamer Adin Ross as paid promoters of the platform.
Drake reportedly signed a $100 million endorsement deal with Stake in 2022 and has frequently livestreamed gambling sessions while sharing his biggest wins and losses online. Sunday just happened to add another win to the highlight reel.
- Kayla Morgan
FORMER WNBA STAR SLAMS LEAGUE OVER PUNISHMENT OF CAITLIN CLARK NEMESIS AS PUNCH CONTROVERSY RUMBLES ON
Former WNBA player and ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike believes the league caved to online pressure to punish Alyssa Thomas for an incident involving Caitlin Clark on what she believes was a routine play.
Last week, Thomas and Clark dove for a loose ball on the floor where slow motion replays appeared to show the former hitting the Indiana Fever star in the throat with a closed fist. At the time, no foul was called due to the quick nature of the incident.
Internet reaction trended toward outrage as Fever fans and right-wing media viewed this as yet another example of the league failing to protect Clark. Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White called the no-call 'absolutely egregious' and 'utterly disrespectful.'
One day later, the league retroactively assessed a flagrant II foul on Thomas and suspended her for a game. Thomas missed a game against the Toronto Tempo on Saturday night.
While Thomas does have a history of playing tough, Ogwumike believes that the angry mob on social media tipped the scales leading to her suspension and that the two players involved moved on after the play.
'To me, overall, officiating has been a universal issue this year. And that's not the goal of any league, but this is the reality,' Ogwumike said on an episode of WNBA Countdown.
"When narratives are created based off of a freeze-frame, that can create a huge problem. The league was reacting to the optics of that image."
—@chiney on the contact between Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark that resulted in Thomas' suspension. pic.twitter.com/jhmv9GzknP
— espnW (@espnW) June 28, 2026
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| WNBA analyst Chiney Ogwumike believes the league suspended Alyssa Thomas as a result of caving to public pressure after slow-motion footage of her incident with Caitlin Clark surfaced |
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| Thomas and Clark both dove for a loose ball, leading to Thomas hitting Clark in the throat Ogwumike said her heart was breaking over the vitriol Thomas is getting from the incident |
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| Ogwumike said her heart was breaking over the vitriol Thomas is getting from the incident |
The former WNBA Rookie of the Year added, 'You're seeing that there's an imperative to call more fouls, but there's still a lack of situational awareness or a lack of control of the game by the refs... You can see one game where one is super physical and one where people are dropping 50. There's been a lack of consistency and this creates a problem in magnifier matchups.
'And this is a magnifier matchup when you look back at it. Alyssa Thomas, Caitlin Clark, both dominant players, but Alyssa plays on the edge. I know her. And Caitlin sometimes embellishes at times in certain instances.
'So when you have a scrum, like you said, there needs to be a hypervigilance. But also this created a position where the league is now forced to be reactive. And instead of having control of not just calling fouls, now the league is reacting and doing something that it rarely does on a non-call and instituting a suspension. And to me, that was unique.'
Ogwumike believes this happened 'because of the optics,' adding, 'I was watching game speed, I didn't really notice too much because people hit the ground all the time.
'But when narratives are created based off of a freeze frame, that can create a huge problem. And I do think that's the league reacting to the optics of that image.'
'If you're watching it in real time, both players - who are known to make their issues known - got up and kept going. That was my thing. And so that's why I have a problem.'
Ogwumike added that the backlash to Thomas 'breaks my heart' because of the 'heightened level of vitriol' that she is facing.
'If the league could really handle this better in real time and figuring out how— we want more points, we want more fouls, but how do we keep an eye on these specific matchups so we can avoid the narratives getting out of our control?' Ogwumike asked.
- JAKE FENNER
POLICE LAUNCH INVESTIGATION AFTER MANAGER IS SUBJECT TO DEATH THREATS AFTER WORLD CUP EXIT
After missing out on a place in the round of 32 on goal difference, South Korea are heading home from the World Cup.
Everything looked like it was going to plan for the Taegeuk Warriors, after a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their opening match, but two successive defeats, to co-hosts Mexico and then to South Africa, have cost them dearly.
As with many nations who have high hopes of their side making a big push at the tournament, it sparked national outrage when it was confirmed they’d play no further part at the World Cup, but one post online has gone way too far, targeting the manager and former captain of the national side, Hong Myung-bo.
South Korea Boss Subjected to Death Threats Online
In the wake of their exit, South Korean police have now launched an investigation after a violent death threat was posted online targeting Hong, one of Korea's best players of all time. The post, made by someone who is supposedly a 41-year-old American citizen, threatened to kill Hong at Incheon International Airport upon his return home.
Authorities are now considering intimidation charges and working to track down the suspect's identity, as public anger over the team's tournament exit continues to brew.
The threat represents a serious escalation of frustration that has already manifested in several other forms. A doctored image circulated online appeared to suggest Hong ordered players to scatter upon his arrival at the airport, while "Hong Myung-bo banned" notices have reportedly been posted at restaurants and cafes across Gyeonggi Province.
The anger largely stems from Korea's 0-1 defeat to South Africa in their final Group A match, which they were heavily backed to win and progress into the knockout rounds. Police have confirmed they are monitoring Incheon Airport and other potential locations closely to ensure Hong's safety upon his return.
Hong Myung-bo's Future
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| Kim Soo-Hyeon via Reuters |
The situation reignited questions surrounding Hong's controversial reappointment as head coach back in 2024, a decision that drew criticism over the transparency of the Korea Football Association's selection process at the time.
A petition calling for his immediate dismissal had already gathered enough support to trigger an initial review by the National Assembly, and the president of South Korea was even involved, though Hong has since resigned from his position.
Even so, the emergence of direct threats against his safety has shifted attention away from those administrative matters entirely, with authorities now focused on protecting him and holding whoever issued the threat accountable.
- Joshua Waite
SOUTH AFRICA: GOVERNMENT COMMENDS BAFANA BAFANA FOR A HISTORIC FIFA WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN
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| Getty |
Government has commended Bafana Bafana for an outstanding and historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign following their encounter against Canada.
The match resulted in a 0 - 1 win for Canada.
In a statement after the game on Sunday night, government expressed "immense pride" in what Bafana Bafana has achieved in the duration of the World Cup.
"For the first time in South Africa's history, Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, inspiring millions of South Africans and making the Southern African region proud.
"Throughout the tournament, the players, coaches and technical team displayed courage, resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to representing the country with honour and distinction. Their performances demonstrated that South African football can compete confidently on the biggest stage in world football."
Government also thanked all South Africans who united behind the national team throughout the tournament.
"The overwhelming support shown by citizens across the country reflected the spirit of unity, patriotism, and hope inspired by Bafana Bafana.
"Although this marks the end of South Africa's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey, Bafana Bafana has left an enduring legacy and laid a strong foundation for the future of South African football. The nation celebrates this historic achievement and looks forward with confidence to even greater success in the years ahead.
"Thank you, Bafana Bafana. You made South Africa proud!"
- All Africa
NINE AFRICAN COUNTRIES RECORDED THE HIGHEST CANADIAN VISITOR VISA REVECTION RATES AHEAD OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP
Highest visa rejection rates (2026 World Cup)
1. 🇨🇩 DRC - Refusal Rate: 96.1% - Approved: 15 - Refused: 370 - Total Processed: 385
2. 🇰🇪 Kenya - Refusal Rate: 91.1% - Approved: 20 - Refused: 205 - Total Processed: 225
3. 🇬🇭 Ghana - Refusal Rate: 89.3% - Approved: 185 - Refused: 1,540 - Total Processed: 1,725
4. 🇨🇲 Cameroon - Refusal Rate: 87.0% - Approved: 15 - Refused: 100 - Total Processed: 115
5. 🇳🇬 Nigeria - Refusal Rate: 86.0% - Approved: 110 - Refused: 675 - Total Processed: 785
6. 🇸🇳 Senegal - Refusal Rate: 85.3% - Approved: 25 - Refused: 145 - Total Processed: 170
7. 🇪🇹 Ethiopia - Refusal Rate: 78.6% - Approved: 30 - Refused: 110 - Total Processed: 140
8. 🇩🇿 Algeria - Refusal Rate: 73.5% - Approved: 65 - Refused: 180 - Total Processed: 245
9. 🇪🇬 Egypt - Refusal Rate: 59.1% - Approved: 225 - Refused: 325 - Total Processed: 550
Source: CTVNews/Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Sunday, 28 June 2026
SOCCER STAR'S WIFE AND 2 KIDS FOUND DEAD AFTER 72 HOURS AMID EARTHQUAKES IN VENEZUELA
Lucas Trejo was in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, when back-to-back earthquakes struck on Wednesday, June 24
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| Lucas Trejo, Yanina Maranella and their kids. Credit : Lucas Trejo/Instagram |
NEED TO KNOW
- Lucas Trejo's wife, Yanina Maranella, and their two children, Aarón and Ainhoa, died during Venezuela's back-to-back earthquakes on Wednesday, June 24
- “We inform all the people of Venezuela and Argentina that the bodies of Lucas Trejo's family members have been found,” fellow soccer player Edson Tortolero wrote on social media following a 72-hour search
- The earthquakes have reportedly left at least 1,430 dead and 2,300 injured
Lucas Trejo's wife, Yanina Maranella, and their two children, Aarón and Ainhoa, were killed in the devastating back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela.
After two earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, hit overnight on Wednesday, June 24, Deportivo la Guaira shared that the Argentine soccer player's family was tragically killed during what the U.S. Geological Survey described as a “severe seismic doublet sequence.”
“From the #DLG we join the grief that overwhelms player Lucas Trejo, for the sensitive passing of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and of his children, Aarón and Ainhoa Trejo,” the team wrote on social media. “Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones.”
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| Lucas Trejo, Yanina Maranella and their kids. Lucas Trejo/Instagram |
Having helped in the 72-hour search for Trejo's family before they were found deceased on Saturday night, fellow soccer player Edson Tortolero shared a statement on social media.
“We inform all the people of Venezuela and Argentina that the bodies of Lucas Trejo's family members have been found,” he wrote on his Instagram Stories. “We thank everyone for their support and ask for the utmost respect for his family during this time.”
“We pray for eternal life for them,” he continued. “And we also thank the family members, pastors, players and fellow fans who came to offer support.”
Just hours before they were found, Trejo shared a photo of himself and his family cuddling up on a couch to his Instagram Stories.
According to Sport Bible, he was with his club, Deportivo la Guaira, in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, for a league match when the quakes struck.
Since the earthquakes hit, Jorge Rodriguez, the leader of Venezuela's National Assembly, announced in a press conference that the death toll has risen to 1,430.
In addition to those who were found deceased, more than 2,300 people were injured and more than 3,000 were left homeless.
On Friday, June 26, Hector Bello, a soccer player for Maritimo de la Guaira, announced on Instagram that his wife, Andrea Bello, was one of the people who was killed as she shielded their 1-year-old daughter, Alana, from the earthquakes.
"You'll always be our favorite hero, Mommy. I'm going to make sure our baby remembers how wonderful you were, how much you loved her," he wrote alongside several photos of his late wife and their baby. "I'll tell her the story of how you saved her, how you gave your own life for our daughter, how you were a brave woman who, even with your last breaths, never abandoned her.”
- Desiree Anello
"SIMPLY TOO FAST" - APRILIA VERDICT ON MARCO BEZZECCHI'S ASSEN MOTOGP CRASH
Aprilia believes Marco Bezzecchi's frightening Assen MotoGP crash was simply the result of carrying too much speed through Turn 15.
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| Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Assen MotoGP. © Gold and Goose |
“Simply too fast".
That was Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola's verdict when asked about the cause of Marco Bezzecchi's frightening Assen MotoGP crash.
Bezzecchi lost control through the ultra-fast Turn 15 left-hander on lap two of the grand prix while holding fourth.
The Italian cartwheeled through the gravel but was fortunately seen sitting upright and talking to marshals afterwards.
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| Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Assen MotoGP. © Gold and Goose |
The accident went on to cost Bezzecchi the world championship lead to team-mate Jorge Martin, who completed an Aprilia podium sweep behind Trackhouse riders Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez.
“I honestly think the Aprilia was not strong just in Turn 15, in all the very fast parts of the circuit, the Aprilia normally shows something special,” Rivola added.
Rivola said: “We are just waiting for the very latest news. Luckily, it doesn't seem like anything to worry about."
Aprilia duly confirmed that CT scans and radiological examinations found no injuries, and that Bezzecchi will travel back home tonight.
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| Massimo Rivola, Aprilia. | © Gold and Goose |
Sunday marked Bezzecchi's fourth non-score in the last six races.
Before Assen, he was taken out by Martin in Hungary, then crashed in the Brno Sprint before being suspended from the grand prix.
Bezzecchi, who has led the world championship since COTA, now trails Martin by nine points.
- Peter McLaren
ENGLAND SKIPPER BEN STOKES ANNOUNCES SHOCK RETIREMENT FROM INTERNATIONAL CRICKET
England captain Ben Stokes has announced his bombshell retirement from international cricket with the curtain set to fall after the end of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand.
England captain Ben Stokes has announced his bombshell retirement from international cricket with the curtain set to fall after the end of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand.
Stokes issued a statement shortly before tea on day four of the decisive third Test against New Zealand, having informed his team-mates in the dressing room at Trent Bridge before the start of play.
As the news broke, Stokes was in the middle of a mammoth bowling spell, with news filtering out into a stunned crowd as he stood at the top of his mark to start an 11th over.
The 35-year-old received a spontaneous standing ovation from all four corners of the crowd and then produced a quite remarkable piece of theatre – having Zak Foulkes caught at slip with his next ball.
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| GOODBYE: Ben Stokes will end his Test career after the ongoing match against New Zealand PICTURES: Joe Giddens/PA |
Cricket folklore
The fans roared in delight as the rest of the team mobbed him in a moment that will live long in English cricket folklore.
The shocking development comes in the immediate aftermath of the disciplinary incident that unfolded earlier this month, involving Stokes and Gus Atkinson in a London nightclub.
He was stood down from the second Test at the Kia Oval while the England and Wales Cricket Board conducted an investigation into the episode.
He was later handed a written conduct warning but escaped any further censure and immediately returned to lead the side in Nottingham.
Speaking for the first time since the saga began on Wednesday, he appeared to cast doubt over his long-term future, repeatedly focusing on the importance of the five days ahead.
Invited to clarify that he was not back in the side for one match only, he refused to do so.
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| JOY: England’s Ben Stokes (right) celebrates the wicket of New Zealand’s Zak Foulkes minutes after announcing he is to retire from international cricket |
One more trip
Informing his team that his long and storied England career was coming to an end in the next 48 hours, Stokes said in a clip shared by the ECB: “There’s something that I know is going to happen over the next two days, which is my last two days as your captain and my last two days representing England.
“Reasons can wait but I’ve had many trips to the well before for this team, for you blokes, for people beforehand and I’ve got one more trip to do.
“And the only thing that I ask, please, is can everyone please just do the same?
“We’ve done a lot of hard work still to do, and the only thing that I want is to be able to walk off the end of that field regardless of the result, knowing that I’ve had this group of men and one lady (fielding coach Sarah Taylor) give everything for the last two days.
“The only thing I want is just for everyone to give it not only for me, selfishly, but also for this team and everything else we’ve got going forward for you blokes.
“Let’s just go out there and f***ing give absolutely everything for another two days because that’s my only intention and that’s where all my energy is right now.
“(I’ve) got the emotional side out of it but now it’s time to go to work and everyone else, please just come with me.”
- The Cricket Paper Team
STEWARDS DELIVER FINAL VERDICT OVER HAMILTON FORCING VERSTAPPEN OFF TRACK IN AUSTRIAN GP
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| Photo: Race Pictures |
The stewards issued a no further action verdict for Lewis Hamilton after forcing Max Verstappen off the track during their battle for second place in the early stages of the Austrian Grand Prix.
On Lap 11, Hamilton and Verstappen went wheel to wheel in a fierce battle for second place. Verstappen briefly got ahead, but Hamilton immediately fought back, reclaiming the position before squeezing the Dutchman to the outside and almost into the gravel.
Verstappen quickly came on the radio to call for a penalty for the British driver, but the fight effectively ended two laps later when Hamilton pitted, moving out of his rival's way.
- Tobia Elia
LIONEL MESSI'S 1ST INSTAGRAM POST AFTER ARGENTINA'S WIN VS JORDAN TAKES INTERNET BY STORM
Lionel Messi struck a note of unity after Argentina wrapped up a perfect FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign.
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| Messi in action/ AFP |
Lionel Messi struck a note of unity after Argentina wrapped up a perfect FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign, with the captain declaring, "One more win to complete the group stage. We're still together," in an Instagram post following the reigning champions' 3-1 victory over Jordan. The message came after yet another historic outing for the 39-year-old, who continued to rewrite the World Cup record books with a trademark free-kick that made him the tournament's all-time leader in goals scored from outside the penalty area.
Introduced in the 60th minute, Messi curled home Argentina's third goal in the 80th minute to register his sixth World Cup strike from outside the box, surpassing Brazil legend Rivelino's long-standing record of five.
The goal also lifted Messi's overall World Cup tally to 19, extending his record as Argentina's leading scorer in the competition. It was his sixth goal of the ongoing tournament after a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria in the opening two group matches.
Messi also became the first men's player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances, adding another landmark to his glittering international career. The Argentine captain further joined an elite group by becoming only the fourth player to score in all three group-stage matches of a single FIFA World Cup since the current format was introduced in 1998, following Cristiano Ronaldo (2018), David Villa (2010) and Fernando Torres (2010).
Argentina's victory was equally significant for the team, as it marked the nation's 50th win at the FIFA World Cup, making La Albiceleste only the third country after Brazil and Germany to reach the milestone.
With qualification already assured, head coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting XI, but Argentina remained in complete control. Giovani Lo Celso marked his World Cup debut with a stunning first-half free-kick before Lautaro Martinez converted a penalty after a VAR review.
Jordan briefly threatened through Musa Al-Tamaari's goal in the 55th minute, but Messi's introduction changed the tempo of the contest, and his brilliant late free-kick ensured Argentina completed the group stage with three wins from three. Argentina will face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 in Miami on July 4, while Jordan exited the competition after losing all three group-stage matches.
- ANI
SCOTLAND SEEK A NEW HEAD COACH AS STEVE CLARKE RESIGNS IN WAKE OF WORLD CUP EXIT
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| Clarke led Scotland to three out of the last four major tournaments. Photo: PA |
Scotland are looking for a new head coach after Steve Clarke stepped down from his post following their exit from the 2026 World Cup.
The Scots mustered three points from nine in Group C to end up behind Brazil and Morocco, with a minus three goal difference, but it was not enough to secure a place among the eight best third-placed teams who move through to the last 32 of the competition.
Soon after Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana on Saturday night confirmed Scotland’s wait for a first qualification from the group stages of a major tournament would continue, a statement on the national team’s official Twitter account read: “Scotland men’s head coach Steve Clarke has stepped down from his role.
“Our most successful national team head coach has called time on his seven years in charge following our participation at the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
Clarke led Scotland to three out of the last four major tournaments and it was the national team’s first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1998.
In a lengthy open letter to supporters on the Scottish Football Association’s website, the 62-year-old said: “The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now.
“They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer.
“Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive, thanked Clarke for his “record-breaking contribution”.
He said: “While we are all disappointed to have exited the World Cup at the group stage, we must not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve’s seven years in charge.
“From starting as a pot four team in 2019 to topping our World Cup qualifying group, he has more than delivered on the remit to take Scotland back to a major tournament.
“We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again.”
It is understood that the former West Brom, Reading and Kilmarnock boss had told his squad of his decision at their hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, which has been their base during the tournament, before the announcement of his departure.
It is not yet clear if Clarke, his backroom staff and players will fly home on Sunday or Monday.
Nevertheless, the Scottish FA are looking for a new boss ahead of the Nations League campaign which begins in September.
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| Scotland were beaten by Brazil in their final group game (Martin Rickett/PA). |
There were eyebrows raised last month when the former St Mirren, Chelsea and Scotland defender signed a new contract which would have taken him through to 2030.
And there has been widespread criticism of Clarke after Scotland failed again to reach the knockout stages after finishing bottom of their group at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
The Scots started the campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti then lost 1-0 to Morocco, both in at Boston Stadium.
A 3-0 defeat by Brazil in Miami in their final Group C fixture last Wednesday night left Clarke’s side needing a series of favours from other teams, which they did not get, with Croatia’s win over Ghana in Philadelphia sealing the Scots’ fate.
- Ronnie Esplin, Press Association
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