A World Cup full of memorable moments was also marked by exclusion, exploitation and unprecedented political meddling, writes JAMES NALTON
Spain’s top football league warned yesterday that Barcelona will be barred from La Liga if Catalonia becomes independent from Spain.
La Liga president Javier Tebas said that Catalan clubs will not be allowed to play in the league if the north-eastern region breaks away following a contentious referendum planned for October 1.
Tebas said that a deal to keep Barcelona in La Liga would not be as simple as most people may think, and the club would be stuck playing in a Catalan league which “wouldn’t be much better than the Dutch league or something like that.”
Driven by anti-fascism and anger at Britain’s policy of non-intervention, thousands volunteered to fight in the Spanish civil war. Historian RICHARD BAXELL reflects on their sacrifices and enduring significance
Forward’s rise as the tournament’s leading scorer reflects a journey shaped by heritage and belief as Morocco reach the final, writes JAMES NALTON



