Lead:
Manchester City faces a critical appeal hearing scheduled for mid-December before an independent panel over alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules spanning nine years, with potential sanctions looming if the club fails to overturn findings of over 900 million pounds in artificially inflated finances.
Top Stories:
Mauricio Pochettino appointed Manchester United manager — The Argentine took the position following the dismissal of Michael Carrick, signing a contract extending through mid-2029 with the English club.Italy defeats France 3-1 in Nations League — Francesco Bento Esposito scored twice, including from penalty, and Davide Frattesi added a goal as Italy advanced its hopes of reaching the Nations League quarter-finals with a commanding home performance in Milan.Ronaldinho arrives in Italy to play for Ravenna — The 46-year-old Brazilian landed in Italy to join Serie C side Ravenna for a match against Forlí scheduled for Sunday, preparing for his first competitive return to football.Harry Kane sets England appearance record — Kane scored the decisive penalty in England's victory over Croatia at Wembley, reaching 126 caps to surpass Peter Shilton's previous mark of 125 international appearances.Spain secures Nations League group lead — Spain defeated Czech Republic 2-0 in the fifth round of the Nations League with goals from Alex Balde and Marc Pubill, extending their unbeaten run and clinching top spot in their group.Lebanon opens Bassra Tournament campaign — Lebanon drew 0-0 with Iraq in the opening match of the four-team international friendly tournament in Bassra, with coach Majid Boughera evaluating the squad against World Cup-qualified opposition.What to Watch:
Serbia hosts Germany in Nations League action Friday at 21:45 Beirut time, with the Germans seeking three points to climb their group standings. Lebanon continues Bassra Tournament play in subsequent fixtures against Iran and Palestine as the squad tests its readiness under Boughera's tactical direction.